cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjustment of importance weights in multiattribute value models by minimum discrimination information

Abstract Often decision makers are faced with numerous competing alternatives from which to choose. The selection process usually starts with evaluating the alternatives based on some attributes. A decision maker attaches an initial weight to each attribute, computes an overall score for each alternative, and ranks the available choices. The initial weights approximately reflect the importance of the attribute ranges and may be tentative. An agent wishing to promote an alternative might be interested in knowing how different the weights need be to make this alternative acceptable to the decision maker. The task of the agent is thus to derive some weights that very closely approximate the decision maker's initial weights and rank the agent's alternative better than its competitors. It can also guide the agent to determine what kind of changes are necessary in order to make this alternative acceptable. In this paper we motivate the problem by discussing some real life situations in which the relative importance of attributes in ranking a set of alternatives is subject of public debate and criticism. A spectrum of decision makers-public administrators, business managers, individuals-are interested to find out to what degree a well publicized ranking depends on the relative importance weights attached to various attributes. We use an information-theoretic approach to provide a framework for developing weights that accomplish this task. Specifically, the Minimum Discrimination Information allocation procedure proposed by E.S. Soofi in 1990 is used to adjust the importance weights in the ranking of U.S. metro areas. Application of this technique to product purchasing is also discussed.
Growth of Carbon Nanostructure Materials Using Laser Vaporization

Abstract Carbon nanoparticles and nanotubes have been synthesized on Si substrates using pulsed laser vaporization. Two kinds of targets were used to grow the nanostructural materials. One was a pure carbon target and the other was carbon target containing Ni and Co catalysts. The growth temperatures were 600–1000°C and the argon pressure was 500 torr. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Materials containing carbon nanocrystal particles could be observed using a pure carbon target when a thin Ni film was deposited on (100) Si substrates prior to growing carbon materials. The carbon nanotubes (CNT) were obtained in carbon soot when the target contained catalysts. By comparing the Raman radial breathing modes of the CNT grown at various temperatures, it was found that the density of the CNT was lower and the strongest Raman peak was slightly blue-shifted in samples grown at lower temperatures.
Hepatosplenic candidiasis: Successful treatment with fluconazole

Abstract purpose: To determine if fluconazole is effective treatment for hepatosplenic candidiasis that has not resolved with amphotericin B and flucytosine treatment. patients and methods: Six patients (ages 3 to 44) with acute leukemia and hepatosplenic candidiasis who did not respond to prior antifungal therapy were treated with fluconazole. results: All six patients had fever and three had nausea and vomiting, computed tomographic (CT) scan showed lucencies in the liver in six, lucencies in the spleen in five, and lucencies in the kidneys in three. Prior therapy with 1.6 to 4 g of amphotericin B in the five adults and 526 mg of amphotericin B in the child (with the addition of flucytosine in four) failed to improve clinical symptoms or lucencies in the liver, spleen, and kidneys seen on CT scan. Fluconazole was given at a dose of 200 to 400 mg daily (70 to 100 mg in the child) for 2 to 14 months. All patients had resolution of fever and other symptoms in 2 to 8 weeks. Improvement of the lesions noted on CT scan was seen in 4 to 8 weeks in all patients. Total resolution of lesions noted on CT scan occurred by 4 weeks in two patients, but took 4 to 5 months for three patients and 13 months for one patient. Three patients had relapse of their acute leukemia and two died, presumably cured of their candidiasis. Two patients underwent successful bone marrow transplantation without relapse of their candidiasis. conclusion: Fluconazole appears to be useful in the treatment of hepatosplenic candidiasis that has not resolved with amphotericin B and flucytosine therapy.
Investigation of oscillating cascade aerodynamics by an experimental influence coefficient technique

Fundamental experiments are performed in the NASA Lewis Transonic Oscillating Cascade Facility to investigate the torsion mode unsteady aerodynamics of a biconvex airfoil cascade at realistic values of the reduced frequency for all interblade phase angles at a specified mean flow condition. In particular, an unsteady aerodynamic influence coefficient technique is developed and utilized in which only one airfoil in the cascade is oscillated at a time and the resulting airfoil surface unsteady pressure distribution measured on one dynamically instrumented airfoil. The unsteady aerodynamics of an equivalent cascade with all airfoils oscillating at a specified interblade phase angle are then determined through a vector summation of these data. These influence coefficient determined oscillation cascade data are correlated with data obtained in this cascade with all airfoils oscillating at several interblade phase angle values. The influence coefficients are then utilized to determine the unsteady aerodynamics of the cascade for all interblade phase angles, with these unique data subsequently correlated with predictions from a linearized unsteady cascade model.
Hypoechoic areas on ultrasound images of atheroma are not always diagnostic of fatty plaque

Atherosclerotic plaques in ultrasound (US) images may have bright areas suggestive of fibrous plaque and hypoechoic areas that are often interpreted as fatty plaque. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that fibrous tissue in atherosclerotic plaques will be hyperechoic or hypoechoic, depending on collagen fiber morphology. Twelve segments of aortic arch containing atherosclerotic plaques obtained from cadavers were imaged with an 8-MHz US transducer, then sectioned, stained with picrosirius red and examined with polarized light microscopy. There were 12 bright areas that contained predominantly thick collagen fibers. Two areas were anechoic, with predominantly thin collagen fibers. There were 11 hypoechoic areas; six of these contained thin fibers and five contained no collagen on polarized light microscopy, suggesting fat or thrombus. We conclude that fibrous aortic plaques consisting of predominantly thin fibers appear hypoechoic or anechoic on US images and, therefore, may be indistinguishable from fatty plaques.
Black and White Race Differences in Aerobic Capacity, Muscle Fiber Type, and Their Influence on Metabolic Processes

Obesity is a known risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. Increasing aerobic capacity (VO2max) reduces adiposity, maintains weight, and reduces the risk of developing obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Two major determinants of aerobic capacity are the metabolic properties specific to a particular muscle fiber type and the capacity of the cardiorespiratory system to deliver nutrient-rich content to the muscle. Recent research suggests that some race/ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black subjects, are predisposed to a reduced VO2max by way of muscle fiber type. Combined with insufficient physical activity, these characteristics place non-Hispanic Black subjects at an increased risk for obesity and other adverse health outcomes when compared with other race/ethnic groups. The purpose of this review was to suggest a model for explaining how skeletal muscle fiber type may contribute to reduced aerobic capacity and obesity among non-Hispanic Black subjects. Our review indicates that metabolic properties of type II skeletal muscle (e.g. reduced oxidative capacity, capillary density) are related to various cardiometabolic diseases. Based on the review, non-Hispanic Black subjects appear to have a lower maximal aerobic capacity and a greater percentage of type II skeletal muscle fibers. Combined with reduced energy expenditure and reduced hemoglobin concentration, non-Hispanic Black subjects may be inherently predisposed to a reduced maximal aerobic capacity compared with non-Hispanic White subjects, thereby increasing the risk for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Expansion of phosphate-bonded investments: Part II—Thermal expansion

This study investigated the thermal expansion of phosphate-bonded investment materials. Three investments were mixed with either distilled water or their special liquids and allowed a setting time of 1 or 24 hours. Hydration and thermal expansions were measured with a vertical dilatometer and were analyzed for interactive and main effects. The amount of expansion attributed to hydration was minimal, whereas thermal expansions varied and were of greater magnitudes. Material I exhibited the greatest thermal expansion. Materials II and III recorded smaller thermal expansions that increased when the materials were mixed with their special liquids. Setting time did not substantially influence hydration expansions but did influence thermal expansions, and heating the materials to 800°C instead of 700°C did not dramatically elevate expansions.
Scale-by-scale analysis of probability distributions for global MODIS-AQUA cloud properties: how the large scale signature of turbulence may impact statistical analyses of clouds

Abstract. Means, standard deviations, homogeneity parameters used in models based on their ratio, and the probability distribution functions (PDFs) of cloud properties from the MODerate resolution Infrared Spectrometer (MODIS) are estimated globally as function of averaging scale varying from 5 to 500 km. The properties – cloud fraction, droplet effective radius, and liquid water path – all matter for cloud-climate uncertainty quantification and reduction efforts. Global means and standard deviations are confirmed to change with scale. For the range of scales considered, global means vary only within 3% for cloud fraction, 7% for liquid water path, and 0.2% for cloud particle effective radius. These scale dependences contribute to the uncertainties in their global budgets. Scale dependence for standard deviations and generalized flatness are compared to predictions for turbulent systems. Analytical expressions are identified that fit best to each observed PDF. While the best analytical PDF fit to each variable differs, all PDFs are well described by log-normal PDFs when the mean is normalized by the standard deviation inside each averaging domain. Importantly, log-normal distributions yield significantly better fits to the observations than gaussians at all scales. This suggests a possible approach for both sub-grid and unified stochastic modeling of these variables at all scales. The results also highlight the need to establish an adequate spatial resolution for two-stream radiative studies of cloud-climate interactions.
Defibrillator Implantation Without Induction of Ventricular Fibrillation Good Enough

An increasing number of cardiac electrophysiologists are fortunate not to have endured the challenges of implanting monophasic waveform cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). With early technology, ICDs were routinely tested during the implantation procedure and then again before discharge, with a not-infrequent need for system revisions. With transvenous, high-output devices and biphasic shocks, the number of patients who have an inadequate defibrillation safety margin (DSM) has become so small that questions have been raised about the need for testing at all. However, given the fact that ICDs are designed to be potentially lifesaving, it is incumbent on physicians to obtain a high level of assurance that the device will work as designed if needed. It also should be noted that all clinical trials of ICD therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death incorporated testing for the adequacy of the DSM. Article p 2382 Despite the fact that we usually call the sequence of induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and defibrillation at different energies in the electrophysiology laboratory “defibrillation threshold testing,” it is, in fact, usually a DSM that is determined.1 Particularly with the typical protocol of 2 defibrillations at a minimum of 10 J below the maximum output of the device, a true probability curve for defibrillation success cannot be constructed. Regardless, this protocol is well accepted in practice. An alternative approach is upper limit of vulnerability testing, which closely correlates with the defibrillation threshold.2 This method requires only 1 initiation of VF, but strictly performed, multiple shocks may need to be delivered before VF is induced and the energy corresponding to the upper limit of vulnerability is determined. In the present issue of Circulation , Day et al3 present the results of the Arrhythmia Single Shock Defibrillation Threshold Testing Versus Upper Limit of Vulnerability: Risk Reduction Evaluation (ASSURE) …
The Effects of Internal Audit Report Disclosure on Investor Confidence and Investment Decisions

Current governance disclosure requirements include reports from management, the audit committee, and the external auditor. However, despite internal audit's prominence as a critical governance mechanism, external stakeholders lack information about the function. This study evaluates the extent that a descriptive Internal Audit Report (IAR) affects investor confidence and investment decisions. The results indicate that participants provided with an IAR had more confidence in financial reporting reliability and higher perceived company oversight effectiveness than participants without access to an IAR. The IAR effect on confidence in financial reporting reliability is particularly evident for high fraud risk companies. Tests for mediation reveal that the IAR effect on confidence is mediated by perceptions of oversight effectiveness. Furthermore, we find that confidence in financial reporting reliability and perceived oversight effectiveness mediate the IAR-investment recommendation relation. Self-insight results show that the IAR was perceived to be as useful as several currently required disclosures.
The effect of redundancy on measurement

The parameters of a mechanical or electrical system are usually determined by making as many measurements as there are degrees of freedom. This article demonstrates that increasing the number of measurements made on a system beyond this minimum can reduce the effect of measurement errors. The possible systems to which this technique may be applied are too diverse to be captured by a simple and compact analytical formulation. Thus, we discuss techniques for three different measurement models: scalar difference measurements, complex product measurements, and scalar additive measurements. All have both a compact mathematical formalization and wide practical applicability. A simple example of a measurement problem discussed is the generation of a binary ruler using a compass and a straight edge. Error is introduced whenever the mid-point of a line is found. The straight-forward approach to the ruler's construction is iterative bisection of the distance between two adjacent points till the required resolution is obtained. The maximum error introduced using this procedure scales logarithmically with the number of points. The accuracy may be improved by bisecting the distance from one of the end points to an already obtained point iteratively. Using this technique the error of any constructed point can be bounded by a constant, i.e., it does not scale with the number of points. We show, for three broad classes of measurements, that, as the measurement redundancy increases, the residual error falls to a small constant value. The overall effect is analogous to the improvements in communications reliability demonstrated by the coding theorem. Only scalar difference measurements are considered.
Authoritarian Legacies and Democratic Consolidation in Mexico

Cornelius, Wayne A., and David A. Shirk, eds., Reforming the Adminis tration offustice in Mexico. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 2007. Tables, figures, appendix, acronyms, 536 pp.; paper back $37.50. Fox, Jonathan A., Accountability Politics: Power and Voice in Rural Mexico. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Tables, charts, fig ures, bibliography, index, 448 pp.; hardcover $110. Fox, Jonathan A., Libby Haight, Helena Hofbauer, and Tania Sanchez Andrade, eds., Mexico's Right-to-Know Reforms: Civil Society Per spectives. Washington, DC: FUNDAR/Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 2007. Tables, 347 pp.; PDF version available, Spanish version available. Haber, Stephen, Herbert Klein, Noel Maurer, and Kevin Middlebrook, Mexico Since 1980. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008. Figures, abbreviations, acronyms, bibliography, index, 272 pp.; hardcover $80, paperback $23.99, E-book $80. Schiefer, Jonathan. Palace Politics: How the Ruling Party Brought Crisis to Mexico. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2008. Photographs, tables, figures, appendix, notes, bibliography, index, 312 pp.; hard cover $60, paperback $24.95, E-book $60.
LATE PLEISTOCENE VERTEBRATES FROM A ROCKSHELTER IN CIMARRON COUNTY, OKLAHOMA

Abstract We studied fossils of late Pleistocene vertebrates that were excavated in 1940 from a small rockshelter in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. The assemblage consists of a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and 14 mammals. Most of the mammals are large or medium-sized indicating a bias in the method of collecting. The assemblage includes Branta canadensis, Mammuthus cf. M. columbi, Cynomys, Neotoma, Lepus, Sylvilagus, Vulpes velox, Canis latrans, Canis lupus, cf. Lynx, Equus cf. conversidens, Equus cf. niobrarensis, Camelops hesternus, Antilocapridae, and Bison. Noteworthy among these is one of the few available late Pleistocene records of the swift fox, Vulpes velox. A piece of enamel from the mammoth at the locality yielded a radiocarbon age of 23,980 ± 130 years before present.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Mitigation of Criminal Responsibility?

Neuroscientific findings have established that brain injury due to trauma (TBI) and brain immaturity of adolescents result in a diminished self-control and therefore are considered mitigations of criminal culpability in forensic settings. This article presents neuroscientific evidence which documents that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also results in diminished capacity for self-control because of impaired brain functioning. Therefore, it proposes that impaired brain functioning in ADHD should be considered a mitigation by the same logic that impaired brain functioning in TBI and the immature brain functioning in adolescents are considered mitigations. Recommendations for implementing this proposal in forensic practice are presented.
Avoiding Holdup: Asset Specificity and Technical Change in the Cuban Sugar Industry, 1899-1929

Asset specificity can have profound influences on the economic structure of a country. An example is post-colonial Cuba. This article demonstrates that the existence of site specificity in assets generated problems of holdup for sugar mill owners in their contractual relations with cane suppliers. Recognition of that incentive structure offers an institutional explanation for the post-1900 concentration of U.S. investment in the eastern provinces. To reduce transaction costs, mill managers avoided investing in the western part of the island where the sugar industry was well established. A consequence was the relative decline of the western region.
Data association for topic intensity tracking

We present a unified model of what was traditionally viewed as two separate tasks: data association and intensity tracking of multiple topics over time. In the data association part, the task is to assign a topic (a class) to each data point, and the intensity tracking part models the bursts and changes in intensities of topics over time. Our approach to this problem combines an extension of Factorial Hidden Markov models for topic intensity tracking with exponential order statistics for implicit data association. Experiments on text and email datasets show that the interplay of classification and topic intensity tracking improves the accuracy of both classification and intensity tracking. Even a little noise in topic assignments can mislead the traditional algorithms. However, our approach detects correct topic intensities even with 30% topic noise.
Structure of the human cyclo-oxygenase-2 gene

Abstract Cyclo-oxygenase (Cox), a rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of prostanoids, is encoded by two genes, Cox-1 and Cox-2, which are differentially expressed and regulated. Human Cox-1 and -2 polypeptides share 61% primary sequence identity. While the expression of Cox-1 is maximal in quiescent cells. Cox-2 expression is induced by growth factors and cytokines. We have screened a human genomic library with a probe from the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of the human Cox-2 (hCox-2) cDNA and isolated two overlapping genomic clones. We have determined the DNA sequence of 0.8 kb upstream of the transcription start site, 6 kb of protein coding region, which includes 10 exons and 9 introns, as well as 2.5 kb of the 3'-UTR. The structures of the hCox-1 and hCox-2 and the murine TIS10 (Cox-2) genes are highly conserved, with a few exceptions. The 3'-UTRs of the Cox-1 and -2 genes are distinct; for example, the largest exon in the Cox-2 gene encodes the entire 3'-UTR, containing 22 copies of the 'AUUUA' RNA instability element. Sequence analysis of the 5'-flanking region has shown several potential transcription regulatory sequences, including a TATA box, a C/EBP motif, two AP-2 sites, three SP1 sites, two NF-kappa B sites, a CRE motif and an Ets-1 site. These efforts serve as a basis for future studies on transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms of Cox-2 gene regulation.
Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins: Order Out of Chaos

Varicose veins of the lower extremity are commonly encountered by vascular surgeons. Historically, the standard treatment of varicose veins has been high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein. Endovenous ablation techniques have been adopted by many surgeons over the past few years. Techniques of endovenous laser surgery are reviewed, as are the common complications and expected outcomes.
The role of parent expectations on adolescent educational aspirations

Parental expectations have long been studied as a factor in increasing adolescent educational aspirations, often linking these expectations to parental level of education and involvement in academic endeavours. This study further explores this relationship in a statewide Midwestern sample of parents and their adolescent children. Regression analysis and independent samples t‐tests were used to predict adolescent aspirations and compare groups. Results suggest that adolescent educational aspirations can to some degree be predicted by parental expectations. Parents reported high expectations for their children despite low levels of personal educational attainment. However, these high expectations were buffered by a reported unfamiliarity with college requirements and an expressed concern about college affordability and limited awareness of financial aid opportunities. Limitations and suggestions for future research and intervention are discussed.
Culturally sensitive research methods of surveying rural/frontier residents

This article describes adaptations to conventional survey research methods based on knowledge of and respect for characteristics and qualities of rural communities and rural culture. These culturally sensitive methods may have contributed to a high response rate in a population-based study of frontier residents conducted in one western state in the United States. Through these methods, residents' interests in the study was heightened and the study's visibility was increased. Adaptations were also necessary to compensate for shortcomings in the available sample frame for the rural population of interest. References on survey research by mail provide standards for generally accepted procedures but offer few guidelines for tailoring these approaches for varying cultures. Approaches based on the local culture of the persons to be surveyed can increase response rates as well as demonstrate respect for the culture of intended study participants.
Demonization of Divorce: Prevalence Rates and Links to Postdivorce Adjustment.

The meaning-making process can be crucial to individuals as they adjust to their divorce. Demonization is a negative coping response (also known as spiritual struggle) that involves appraising someone or something as related to demonic forces. Individuals may cognitively frame a divorce as the work of Satan in order to understand suffering while maintaining beliefs in a just world or benevolent God. In this study, nearly half (48%) of the community sample (N = 100) endorsed some form of demonization related to their recent divorce. Differences were observed in psychological postdivorce adjustment (post-traumatic stress, depression, anger, and positive/negative spiritual emotions) among groups with differing levels of demonization of divorce, demonization of ex-spouse, and demonization of self (none, low, and high). Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed.
Sensing Arrays Constructed from Nanoparticle Thin Films and Interdigitated Microelectrodes

This paper describes the results of a study of a few design parameters influencing the performance of sensor arrays constructed from nanostructured thin films and interdigitated microelectrodes (IMEs). The nanostructured thin films on the IME devices were prepared from nonanedithiol (NDT) and mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) linked assemblies of 2-nm sized gold nanoparticles. The sensor array data in response to volatile organic compounds were collected and analyzed using fractional factorial experimental design and analysis of variance for understanding effects of the design parameters on the sensitivity. While the smaller value for the microelectrode space, width, and length generally led to higher response sensitivity, a strong dependence on the nature of the nanostructured thin films was found. The microelectrode space was the most important design parameter for NDT-based thin films. However, the microelectrode space, width, and length were found to play almost equally important roles for MUA-based thin films. The principal component analysis results for classification performances of the arrays consisting of a set of thin films have demonstrated the possibility of optimizing sensor arrays by appropriate selections of microelectrode parameters and nanostructured sensing films.
Longitudinal engagement of pathology residents: a proposed approach for informatics training.

Objectives: The intersecting of pathology training and practice and the utilization of information technology has become an increasingly common occurrence, and the most effective means of teaching residents informatics during these invaluable years has yet to be firmly established. Methods: In offering the idea of longitudinal engagement that stresses early and extended trainee involvement, we attempt to provide a different manner of helping address some of the leading time-limited issues surrounding education in informatics. Results: The proposed model is intended to allow building off a base of fundamentals reached through introductory didactics, exposure to and active participation in departmental and hospital-wide administrative bodies, refining of initial skills gained through frequent mentoring and coaching, and combining these cumulative knowledge and experiential underpinnings with graduated responsibility in a particular area of expertise. Conclusions: In transforming the ways in which pathology residencies teach their trainees informatics, the prospects of realizing its potential utility are heightened.
Variances and Asymptotic Distributions of Direct Standardized Rates

Formulas for the variance of direct standardized rates are given for three different sampling models. The three models are product multinomial models when population totals are fixed by design, or strata totals are fixed by design, or cell (each population—each stratum) totals are fixed by design. Asymptotic distributions are derived for each model. A discussion on the relevance and use of standardized rates and the need for distribution theory is also provided.
Educational Needs of Family Businesses: Perceptions of University Directors

Universities have developed family business centers during the past two decades as they and others realized the importance and complexity of family businesses. However, there has been no comprehensive investigation of the unique educational needs of family businesses. The purpose of this study is to explore this subject and to suggest particular areas in family business education that require attention. The study measures the perceptions of university-based family business program directors about educational issues relevant to family businesses. It also provides important insights and information about the current state of family business education.
X-Ray Structure Determination of Three Mutants of the Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Centers from Rb. sphaeroides; Altered Proton Transfer Pathways.

Abstract In the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides , the reduction of a bound quinone molecule Q B is coupled with proton uptake. When Asp-L213 is replaced by Asn, proton transfer is inhibited. Proton transfer was restored by two second-site revertant mutations, Arg-M233→Cys and Arg-H177→His. Kinetic effects of Cd 2+ on proton transfer showed that the entry point in revertant RCs to be the same as in the native RC. The structures of the parental and two revertant RCs were determined at resolutions of 2.10, 1.80, and 2.75 A. From the structures, we were able to delineate alternate proton transfer pathways in the revertants. The main changes occur near Glu-H173, which allow it to substitute for the missing Asp-L213. The electrostatic changes near Glu-H173 cause it to be a good proton donor and acceptor, and the structural changes create a cavity which accommodates water molecules that connect Glu-H173 to other proton transfer components.
The Price-Quality Relationship—Revisited

Using price data collected in Indianapolis and Lafayette, Indiana, rank order correlations between price and quality were computed. These were compared to correlations based on price data obtained from the publications of consumer product testing organizations. It was found that price-quality correlations based on the price data furnished by consumer product testing organizations may not reflect price-quality correlations for specific markets. A second finding of the study suggests the existence of variability across store types with respect to price-quality correlations.
Wayfinding and eye movements

During rectilinear locomotion, the focus of expansion identifies the observer's heading. Eye rotation or curvilinear locomotion annihilates this singularity. Computer simulations of eye rotation during circular translation present possible solutions to heading judgement. Specifically, when gaze direction coincides with circular heading, every velocity vector in the image plane becomes linearized. These velocity vectors are tangent vectors of the corresponding flow lines of optical flow. Moreover, the vectors corresponding to the observer's path are all aligned perpendicularly in the image plane, which in turn can be used to determine the observer's path of locomotion.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Augmented SOLOW Model And The OECD Sample

In their influential work on the augmented Solow model, Mankiw, Romer and Weil (1992) showed that cross-section evidence was reasonably consistent with the Solow growth model augmented to include human capital for a wide range of countries. However, for the sample of OECD countries, they found that the model had low explanatory power and underestimated the output elasticity of physical capital. We revisit their seminal work using data from the recently released version 6.1 of the Penn World Table. We find that the ability of the augmented Solow model to explain the cross-country variation in income per capita in the OECD sample improves significantly. Our results highlight the importance of taking into account changes that take place over time in the collection and measurement of national accounts data in estimating and testing the augmented Solow model.
Employment situation and psychosocial work environment among migrant and native nurses in Finland

Background International migration of health professionals is common. However, research information on adjustment of migrant health care work force to working in a new country is scarce. This study examined the differences in employment and perceptions of psychosocial work environment between migrant and native nurses in Finland. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted for migrant (n = 515 respondents, response rate 45%) and native …
Optimization of the Properties of Undoped a-Ge:H *

High density, non-porous, highly photoconductive films of undoped a-Ge:H showing minimal microstructure have been prepared out of an r.f. glow discharge of GeH 4 on substrates mounted on the powered electrode of a diode reactor. These films, prepared under the systematic variation of substrate temperature, discharge power and dilution of the plasma by H 2 are markedly different from those produced on the unpowered electrode. An optimum level of applied power is found which does not differ significantly from that used to prepare state-of-the-art a-Si:H. For the reactor geometry used, dilution of the plasma with H 2 is found to be essential to the preparation of high quality a-Ge:H. These films contain similar amounts of bound hydrogen to that found in good a-Si:H, and also relatively large quantities of unbound hydrogen. Transport is activated with a Fermi level near mid-gap, the dangling bond spin density is 5 × 10 16 spins/cm 3 , and the samples exhibit photoluminescence. The electron μA has been measured using the TOF technique. The conditions for preparation of optimized material are quite different for those found to optimize the preparation of high quality a-Si:H in this reactor. This is asserted to be a principal cause for our finding, along with other laboratories, of inferior properties for a-SiGe:H alloys when compared with those of a-Si:H.
Soil Arthropod Populations of the New Jersey Pine Barrens as Affected by Fire

The Pine Barrens of New Jersey may be regarded as a fire-maintained subclimax. The effects of a 1963 fire on the populations of invertebrate animals of the forest floor were investigated by comparing the fauna of areas which had been burned with that of unburned areas, approximately 1 year after this fire. Both numbers of taxa and numbers of individuals were significantly less in the burned-over area. Ants appeared to be least severely affected, with 2 species appearing more abundant in the burned than in the unburned areas.
Teleomorph of Sphaerotheca Fuliginea on Cucurbits in North Carolina

(1987). Teleomorph of Sphaerotheca Fuliginea on Cucurbits in North Carolina. Mycologia: Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 484-486.
Epigenesis in Kant: Recent reconsiderations

Epigenesis has become a far more exciting issue in Kant studies recently, especially with the publication of Jennifer Mensch's Kant' Organicism. In my commentary, I propose to clarify my own position on epigenesis relative to that of Mensch and others by once again considering the discourse of epigenesis in the wider eighteenth century. Historically, I maintain that Kant was never fully an epigenesist because he feared its materialist implications. This makes it highly unlikely that he drew heavily, as other interpreters like Dupont and Huneman have suggested, on Caspar Friedrich Wolff for his ultimate theory of "generic preformation." In order to situate more precisely what Kant made of epigenesis, I distinguish his metaphysical use, as elaborated by Mensch, from his view of it as a theory for life science. In that light, I raise questions about the scope and authority of philosophy vis a vis natural science.
Influence of Insulin and Energy Intake on Ovulation Rate, Luteinizing Hormone and Progesterone in Beef Heifers

Ovarian and gonadotropin responses to insulin and energy restriction were investigated in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment using 2-yr-old Brangus heifers. Thirty heifers were paired by weight and body condition, then assigned to treatment groups receiving 75 (LE) or 180% (HE) of NRC recommendations for dietary energy for maintenance. Diets were adjusted weekly to maintain daily .25 to .5 kg weight loss or 0 to .25 kg weight gain, respectively. On d 10 of the first estrous cycle subsequent to the initial 45 d of feeding, heifers within each dietary group were allocated to receive twice daily infusions of either 40 U insulin (I) or saline (C). Infusions began at 5 and 10 h postprandial and were given in six boluses, 20 min apart. Infusions continued daily until d 20 or estrus, whichever occurred first. On d 11, blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 12 h to determine luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin concentrations. On d 16 to 20, twice daily im injections of 1 mg follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were administered. Heifers were ovariectomized on d 11 after estrus. Number of corpora lutea (CL) in LE-I heifers was greater (P less than .05) in LE-C, HE-C or HE-I. Total CL weight (g) per heifer was greater (P less than .05) in HE-C and LE-I heifers than in LE-C. Individual CL wt was heavier in HE than in LE heifers (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Evaluation of Low versus High Volume per Minute Displacement CO2 Methods of Euthanasia in the Induction and Duration of Panic-Associated Behavior and Physiology

Current recommendations for the use of CO 2 as a euthanasia agent for rats require the use of gradual fill protocols (such as 10% to 30% volume displacement per minute) in order to render the animal insensible prior to exposure to levels of CO 2 that are associated with pain. However, exposing rats to CO 2 , concentrations as low as 7% CO 2 are reported to cause distress and 10%–20% CO 2 induces panic-associated behavior and physiology, but loss of consciousness does not occur until CO 2 concentrations are at least 40%. This suggests that the use of the currently recommended low flow volume per minute displacement rates create a situation where rats are exposed to concentrations of CO 2 that induce anxiety, panic, and distress for prolonged periods of time. This study first characterized the response of male rats exposed to normoxic 20% CO 2 for a prolonged period of time as compared to room air controls. It demonstrated that rats exposed to this experimental condition displayed clinical signs consistent with significantly increased panic-associated behavior and physiology during CO 2 exposure. When atmospheric air was then again delivered, there was a robust increase in respiration rate that coincided with rats moving to the air intake. The rats exposed to CO 2 also displayed behaviors consistent with increased anxiety in the behavioral testing that followed the exposure. Next, this study assessed the behavioral and physiologic responses of rats that were euthanized with 100% CO 2 infused at 10%, 30%, or 100% volume per minute displacement rates. Analysis of the concentrations of CO 2 and oxygen in the euthanasia chamber and the behavioral responses of the rats suggest that the use of the very low flow volume per minute displacement rate (10%) may prolong the duration of panicogenic ranges of ambient CO 2 , while the use of the higher flow volume per minute displacement rate (100%) increases agitation. Therefore, of the volume displacement per minute rates evaluated, this study suggests that 30% minimizes the potential pain and distress experienced by the animal.
Brouwer in Higher Dimensions

Having discussed the Brouwer Fixed-Point Theorem (Chap. 1) and proved it for triangles (Chap. 2), we’re ready to prove it in every dimension for closed balls and even for compact, convex sets. Our proof will be quite different from that of Chap. 2, with the combinatorics of Sperner’s Lemma replaced by methods of analysis.
Smooth muscle tumor arising de novo in a liver allograft: A case report.

The development of de novo malignancies is a well-recognized complication of the immunosuppressed state that follows organ transplantation (1-6). In the cyclosporine era, lymphomas, skin cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma account for more than half of the reported cases (6). Other tumors of mesenchymal origin are uncommon. We describe a case of a primary smooth muscle tumor arising in a liver allograft. The tumor was of donor origin. To our knowledge this complication has not been seen before.
Transmission of biology and culture among post-contact Native Americans on the western Great Plains

The transmission of genes and culture between human populations has major implications for understanding potential correlations between history, biological, and cultural variation. Understanding such dynamics in 19th century, post-contact Native Americans on the western Great Plains is especially challenging given passage of time, complexity of known dynamics, and difficulties of determining genetic patterns in historical populations for whom, even today, genetic data for their descendants are rare. Here, biometric data collected under the direction of Franz Boas from communities penecontemporaneous with the classic bison-hunting societies, were used as a proxy for genetic variation and analyzed together with cultural data. We show that both gene flow and "culture flow" among populations on the High Plains were mediated by geography, fitting a model of isolation-by-distance. Moreover, demographic and cultural exchange among these communities largely overrode the visible signal of the prior millennia of cultural and genetic histories of these populations.
The Crotylation Way to Glycosphingolipids: Synthesis of Analogues of KRN7000

A synthesis of glycosphingolipids that centers on the reaction of O- and C-glycosyl crotylstannanes and relatively simple lipid aldehydes is described. The modularity of this strategy and versatility of the crotylation products make this an attractive approach to diverse, highly substituted libraries. The methodology is applied to analogues of the potent imunostimulatory glycolipid KRN7000, including O-, methylene-, and fluoromethine-linked isosteres with diastereomeric ceramide segments and 2-amido substitutes.
Preoperative chemotherapy plus bevacizumab with early salvage therapy based on FDG-PET response in locally advanced gastroesophageal junction and gastric adenocarcinoma.

4101 Background: Response on FDG-PET scan during preoperative chemotherapy has prognostic significance. We performed a phase II trial to examine the effectiveness of FDG-PET directed early switching to salvage chemotherapy measured by 2-year disease free survival (DFS). Methods: Pts with PET avid, endoscopic ultrasound and laparoscopically staged T3 or N+ resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma received induction epirubicin 50mg/m2, cisplatin 60mg/m2 Day 1, capecitabine 625mg/m2 BID Days 1-21 (ECX) and bevacizumab 15mg/kg Day 1. PET scan was repeated at Week 3. PET responders (≥35% decline in SUV) continued with ECX for 2 more cycles. PET non-responders were switched to 2 cycles of salvage therapy: docetaxel 30mg/m2 and irinotecan 50mg/m2Days 1 and 8 q21 days and bevacizumab 15mg/kg Day 1. All pts went to surgery 4 weeks after Cycle 3. Results: Twenty of planned 60 pts were enrolled before the study closed for poor accrual. Eleven (55%) had a PET response after induction. Ten of 11 underwent R0 resection...
Abstract P244: Transcriptional Regulation of Cardiac Gene Expression by Med13 Alters Global Energy Balance

Aberrant cardiac metabolism is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart failure. The heart requires highly efficient metabolism to maintain the levels of ATP needed for contractility and pump function, however little is known about the role of the heart as a metabolic organ. Nuclear hormone receptors, such as thyroid hormone receptor play an important role in cardiovascular disease by significantly altering expression of genes involved in maintaining metabolic activity. The Mediator, a large multiprotein complex functions as a hub to control gene expression through association with transcriptional activators and repressors. We tested the hypothesis that Med13, a component of the Mediator complex, regulates cardiac function in a gain-of-function mouse model. Trangsenic mice overexpressing Med13 in the heart are lean, have increased energy expenditure, are resistant to high fat diet-induced obesity and have enhanced cardiac contractility. Microarray analysis and biochemical assays show that in vivo and in vitro Med13 selectively inhibits nuclear hormone receptor target genes of energy metabolism. These results implicate the Mediator complex regulates energy balance and cardiac contractility and suggests that the heart may function as a key component of mammalian energy homeostasis.
Theory of Helium Monolayers

These lectures are somewhat more general than the title indicates. I shall use the adsorbed helium system to illustrate several of the transitions that can be observed in adsorbed systems. In the first lecture I shall review the phase diagram of adsorbed helium and describe the nature of the observed phases and of the transitions between them. Particular attention is paid to the highly quantum-mechanical low density fluid phase. Order-disorder transitions in adsorbed systems are the subject of the remaining two lectures. In the first of these I derive the universality classes which these transitions can represent. The particular order-disorder transition which occurs in adsorbed helium and krypton systems is the subject of the final lecture in which renormalization group methods for the calculation of phase diagrams is reviewed.
Encopresis: Its Potentiation, Evaluation, and Alleviation

The management of encopresis requires an approach which combines the role of the physician as a diagnostician, a demystifier and educator, a pharmacotherapist, a counselor, a strong child advocate and co-conspirator, and a triage officer for further referral when needed. The challenge is in sustaining the helping relationship, persevering, uncovering strengths in a struggling child and family, and ultimately making good on the implied promise not to abandon the cause until the problem they came in for gets fixed.