cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Organizational Stakeholder Model of Change Implementation Communication

Despite a growing interest in the communicative dimensions of planned change processes in organizations, a comprehensive theoretical treatment of change implementation communication has not yet emerged in the literature. This essay offers a beginning remedy by presenting a model situated within stakeholder theory. The model connects implementers’ selection of communication strategies, stakeholders’ concerns, assessments, and interactions with 3 critical features of the observable system after implementation has begun (fidelity, uniformity, and authenticity). Model linkages are supported by current and recent scholarship in communication and change, and propositions and hypotheses are generated to provide heuristic value.
The Econometrics of Kinked Budget Constraints

In the last several years a branch of applied econometrics has developed which is devoted to the development of techniques for the estimation of demand and other functions when the budget constraint is "piecewise-linear," or "kinky"-that is, when the constraint consists of a number of segments joined together at kink points. Such constraints most frequently arise from government tax and transfer programs. For example, the federal income tax imposes a piecewise-linear schedule by the use of constant marginal tax rates within brackets, a problem analyzed by Hausman (1981). The payroll tax in the Social Security system likewise generates a kinked schedule inasmuch as the marginal tax rate on earnings is zero above a certain earnings maximum. Federal and state transfer programs for the poor result in piecewise-linear constraints because transfer benefits are "taxed" (in the sense of a negative income tax) as income rises and because that "tax rate" falls to zero at the kink point where an individual or family loses eligibility for the benefit altogether. Many government transfer programs impose additional nonlinearities by altering this tax rate by discrete amounts over the range of positive benefits as well. But kinked constraints sometimes arise in nongovernment contexts, a well-known example being the block pricing schedule commonly set by utilities and volume discounting in general. Kinked budget constraints create two difficulties that have several interesting facets. One difficulty is that changes in tax and transfer schedules can have unexpected effects that can be exactly the opposite in sign to those expected from economic theory. Examples of this phenomenon are given below. The second difficulty, that with which this paper is mostly concerned, relates to the implications of kinked budget
Good training allows excellent results for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication even early in the surgeon’s experience

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is the gold standard for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a well-defined learning curve for the procedure has been described. This study aimed to assess whether the surgeon’s experience has an effect on 1-year symptom scores and patient satisfaction. All the patients who underwent antireflux surgery were entered into a prospectively maintained database including 1-year postoperative symptom scores. The database was queried in June 2008 to identify patients who had been followed up for 1 year. To decrease variability, the patients with a large hiatal hernia (>5 cm), paraesophageal hernia, treatment with partial fundoplication, a required Collis gastroplasty, or treatment with a transthoracic procedure were excluded from the study. From September 2003 to March 2007, 215 consecutive patients underwent primary antireflux surgery. Of these 215 patients, 158 (93 women with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.6 years; range, 18–87 years) met the inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups: early group (9/2003–10/2004), mid group (10/2004–12/2005), and late group (12/2005–3/2007). Experience significantly decreased the mean operative time (P 0.05 for each). However, chest pain (mean, 0.2 ± 0.4) was significantly improved with experience (P 0.05, scale, 1–10), and 14.5% (19/131) of the patients reported use of acid suppression medications. A high degree of 1-year symptom resolution and satisfaction can be achieved even early in a surgeon’s experience provided there is adequate training and maintenance of strict adherence to technique.
On-chip localized surface Plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing

We experimentally demonstrate on-chip efficient LSPR sensing in a device consisting of plasmonic nanoresonators integrated with silicon nitride photonic waveguides. A sensitivity of 168nm/RIU and a coupling efficiency of 8% to individual nanoresonators are demonstrated.
Plant-Related Factors Influence the Effectiveness of Neoseiulus fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a Biological Control Agent of Spider Mites on Landscape Ornamental Plants

The predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) was evaluated as a biological control agent of herbivorous mites on outdoor-grown ornamental landscape plants. To elucidate factors that may affect predator efficiency, replicated tests were conducted on 30 ornamental plant cultivars that varied in relationship to their generalized morphology (e.g., conifers, shade trees, evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, and herbaceous perennials), production method (potted or field grown), canopy density, and the prey species present on each. Plant morphological grouping and foliar density appeared to be the most influential factors in predicting successful biological control. Among plant morphological groups, N. fallacis was most effective on shrubs and herbaceous perennials and less effective on conifers and shade trees. N. fallacis was equally effective at controlling spider mites on containerized (potted) and field grown plants, and there was no difference in control of mites on plants with Tetranychus spp. versus those with Oligonychus or Schizotetranychus spp. Moderate to unsuccessful control of spider mites by N. fallacis occurred mostly on tall, vertical plants with sparse canopies. Acceptable spider mite control occurred in four large-scale releases of N. fallacis into production plantings of Abies procera, Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’, Malus rootstock, and Viburnum plicatum ‘Newport’. These data suggest that N. fallacis can be an effective biological control agent of multiple spider mite species in a range of low-growing and selected higher growing ornamental plants.
Chemically self-regulated drug delivery systems

Les dispositifs d'autoregulation de la liberation des principes actifs dans les systemes de delivrance des formes a liberation controlee peuvent agir par un mecanisme de desorption ou de reaction enzyme substrat
Numerical Investigation of EHD Conduction Pumping of Liquid Film With Phase-Change

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction pumping is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes, generated by the process of dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. This paper numerically investigates the EHD conduction pumping of a thin liquid film in the presence of phase change. The flow system comprises a liquid film flowing over a two-dimensional flat plate while the vapor phase extended far beyond the interface to result in almost motionless vapor. The channel is separated into four different sections: the entrance, electrode, evaporation, and downstream sections. The entrance, electrode and downstream regions are adiabatic while a constant heat flux is applied in the evaporation side. The concept of EHD conduction pumping of liquid film in the presence of phase change is demonstrated in this paper. The enhanced heat transfer due to conduction pumping is evaluated.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Elementary Research on Preparation of AlB12 Powder by Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS)

The preparation of AlB12 powder by SHS has been investigated. Mg, Al2O3 and B2O3 powders were mixed as staring materials. SHS products were treated by acid pickling. Adiabatic temperatures were calculated by HSC software. XRD, SEM, TEM analyses were used products after acid picking treatment. The reason caused AlB12 low purity is the formation of Mg0.4Al2.4O4 and insoluble matter
Stop Flow Analysis of Renal Tubular Site of Reabsorption of Radioiodide in Dogs.

SummaryThe renal tubular site of reabsorption of iodide has been determined in the dog using the stop flow technic. The pattern for I131 was found to be qualitatively similar to that for chloride or sodium. However, I131 was reabsorbed to a lesser extent than chloride or sodium in both distal and proximal segments. Administration of large doses of stable iodide, perchlorate or thiosulfate did not greatly affect the stop flow ratios of I131. These experiments are interpreted as indicating passive reabsorption of iodide in both proximal and distal portions of the renal tubules of the dog.
Stepping stones to synergy: Social Q&A and virtual reference [ASIST 2011 panel]

Virtual reference (VR) and social Q&A (SQA), both refer to some form of information seeking activity using online Q&A. They are often seen as apples and oranges, but there is a need to understand their similarities and differences in order to derive lessons from each side to help the other. The proposed panel will bring together prominent researchers from both service types to discuss how we could bridge the gap between VR and SQA in order to explore unique opportunities such synergic movement brings forth, including possible new forms arising from merged influences of mobile technologies, social media, video conferencing, and virtual worlds.
4s 2 4p 4 –4s4p 5 transitions in Zr vii, Nb viii, and Mo ix*

Spectra of ionized Zr, Nb, and Mo have been observed in sliding spark discharges at peak currents up to 4000 A on the 10.7 m normal and grazing incidence spectrographs at NBS. From these observations the group of 4s24p4–4s4p5 transitions in Zr vii, Nb viii, and Mo ix have been identified and measured. The energy parameters obtained from least-squares fits to the resultant energy levels are compared with Hartree-Fock calculations.
Hybrid Mutual Funds and Market Timing Performance

I examine the stock market timing ability of two samples of hybrid mutual funds. I find that the inclusion of bond indices and a bond timing variable in a multifactor Treynor‐Mazuy model framework leads to substantially different conclusions concerning the stock market timing performance of these funds relative to the traditional Treynor‐Mazuy model. Results from the multifactor Treynor‐Mazuy model find less stock timing ability over the 1981–91 time period and provide evidence of significant stock timing ability across the second fund sample during the 1992–2000 time period.
Lower Threshold for Referral for Psychiatric Treatment for Adopted Adolescents

Epidemiological data on a national sample of 3,698 adolescents, of whom 145 were adopted, indicate that adoption significantly increases the likelihood of referral for psychiatric treatment even after controlling for the fact that adoptees display more behavior problems and come from more educated families. This is accounted for by the fact that adoptees are significantly more likely to be referred when they display few problems. Thus, contrary to popular myth and clinical lore, the overrepresentation of young adoptees in clinical settings is not attributable solely to the fact that adoptees are more troubled. Rather, adoptees do display more problems but they are also referred more readily even after controlling for extent of problems.
El pájaro amarillo de la ictericia: Reconocimiento de la obstrucción biliar

Actualice sus conocimientos sobre las diferentes causas que pueden producir la ictericia y sobre el modo de valorar al paciente que presenta este doloroso trastorno
Potential biodiversity benefits from international programs to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation

Deforestation is the second largest anthropogenic source of carbon dioxide emissions and options for its reduction are integral to climate policy. In addition to providing potentially low cost and near-term options for reducing global carbon emissions, reducing deforestation also could support biodiversity conservation. However, current understanding of the potential benefits to biodiversity from forest carbon offset programs is limited. We compile spatial data on global forest carbon, biodiversity, deforestation rates, and the opportunity cost of land to examine biodiversity conservation benefits from an international program to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation. Our results indicate limited geographic overlap between the least-cost areas for retaining forest carbon and protecting biodiversity. Therefore, carbon-focused policies will likely generate substantially lower benefits to biodiversity than a more biodiversity-focused policy could achieve. These results highlight the need to systematically consider co-benefits, such as biodiversity in the design and implementation of forest conservation programs to support international climate policy.
Lattice point theory of irractional ellipsoids with an arbitrary center

We shall consider positive definite quadratic formsQ inr≥2 variables of the “almost diagonal shape”\(Q{\mathbf{ }}(u) = \sum\limits_{1 \leqslant j{\mathbf{ }} \leqslant \sigma } {\alpha j{\mathbf{ }}(u^{(j)} )} \) where ϖ≥2, and for 1≤j≤ϖ,Qj is a positive definite quadratic form with integral coefficients inrj variables, αj is a positive real number,rj≥1 andr1+...+rα=r Letb1,...,br be a system of real numbers with 0≤bj 0 letA(x) be the number of lattice points in the ellipsoidQ(u+b)≤x, letV(x) be the volume of this ellipsoid and letP(x)=A(x)-V(x). Our purpose is to find the exact order ofP(x); i. e., the numberf for which for each ɛ>0P(x)=O(xf+e) andP(x)=Ω(xf−e).
THE “ONE PLAN” PROJECT: GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY WORKING TO SIMPLIFY FACILITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING

ABSTRACT The current approach to preparedness for oil and hazardous materials spills in the United States is a maze of federal, state, and local programs that often overlap. The National Response Team (NRT), in cooperation with the Region 6 Response Team (RRT), has developed a contingency plan format that simplifies existing federal regulatory requirements into a single integrated contingency plan (ICP). This format, which was developed by a working group chaired by the EPA Region 6, with representatives from government, industry, labor, and environmental groups, can be used as a model for cooperative projects involving the public and private sectors. The purpose of the ICP is to simplify emergency response plans at facilities. A facility using the ICP format would benefit from the reduced costs of maintaining and updating plans and from the simplified training for responders. Use of the ICP format should also reduce confusion about which plan to use during a response and should improve coordination betwe...
Attention and Disordered Eating Behavior: II. Disattention to Turbulent Inner Sensations as a Risk Factor in the Development of Anorexia Nervosa

The Slade model for development of anorexia nervosa proposes that the female may seek success and control in her life by pursuing a thin body through dieting when faced with serious personal problems. Extending upon this model, the present program of research has sought to identify those characteristics of women generally at-risk for anorexia nervosa that would make dieting behavior especially successful, permitting the progression from food restraint into food aversion. The present studies considered whether heightened and stress-related inner stimulation could interfere with the at-risk woman's sensitivity to hunger sensations, thereby decreasing her motivation to eat. A series of analyses conducted within two studies indicated: (1) a relationship between elevated daily stress, concern over being over-whelmed by inner feelings, and a loss of discrimination regarding sources of inner feelings, (2) a tendency to narrow attentional focus when overloaded with excessive internal stimulation, and (3) diminished sensitivity to hunger sensations for women generally at-risk for anorexia nervosa given a narrowed attentional focus.
Involvement of 5-HT1A activity in the discriminative stimulus effects of imipramine

Abstract Pigeons were trained to discriminate the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (3.0 or 55.6 mg/kg) from saline. The selective 5-HT 1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.03–1.0 mg/kg) resulted in dose-dependent increases in responding on the key correlated with imipramine administration. Doses of 8-OH-DPAT from 0.3 to 1.0 mg/kg substituted completely for imipramine. NAN-190 (0.3–3.0 mg/kg), a putative 5-HT 1A antagonist with affinity for both 5-HT 1A and α 1 receptors, blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of imipramine and resulted in saline-key responding. The discriminative stimulus effects of imipramine were also blocked by administration of the α 1 -adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin, suggesting a dual mediation of imipramine through both 5-HT 1A and α 1 -adrenoreceptor systems. Although antidepressants have not been used frequently as stimuli in drug discrimination studies, it may be possible to arrive at a more complete understanding of their neurochemical and behavioral effects using this procedure.
Charge transport in single CuO nanowires

Charge transport in single crystal, p-type cupric oxide (CuO) nanowire (NW) was studied through temperature based (120 K–400 K) current-voltage measurements. CuO NW with a diameter of 85 nm was attached to Au electrodes 2.25 μm apart, using dielectrophoresis. At low electrical field (<0.89 × 103 V/cm), an ohmic conduction is observed with an activation energy of 272 meV. The injected electrons fill traps with an average energy, ET = 26.6 meV and trap density, NT = 3.4 × 1015 cm−3. After the traps are saturated, space charge limited current mechanism becomes dominant. For 120 K ≤ T ≤ 210 K phonon scattering limits mobility. For T ≥ 220 K, a thermally activated mobility is observed and is attributed to small polaron hopping with an activation energy of 44 meV. This mechanism yields a hole mobility of 0.0015 cm2/V s and an effective hole concentration of 4 × 1018 cm−3 at 250 K.
Sex differences in persuadability of human and computer-synthesized speech: Meta-analysis of seven studies

To examine sex differences in persuasiveness, we conducted a meta-analysis of seven studies from our laboratory on reactions to human versus computer-synthesized speech. We tested three hypotheses: (1) people would be more persuaded by human speech than by computer-synthesized speech, (2) women would be slightly more persuaded than men, and (3) the sex difference would be more pronounced for human speech than for synthetic speech. While there was support for the first two hypotheses, there was none for the third. Also, no consistent support was found for a moderating effect of mode of presentation, audio versus video.
Thermal and Nonthermal Methods for Food Allergen Control

The incidence of food allergy has been increasing over the years, leading to a demand for methods aimed to reduce allergens from food products. The study of food processing on allergen reactivity has largely focused on thermal treatments; however, novel food processing techniques, such as a variety of nonthermal methods, are being explored to potentially create hypoallergenic products. Nonthermal methods are oftentimes advantageous, as they have the ability to retain organoleptic properties, such as nutrient content and flavor, that are frequently altered during thermal processing. Those afflicted with food allergy are typically required to completely eliminate problem foods from their diet, yet potential processing methods may allow consumption of those condemned foods by offering products with reduced allergen potency. This review highlights the efficacy of postharvest thermal and nonthermal treatments of foods in their ability to alter food allergen reactivity.
Computational studies of polyelectrolytes containing zeolitic fragments

The structures and sodium affinities of a series of zeolitic fragments [H{sub 3}Al(OCH{sub 3}){sub x}(OSiH{sub 3}){sub 1{minus}x}{sup {minus}}, 2T, H{sub 2}Al(OCH{sub 3}){sub x}(OSiH{sub 3}){sub 2{minus}x}{sup {minus}}, Al(OCH{sub 3}){sub x}(OSiH{sub 3}){sub 4{minus}x}{sup {minus}}, 5T], that mimic the charge sites in polyelectrolytes are calculated by ab initio molecular orbital methods at different levels of theory. At the HF/6-31G{sup *} level, the decrease in the sodium affinity due to the substitution of an OCH{sub 3} group by an OSiH{sub 3} group is about 8 kcal/mol in the 2T and 3T systems. In the 5T systems, the replacement of a sodium-coordinated OCH{sub 3} group by an OSiH{sub 3} group causes a decrease of 7 kcal/mol in the sodium affinity, while the substitution for a non-sodium-coordinated OCH{sub 3} group results in a 2.7 kcal/mol decrease. The lower sodium affinity indicates a weaker Coulombic interaction, suggesting an enhanced ionic conductivity with the substitution of carbon by silicon, consistent with experimental results. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses show that silicon-bonded oxygen atoms have smaller lone-pair dipole moments, resulting in a lower sodium affinity. The substitution of aluminum by boron leads to a higher sodium affinity, although the effect of replacing an OCH{sub 3} group by an OSiH{submore » 3} group still reduces the sodium affinity. The effect of the sodium cation on the bond angles in these systems is also investigated.« less
Applications of High-Resolution Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy to Technical Surfaces

Within the past several years, advances in high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) have permitted the application to increasingly complex systems, technical surfaces, which depart from well-characterized, smooth, single-crystal surfaces. These developments have tracked a series of improvements in instrumentation, with present generation spectrometers exhibiting limiting energy resolution below 1 meV at relatively high detector currents (10 pA, direct beam). This paper addresses recent progress in two of these areas: polymer surfaces and model-supported catalysts.
CaPTHUS scoring model in primary hyperparathyroidism: can it eliminate the need for ioPTH testing?

The CaPTHUS model was reported to have a positive predictive value of 100 % to correctly predict single-gland disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, thus obviating the need for intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) testing. We sought to apply the CaPTHUS scoring model in our patient population and assess its utility in predicting long-term biochemical cure. We retrospective reviewed all parathyroidectomies for primary hyperparathyroidism performed at our university hospital from 2003 to 2012. We routinely perform ioPTH testing. Biochemical cure was defined as a normal calcium level at 6 months. A total of 1,421 patients met the inclusion criteria: 78 % of patients had a single adenoma at the time of surgery, 98 % had a normal serum calcium at 1 week postoperatively, and 96 % had a normal serum calcium level 6 months postoperatively. Using the CaPTHUS scoring model, 307 patients (22.5 %) had a score of ≥3, with a positive predictive value of 91 % for single adenoma. A CaPTHUS score of ≥3 had a positive predictive value of 98 % for biochemical cure at 1 week as well as at 6 months. In our population, where ioPTH testing is used routinely to guide use of bilateral exploration, patients with a preoperative CaPTHUS score of ≥3 had good long-term biochemical cure rates. However, the model only predicted adenoma in 91 % of cases. If minimally invasive parathyroidectomy without ioPTH testing had been done for these patients, the cure rate would have dropped from 98 % to an unacceptable 89 %. Even in these patients with high CaPTHUS scores, multigland disease is present in almost 10 %, and ioPTH testing is necessary.
Teaching engineering in a social context

The broader implications of technological innovation are not addressed directly in the engineering classroom. Even in courses that consolidate and integrate knowledge, such as engineering design, the social issues are dealt with narrowly. The student is encouraged to be a team player and to behave ethically, but the reason is to optimize the design activity, not to explore its implications. In this article, the author introduced a course entitled "Components and Systems: Engineering in a Social Context" specifically to provide a link between the engineer as a calculator and designer and the engineer as a professional who must recognize that his or her inventions have profound societal impact and who must therefore act in a socially responsible manner.
Consonant Discrimination in Elicited and Spontaneous Speech: A Case for Signal-adaptive Front Ends in ASR

The constant frame length in typical ASR front ends is too long to capture transient phenomena in speech, such as stop bursts. However, current HMM systems have consistently outperformed systems based solely on non-uniform units. This work investigates an approach to “add back” such transient information to a speech recognizer, without losing the robustness of the standard a coustic models. We demonstrate a set of phonetically-motivated acoustic features that discriminate a preliminary test set of highly ambiguous voiceless stops in CV contexts. The features are automatically computed from data that had been hand-marked for consonant burst location and voicing onset (extension to automatic marking is also proposed). Two corpora are processed using a parallel set of features: conversational speech over the telephone (Switchboard), and a corpus of carefully elicited speech. The latter provides a n upper bound on discrimination, and allows for comparison of feature usage across speaking style. We explore data-driven approaches to obtaining variable-length time-localized features compatible with an HMM statistical framework. We also suggest techniques for extension to automatic annotation of burst location, for computation of features at such points, and for augmentation of an HMM system with the added information.
Eternal annihilations: New constraints on long-lived particles from big-bang nucleosynthesis.

In the early Universe, the relative abundance of a massive weakly interacting particle species "freezes out" when the annihilation rate becomes less than the expansion rate. Although ineffective in reducing the total number of the species, occasional annihilations still occur after freeze-out. The residual annihilations of massive particles ($10 \mathrm{MeV}\ensuremath{\lesssim}{m}_{X}\ensuremath{\lesssim} 1 \mathrm{GeV}$) after primordial nucleosynthesis can strongly alter the light-element abundances through photodissociation. For particles with typical weak-interaction cross sections and lifetimes ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{X}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}$ sec, we find that the mass range ${m}_{X}\ensuremath{\lesssim} 1$ GeV is ruled out, independent of how they subsequently decay.
Reflection-mode time-reversed ultrasonically encoded optical focusing into turbid media

Time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing was recently proposed to deliver light dynamically to a tight region inside a scattering medium. In this letter, we report the first development of a reflection-mode TRUE optical focusing system. A high numerical aperture light guide is used to transmit the diffusely reflected light from a turbid medium to a phase-conjugate mirror (PCM), which is sensitive only to the ultrasound-tagged light. From the PCM, a phase conjugated wavefront of the tagged light is generated and conveyed by the same light guide back to the turbid medium, subsequently converging to the ultrasonic focal zone. We present experimental results from this system, which has the ability to focus light in a highly scattering medium with a round-trip optical penetration thickness (extinction coefficient multiplied by round-trip depth) as large as 160.
Linkage analysis in psychiatric disorders: the emerging picture.

▪ Abstract Gene finding in genetically complex diseases has been difficult as a result of many factors that have diagnostic and methodologic considerations. For bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, numerous family, twin, and adoption studies have identified a strong genetic component to these behavioral psychiatric disorders. Despite difficulties that include diagnostic differences between sample populations and the lack of statistical significance in many individual studies, several promising patterns have emerged, suggesting that true susceptibility loci for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may have been identified. In this review, the genetic epidemiology of these disorders is covered as well as linkage findings on chromosomes 4, 12, 13, 18, 21, and 22 in bipolar disorder and on chromosomes 1, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, and 22 in schizophrenia. The sequencing of the human genome and identification of numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) should substantially enhance the ability of investigators to ide...
Brownian Dynamics of Subunit Addition-Loss Kinetics and Thermodynamics in Linear Polymer Self-Assembly

The structure and free energy of multistranded linear polymer ends evolves as individual subunits are added and lost. Thus, the energetic state of the polymer end is not constant, as assembly theory has assumed. Here we utilize a Brownian dynamics approach to simulate the addition and loss of individual subunits at the polymer tip. Using the microtubule as a primary example, we examined how the structure of the polymer tip dictates the rate at which units are added to and lost from individual protofilaments. We find that freely diffusing subunits arrive less frequently to lagging protofilaments but bind more efficiently, such that there is no kinetic difference between leading and lagging protofilaments within a tapered tip. However, local structure at the nanoscale has up to an order-of-magnitude effect on the rate of addition. Thus, the kinetic on-rate constant, integrated across the microtubule tip (kon,MT), is an ensemble average of the varying individual protofilament on-rate constants (kon,PF). Our findings have implications for both catastrophe and rescue of the dynamic microtubule end, and provide a subnanoscale framework for understanding the mechanism of action of microtubule-associated proteins and microtubule-directed drugs. Although we utilize the specific example of the microtubule here, the findings are applicable to multistranded polymers generally.
Why might stratospheric sudden warmings occur with similar frequency in El Niño and La Niña winters

[1] The effect of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the frequency and character of Northern Hemisphere major mid-winter stratospheric sudden warmings (SSWs) is evaluated using a meteorological reanalysis data set and comprehensive chemistry-climate models. There is an apparent inconsistency between the impact of opposite phases of ENSO on the seasonal mean vortex and on SSWs: El Nino leads to an anomalously warm, and La Nina leads to an anomalously cool, seasonal mean polar stratospheric state, but both phases of ENSO lead to an increased SSW frequency. A resolution to this apparent paradox is here proposed: the region in the North Pacific most strongly associated with precursors of SSWs is not strongly influenced by El Nino and La Nina teleconnections. In the observational record, both La Nina and El Nino lead to similar anomalies in the region associated with precursors of SSWs and, consistent with this, there is a similar SSW frequency in La Nina and El Nino winters. A similar correspondence between the penetration of ENSO teleconnections into the SSW precursor region and SSW frequency is found in the comprehensive chemistry-climate models. The inability of some of the models to capture the observed relationship between La Nina and SSW frequency appears related to whether the modeled ENSO teleconnections result in extreme anomalies in the region most closely associated with SSWs. Finally, it is confirmed that the seasonal mean polar vortex response to ENSO is only weakly related to the relative frequency of SSWs during El Nino and La Nina.
Rates of intentionally caused and road crash deaths of US citizens abroad.

Context Currently, little is known about rates of death by cause and country among US travellers. Understanding the risk by cause and country is imperative to risk communication and the development of risk reduction strategies.
Physiological and morphological changes in developing peripheral nerves of rat embryos.

Abstract Physiological and morphological properties of intercostal nerves were studied in rat embryos of 13–21 days of gestation (birth is at 21–22 days). Rat intercostal nerves emerged from the spinal cord at day 13 of gestation when they were surrounded by a few Schwann cells. The nerve bundles contained growth cones, and large and small diameter unmyelinated profiles. At 13–17 days of gestation, large diameter profiles and irregularly shaped growth cones made up a significant portion of the axon population in intercostal nerves. At day 13 electrical stimulation of the nerve evoked action potentials. Thus, intercostal nerves are excitable at day 13 in utero, prior to the formation of functional nerve-muscle contacts (day 14–15). A functional nerve-muscle junction is, therefore, not a prerequisite for conduction of action potentials. From the onset of excitability Na+ was the major carrier of the action potential inward current, but there was also a small Ca2+ current that lasted until 18 days of gestation. At 17–18 days of gestation, Schwann cell proliferation and extension of Schwann cell cytoplasm into the nerve subdivided it into numerous smaller bundles. Axons located in the periphery of many bundles were wrapped by Schwann cell cytoplasm and were probably the first ones to become myelinated. During the same period extracellularly recorded action potentials consisted of multiple negative peaks, and conduction velocity increased about 2-fold. Myelination began at day 22 and was completed within 3 weeks after birth when the ratio of myelinated-to-unmyelinated axons reached its adult value.
14-3-3 Protein Interacts with Huntingtin-associated Protein 1 and Regulates Its Trafficking

HAP1 (Huntingtin-associated protein 1) consists of two alternately spliced isoforms (HAP1A and HAP1B, which have unique C-terminal sequences) and participates in intracellular trafficking. The C terminus of HAP1A is phosphorylated, and this phosphorylation was found to decrease the association of HAP1A with kinesin light chain, a protein involved in anterograde transport in cells. It remains unclear how this phosphorylation functions to regulate the association of HAP1 with trafficking proteins. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we found that HAP1 also interacts with 14-3-3 proteins, which are involved in the assembly of protein complexes and the regulation of protein trafficking. The interaction of HAP1 with 14-3-3 is confirmed by their immunoprecipitation and colocalization in mouse brain. Moreover, this interaction is specific to HAP1A and is increased by the phosphorylation of the C terminus of HAP1A. We also found that expression of 14-3-3 decreases the association of HAP1A with kinesin light chain. As a result, there is less HAP1A distributed in neurite tips of PC12 cells that overexpress 14-3-3. Also, overexpression of 14-3-3 reduces the effect of HAP1A in promoting neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. We propose that the phosphorylation-dependent interaction of HAP1A with 14-3-3 regulates HAP1 function by influencing its association with kinesin light chain and trafficking in neuronal processes.
EPID dosimetry for pretreatment quality assurance with two commercial systems.

This study compares the EPID dosimetry algorithms of two commercial systems for pretreatment QA, and analyzes dosimetric measurements made with each system alongside the results obtained with a standard diode array. 126 IMRT fields are examined with both EPID dosimetry systems (EPIDose by Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne FL, and Portal Dosimetry by Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto CA) and the diode array, MapCHECK (also by Sun Nuclear Corporation). Twenty-six VMAT arcs of varying modulation complexity are examined with the EPIDose and MapCHECK systems. Optimization and commissioning testing of the EPIDose physics model is detailed. Each EPID IMRT QA system is tested for sensitivity to critical TPS beam model errors. Absolute dose gamma evaluation (3%, 3 mm, 10% threshold, global normalization to the maximum measured dose) yields similar results (within 1%–2%) for all three dosimetry modalities, except in the case of off-axis breast tangents. For these off-axis fields, the Portal Dosimetry system does not adequately model EPID response, though a previously-published correction algorithm improves performance. Both MapCHECK and EPIDose are found to yield good results for VMAT QA, though limitations are discussed. Both the Portal Dosimetry and EPIDose algorithms, though distinctly different, yield similar results for the majority of clinical IMRT cases, in close agreement with a standard diode array. Portal dose image prediction may overlook errors in beam modeling beyond the calculation of the actual fluence, while MapCHECK and EPIDose include verification of the dose calculation algorithm, albeit in simplified phantom conditions (and with limited data density in the case of the MapCHECK detector). Unlike the commercial Portal Dosimetry package, the EPIDose algorithm (when sufficiently optimized) allows accurate analysis of EPID response for off-axis, asymmetric fields, and for orthogonal VMAT QA. Other forms of QA are necessary to supplement the limitations of the Portal Vision Dosimetry system.
FIR paraunitary filter banks given several analysis filters: factorizations and constructions

FIR paraunitary filter banks have been extensively studied and well understood. We address the following problem: how to characterize and construct an FIR paraunitary filter bank when its several analysis filters are given a priori. To study this problem is not only useful in orthogonal M-band wavelets with certain regularity where we need to construct wavelet filters when a scaling filter with certain regularity is found a priori but is also useful in the design of multirate filter banks where we have already had several desired analysis filters. One such example is multiwavelet transforms. We present a method of constructing all possible FIR paraunitary filter banks in terms of a McMillan degree when several analysis filters are given.
Novel HEMT processing technologies and their circuit applications

The monolithic integration of enhancement- and depletion-mode high-electron mobility transistors (E- and DHEMTs) suitable for high-speed and low power circuit applications in the lattice-matched InP material system is examined. E-HEMT devices with gate-lengths of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mm fabricated using a buried-Pt gate process demonstrate threshold voltages (VT) ranging from +200 to +258 mV and maximum extrinsic transconductances (gmext) as high as 800 mS mm ˇ1 , while D-HEMT devices of identical gate-lengths exhibited a VT ranging from ˇ599 toˇ405 mV, and a gmext as high as 578 mS mm ˇ1 . The devices showed excellent rf characteristics, exhibiting unity current-gain cutoA frequencies (ft) as high as 106 GHz. Based on these results, 11, 23, and 59 stage ring oscillators using direct-coupled FET logic (DCFL) technology were fabricated and characterized. Room temperature propagation delays of 9.27 ps/stage with a power-delay product of 2.37 fJ/stage were achieved. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Rule-based consistency enforcement for knowledge-based systems

A rule-based approach for the automatic enforcement of consistency constraints is presented. In contrast to existing approaches that compile consistency checks into application programs, the approach centralizes consistency enforcement in a separate module called a knowledge-base management system. Exception handlers for constraint violations are represented as rule entities in the knowledge base. For this purpose, a new form of production rule called the activation pattern controlled rule is introduced: in contrast to classical forward chaining schemes, activation pattern controlled rules are triggered by the intent to apply a specific operation but not necessarily by the result of applying this operation. Techniques for implementing this approach are discussed, and experiments in speeding up the system performance are described. Furthermore, an argument is made for more tolerant consistency enforcement strategies, and how they can be integrated into the rule-based approach to consistency enforcement is discussed. >
Sphingosine kinase 1 mediates head & neck squamous cell carcinoma invasion through sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by aggressive loco-regional invasion. Sphingosine kinase1 (SphK1), an enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, is emerging as a key player in HNSCC pathology. The observation that SphK1 is overexpressed in all HNSCC stages and is associated with depth of tumor invasion, metastasis and clinical failure underscores the importance of SphK1 in HNSCC pathology. Still, the mechanisms underlying SphK1 regulation of invasion have not been delineated. Therefore, we sought to mechanistically describe how SphK1 regulates invasion in HNSCC. Methods: Invasion assays were used to measure invasive ability of SphK1 overexpressing human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-25 cells). Western blotting, quantitative qPCR, ELISA and zymography were used to measure the effect of SphK1 and sphingosine 1-phoshate receptor 1 (S1P1) on invasion measures, MMP-2/9, E-cadherin, EGFR, IL-6/STAT3, in SCC-25 cells. Results: SphK1 expression is elevated in cells with an invasive phenotype as compared to non-invasive phenotype. We show SphK1 overexpression increased EGF-induced EGFR/ERK and AKT activity, increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 mRNA and reduced E-cadherin. SphK1 overexpression also increased IL-6 concentration and EGF-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, exemplifying that SphK1 modulates IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Notably, we show that S1P1 knockdown reduced IL-6/STAT3 signaling, representing another pathway by which SphK1/S1P regulates invasion. Conclusions: Taken together, our data suggest that SphK1 sits at the hub of multiple key signaling cascades, all which have been implicated in the regulation of invasiveness, making SphK1 an attractive target for the development of HNSCC therapies.
Building a Research Collection in Physics: Current Trends and Issues

The physics librarian today faces a complex and fast‐moving discipline and an almost overwhelming array of resources. Beginning selectors in physics are often perplexed. How does research in physics proceed? What kinds of information do physicists seek? Where can this information be found and what is the most effective way of providing it? How are increases in costs and volume of publication affecting collecting in physics? What do new technologies and cooperative arrangements have to offer the physics librarian? This essay, directed especially to the novice selector, seeks first to define physics research and the information needs of physics researchers. It then surveys the trends in technology and in the market‐place that are profoundly altering the way we build research collections in physics.
Ruling Against the Executive in Amparo Cases: Evidence from the Peruvian Constitutional Tribunal

In this paper, we systematically analyze decisions made by the Peruvian Constitutional Tribunal from 1996 to 2006 in amparo cases, which significantly impact individual rights. We ask the following question: in these types of cases, what conditions led the Tribunal to assert itself against the executive? Through an analysis of Tribunal decisions during the presidencies of Alberto Fujimori and Alejandro Toledo, we find that the Tribunal is more likely to rule against the executive, as the public’s confidence in the executive decreases and as the share of congressional seats of the president’s party declines. Further, the Tribunal is more willing to decide cases against the executive in areas that most pervade its docket, specifically in the areas of pensions and employment. These findings add to the comparative and American judicial politics literature by showing that high courts, even relatively weak ones, follow politics, but that case subject area and prevalence may temper this tendency.
50-Year-Old Woman With Fatigue

50-year-old postmenopausal woman with a history of hypothyroidism and obesity presented to her primary care physician with a several-month history of fatigue. On evaluation, she had no history of fever, chills, night sweats, weight change, abdominal pain, peptic ulcer disease, hematochezia, melena, hematemesis, or hemoptysis. Her only medication was levothyroxine (one 75-mg tablet daily). She was a lifelong nonsmoker and drank no alcohol. Her family history was notable for bladder cancer in her father and gastric cancer in her maternal grandmother. Her mother had no medical prob
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex personality disorder, and patients often present with multiple comorbidities, with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the most common. This chapter examines the challenges presented when treating PTSD in patients with co-occurring BPD. Additionally, an integrated protocol of PTSD and BPD treatments is presented and further illuminated by a case study.