cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Names, Epithets, and Pseudonyms in Linguistic Case Studies: A Historical Overview

AbstractThis article explores the use of names, epithets, and pseudonyms as they have been employed since the late eighteenth century to label subjects in linguistic case studies. I focus on two kinds of case studies: those of normal language learning, and those of persons with unusual language profiles. Various naming practices attested in this literature imply a range of relationships holding among authors, readers, and the subjects of case studies. Moreover, it appears that, over time, authors have differently prioritized the factors that bear on the choice of a name, epithet, or pseudonym.
Burned by Bullying in the American Workplace: Prevalence, Perception, Degree and Impact†

This study assesses the prevalence of workplace bullying in a sample of US workers, using a standardized measure of workplace bullying (Negative Acts Questionnaire, NAQ), and compares the current study's prevalence rates with those from other bullying and aggression studies. The article opens by defining bullying as a persistent, enduring form of abuse at work and contrasting it with other negative workplace actions and interactions. Through a review of the current literature, we propose and test hypotheses regarding bullying prevalence and dynamics relative to a sample of US workers. After discussing research methods, we report on the rates of bullying in a US sample, compare these to similar studies, and analyse the negative acts that might lead to perceptions of being bullied. Based upon past conceptualizations, as well as research that suggests bullying is a phenomenon that occurs in gradations, we introduce and provide statistical evidence for the construct and impact of bullying degree. Finally, the study explores the impact of bullying on persons who witnessed but did not directly experience bullying in their jobs.
Inferring the goals of a nonhuman agent

Johnson, Slaughter, and Carey [Dev. Sci. 1 (1998) 233.] used infants' ability to follow the ‘gaze’ of novel objects to claim that infants' recognition of mentalistic agents is not isomorphic with person recognition but rather based on a set of nonarbitrary object recognition cues including the presence of a face and the ability to interact contingently with other agents. The current studies extend these findings with data based on infant imitation and the production of communicative gestures. The first study replicated Meltzoff's [Dev. Psychol. 31 (1995) 838.] reenactment of goals paradigm with a novel, nonhuman agent. Fifteen-month-olds were found to reenact both the completed and uncompleted/unseen goals of a novel object that had a face and interacted contingently with the experimenter and infant. Concurrently, infants directed many communicative gestures at the object. A second study excluded the possibility that the communicative gestures apparently directed at the object in Study 1 were in fact imitations of the experimenter's own behavior. The suggestion that novel, nonhuman objects are capable of eliciting such divergent behaviors as gaze-following, goal reenactment, and communicative gestures from infants, supports the claim that all of these behaviors are mediated by a central conceptual notion of mentalistic being, at least by the ages studied, and that that concept is not isomorphic with the concept person.
Feyerabend's democratic critique of expertise

Abstract Paul Feyerabend is famous for presenting a scathing indictment of modern experts as a threat to democracy. While commentators have questioned the accuracy of his portrayal of experts, they have not assessed the accuracy of his depiction of laypeople. Although Feyerabend has political reasons for wanting to demythologize grandiose notions of expertise, his political project hinders clear thinking about the question by idealizing the alternative lay perspective.
Using critical policy analysis to examine competing discourses in zero tolerance legislation: do we really want to leave no child behind?

The increasing use of zero tolerance discipline policies in the USA has led to a ‘discipline gap,’ in which minoritized students receive harsher and more frequent suspensions and expulsions than their peers from dominant cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Though disciplinary decisions are made by educators at the school level, mandates regarding the disciplinary infractions that must result in exclusionary discipline are made at the federal and state levels. Using a theoretical framework that distinguishes the discourse of safety from the discourse of equity, this critical policy analysis examines how state-level zero tolerance legislation portrays educators, students, and school discipline and reflects neoliberal influence. Findings show that these policies narrowly define schools’ roles as developing academic, but not behavioral, skills. Students are portrayed as rational actors who deserve the punishment meted out by educators when students choose to behave disruptively; and educators have absolut...
Silver Nanostructures on Silicon Based on Galvanic Displacement Process

A simple and versatile process, based on a galvanic displacement reaction, is presented that provides controlled growth of different silver structures on silicon including thin films, nanocrystals, nanoparticles, and more complex structures termed nanodesert rose. Structure selection is achieved by choosing a suitable ratio of AgF:KF in the plating solution, in the absence of any other additive, and by changing immersion times and precursor concentrations. We demonstrate the usefulness of some of these nanostructures as reproducible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates.
In vivo imaging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into myocardium using magnetic resonance imaging: A novel method to trace the transplanted cells

Abstract Background: In vivo imaging of the cells transplanted into the beating heart is very important for the study of the cell's retention, migration. This study was designed to find a new labeling agent to trace and visualize the transplanted cells in vivo. Method: BMMSCs were incubated with SPIO for 48 h. The labeling efficiency was tested through Prussian blue staining, the growth ability was evaluated through MTT, and the cells viability was tested through Trypan blue rejection method, the migratory ability was assessed with Costar Transwell plates. After 10 days of coronary ligation of the Chinese mini swine, the labeled or unlabeled cells were transplanted into the myocardium. The MRI was carried out immediately and 1–4 weeks, respectively. After MRI the hearts were excised, the segment in which injections were performed were thin cut and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Prussian blue staining. Results: There were intracytoplasmatic blue particles in nearly every cell in the Prussian blue staining. SPIO had no poison effect on the cells' growth and proliferation. The cells' viability was more than 95%. The migratory ability was not affected. The injected sites containing labeled cells could all be detected through MRI and were confirmed on pathology. After 4 weeks the injected labeled cells could still be detected through MRI. The pathology showed the injected cells could survive in the MI area, and parallel in the same direction. Conclusion: The cells could be efficiently and safely labeled with SPIO and the labeled cells could be reliably detected by MRI in vivo.
End-bridging monte carlo simulation of bulk and grafted amorphous polyethylene above and below the glass transition

The very efficient end-bridging Monte Carlo (EBMC) method has been employed in order to simulate an amorphous, polydisperse 80-chain large C156 polyethylene (PE) system in atomistic detail over a w...
Increased levels of glycine tRNA associated with collagen synthesis

Analysis of codon usage for chick Type I collagen indicates that 89% of glycine codons are GGU/C. Since collagens are one-third glycine, chick Type I collagen synthesis should require large amounts of tRNAGly with the anticodon GCC. Earlier chromatographic studies of chick tRNA had indicated that connective tissues showed altered tRNAGly isoacceptor profiles [P. J. Christner and J. Rosenbloom (1976) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 172, 399-409; H. J. Drabkin and L. N. Lukens (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253, 6233-6241]. We have therefore used both two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and hybridization analysis to investigate whether collagen synthesis in chick connective tissues is associated with expression of a novel tRNAGly. Liver and calvaria tRNAs produced qualitatively similar patterns when separated on 2-D gels. Northern blots of 2-D-separated tRNAs from liver and calvaria, when hybridized to genes for vertebrate tRNAGly isoacceptors with GCC or UCC anticodons, showed hybridization to the same tRNAs in both tissues. Quantitation of tRNA species by dot blot hybridization indicated an increase in levels of the tRNAGly isoacceptor with anticodon GCC. Tissues synthesizing Type I collagen had a two- to threefold increase in this tRNA while tissues synthesizing Type II collagen showed a more modest increase. We conclude that elevated tRNAGly levels associated with collagen synthesis are due to increased amounts of the same isoacceptor which is the major tRNAGly in other tissues.
Structure and Interactions in Micellar Solutions: Molecular Simulations of Pluronic L64 Aqueous Solutions

Coarse-grained, implicit solvent molecular simulations have been conducted to investigate the structure and interactions of L64 Pluronic micelles in aqueous solutions. Simulations of an L64 solution beginning with monodisperse micelles (aggregation number Nagg = 40 chains) resulted in a narrow Gaussian distribution of Nagg centered around 40. While not fully equilibrated, this distribution supports the supposition that L64 micelles with Nagg = 40 are representative of the conditions considered and model employed. Detailed analysis of intramicellar monomers distribution and micelle shapes revealed that L64 micelles have a scalene ellipsoidal shape. Additional simulations of solutions containing 125 micelles constrained to have Nagg = 40 at polymer volume fractions of 0.024 and 0.110 were performed to study micelle-micelle structure factor, single micelle form factor, and total scattering intensity. The ability of various models utilized in analysis of scattering profiles in micellar solutions to describe the structure of the model L64 solutions was investigated. Investigation of the potential of mean force between two micelles reveals that the interactions between micelles are repulsive but on a length scale smaller than the mean micelle diameter, indicating that the micellar shape fluctuations are important in determining intermicellar interactions.
Cefaclor uptake by the proton-dependent dipeptide transport carrier of human intestinal Caco-2 cells and comparison to cephalexin uptake.

The human Caco-2 cell line spontaneously differentiates in culture to epithelial cells possessing intestinal enterocytic-like properties. These cells possess a proton-dependent dipeptide transport carrier that mediates the uptake of the cephalosporin antibiotic cephalexin (Dantzig, A.H. and Bergin, L. (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1027, 211-217). In the present study, the uptake of cefaclor was examined and found to be sodium-independent, proton-dependent, and energy-dependent. The initial rate of D-[3-phenyl-3H]cefaclor uptake was measured over a wide concentration range; uptake was mediated by a single saturable transport carrier with a Km of 7.6 mM and a Vmax of 7.6 nmol/min per mg protein and by a non-saturable component. Uptake was inhibited by dipeptides but not amino acids. The carrier showed a preference for the L-isomer. The effect of the presence of a 5-fold excess of other beta-lactam antibiotics was examined on the initial rates of 1 mM cefaclor and 1 mM cephalexin uptake. Uptake rates were inhibited by the orally absorbed antibiotics, cefadroxil, cefaclor, loracarbef, and cephradine and less so by the parenteral agents tested. The initial uptake rates of both D-[9-14C]cephalexin and D-[3-phenyl-3H]cefaclor were competitively inhibited by cephalexin, cefaclor, and loracarbef with Ki values of 9.2-13.2, 10.7-6.2, and 7.7-6.4 mM, respectively. Taken together, these data suggest that a single proton-dependent dipeptide transport carrier mediates the uptake of these orally absorbed antibiotics into Caco-2 cells, and provide further support for the use of Caco-2 cells as a cellular model for the study of the intestinal proton-dependent dipeptide transporter.
Inhibition of Oligo(glutamine) Precipitation by Glutamine-Containing Peptides

Abstract When a solution of glutamine is added to solid 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, a mixture of oligo(glutamine)s up to about the 11-mer is formed rapidly. On standing overnight, the solution deposits a precipitate that does not easily redissolve. We have studied the inhibition of this precipitation by glutamine-containing peptides. We find that the alternating peptides (arg.gln) 4 and (arg.gln) 8 are efficient inhibitors of precipitation while arg 5 , (glu.gln) 4 , and a nonalternating octapeptide of the same composition as (arg.gln) 4 do not inhibit precipitation even though all the arg-containing peptides readily adsorb to oligo(glutamine) precipitates. A possible structural basis for this difference is discussed.
Fibroblast growth factor, but not activin, is a potent activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase in Xenopus explants.

Abstract Isolated explants from the animal hemisphere of Xenopus embryos were incubated with Xenopus basic fibroblast growth factor (XbFGF) or human activin A. XbFGF incubation resulted in the rapid activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ribosomal S6 protein kinase (pp90rsk) in a dose-dependent manner with the highest levels of activation occurring at 50 ng/ml. Maximal activation occurred within 6-10 min after the addition of growth factor, and the activity of both kinases declined to unstimulated levels after 30 min. Activin was unable to activate either MAPK or pp90rsk in the Xenopus explants to a substantial level, although it induced dorsal mesoderm better than XbFGF under the same experimental conditions. The regulatory protein Xwnt-8 did not activate MAPK, nor did it enhance the activation of MAPK by XbFGF. XbFGF was able to activate MAPK through at least the midgastrula stage, suggesting that this family of growth factors may have a role in gastrula-stage events.
Lung segmentation in chest radiographs by fusing shape information in iterative thresholding

This study presents an algorithm for the segmentation of lung fields by fusing shape information priors into intensity-based thresholding in an iterative framework. The main contribution is to maximise information utilisation by effectively combining intensity information with shape priors. The global solution produced by the iterative binarisation is postprocessed using active shape model technique as a final fitting stage. Experimental results performed on publicly available database demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm in comparison with other algorithms.
Force Field Design and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Carbapenem- and Cephamycin-Resistant Dinuclear Zinc Metallo-β-lactamase from Bacteroides fragilis and Its Complex with a Biphenyl Tetrazole Inhibitor

On the basis of molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the dynamic properties of the carbapenem- and cephamycin-resistant dinuclear zinc metallo-β-lactamase from Bacteroides fragilis and its complex with a biphenyl tetrazole inhibitor, 2-butyl-6-hydroxy-3-[2‘-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-ylmethyl]-3H-quinazolin-4-one 1 (L-159061). The results obtained with the newly developed force field parameters for the coordination environment of the catalytic zinc ions show that the active site gorge comprising major and minor loops gets deeper and narrower upon binding of the inhibitor, which supports the previous experimental implication that the structural flexibility of the loop structures plays a significant role in enzymatic action. In the presence of the inhibitor, the Trp32 side chain at the apex of the major loop covers the entrance of active site channel, thereby contributing to the stabilization of the enzyme−inhibitor complex. In addition to a direct coordination of the inhibitor tetrazole ring to...
The Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Methyl Esters and Lactones Using N-Iodosuccinimide

Abstract The oxidation of primary alcohols by N -iodosuccinimide in the presence of methanol and potassium carbonate has been shown to produce methyl esters. The reaction is thought to proceed by heterolytic decomposition of hypoiodite intermediates.
Investment, alternative measures of fundamentals and revenue indicators

This article investigates the significance of revenue management in determining firm-level fixed capital investment when investment opportunities are controlled for by two of the recent empirical fundamentals: profitability shocks and the mandated investment rate. The data set includes US-based manufacturing firms. The results show that financial variables are important determinants of investment but they are not as significant as claimed by some studies. The explanatory power of financial variables in the investment process declines with increasing significance of fundamentals. Another result is that investment by expected to be financially constrained firms tends to be less sensitive to changes in financial variables.
Secretion of melanophore-stimulating hormone (MSH) in long-term cultures of pituitary neurointermediate lobes

Neurointermediate lobes from pituitaries of the frog, Rana berlandieri forreri (Rana pipiens, sensu lato), were maintained in organ culture in media with and without serum for up to six months. The cultured tissues were examined periodically by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy and by bioassay of the melanophore-stimulating hormone (MSH) secreted and present in the culture media. Light-microscopic observations revealed a high degree of preservation of the pars intermedia at four weeks with isolated areas of some glands maintaining histological integrity for the entire six months. Similarly, at the ultrastructural level the cells appeared morphologically intact and to be actively synthesizing and secreting hormone. Bioassays showed the glands to be continuously secreting MSH; however, larger yields of hormone were obtained in media lacking serum. No significant ultrastructural differences between cells grown in the presence or absence of serum were detected. The difference in concentration of MSH between the two groups therefore apparently results from enzymatic degradation of the hormone by the serum. Organ culture of the vertebrate neurointermediate lobe may provide a unique method for the production of large quantities of MSH and for the study of other melanotropic and opiate peptides as they may be synthesized and secreted by the pars intermedia.
Collagen synthesis and turnover following particle phagocytosis in dermal fibroblasts.

Abstract Dermal fibroblast collagens were isolated after cold pepsin acetic acid extraction and characterized by differentiated salt precipitation, agarose molecular sieve chromatography, CM-cellulose chromatography, and identification of cyanogen bromide cleavage peptides. Subsequent to particle phagocytosis, collagens recovered as secretory products from latex-treated cells were quantitatively less in total collagen and deficient in type III collagen. Although the total levels of hydroxyproline synthesized were similar to control cell populations, hydroxyproline recovered as non-dialyzable material was only 32% of the total hydroxyproline synthesized. Recovery of exogenous labeled collagen following dialysis, molecular sieve chromatography (Bio-Gel A-5m), and [14C]-proline pulse-chase labeling of endogenous collagen, indicates that the alteration in types and quantities of recoverable collagen chains are primarily the result of rapid intracellular turnover.
Towards transparent and scalable OpenURL quality metrics

The development of link resolvers and the OpenURL framework over a decade ago paved the way for open-ended, context-sensitive linkage from databases, indexes, and abstracting services to the appropriate resources and services to meet library users' needs. Library patrons can now retrieve more comprehensively linked scholarly information than ever before. However, even with today's link resolver technology and the OpenURLs on which the link resolvers depend, following a reference link all the way to full-text can still frustrate library users all too often. In this article, the authors present research on why OpenURLs fail so frequently. They also describe a model for measuring the quality of OpenURL metadata, using a log processor and reporting software. The results of this study demonstrate the potential applicability of such a system as a scalable, stand-alone service for all libraries, OpenURL and full-text content providers, and link resolver vendors to evaluate and improve the completeness and consistency of their links
Temporal trends in utilization of cardiac computed tomography.

Background Appropriate, inappropriate, and uncertain indications for the use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) were defined by a multisociety document in 2006. We sought to compare the appropriateness of cardiac CT examinations before and after these criteria were published. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all patients presenting for cardiac CT examinations in the first 3 months of 2006 and 2007 at a large academic medical center and an unaffiliated large cardiology group private practice. The indication for the examinations were determined from the patients' medical records. The examinations were then classified as "appropriate," "inappropriate," or "uncertain," based on appropriateness criteria. Examinations that did not fall into any of these categories were classified as "uncategorized." Results We evaluated a total of 1409 patients (64.9% men; mean age, 57.6 ± 13.4 years). The proportion of appropriate CT examinations increased from 69.5% during the study period in 2006 to 78.5% in 2007 ( P = 0.001). A corresponding decrease was observed in inappropriate CT examinations from 11.5% in 2006 to 4.6% in 2007 ( P = 0.001). No change was observed in the number of CT examinations that were deemed uncertain (12.7% in 2006, and 13.3% in 2007; P = NS). Conclusion The number of CT examinations considered appropriate increased during the study period, whereas the number of inappropriate examinations decreased. Cardiologists were more likely than noncardiologists to order examinations that were appropriate during the study period.
Implicit Contracts with Asymmetric Information and Bankruptcy: The Effect of Interest Rates on Layoffs

This paper develops a model in which a firm writes labour contracts with workers and debt contracts with creditors. Firms have more information than do the owners of the factors of production and they are also subject to limited liability. We show that if the limited liability constraint is binding then the employment level is inefficient relative to a situation of symmetric information. The firm is then embedded into a partial equilibrium model in which the real rate of interest is exogenously determined. We show that increases in the real rate of interest increase the inefficiency of the optimal employment contract and lead to layoffs in more states of nature than would occur at lower real interest rates. Recent literature in the area of implicit contracts, has shown considerable interest in the assumption of asymmetric information (henceforth A.I.). Papers by Azariadis (1982), Green and Kahn (1982) and Grossman and Hart (1981) have all shown that A.I. will interfere with optimal risk sharing, but although these models produce non-Walrasian outcomes it is not clear that they are capable of explaining the observed variations in employment over the business cycle. In the absence of a link between the level of employment and other macroeconomic variables, these new versions of contract theory are open to the charge that they are presenting a complicated explanation of frictional unemployment. One potential link between variations in output, and variations in intertemporal prices, is suggested by models which explicitly allow for the possibility of bankruptcy. Sappington (1983) has shown that bankruptcy will generate inefficient outcomes even between risk neutral agents and Farmer (1984) has shown that if Sappington type contracts are incorporated into a macroeconomic structure then the resulting model predicts that bankruptcies will vary countercyclically over the business cycle. Although bankruptcy is important, however, it is unlikely that bankruptcies alone will account for all of the output loss during a recession. The purpose of this paper is to show that the assumptions of A.I. and limited liability will generate a model in which the employment level is inefficient and in which the magnitude of this inefficiency varies systematically with the expected real rate of interest. This model predicts that the observed increase in the incidence of layoffs during recessions is directly attributable to the effects of high interest rates on aggregate supply. Some evidence of the phenomenon to be explained is presented below.
Kappa opioid receptors in rat spinal cord: sex-linked distribution differences.

Abstract Activation of κ opioid receptors (KORs) in the spinal cord can diminish nociception. Humans and rodents show sex differences in the analgesia produced by KOR agonists, and female rats show fluctuations in KOR density and sensitivity across the estrous cycle. However, it is unclear whether there are sex differences in the amount and/or distribution of spinal KORs. In the present study, immunocytochemically labeled KORs were examined in laminae I and II of the lumbosacral spinal dorsal horn of male and normally cycling female Sprague–Dawley rats. The basic pattern of KOR labeling was determined in both sexes using qualitative electron microscopy (EM), and sex-linked differences in the density and subcellular distribution of KOR immunoreactivity were determined with quantitative EM and light microscopy. KOR labeling was visualized with immunoperoxidase for optimally sensitive detection, or with immunogold for precise subcellular localization. By EM, the general pattern of KOR immunoreactivity was similar in males and females. KOR immunoreactivity was common in dendrites, axons, and axon terminals, and was in a few glia and neuronal somata. Most KOR-immunoreactive (-ir) axons were fine-diameter and unmyelinated. Most KOR-ir terminals were small or medium-sized, and a minority formed asymmetric or symmetric synapses with unlabeled dendrites. KOR immunoreactivity was associated both with the plasma membrane and with cytoplasmic organelles, notably including dense core vesicles in terminals. Light microscopic densitometry revealed that KOR immunoreactivity was significantly denser in estrus and proestrus females than in males. By EM, the distribution of KOR-immunogold labeling within axon terminals differed, with a greater proportion of cytoplasmic KOR labeling in estrus females compared with males. In contrast, the abundance and types of KOR-immunoperoxidase-labeled profiles did not show sex-linked differences. We conclude that in both sexes, KORs are positioned to influence both pre- and postsynaptic neurotransmission and are present in morphologically heterogeneous neuron populations. These findings are consistent with complex consequences of KOR activation in the spinal cord. In addition, the presence of increased KOR density and proportionally elevated intracellular KORs in proestrus/estrus females suggests a basis for sex-linked differences in KOR-mediated antinociception.
Therapeutic and prophylactic immunization against Streptococcus iniae infection in hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis)

Vaccination strategies have traditionally been used as preventative or prophylactic measures against disease (prophylactic immunization) in uninfected ¢sh. Alternatively, therapeutic or remedial measures, such as antibiotic administration, are commonly employed to treat disease in infected ¢sh.Vaccination as a therapeutic measure (therapeutic immunization), however, has not been adequately explored in subclinically infected ¢sh. Therapeutic and prophylactic immunization with three Streptococcus iniae vaccines, formalin-killed whole S. iniae cells (FKC vaccine), concentrated S. iniae extracellular products (greater than 2 kDa) (ECP vaccine) and a combination of killed cells and extracellular products (FKC1ECP vaccine), were tested in hybrid striped bass, Morone chrysops Morone saxatilis, previously naturally infected with S. iniae. Fish (mean weight 10.0 g) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) or intramuscularly (IM) with one of each of the vaccines, tryptic soy broth (TSB-control) or non-injected (noninjected control) to evaluate therapeutic eiects (Trial 1). Survivors of the natural infection and ECP and FKC1ECP vaccine immunization and another lot of non-injected control ¢sh were immersion challenged with 1.47 10 6 CFU of S. iniae mL 1 at 44 days postimmunization to evaluate vaccine e⁄cacy (Trial 2). Hybrid striped bass (1.0 g) were also IM injected with S. iniae ECP vaccine at an aquaculture facility and immersion challenged with 1.47 10 6 CFU of S. iniae mL 1 12 weeks post-immunization (Trial 3). The ECP and FKC1ECP vaccines, regardless of injection route, signi¢cantly (Po0.001) increased sur
Effects of education and globalisation on income distribution

This study examines the effects of education and globalisation on income inequality using cross-country data. We confirm the existence of the Kuznets inverted-U hypothesis for the relationship between income level and income inequality. However, the inverse U-shaped curve lacks robustness when additional variables are introduced in the model. The empirical results show that educational variables play an important role in determining distribution of income. Our findings indicate that a higher level of educational attainment of the population has contributed to improvement of income distribution, while educational inequity causes income inequality. It is also found that the higher the level of globalisation, the more unequal income distribution, while freedom, whether economic freedom or political freedom, has marginal effects on income inequality.
Grain inflation: Identifying agent discretion in response to a conditional school nutrition program

Abstract Many incentive programs rely on local agents with significant discretion to allocate benefits. We estimate the degree of discretion exercised by teachers within a conditional transfer program designed to improve nutrition and encourage student attendance in Mumbai, India. The program allocates grain to students every month their attendance exceeds 80% , creating an incentive for teachers to inflate attendance to benefit certain students. We find that teachers manipulate students' records, altering the incentives to attend school. The teachers' response also varies across students. Teachers inflate more for girls, better students, and students from lower castes, but less for Muslim students.
Adnexal masses requiring surgical intervention in women with advanced cervical cancer

Abstract Objective Surgical evaluation of adnexal masses in patients with cervical cancer can be considered in order to optimize treatment outcomes and rule out a second pathologic process. Our objective was to review treatment patterns and outcomes in women with advanced cervical cancer (ACC) and an adnexal mass. Methods A retrospective review was performed with IRB approval of patients treated for advanced cervical cancer at our institution between 1990 and 2011. Patients were identified using institutional databases and tumor registries. Descriptive statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel 2011 and Instat was used to perform Fisher's exact test and student T-tests. Results Two hundred twenty eight patients with stage IIB–IVB cervical cancer were identified, 50 (22%) of whom had an adnexal mass on initial imaging studies (31 stage IIB, 15 stage IIIB, 3 stage IVA, 3 stage IVB). The mean follow up time of patients with adnexal masses was 22months (range 3–128months). Thirteen of 50 (26%) patients underwent surgical evaluation of the adnexal mass. Six were found to have cervical cancer metastatic to the adnexae, while seven had benign adnexal lesions. Thirty-seven of 50 (74%) patients were conservatively managed. All 37 women had cystic masses Conclusion Twelve percent of women with ACC and an adnexal mass have ovarian metastases. Patients with cystic masses less than 8cm and complex masses less than 5cm in size can be expectantly managed.
Signature strength metrics for camouflaged targets corresponding to human perceptual cues

The goal of this research is to find signature strength metrics that correspond closely to the distinctness of a target as perceived by humans, especially for camouflaged targets. We consider metrics that attempt to measure the strength of three perceptual cues: contrast, tex- ture differences, and boundary strength. The contrast cue is measured with first-order metrics, differences in texture are measured with a second-order metric, and boundary strength is measured by computing contrast along the target-background boundary. We discuss a psycho- physical experiment designed to generate quantitative measurements of perceived target distinctness for comparison with the target signature strength metrics. This experiment involves paired comparisons of image stimuli, each containing a single random target pattern embedded at a known location in a random background pattern. The data from the psy- chophysical experiment are compared with computed values of the tar- get signature strength metrics, and a second-order image texture metric was found to exhibit the strongest correlation with the human data. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(98)03402-3) Subject terms: target signature metrics; target discrimination; perceptual cues; texture; camouflage.
A study on the preparation and physical property determination of NaVO2

Abstract Stoichiometric and near-stoichiometric NaVO 2 phases have been prepared by the hydrogen reduction of NaVO 3 or mixtures of Na 2 CO 3 and V 2 O 5 at 650°C. The black reduction products react instantly with air to generate nonstoichiometric Na x VO 2 phases with the formation of NaOH. Stoichiometry of the compound could be maintained by working in a dry box under a gettered argon atmosphere. Pure NaVO 2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction studies, thermoanalytical methods, and magnetic measurements. The semireversible crystallographic transition was noted at 115°C by means of a differential scanning calorimetry experiment. This transition, however, is very weak and quite broad. At room temperature, NaVO 2 appears to be orthorhombic, but above the transition temperature, it adopts the α-NaFeO 2 structure. The magnetic properties indicate a moderate interaction between vanadium centers which reduces the overall magnetic moment to a value of approx 1.2 μB, a moment which is much lower than that expected for the spin-only moment for trivalent vanadium.
Jupiter: The Planet, Satellites and Magnetosphere

In June 2001, with the Galileo mission ending and the Cassini mission having encountered Jupiter on its way to Saturn, a conference (titled “Jupiter: The Planet, Satellites and Magnetosphere,” sponsored by NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ball Aerospace, Southwest Research Institute, and the University of Colorado) was held on 25–30 June 2001, in Boulder, Colorado, to provide a framework for generating a comprehensive volume that would summarize current knowledge of the Jovian system. Three years later, this encyclopedic volume, Jupiter: The Planet, Satellites and Magnetosphere, was published, presenting an impressive detailed guide for understanding this complex system.
Expression of the Fcγ receptor on Ly‐1+ B lymphocytes

The expression of IgG Fc receptor (FcR) molecules was examined on Ly-1+ B cells and B cells tumors. FcR molecules were found on a representative Ly-1+ B cell lymphoma of the pre-B and as well as of the mature cell B phenotypes. The expression of the FcR did not change on these cells during their differentiation to B cells or to antibody-secreting cells, respectively. Ly-1+ B cells were found at low frequency (approximately 2%) in the spleens of normal mice, and in the peritoneal cavity where their representation was greater. The frequency of Ly-1+ B cells declined after birth, although their numbers increased in both organs. These Ly-1+ B cells expressed the FcR molecule throughout ontogeny. Furthermore, the amount of FcR expressed on Ly-1+ B cells was similar to the levels expressed on their "conventional" (Ly-1-) B cell counterparts. The FcR was also found on Ly-1+ B cells from autoimmune mice. The significance of the expression of FcR molecules on Ly-1+ B cells is discussed.
Gametogenesis and calcification of planktonic Foraminifera

THE processes of gametogenesis and development in benthic Foraminifera are well known1,2; however, only recently has there been substantial success in the culture of planktonic species3. As part of an investigation of planktonic life cycles, we have maintained in laboratory culture mature foraminifers of Hastigerina pelagica and Orbulina universa for up to 68 d with more than 80% of the individuals producing gametes. Juvenile stages were subsequently cultured up to initial calcification and regular chamber formation. Although other workers4–6 have cultured adults and induced gametogenesis, this is the first known success in the maintenance of gametes and the culture of second generation Foraminifera.
Metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes for transparent conductive films

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from arc-discharge production were separated into highly enriched metallic and semiconducting factions in a previously reported procedure. The fraction containing predominately metallic SWNTs was used in the fabrication of neat nanotube films of various optical transmittances. Several fabrication methods were evaluated, in which the vacuum filtration was identified as being more effective. The results consistently demonstrated high performance by the separated metallic SWNTs (with surface resistivity values to be lower than 100 Ω/sq for 80% optical transmittance at 550 nm), promising great potentials in the development of carbon nanotube-based transparent conductive films for electrodes and other devices.
Excel best practices

Purpose – Currently many jobs for undergraduate finance majors require that the student demonstrate advanced Excel modeling skills. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and explain the Excel Best Practices which should enhance their financial modeling efficiency.Design/methodology/approach – The focus is a way to teach the Excel Best Practices when teaching financial modeling with Excel 2007. It uses a chronological modeling procedure that is consistent with current learning theory and the way students should use these Excel Best Practices. A capital budgeting replacement problem is used to illustrate many of the Excel Best Practices.Findings – It was found that using a chronological modeling procedure is consistent with current learning theory.Originality/value – Using the procedures mentioned in this paper should result in efficient financial modeling. Efficient models are created in less time, have fewer errors, if any, and are designed for ease of use.
The More or Less Startling Effects of Weak Prestimulation

Weak lead stimulation can modify the human startle reflex It is proposed that, with the aid of physiological measures taken in the interval between lead and startle stimuli, this paradigm offers a promising method of investigating different levels of central processing, the operation of a short time-constant as opposed to a long time-constant system, and the operation of an orienting-Attentional as apposed an Intensity dependent activational system.
Higher order QCD corrections to double moment ratios in deep inelastic scattering

In this paper, order α2 contributions to double moment ratios in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering are computed. They are substantial.
The Genetics of Male Fertility—From Basic Science to Clinical Evaluation

Our understanding of male fertility has increased dramatically over the past several decades, in large part because of advances in technology and the ability to rapidly analyze large quantities of high-resolution genetic data. These research efforts have led to an understanding of some of the genes involved in male fertility and have enabled us to test for defects in these genes that result in infertility in men. However, our understanding of male fertility remains far from comprehensive, and many genes involved in male fertility likely remain to be identified and their mechanisms of action elucidated. This can only be accomplished through continued, persistent investigations using cutting-edge technologies. In this review, we discuss the history of genetic testing and how it applies to male fertility, from the identification of the sex chromosomes at the turn of the century to classification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms that may result in infertility and are the crux of modern genetic analysis. We discuss the genetic testing methodologies traditionally used for genetic assessment of infertile males, including karyotype analysis, sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction-based testing for Y chromosomal evaluation, as well as cutting-edge genetic testing methodologies using microarrays and whole-genome sequencing, permitting analysis at a nucleotide-level resolution. Finally, we describe our vision of the future of genetic testing in the setting of male infertility, culminating in truly personalized medicine for each affected infertile male.
Recognition of form features using convex decomposition

Abstract A convex decomposition method, called the alternating sum of volumes (ASV) method, uses convex hulls and set-difference operations. ASV decomposition may not converge, which severely limits the domain of geometric objects that can be handled. Via the combination of ASV decomposition and remedial partitioning for the non-convergence, a convergent convex decomposition is proposed that is called the alternating sum of volumes with partitioning (ASVP) decomposition. The paper describes how ASVP decomposition is used for the recognition of form features. In this approach to form-feature recognition, volumetric form features which are intrinsic to the shape of a given object are recognized from the boundary information through ASVP decomposition. Moreover, hierarchical relationships between the recognized form features are obtained in addition to global spatial information.
In vivo antitumor effects of electrochemotherapy in a hepatoma model

The use of in vivo electroporation in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent (electrochemotherapy) for the treatment of liver tumors was examined. Induced rat hepatomas were treated with a 0.5 unit intratumor bleomycin dose followed by rectangular direct current pulses. Six pulses were administered during treatment using a needle array electrode that rotated the applied electric field around the tumors. A 84.6% objective response rate resulted for tumors that received both bleomycin and electric pulses. Control groups that received partial or no treatment showed less than 10% objective response rates. These results indicate that electrochemotherapy can be translated from the treatment of cutaneous cancers to the treatment of liver tumors and other internal tumors.
Immunoaffinity method to identify aggregin, a putative ADP-receptor in human blood platelets.

The ADP–receptor on the surface of human platelets and cells of megakaryocytic lineage has been classified as P2T purinergic receptor for which ADP is an agonist and ATP is an antagonist. Although it is one of the earliest identified of the important cellular receptors, it has neither been purified nor cloned. We have developed an immunoaffinity method for rapidly identifying the platelet ADP–receptor and this method can be extended to the purification of the receptor. A polyclonal antibody to glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) covalently modified by 5′-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) recognized neither FSBA nor glutamate dehydrogenase. Immunoblot of the gel obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of solubilized FSBA-labeled platelets showed the presence of a protein band at 100 kDa and this band was absent in the immunoblots of platelets that were preincubated with ADP and ATP or covalently modified by the chemically reactive ADP-affinity analogs, 2- and 8-(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutylthio)adenosine-5′-diphosphate (2- and 8BDB-TADP) and 2-(3-bromo-2-oxopropylthio)adenosine-5′-diphosphate (2-BOP-TADP), prior to treatment with FSBA. FSBA as well as 2- and 8-BDB-TADP and 2-BOP-TADP have been previously shown to inhibit ADP-induced platelet responses by selectively and covalently modifying aggregin (100 kDa), an ADP–receptor in intact human blood platelets. The results show that polyclonal antibody to FSBA-labeled GDH is capable of recognizing FSBA-labeled aggregin on platelets and, thus, could be used to purify aggregin by immunoaffinity column chromatography. The immunoaffinity method was found to be far more sensitive than the radiochemical methods to identify aggregin previously developed in our laboratory. Since FSBA is also capable of reacting with enzymes that require ATP for their catalytic function, the polyclonal antibody may be used to identify and purify other P2-type purinergic receptors that require binding of ATP before eliciting cellular responses.
The centralization of robotic surgery in high-volume centers for endometrial cancer patients — A study of 6560 cases in the U.S.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the hospital and patient factors associated with robotic surgery for endometrial cancer in the United States. Methods Data was obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the year 2010. Chi-squared and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results Of the 6560 endometrial cancer patients who underwent surgery, the median age was 62 (range: 22 to 99). 1647 (25%) underwent robotic surgery, 820 (13%) laparoscopic, and 4093 (62%) had open surgery. The majority was White (65%). Hospitals with 76 or more hysterectomy cases for endometrial cancer patients per year (4% of hospitals in the study) performed 31% of all hysterectomies and 40% of all robotic hysterectomies (p Conclusions The majority of robotic surgeries for endometrial cancer were performed at a small number of high-volume hospitals in the United States. Socioeconomic status, insurance type, and race were also important predictors for the use of RS. Further studies are warranted to better understand the barriers to receiving minimally invasive surgery.
Fast Evaluation Method for Transient Hot Spots in VLSI ICs in Packages

Recently VLSI IC design is concerned with the large temperature non-uniformity in high power chips. Thus far, thermal simulations have been limited to steady-state worst case conditions, which have caused the use of conservative margins in thermal designs. Transient temperature characteristics were not simulated in prior art chip-level simulations due to the high computational expense. To drastically reduce the time for the chip-level thermal simulations, we have developed a matrix convolution technique, called the Power Blurring (PB) method. Our method renders the temperature profile of a packaged IC with maximum error less than 3% for several case studies done and reduces the computation time by a factor of 100, compared to the simulations done by the industry standard finite element tools.
Discrimination at the Doctor's Office

Recent years have seen highly publicized examples of doctors' rejecting patients on the basis of such characteristics as sexual orientation and weight. Differential treatment based on negative moral judgments of patients is unethical, and legal standards largely agree.