cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equal Pay for Equal Work: Medicare Procedure Volume and Reimbursement for Male and Female Surgeons Performing Total Knee and Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background The observed sex gap in physician salary has been the topic of much recent debate in the United States, but it has not been well-described among orthopaedic surgeons. The objective of this study was to evaluate for sex differences in Medicare claim volume and reimbursement among orthopaedic surgeons. Methods The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Public Use File was used to compare claim volume and reimbursement between female and male orthopaedic surgeons in 2013. Data were extracted for each billing code per orthopaedic surgeon in the year 2013 for total claims, surgical claims, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) claims, and total hip arthroplasty (THA) claims. Results A total of 20,546 orthopaedic surgeons who treated traditional Medicare patients were included in the initial analysis. Claim volume and reimbursement received were approximately twofold higher for all claims and more than threefold higher for surgical claims for male surgeons when compared with female surgeons (p 10 TKAs and THAs, respectively, in 2013 for Medicare patients and were included in the subset analyses. Although male surgeons performed a higher mean number of TKAs than female surgeons (mean and standard deviation, 37 ± 33 compared with 26 ± 17, respectively, p Conclusions Female surgeons had a lower number of total claims and reimbursements compared with male surgeons. However, among surgeons who performed >10 THAs and TKAs, there were no sex differences in the mean reimbursement payment per surgeon. Clinical relevance The number of women in orthopaedics is rising, and there is much interest in how their productivity and compensation compare with their male counterparts.
The effect of sand grain roughness on the grain-scale spatial distribution of grain-surface precipitates formed by evaporation

Abstract This work examined the precipitation patterns formed by two solutes (sucrose, sodium chloride) on individual sand grains after evaporation from aqueous solution. Experiments were conducted by placing droplets of solution on individual grains, allowing them to evaporate, and then imaging the resulting precipitates. Grains were cleaned and used for multiple experiments with different solution concentrations. Precipitation patterns were studied through a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of the work indicate that sodium chloride precipitates were formed on ridges on the grain surfaces, while sucrose precipitates were formed in valleys. The difference in the behavior was consistent with the hydraulics of film flow out of low points on grain surfaces during evaporation (a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the coffee-ring effect), and the different viscosities of the two solutes near their solubilities. Simulations were able to produce precipitation patterns on grain surfaces consistent with experimental observations. Based on the results of the work, it is likely that most solutes will exhibit precipitation on ridges; only those with extremely high viscosities at their solubility (e.g. hundreds of mPa s) might be expected to be trapped in valleys.
Foraging and Feeding

Gypsy moth larvae defoliate vast areas of forest across Europe, northern Africa, and North America, feeding on over 50 tree species and reaching densities of tens of thousands of individuals per hectare. South American phorid flies lay their eggs on fire ants, and the grub that hatches invades the ant’s head, consuming the brain; ultimately the ant’s head falls off and a new fly emerges. Bed bugs live only with humans, and do poorly when fed other kinds of blood.
Evaluating the Loss of Communications in Distribution Protection Systems Using GridLAB-D

Protection in distribution systems is vital for maintaining reliability and ensuring proper power quality is provided to the end-use customer. As more switching devices are deployed on distribution systems, traditional protection schemes are giving way to more advanced, and sometimes centrally coordinated, protection schemes that rely on communications infrastructure. With these communications-dependent systems, the behaviors of the protection with and without the communications infrastructure must be examined. This work has evaluated the impacts of loss of communication in centrally coordinated protection schemes. Two test cases were examined: a sequence of similar faults on a feeder before and after a topology reconfiguration, and a feeder with a photovoltaic (PV) fault current contribution. Both simulations are run in the GridLAB-D™ simulation environment. A simple connectivity model is used to represent communication status. The results reveal that a failure of the communication system can cause significantly different protection behavior. This analysis can be used as a basis for utility engineers to make an informed decision on the impacts of communication losses on their system, as well as evaluating ways to mitigate its impact on the resiliency of the system.
Transrectal ultrasound imaging using plane-wave, fan-beam and wide-beam ultrasound: Phantom results

Plane-wave, fan-beam and wide-beam ultrasound can transmit higher ultrasound energy compared to synthetic-aperture ultrasound, leading to improved signal-to-noise ratios in ultrasound reflection/scattering signals. This is particularly useful for transrectal ultrasound imaging using end-firing transrectal ultrasound probes. We conduct a phantom study to evaluate the capabilities of plane-wave, fan-beam and wide-beam ultrasound for prostate imaging. The penetration depth decreases from plane-wave to fan-beam to wide-beam ultrasound, with increasing imaging areas. We use a transrectal ultrasound prototype consisting of a 256-channel Verasonics Vantage system and a GE intracavitary curved linear array to form plane-wave, fan-beam and wide-beam ultrasound. Our imaging results of a tissue-mimicking prostate phantom show that wide-beam ultrasound produces the best imaging among the three different beams of ultrasound when using the same number of ultrasound incident angles.
Special Issue on the Evolution of Marriage: Children of Same-Sex Parents Deserve the Security Blanket of the Parentage Presumption

... This article considers what rights are important to children of same-sex couples, and concludes that these children must be protected by the presumption of parentage. ... As such, the parentage presumption should apply equally to children born of a same-sex marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union, as well as to children who live with a same-sex partner in a parent-child relationship. ... There are a few notable exceptions: if the couple is able to marry, if the non-biological parent(s) adopt the child, or if the couple enters a domestic partnership or civil union in a state that recognizes a parentage presumption. ... Two recent cases decided by the California Supreme Court illustrate the pressing need for a parentage presumption applicable to children of same-sex couples. ... As explained above, the state assumes that same-sex families cause children harm or, at a minimum, that heterosexual marriages are better for children. ... The parentage presumption should be implemented in two circumstances in particular: when a child is born to a couple recognized as a domestic partnership or a civil union and when a partner has acted as a de facto parent. ... As with married, heterosexual couples, a presumption of parentage should exist if a child is born to partners of a domestic partnership or civil union. ...
High-resolution remote sensing data as a boundary object to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration

Native forest regrowth in degraded tropical landscapes is critical for biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and human livelihoods. However, social and ecological drivers of reforestation have primarily been studied in separate disciplinary frameworks and at different spatial scales. In southwestern Panama, we found that scale mismatches between satellite data used to study land cover change, forest inventory plots used to study ecological dynamics, and household survey data used to study farmer behavior were a major impediment to our research goals. We overcame the challenges posed by scale mismatches by applying high-resolution remote sensing data to facilitate interdisciplinary research. We describe how our data sources enabled us to scale up ecological field data, present our research to stakeholders, and resolve discrepancies between data at different scales. High-resolution imagery can thus facilitate boundary crossing via cross-scale research on coupled natural-human systems.
Cirrhosis, Thrombosis, Finding FaXts about Doses: Dosing of Unfractionated Heparin for Venous Thromboembolism in Cirrhosis:

Background: Despite known disease-specific alterations to anti-factor Xa (AXA) levels, the physiological response of patients with cirrhosis to unfractionated heparin (UFH) infusions is not well established in clinical settings. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the dosing and safety profile of UFH in patients with varying degrees of cirrhosis when treated for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at a single academic medical center in the United States. Patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis who received UFH infusions for greater than 48 hours for treatment of VTE were included. Comparisons between heparin infusion rates, AXA levels, and safety outcomes based on severity of cirrhosis were made to define differences between those groups. Results: When compared by compensation status or by Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class, patients with more severe disease trended toward lower initial AXA levels on heparin initiation and higher heparin requirements to achieve therapeutic levels and were significantly less likely to achieve therapeutic levels than patients with less severe disease (P = 0.001 for compensation, P = 0.017 for CTP). Additionally, bleeding rates were higher in patients with more severe disease, without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion and Relevance: Patients with severe cirrhosis required higher doses of heparin to achieve the same therapeutic AXA levels, but also tended to have higher rates of bleeding compared with less severe cirrhosis. These results represent further evidence of changes in heparin response as cirrhosis severity increases and may suggest that current monitoring methods are suboptimal in this patient population.
Decision Accuracy and Safety of Transcutaneous Bilirubin Screening at Intermountain Healthcare.

Objective To quantify the risk that transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening would fail to recommend phototherapy for a neonate who would have qualified for it if total serum bilirubin (TSB) screening were used. Study design We conducted a quality improvement project where simultaneous TcB and TSB were obtained on neonates ≥35 weeks of gestation during birth hospitalizations in our hospital system. Using our Utah bilirubin management algorithm, we quantified the risk that TcB screening would fail to identify the need for a confirmatory TSB when TSB screening alone would have revealed that phototherapy was indicated. Results In 3 hospitals, we obtained 727 paired TcB/TSB measurements. Two instances utilized a blood gas radiometer for TSB, and 725 utilized the clinical laboratory-based TSB method. One of the 727 instances had a TcB indicating NO PHOTOTHERAPY, when the simultaneous TSB indicated PHOTOTHERAPY NEEDED. The TSB from that instance was 1 of the 2 from the blood gas radiometer. We estimate the risk of such an error occurring is 1.4 per 1000 TcB measurements (95% CI 0.03-7.6 per 1000). When only the laboratory TSB is used, we estimate the risk of such an error occurring to be 0 per 1000 TcB measurements (95% CI 0.0-5.1 per 1000). Conclusions Using TcB for screening at the birth hospital can identify those qualifying for phototherapy, using the Utah guidelines, with 1 of 727 neonates with a blood gas bilirubin and none of 725 with a laboratory-based analysis misidentified as not needing phototherapy when by TSB they did.
Are Waterpipe Café, Vape Shop, and Traditional Tobacco Retailer Locations Associated with Community Composition and Young Adult Tobacco Use in North Carolina and Virginia?

We examined whether waterpipe cafe, vape shop, and traditional tobacco retailer (e.g. stores selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco) locations were associated with census tract composition a...
Epigenetic targeting of neuropilin-1 prevents bypass signaling in drug-resistant breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-amplified breast cancers are treated using targeted antibodies and kinase inhibitors, but resistance to these therapies leads to systemic tumor recurrence of metastatic disease. Herein, we conducted gene expression analyses of HER2 kinase inhibitor-resistant cell lines as compared to their drug-sensitive counterparts. These data demonstrate the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which included enhanced expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and axonal guidance molecules known as neuropilins (NRPs). Immunoprecipitation of FGFR1 coupled with mass spectroscopy indicated that FGFR1 forms a physical complex with NRPs, which is enhanced upon induction of EMT. Confocal imaging revealed that FGFR1 and NRP1 predominantly interact throughout the cytoplasm. Along these lines, short hairpin RNA-mediated depletion of NRP1, but not the use of NRP1-blocking antibodies, inhibited FGFR signaling and reduced tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Our results further indicate that NRP1 upregulation during EMT is mediated via binding of the chromatin reader protein, bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) in the NRP1 proximal promoter region. Pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 decreased NRP1 expression and ablated FGF-mediated tumor cell growth. Overall, our studies indicate that NRPs facilitate aberrant growth factor signaling during EMT-associated drug resistance and metastasis. Pharmacological combination of epigenetic modulators with FGFR-targeted kinase inhibitors may provide improved outcomes for breast cancer patients with drug-resistant metastatic disease.
Can Latin America Tap the Globalization Upside

This paper discusses the theoretical arguments in favor of and against economic globalization and, with a view to ascertaining whether Latin America may be able to capture the globalization upside, examines the trends and salient features of Latin America's globalization as compared with that of Southeast Asia. The paper focuses on trade and financial integration as well as the aggregate demand structures (domestic demand-driven versus external demand-driven) that underpin the globalization process. It finds that Latin America is mitigating some bad side effects of financial globalization by moving toward a safer form of international financial integration and improving its macro-financial policy frameworks. Nonetheless, Latin America's progress in raising the quality of its international trade integration has been scant. The region's commodity-heavy trade structures and relatively poor quality of trade connectivity can hinder growth potential to the extent that they are less conducive to technology and learning spillovers. Moreover, Latin America's domestic demand-driven growth pattern (a reflection of relatively low domestic savings) may become an additional drag to growth by accentuating the risk of a low savings-low external competitiveness trap.
Behavior Change Techniques in Physical Activity Interventions for Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract Objective To identify and summarize the behavior change techniques (BCTs) included in behavior change interventions for promoting physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Data Sources PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Complete, Scopus, and Embase were initially searched in November 2019, and data extraction began in June 2020. Study Selection The inclusion criteria for studies were: adults older than 18 years with diagnosed MS, English language, clinical trial designs (ie, pre-post or randomized controlled trials), group or individual interventions, and home or community-based settings wherein physical activity was defined as a primary or secondary outcome. Exclusion criteria for studies included protocol manuscripts pending results, case studies, studies focused on populations with multiple chronic diseases, and interventions targeting multiple behaviors. Two researchers completed screening for study selection, and a third researcher served as a referee. Of the initially identified 8681 studies, 54 studies met selection criteria. Data Extraction Data extraction was completed by 3 researchers. Each article was coded by 2 of the 3 researchers, and a fourth researcher resolved discrepancies. Data extracted from each paper included study title, authors, country, year, sample size, study design, intervention details, physical activity outcomes, and BCTs. Data Synthesis Thirty-eight unique behavior change interventions were identified, and 53 of the 93 possible BCTs were included across the studies. The mean number of BCTs per study was 15, and studies and effect sizes across studies ranged from 0.04-1.49. Conclusions This review provides a comprehensive overview of BCTs as the active ingredients in behavior change interventions targeting physical activity in MS. Results from this study provide a compendium for future intervention development for increasing physical activity and improving overall health in MS.
Management Strategy Evaluation: Allowing the Light on the Hill to Illuminate More Than One Species

Management strategy evaluation (MSE) is a simulation approach that serves as a “light on the hill” (Smith, 1994) to test options for marine management, monitoring, and assessment against simulated ecosystem and fishery dynamics, including uncertainty in ecological and fishery processes and observations. MSE has become a key method to evaluate trade-offs between management objectives and to communicate with decision makers. Here we describe how and why MSE is continuing to grow from a single species approach to one relevant to multi-species and ecosystem-based management. In particular, different ecosystem modeling approaches can fit within the MSE process to meet particular natural resource management needs. We present four case studies that illustrate how MSE is expanding to include ecosystem considerations and ecosystem models as ‘operating models’ (i.e. virtual test worlds), and to simulate monitoring, assessment, harvest control rules, and performance metrics. We highlight U.S.A. case studies related to fisheries regulations and climate, which support NOAA’s policy goals related to the Ecosystem Based Fishery Roadmap and Climate Science Strategy but vary in the complexity of population, ecosystem, and assessment representation. We emphasize methods, tool development, and lessons learned that are relevant beyond the U.S.A., and the benefits relative to single-species MSE approaches.
Facebook Gets Religion: Fund-Raising by Religious Organizations on Social Networks

This study explores the use of Facebook by a number of religious and denominationally affiliated non-profit charity or social purpose organizations. International relief agencies, youth ministry organizations, outdoor ministries, missionary organizations and other established “causes” on facebook.com designed to gather “members,” further ongoing interaction, and raise funds. Although the architecture of Facebook has now evolved, similar organizational pages continue to exist in other forms. Some have suggested that these function, at least in some cases, as expressions of “brand communities.” Questions exist regarding the strength of social ties in such brand relationships. Facebook users were surveyed, a variety of “cause” pages were observed and online interviews were conducted with a small number of Facebook cause members in order to test various methods for examining these causes. The study clarifies the questions and notes the limitations of the methods tested. Some preliminary suggestions for effective use of the cause function are suggested.
Th3 Cells in Peripheral Tolerance. I. Induction of Foxp3-Positive Regulatory T Cells by Th3 Cells Derived from TGF-β T Cell-Transgenic Mice

TGF-β has been shown to be critical in the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Because Th3 cells produce large amounts of TGF-β, we asked whether induction of Th3 cells in the periphery was a mechanism by which CD4+CD25+ Tregs were induced in the peripheral immune compartment. To address this issue, we generated a TGF-β1-transgenic (Tg) mouse in which TGF-β is linked to the IL-2 promoter and T cells transiently overexpress TGF-β upon TCR stimulation but produce little or no IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, or IFN-γ. Naive TGF-β-Tg mice are phenotypically normal with comparable numbers of lymphocytes and thymic-derived Tregs. We found that repeated antigenic stimulation of pathogenic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-specific CD4+CD25− T cells from TGF-β Tg mice crossed to MOG TCR-Tg mice induced Foxp3 expression in both CD25+ and CD25− populations. Both CD25 subsets were anergic and had potent suppressive properties in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of these induced regulatory CD25+/− T cells suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis when administrated before disease induction or during ongoing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The suppressive effect of TGF-β on T cell responses was due to the induction of Tregs and not to the direct inhibition of cell proliferation. The differentiation of Th3 cells in vitro was TGF-β dependent as anti-TGF-β abrogated their development. Thus, Ag-specific TGF-β-producing Th3 cells play a crucial role in inducing and maintaining peripheral tolerance by driving the differentiation of Ag-specific Foxp3+ regulatory cells in the periphery.
Depth distribution of bacterial production in a stratified lake with an anoxic hypolimnion

The purpose of this study was to determine the depth distribution of bacterial biomass and production in a stratified lake and to test techniques to measure bacterial production in anaerobic waters. Bacterial abundance and incorporation of both [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine into protein were highest in the metalimnion, at the depth at which oxygen first became unmeasurable. In contrast, [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was highest in the epilimnion. The ratios of incorporation into DNA/protein averaged 2.2, 0.49, and 0.95 for the epilimnion, metalimnion, and hypolimnion, respectively. Low incorporation into DNA was not due to artifacts associated with the DNA isolation procedure. Recovery of added [3H]DNA was about 90% in waters in which the portion of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was about 40%. At least some obligate anaerobic bacteria were capable of assimilating thymidine since aeration of anaerobic hypolimnion waters substantially inhibited thymidine incorporation. The depth profile of bacterial production estimated from total thymidine and leucine incorporation and the frequency of dividing cells were all similar, with maximal rates in the metalimnion. However, estimates of bacterial production based on frequency of dividing cells and leucine incorporation were usually significantly higher than estimates based on thymidine incorporation (using conversion factors from the literature), especially in anaerobic hypolimnion waters. These data indicate that the thymidine approach must be examined carefully if it is to be applied to aquatic systems with low oxygen concentrations. Our results also indicate that the interface between the aerobic epilimnion and anaerobic hypolimnion is the site of intense bacterial mineralization and biomass production which deserves further study.
Semiconductor Sensors (3): Optical Sensors

Of all semiconductor sensors, optical sensors and pressure sensors have the longest history. Optical sensors detect the amount and direction of light, and are used for headlamp control and to help improve air conditioning performance. In the future, the focus of technological development in field of safety systems is likely to shift from passive to active systems. As part of this trend, the requirements of peripheral monitoring systems will increase. As a result, image sensors (i.e., semiconductor cameras) are one type of key optical device that will be installed in greater numbers. Such sensors have already been installed in rear-view cameras that are used when backing up, peripheral-view monitors that show top-view images based on the processing of images around the vehicle, drive recorders that store images when accidents occur, and so on. Sensors have also been developed that use image sensors to measure the movement of the driver's eyes and eyelids and issue a warning to the driver if signs of drowsiness are detected. This chapter describes the principles and applications of optical sensors. Keywords: semiconductor sensor; optical sensor; light sensor; sunlight sensor; image sensor; laser radar
Submilliamp-threshold InGaAs/GaAs quantum-well ridge-waveguide lasers with impurity-induced disordering

We report a significant reduction of threshold current in lasers from a material which has two strained-layer In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As/GaAs QW inside a linearly-graded-index separate-confinement waveguide structure. The ridges were etched by Cl/sub 2/ reactive ion etching. Self-aligned Si deposition and Zn diffusion were used in the device fabrication. The resultant active stripe width was controlled by the Si diffusion time. For example, a 0.3-/spl mu/m-wide active stripe was achieved from the originally 1.5-/spl mu/m-wide device after a 90 min diffusion at 850 C. As a result, threshold currents as low as 0.7 mA for pulsed operation and 0.9 mA for cw operation have been obtained from an uncoated 137-/spl mu/m-long and 0.3-/spl mu/m-wide device without special heat sinking treatment.
Static mechanical properties of 30 x 11.5-14.5, type VII, aircraft tires of bias-ply and radial-belted design

An investigation was conducted to determine the static mechanical properties of a 30 x 11.5 to 14.5, Type 8, bias-ply and radial-belted aircraft tire. The properties measured were the spring rate and damping characteristics of each tire from vertical- and lateral-loading hysteresis loops. Mass moment of inertia tests were also conducted. The results of the study are presented along with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tire.
Input filter compensation for switching regulators

Problems caused by input filter interaction and conventional input filter design techniques are discussed. The concept of feedforward control is modeled with an input filter and a buck regulator. Experimental measurement and comparison to the analytical predictions is carried out. Transient response and the use of a feedforward loop to stabilize the regulator system is described. Other possible applications for feedforward control are included.
Centralized Carrier Collaboration Multihub Location Problem for Less-Than-Truckload Industry: Hybrid Hub-and-Spoke Network

A centralized carrier collaboration multihub location problem (CCCMLP) for the small to medium-sized less-than-truckload industry is addressed. In the CCCMLP, a central entity (e.g., a third-party logistics firm) seeks a set of collaborative consolidation transshipment hubs to establish a hybrid collaborative hub-and-spoke system that minimizes the total collaborative costs for the set of collaborating carriers. Previous studies focused on addressing the exchange of capacity without considering the location of transfer hubs and the routes that connect them. A carrier has the option either to collaborate or to ship its demand directly without collaborating. The decision depends on the expected profit margin over shipping directly while following a revenue-generating, rate-setting behavior. The CCCMLP was formulated as a variant of the P-hub location problem, which is NP-hard and solved with Lagrangian relaxation. Numerical experiments were conducted to gain insight into the performance of the CCCMLP formul...
Planetary atmosphere evolution: do other habitable planets exist and can we detect them?

The goal of this conference is to consider whether it is possible within the next few decades to detect Earth-like planets around other stars using telescopes or interferometers on the ground or in space. Implicit in the term “Earth-like” is the idea that such planets might be habitable by Earth-like organisms, or that they might actually be inhabited. Here, I shall address two questions from the standpoint of planetary atmosphere evolution. First, what are the chances that habitable planets exist around other stars? And, second, if inhabited planets exist, what would be the best way to detect them?
A new backlighting system using a polarizing light pipe

A new backlight with a polarizing light pipe that has great potential for improving the light yield of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is being developed. The aim is to eliminate the three major absorption losses of a TN LCD, which occur in the dichroic polarizer attached to the thin-film-transistor (TFT) glass, the black matrix on the TFT glass, and the color-filter array. The loss in the dichroic polarizer is reduced by the use of a backlight with a polarizing light pipe which produces linearly polarized light output. Both by theory and by experiment we have shown that the polarizing light pipe produces highly polarized light output under optimum conditions, i.e., a 17:1 polarization ratio in the viewing range from -10° to 10°. The brightness gain by polarization is calculated to be 1.44. The losses in the black matrix on the TFT glass and the absorbing color filter are reduced by making these components reflective, so that the light which was previously absorbed is now reflected back into the backlight for recycling. The backlight with a polarizing light pipe is effective in reusing the reflected light. When a reflective color filter is used, the brightness gain of a backlight with a polarizing light pipe over a conventional backlight is 11.3%. The total potential brightness gain by this method of light recycling is theoretically estimated to be 3.16. Therefore, the total gain of an LCD using a polarizing light pipe and reflective components over a conventional LCD is 4.55. This large gain suggests great potential for the polarizing light pipe.
Some Regularity Results for the Pseudospectral Abscissa and Pseudospectral Radius of a Matrix

The $\varepsilon$-pseudospectral abscissa $\alpha_\varepsilon$ and radius $\rho_\varepsilon$ of an $n\times n$ matrix are, respectively, the maximal real part and the maximal modulus of points in its $\varepsilon$-pseudospectrum, defined using the spectral norm. It was proved in [A.S. Lewis and C.H.J. Pang, SIAM J. Optim., 19 (2008), pp. 1048–1072] that for fixed $\varepsilon>0$, $\alpha_\varepsilon$ and $\rho_\varepsilon$ are Lipschitz continuous at a matrix A except when $\alpha_\varepsilon$ and $\rho_\varepsilon$ are attained at a critical point of the norm of the resolvent (in the nonsmooth sense), and it was conjectured that the points where $\alpha_\varepsilon$ and $\rho_\varepsilon$ are attained are not resolvent-critical. We prove this conjecture, which leads to the new result that $\alpha_\varepsilon$ and $\rho_\varepsilon$ are Lipschitz continuous, and also establishes the Aubin property with respect to both $\varepsilon$ and A of the $\varepsilon$-pseudospectrum for the points $z \in {\mathbb C...
Using certified mail in industrial research

Abstract Mail surveys play an important role in business, government, and economic research. Despite a legion of material written on the general topic, almost no published research is available on the effectiveness of using certified mail in the research process. This article reports the results of an experiment designed to determine the effects of using certified mail in industrial survey research. The results of this research suggest that certified mail, when properly used, may be an effective and efficient tool in business research.
Introduction to “Damaged by Democracy: The National Union of Mineworkers and the 1984–85 Strike”

The 1984–85 strike of the National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM) was a pivotal event in the history of twentieth-century British industrial relations with the union suffering a decisive defeat in this work stoppage which garnered worldwide attention. At the time of the strike, the NUM was perceived to be one of the strongest unions in Great Britain after the NUM’s 1974 strike brought down the Conservative government of Edward Heath. The union’ sl oss in the 1984–85 work stoppage, however, marked the NUM’s virtual destruction. Additionally, the crushing of the union enabled Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party to consolidate political and ideological control of the nation while removing any obstacles from the government’s implementation of its free market program.
Edhazardia aedis (Microspora: Culicosporidae) Effects on the Reproductive Capacity of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

The influence of the microsporidium Edhazardia aedis (Kudo) on the survival and reproduction of its mosquito host, Aedes aegypti (L.), was studied in the laboratory. Survival, fecundity, egg hatch, and percentage of emergence for 4 gonotrophic cycles were compared for control and infected mosquitoes. Control females oviposited an average of 123.1 eggs over 4 gonotrophic cycles, 86.1% of which hatched, whereas infected females laid an average of 38.0 eggs with a 69.3% hatch. Emergence in progeny of infected female Ae. aegypti was significantly less than for control mosquitoes in all gonotrophic cycles. The reproductive capacity (Ro) for control and infected adults was 168.4 and 4.1, respectively, representing a decrease of 98.2%. Overall infection levels in progeny of infected females was 95.7%, of which 46.6% were lethal, larval infections. Infected female survivors were capable of initiating infections in F2 progeny. Wing length, often used as an indicator of fitness, was not significantly different between infected and control adults.
Semi-Synthetic Data for Enhanced SMS Spam Detection: [Using Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique SMOTE]

In this paper, we study the effect of using Synthetic Minority Oversampling TEchnique on the detection of SMS spam. The study shows an improved spam detection performance of the classifiers trained on semi-synthetic datasets compared to the performance of the same classifiers trained on the original dataset.
Short-term visual memory for stereoscopically-defined depth

Subjects (Ss) with normal acuity and stereopsis reported on each trial which numeral occupied the depth plane cued by an arrow. The arrow (>) was always next to the fixation cross (*), but had the same disparity as the cued numeral (the ‘target’). Numerals were arrayed one per line below fixation, far enough apart to avoid crowding. The arrow was simultaneous with the numerals at time zero, or it was delayed progressively1 from 0 to 1.5 sec to trace out the possible ‘decay’ of visual storage of depth. Stimulus duration: 200ms. Ss praacticed with 3 rows, then moved to 4 if they were near perfect on 3.
Creation of Polar and Nonpolar Ultra-Long-Range Rydberg Molecules

We predict the existence of a ubiquitous class of long-range molecular Rydberg states, whose Born-Oppenheimer potential curves are oscillatory in nature. These oscillations reflect the nodal structure of the atomic Rydberg state wave functions. The temperature and density of atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate are particularly favorable for the laser excitation of ultra-long-range vibrational bound states localized at internuclear distances in the range ${10}^{3}$-- ${10}^{5}$ a.u. A surprising trilobitelike class of polar homonuclear diatomics should exhibit electric dipole moments in the kilodebye range.
The United States: Still on top?

Abstract The US has been a world leader in innovation and knowledge activities since World War II. Because the US has become accustomed to a position of leadership, there is widespread insecurity—maybe even paranoia—regarding threats to its dominance in technology, beginning with Sputnik in 1956. This paper provides some details of US decline relative, in particular, to European countries over the past two decades, when both strengths and the weaknesses are evident in US innovation and technology. The US has moved from a position of dominance to a position of first among equals, in line with a more widely distributed pattern of science and technological capabilities.
Intrauterine meningitis as a cause of hydrocephalus

Summary The more recent literature concerning the occurrence of intrauterine infection of the fetus is briefly summarized. A case of hydrocephalus resulting from intrauterine infection of the meninges is reported and the evidence of its prenatal origin is discussed. The probable mode of infection and neurosurgical implications are pointed out.
Mixed Lanthana/Ceria Nanorod-Supported Gold Catalysts for Water–Gas-Shift

We report on the preparation of LaxCe1−xOy nanorods (x = 0−0.5) with uniform aspect ratio, and their evaluation as active supports for Au in the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. By independently controlling aspect ratio and composition, we demonstrate that the reducibility of the nanorods is determined by the preferential exposure of highly active {110} planes and the La:Ce ratio. After deposition of Au onto these nanorods, the WGS activity is closely correlated with the reducibility of the oxides, indicating that the strong relationship between activity and reducibility previously reported for nanoparticle-based catalysts holds independent of morphology.
Anisotropic optical polarization of AlGaN based 275 nm light-emitting diodes due to quantum-size effects

Quantum-size effects strongly influence the valance band and optical polarization of 275nm emitting Al0.44Ga0.56N layers. It’s shown experimentally and theoretically that thinner quantum wells and lower carrier densities result in polarization preferential for light extraction.
Synthesis and evaluation of polyimides derived from spirobisindane dietheranhydride

Polyimides derived from 5,5′-[(2,2′,3,3′-tetrahydro-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-1,1′-spirobi[1H-indene]-6,6′-diyl)bis(oxy)]bis-1,3-isobenzofurandione (spirobisindane dietheranhydride, SBIDA) and 20 plus aromatic diamines were prepared. The weight percentage of cyclic contaminants in each polyimide, estimated by gel permeation chromatography, ranges from 4 to 25%. The amount of cyclics formed in each polyimide depends on the distance and spatial orientation of the two amino groups on the aromatic diamines as well as the rigidity of the diamines. The formation of SBIDA-containing polyimide was found to be catalyzed by alkali metal ions even when the reaction was conducted in m-cresol. Thermal stability and glass transition temperature of those SBIDA-derived polyimides were examined with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two promising compositions were scaled up and their mechanical properties were obtained. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Logic-oriented model of artificial neural networks

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of logical interpretation of neural nodes, which are basically computational elements. We will look at generic models of neurons viewed as computing units carrying out logic operations on input signals. The mapping of the inherent logical background of the problem at hand, given in the form of an artificial neural network (ANN), onto the logic-oriented network can be realized by choosing appropriate logic-based neurons. Introducing “a simple type” of logical function in the form NofM , we concluded that it is possible to model ANN behavior with these functions without ad hoc approximations. During the modeling process, it is more important to take into account the range and relations between weight factors in ANN than their absolute values. Based on this analysis, we developed an algorithm for logical interpretation of a neuron's computational model based on the generalized logical function NofM . Also, we present in this paper the methodology and some experimental results concerning logical interpretation of ANN. Experiments provide a better understanding of ANN behavior, particularly multiple-layered perceptrons (MLPs), and the meaning of the related concepts: robustness, redundancy, pruning, etc.
The intermediate state in superconducting mercury

Using the magneto-optic technique, an extensive study has been made of the intermediate state in single crystals of superconducting mercury. A regular laminar structure, closely approaching that envisaged by Landau, was realized in the thinnest sample examined (47 Μm). The field dependence of the lamina periodicity displays excellent agreement with the Landau model and the deduced surface energy is in good agreement with the Ginzburg-Landau theory. At applied magnetic fields very close to the critical one, the stable magnetic structure consists of isolated superconducting filaments. A number of observations are reported on their growth and stability.
The Cell Collective: Toward an open and collaborative approach to systems biology

Despite decades of new discoveries in biomedical research, the overwhelming complexity of cells has been a significant barrier to a fundamental understanding of how cells work as a whole. As such, the holistic study of biochemical pathways requires computer modeling. Due to the complexity of cells, it is not feasible for one person or group to model the cell in its entirety. The Cell Collective is a platform that allows the world-wide scientific community to create these models collectively. Its interface enables users to build and use models without specifying any mathematical equations or computer code - addressing one of the major hurdles with computational research. In addition, this platform allows scientists to simulate and analyze the models in real-time on the web, including the ability to simulate loss/gain of function and test what-if scenarios in real time. The Cell Collective is a web-based platform that enables laboratory scientists from across the globe to collaboratively build large-scale models of various biological processes, and simulate/analyze them in real time. In this manuscript, we show examples of its application to a large-scale model of signal transduction.
Smoking Kills: Experimental Proof from the Lung Health Study

The new results from the Lung Health Study, reported in this issue, confirm again that smoking cessation prolongs life. In addition to their public health importance, these findings remind clinicia...
The Nature of Accounting Information Reliability: Inferences from Archival and Experimental Research

Reliability is an essential characteristic for accounting information to be useful for decision making. Reliability represents the extent to which the information is unbiased, free from error, and representationally faithful (FASB 1980). Despite the central role of reliability, it is a complex and elusive construct of accounting information. Reliability is difficult to specify precisely in accounting standards and practice, and it is difficult to examine directly with research. The primary goal of this paper is to better understand the nature of accounting information reliability by synthesizing archival and experimental research evidence within the context of a framework for accounting information usefulness. Greater understanding of the empirical literature on accounting information reliability should assist standard setters and regulators in establishing financial reporting standards, preparers and auditors in implementing standards, and financial statement users in evaluating accounting information re...
Heat transfer in canned foods undergoing agitation

An apparatus was developed that allowed for end-over-end rotation of cans during processing in a modified still retort. Cans were rotated in a horizontal and vertical position using a variety of guar gum solutions and rotating speeds. Average values of heat transfer coefficient (h) were found to increase with rotational speed. An increased viscosity caused a decrease in the average h value. Can orientation showed a moderate effect on h. Horizontally positioned cans yielded higher average h values. In 0·4% guar solutions, the average increase in h was 7%. A 0·5% solution resulted in a 14% increase in h while the 0·75% guar solution increased h to a lesser degree of only 4%. Statistical analysis determined that each of the individual variables was significant (P<0·01) in affecting the heat transfer coefficient. Interactions among variables were also found to affect the h value significantly (P<0·02).
Explaining The Pace of Civil Case Litigation: The Latest Evidence From 37 Large Urban Trial Courts

This paper analyzes data on caseload size, caseload characteristics, case management features, and civil case processing times in 37 large urban trial courts, the largest number of state general jurisdiction trial courts ever included in a study of the pace of litigation. First, the paper concludes that most courts are far from meeting the American Bar Association civil case disposition time standards, especially the standard that 90 percent of all cases should be disposed within one year after filing. Second, bivariate and multivariate analysis reveals, as expected, that the size of the pending caseload per judge is the strongest correlate of median and 90th percentile case processing times, though the causal relationship between pending caseload per judge and the pace of litigation is unclear. The number of filings and dispositions per judge, however, were not related to the pace of litigation. Interestingly, courts in counties with larger populations were also more likely to have larger pending caseloa...
Plant–soil interactions in metal contaminated soils

Abstract The legacy of industrialization has left many soils contaminated. However, soil organisms and plant communities can thrive in spite of metal contamination and, in some cases, metabolize and help in remediation. The responses of plants and soil organisms to contamination are mutually dependent and dynamic. Plant–soil feedbacks are central to the development of any terrestrial community; they are ongoing in both contaminated and healthy soils. However, the theory that governs plant–soil feedbacks in healthy soils needs to be studied in contaminated soils. In healthy soils, negative feedbacks ( i.e. pathogens) play a central role in shaping plant community structure. However to our knowledge, the nature of feedback relationships has never been addressed in contaminated soils. Here we review literature that supports a plant–soil feedback approach to understanding the ecology of metal-contaminated soil. Further, we discuss the idea that within these soils, the role of positive as opposed to negative plant–soil feedbacks may be more important. Testing this idea in a rigorous way in any ecosystem is challenging, and metal contamination imposes an additional abiotic constraint. We discuss research goals and experimental approaches to study plant–soil interactions applicable to metal-contaminated soils; these insights can be extended to other contaminated environments and restoration efforts.