cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Profiling of Heart Transplant Recipients Identifies CLE4C Expression as a Novel Biomarker of Primary Graft Dysfunction

Purpose Models to identify those at high risk of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after heart transplantation (HT) are lacking and the pathophysiology remains poorly understood. We sought to identify whether proteins reporting on immune activation and inflammation were associated with incident PGD. Methods Using the Olink platform, we performed proteomic profiling of pre-transplant serum samples from HT recipients. PGD was defined using modified ISHLT criteria. We tested the association between PGD and protein levels using logistic regression with adjustment for clinical covariates (recipient age, creatinine, MCS, and sex; donor age; ischemic time). Significant proteins (p Results The derivation cohort consisted of 157 adult HT recipients, among whom 47 had PGD. Eleven of 368 proteins were associated with PGD in unadjusted and adjusted models and were tested in a validation cohort of 62 patients. The strongest association in the derivation cohort was with CLEC4C (OR [95%CI] = 2.0 [1.4,3.1], p=5.4 × 10−4), which remained the most significant tested protein in the validation set (OR [95%CI] = 1.8 [0.9,3.8], p=0.10; p Conclusion CLEC4C, a marker of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) which play a pro-inflammatory role via IFN-α signaling, may identify HT recipients at the highest risk for PGD. Further studies are needed to better understand the potential role of PDCs in PGD.
Learning Mixed Membership from Adjacency Graph Via Systematic Edge Query: Identifiability and Algorithm

Graph clustering is a core technique for network analysis problems, e.g., community detection. This work puts forth a node clustering approach for largely incomplete adjacency graphs. Under the considered scenario, instead of having access to the complete graph, only a small amount of queries about the graph edges can be made for node clustering. This task is well-motivated in many large-scale network analysis problems, where complete graph acquisition is prohibitively costly. Prior work tackles this problem under the setting that the nodes only admit single membership and the clusters are disjoint, yet multiple membership nodes and overlapping clusters often arise in practice. Existing approaches also rely on random edge query patterns and convex optimization-based formulations, which give rise to a number of implementation and scalability challenges. This work offers a framework that provably learns the mixed membership of nodes from overlapping clusters using limited edge information. Our method is equipped with a systematic edge query pattern, which is arguably easier to implement relative to the random counterparts in certain applications, e.g., field survey based graph analysis. A lightweight scalable algorithm is proposed, and its performance characterizations are presented. Numerical experiments are used to showcase the effectiveness of our method.
Chronic Low Back Pain: The Therapeutic Benefits of Diagnostic Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an extremely prevalent disease, whose etiology is often multifactorial. Facet joint arthropathy is one of the most common causes of CLBP. Facet joints are innervated by the medial branches of the primary and adjacent level dorsal rami and are, therefore, key potential targets for the symptomatic management of CLBP. A lumbar medial branch nerve block (MBB) procedure is often used to assist in the diagnosis of facet mediated CLBP. For unclear reasons, some patients experience protracted relief of CLBP after diagnostic MBBs alone. OBJECTIVE To describe the phenomenon of protracted relief of CLBP after diagnostic MBBs and search for predictors of this response. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MBB procedures by a single practitioner, over a 2 year period, was conducted. SETTING All patients were seen at the Montefiore Multidisciplinary Pain Program, Bronx, NY. METHODS Data from follow up visits was used to categorize patient's response to MBBs as having no relief (NR), transient relief (TR) or protracted relief (PR). Patient demographics and characteristics were collected, and a multivariate analysis investigating associations with PR was conducted. RESULTS 146 patients met inclusion criteria. 41 patients (28%) had NR, 54 (37%) had TR, and 51 (35%) had PR. CLBP symptom duration of < 6 months (P = 0.013) and unilateral back pain symptoms (P = 0.0253) were significantly associated with PR after MBB. LIMITATION This is a retrospective study with a relatively small sample size conducted on patients belonging to a single practitioner. Outcomes were based largely on subjective patient satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS In select patients, MBB may produce protracted relief of CLBP symptoms. The authors present distinct hypotheses which may help explain the therapeutic effects of diagnostic MBB procedures.
Can Neuron Specific Enolase Be a Diagnostic Biomarker for Neuronal Injury in COVID-19?

Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is a biomarker for neuronal injury However, increased levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum is associated with the clinical outcome in patients with head injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, cardiac arrest, anoxic encephalopathy, encephalitis, brain metastasis, and status epilepticus Recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which started in China, rapidly evolved into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic Patients with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms varying from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe illness requiring mechanical ventilation While coronaviruses primarily target the human respiratory system, neurological symptoms are also observed in some patients These include symptoms such as loss of taste and olfaction and diseases like cerebrovascular disorders including ischemic stroke and hemorrhages, encephalopathies, Guillain- Barre syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis Here we report an observation from a patient whose NSE levels increased approximately four-fold in CSF This finding was accompanied by increased white blood cell count and elevated protein in CSF indicating neuroinflammation Thus, we suggest that NSE may be used as a CSF biomarker in COVID-19 patients with encephalopathy
Towards Critical Appraisal of Infographics as Scientific Inscriptions.

Teaching young adults about interpreting and creating the sort of multimodal infographics increasingly prevalent in science communication creates considerable challenges for teachers and practitioners, as there is no guide to determine the quality or effectiveness of this new genre of inscriptional forms, and to scaffold students’ performances in the learning process. In this study, we begin to address this challenge by identifying components of science infographics that can be focused on in instructional settings. Using six infographics developed by professionals and published online, we gained insight from 10 individuals with expertise in science, graphic/information design, and learning sciences on their thinking about graphic and information design related to science. Each participant was provided with two infographics and was asked to critically appraise by interpreting and evaluating the quality of each artifact. Inductive analysis of transcripts using constant comparison method resulted in five super-ordinate categories, some with subcategories, representing aspects of infographics these experts attend to. The identified categories can be used as inputs in teaching and learning about the use and creation of science infographics and broadly visual representations. Connections to the literature on science education, science communication, and science and technology studies are made, and directions for future research described. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 868–893, 2015.
DISAMBIGUATING THE DISPARATE IMPACT CLAIM

In Ricci v. DeStefano, Justice Scalia contended in a concurring opinion that the disparate impact claim may be unconstitutional. Justice Scalia’s assertions sound an alarm because commentators herald the opinion establishing the disparate impact doctrine – Griggs v. Duke Power Co. – as the most important civil rights decision behind Brown v. Board of Education. To date, the prevailing approach to responding to Justice Scalia’s contentions rests upon the same, implicit baselines underlying his assertions. Although not contained in the disparate impact claims’ elements, those baselines provide that the disparate impact doctrine exists to either ‘smoke out’ hidden discrimination or rectify the structural inequality resulting from centuries of de jure and de facto discrimination.I argue that the origins of the disparate impact doctrine reveal another baseline proposition for the doctrine. Principally, the adoption of the business necessity prong of the doctrine reveals a concern with employment practices that contravene an established workplace governance process. This same concern exists in the present, as evidenced by the widespread efforts of employers to avow the values of fair and equitable processes in workplaces. Therefore, this article will demonstrate that a workplace governance baseline according fair and just procedures for workers exists in the modern employment context. Selection practices that distort fair procedures in the workplace contradict this normative baseline, and the disparate impact doctrine serves as a measure to remedy such procedural distortions. With this conceptualization of the reasons underlying the disparate impact doctrine, I provide an alternative basis for assessing the constitutionality of the doctrine and addressing Justice Scalia’s contentions.
Quality of Life and Complications Following Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Objectives To compare the quality of life (QOL) outcome and incidence of complications following image-guided versus non–image-guided endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Study design The operative, office, and hospital charts of patients who underwent primary ESS for chronic sinusitis by a single surgeon with (2002-2005) or without (1997-2002) image guidance were reviewed for patient demographics, incidence of complications, and revision procedures. A telephone survey was used to administer the QOL survey to both cohorts. Results In comparing patients who underwent image-guided (60) versus non–image-guided surgery (179), respectively, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of major intraoperative complications (6.6% vs 5.6%), major postoperative complications (5% vs 3.9%), revision procedures (6.6% vs 7.3%), and postoperative SNOT-20 symptom scores (23.6 vs 23.4). A higher incidence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was noted in the non–image-guided group (0% vs 2.2%). Conclusions Our study does not demonstrate an improvement in the incidence of complications, need for revision procedures, or quality-of-life outcome for patients undergoing primary ESS for chronic sinusitis. The use of image guidance may result in a lower incidence of skull base trauma and cerebrospinal fluid leak. EBM rating: B-2b
The pulmonary inflammatory response to experimental fecal peritonitis: relative roles of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and endotoxin.

The roles of endotoxin (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the causation of organ injury during sepsis are unclear. To study LPS and TNF-α in the genesis of lung inflammation after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), we used endotoxin-resistant (C3H/HeJ) and endotoxin-sensitive mice (C3H/HeOuJ). We examined lung neutrophil sequestration, interleukin 1 (IL-1)β mRNA expression, IL-1β protein expression, and injury. We also determined the expression of two C-X-C chemokine mRNAs, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and KC, in the lung to determine whether in vivo, endotoxin, or TNF-α are significant modulators of MIP-2 and KC mRNA expression. After CLP, increased neutrophils sequestrated in the lungs of both strains of mice and coincided with an increase in expression of IL-1β, MIP-2 and KC mRNAs, and IL-1β protein. Lung and serum TNF-α were significantly increased in the C3H/HeOuJ strain but not in the C3H/HeJ strain. Histologic studies of the lung revealed similar injury in both strains. Our results suggest that bacterial factors other than endotoxin cause lung neutrophil sequestration and injury after CLP and further, that TNF-α production is not a prerequisite. Our findings also suggest a potential role for local pulmonary chemokine production in the control of neutrophil sequestration after CLP.
Liquid chromatograph—mass spectrometer—computer analytical systems

Abstract Atmospheric pressure ionization (API) mass spectrometry is a novel form of mass spectrometry in which ions are generated in a reaction chamber external to the low-pressure region of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Using this ionization technique a liquid chromatograph—mass spectrometer analytical system was constructed. The entire effluent stream from the chromatograph is vaporized throught the API source. The primary ionization source for this work was a corona discharge The very high ion densities generated by the corona discharge extend the linear range of the API source into the microgram region.
Relaxation processes in the lower layer of antiferromagnetically coupled media

In this paper we study the antiferromagnetically coupled recording media with different LL thicknesses, AF coupling, and LL intergranular exchange were investigated. The spinstand measurements are complemented by magnetometry measurements.
A 'hot-spot' mutation alters the mechanical properties of keratin filament networks

Keratins 5 and 14 polymerize to form the intermediate filament network in the progenitor basal cells of many stratified epithelia including epidermis, where it provides crucial mechanical support. Inherited mutations in K5 or K14 result in epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), a skin-fragility disorder. The impact that such mutations exert on the intrinsic mechanical properties of K5/K14 filaments is unknown. Here we show, by using differential interference contrast microscopy, that a 'hot-spot' mutation in K14 greatly reduces the ability of reconstituted mutant filaments to bundle under crosslinking conditions. Rheological assays measure similar small-deformation mechanical responses for crosslinked solutions of wild-type and mutant keratins. The mutation, however, markedly reduces the resilience of crosslinked networks against large deformations. Single-particle tracking, which probes the local organization of filament networks, shows that the mutant polymer exhibits highly heterogeneous structures compared to those of wild-type filaments. Our results indicate that the fragility of epithelial cells expressing mutant keratin may result from an impaired ability of keratin polymers to be crosslinked into a functional network.
Electronic structure and transport of Bi 2 Te 3 and BaBiTe 3

We have carried out detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations of a novel thermoelectric compound ${\mathrm{BaBiTe}}_{3}$ and its parent ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3},$ the best room-temperature thermoelectric known to date. The calculations were carried out using the self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method within density functional theory. The generalized gradient approximation of Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof was used to treat the exchange and correlation potential. For both systems, inclusion of spin-orbit interaction is crucial in understanding the gap structure near the Fermi energy. The calculated theoretical values of the gaps agree surprisingly well with experiment. A detailed comparison of the band structures of these two compounds indicates that the effective masses (expressed in units of free-electron mass) for both of them are highly anisotropic and comparable in magnitude. They lie in the range 0.01--0.4. The major difference between the two compounds is the large degeneracy of the band extrema in ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3},$ which is most likely the origin of its large thermoelectric figure of merit.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Point Mutation Heteroplasmy by ARMS Quantitative PCR

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases that may be caused by molecular defects in both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are usually present in the heteroplasmic form. The degree of mtDNA mutation heteroplasmy (mutation load) varies among different tissues. Manifestation of clinical phenotypes depends on the mutation load in affected tissues. Thus, it is important to quantify the degree of mutation heteroplasmy in various tissues. This unit outlines the design of allele refractory mutation system (ARMS)-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of three common mtDNA point mutations. This is a cost-effective and sensitive single-step method to simultaneously detect and quantify heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations. It requires as little as 0.1 ng of total genomic DNA per reaction and can be used to quantify mutation heteroplasmy in various noninvasively obtained tissues such as hair follicles, buccal swab, and urine sediment. Detailed protocols for ARMS primer design and qPCR set up, validation procedures, and cautions in the interpretation of results, as well as advantages and limitations are discussed. ARMS qPCR is an important tool for addressing some of the diagnostic challenges of mitochondrial disease.
The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature

'By their fruits ye shall know them, not by their roots.' The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) is William James's classic survey of religious belief in its most personal, and often its most heterodox, aspects. Asking questions such as how we define evil to ourselves, the difference between a healthy and a divided mind, the value of saintly behaviour, and what animates and characterizes the mental landscape of sudden conversion, James's masterpiece stands at a unique moment in the relationship between belief and culture. Faith in institutional religion and dogmatic theology was fading away, and the search for an authentic religion rooted in personality and subjectivity was a project conducted as an urgent necessity. With psychological insight, philosophical rigour, and a determination not to jump to the conclusion that in tracing religion's mental causes we necessarily diminish its truth or value, in the Varieties James wrote a truly foundational text for modern belief. Matthew Bradley's wide-ranging new edition examines the ideas that continue to fuel modern debates on atheism and faith. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Classical pure states are coherent states

Abstract It is shown that all pure states whose P representations are nonnegative definite and no more singular than a delta function are coherent states.
An analysis of nonstationary coupled queues

We consider a two dimensional time varying tandem queue with coupled processors. We assume that jobs arrive to the first station as a non-homogeneous Poisson process. When each queue is non-empty, jobs are processed separately like an ordinary tandem queue. However, if one of the processors is empty, then the total service capacity is given to the other processor. This problem has been analyzed in the constant rate case by leveraging Riemann Hilbert theory and two dimensional generating functions. Since we are considering time varying arrival rates, generating functions cannot be used as easily. Thus, we choose to exploit the functional Kolmogorov forward equations (FKFE) for the two dimensional queueing process. In order to leverage the FKFE, it is necessary to approximate the queueing distribution in order to compute the relevant expectations and covariance terms. To this end, we expand our two dimensional Markovian queueing process in terms of a two dimensional polynomial chaos expansion using the Hermite polynomials as basis elements. Truncating the polynomial chaos expansion at a finite order induces an approximate distribution that is close to the original stochastic process. Using this truncated expansion as a surrogate distribution, we can accurately estimate probabilistic quantities of the two dimensional queueing process such as the mean, variance, and probability that each queue is empty.
Cobinamide production of hydrogen in a homogeneous aqueous photochemical system, and assembly and photoreduction in a (βα)8 protein.

Components of a protein-integrated, earth-abundant metal macrocycle catalyst, with the purpose of H2 production from aqueous protons under green conditions, are characterized. The cobalt–corrin complex, cobinamide, is demonstrated to produce H2 (4.4 ± 1.8 × 10−3 turnover number per hour) in a homogeneous, photosensitizer/sacrificial electron donor system in pure water at neutral pH. Turnover is proposed to be limited by the relatively low population of the gateway cobalt(III) hydride species. A heterolytic mechanism for H2 production from the cobalt(II) hydride is proposed. Two essential requirements for assembly of a functional protein–catalyst complex are demonstrated for interaction of cobinamide with the (βα)8 TIM barrel protein, EutB, from the adenosylcobalamin-dependent ethanolamine ammonia lyase from Salmonella typhimurium: (1) high-affinity equilibrium binding of the cobinamide (dissociation constant 2.1 × 10−7 M) and (2) in situ photoreduction of the cobinamide–protein complex to the Co(I) state. Molecular modeling of the cobinamide–EutB interaction shows that these features arise from specific hydrogen-bond and apolar interactions of the protein with the alkylamide substituents and the ring of the corrin, and accessibility of the binding site to the solution. The results establish cobinamide–EutB as a platform for design and engineering of a robust H2 production metallocatalyst that operates under green conditions and uses the advantages of the protein as a tunable medium and material support.
A 20fs synchronization system for lasers and cavities in accelerators and FELs

A fiber-optic RF distribution system has been developed for synchronizing lasers and RF plants in short pulse FELs. Typical requirements are 50-100fs rms over time periods from 1ms to several hours. Our system amplitude modulates a CW laser signal, senses fiber length using an interferometer, and feed-forward corrects the RF phase digitally at the receiver. We demonstrate less than 15fs rms error over 12 hours, between two independent channels with a fiber path length difference of 200m and transmitting S-band RF. The system is constructed using standard telecommunications components, and uses regular telecom fiber.
Some considerations in the formulation of IC yield statistics

Abstract Some published modifications of the Poisson distribution for describing IC yield are critiqued. It is shown that it is incorrect to obtain an average yield for a non-uniform defect population by integrating, either in the geometrical space or in the density space, the Poisson distribution with some assumed density distribution functions. The correct way, and happily also the simplest way, is to average the yields of regionally partitioned subpopulations in a discrete manner. The simple Poisson distribution would become rigorously correct when the size of an imaginary IC increases to one quarter of a wafer, regardless of the non-uniformity in defect density. It is also shown that both cases of clustering of defects, one due to interaction among defects themselves, and the other due to wafer regional preference, result in increased yield for a given defect density in a wafer. On the other hand when there are interactions between defects and IC active area elements, or when defects themselves have physical dimensions, there would be a decreased yield for a given defect density, and a non-zero intercept in the plot of the logarithm of yield vs the active device area.
Biogeomorphology of a Mojave Desert landscape — Configurations and feedbacks of abiotic and biotic land surfaces during landform evolution

Abstract Terrestrial ecosystems can be more holistically understood by investigating the morphology of landscape mosaics, the assemblage of their ecological communities, and the linkages and feedbacks between the mosaics and communities. The overarching objectives of this study were to: (1) study the abiotic and biotic configurations of landform units as mosaics within a Mojave Desert chronosequence; and (2) elucidate their potential feedbacks, interactions, and dynamics during landform evolution. Seven landform units distributed over three geomorphic ages were identified, including: young bars and swales; intermediate-aged flattened bars, flattened swales, and bioturbation units; and old desert pavements and shrub zones. These landform units were characterized according to abiotic and biotic land surface properties. Landform units were statistically distinct and predictable based on a specific suite of abiotic and biotic properties. Vascular plant functional group and biological soil crust community diversity varied with geomorphology, with greatest diversity associated with bars and shrub zones and lowest diversity associated with desert pavements. Biological soil crust communities were controlled by geomorphic age, surface rock size, and protruding rocks with young bar units having the highest abundance and diversity. Perennial forbs were observed in old shrub zones with small rocks and few protruding rocks. A high clast density and a finer-sized clast distribution were found particularly in desert pavements and flattened swales, and generally inhibited biological soil crust and plant cover. Evolutionary trajectories for landforms of a lower piedmont landscape can be dominated by either abiotic and biotic landform processes. These two trajectories are distinctly different and are associated with their own unique linkages, feedbacks, and dynamics of abiotic and biotic land surface properties, producing a highly diverse desert landscape.
Human EEG and odor response.

Utilisation des enregistrements electroencephalographiques pendant la presentation de stimuli olfactifs chez l'homme afin de determiner le mode de traitement des informations olfactives par les centres nerveux superieurs
Alternatives to SiO x for protective scan mirror coatings in remote sensing instruments

Mirrors in remote sensing instruments require durable dielectric coatings, both to prevent oxidation of the reflective surface and to protect it during cleaning. IR absorption bands within widely-used SiO x coatings produce scene radiance and instrument background variations as a function of scan mirror angle which motivate the search for possible substitute materials. In this work several candidate coatings are evaluated including CeF 3 , HfO 2 , MgF 2 SrF2, and Y 2 O 3 . This evaluation consists of reflectance, adhesion, and durability measurements of mirrors with an aluminum reflective surface over-coated with these materials. S-polarized and P- polarized reflectance measurements are presented between 2 and 20 micrometers for incidence angles between 40 and 50 degrees. This angular range is sufficient to scan the earth disk from geostationary orbit. Additional measurements at 45 degrees incidence are presented between 2 and 55 micrometers , covering the IR wavelength range of interest for earth radiation budget sensors. Comparisons are drawn with measurements of scan- mirror witness samples from the imaging and sounding instruments used in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). These witness samples exhibit reflectance variations arising from IR absorption bands in the SiO x protective coatings used in these mirrors. The spectral characteristics of several of the alternate materials are found to be quite attractive, however durable coatings of some of these materials require elevated deposition temperature which are incompatible with the nickel-coated beryllium scan mirror substrate construction used in GOES. This work present the achievable reflectance and durability of these alternate dielectric protective coatings at the deposition temperature constraints imposed by the scan mirror substrate. The prospects for substituting one of these coatings for SiO x are evaluated, and contrasted with the capability of radiometric calibration techniques to deal with the reflectance variations produced by SiO x coatings.
Senescense Association of Synthesis of Acid Phosphatase with Banana Ripening

During ripening of banana (Musa sapientum L., var. Gros Michel or Valery) acid phosphatase activity increases 13-to 26-fold in the precipitate and 2- to 4-fold in the supernatant fraction of tissue homogenates. These increases are closely correlated with the onset and peak of the climacteric. The precipitate enzyme may be extracted with Triton X-100, CaCl(2) or NaCl; about 80% of it is in a 500g precipitate. Studies on effect of tonicity of the grinding medium indicate that the precipitate enzyme is desorbed from membrane or cell wall surfaces, and is not released as a result of lysis of membranes. The development of acid phosphatase during aging of tissue slices is the same as in intact fruit. Short term studies of tissue slices with cycloheximide and actinomycin D indicate that the increase in activity is owed to new enzyme synthesis, which is dependent upon synthesis of RNA. The possible effects of the increase in acid phosphatase on ripening are discussed.
Use of song amplitude for ranging in Carolina wrens, Thryothorus ludovicianus

Songbirds are well known to use the degradation of conspecific song to assess the distance of the singer (called ranging). Because a song's degradation accumulates progressively with propagation distance and thus is not under direct control of the singer, it potentially provides more reliable distance information than the amplitude of songs. However, song amplitude decreases progressively with distance and thus also provides information about the singer's distance, provided that interference from wind is low and that the sender does not alter broadcast volume. This study investigated whether or not Carolina wrens, Thryothorus ludovicianus, can use changes in amplitude of conspecific song as a relative cue for ranging. Twelve male subjects each received one playback consisting of two successive songs differing by 6 dB in amplitude. Half the subjects received playbacks with the louder song first and the other half received playbacks with the louder song second. Receivers that would use song amplitude for ranging would perceive the simulated rival either as approaching or retreating, depending on whether the louder song was played first or second. Subjects responded as if the rival was farther away in the simulated retreat than in the simulated approach, indicating that Carolina wrens can use differences in amplitude of successive songs for ranging. Apparently, the risk of inaccurate ranging by song amplitude is outweighed by the advantage of using multiple cues, including information from song amplitude, to assess a rival's distance.
Tinnitus Suppression by Low-Rate Electric Stimulation and Its Electrophysiological Mechanisms

Tinnitus is a phantom sensation of sound in the absence of external stimulation. However, external stimulation, particularly electric stimulation via a cochlear implant, has been shown to suppress tinnitus. Different from traditional methods of delivering speech sounds or high-rate (>2000 Hz) stimulation, the present study found a unique unilaterally-deafened cochlear implant subject whose tinnitus was completely suppressed by a low-rate (<100 Hz) stimulus, delivered at a level softer than tinnitus to the apical part of the cochlea. Taking advantage of this novel finding, the present study compared both event-related and spontaneous cortical activities in the same subject between the tinnitus-present and tinnitus-suppressed states. Compared with the results obtained in the tinnitus-present state, the low-rate stimulus reduced cortical N100 potentials while increasing the spontaneous alpha power in the auditory cortex. These results are consistent with previous neurophysiological studies employing subjects with and without tinnitus and shed light on both tinnitus mechanism and treatment.
Differences in managerial discretion across countries: how nation‐level institutions affect the degree to which ceos matter

The concept of managerial discretion provides a theoretical fulcrum for resolving the debate about whether chief executive officers (CEOs) have much influence over company outcomes. In this paper, we operationalize and further develop the construct of managerial discretion at the national level. In an empirical examination of 15 countries, we find that certain informal and formal national institutions—individualism, tolerance of uncertainty, cultural looseness, dispersed firm ownership, a common-law legal origin, and employer flexibility—are associated with the degree of managerial discretion available to CEOs of public firms in a country. In turn, we show that country-level managerial discretion is associated with how much impact CEOs have on the performance of their firms. We also find that discretion mediates the relationship between national institutions and CEO effects on firm performance. Finally, we discuss two inductively derived institutional themes: autonomy orientation and risk orientation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of the Thermoelectric Power of Germanium at Temperatures above 78°K

A systematic investigation of the thermoelectric power of germanium samples has been made in the temperature range between 78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and about 925\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The general method of measurement is the determination, through thermocouple readings, of the ratio $\frac{\ensuremath{\Delta}E}{\ensuremath{\Delta}T}$, where $\ensuremath{\Delta}E$ is the thermal emf (relative to chromel) measured between two points in the sample having a temperature difference $\ensuremath{\Delta}T$. At first, difficulty was experienced in obtaining reliable and reproducible thermoelectric power data at the lower temperatures (78\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to about 350\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K). A detailed discussion is given of the steps taken to eliminate this difficulty by reducing or removing the effects of thermal conduction by the thermocouple wires, convection currents around the the sample, poor contacts between thermocouple junctions and the sample, and inhomogeneities in the thermocouple wires. In the impurity range the sign of the thermoelectric power is the sign of the Hall coefficient, and the magnitudes of thermoelectric power, resistivity, and Hall coefficient increase with decreasing impurity content. With rising temperature the thermoelectric power increases in magnitude and passes through an extremum at a temperature somewhat lower than that corresponding to the end of the exhaustion range or flat portion of the Hall curve. The thermoelectric power of a $p$-type sample passes through zero at a temperature higher than that at which the Hall coefficient of the same sample becomes zero. The thermoelectric power curves of both $p$-type and $n$-type samples approach a common curve, having negative values in the intrinsic range.
Progressive necrosis after hepatectomy and the pathophysiology of liver failure after massive resection

Abstract Background. Mortality after hepatectomy in rats increases markedly beyond the classic 2/3 resection from which complete recovery is the rule. Because an extremely small hepatocyte population can theoretically sustain life, we hypothesize that lethal liver failure after subtotal resection could be due to progressive injury occurring in the remnant liver. The obligatory increase in portal blood through the small remnant may be central to the pathogenesis because of sinusoidal injury and Kupffer's cell activation. To test this hypothesis an experimental study in rats was undertaken to characterize liver cell injury after lethal (85%) and nonlethal (70%) hepatectomy. Methods. One hundred thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (sham laparotomy, n = 30), 70[5] hepatectomy group (n = 50), and 85% hepatectomy group (n = 50). Five rats in each group were killed for blood and liver collections from 15 minutes to day 14 after hepatectomy. Survival, histologic characteristics, serum activities of aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases and arginase were determined; serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and plasma level of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. Whatever the extent of resection, hepatic injury, as demonstrated by increased serum levels of arginase, ALT, and AST, was observed. The kinetics of arginase release after hepatectomy mimicked quite well those of AST and ALT, representing a reliable marker of hepatocyte injury. A significantly higher, more prolonged blood release of enzymes was observed after 85% hepatectomy than after 70% hepatectomy. Because of a very short half-life the rise in arginase several hours after hepatectomy seems to indicate ongoing liver damage distinct from the surgical injury. Significant elevations of TNF-α were detected that were much more severe after 85% hepatectomy. PGE 2 levels that increased significantly after 70% resection remained depressed after 8% hepatectomy. Light microscopy demonstrated extensive patchy necrosis after 85% hepatectomy. Conclusions. A pattern of progressive necrosis of the remnant liver was identified with Kupffer's cell dysfunction. We hypothesize that failure of down-regulation of TNF-α production by PGE 2 could contribute to the pathophysiology of liver injury in the remnant after massive hepatectomy. These events may be initiated in part by the dramatic increase of portal flow through a too small remaining liver, and a pathologic mechanism may be amenable to pharmacologic manipulation.
The Common Basis of Wood Grain Figures is the Systematically Changing Orientation of Cambial Fusiform Cells

Various types of wavy grain, the striped figures on radial surfaces of wood with interlocked grain, and even moire or checkered figures, are all interpreted as resulting from systematically changing orientation of cambial cells. Such changing orientations are manifestations of morphogenic wave phenomena that affect the orientation (rightward or leftward) of anticlinal and pseudotransverse divisions of fusiform initial cells and of subsequent intrusive growth. The accumulated effects of such nonrandomly oriented events determine local grain inclination. Morphogenic waves move slowly along the cambium, about one wavelength in 10 to 15 years. Grain waves and other figures in wood are automatic, permanent recordings of the existence and movements of morphogenic waves in the cambium. These may still be several orders removed from more fundamental and more rapidly moving phenomena associated with timing and spacing in tree development.
Compton Scattering Gamma-ray Sources and Applications in Nuclear Photonics

We present an overview of Compton Scattering gamma-ray and x-ray sources developed at LLNL and their applications to nuclear photonics.
Comparing Digital Tomosynthesis to Cone-beam CT for Position Verification in Patients Undergoing Partial Breast Irradiation

Purpose To evaluate digital tomosynthesis (DTS) technology for daily positioning of patients receiving accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and to compare the positioning accuracy of DTS to three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Materials Ten patients who underwent APBI were scanned daily with on-board CBCT. A subset of the CBCT projections was used to reconstruct a stack of DTS image slices. To optimize soft-tissue visibility, the DTS images were reconstructed in oblique directions so that the tumor bed, breast tissue, ribs, and lungs were well separated. Coronal and sagittal DTS images were also reconstructed. Translational shifts of DTS images were obtained on different days from the same patients and were compared with the translational shifts of corresponding CBCT images. Seventy-seven CBCT scans and 291 DTS scans were obtained from nine evaluable patients. Results Tumor beds were best visible in the oblique DTS scans. One-dimensional positioning differences between DTS and CBCT images were 0.8–1.7 mm for the six patients with clips present and 1.2–2.0 mm for the three patients without clips. Because of the limited DTS scan angle, the DTS registration accuracy along the off-plane direction is lower than the accuracy along the in-plane directions. Conclusions For patients receiving APBI, DTS localization offers comparable accuracy to CBCT localization for daily patient positioning while reducing mechanical constraints and imaging dose.
Paired comparison of platelet concentrates prepared from platelet-rich plasma and buffy coats using a new technique with 111In and 51Cr

Two techniques for the preparation of platelet concentrate (PC), the standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and buffy coat (BC) methods, were compared in nine paired studies with regard to platelet harvest, white cell (WBC) contamination, and PC quality after 5 days of 22°C storage. Platelet harvest using the BC method averaged approximately 56 percent of the whole blood level (6.2 × 1010/concentrate), which was less than the 76 percent achieved with the PRP-PC method (8.7 × 1010/concentrate). An additional 5 units collected into an experimental siphon bag for BC-PC processing showed improved platelet harvest (6.7 × 1010/concentrate, or approx. 70% of whole blood). WBCs remaining in the BC-PC averaged 0.19 × 108 per unit compared to 3.6 × 108 per unit for PRP-PC. Buffy coat processing produced red cell (RBC) units with 50 percent of the WBC contamination of conventionally prepared units (9.8 ± 6.2 × 108/unit vs. 18.9 ± 7.1 × 108/unit). The siphon bag further reduced WBC levels in the AS-3 RBC units (6.4 ± 3.7 × 108/unit). In vitro studies performed on Days 1 and 5 after collection showed no significant differences in platelet metabolic and biologic function or cell integrity. β-thromboglobulin and surface glycoprotein levels, indicators of platelet activation and membrane alteration, respectively, did not differ significantly in the PRP-PC and BC-PC; nor was lactate production higher in PRP-PC, despite the substantially higher WBC counts. Autologous in vivo platelet viability determinations were performed by using concurrent transfusion of 111In-labeled freshly drawn platelets and 51Cr-labeled stored platelets. Paired f test analysis of BC-PC versus PRP-PC indicated no significant differences in platelet recovery and survival after 5 days of 22°C storage in polyolefin containers. Therefore, these studies confirm the equivalence of PC quality, comparable platelet harvest with the siphon bag, and decreased WBC contamination with the BC method.
Examining Sixth Grade Students’ Reading Attitudes and Perceptions of Teacher Read Aloud: Are All Students on the Same Page?

The purpose of this embedded mixed methods study was to examine how sixth graders with high and low reading attitudes perceive teacher read aloud. We utilized quantitative data by surveying sixth graders (N = 87) about their reading attitudes and then collected qualitative data by interviewing five students, interviewing the teacher, conducting classroom observations, and reviewing read aloud materials. Students with lower reading attitudes enjoyed the relaxed classroom setting, while those with higher attitudes enjoyed the books being read. Other themes suggested that all students engaged inconsistently with the text, and that students are indeed aware of the potential instructional benefits of reading aloud. Implications are discussed including the importance of pairing teacher read aloud with other strategies to help students engage more explicitly with the text.
Plastic relaxation of thermoelastic stress in aluminum/ceramic composites

The dislocation generation due to a thermoelastic stress in 2024 Al/ceramic (SiC or TiC) composites was studied using transmission electron microscopy Composites containing different ceramic particulates, ceramic volume fraction, and particle size were investigated. Dislocation density profiles were measured as a function of the distance from an Al/ceramic interface and compared with those calculated from an elastoplasticity model which accounts for the volume fraction of the ceramic particles. The intensity of dislocation generation showed a strong particle size dependence: as the ceramic particle size became of the order of a micron, the intensity of dislocation generation increased significantly. With an increase in the volume fraction of the ceramic particles, the dislocation density also increased, and the dislocation structure became a more tangled arrangement. If heat dissipation was taken into account as part of the plastic work, the predicted dislocation densities of the elastoplasticity model were found to be in reasonable agreement with the measured dislocation densities of 109 to 1010 cm−2.
Promotional products vs price promotion in fostering customer loyalty: a report of two controlled field experiments

Winning customer loyalty and repeat business and eliminating or reducing their reliance on coupons and other forms of price promotion is the goal of many service businesses today. The effectiveness of using advertising specialties (imprinted items given away for free) and price promotions was directly compared by way of two controlled field experiments involving customers of a Chinese food delivery service and a drycleaner in a major US metropolitan area. The studies used a controlled field experiment with a behavioral measure. The experiments offered support, in the business‐to‐business and consumer settings, that ad specialties can serve as inducements for a larger dollar volume of repeat business than the use of no promotion, and in some cases more than was generated by price promotion. Results suggest that goodwill engendered among customers by the ad. specialty “gifts”, coupled with the repeated brand exposure opportunities afforded by imprinted items, can exert a considerable impact on purchase behavior.