cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term incidence of subaxial cervical spine instability following cervical arthrodesis surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective Cervical spine deformities are well-known complications of RA. A 5- to 20-year follow-up of 51 consecutive rheumatoid patients who underwent posterior cervical arthrodesis is presented to evaluate the recurrence of instability and need for further surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the clinical features of 11 men and 40 women with an established diagnosis of RA and associated cervical deformities who underwent cervical spine surgery at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between 1979 and 1990. Their mean age was 61 ± 10 years (SD), and their duration of RA averaged 21 ± 8.9 years (SD). There were 22 patients who presented with myelopathy, 7 with radiculopathy, and 22 with instability/neck pain. There were 33 patients with AAS, 2 with SMO process into the foramen magnum, 8 with SAS, and 8 with combinations of these. Preoperative reduction was followed by decompression and fusion using wiring techniques and autologous bone graft. Postoperative halo orthosis was provided for at least 3 months. The mean follow-up was 8.3 ± 6 years (SD). Results There were 31 patients (61%) who underwent atlantoaxial arthrodesis, 17 patients (33%) who underwent subaxial, and 3 patients (6%) who underwent occipitocervical arthrodesis. During follow-up, 39% (13/33) of patients with AAS developed nonsymptomatic (6) or symptomatic/unstable (7) SASs subsequent to C1-C2 fusion. The latter 7 patients (21%) subsequently required extension of their arthrodesis. Adjacent segment disease was most common at the C3-C4 interspace after atlantoaxial fusion in 62% (8/13). Among the 8 patients who underwent isolated cervical fusion for SAS, 1 patient (1/8, 12%) developed adjacent instability after a fall and required extension of the previous fusion. No secondary procedure was required for the 6 patients initially stabilized by C1-(C6-T1) fusions for combinations of AAS + SAS. None of the patients initially treated by C1-C2 arthrodesis for AAS progressed to SMO. Conclusions The incidence of subaxial instability in patients with rheumatoid disease who underwent cervical arthrodesis may be higher than previously reported, indicating the need for continued follow-up in these patients. Adjacent segment disease may be most common at the C3-C4 level following atlantoaxial fusion. Early stabilization of the C1-C2 complex in the patients with AAS may potentially prevent progression of SMO.
A laboratory study of the 8.65 μm fundamental of 12CH3D at temperatures relevant to titan's atmosphere☆

Spectral transmittance measurements have been performed in the nu6-fundamental of (C-12)H3D at 153 K. Relevant to the studies of the emission spectra of Titan recorded by the IRIS instruments on board Voyagers 1 and 2, N2 has been used as the broadening gas. Excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical spectral transmittance has been the result of using N2-broadened line widths and their dependence upon temperature measured in the nu2-fundamental and S = 63.6 per(sq cm atm) for the absolute intensity of the nu6-fundamental.
The Influence of Abiotic Factors and Temporal Variation on Local Invasion Patterns of the Argentine Ant ( Linepithema humile )

The Argentine ant is a common pest of mediterranean-type ecosystems worldwide, causing widespread extirpation of many native ant species. This study examines spatial and temporal patterns of invasion at a local scale, investigates the effects of this invader on native ant communities and assesses causal mechanisms for these spatial, temporal and numerical patterns, particularly in relation to local climate. Argentine ant workers were more active in the drier months of summer and fall, and abundance was correlated with cumulative precipitation the previous winter. Argentine ant worker abundance greatly increased in conjunction with EI Nino events. No similar relationship existed for native ants. This invasive ant affected native ant abundances differently by species: some species were able to tolerate its presence temporarily. Overall, this study provides a framework of factors to consider when devising control strategies for the invasive Argentine ant.
Cellular and molecular function of mucolipins (TRPML) and polycystin 2 (TRPP2).

Mucolipins (transient receptor potential mucolipin, TRPML) and polycystin-2 proteins (transient receptor potential polycystin, TRPP) constitute two small families of cation channels with motif and sequence similarities to the transient receptor potential (TRP) class of non-selective cation channels. Genetic defects in TRPML1 and TRPML3 in humans and in animal models cause the accumulation of large vacuoles, leading to a variety of cellular phenotypes including neurological and neurosensory deficiencies. TRPML1 is a Ca2+-, K+-, and Na+-permeable cation channel sensitive to pH changes, and regulates a critical step in the maturation of late endosomes to lysosomes. Mutations of TRPP2 in humans result in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Molecular studies have demonstrated that TRPP2 and TRPP3 proteins function as Ca2+-regulated, non-selective cation channels. During embryogenesis TRPP2 is active in node monocilia and plays a role in the establishment of left-right asymmetry. Recent results have indicated that TRPP2 interacts with polycystin-1 and that their interaction is important for their function as mechanosensitive channels at the primary cilium of renal epithelial cells. The interaction of polycystin family members appears to be conserved and is critical for fertilization and mating behavior. An emerging concept from the studies of the polycystin family is that they function as cation-influx based devices for sensing extracellular signals on ciliated structures. Here we review the function of TRPML1 and TRPP2 as representative members of these families, focusing on the genetics, physiology, and biochemistry.
Parametric process synthesis for general nonlinear models

This paper presents a new approach towards parametric analysis of MINLP models in the context of process synthesis problems under uncertainty. The approach is based on the idea of High Dimensional Model Representation technique which utilize a reduced number of model runs to build an uncertainty propagation model that expresses the variability of optimal solution in the uncertain space. Based on this idea, a systematic procedure is developed where in the first step the possible changes in the optimal design configurations due to parametric uncertainty are identified. In the next step, the variability of optimal solution with parameter uncertainty for each design is captured. Having obtained a parametric expression of optimal objective for each design, the optimal solution can be determined by comparing the solutions for different designs. The proposed approach provides information about variation of the optimal objective and optimal design configuration over the entire uncertain space. This information can then be judiciously utilized in any decision making depending on specific process requirements. The main advantage of the proposed approach is that it does not depend on the nature or existence of a mathematical model to describe the input-output relationship of the process.
Employer Recruitment and Hispanic Labor Migration: North Carolina Urban Areas at the End of the Millennium

The North Carolina Hispanic population has grown at a rapid pace in recent years. Before 1980, the majority of Hispanics in North Carolina were engaged primarily in migrant agricultural work. Hispanics who are part of the new influx are arriving in urban areas and are working at nonagricultural pursuits. Previous research and anecdotal evidence suggest that Hispanic newcomers come from other U.S. jurisdictions and from abroad. Labor migration occurs in response to demand for labor, and labor demand is meditated by employers’ preferences and hiring practices. However, focusing solely on employer demand for labor ignores the role of past U.S. immigration policy and the large growth in services employment in the Sunbelt that have fueled the Hispanic in–migration. This research project explored the attitudes and recruiting behavior of employers in the Triangle region of North Carolina. A newspaper content analysis was undertaken, and interviews were conducted with selected intermediaries and a group of employ...
A Browder degree theory from the Nagumo degree on the Hilbert space of elliptic super-regularization

Abstract Let X be a real reflexive separable locally uniformly convex Banach space with locally uniformly convex dual space X ∗ . Let Q : H → X be a linear compact injection, according to Browder and Ton, such that Q ( H ) ¯ = X , where H is a real separable Hilbert space. A degree mapping d on X is constructed from the Nagumo degree d N A on H by d ( T + f , G , 0 ) ≔ lim t → 0 d N A ( I + 1 t Q ∗ ( T t + f ) Q , Q − 1 G , 0 ) , where G ⊂ X is open and bounded, T t is the resolvent ( T − 1 + t J − 1 ) − 1 of a strongly quasibounded maximal monotone operator T : X ⊃ D ( T ) → 2 X ∗ with 0 ∈ T ( 0 ) , and f : G ¯ → X ∗ is demicontinuous, bounded and of type ( S + ) . A “range of sums” result is also given, using the Skrypnik degree theory, in order to further exhibit the methodology of “elliptic super-regularization”.
Virtual reality techniques for the visualization of biomedical imaging data

The Optical Sciences & Engineering Research Center (OSER) at Virginia Polytechnic and State University investigates advanced laser surgery optics, biocompatible material for implants, and diagnostic patches and other diagnostic and drug delivery tools. The Center employs optics to provide new biological research tools for visualization, measurement, analysis and manipulation. The Center's Research into Multispectral Medical Analysis and Visualization techniques will allow human and veterinary medical professionals to diagnose various conditions of the body in much the same way that satellite information is used to study earth resources. Each pixel in the image has an associated spectra. Advanced image analysis techniques are combined with cross-correlation of the spectra with signatures of known conditions, allowing automated diagnostic assistance to physicians. The analysis and visualization system consists of five components: data acquisition, data storage, data standardization, data analysis, and data visualization. OSER research efforts will be directed toward investigations of these system components as an integrated tool for next generation medical diagnostics. OSER will research critical data quality and data storage issues, mult-spectral sensor technologies, data analysis techniques, and diagnostic visualization systems including the VT-CAVE, (www.cave.vt.edu). The VT-CAVE is Virginia Tech's configuration of Fakespace Systems, Inc Virtual Reality system.
Emergent laws of method and class stereotypes in object oriented software

The paper investigates concepts of method and class stereotypes, focusing on understanding OO design abstraction at a lower level than design patterns. Stereotypes are powerful semantic mechanisms and represent generalizations that reflect an intrinsic or atomic behavior of a method or a class. First, we present a mechanism to automatically reverse engineer these stereotypes from existing systems along with a means to re-document methods and classes with their corresponding stereotypes. Second, based on the distribution of method stereotypes we propose techniques for automatic identification of class stereotypes, systems classification, and the characterization of changes during software evolution. We anticipate that these new techniques will better support program comprehension and design recovery, and could be used to build smarter reverse engineering tools. The results of this paper are based on the author's doctoral dissertation.
Fate of superoxide in coastal sea water

The superoxide anion (O2.− ) is a key intermediate in oxygen redox chemistry, and may mediate many chemical transformations in the ocean. The photochemical formation of hydrogen peroxide in sea water has been postulated1 to result from the disproportionation of superoxide, and here we report the results of a study which used the formation of H2O2 to characterize the dynamics of superoxide in coastal sea water. Midday rates of superoxide generation averaged ∼5 x 10-7 mol 1-1h-1. In addition to rapid disproportionation to hydrogen peroxide, a substantial fraction of the superoxide flux was shunted off through unknown pathways; 24–41% of the superoxide flux did not lead directly to H2O2 formation. Our calculations predicted accelerated decomposition of super-oxide in natural sea water relative to pure water; nevertheless, superoxide should be a relatively long-lived transient in sea water. We calculate the 50% decay time of a 10-8mol 1-1 steady-state level to be 20 min.
Adaptive strain-boost hyperdynamics simulations of stress-driven atomic processes

The deformation and failure phenomena of materials are the results of stress-driven, thermally activated processes at the atomic scale. Molecular-dynamics MD simulations can only span a very limited time range which hinders one from gaining full view of the deformation physics. Inspired by the Eshelby transformation formalism, we present here a transformation “strain-boost” method for accelerating atomistic simulations, which is often more efficient and robust than the bond-boost hyperdynamics method R. A. Miron and K. A. Fichthorn, J. Chem. Phys. 119, 621
Characterization of Ca2+-Binding Protein 5 Knockout Mouse Retina

Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate whether Ca2+-binding protein 5 (CaBP5) is required for vision using CaBP5 knockout mice. We also tested whether CaBP5 can modulate expressed Cav1.2 voltage-activated calcium channels.
When grieving adults support grieving children: tensions in a peer support bereavement group programme

Abstract This paper analyses the training and supervision offered to volunteers at a bereavement centre for children in the Northeast United States. Drawing on interviews with 15 former volunteers, five current volunteers, and two staff members, the analysis illustrates how the feeling rules of the organisation shape interactional dynamics during group supervision meetings, and how these organisational processes reflect broader themes in contemporary talk therapeutic culture. Volunteers at the centre were socialised to believe that their ability to support others in their grief was produced through expressing their feelings during weekly supervision meetings, although some volunteers were not interested in talking about their feelings and others wished to speak about matters that could not be held so easily within the peer support model practiced at the centre. A tension emerged in the bereavement groups as well, as the focus on talk led some volunteers to privilege verbal expressions despite the understa...
Induction of cPLA2 in Lung Epithelial Cells and Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Is Mediated by Sp1 and c-Jun

Activating mutations in rasgenes are frequently associated with non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) and contribute to transformed growth in these cells. Expression of oncogenic forms of Ras in these cells is associated with increased expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), leading to constitutively elevated levels of prostaglandin production. Expression of oncogenic Ras is sufficient to induce these enzymes in normal lung epithelial cells. We have previously reported that the JNK and ERK pathways are necessary for induction of cPLA2 and have defined a minimal region of the cPLA2 promoter from −58 to −12 that is required for Ha-Ras-mediated induction. To further characterize the cis-regulatory elements within this region involved in this response, site-directed mutagenesis was used to make mutations at various sites. Three cis-regulatory elements were identified: regions −21/−18, −37/−30, and −55/−53. Mutations in any of these elements decreased basal and Ha-Ras-induced cPLA2 promoter activity in both normal lung epithelial cells, as well as steady state promoter activity in A549 cells, with a mutation in element −21/−18 completely eliminating all promoter activity. Overexpression studies and gel shift assays indicated that Sp1 may serve as a transcription factor functionally regulating promoter activity by directly interacting with two of thecis-regulatory elements, −21/−18 and −37/−30. Expression of Ha-Ras led to induction of c-Jun protein, which showed functional cooperation with Sp1 in driving promoter activity. Additional unidentified transcription factors bound to the regions from −55/−53 and −37/−34.
A Generalizable Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Persistent SAR Change Detection

This paper proposes a hierarchical Bayesian model for multiple-pass, multiple antenna synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems with the goal of adaptive change detection. We model the SAR phenomenology directly, including antenna and spatial dependencies, speckle and specular noise, and stationary clutter. We extend previous work1 by estimating the antenna covariance matrix directly, leading to improved performance in high clutter regions. The proposed SAR model is also shown to be easily generalizable when additional prior information is available, such as locations of roads/intersections or smoothness priors on the target motion. The performance of our posterior inference algorithm is analyzed over a large set of measured SAR imagery. It is shown that the proposed algorithm provides competitive or better results to common change detection algorithms with additional benefits such as few tuning parameters and a characterization of the posterior distribution.© (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A secondary isotope effect study of equine serum butyrylcholinesterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine

Abstract β-Secondary deuterium isotope effects have been measured for equine serum butyrylcholinesterase-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetyl-L3-thiocholine (L = H or 2H). The dependencies of initial rates on isotopic substrate concentrations show close adherence to Michaelis–Menten kinetics, and yield the following isotope effects: D3kcat/Km = 0.98 ± 0.02 and D3kcat = 1.10 ± 0.02. The modestly inverse isotope effect on kcat/Km is consistent with partial rate limitation by a step that converts the sp2-hybridized ester carbonyl of the E + A reactant state into a quasi-tetrahedral transition state in the acylation stage of catalysis. On the other hand, the markedly normal isotope effect on kcat indicates that the Michaelis complex that accumulates at substrate saturation of the active site during catalytic turnover is a tetrahedral intermediate, whose decomposition is the rate-limiting step. These results compliment a previous report [J.R. Tormos et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 127 (2005) 14538–14539] that showed that substrate-activated hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh), catalyzed by recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase, is also rate limited by decomposition of an accumulating tetrahedral intermediate.
Health-care outcomes in ethnoculturally discordant medical encounters: the role of physician transnational competence in consultations with asylum seekers.

In this mobility-upheaval era, many health outcomes are shaped by transnational interactions among care-providers and recipients who meet in settings where nationality/ethnic match is a diminishing option. This exploratory study compares health-care outcomes in ethnoculturally discordant medical encounters according to patient national/ethnic identity, frequency (intensity) of medical consultation, and physician transnational competence (TC). Analysis is based on interviews with 35 political-asylum seekers and their ethnoculturally discordant clinicians at five reception centres in Finland. The three medical-encounter outcomes considered are patient-reported adherence with medication instructions, satisfaction, and confidence in the principal attending physician’s recommendations. The intersubjectively assessed overall transnational competence of the attending physician provided the strongest association with all three outcome measures. The results of exploratory study suggest that preparing medical students with skills that can be applied effectively in variable transnational-encounter contexts would help close disparities in certain health-care outcomes.
The meter of syncopated auditory polyrhythms.

Subjects tapped the perceived meter or beat of polyrhythms that consisted of two conflicting pulse trains (e.g., three elements/repetition vs. five elements/repetition). The meter interpretation was based on the global rhythmic properties of a polyrhythm as well as on the temporal properties of each pulse train. The rhythmic properties of a polyrhythm restricted the range of meter interpretations. Some polyrhythms were overdetermined and allowed but one meter, while others were more ambiguous and allowed several meters. For all polyrhythms, however, the temporal interval between elements of a pulse train determined whether that pulse train would serve as the background beat. These results demonstrate the value of a hierarchic analysis of rhythm
Upstream Wake Influences on the Measured Performance of a Transonic Compressor Stage

The ine uence of an upstream wake on the performance of a downstream compressor stage with transonic inlet conditionsisstudied.Experimentalresultsfrome xedplanecompressorexitinstrumentationshowthatdeepwakes, representative of heavily loaded stator wakes, persist further downstream than anticipated. The ine uences of the upstreamwakesarealiasedintoatypicalstatorpitche eld,thusmagnifyingtheir“ true” ine uence.Resultsalsoshow that reducing the axial spacing between the upstream stator blade-row and downstream rotor blade-row reduced the overall performance suggesting that mechanisms other than wake recovery are present for this compressor. This change in performance was determined to be associated with the upstream stator wakes. The work presented herein shows that the stator/rotor interaction is signie cant and should be accounted for in the design, testing, and analysis of transonic axial compressors.
Experiments with viscous source flows in rotating systems

The dynamics of oceanic bottom currents are examined both theoretically and in the laboratory. A class of similarity solutions for steady flow indicates that the geostrophic current is drained by Ekman flux at its downslope edge and ultimately extinguished at a downstream distance of order (fQs2gr)12 magnified by E−12. Laboratory source flows are found to be consistently wave-like. Nevertheless, certain gross features of the steady Ekman flux mechanism are observed. Instabilities are classified according to the magnitudes of Rossby (ϵ) and Ekman (E) numbers for the steady flow scaling. Characteristic were forms include: (1) a meandering jet (E 10−2). The dispersion relation for source flow waves resembles that of baroclinic instabilities for a uniform two-layer channel flow, and an empirically determined stability boundary is in rough agreement with the inviscid channel flow criterion. An interpretation of field measurements from the Denmark Strait Overflow in terms of the laboratory results is presented.
Influence of depression symptoms on history-independent reward and punishment processing

Prior research indicates that depressed individuals are less responsive to rewards and more sensitive to punishments than non-depressed individuals. This study examines decision-making under reward maximizing or punishment minimizing conditions among adults with low (n=47) or high (n=48) depression symptoms. We utilized a history-independent decision-making task where learning is experience-based and the participants' goal is to enhance immediate payoff. Results indicated a significant interaction between incentive condition (reward maximizing, punishment minimizing) and depression group. Within the low depression group, better performance was observed for reward maximization than punishment minimization. In contrast, within the high depression group, better performance was observed for punishment minimization than reward maximization. Further, the high depression group outperformed the low depression symptom group in the punishment minimization condition, but no depression group differences were observed in the reward maximization condition. Computational modeling indicated that the high depression group was more likely to choose options with the highest expected reward, particularly in the punishment condition. Thus, decision-making is improved for people with elevated depression symptoms when minimizing punishment relative to maximizing rewards.
New technique for operational passive remote sensing of tropospheric and stratospheric temperature and moisture

Traditionally the temperature dependent characteristics of the CO 2 band structures have been used by infrared atmospheric sounders to derive the temperature profiles of the troposphere and stratosphere. Since individual pressure/Doppler broadened CO 2 line structures are also temperature dependent, it is possible to derive the temperature profiles of the atmosphere by resolving single CO 2 spectral lines with high spectral resolution infrared sounder. In this paper, we first compare the techniques of deriving atmospheric temperature profiles from the CO 2 band structures and the pressure/Doppler broadened spectral line structures. Then, we discuss a new IR sounder concept based on the high resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer, which derives the temperature profiles of the atmosphere by resolving individual CO 2 spectral lines. Retrieval simulations using two different techniques are conducted to evaluate its performance relative to other IR sounders.
A look at some systemic properties of self-bioluminescent emission

Self-bioluminescent emission (SBE) is a type of biological chemiluminescence where photons are emitted as part of chemical reactions occurring during metabolic processes. This emission is also known as biophoton emission, ultraweak photon emission and ultraweak bioluminescence. This paper outlines research over the past century on some systemic properties of SBE as measured with biological detectors, photomultiplier detectors and ultra-sensitive imaging arrays. There is an apparent consensus in the literature that emission in the deep blue and ultraviolet (150-450nm) is related to DNA / RNA processes while emission in the red and near infrared (600-1000nm) is related to mitochondria and oxidative metabolisms involving reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and free radicals in plant, animal and human cells along with chlorophyll fluorescent decay in plants. Additionally, there are trends showing that healthy, unstressed and uninjured samples have less emission than samples that are unhealthy, stressed or injured. Mechanisms producing this emission can be narrowed down by isolating the wavelength region of interest and waiting for short-term fluorescence to decay leaving the ultraweak long-term metabolic emission. Examples of imaging this emission in healthy versus unhealthy, stressed versus unstressed, and injured versus uninjured plant parts are shown. Further discussion poses questions still to be answered related to properties such as coherence, photon statistics, and methodological means of isolating mechanisms.
Optical correlator using very-large-scale integrated circuit/ferroelectric-liquid-crystal electrically addressed spatial light modulators

The use of 2-kHz 64 × 64 very-large-scale integrated circuit/ferroelectric-liquid-crystal electrically addressed spatial light modulators as the input and filter planes of a VanderLugt-type optical correlator is discussed. Liquid-crystal layer thickness variations that are present in the devices are analyzed, and the effects on correlator performance are investigated through computer simulations. Experimental results from the very-large-scale-integrated/ferroelectric-liquid-crystal optical-correlator system are presented and are consistent with the level of performance predicted by the simulations.
Screening and Vaccinations in Patients Requiring Systemic Immunosuppression: An Update for Dermatologists

Immunomodulatory agents are becoming an increasingly important tool in the dermatologist’s armamentarium against autoimmune and auto-inflammatory conditions. This review addresses the guidelines for vaccination and screening studies prior to the initiation of immunomodulatory agents. Included are discussions of vaccination schedules, hepatitis vaccination and screening, tuberculosis screening, and specific screening recommendations for antimalarials, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, and newer medications like apremilast and tofacitinib.
Physics And Nonlinear Device Applications Of Bulk And Multiple Quantum Well GaAs

Abstract Optical nonlinearities of bulk and multiple - quantum -well GaAs are discussed. Logic devices using GaAs etalons are exclusively introduced. Introduction There has been increasing interest in optical nonlinearities for many materials since nonlinearoptics can offer decision - making capability to optical signal processing and computing.' Direct - gap semiconductors have drawn special attention because of their exceptionally strong optical nonlinearities in the spectral vicinity of the band edge. Semiconductors also have an advantagebecause they are able to provide reasonable absorption (aL:'l) in a very thin sample ('v1 pm). The short length relieves the limitations caused by the cavity build -up time and permits tightfocusing so that switching energies are reduced. One of the most promising semiconductors, GaAs, demonstrated many interesting features; large optical nonlinearities, room -temperaturecompatibility, convenience of operating wavelength, requirement of
Mixed-Data Multicriteria Evaluation for Regional Planning: A Systematic Approach to the Decisionmaking Process

In this paper multicriteria evaluation is dealt with as a tool for the public decisionmaking process. In the first part of the paper the systematic approach to multicriteria evaluation is presented, and the consecutive steps of the evaluation process are outlined. This is followed in the second part by the application of mixed-data multicriteria evaluation to the empirical problem of resource allocation in Poland. Mixed-data multicriteria evaluation is presented as a decision-support tool and as a means of facilitating a bargaining process between the involved parties.
Calculating K-Connectedness Reliability Using Steiner Bounds

The K-connectedness reliability problem considered in this paper has as input undirected graph G, subset K of terminal vertices, and common edge failure probability p, and as output the probability RG, K, p that---when edges fail independently each with probability p---the set of operating edges connect every pair of vertices of K. We show how the Steiner property held by the underlying simplicial complex associated with this problem can lead to an extension of the Ball-Provan shellability bounds to this more general problem. We show in computational studies that this bound performs quite favorably in comparison with known approximation techniques.
Flushing technique in the management of retained common bile duct stones with a T tube in situ

Over a 12-year-period, 6046 cholecystectomies and 918 common bile duct explorations were undertaken with 697 stone-positive choledochotomies (76 per cent). Forty patients (5.7 per cent) had retained common bile duct stones with a T tube in situ. Twenty-eight patients underwent flushing of the common bile duct with a continuous infusion of heparinized saline solution with parenteral aminophylline to induce relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi. Complete duct clearance was achieved in 17 patients; infusion was stopped in four patients and no deaths occurred. The use of percutaneous stone extraction (Burhenne's technique), gave an overall successful common bile duct clearance rate of 86 per cent. The flushing technique represents the first step in the non-operative management of retained common bile duct stones in patients with a T tube in place. It is a safe and effective method for use in the early postoperative period with a prolongation of hospital stay of not more than 1 week.
The Role of Magnetic Field Dissipation in the Black Hole Candidate Sgr A

The compact, nonthermal radio source Sgr A* at the Galactic Center appears to be coincident with a 2.6 million solar mass point-like object. Its energy source may be the release of gravitational energy as gas from the interstellar medium descends into its potential well. Simple attempts at calculating the spectrum and flux based on this picture have come close to the observations, yet have had difficulty in accounting for the low efficiency in this source. There now appear to be two reasons for this low conversion rate: (1) the plasma separates into two temperatures, with the protons attaining a significantly higher temperature than that of the radiating electrons, and (2) the magnetic field, B, is sub-equipartition, which reduces the magnetic bremsstrahlung emissivity, and therefore the overall power of Sgr A*. We investigate the latter with improvement over what has been attempted before: rather than calculating B based on a presumed model, we instead infer its distribution with radius empirically with the requirement that the resulting spectrum matches the observations. Our ansatz for B(r) is motivated in part by earlier calculations of the expected magnetic dissipation rate due to reconnection in a compressed flow. We find reasonable agreement with the observed spectrum of Sgr A* as long as its distribution consists of 3 primary components: an outer equipartition field, a roughly constant field at intermediate radii (~1000 Schwarzschild radii), and an inner dynamo (more or less within the last stable orbit for a non-rotating black hole) which increases B to about 100 Gauss. The latter component accounts for the observed sub-millimiter hump in this source.
Why Definitions Matter Stalking Victimization in the United States

Although there is a growing understanding of stalking victimization, it remains difficult to define, and characterizations of the phenomenon vary within the literature. As such, research is needed to understand how variations in the definition of stalking may change who is defined as a victim and thereby limit the generalizability of findings across previous studies. The focus of this study is the inclusion or exclusion of subjective and reasonable measures of fear for 1,430 victims identified by the 2006 Supplemental Victimization Survey. Results suggest that the definition of stalking is important, and prior research has potentially excluded stalking victims due to restrictive operationalizations. Victims who report different types of fear appear to be similar to each other in some respects but differ in others, particularly with regard for gender representation, suggesting some definitions of stalking may be gendered and under-represent male stalking victims. Finally, using complex stratified survey weights, the impact of these varying operationalizations is examined. Using the same data but different definitions resulted in estimates of just over 1 to 5.3 million persons who are stalked in the United States each year.
An Analysis of LEED and BREEAM Assessment Methods for Educational Institutions

Abstract This study examines the differences between two environmental assessment methods for the K-12 education sector: the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Schools Version 3.0 and the British Research Establishment's (BRE) BREEAM Education issue 2.0. Credit requirements are compared side-by-side and against recommendations from researchers in areas such as acoustics, lighting and indoor environment quality. Strengths in the two schemes and areas for improvement are highlighted, with acknowledgement that each scheme offers components and techniques from which the other could benefit.
Application of Rate‐Process Theory to Glass—Electrical Conductivity

The electrical conductivity of glass has long been known to be a function of temperature and composition, this fact being first established empirically by Foussereau in 1882. The temperature dependence of the resistivity would seem, however, to follow different laws at high and at low temperatures. Using the rate-process theory, an equation is developed giving the dependence of the resistivity versus temperature. It is shown that at high and low temperatures the equation is reducible to the known empirical forms. It is also shown that glass may be nonohmic in character at low temperatures, as reported by Poole. Poole's equation for the dependence of the resistivity on field strength furthermore is shown to be a direct consequence of the theory.
Bayesian inversion for reconciling uncertainties in global mass balances

This paper presents a Bayesian method for reconciling uncertainties in individual sources and sinks in global mass balance models and applies it to global cycle of methane. Ranges of values derived from in-situ flux measurements are used to define prior probability distributions for the individual sources and sinks. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon isotopes ( 14 C, 13 C and 12 C) and ice core measurements ( 12 C) provide additional information regarding the sources and sinks. Bayes Monte Carlo simulation is used to derive a posterior range for sources that combines data from field measurements, atmospheric observations and ice core data. It is shown that careful interpretation and analysis of available data can result in better resolution of source uncertainties. Emissions of methane from rice paddies and wetlands may be smaller than assessed in the past. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.49.issue2.1.x
Simultaneous removal of third molars during sagittal split osteotomies: the case against.

The presence of unerupted third molars increases the operating time and the technical difficulty of the sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). The incidence of unfavorable fracture is greater, while the available sites for rigid fixation are diminished when impacted teeth are present. Should an unfavorable fracture take place, operating time and technical difficulty are further increased. Local infection, nonunion, malunion, prolonged neurologic symptoms, and relapse all occur more frequently after an unfavorable fracture. I recommend that all candidates for the SSO have impacted third molars removed at the beginning of orthodontic treatment or at least 6 months before orthognathic surgery, to allow for ossification of the extraction sites. The anatomy of the mandibular ramus is such that impacted third molars often produce a thinning of the lingual cortex (Fig 1), less often of the buccal cortex, and occasionally of both cortices. Unfavorable fractures will predictably occur as mechanical stresses converge in these weakened regions during the osteotomy. Although unfavorable fractures will actually take place in only a small percentage of cases, the surgical procedure takes more time and is technically more difficult when simultaneous third molar extraction must be carried out. During the extraction, standard methods of elevation, bone removal, and tooth sectioning must be done with great care. Unfavorable fracture of the distal segment can still take place after a successful SSO if the subsequent extraction is traumatic. When an impacted tooth is present during SSO, initial complete separation of the proximal and distal segments can fail to take place at the inferior aspect of the tooth socket (Fig 1). Additional manipulation of the segments is then necessary to complete the osteotomy. The inferior alveolar nerve in these cases is more frequently trapped in the proximal segment below the tooth socket. Careful bone removal is necessary to free the nerve. This can result in prolonged neurologic symptoms. Both situations present a technical challenge, even to the experienced surgeon. After removal of the impacted tooth, there will be a thinned bony cortex and/or a bone defect caused by the empty tooth socket. These limit the sites available for rigid plate or screw fixation. Should an unfavorable fracture have taken place, the difficulties in stabilizing both the intended and the unintended osteotomies are greatly increased because of the diminished bone stock and the inherent instability of some of these fractures. When the third molar is partially erupted, the incision must be modified. It is carried into the attached gingival distal to the second molar, where a tensionfree, watertight closure can be more difficult to accomplish. Breakdown of such a wound can lead to local infection.
Detection of pseudoecgonine and differentiation from ecgonine in illicit cocaine

Abstract Pseudoecgonine was detected and resolved from ecgonine in illicit cocaine samples by narrow bore capillary gas chromatography (CGC) at levels of less than 0.1%. Identification and confirmation was supported by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Its presence in illicit cocaine samples is examined as an indicator for comparing drug seizures believed to be of common origin.
Bicomponent Hollow Fibers for Pervaporation

Fiber and textile scientists have made great strides in the formation of single and multihole hollow fibers which are of significant practical value to separation science. Pervaporation through bicomponent/composite hollow fibers represents a major potential for the separation of organic and aqueous-organic mixtures. By appropriate selection of the exposed membrane, high throughputs at high selectivities with good chemical and physical stability may be achieved. The article analyzes the transport of isopentane through a composite of silicone rubber and polysulfone asymmetrical hollow fiber membrane. A one parameter mathematical model of the pervaporation process is developed. The parameter is related to the sorption and transport properties of the penetrant through the membrane layers. Pervaporation parameter is a useful tool for membrane characterization and process design.
The Measurement of Shyness

Shyness is not unlike many psychological constructs in that it connotes a rich cluster of behaviors, cognitions, feelings, and bodily reactions. It reduces to no single, concrete object or referent; rather, it represents a convenient abstraction of characteristics we observe in others and in ourselves. The breadth of the construct explains in part its popularity as a label in everyday discourse, but this breadth also creates some confusion among those who wish to understand the nature, origins, and consequences of shyness. Everyone is familiar with the common usage and general meaning of the term, and thus there is substantial overlap in the definitions and measures used in shyness research. At the same time, however, there are areas of fundamental disagreement. Those who study shyness differ in their emphasis and level of specificity, and these differences are reflected in the various ways in which shyness is conceptualized and operationalized as well as in the type of questions that are researched.
Engineering electronic properties of layered transition-metal dichalcogenide compounds through alloying.

Binary alloys present a promising venue for band gap engineering and tuning of other mechanical and electronic properties of materials. Here we use the density-functional theory and cluster expansion to investigate the thermodynamic stability and electronic properties of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) binary alloys. We find that mixing electron-accepting or electron-donating transition metals with 2D TMD semiconductors leads to degenerate p- or n-doping, respectively, effectively rendering them metallic. We then proceed to investigate the electronic properties of semiconductor–semiconductor alloys. The exploration of the configurational space of the 2D molybdenum–tungsten disulfide (Mo1−xWxS2) alloy beyond the mean field approximation yields insights into anisotropy of the electron and hole effective masses in this material. The effective hole mass in the 2D Mo1−xWxS2 is nearly isotropic and is predicted to change almost linearly with the tungsten concentration x. In contrast, the effective electron mass shows significant spatial anisotropy. The values of the band gap in 2D Mo1−xWxS2 and MoSe2(1−x)S2x are found to be configuration-dependent, exposing the limitations of the mean field approach to band gap analysis in alloys.
Emotion Talk and Political Judgment

Recent critics have argued that the concept of deliberation guiding much democratic theory is an overly rationalized one that undervalues the role of emotion in political communication. In this essay, I probe the puzzles of political judgment that come into view once we consider emotion a morally appropriate element of democratic communication. I argue that Aristotle’s understanding of reason, emotion, and rhetoric directs our attention to “emotion talk” and offers resources for illuminating the worldly effects of beliefs about emotion in a context of inequality. Reflecting on the effects of how we listen to emotion talk can provoke consideration of the citizen ethos we desire.
A New Paradigm for Military Policy: Socioeconomics

Socioeconomics is a new, more moral economic theory developed by Amitai Etzioni. Its purpose is to replace neoclassical economics. This article advocates socioeconomics as a paradigm for military p...
Interculturalidad resbalosa en materiales escolares para indígenas en México

Ante la intensificacion de los procesos de escolarizacion de los pueblos indigenas y tambien de la retorica interculturalista/bilinguista, resulta necesario y pertinente hacer un analisis critico de los nuevos materiales emitidos por la Secretaria de Educacion Publica mexicana para el medio indigena. Para ello se buscara desvelar tanto la imagen que se maneja de las personas indigenas como el mensaje que el gobierno quiere mandar a estos jovenes. Se vera que los contenidos reflejan, por un lado, poca “interculturalidad”, y por el otro, un Estado paternalista, el cual argumenta la incorporacion o la integracion de los pueblos indigenas a su cosmovision occidental. Se hace patente la inculcacion de un patriotismo feroz y surge la pregunta sobre si realmente han cambiado las intenciones integracionistas del gobierno mexicano. En cuanto a la imagen que se maneja de los pueblos, brotan una y otra vez viejos estereotipos y lugares comunes que sorprenden por su carga despectiva. Las practicas culturales manifestadas en los materiales escolares ofrecen una perspectiva muy reducida de la diversidad y dejan abierta la pregunta sobre las posibilidades de un llegar a una verdadera “interculturalidad” en la educacion.