cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of posttraining ethanol on an appetitive task.

Abstract The present study examined the effects of posttraining ethanol administration upon retention of an appetitive task using a variety of retention behaviors associated with the task. Male C57BL/6J mice were individually trained to find a cheese pellet placed in the corner of an open field. Five behavioral measures were used including locomotor activity counts, rearings, grooming episodes, approaches to the cheese pellet, and latency to consume the cheese pellet. Immediately after training, mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline or 2.0 g/kg of ethanol and then returned to their home cage in which four “intruder” mice were added for 2 h after training. On subsequent testing days (1, 6, 14, and 51 days posttraining), mice were returned to the original training environment and the five behaviors were measured. Both saline- and ethanol-treated mice habituated to the initially novel test environment at similar rates as indicated by decreased exploratory behavior (locomotor activity and rearings). In contrast, a divergence in the latency to consume the cheese pellet was observed: Saline-treated mice behaved as though the cheese was rewarding (decreased latency to eat the pellet), while the ethanol group behaved as though the cheese was aversive (increased latency to eat the pellet). Taken with previous studies, these results demonstrate that posttraining ethanol can have strikingly different effects on retention depending on the task, the measure of retention used, and the underlying neural structures involved.
Biomedical ultrasound beam forming

The principles of biomedical ultrasound beam forming control the quality of diagnostic imaging. Beam parameters associated with imaging quality are: (1) lateral and axial resolutions; (2) depth of field; (3) contrast and (4) frame rate. In this paper, we review some of the current beam forming techniques and their principles. We focus on trade-offs among the above four aspects of beam forming and relate them to system parameters such as aperture size, f-number (the ratio between focal length and aperture diameter), central frequency (wavelength), system bandwidth and sidelobes. Methods for steering conventional and limited diffraction beams with array transducers are also reviewed.
Calcification of the Permanent First Mandibular Molar in Rhesus Monkeys

Evidence suggests that in rhesus monkeys calcification in the mandibular permanent first molar commences much earlier than has been previously reported. This tooth is the first secondary dental element to calcify, as it is in man.
Synchrotron Radiation Calibration Of The EUVE Variable Line-Spaced Diffraction Gratings At The NBS Surf II Facility

The Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) has a spectrometer which utilizes variable line-spaced, plane diffraction gratings in the converging beam of a Wolter-Schwarzschild type II mirror. The gratings, microchannel plate detector, and thin film filters have been calibrated with continuum radiation provided by the NBS SURF II facility. These were calibrated in a continuum beam to find edges or other sharp spectral features in the transmission of the filters, quantum efficiency of the microchannel plate detector, and efficiency of the gratings. The details of the calibration procedure and the results of the calibration are presented.
Patient outcomes after vestibular schwannoma management: a prospective comparison of microsurgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE: The best management for patients with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas (VS) is controversial. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 82 patients with unilateral, unoperated VS less than 3 cm undergoing surgical resection (n = 36) or radiosurgery (n = 46). Patients undergoing resection were younger (48.2 yr versus 53.9 yr, P = 0.03). The groups were similar with regard to hearing loss, associated symptoms, and tumor size. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range, 12-62 mo). RESULTS: Normal facial movement and preservation of serviceable hearing was more frequent in the radiosurgical group at 3 months (P < 0.001), 1 year (P < 0.001), and at the last follow-up examination (P < 0.01) compared with the surgical resection group. Patients undergoing surgical resection had a significant decline in the following subscales of the Health Status Questionnaire 3 months after surgery: physical functioning (P = 0.006), role-physical (P < 0.001), energy/fatigue (P = 0.02), and overall physical component (P = 0.004). Patients in the surgical resection group continued to have a significant decline in the physical functioning (P = 0.04) and bodily pain (P = 0.04) subscales at 1 year and in bodily pain (P = 0.02) at the last follow-up examination. The radiosurgical group had no decline on any component of the Health Status Questionnaire after the procedure. The radiosurgical group had lower mean Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores (16.5 versus 8.4, P = 0.02) at the last follow-up examination. There was no difference in tumor control (100 versus 96%, P = 0.50). CONCLUSION: Early outcomes were better for VS patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery compared with surgical resection (Level 2 evidence). Unless long-term follow-up evaluation shows frequent tumor progression at currently used radiation doses, radiosurgery should be considered the best management strategy for the majority of VS patients.
Large sample theory of the Langevin distribution

The Langevin (or von Mises-Fisher) distribution of random vector x on the unit sphere ωq in Rq has a density proportional to exp κμ'x where μ'x is the scalar product of x with the unit modal vector μ and κ⩾0 is a concentration parameter. This paper studies estimation and tests for a wide variety of situations when the sample sizes are large. Geometrically simple test statistics are given for many sample problems even when the populations may have unequal concentration parameters.
Beyond the Target State: Foreign Military Intervention and Neighboring State Stability

Despite the abundance of research on the consequences of foreign military intervention for target countries, scant research has been devoted to the possible regional externalities of intervention. This article examines whether large-scale armed operations affect the likelihood of civil conflict onset in countries neighboring the target of intervention. We posit that interventions against the target regime reduce the government's ability to maintain full control over the entire national territory by diminishing its coercive and administrative capacity. This might, in turn, result in safe haven possibilities for neighboring rival groups in the target and facilitate the transnational spread of arms and other illicit activities that increase the risk of civil conflict onset in the contiguous countries. Armed interventions supportive or neutral toward the target state, on the other hand, bolster the government's coercive capacity and mitigate ongoing crises in the target. Such armed intrusions might therefore ...
Inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A activity by PI3Kγ regulates β-adrenergic receptor function.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) is activated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We show here that PI3Kγ inhibits protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) at the β-adrenergic receptor (βAR, a GPCR) complex altering G protein coupling. PI3Kγ inhibition results in significant increase of βAR-associated phosphatase activity leading to receptor dephosphorylation and resensitization preserving cardiac function. Mechanistically, PI3Kγ inhibits PP2A activity at the βAR complex by phosphorylating an intracellular inhibitor of PP2A (I2PP2A) on serine residues 9 and 93, resulting in enhanced binding to PP2A. Indeed, enhanced phosphorylation of β2ARs is observed with a phosphomimetic I2PP2A mutant that was completely reversed with a mutant mimicking dephosphorylated state. siRNA depletion of endogenous I2PP2A augments PP2A activity despite active PI3K resulting in β2AR dephosphorylation and sustained signaling. Our study provides the underpinnings of a PI3Kγ-mediated regulation of PP2A activity that has significant consequences on receptor function with broad implications in cellular signaling.
Twelve-month cost-effectiveness of telephone-delivered collaborative care for treating depression following CABG surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective To determine the 12-month cost-effectiveness of a collaborative care (CC) program for treating depression following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery versus physicians' usual care (UC). Methods We obtained 12 continuous months of Medicare and private medical insurance claims data on 189 patients who screened positive for depression following CABG surgery, met criteria for depression when reassessed by telephone 2 weeks following hospitalization (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire ≥10) and were randomized to either an 8-month centralized, nurse-provided and telephone-delivered CC intervention for depression or to their physicians' UC. Results At 12 months following randomization, CC patients had $2068 lower but statistically similar estimated median costs compared to UC ( P =.30) and a variety of sensitivity analyses produced no significant changes. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CC was −$9889 (−$11,940 to −$7838) per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and there was 90% probability it would be cost-effective at the willingness to pay threshold of $20,000 per additional QALY. A bootstrapped cost-effectiveness plane also demonstrated a 68% probability of CC "dominating" UC (more QALYs at lower cost). Conclusions Centralized, nurse-provided and telephone-delivered CC for post-CABG depression is a quality-improving and cost-effective treatment that meets generally accepted criteria for high-value care.
Spindle misorientation in tumors from APCmin/+ mice

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene is mutated in the majority of colon cancers, and its mutation may initiate cancer by multiple mechanisms. Recently, abnormal mitotic spindle orientation was shown in normal-appearing tissues from mice heterozygous for APC mutation. To determine the effect of APC mutation on spindle orientation in tumors, and to better understand its mechanism, we measured mitotic spindle orientation in intestinal tumors from APC mutant mice, with three-dimensionally reconstructed confocal stacks of microtubule immunofluorescence images. We found spindle angles were increased in crypts heterozygous for the APCmin mutation, and further increased in tumors. Astral microtubules of these spindles were clearly evident, suggesting astral microtubule loss is not a major mechanism of spindle misorientation in intestinal cells lacking wild-type APC. β-Catenin staining was markedly abnormal in crypts and tumors from the mutant mice, suggesting a possible role in spindle orientation. Spindle angles in colon tumors with wild-type APC were equivalent to those in wild-type mice, showing that spindle misorientation is specific to APC mutation and not a general feature of tumors. We suggest spindle misorientation may contribute to the loss of normal tissue organization during tumor formation and could offer new insights into early carcinogenic events. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Selective Targeting and Inducible Destruction of Human Cancer Cells by Retroviruses with Envelope Proteins Bearing Short Peptide Ligands

In the accompanying study, we show how retroviral tropism can be redirected by insertion of short peptide ligands at multiple locations in envelope. Here we use this approach to selectively target and destroy human cancer cells. Many cancer cells overexpress specific cell surface receptors. We have generated Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) envelope derivatives bearing short peptide ligands for gastrin-releasing protein (GRP) and human epidermal growth factor receptors. Pseudotyped viruses containing these chimeric envelope derivatives selectively transduce human cancer cell lines that overexpress the cognate receptor. A retrovirus targeting the GRP receptor can deliver the thymidine kinase gene to human melanoma and breast cancer cells, which are killed by the subsequent addition of ganciclovir. Collectively, our results demonstrate that short peptide ligands inserted at appropriate locations in MLV envelope can selectively target retroviruses to human cancer cells and deliver a therapeutically relevant gene.
The Impact of Membrane Constraint on PEM Fuel Cell Water Management

A nonequilibrium force-balance model for water transport within a Nafion-type polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell is developed. The model combines earlier work of Choi et al., which describes the Schroeder paradox in terms of a capillary pressure jump, with a pressure-based description of water transport, including the partitioning of external pressure between the polymer backbone and the liquid water. The model shows that mechanical compression of the membrane leads to a more uniform distribution of water through the thickness of the membrane, compressing the wetter and more plastic cathode side more than the drier anode side. The model predicts that mechanical compression will decrease membrane water content by 5-30% and decrease back-diffusion of water within the membrane by up to 20%.
Enhanced polarization of electron spins in 4He by simultaneous optical pumping with circularly and linearly polarized resonance radiation.

The polarization of helium (2 {sup 3}{ital S}{sub 1}) metastable atoms saturates at 50% when the ensemble is optically pumped with the {ital D}{sub 0} (2 {sup 3}{ital S}{sub 1}--2 {sup 3}{ital P}{sub 0}) transition. We have obtained polarizations approaching 100% with a simple, straightforward modification to the conventional experimental arrangement. The addition of a small amount of {pi}-polarized {ital D}{sub 0} light incident on the cell perpendicular to the defining field direction doubles the polarization produced by circularly polarized {sigma}{sup +} light along the field direction. A simple rate-equation model illustrates the enhancement.
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Observation of the Nonradiative Collisionless Shock in the Remnant of SN 1006

The appearance of the young supernova remnant SN 1006 is dominated by emission from nonradiative shocks in the northeast and northwest regions. At X-ray energies the northeast shock exhibits predominantly nonthermal synchrotron emission, while the northwest shock exhibits a thermal spectrum. We present far-ultraviolet spectra of the northeast (NE) and northwest (NW) portions of SN 1006 acquired with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). We have detected emission lines of O VI λλ1032, 1038 and broad Lyβ λ1025 in the NW filament but detect no emission lines in the NE region down to a level of 4.7 × 10-17 ergs cm-2 s-1 arcsec-2. We observed in the NW an O VI intensity of 2.0 ± 0.2 × 10-16 ergs cm-2 s-1 arcsec-2 and measured an O VI line width of 2100 ± 200 km s-1 at a position where the Hα width was measured to be 2290 ± 80 km s-1. This implies less than mass-proportional heating of the ions. Using the ratio of intensities I(NW)/I(NE) ~ n(NW)/n(NE), the density ratio of the two regions is found to be ≥4, a value that is consistent with the uncertainties of the ratio of 2.5 measured in 2003 by Long and coworkers. The derived O VI kinetic temperature is compared to previous estimates of electron, proton, and ion temperatures in the remnant to study the relative heating efficiency of various species at the shock front. The degree of postshock temperature equilibration may be crucial to particle acceleration, since the temperature of each species determines the number of high-speed particles available for injection into an acceleration process that could produce Galactic cosmic rays.
Synthesis of benzylpalladium chloride employing palladium atoms

Abstract Benzylpalladium chloride is formed in good yield when palladium atoms are condensed in a low temperature matrix with benzyl chloride. The surprising stability and spectral properties of the C 6 H 5 CH 2 PdCl indicate trihapto -allyl type bonding of the benzyl system with the palladium atom.
Efficacy of monitoring and empirical predictive modeling at improving public health protection at Chicago beaches

Abstract Efforts to improve public health protection in recreational swimming waters have focused on obtaining real-time estimates of water quality. Current monitoring techniques rely on the time-intensive culturing of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) from water samples, but rapidly changing FIB concentrations result in management errors that lead to the public being exposed to high FIB concentrations (type II error) or beaches being closed despite acceptable water quality (type I error). Empirical predictive models may provide a rapid solution, but their effectiveness at improving health protection has not been adequately assessed. We sought to determine if emerging monitoring approaches could effectively reduce risk of illness exposure by minimizing management errors. We examined four monitoring approaches (inactive, current protocol, a single predictive model for all beaches, and individual models for each beach) with increasing refinement at 14 Chicago beaches using historical monitoring and hydrometeorological data and compared management outcomes using different standards for decision-making. Predictability ( R 2 ) of FIB concentration improved with model refinement at all beaches but one. Predictive models did not always reduce the number of management errors and therefore the overall illness burden. Use of a Chicago-specific single-sample standard—rather than the default 235 E. coli CFU/100 ml widely used—together with predictive modeling resulted in the greatest number of open beach days without any increase in public health risk. These results emphasize that emerging monitoring approaches such as empirical models are not equally applicable at all beaches, and combining monitoring approaches may expand beach access.
Reducing Cutting Force Induced Bore Cylindricity Errors by Learning Control and Variable Depth of Cut Machining

In this paper, a method for on-line compensation of cylindricity errors in machined bores is formulated and demonstrated. The cylindricity errors addressed are those caused by the elastic deformation of the bore wall due to forces applied to the workpiece both during and after the machining process. Compensation is achieved using a piezoelectric boring bar servo capable of varying the depth of cut rapidly for on-line compensation at acceptable industrial machining speeds. Control of the boring bar servo consists of both learning and repetitive control. Learning control is used to determine the cutting tool reference trajectory required to achieve compensation, and repetitive servo control is used to accurately track the reference trajectory. The stability and convergence of the error dynamics of the learning control system are analyzed using a model for the flexure-induced machining errors. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly improve bore cylindricity in machined components.
Metric-based reasoning about pseudocode design in the partial metrics system

Abstract The goal of the PMS project is to produce an environment in which the intelligent online assessment of the design for large-scale ADA programming projects is provided. The focus is on the representation of knowledge about the design process for an individual module. Changes in pseudocode complexity are measured in terms of partial metrics. These metrics can take the designers inferences about the pseudocode program structure into account when assessing module complexity. Next, a model of the stepwise refinement process is given which demonstrates how pseudocode elaboration decisions can be modelled in partial metric terms. Finally, the decisions associated with each refinement step for 17 example refinements taken from the computer science literature are described using partial metrics.
Plasticity-Related Microstructure-Property Relations for Materials Design

Design has traditionally involved selecting a suitable material for a given application. A materials design revolution is underway in which the classical materials selection approach is replaced by design of material microstructure or mesostructure to achieve certain performance requirements such as density, strength, ductility, conductivity, and so on. Often these multiple performance requirements are in conflict in terms of their demands on microstructure. Computational plasticity models play a key role in evaluating structure-property relations necessary to support simulation-based design of heterogeneous, multifunctional metals and alloys. We consider issues related to systems design of several classes of heterogeneous material systems that is robust against various sources of uncertainty. Randomness of microstructure is one such source, as is model idealization error and uncertainty of model parameters. An example is given for design of a four-phase reactive powder metal-metal oxide mixture for initiation of exothermic reactions under shock wave loading. Material attributes (e.g. volume fraction of phases) are designed to be robust against uncertainty due to random variation of microstructure. We close with some challenges to modeling of plasticity in support of design of deformation and damage-resistant microstructures.
The quadruply bondedbis-carboxylatescis-Re2(μ-O2CCH3)2X4L2 (X = halide;L = neutral donor) as synthons in dirhenium chemistry

The reactions of the quadruply bonded dirhenium(III) carboxylatescis-Re2(μ-O2CR)2X4L2 (X=CI or Br; L=a monodentate donor) with monodentate, bidentate, and tridentate phosphine donors result in several types of redox behavior, usually involving partial or complete reductive decarboxylation of the dirhenium unit. Examples of dirhenium(VI, II), dirhenium(IV, II), dirhenium(III, II), and dirhenium(II, II) complexes, in which Re-Re bond orders of 4, 3.5, 3, l, or zero are encountered, have been isolated and repre-sentative examples structurally characterized. The course of these reactions is dependent upon the nature of the phosphine. The scope of this remarkably rich chemistry is discussed.
Inter- and intrachain elastic interactions in polymers and polymer blends

The damped Debye lattice or damped torsional oscillator model for viscoelastic relaxation in the primary transition region takes into account elastic interchain interactions as well as the more usually invoked intrachain interactions. To test the importance of these interchain interactions, we have applied this model to compatible blends formed from atactic polystyrene (PS) and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO). Qualitative predictions of the variation of stress relaxation behavior of the blends as a function of PPO concentration have been made. Also, predictions concerning properties of these blends upon dilution suggest very distinctive behaviors. We have measured stress relaxation master curves in the primary transition region of PS-PPO blends of various concentrations and have found that the predicted behavior is indeed observed. Furthermore, the unusual effects of dilution on the properties of these blends have been observed with dioctyl phthalate used as diluent. These results show that inter- as well as the more familiar intramolecular elastic interactions are important factors in determining viscoelastic behavior of bulk polymers in this transition region.
Gas chromatography of neutral and amino sugars in glycoproteins.

Abstract A gas chromatographic method for determining the neutral and amino sugars commonly found in glycoproteins of animal origin is described. Following mild acid hydrolysis, the solution is neutralized with Dowex 1 HCO3−, and the sugars are reduced to alditols in the cold with sodium borohydride. The solution is lyophilized, and the alditols are acetylated with acetic anhydride in pyridine. Monosaccharides can be determined on as little as 1 mg of a glycoprotein which contains 6% total carbohydrate.
Copolymers of modified starches with polyacrylonitrile

A study was made of the ceric ammonium nitrate-initiated graft polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto a number of modified starches that had been reduced in molecular weight by either acid, hypochlorite, or enzyme treatment. With highly soluble starches, much of the starting material was recovered as ungrafted carbohydrate, and the reaction product was largely dimethylformamide-soluble polymer with a high polyacrylonitrile (PAN) content. The molecular weight of grafted PAN was lower when the modified starches existed as granules in water dispersion; however, heating (60°C) an aqueous slurry of an acid-modified corn starch (with intact granules) before the reaction had relatively little effect on the composition of the copolymer. Decreasing the concentrations in water of modified starch and AN resulted in more frequent and lower molecular weight grafts of PAN. Aqueous methanol as a reaction medium for an acid-modified starch with intact granules led to more frequent grafting of lower molecular weight PAN than when water alone was used. The number of grafted chains, however, was fewer than found with unmodified wheat starch under comparable conditions. A modified starch with the granule structure completely broken down gave no detectable reaction in aqueous methanol.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability

The school-age standardization samples (grades K-12) of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA) were subjected to a variety of exploratory factor analysis solutions. In addition, parallel analyses were conducted in two public school referral samples. The factors identified in the various solutions suggested a number of alternative models for WJTCA interpretation. Subtest specificity and g loading data for all WJTCA subtests across the 13 school-age samples also were computed. The specificity data suggest that the WJTCA subtests possess higher average specificity than subtests from other measures of intelligence. The plausability of a variety of WJTCA interpretive models suggests the need to subject the WJTCA to confirmatory factor methods.
423 BLOOD POLYAMINE DETERMINATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH LIVER DAMAGE

Cell proliferation is associated with tissue polyamine synthesis. Animal studies demonstrate increase in hepatic putrescine, spermidine, and spermine after surgical or chemical liver injury, and have been interpreted to indicate hepatic regeneration. Whole blood polyamines reflect hepatic polyamine changes and were, therefore, measured serially in 16 infants and children with giant cell hepatitis (6), chronic active hepatitis (6), fructosemia (1), and after hepatectomy (3). After hepatectomy the patients' spermidine levels increased 2.5-5.5 times normal, spermine 1.5-3.5. Similar elevations were seen initially in patients with hepatocellular injury, which returned to normal with biochemical resolution of their disease. Blood polyamines were normal-to-elevated in 6 patients with chronic active hepatitis, increased with steroid therapy and returned to normal with continued therapy, in only 1 patient after biochemical remission. Among patients with active disease the mean blood spermidine was 18.87nm/ml (8.31±3.92), spermine 8.6nm/ml (4.98±3.12), spermidine:spermlne 2.28 (1.67±1.26). All patients demonstrated a peak spermidine:spermine ratio greater than 4 except two who expired with liver failure. These data suggest that the course of hepatic injury and regeneration might be monitored through serial measurement of blood polyamines. A deficient polyamine response or persistent polyamine elevation may imply a poor prognosis.
Planning for the Aging in India Some Determining Factors

true that aging is affected differently in different cultures. Climate, economic condition, standard of living, education ahd health care facilities, the structure and social attitudes toward the aging and other available resources all these factors great’liy affect aging persons in a particular society and thus largely determine the type and extent of the social services available for them.
Auditory coding based speech enhancement

This paper demonstrates a speech enhancement system based on an efficient auditory coding approach, coding of time-relative structure using spikes. The spike coding method can more compactly represent the non-stationary characteristics of speech signals than the Fourier transform or wavelet transform. Enhancement is accomplished through the use of MMSE thresholding on the spike code. Experimental results show that compared with the spectral domain logSTSA filter, both the subjective spectrogram evaluation and objective SSNR improvement for the proposed approach is better in suppressing noise in high noise situations, with fewer musical artifacts.
Toward Automatic Tolerancing of Mechanical Assemblies: Assembly Analyses

Generating geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications for mechanical assemblies is a complex and tedious task, an expertise that few mechanical engineers possess. The task is often done by trial and error. While there are commercial systems to facilitate tolerance analysis, there is little support for tolerance synthesis. This paper presents a systematic approach toward collecting part and assembly characteristics in support of automating GD&T schema development and tolerance allocation for mechanical assemblies represented as neutral B-Rep. First, assembly characteristics are determined, then a tentative schema is determined and tolerances allocated. This is followed by adaptive iterations of analyses and refinement to achieve desired goals. This paper will present the preprocessing steps for assembly analysis needed for tolerance schema generation and allocation. Assembly analysis consists of four main tasks: assembly feature recognition (AFR), pattern detection, directions of control, and loop detection. This paper starts with identifying mating features in an assembly using the computer-aided design (CAD) file. Once the features are identified, patterns are determined among those features. Next, different directions of control for each part are identified and lastly, using all this information, all the possible loops existing in an assembly are searched.
Price discounts for increased profitability under partial backordering

If some, but not all, customers are willing to wait for an out-of-stock product to become available, sellers may be able to increase their profits by offering a price discount to increase the number of backordered demands rather than losing those sales. We modify an existing model for the deterministic economic order quantity with partial backordering by making the backordering percentage a function of the size of the discount. We combine results about the optimal solution for a partial backordering model with a fixed backorder percentage and a search procedure to determine whether offering a discount is optimal and, if so, how large the discount should be to maximize profit.
Topology maintenance: Extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks

Topology control is a well-known strategy to save energy and extend the lifetime of wireless sensor networks. In the literature, it is usually referred as the process that, given a set of nodes, builds a reduced topology that still guarantees connectivity and coverage. Here, we extend this definition. We consider topology control as two processes: topology construction and topology maintenance. Topology construction encompasses those algorithms that build the reduced topology. Topology maintenance is the process that changes the reduced topology from time to time when the current one is no longer optimal. In this paper we define topology maintenance and present different strategies and triggering criteria that can be used to switch the network topology. We also implement static and dynamic global topology maintenance strategies using two well-known topology construction algorithms and time- and energy-based triggering criteria, and compare their performance via simulations on sparse and dense networks. Our results demonstrate that the appropriate use of topology maintenance techniques extends the network lifetime versus the option of not doing topology maintenance at all. In sparse networks, while dynamic global techniques improve the network lifetime, static techniques may improve or degrade the performance. However, all results are fairly similar. On the other hand, topology maintenance is very well justified in dense networks where important performance improvements can be achieved. In this case, the superiority of dynamic global techniques is evident, and even more as the density of the network increases.
Intestinal Obstruction from Congenital Bands at the Proximal Jejunum: A Case Report and Literature Review

Congenital anomalous bands at the proximal jejunum resulting in obstruction have been described sporadically in the literature and are otherwise rare. We present a case of an 8 year-old girl with a nine-month history of intermittent vomiting and no history of prior surgery. The imaging workup includes an abdominal ultrasound, a single contrast upper gastrointestinal series, and a dual contrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. Surgical intervention revealed the presence of dense bands at the proximal jejunum without evidence of malrotation. Our report reviews the embryology and radiologic findings of this entity using different imaging modalities.
Fusion-based recommender system

Recommender systems have become a common way to help people navigate among increasingly more complex selection options. Various recommendation algorithms have been proposed and a lot of business solutions have been built for applications such as selecting books, cinema, video/TV program, restaurants, etc. However, there is no simply best approach due to the high complexity and uncertainty of the problem. Therefore, a recommender system usually includes multiple different recommenders and aggregates their recommendation results through a combiner. In this paper, we discussed combining recommenders in the framework of information fusion theory including rank fusion, decision fusion, Dempster-Shafer fusion and estimation fusion. Experiments results on the benchmark Movie-Lens dataset [10] show that our proposed methods with fusion techniques leaded to significant performance improvements over the baselines models.
Role of the Sporulation Protein BofA in Regulating Activation of the Bacillus subtilis Developmental Transcription Factor ςK

During sporulation, the Bacillus subtilis transcription factor ςK is activated by regulated proteolytic processing. I have used a system that facilitates the analysis of the contributions of a modified form of the processing enzyme, SpoIVFB-GFP, and the regulatory proteins BofA and SpoIVFA to the conversion of pro-ςK to ςK. The results show that in the presence of BofA, SpoIVFA levels increase by greater than 20-fold, SpoIVFA is substantially stabilized, and pro-ςK processing is inhibited. In addition, enhanced accumulation of the SpoIVFA protein in the absence of BofA (achieved through the use of an ftsH null mutation) substantially inhibits pro-ςK processing. These results suggest that during growth, increased accumulation of the SpoIVFA protein inhibits the activity of SpoIVFB-GFP and regulates the activation of ςK.
The Strategy of Ambiguity: Uncertainty and Electoral Competition*

In this paper problems of social choice in general, and political choice in particular, are considered in light of uncertainty. The space of social alternatives in this formulation includes not only pure social states, but lotteries or probability distributions over those states as well. In the context of candidate strategy selection in a spatial model of political choice, candidate strategy sets are represented by pure strategies—points in the space of alternatives—and ambiguous strategies—lotteries over those points. Questions about optimal strategy choice and the equilibrium properties of these choices are then entertained. Duncan Black's theorem about the dominance of the median preference is generalized, and further contingencies in which the theorem is false are specified. The substantive foci of these results are: (1) the conditions in which seekers of political office will rationally choose to appear equivocal in their policy intentions; and (2) the role of institutional structure in defining equilibrium.
Formation of black lipid membranes (BLM) from extracts of spinach leaves.

Abstract Bilayer or black lipid membranes (BLM) have been produced from a wide variety of materials and their physical properties extensively investigated ( Haydon and Taylor, 1968 ; Henn and Thompson, 1968 ; Howard and Burton, 1968m ; Lauger and Richter, 1968 ; Ohki and Goldup, 1968 ). A review of the work on BLM has recently appeared ( Tien and Diana, 1968 ). In order to study membrane-associated phenomena relevant to photosynthesis and related processes, we decided to form BLM from photosynthetic pigments and lipids which hitherto have not been used alone in the BLM formation. This communication describes detailed procedures for the preparation of lipid solutions from spinach chloroplasts for BLM formation. In addition, a summary of the measured physical properties of these new BLM is reported.
Inflammatory Cytokines and Mucosal Injury

The cause of mucosal injury in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not clear but likely involves infectious agents or other toxins followed by an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. The inflammatory cytokines appear to play a key role in both the susceptibility of some individuals and the tissue damage that accompanies IBD. The generation of transgenic and gene-targeted (knockout) animals has provided invaluable information regarding the cytokines and cellular immune effectors that are important in IBD. Information from these and other preclinical animal models, such as those involving interleukin 11, has led to human trials testing novel therapies for IBD and other diseases in which inflammation of the gut mucosa is an important component. Thus, expression of inflammatory cytokines appears to be an important target for the development of novel therapies for IBD and other diseases in which intestinal mucosal damage occurs, such as mucositis and graft-versus-host disease.
Probing bacterial surfaces using 4Pi spectral self-interference fluorescence microscopy

We present nanometer scale axial localization of fluorescent markers to probe subcellular structures using self-interference based fluorescence microscopy. We show probing the membrane topography of a gram-negative bacterium, Shigella flexneri, and discuss further applications.
Evaluation of a transdermal buprenorphine formulation in opioid detoxification

Aims Buprenorphine is marketed in a sublingual formulation for treatment of opioid dependence. A transdermal formulation has been developed that may provide extended relief from opioid withdrawal, reduce required clinic visits and improve adherence, while having less potential for diversion and abuse. This study evaluated the safety and biodelivery (blood levels) of this transdermal buprenorphine formulation (i.e. buprenorphine patch), and its apparent efficacy in suppressing the opioid withdrawal syndrome. Design Open-label, first-in-humans trial. Setting A residential research facility. Participants Nine physically dependent opioid-users completed the 10-day opioid detoxification study. Intervention Each volunteer received a single patch application that remained in place for 3 days. The formulation has shown an average delivery of 1.9 mg/day of buprenorphine over 3 days in pre-clinical evaluation. Measures Physiological, behavioral, subjective and observer ratings of opioid withdrawal and opioid agonist effects were collected. Findings Overall, the patch appeared safe and well tolerated. There were no serious adverse events, and no opioid intoxication following patch application. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature and pupil diameter remained well within normal ranges. Buprenorphine blood levels peaked 48 hours after patch application at a concentration of 0.60 ng/ml. Volunteers' self-reports of the presence and severity of withdrawal symptoms were reduced by approximately 50% on the 3 days of patch application. Withdrawal symptoms increased marginally upon patch removal. Administration of opioid rescue medication was eliminated within 6 hours of patch application, and increased slightly upon patch removal. Conclusions The significant biodelivery of buprenorphine and the suppression of the opioid withdrawal syndrome during patch application and its reappearance after patch removal indicate clinically useful pharmacodynamic activity. Transdermal buprenorphine may be a useful opioid detoxification treatment that reduces compliance concerns, and delivers buprenorphine in a formulation less likely to be diverted to illicit use.
Behavior Problems in Young Sexually Abused Boys A Comparison Study

A sample of 31 boys sexually assaulted in the previous 18 months was compared on the Child Behavior Checklist with 33 boys who had a diagnosis of oppositional or conduct disorder. The boys ranged in age from 3 to 8 years old. The conduct-disordered boys were being seen in outpatient therapy with their parents. The two groups did differ significantly, with the sexually abused group being less externalizing and more sexualized than the conduct disorder group.
Enron Spectacles: A Critical Dramaturgical Analysis

Enron shows us dramaturgy gone amuck. In this article, critical theory and postmodern theory are crossed to form a critical dramaturgyresulting in two main contributions. First, critical dramaturgy is differentiated from other forms of dramaturgy, showing how ‘spectacle’ is accomplished through a theatrical performance that legitimates and rationalizes, and casts the public in the role of passive spectators. Second, critical dramaturgy has important connections with public relations theory. While contemporary public relations is concerned with the building of relationships, critical dramaturgy looks at how corporate theatrical image management inhibits relationships by erecting the barrier of the metaphorical proscenium. The Enron scandal is viewed as the collapse of a corporate spectacle illusion into megaspectacle fragments. These fragments include the naming of Enron, the Valhalla Rogue Traders scandal, the Gas Bank, Greenmail, Cowboy Capitalism, the Skilling–Mark rivalry, and the Masters of the Univer...
Pain Scores and Exposure Rates after Polypropylene Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Objectives To characterize pain and exposure after Prolift placement and identify risk factors. Methods A case series of women who underwent Prolift vaginal mesh were surveyed. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Exposure was evaluated clinically. Results Of 183 eligible patients, 160 completed the survey, and 45 returned for examination. Mean preoperative pain score was 0.97 and postoperative was 1.35 (P = 0.12). Pre- and postoperative pain scores by compartment were: anterior (1.34 vs 1.25, mean change -0.09, P = 0.84), posterior (1.30 vs 1.56, mean change 0.26, P = 0.72), and total (0.63 vs 1.34, mean change 0.71, P = 0.05). Graft exposure was confirmed in 23 of 183 patients (12.6%); however, because asymptomatic patients were not examined, the true exposure rate may be underestimated. Hematoma formation is independently associated with mesh exposure, adjusted odds ratio 18.4 (95% confidence interval 3.4-147.4, P = 0.01). Conclusions Although pain scores did not increase overall, there was a trend toward increased pain score in the patients with total (anterior and posterior) Prolift. Hematoma formation was significantly associated with mesh exposure.
Land Use and Land Management Effects on Nitrous Oxide Fluxes

The terrestrial ecosystems are the major source of N2O contributing about 65% of global emissions. Agricultural activities are the most important anthropogenic N2O emissions, accounting for 60–80% of the anthropogenic N2O sources, mostly as N inputs to agricultural soils. Estimates of N2O emissions from various agricultural systems vary widely due to variations in climatic and environmental factors, soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration, soil texture, soil drainage, abundance of NO3-N, soil pH, management practices, and crop type. Under managed pasture soils, N2O is mainly generated from mineral N originating from urine, dung, and biologically fixed N. Fluxes of N2O from grazed pastures are also highly variable due to patchiness of animal excreta. In grassland ecosystems, significant N2O emissions could occur from the accumulation of mainly nitrate-N following mineralization of organic N from legume-based pastures. Tropical savannas contribute N2O emissions from grazing animals and frequent fires. Unfertilized forestry systems may emit less but the fertilized plantations emit more N2O than the extensive grazed pastures. Overall, there is a need to examine the emission factors used for estimating N2O emissions. The ratio of N2O:N2 production depends on oxygen supply or water-filled pore space, decomposable organic carbon, N substrate supply, temperature, and pH and salinity. N2O production from soil is sporadic both in time and space, and therefore, it is a challenge to scale up the measurements of N2O emission from a given location and time to regional and national levels.
Web-Enabled Landsat Data Time Series for Monitoring Urban Heat Island Impacts on Land Surface Phenology

Urbanization increases the impacts of cities on the natural environment, in part by altering local environmental conditions. The Web-Enabled Landsat Data (WELD) archive (2003–2012) provides an opportunity to analyze the impacts of urbanization and urban heat islands (UHIs) on vegetation dynamics in and around cities. Here, we modeled the WELD normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) product as a convex quadratic function of thermal time and derived land surface phenology (LSP) metrics to investigate the influence of UHIs on LSP along an urban–rural gradient and to characterize the response of vegetation to urbanization for two cities in the U.S. Northern Great Plains. Results show that for perennial vegetation, proximity to city center is positively associated with increased duration of growing season in thermal time. We found a linear relationship between the modeled rate of vegetation green-up and the peak height of NDVI for developed and forest pixels and after croplands were converted to developed land covers.
Bioinspired Protein Channel-Based Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (Bio-SICM) for Simultaneous Conductance and Specific Molecular Imaging

The utility of stochastic single-molecule detection using protein nanopores has found widespread application in bioanalytical sensing as a result of the inherent signal amplification of the resistive pulse method. Integration of protein nanopores with high-resolution scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) extends the utility of SICM by enabling selective chemical imaging of specific target molecules, while simultaneously providing topographical information about the net ion flux through a pore under a concentration gradient. In this study, we describe the development of a bioinspired scanning ion conductance microscopy (bio-SICM) approach that couples the imaging ability of SICM with the sensitivity and chemical selectivity of protein channels to perform simultaneous pore imaging and specific molecule mapping. To establish the framework of the bio-SICM platform, we utilize the well-studied protein channel α-hemolysin (αHL) to map the presence of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) at a substrate pore opening. We dem...