cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organization and Explanation New Metaphors for Old Problems

At the core of most research programs lies a suggestive metaphor systematized into a model and then developed into an empirically testable theory. In organizational theory, machine, organic, and dramatic metaphors have abounded; however, the concerns of these metaphors may be subsumed by conceiving of organizations as explanatory structures. The suggestiveness of this new metaphor is illustrated by demonstrating how it represents fundamental organizational characteristics, serves as a basis for a typology, and isolates certain forms and processes of change. The explanatory metaphor discourages the tendency to hypostatize organizations into concrete entities and emphasizes their nature as verbal and nonverbal behavioral arrangements.
Examining corporate bankruptcy: an artificial intelligence approach

This paper intends to identify empirically the common characteristics of bankrupting firms from accounting and financial data. It provides not only ways of predicting firms headed for bankruptcy, but also identifying the pattern of failing firms over time. The Adaptive Learning Network (ALN), an Artificial Intelligence technique, is used in this research because it is known to handle data that are inconsistent, unreliable, and incomplete. In addition, the financial data of the bankrupting firms are non-parametric and correlated among themselves. In this paper, the predictability of bankruptcy is first examined and analysed. This paper also attempts to identify common characteristics and patterns of failing firms as companies approach bankruptcy. The results are very promising; the model was successful not only in predicting bankruptcy, but also provided important common characteristics of failing firms.
Modeling the mesoscale eddy field in the Gulf of Alaska

Abstract Mesoscale anticyclonic eddies are a common feature in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). A three-dimensional circulation model is used to examine the general characteristics of eddies in the GOA during 1993–2009. Using an eddy detection algorithm, we tracked on average 6.5 eddies formed each year from the modeled results and 6.9 eddies from altimeter data. Modeled eddy characteristics agree with the remote sensing derived eddy statistics in terms of eddy magnitude, propagation speed, and eddy-core diameter. From the model results, strong seasonal and interannual variations were found in both the number and areal coverage of GOA eddies. At the seasonal scale, more eddies are observed to form from March to May, while the eddy-covered area usually peaks around October. At the interannual scale, our results suggest the years with large eddy-covered area do not necessarily have more eddies generated. The long-term variation of eddy-covered area in the GOA is modulated by El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events through altering the local wind stress. Model results indicate one typical Haida eddy could transport 37×10 18 J of heat and 27 km 3 of freshwater from the shelf to the central gulf. The equivalent fluxes caused by Haida eddies are comparable with the annual mean of net heat flux and freshwater flux from the atmosphere into the ocean in the Haida region, implying that mesoscale eddies are important sources contributing to the heat and freshwater budgets.
In the midnight hour: Cancer and nightmares. A review of theories and interventions in psycho-oncology.

Objectives The purposes of this study were: (1) to explore cancer patients' complaints of poor sleep, which often involve a combination of somatic symptoms and nightmares; and (2) to understand these sleep disturbances in the light of modern dream theories and intervention modalities. Method The literature search originated with several major articles (Revonsuo, 2000; Krakow & Zadra, 2006; Hobson, 2009) which then opened up the search through their references. We also used the database PubMed, and employed the following key words: cancer, nightmares/dreams, sleep disturbances, and dream theory. The literature search covered the interval between 1900 (Freud, 1900) and 2009. Our criteria for selecting studies included the most recent major review articles on the neuroscience of sleep and dreams; articles reviewing sleep disturbances in cancer patients and relevant treatments; and articles reviewing interventions for traumatic dreams. Approximately 30 articles were deemed worthy of inclusion. Results Thirty article/books/chapters met the criteria for relevance related to key theories and clinical interventions related to nightmares and traumatic dreams of cancer patients. Key concepts involve threat simulation theory and imagery rehearsal therapy in regard to theoretical and interventional paradigms significantly generalizable to cancer patients. The dream material included in this article presents patients' attempts to deal with complex threats such as intense dependency/ loss of self-sufficiency, disfigurement, and death. This is especially true with regard to the doctor-patient relationship at all stages of the illness and disease. Imagery rehearsal can facilitate empowerment in light of highly threatening and conflictual cancer-related dreams in which the patient feels helpless and victimized. Significance of results This review offers a new lens on current dream theories and understanding of sleep disturbance in cancer patients as well as their familes and medical caregivers. Modern theories lead to opportunities for intervention that can both relieve symptoms and improve communication between medical caregivers and patients and families.
Rat Kidney Centrioles: Vitamin E Intake and Oxygen Exposure

The incidence and morphology of centrioles in the proximal convoluted tubules of the rat kidney are altered by the dietary content of vitamin E, but not vitamin A, and by an increase in the pressure of oxygen. Increases in the number of centrioles in rats depleted of vitamin E and in those exposed to oxygen suggest that an oxidative mechanism is involved in the centriole alterations. The known antisterility action of vitamin E may thus be related to the direct protection of the mitotic apparatus.
Dynamics of nonlinear localized states on finite discrete chains

We present an analysis of boundary effects on soliton motion in one-dimensional discrete nonlinear Schr\"odinger systems. In an effective point particle framework, we derive effective potentials induced, respectively, by fixed and free boundaries for the integrable case. We establish an effective Hamiltonian that captures the soliton dynamics under the combined effects of the finiteness of the lattice size and the discreteness of nonintegrable systems. Our direct numerical simulations demonstrate that these potentials can describe the soliton motion excellently.
Fatigue and dynamic load measurements on modular expansion joints

Abstract Modular expansion joints are commonly used on bridges with expansion and contraction movements in excess of 127 mm. These joints ensure a serviceable bridge surface, and protect the structure and substructure against water damage. However, these joints are dynamically loaded by truck wheels crossing the joint, and severe fatigue damage has been noted. The various types of modular joints are discussed, and fatigue damage on one joint is described. Analytical studies considering the static and dynamic behaviour of the joint are summarized, and the results are correlated to fatigue design methods. Preliminary results from an experimental study of field measurements of joint behaviour are provided. The results indicate that the load spectrum is a very important element in the fatigue life of these joints. Acceleration and braking of the truck traffic induces large horizontal forces on the joint, and is a primary contributor to the fatigue damage.
A simple method for the purification of sheep ACTH.

A simple method is described for the preparation from sheep pituitaries of ACTH of 100 U.S.P. units/mg. with a yield of 50 mg./kg. wet weight of glands. The method Involves aqueous extraction of ground sheep pituitaries with 0.1N HC1, removal of coagulated proteins at 85° C and pH 5.6, oxycellulose adsorption of the hormone from the supernatant and elution with 0.1N HC1, followed by column chromatography on IRC-50. The oxycellulose eluate and the IRC-50 column eluate are both dialyzed. The ACTH is characterized in hypophysectomized rats by its ability to increase the adrenal weights and repair the morphology, decrease the thymus weights, deplete adrenal ascorbic acid, and stimulate calorigenesis and erythropoiesis.
When less is more: optimization of reduced agent-area treatments (RAATs) for management of rangeland grasshoppers.

Abstract Reduced agent-area treatment (RAAT) is a pest management strategy in which the rate of insecticide is reduced from traditional levels, and untreated swaths (refuges) are alternated with treated swaths. This approach is intended to achieve a more economically and environmentally sound pest management strategy compared to traditional blanket applications at high rates. The optimal treatment protocol minimizes loss due to forage consumption and the cost of control. Based on the empirical and modeled outcomes of using carbaryl, a simple set of three rules for spraying moderate to high quality Wyoming rangelands ( 2 treatments are very unlikely to yield a profit for the producer; (2) for moderate infestations of 15–30 grasshoppers/m 2 , the 280-50 (280 g ai/ha applied to 50% of the infestation using 30 m swaths) RAAT strategy is predicted to yield optimal or near-optimal results; (3) for heavy infestations (>30 grasshoppers/m 2 ) it may be necessary to increase the rate of application from 350 to 450 g ai/ha while treating 50% of the infested land. There appear to be no conditions under which either the traditional rate (560 g ai/ha) or >50% coverage is justified. If a single standard for treatment of rangeland grasshopper infestations were to be recommended without regard for population density or duration of benefits, the 280-50 carbaryl-RAAT method would be defensible. This protocol is always expected to provide better economic returns than the traditional, blanket application and it seriously deviates from the optimal strategy only for low density outbreaks (10 grasshoppers/m 2 ), which are unlikely to generate concern. These recommendations are based on a number of economic, ecological, and operational assumptions, although the advisability of the particular carbaryl-RAAT methods may be reasonably robust to violations of these conditions.
Drug Trafficking, the International System, and Decision-Making Constraints: A Policy-Making Simulation

The classroom simulation laid out in this article can help international relations educators to identify compelling linkages between the abstract global theories and concepts typically analyzed in an introductory international relations or international political economy course and what most students have experienced as a “local,” even deeply personal issue—illicit drugs. By role-playing an international drug cartel intent upon advancing the global production, trafficking, and consumption of illicit drugs, students will see the world as it increasingly appears to non-state actors—as effectively borderless. By assuming the role of consultants to the U.S. drug czar, students experience for themselves the often vexing decisional constraints that hamper the ability of governments to respond effectively to transsovereign challenges. By offering a primer on constructing and running this simulation, the article contributes to a growing literature within the discipline that advocates and supports moving away from traditional lecture methods of teaching toward approaches that advance discussion-based, interactive, and participatory learning.
VIF Regression: A Fast Regression Algorithm for Large Data

We propose a fast regression algorithm that can substantially reduce the computational complexity of searching, yet retain good accuracy. It also guarantees to discover correlated features that are collectively predictive, and avoid model over-fitting. Its capability of controlling mFDR (marginal False Discovery Rate) statistically enables the one-pass search of the fast algorithm and guarantees the accuracy of the sparse model chosen by the algorithm without cross validation. Numerical results show that our algorithm is much faster than any other algorithm and is competitively as accurate as the best but slower algorithms.
Long-term Survival in the Intensive Care Unit After Erythrocyte Blood Transfusion

BACKGROUND Erythrocyte blood transfusions are commonly used in intensive care units, yet little is known about their effects on long-term survival. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of erythrocyte blood transfusion in intensive care units on long-term survival. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 2213 patients admitted January 27, 2001, to April 30, 2002, to the cardiac, burn, neurological-neurosurgical, and combined medical-surgical intensive care units in a tertiary care, university-affiliated, urban medical center. Further analysis was done on a case-control subgroup (n=556) formed by matching scores on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and propensity scores. RESULTS Although transfusion was univariably associated with increased risk of death at all 3 times (0-30, 31-180, and >180 days after admission to the unit), multivariable adjustment with Cox modeling showed that transfusion had no association with mortality for the first 2 intervals (0-30 and 31-180 days), but was associated with a 25% lower risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.99; P=.04) in patients who survived at least 180 days after admission to the unit. In the case-control patients, after correction for APACHE II risk of death and propensity to receive a transfusion, transfusion had no association with mortality for the first 2 intervals, but was associated with 29% lowered risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.99; P=.046). CONCLUSION Blood transfusion was associated with a decreased risk of late (>180 days) death in intensive care patients.
On stochastic stability of regional ocean models to finite-amplitude perturbations of initial conditions

We consider error propagation near an unstable equilibrium state (classified as an unstable focus) for spatially uncorrelated and correlated finite-amplitude initial perturbations using short- (up to several weeks) and intermediate (up to 2 months) range forecast ensembles produced by a barotropic regional ocean model. An ensemble of initial perturbations is generated by the Latin Hypercube design strategy, and its optimal size is estimated through the Kullback–Liebler distance (the relative entropy). Although the ocean model is simple, the prediction error (PE) demonstrates non-trivial behavior similar to that existing in 3D ocean circulation models. In particular, in the limit of zero horizontal viscosity, the PE at first decays with time for all scales due to dissipation caused by non-linear bottom friction, and then grows faster than (quasi)exponentially. Statistics of a prediction time scale (the irreversible predictability time (IPT)) quickly depart from Gaussian (the linear predictability regime) and becomes Weibullian (the non-linear predictability regime) as amplitude of initial perturbations grows. A transition from linear to non-linear predictability is clearly detected by the specific behavior of IPT variance. A new analytical formula for the model predictability horizon is introduced and applied to estimate the limit of predictability for the ocean model. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
STRUCTURAL AND HIDDEN BARRIERS TO A LOCAL PRIMARY HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE: AUTONOMY, DECISIONS ABOUT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, AND THE CENTRALITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POWER

Abstract Purpose To examine a local primary health care infrastructure and the reality of primary health care from the perspective of residents of a small, urban community in the southern United States. Methodology/approach Data were derived from 13 semistructured focus groups, plus three semistructured interviews, and were analyzed inductively consistent with a grounded theory approach. Findings Structural barriers to the local primary health care infrastructure include transportation, clinic and appointment wait time, and co-payments and health insurance. Hidden barriers consist of knowledge about local health care services, nonphysician gatekeepers, and fear of medical care. Community residents have used home remedies and the emergency department at the local academic medical center to manage these structural and hidden barriers. Research limitations/implications Findings might not generalize to primary health care infrastructures in other communities, respondent perspectives can be biased, and the data are subject to various interpretations and conceptual and thematic frameworks. Nevertheless, the structural and hidden barriers to the local primary health care infrastructure have considerably diminished the autonomy community residents have been able to exercise over their decisions about primary health care, ultimately suggesting that efforts concerned with increasing the access of medically underserved groups to primary health care in local communities should recognize the centrality and significance of power. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the sociological literature regarding the impact of specific barriers to primary health care among medically underserved groups.
The price of peace in the household: A commentary on “The Price of Unconditional Love: Consumer Decisions Concerning High-Dollar Veterinary Care”

Abstract Brockman et al. [Brockman, Beverly K, Taylor, Valerie A, Brockman, Christopher M. The price of unconditional love: consumer decisions concerning high-dollar veterinary care. J Bus Res Forthcom 2007] use an interpretive approach to investigate a consumer decision made under emotional circumstances. Unlike mundane purchases of food and household appliances, emotional consumer decisions that affect the entire family are ripe for conflict. This commentary highlights gaps in our understanding of household decision making that the work of Brockman et al. suggests and proposes ways in which new insights are achievable in established streams of research.
Subwavelength-grating-induced wavefront aberrations: a case study

The on-axis wavefront aberrations of a one-dimensional subwavelength-grating antireflection coating on an f/1.7 lens surface are shown to be small with noticeable contributions of defocus, astigmatism, and piston. The astigmatism is 0.02 wave, and the magnitude of the piston approaches one wave peak-to-valley. The difference in aberrations between orthogonally polarized wavefronts, or the retardance aberration, shows 0.01 wave of astigmatismlike variation and more than 0.01 wave of retardance-induced defocuslike variation. A small coupling between polarization states occurs in the form of the familiar Maltese cross, yielding a maximum of 3% coupling in the four diagonal edges of the pupil.
Cost-aware three-dimensional (3D) many-core multiprocessor design

The emerging three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) is beneficial for various applications from both area and performance perspectives. While the general trend in processor design has been shifting from multi-core to many-core, questions such as whether 3D integration should be adopted, and how to choose among various design options must be addressed at the early design stage. In order to guide the final design towards a cost-effective direction, system-level cost evaluation is one of the most critical issues to be considered. In this paper, we propose a 3D many-core multiprocessor cost model, which includes wafer, bonding, package, and cooling cost analysis. Using the proposed cost model, we evaluate the optimal partitioning strategies for 16-, 32- and 64-core multiprocessors from the cost point of view.
Proteoglycans nondissociatively extracted from different zones of canine normal articular cartilage: variations in the sedimentation profile of aggregates with degree of physiological stress.

Proteoglycans were extracted and purified without dissociation (a-A1 preparations) from superficial and deeper layers of high weight-bearing (HWA) and low weight-bearing (LWA) areas of dog normal articular cartilage. These proteoglycans were then characterized by velocity gradient centrifugation. In each of the 4 different topographical regions, the weight average sedimentation coefficients related strongly with total hexuronate content of the tissue. In the superficial layers, almost all aggregates had low sedimentation coefficients: the aggregates were smaller and less abundant in LWA than in HWA. The deeper layers contained an additional population of faster sedimenting aggregates which appeared smaller and less abundant in LWA than in HWA. Quantification and functional characterization of aggregates as well as in vitro aggregating studies showed that the topographical differences in size and content of aggregates were related to differences in content of hyaluronate and link protein in the a-Al prepar...
Biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease with multiple phenotypes that cannot be identified through measurement of lung function alone. The importance of COPD risk assessment, phenotype identification, and diagnosis of exacerbation magnify the need for validated biomarkers in COPD. A large number of potential biomarkers have already been assessed and some appear promising, in particular fibrinogen, which is likely to be the first COPD biomarker presented to the Food and Drug Administration for qualification in the drug approval process. Blood fibrinogen and c-reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with the presence of COPD and, in some instances, future risk of developing COPD in targeted populations. Sputum neutrophil counts have been used preliminarily as biomarkers of favorable response to therapy in COPD, but use in clinical settings may be limited. Other potential blood biomarkers include pulmonary and activation-regulated chemokine (PARC/CCL-18) and the clara cell secretory protein 16 (CC-16). Integrative indices, such as the BODE index, provide a framework to determine prognosis, predict outcome, and may be responsive to therapeutic interventions. Computed tomography provides a means to assess phenotypes and identify the relative extents of small airways disease and emphysema, which themselves may inform prognosis and therapeutic decision making. Fibrinogen and other markers of systemic inflammation are elevated in the context of acute COPD exacerbations and may also identify those at risk of accelerated lung function decline and hospitalization. So far, no single biomarker in COPD warrants wide acceptance emphasizing the need for future investigation of biomarkers in large-scale longitudinal studies.
Uninformed Compliance or Informed Choice? A Needed Shift in Our Approach to Cancer Screening

It has been more than 30 years since the first consensus development meeting was held to deal with guidelines of mammography screening. Although the National Cancer Institute has wisely focused on the science of screening and of screening benefits vs harm, many professional organizations, advocacy groups, and the media have maintained a focus on establishing who should be screened and promoting recommendations for which age groups should be screened. Guidelines have been developed not only for mammography but also for screening at virtually all major cancer sites, especially for prostate cancer, and most recently, with the preliminary results of the National Lung Screening Trial, for lung cancer. It seems clear that we have done an inadequate job of educating screening candidates about the harms and benefits of cancer screening, including the extent to which screening can reduce cancer mortality. We must also question whether our practice of summoning women to have mammograms, while providing men informed choice for prostate cancer screening, is consistent with a scientific analysis of the relative harms and benefits. We have spent a staggering amount of time and energy over the past several decades developing, discussing, and debating guidelines. Professional and advocacy groups have spent much time aggressively advocating the adoption of guidelines supported by their respective groups. It seems that it would be much more productive to devote such energy to educating screening candidates about the harms and benefits of screening and to engaging in shared decision making.
Stability of highly cooled hypervelocity boundary layers

The influence of high levels of wall cooling on the stability of hypervelocity boundary layers is investigated. Such conditions are relevant to experiments in high-enthalpy impulse facilities, where the wall temperature is much smaller than the free-stream temperature, as well as to some real flight scenarios. Some effects of wall cooling are well known, for instance, the stabilization of the first mode and destabilization of the second mode. In this paper, several new instability phenomena are investigated that arise only for high Mach numbers and high levels of wall cooling. In particular, certain unstable modes can travel supersonically with respect to the free stream, which changes the nature of the dispersion curve and leads to instability over a much wider band of frequencies. The cause of this phenomenon, the range of parameters for which it occurs and its implications for boundary layer stability are examined. Additionally, growth rates are systematically reported for a wide range of conditions relevant to high-enthalpy impulse facilities, and the stability trends in terms of Mach number and wall temperature are mapped out. Thermal non-equilibrium is included in the analysis and its influence on the stability characteristics of flows in impulse facilities is assessed.
Regulation of sphingomyelinases in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage

Controversy exists regarding the nature of the "executioner" sphingomyelinase (SMase) in cells and its subcellular localization. A new fluorescence-based assay with the substrate 6-hexadecanoylamino-4-methylumbelliferyl-phosphorylcholine allowed rapid and reliable microassays of neutral (N) and acid (A) SMase activity in cell extracts from primary cultures of neonatal rat oligodendrocytes (OPC) and a human oligodendroglioma cell line (HOG). Total SMase activity was much higher in OPC than in HOG cells. Both staurosporine and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induced apoptosis and activated NSMase in a multiphasic manner in both OPC and HOG cells. The increase in caspase 8 activity preceded the 1 hr peak of NSMase activation, which was followed by caspase 3 activation. In contrast, ASMase activity, which constituted >90% of the total SMase activity, was unresponsive to proapoptotic drugs. Neither reducing ASMase levels by 50% by pretreatment with desipramine nor inhibiting sphingolipid synthesis by 50% with fumonisin B1 had any effect on cell death. Isolation of sphingolipid-rich plasma membrane microdomains (rafts) from the cells by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation revealed an enrichment of sphingomyelin, ceramide, and caspase 8. Proapoptotic drugs such as staurosporine promoted the translocation of NSMase to the raft fraction. In contrast, ASMase, other lysosomal hydrolases, and caspase 3 remained absent from rafts even after staurosporine treatment. The staurosporine-induced concomitant increase of ceramide in the raft fraction and caspase 3 in the cytosol could be mimicked by the addition of exogenous bacterial SMase. We conclude that caspase 8 activates NSMase in rafts in oligodendrocytes and that the downstream apoptotic signal is via caspase 3.
Quantitative Analysis of Control Flow Checking Mechanisms for Soft Errors

Control Flow Checking (CFC) based techniques have gained a reputation of providing effective, yet low-overhead protection from soft errors. The basic idea is that if the control flow -- or the sequence of instructions that are executed -- is correct, then most probably the execution of the program is correct. Although researchers claim the effectiveness of the proposed CFC techniques, we argue that their evaluation has been inadequate and can even be wrong! Recently, the metric of vulnerability has been proposed to quantify the susceptibility of computation to soft errors. Laced with this comprehensive metric, we quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of several existing CFC schemes, and obtain surprising results. Our results show that existing CFC techniques are not only ineffective in protecting computation from soft errors, but that they incur additional power and performance overheads. Software-only CFC protection schemes (CFCSS [14], CFCSS+NA [2], and CEDA [18]) increase system vulnerability by 18% to 21% with 17% to 38% performance overhead; Hybrid CFC protection technique, CFEDC [4] also increases the vulnerability by 5%; While the vulnerability remains almost the same for hardware only CFC protection technique, CFCET [15], they cause overheads of design cost, area, and power due to the hardware modifications required for their implementations.
Alpha-Subunit Positions Methionine 180 and Glutamate 214 of Pseudomonas stutzeri OX1 Toluene-o-Xylene Monooxygenase Influence Catalysis

Alpha-subunit position M180 of toluene-o-xylene monooxygenase influences the regiospecific oxidation of aromatics (e.g., from o-cresol, M180H forms 3-methylcatechol, methylhydroquinone, and 4-methylresorcinol, whereas the wild type forms only 3-methylcatechol). Position E214 influences the rate of reaction (e.g., E214G increases p-nitrophenol oxidation 15-fold) by controlling substrate entrance and product efflux as a gate residue.
Threshold Acetate Concentrations for Acetate Catabolism by Aceticlastic Methanogenic Bacteria

Marked differences were found for minimum threshold concentrations of acetate catabolism by Methanosarcina barkeri 227 (1.180 mM), Methanosarcina mazei S-6 (0.396 mM), and a Methanothrix sp. (0.069 mM). This indicates that the aceticlastic methanogens responsible for the conversion of acetate to methane in various ecosystems might be different, depending on the prevailing in situ acetate concentrations.
Spatial variation of the fine-structure parameter and the cosmic microwave background

We study the effects on cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization anisotropies of spatial fluctuations of the fine-structure parameter between causally disconnected regions of the Universe at the time of recombination. Analogous to weak gravitational lensing, in addition to modifying the mean power spectra and inducing a curl component (B mode) to the polarization, spatial fluctuations of the fine-structure parameter induce higher-order (non-Gaussian) temperature and polarization correlations in the CMB. We calculate these effects for the general case of arbitrary correlation between temperature fluctuations and fine-structure parameter fluctuations, and show the results for a model where these two types of fluctuations are uncorrelated. The formalism we present here may also be applied to other modifications of recombination physics that do not significantly alter the evolution of the dominant density perturbations. We discuss the constraints on the effective Lagrangian for the variable fine-structure parameter necessary to realize this scenario.
Retrospective Derivation and Validation of an Automated Electronic Search Algorithm to Identify Post Operative Cardiovascular and Thromboembolic Complications.

Background: With increasing numbers of hospitals adopting electronic medical records, electronic search algorithms for identifying postoperative complications can be invaluable tools to expedite data abstraction and clinical research to improve patient outcomes. Objectives: To derive and validate an electronic search algorithm to identify postoperative thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or myocardial infarction within 30 days of total hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods: A total of 34 517 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2013 were identified. Using a derivation cohort of 418 patients, several iterations of a free-text electronic search were developed and refined for each complication. Subsequently, the automated search algorithm was validated on an independent cohort of 2 857 patients, and the sensitivity and specificities were compared to the results of manual chart review. Results: In the final derivation subset, the automated search algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 85% for deep vein thrombosis, a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100% for pulmonary embolism, and a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95% for myocardial infarction. When applied to the validation cohort, the search algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 99% for deep vein thrombosis, a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 100% for pulmonary embolism, and a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99% for myocardial infarction. Conclusions: The derivation and validation of an electronic search strategy can accelerate the data abstraction process for research, quality improvement, and enhancement of patient care, while maintaining superb reliability compared to manual review.
Experimental studies of incipient vapor nucleation

Experimental investigations of the vapor nucleation characteristics of single cavities under conditions of both uniform and non-uniform superheat of the adjacent liquid are described and discussed.
Motorization in China: Case Study of Shanghai

Motorization, the substitution of automobiles and trucks for nonmotorized travel modes, has been examined at national and regional levels. Previous studies indicate that, at the national level, income (gross domestic product per capita) typically explains more than 90% of the variation in vehicle ownership. In terms of travel mode transition, some studies have explained part of this phenomenon, but a comprehensive review has rarely been conducted. In this paper, motorization is examined as an individual and as a household phenomenon. At the personal level, motorization occurs through a series of transitions, stereotypically from nonmotorized to motorized, from shared to privately owned, and from low to high cost. Results of a survey of residents of Shanghai, China, in mid-2006 illustrate these personal transitions, or motorization pathways. On the basis of the survey, motorization pathways in Shanghai were found to be diverse (331 distinct pathways across 992 respondents) and complicated (the pathways of ...
Specific sites of fatty acid and sterol synthesis in isolated skin components

Metabolic studies on isolated mouse skin com- ponents were undertaken to determine the specific sites of fatty acid and sterol synthesis. The concentrations of long-chain fatty acids and sterols and the incorporation of radioactivity from acetate-1-W into these lipids are reported for various skin components and intact whole skin. Only fatty acids having chain lengths of 18 carbons or less were produced by the connective tissue cells of the dermis, while fatty acids containing 20 carbons or more, as well as the acids of 18 carbons or less, were synthesized in the upper dermis (papillary reticulum). The upper dermis also produced signifi- cant quantities of eicosenoic acid and of an octadecadienoic acid (not linoleic acid), and incorporated labeled acetate into fatty acids containing an odd number of carbons. Removal of the epidermis and adnexa diminished sterol synthesis. However, the upper region of the dermis was capable of synthesizing, from acetate, large quantities of unidentified nonsaponifiable lipids which were neither sterols nor squalene.
Extensions to the UniformField Model

This chapter contains sections titled: Frequency Stirring Unstirred Energy Alternative Probability Density Function Problems
An analytical approach to predict the moistened bulb volume beneath a surface point source

An analytical approach for predicting the wetted soil volume underneath an emitter laid on the ground surface is developed. The approach is based on: (1) the Green and Ampt assumption, (2) Hammami et al. model that enables the inference of the wetted soil depth from the radius of the humid area at the ground surface and (3) the hypothesis that the bulb keeps a semi-elliptical shape whose diagonals are merged with the soil surface and the symmetry axis, respectively. Knowing the initial water content θi, the soil hydraulic conductivity Kf and the water content θf at wetting front position, the proposed approach allows the inference of the wetted bulb volume from the radius of the wetted spot at the soil surface. Experimental trials were carried out in laboratory conditions to assess the relevance of the proposed method. The measurements were made during the infiltration process in three soil types: loamy clay, sandy clay loam and sandy clay. The wetting front progression was monitored via the measurement of the wetting front radius Rf(t) at the soil surface and the determination of the moistened bulb volume Vb(t) by water balance equation. The Vb(t) values thus determined were compared to those predicted by the present approach. The results exhibit a good agreement between calculated and predicted data. Furthermore, predicted values are close to those inferred from Healy and Warrick (1988) model.
Microwave AlxGa1−xN/GaN Power HEMT’s

GaN in its hexagonal Wurtzite crystal has 3.4 eV bandgap and is capable of withstanding over 3 MV/cm electric field intensity. It is grown on either sapphire or SiC and the lattice mismatches cause threading dislocations. If it is grown along the c-axis on its Ga face, a thin pseudomorphic AlxGa1−xN barrier layer grown on top causes a substantial electrical polarization, which induces a substantial 2DEG in the GaN [1]. With x =.3 this 2 DEG is about 1 × 1013/cm2 without any doping impurities. The ∼ 109/cm2 threading dislocations accept electrons from the low density ambient donors, yielding very low net electron densities (< 1014/cm3) in the GaN buffer layer used as the HEMT channel [2]. The 2DEG electron mobility can be 1500-1700 cm2/V-s with ≥ 1 × 1013/cm2 electron sheet density. This 2DEG sheet density charge is less than the electrical polarization charge of 1.7 × 1013/cm2 for Al.3Ga.7N/GaN, due to some surface depletion and due to the fact that each dislocation traps ≥ 2 × 103 electrons. The design, processing, and measured performance of such undoped, polarization-induced HEMT’s are presented below.
Fabrication of a fly-eye mirror for an extreme-ultraviolet lithography illumination system

We proposed and discussed several fabrication processes for an arc-shaped and a rectangular fly-eye mirror, used in an EUVL illumination system proposed by Komatsuda. In particular, in the present study, we focused on one process in which all elements are fabricated individually and then arranged side-by-side to from the mirror. Thus, as the first step in this process, we fabricated arc-shaped and rectangular elements; the former and the latter were made of invar and fused silica, respectively. The slope accuracies of the surfaces for the arc-shaped and the rectangular mirror elements were +/- 15 and +/- 22 seconds, respectively. These values indicate that the mirror elements were fabricated with sufficient accuracy to satisfy the fly-eye mirror specifications. Moreover, both mirrors had the midfrequency roughness of about 0.25 nm RMS which satisfies the desired specifications. However, the high- frequency roughnesses of the former and the latter were 1.08 nm RMS and 0.59 nm RMS respectively, which must be improved.
Reducing the Nuttiness of State Taxes and Draining the Swamp: What California Should Do

The author proposes tax reform measures that California should take. California should make its sales tax simple, tax all household purchases, and exempt all business purchases, the author writes. California should join the Streamlined Sales Tax Project, he says. He also suggests that states should place uniform weight on the factors used to apportion corporate income.
V-Notched Rail Test for Shear-Dominated Deformation of Ti-6Al-4V.

Evermore sophisticated ductile plasticity and failure models demand experimental material characterization of shear behavior; yet, the mechanics community lacks a widely accepted, standard test method for shear-dominated deformation and failure of ductile metals. We investigated the use of the V-notched rail test, borrowed from the ASTM D7078 standard for shear testing of composites, for shear testing of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheet material, considering sheet rolling direction and quasi-static and transient load rates. In this paper, we discuss practical aspects of testing, modifications to the specimen geometry, and the experimental shear behavior of Ti-6Al-4V. Specimen installation, machine compliance, specimen-grip slip during testing, and specimen V-notched geometry all influenced the measured specimen behavior such that repeatable shear-dominated behavior was initially difficult to obtain. We will discuss the careful experimental procedure and set of measurements necessary to extract meaningful shear information for Ti-6Al-4V. We also evaluate the merits and deficiencies, including practicality of testing for engineering applications and quality of results, of the V-notched rail test for characterization of ductile shear behavior.
Aqueous Chemistry of the Metallocene [Cp2MoCl2]BF4: Evidence of Autocatalytic Molybdenum(V) Reduction in Water

The aqueous chemistry of the air-stable Mo(V) metallocene [Cp2MoCl2]BF4 (1) yields an unexpected autocatalytic reduction when water is added to an acetonitrile solution of 1. While 1 yields the exp...
Estimating integrals using quadrature methods with an application in pharmacokinetics

SUMMARY The estimation of integrals using numerical quadrature is common in many biological studies. For instance, in biopharmaceutical research the area under curves is a useful quantity in deriving pharmacokinetic parameters and in providing a surrogate measure of the total dose of a compound at a particular site. In this paper, statistical issues as separate from numerical issues are considered in choosing a quadrature rule. The class of Newton-Cotes numerical quadrature procedures is examined from the perspective of minimizing mean squared error (MSE). The MSEs are examined for a variety of functions commonly encountered in pharmacokinetics. It is seen that the simplest Newton-Cotes procedure, the trapezoidal rule, frequently provides minimum MSE for a variety of concentrationtime shapes and under a variety of response variance conditions. A biopharmaceutical example is presented to illustrate these considerations.
Sampling Depth of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Probes: Computational and Experimental Analysis

Sampling depth for diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was investigated using computational and experimental techniques. The proposed method can be used to design DRS probes for specific applications where sampling depth is an important factor.
Determination of Quasi-Fermi Levels across Illuminated Organic Donor/Acceptor Heterojunctions by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KFM), we have measured the electrochemical potentials across indium tin oxide/organic and donor/acceptor heterojunctions in the dark and under illumination with white light. We have found that the photovoltage generated across these heterojunctions is strongly correlated with the difference between the respective HOMO and LUMO levels of the donor and acceptor and also very closely approximates measured open-circuit voltages in completed solar cells. These results imply that KFM tracks the Fermi level positions within the donor and acceptor layers under photoexcitation. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of KFM for understanding potential profiles across active layers in planar-heterojunction organic solar cells.
Epidemiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Understanding and applying the epidemiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is necessary to provide quality patient care to a growing and aging female population. As the elderly population is expected to almost double from 2012 to 2050, POP will become more prevalent, placing greater demands on our health care system and specialty-trained providers. In this review, we will evaluate and summarize recent literature and also highlight older studies of clinical significance that contribute to an overall understanding of the topic. While prevalence rates vary, the proportion of women with bothersome POP symptoms is approximately 3–6 % of women. POP is associated with decreased quality of life and a variety of bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction symptoms. Treatment options include expectant management, nonsurgical options, and surgery. For this review, we will review the prevalence of POP, trends in the management of POP, and future care needs with regard to POP.
Anogenital papillomavirus infection and neoplasia in immunodeficient women.

SUMMARY People with deficient cell-mediated immunity have an increased susceptibility to viral infections and certain cancers, particularly large cell lymphomas and cancers of the skin and anogenital region. All are linked to viral origins. Neoplasms in the immunodeficient patient often occur at a relatively young age, involve multifocal locations, tend to persist, recur, and progress rapidly. Anogenital neoplasms show a strong association with HPV infection and also persist, extend, and progress, in spite of standard therapy. Since standard therapy of anogenital HPV infection and neoplasia is often not effective in immunodeficient patients (and others with an anogenital neoplastic syndrome), special treatment is required. 5-Fluorouracil chemosurgery, followed by maintenance 5-fluorouracil therapy, is effective and provides field suppression against recurrent HPV infection and neoplasia, with minimal damage to affected organs. After removal of all detectable HPV infection or neoplastic lesions, immunodeficient patients require close surveillance of the entire anogenital tract. Immunodeficient patients are an in-vivo human laboratory in which to study the natural history of HPV and its oncogenic effects on the anogenital tract. The theory of HPV oncogenesis is supported by the evidence gathered from these patients.
Enhanced Squeezing in an Optically Bistable Two-Photon Medium

There has been a great deal of recent interest in the search of an optical system which exhibits significant squeezing.1–3 Most work to date concentrate on the temporal steady state limit in the presence of damping, with the conclusion that the resulting squeezing is not very significant. However, the t → ∞ result is not relevant to most experimental situations, in particular traveling wave systems. In this paper we study the transient behavior of a two-photon system with an added third-index nonlinearity. We find that the squeezing effect is significantly enhanced as it develops in time.
Frequency Weighting for Low-Order Decentralized Control of Large Space Structures

Frequency weighting provides a methodological procedure for directing the control effort towards the frequency range captured by design models and for restricting the control effort to the bandwidth of the available actuators. A two stage design procedure is summarized to achieve performance goals associated with the modeled dynamics and increased robustness with respect to the unmodeled dynamics.
Secondary generalization of focal-onset seizures: examining the relationship between seizure propagation and epilepsy surgery outcome

Surgical intervention often fails to achieve seizure-free results in patients with intractable epilepsy. Identifying features of the epileptic brain that dispose certain patients to unfavorable out...