cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astrometry with the Keck Interferometer

A key thrust of NASA's Origins program is the search for and detection of planetary systems about other stars. Pursuing this goal in a cost-effective and expedient manner from the ground has led NASA to begin work on the Keck Interferometer, which will add 4 1.8m 'outrigger' telescopes at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea. In addition to the imaging science to be performed by the Keck 10m telescopes with the outriggers, another one of the principal capabilities of the instrument will be the ability for the outriggers to conduct relative astrometry at the 25 microarcsecond level per root hour. Astrometry of this accuracy will enable the array to detect planetary systems composed of Uranus-mass or larger bodies orbiting at 5 AU solar mass stars at a distance of 20 pc; over 300 stars are to be surveyed by the outriggers annually. The astrometric capabilities of the Keck array can also be utilized other astrophysical investigations, such as characterization of spectroscopic binary orbits, and the measurement of the center-of-light shift of MACHO microlensing events, which will allow for a model-independent determinations of lens masses.
The Effects of Conducting Experience and Programmed Materials on Error-Detection Scores of College Conducting Students.

The purpose of this study was to (1) design two different approaches, using the same content, that would provide training in error-detection skills for college undergraduate instrumental students; (2) administer the materials to a sample of these students under experimental conditions; and (3) evaluate the effectiveness of the two formats in developing error-detection skills. In one group, students received instruction in conducting experience for 16 class sessions; in another group students received instruction in programmed materials for 16 class sessions. The effects of teaching method were measured by a conducting test and a written test. Results indicated that the conducting experience group scored significantly higher on the conducting test than the programmed materials group. There was no significant difference between the groups on the written test.
Effects of Novelty in News Photographs on Attention and Memory

Critics of news photography have argued that most news photographs are highly conventional. Two experiments were conducted to examine how people respond to photographs that break with conventionality. Specifically, these studies tested the effects of photographic novelty in terms of preferences for viewing, viewing time, recall memory, and interest ratings for the photographs when seen alone and when seen in a newspaper. The experiments show that readers respond better to photographs that are novel, but only when the images are viewed on their own. These effects dissappear when photos are seen as part of newspaper pages. In this context, the only driving sources of interest seem to be the story topic.
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis of Middle Woodland Pottery from the Delaware Valley

One hundred nineteen late Middle Woodland (ca. A.D. 200–900) sherds and 10 clay samples from the Lower/Middle Delaware Valley were analyzed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Principal components analysis resulted in the preliminary identification of 8 compositional groups. Two of these groups (n = 42) and Piedmont-derived clay samples (n = 4) are noteworthy because they exhibit markedly higher sodium concentrations in relation to the full dataset. Given this observed difference in sodium content, we conclude that the Piedmont is the likely source/production area for this subset of sherds. The relatively high sodium content present in the clays from the Piedmont reinforces the conclusion that the reported sodium values are the result of geologic origin and not diagenetic processes. These results are also used to evaluate an existing late Middle Woodland settlement model for the Lower/Middle Delaware Valley (Stewart, 1990, 1998a, 1998b). However, until further testing is conducted, these interpre...
Evolutionary adjustment of developmental time in mixed populations of flour beetles

IN dense, synchronised laboratory populations of the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (referred to here as CS), there is a substantial amount of cannibalism of the earliest pupating individuals by large larvae, thus creating the possibility of strong selection pressure against fast development1–3. An opportunity to investigate this possibility was provided by the existence of a set of mixed-species cultures that had been maintained for several years. These cultures contain CS and T. confusum (CF) in varying proportions. Since developmental time of CF is from 1–2 d longer than CS4, the null hypothesis of no differences in developmental time of CS from the various cultures could be tested against the alternative that developmental time of CS would increase as the proportion of slower developing CF in the culture increases. I report here that developmental times do in fact adjust in mixed populations of these flour beetles.
Liquid-vapor critical temperatures of aqueous electrolyte solutions

Abstract Liquid-vapor critical temperatures (tc) have been determined visually for a variety of single electrolyte aqueous solutions at several molalities up to 1·5–2·5. The dissolved electrolytes studied were LiCl, NaCl, KCl, KBr, KI, CsNO3, KHSO4, NH4Cl, NH4HCO3, (NH4)2CO3, (NH4)2SO4, CaCl2, MgCl2, Mg(NO3)2, HCl, HClO4, HNO3, CH3COOH, H2SO4, H3PO4 and H3BO3. The alkali halide solutions produced the greatest increase in tc from that of pure water (tc = 374.2°C) where at 2 m all values of tc were in the range of 450 to 480°C, providing an increase of +80 to +110°C. Several of the acids (H2SO4, H3PO4, H3BO3) and divalent salts (CaCl2, MgCl2, Mg(NO3)2, (NH4)2SO4) showed intermediate increases, while particular solutes (HCl, HClO4, (NH4)2CO3, NH4HCO3, CH3COOH) gave very little change from tc for water. It is suggested that these differences in behavior are related to differing electrolyte association, hydration, ion size, decomposition for particular electrolytes (HClO4), and other properties.
A Theoretical and Experimental Comparison of 3-3 and 3-1 Mode Piezoelectric Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)

Abstract Two piezoelectric transducer modes applied in microelectromechanical systems are (i) the 3-1 mode with parallel electrodes perpendicular to a vertical polarization vector, and (ii) the 3-3 mode which uses interdigitated (IDT) electrodes to realize an in-plane polarization vector. This study compares the two configurations by deriving a Norton equivalent representation of each approach – including expressions for output charge and device capacitance. The model is verified using a microfabricated device comprised of multiple epitaxial silicon beams with sol–gel deposited lead zirconate titanate at the surface. The beams have identical dimensions and are attached to a common moving element at their tips. The only difference between beams is electrode configuration – enabling a direct comparison. Capacitance and charge measurements verify the presented theory with high accuracy. The Norton equivalent representation is general and enables comparison of any figure of merit, including electromechanical coupling coefficient and signal-to-noise ratio. With respect to coupling coefficient, the experimentally validated theory in this work suggests that 3-3 mode IDT-electrode configurations offer the potential for modest improvements compared against 3-1 mode devices (less than 2×), and the only geometrical parameter affecting this ratio is the fill factor of the IDT electrode.
Amino acid sequence of a globin from the sea cucumber Caudina (Molpadia) arenicola.

Abstract Coelomic cells from the sea cucumber Caudina (Molpadia) arenicola contain four major globins, A, B, C and D. The hemoglobins from this organism show unusual ligand-linked dissociation properties. The complete amino acid sequence of the D globin has been established. It is N-acetylated, consists of 158 residues and has a 10 amino acid N-terminal extension similar to that found in some other invertebrate globins. The C. arenicola D globin has an equal sequence identity (28%) with both α and β human globins and as anticipated, is more closely related to these vertebrate proteins than are molluscan globins. The C. arenicola D globin shows a 59% identity with the globin I from the sea cucumber Paracaudina chilensis. The availability of the C. arenicola D globin sequence will aid the X-ray analysis of this protein and facilitate an understanding of the changes in subunit interactions that occur with cooperative ligand binding.
The Ethical Imperative of Medical Humanities

Medical humanities purchases its presence on the medical side of university campuses by adopting as its own the ends of medicine and medical ethics. It even justifies its presence by asserting promotion of those ends as an ethical imperative, most of all to improve the caring in medical care. As unobjectionable, even praiseworthy, as this imperative appears, it actually constrains the possibilities for interpersonal relationship in the context of medical practice. Development of those possibilities requires openness of self to the existentially challenging ethical imperative to care also literally for nothing at all.
Simple one-step synthesis of 3-bromo- and 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline: Fundamental building blocks in the design of metal chelates

Abstract Commercially available 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrochloride monohydrate (1) reacts with bromine to give 3-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline (2) and 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline (3) as major products in a one step reaction.
Violent maternal deaths in North Carolina.

Abstract Objective: To describe the frequency of domestic violence and substance abuse among a series of injury-related maternal deaths, determine awareness of the obstetric provider of domestic violence in those deaths by intimate partner homicide or depression in those deaths by suicide, and examine the relative risk of violent maternal death for unmarried status and non-white race. Methods: A follow-up investigation was carried out for a case series of 41 injury-related maternal deaths identified from 1992 to 1994 in North Carolina. Death certificates, police records, newspapers, and records from medical examiners were used to ascertain mechanism and intent, history of alcohol or drug abuse, and, in cases of homicide, the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim. The obstetric provider was asked about his or her knowledge of domestic violence, depression, and drug or alcohol abuse relevant to the deceased victim. Results: A total of 21 women (51.2%) were known to have or suspected of having been abused by either an intimate partner or an acquaintance. Of the 41 women, 11 (26.8%) were known to have abused drugs and/or alcohol. The obstetric provider was aware or suspicious of abuse in one third of homicides committed by an intimate partner. In three of the five suicide deaths, the obstetric provider was aware of depression. Conclusion: Domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse were common in this series of injury-related maternal deaths. Domestic violence and depression were often unrecognized by the obstetric provider in these severe cases.
Global Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis: Addressing the Public Health Problem

The author has declared that no competing interests exist. The author received no funding for this paper.
The role of eclosion hormone in the larval ecdyses of Manduca sexta

Abstract Each larval moult in Manduca sexta consists of an identical series of developmental and behavioural events leading up to ecdysis. Injections of eclosion hormone into staged larvae in any instar resulted in the premature elicitation of the larval pre-ecdysis behaviour, comprising a rhythmic sequence of muscle contractions, followed by the larval ecdysis behaviour. A marked depletion of eclosion hormone stores form the ventral chain of ganglia coincided with each larval ecdysis and in the moult to the fifth instar, eclosion hormone activity appeared in the blood at the onset of the pre-ecdysis behaviour. Responsiveness to eclosion hormone for pre-ecdysis and ecdysis behaviour developed about 12 and 6 hr before normal ecdysis, respectively. Elicitation of ecdysis behaviour by exogenous hormone inhibited both subsequent behavioural responses to eclosion hormone and endogenous hormonal release. In conclusion, the behavioural programme involved in each larval ecdysis appears to be controlled by the eclosion hormone.
Propagation of Plane Waves in Biaxially Anisotropic Layered Media

This paper is concerned with the general theory of wave propagation in layered biaxially anisotropic media. Details are presented for the calculation of the induced waves that are due to an arbitrarily polarized and obliquely incident wave impinging on a three-layer structure. The total numbers of partial waves with their respective phase velocities, direction of phase propagation, and polarization are determined by the use of the Fresnel equation and Snell’s law applied to each layer. The vector amplitudes of the partial waves are found by proper matching of the field components at the interfaces. The expressions thus found are shown to reduce to known results for a uniaxial three-layer structure. An extension of this theory to an arbitrary number of layers is also presented.
Closing the Evidence Gap in the Use of Emerging Testing Technologies in Clinical Practice

New testing technologies – increasingly based on genomic information – are essential in the shift towards personalized medicine and molecular targeted therapies. Considering the rapid proliferation of new tests, healthcare insurers and policymakers are interested in assessing evidence about their use and value. It is critical to build an evidence base to support effective decision-making related to testing technologies as they are used in clinical practice. The example of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing for breast cancer illustrates the challenges and opportunities. Many groups, including the Institute of Medicine; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society; President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; and Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Project have cited the need to improve the evidence base for genomic and testing technologies. This Commentary extends previous work, emphasizing the need for evidence to assess how technologies are actually used in clinical practice.
On Deviations From Standard Practise in Lightning Arresters

This paper is an endeavor to answer questions of practise and criticism of arresters brought out by an investigation conducted by the Protective Devices Committee. For the most part practise in lightning arresters is standardized. In fundamental principles there have been no changes for many years. Improvements in details, especially of construction, are still being made. A new arrester, the oxide film arrester, gets rid of the oil and electrolyte and avoids the necessity of daily charging, but fundamentally it is designed along the same principles as the aluminum arrester. The important principle is the electric valve action?there are but a few milliamperes of discharge rate at normal line voltage, but at abnormal line voltages the discharge current rise to hundreds of amperes. In answer to criticisms made by a few prominent engineers, it is maintained as fundamental that a large discharge rate for an arrester is an absolute essential. The burden of proof falls on those engineers who use arresters of low discharge rate. These arresters cannot discharge the dangerous lightning. surges on overhead lines. Since there are lightning arresters of low discharge rate in apparently satisfactory use, an explanation for this anomaly is found in the use of insulators of low arc-over voltage. Either the lightning potential is relieved locally at the insulator or the resultant traveling wave is of too low voltage when it reaches the transformer greatly to endanger the insulation. Poor line insulation is not a solution of the problem of continuity of service.
Earthquake slip between dissimilar poroelastic materials

[1] A mismatch of elastic properties across a fault induces normal stress changes during spatially nonuniform in-plane slip. Recently, Rudnicki and Rice showed that similar effects follow from a mismatch of poroelastic properties (e.g., permeability) within fluid-saturated fringes of damaged material along the fault walls; in this case, it is pore pressure on the slip plane and hence effective normal stress that is altered during slip. The sign of both changes can be either positive or negative, and they need not agree. Both signs reverse when rupture propagates in the opposite direction. When both elastic and poroelastic properties are discontinuous across the fault, steady sliding at a constant friction coefficient, f, is unstable for arbitrarily small f if the elastic mismatch permits the existence of a generalized Rayleigh wave. Spontaneous earthquake rupture simulations on regularized slip-weakening faults confirm that the two effects have comparable magnitudes and that the sign of the effective normal stress change cannot always be predicted solely from the contrast in elastic properties across the fault. For opposing effects, the sign of effective normal stress change reverses from that predicted by the poroelastic mismatch to that predicted by the elastic mismatch as the rupture accelerates, provided that the wave speed contrast exceeds about 5–10% (the precise value depends on the poroelastic contrast and Skempton's coefficient). For faults separating more elastically similar materials, there exists a minimum poroelastic contrast above which the poroelastic effect always determines the sign of the effective normal stress change, no matter the rupture speed.
Adult Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Successfully Treated with Intranasal Sumatriptan

Cyclic vomiting syndrome is an increasingly recognized cause of nausea and vomiting in adults. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with recurrent episodes of intractable nausea and vomiting for one year. His symptoms persisted for 4–7 days and then resolved spontaneously, only to return after periods of time ranging from one week up to a month. After an extensive workup, which failed to determine any causative explanation for his symptoms, he was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome. His episodes of vomiting were successfully terminated with the use of intranasal sumatriptan. In this case, we highlight that sumatriptan effectively aborted symptoms in an adult patient with cyclic vomiting syndrome. Increasing physicians’ awareness of adult cyclic vomiting syndrome may improve care of patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
In situ non-aqueous nucleation and growth of next generation rare-earth-free permanent magnets

Using a controllable wet chemical approach, the polyol process, we developed a cobalt carbide nanomagnet consisting of an assembly of Co2C and Co3C nanoparticles as an alternative to rare earth permanent magnets (PMs). The thermodynamically stable mixed phase cobalt carbide nanoparticles are shown to be acicular in morphology. Their exchange-coupled magnetic interaction possessing high maximum energy product of 20.7 kJ m−3 and room temperature coercivity (2.9 kOe) has been confirmed through vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and first order reversal curves (FORCs). These metastable carbide nanoparticles offer improved magnetic properties compared to their pure bulk form. An understanding of the formation mechanism, using in situ time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy (TR-XAS), and the correlation between phase contributions to the properties are described in detail. Our strategy presents a controllable route to preparing the cobalt carbide nanomagnets, which could be potentially useful in permanent magnet clean energy applications. Additionally, the in situ apparatus offers a promising way to directly explore the effects of reaction variables for high-temperature wet chemical reactions.
Apoptosis and haemorrhagic shock

AbstractThis is a review paper that provides an overview of current information on programmed cell death in haemorrhagic shock, including the identification of different molecular receptor signals. A PubMed search for all dates was undertaken using the search terms apoptosis, trauma and haemorrhagic shock. Original research, sentinel and review papers from peer-reviewed journals were included for identification of key concepts. Haemorrhagic shock remains a primary cause of death in civilian and military trauma. Apoptosis is accelerated following haemorrhagic shock. Many methods are used to detect and quantify apoptosis. Fluid resuscitation regimens vary in their effect on the extent of apoptosis. Investigators are examining the effects of haemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation on apoptotic signalling pathways. Molecular information is becoming available and being applied to the care of patients experiencing haemorrhagic shock, making it essential for nurses and other health care providers to consider ...
Hemodynamic and Metabolic Responses to Vasodilator Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Hemodynamic effects of vasodilator therapy (phentolamine or nitroprusside) were studied in 38 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Cardiac metabolism was studied in 19 of the 38 patients. According to the initial level of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) and left ventricular stroke work index (SWI), patients were divided into three groups: Group I-nine pa- tients with LVFP 15 mm Hg or less; Group II-14 patients with LVFP > 15 mm Hg and SWI >20 g-m/m2; Group III-15 patients with LVFP > 15 mm Hg and SWI < 20 g-m/ m2. In Group I most patients were clinically uncomplicated. In Group IL most patients had clinical left ventricular failure including one patient who had clinical features of cardiogenic shock. Group III patients all had severe left ventricular failure, with eight patients in clinical shock. In all groups LVFP, pulmonary artery pressure, right atrial pressure, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased significantly with vasodilator therapy with only a slight to mo...
5. Segmental changes in ulnar nerve ultrasound across the elbow and their pathophysiological significance in ulnar neuropathy

Objective To characterise changes in the ulnar nerve by ultrasound of different segments across the elbow, to help determine the optimum site of quantitative nerve measurements, and to correlate ultrasound measurements with electrodiagnostic findings. Methods Ultrasound studies were performed on 17 limbs with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed UNE and 52 control subjects at four standardised sites proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle (P2, P1, D1 and D2), corresponding to segments of ulnar nerve inching studies. Results In patients with UNE, ulnar nerve cross sectional area (CSA) and hypoechoic fraction (HEF) were significantly increased at D1 (p Conclusions UNE is best diagnosed on ultrasound using CSAmax and HEFmax. Nerve changes detected on ultrasound may not exactly localise the site of compression but reflect secondary changes in the nerve.
Religious conversion in adolescence

The religious conversion experience as it occurs in the adolescent has been defined and its various components delineated. Several predisposing factors similar to those described by Helen Carlson were discussed. It is thought that in the presence of these predisposing factors, additional psychic stress tends to overwhelm a weak ego that is especially vulnerable, because it is in the transitional stage of adolescence. It is further thought that the religious conversion experience is an ego phenomenon which serves to reintegrate the ego.
Management of the Hyperglycemic Inpatient: Tips, Tools, and Protocols for the Clinician

Inpatient hyperglycemia is increasingly recognized as a contributor to in-hospital complications and prolonged hospital stays. Protocols to assist in management of hyperglycemia are becoming more widely used and have been shown to improve outcomes for hyperglycemic patients. In this article, several evidence-based protocols are reviewed for use by hospital-based clinicians, both for subcutaneous and intravenous insulin. Clinicians should consider implementing protocols for hyperglycemia management in the inpatient setting.
Amiodarone-liposome interaction: a multinuclear NMR and X-ray diffraction study.

Abstract Amiodarone, a potent antiarrhythmic drug, is widely used in cardiology. Its electrophysiological effects, as well as many of its side effects, seem to involve lipids. We report here a multinuclear NMR and X-ray diffraction study of amiodarone in egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes and lipid multilayers. In proton NMR experiments, amiodarone alters the signal from the lipid trimethyl ammonium group for pH values ranging from 3.2 to 8.4; cholesterol does not cause this alteration. The addition of SCN − changes both the proton and phosphorus NMR spectra of liposomes containing amiodarone. For both proton and carbon NMR, amiodarone modifies the signal from the lipid methylene groups, but to a far lesser extent than does cholesterol. Incorporation of amiodarone in EPC bilayers also modifies the low-angle X-ray diffraction patterns, decreasing the lamellar repeat period at low water contents, but swelling the fluid spaces between bilayers at high water contents. Electron density profiles and modeling studies using the X-ray data indicate that amiodarone decreases the bilayer thickness and adds electron density at the interfacial region of the bilayer. Our analysis of the NMR and X-ray data indicates that the iodine atoms of amiodarone are located near the hydrocarbon/water interface and that the tertiary amine of amiodarone is in the headgroup region of the bilayer.
Opus: A Smalltalk production system

Opus is a tool for rule-based programming which integrates a production system paradigm with the Smalltalk-80 environment. Opus currently provides a data-driven production system that allows the programmer considerable freedom, including access to the full functionality of the Smalltalk-80 language, and the ability to match rules with arbitrary objects in the environment. We present the goals for the design, a description of the system and its implementation, and discuss issues raised by this approach.
The Co-Evolution of Rent Appropriation and Capability Development

Extant approaches to rent appropriation are static in that they explore bargaining power at a ﬁxed point in time. This article contributes by examining how capabilities and bargaining power coevolve. As capabilities are developed, those who are favored by knowledge asymmetries make decisions that balance value creation potential against the rent appropriation regime, such as the organizational form in which the capability will be embedded. Using the example of Apple’s development of the iPod, this article illustrates how stakeholders plan for rent appropriation as they assemble new capabilities — well before any value is actually created. Given that ﬁrm performance is an outcome of both capability development and rent appropriation, a robust theory must incorporate an understanding of how they coevolve. As such, the article highlights the need to integrate property rights theory with theories of value creation and governance costs as actors constantly make trade-offs along these dimensions.
Intercorrelations among rhythm subtests of three tests of musical aptitude.

78 fifth-grade students were given 5 rhythm subtests from 3 standardized tests of musical aptitude: Seashore Measures of Musical Talents (Sense of Rhythm and Sense of Time), Drake Musical Aptitude Tests (Rhythm Test Form A and Rhythm Test Form B), and Wing Standardized Tests of Musical Intelligence (Rhythmic Accent). Intercorrelations varied from .59 (Drake A—Drake B) and .56 (Seashore Rhythm—Drake A) to .08 (Drake B—Wing) and .05 (Seashore Time—Wing). Test-retest and split-half reliability coefficients were also obtained for each subtest from separate groups of undergraduate students. Test-retest reliabilities varied from .37 (Drake B) to .88 (Seashore Rhythm), and split-half reliabilities varied from .60 (Wing) to .90 (Drake).
Argon-39 in the Sikhote-Alin Meteorite Fall

THE radioactive isotope argon-39 (260-year half-life) has been determined in a specimen of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite fall which occurred on February 12, 1947. This fall1 was very large, consisting of more than a hundred fragments weighing up to 300 kgm. The measurements were made on samples taken from a 150-gm. bar of the meteorite obtained from Truman P. Kohman, who in turn received the bar from E. L. Krinov. The bar was piece No. 5, which was sawn from specimen No. 2052, according to E. L. Krinov's designation. Argon-39 was not detected in the Carbo meteorite which was found in Mexico in 1923. The detection and measurement of argon-39 in the Sikhote-Alin meteorite makes it possible to determine a new type of age (argon-38/argon-39), which can be called an argon exposure age. The amount of argon-39 also gives an estimate of the cosmic-ray intensity that irradiated the Sikhote-Alin sample in space. From the lack of argon-39 in the Carbo meteorite, the date of fall of which is unknown, one can conclude that it fell more than 1,500 years ago.
Touch Versus Tech: When Technology Functions as a Barrier or a Benefit to Service Encounters

Interpersonal exchanges between customers and frontline service employees increasingly involve the use of technology, such as point-of-sale terminals, tablets, and kiosks. The present research draws on role and script theories to demonstrate that customer reactions to technology-infused service exchanges depend on the presence of employee rapport. When rapport is present during the exchange, the use of technology functions as an interpersonal barrier preventing the customer from responding in kind to employee rapport-building efforts, thereby decreasing service encounter evaluations. However, during service encounters in which employees are not engaging in rapport building, technology functions as an interpersonal barrier, enabling customers to retreat from the relatively unpleasant service interaction, thereby increasing service encounter evaluations. Two analyses using J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Index data support the barrier and beneficial effects of technology use during service encounters with and...
MED-EL Combi40+ cochlear implantation in adults.

Objective/Hypothesis: Cochlear implantation is currently the treatment of choice for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The MED-EL Combi40+ (Innsbruck, Austria) cochlear implant system was approved for use in the United States in 2001. This device employs a 31-mm-long electrode array, ceramic case, and continuous interleaved sampling with Hilbert transformation for envelope extraction. A single institution's experience with the Combi40+ implant in adult patients was reviewed. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Medical-surgical and audiological data were collected from 112 patients who received a MED-EL Combi40+ cochlear implant between December 1998 and April 2004. Results: The rate of surgical complications and speech perception testing results compared favorably with those of other cochlear implant systems. For postlingually deafened adults, mean CNC word, HINTQ, CUNY, and HINT + 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio scores after 1 year of implant usage were 54%, 87%, 96%, and 64%, respectively. Prelingually deafened adults also derived significant benefit, but plateau performance for these patients was well below that for patients with later onset of deafness and significant variability was seen in this group. Repeat implantation for suspected device malfunction was undertaken in seven cases (6% of devices) (mean duration of use, 28 ± 12 mo) with ultimate resolution of the presenting problem. Conclusion: The study results support the safety and efficacy of cochlear implantation with the MED-EL Combi40+ cochlear implant system.
Design of Imperfectly Coupled Power Transformers for DC to DC Conversion

The equations required for analyzing the performance of imperfectly coupled transformers in dc-to-dc conversion applications are described. Results are shown for both the untuned and the tuned primary cases. Given the output power requirements and a reasonable set of limitations on the transformer parameters, the optimum transformer parameters can be detennined. An example is given of the optimization procedure used in designing the transcutaneous transformer for electric artificial heart applications.
Quantitative assessment of left atrial volume by electrocardiographic-gated contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography

Background Left atrial (LA) volume is a predictor of cardiovascular events. Information on LA volume is available on contrast-enhanced electrocardiogram (EGC)–gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans. Objective To assess interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility of 3-dimensional threshold-based volume (3DTV) and 2-dimensional (2D) measurements for the assessment of LA volumes with contrast-enhanced cardiac 64-slice MDCT. Methods Contrast-enhanced 64-slice MDCT (0.6-mm slice thickness, 120 kVp, 850 mAseff) was performed in 96 consecutive subjects (mean age 52 years; 48% women) as a subset of the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction using Computer Assisted Tomography trial. Two observers independently measured maximal (LAV max ) and minimal (LAV min ) LA volumes with (1) a modified Simpson's method (3DTV) based on delineation of LA areas in axial slices and (2) estimated LA volumes typically used in 2D echocardiography (area length and prolate ellipse). Interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility for each method as well as correlations between the methods were calculated. Results Interobserver (n = 96) and intraobserver (n = 20) variability was significantly lower for 3DTV (8%) than for area length (13%; P P max and LAV min , respectively; P max and 52.5 ± 17.6mL for LAV min . Conclusion ECG-gated contrast-enhanced cardiac MDCT offers volumetric assessment of LA volume with excellent reproducibility without additional contrast administration or radiation exposure. 3D measures of LA volume are more reproducible and render larger volumes than 2D-derived estimates, typically used in echocardiography.
On topological Tits buildings and their classification

We define topological Tits buildings. If a topological building Δ satisfies some technical conditions and is irreducible, compact, locally connected and satisfies the topological equivalent of the Moufang property, then it is a building canonically associated with a Lie group. If Δ satisfies all the other conditions and has rank ≥ 3, it must be topologically Moufang.
Spontaneous Supersymmetry Breaking and Metastable Vacua

The question of a dynamical breakdown of supersymmetry is discussed and a recently proved “no-go theorem” is reviewed. We analyze the possibility that a supersymmetry-breaking vacuum is metastable. Long lifetimes of such vacua can be easily achieved without fine-tuning the parameters of the models. Models with metastable vacua can be made quite economical: internal symmetries and supersymmetry can be broken by the same Higgs fields at comparable mass scales.
Franchising: Directions for Future Research

There have been important contributions to the literature on franchising in recent years, but many interesting questions have received less attention than they deserve. In this paper, I briefly highlight four of these: (i) the existence of master franchising and multi-unit ownership, (ii) the differences in the intensity of franchising across sectors, (iii) international franchising, and (iv) the problems surrounding the adoption of new technologies and adaptation in franchised chains. While not exhaustive, this set of topics illustrates the variety of potential franchise-related research topics.
Influence of Temperature, pH, Water Activity and Antifungal Agents on Growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus

Effect of temperature, pH, water activity, and nine antifungal agents on growth of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus was determined on Sabouraud-Dextrose Agar and on corn. Maximal growth of the two molds occurred at 33°C, the highest temperature used, pH of 5.0 and aw of 0.99. At 15°C, growth was observed at aw of 0.95 but not 0.90. Slight growth was observed at an aw, of 0.85 at 27°C and 33°C. Nine antifungal agents (Botran, Orthocide, Poly-ram 80, Topsin-M, Thiram, Imazalil, sodium propionate, sodium sulfite and DDVP) were tested for inhibition of growth. Activity of the antifungals increased as the aw was decreased. All antifungals showed inhibitory activity, but Imazalil and DDVP were the most effective agents at the lowest concentrations.
Longitudinal changes in self-reported walking ability in multiple sclerosis.

Background Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly used to understand the clinical meaningfulness of multiple sclerosis disability and its treatments. For example, the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) measures the patient-reported impact of the disease on walking ability.
Forced swim test behavior in postpartum rats.

This study was undertaken to determine whether depression-like behavior can be observed in gonadally intact females that have experienced normal pregnancy. When tested on the forced swim test (FST) on postpartum days 1-7, previously pregnant rats spent slightly more time immobile, significantly less time swimming and diving, and defecated more than virgin controls. Subchronic treatment with nomifensine (DA reuptake inhibitor, 2.5 mg/kg) but not sertraline (serotonin reuptake inhibitor, 10 mg/kg) or desipramine (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, 10 mg/kg) significantly decreased immobility on postpartum day 2. In rats pre-exposed to the FST in mid-pregnancy, neither subchronic nor chronic treatment with desipramine or sertraline decreased immobility on postpartum day 2; in contrast, chronic desipramine significantly decreased immobility in virgin controls. These results indicate that postpartum female rats, compared to virgin controls, show a reduction in some “active coping behaviors” but no significant increase in immobility when tested during the early postpartum period, unlike ovariectomized females that have undergone hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP). Additionally, immobility that is increased by FST pre-exposure is not readily prevented by treatment with standard antidepressant medications in postpartum females. Depression-like behaviors previously observed in females that have undergone HSP may result from the more dramatic changes in estradiol, prolactin or corticosterone that occur during the early “postpartum” period, compared to the more subtle changes in these hormones that occur in actual postpartum females.
The first orthopaedic researcher.

He was a surgeon whose credo was not to ponder, rationalize, or theorize about the solution of a surgical problem but to do the experiment . Nor was his inquiring mind limited to orthopaedic surgery or even to the entire field of surgery and medicine. It led him to conduct experiments on the temperature of fish and its effect on the clotting time of their blood, to investigate their organs of hearing, and to study the source of electricity in rays, the air sacs of birds, the behavioral instincts of birds and bees, the development of fossil bones, and the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of vines. He was the father of scientific surgery, transforming it from a craft to an experimental science. In addition to his experiments and observations on bone growth and development, he experimented with the healing of fractures and bone infections, the treatment of gunshot wounds, and the spontaneous separation of osteonecrotic bone from living bone. His revelations of the basic principles of bone physiology clearly entitle him to be recognized as the first orthopaedic researcher. Henry T. Buckle (1821-1862), in his History of Civilization in England, wrote of John Hunter (Fig. 1), “I have only one more name to add to the splendid catalogue of Scotsmen of the eighteenth century. But it is the name of a man who for comprehension and original genius must be placed far above any philosopher whom Scotland has produced, whose only fault was an occasional obscurity, not merely in language but in thought.”1 Fig 1 Engraving of John Hunter by William Sharp (1788). (Reprinted with permission of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland.) To understand the magnitude of his achievements, one must examine the state of surgery in the early years of the eighteenth century. The …
A community of learners: Cambodians in an adult ESL classroom:

This article focuses on the English literacy development of Cambodian adults living in the United States. Using an adult ESL classroom as a context, the researcher describes: how the Cambodian adults, literate in Khmer, participate in each other’s English literacy development; how Cambodian children, fluent though not typically literate in Khmer, participate in their parents’ development of English literacy; and how a Cambodian teacher participates in his students’ development of English literacy. To answer these questions it examines how the participants draw on multiple linguistic competencies to help each other accomplish classroom tasks. In contrast to traditional home-school discontinuity studies, it is argued that people have multiple ways for sharing knowledge and creating environments for learning, especially in the case of immigrant communities that are in the process of cultural change and adaptation.
Life-threatening aortic thrombosis in a trauma patient homozygous for factor V Leiden mutation: Case report

We report a case of near fatal aortic thrombosis in a trauma patient homozygous for mutation of Factor V Leiden. He responded well to vascular surgery and intensive care unit management and was discharged successfully from the hospital one month later.
Multifrequency reconstruction of moderately rough interfaces via quasi-ray Gaussian beams

In this paper, we present a new technique for determining the surface profile of a moderately rough interface between air and a homogeneous dielectric half-space. Based on sparsely sampled step-frequency ground penetrating radar measurements, the proposed inversion scheme uses a quasi-ray Gaussian beam fast forward model, coupled with a low-order parameterization of the surface profile in terms of B-splines. The profile estimation problem is posed as a parameter optimization problem, which is solved using a multiresolution continuation method via frequency hopping. Numerical experiments establish that the algorithm is efficient and yields accurate reconstructions throughout most of the illuminated region even in noisy environments, losing accuracy only in regions with very weak illumination.
Policymakers’ and Scientists’ Ranks of Research Priorities for Resource-Management Policy

Recent collaboration between decisionmakers and scientists in the United States yielded 40 research questions that reflected the needs of those with jurisdiction over natural resources. We surveyed managers, policymakers and their advisers, and scientists to rank the questions with respect to their applicability to policy. The 602 respondents included 194 policymakers, 70 government scientists, and 228 academic scientists. A question on the water supply necessary to sustain human populations and ecosystem resilience was ranked as having the greatest potential, if it were answered, to increase the effectiveness of policies related to natural resource management in the United States. Research priorities differed significantly among the respondents. However, no simple science–policy divide was evident. Priorities did not differ between academics and government employees or between scientists (academic and government) and policymakers. Our results suggest that participatory exercises can establish priorities to guide funders of research and researchers who aim to inform policy.
War and Revenge: Explaining Conflict Initiation by Democracies

While we know much about what differentiates the conflict behavior of democracies from autocracies, we know relatively little about why some democracies are more belligerent than others. In contrast to existing studies, I argue that it is public opinion and not institutions that drives these differences. All democratic leaders have an incentive to take public opinion into account, but public opinion is not the same everywhere. Individuals’ attitudes towards war are shaped by core beliefs about revenge, which vary across countries. Leaders with more vengeful populations will be more likely to initiate conflicts because they generate popular support for war more effectively. Using retention of capital punishment as a proxy for broad endorsement of revenge, I find that democracies that have retained the death penalty for longer periods of time are significantly more likely to initiate conflicts. This research has important implications for existing theories of democracy and war.
Epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues and their influence on cardiovascular disease: basic mechanisms and clinical associations.

It is well established that the cardiovascular (CV) risk of obesity is more strongly associated with visceral rather than subcutaneous adiposity.[1][1]–[3][2] Anthropometric variables that account for visceral adiposity, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), have limited
Numerical and experimental dynamic characteristics of thin-film membranes

Presented is a total-Lagrangian displacement-based non-linear finite-element model of thin-film membranes for static and dynamic large-displacement analyses. The membrane theory fully accounts for geometric non-linearities. Fully non-linear static analysis followed by linear modal analysis is performed for an inflated circular cylindrical Kapton membrane tube under different pressures, and for a rectangular membrane under different tension loads at four corners. Finite-element results show that shell modes dominate the dynamics of the inflated tube when the inflation pressure is low, and that vibration modes localized along four edges dominate the dynamics of the rectangular membrane. Numerical dynamic characteristics of the two membrane structures were experimentally verified using a Polytec PI PSV-200 scanning laser vibrometer and an EAGLE-500 8-camera motion analysis system.
Urinary gonadotropin excretion by infrahuman primates.

Pituitary gonadotropic activity was assayed biologically in rhesus and stump-tail monkeys, the hamadryas baboon and the chimpanzee. HCG-augmentation was found to increase the sensitivity of the mouse uterine weight method sufficiently to enable “general gonadotropin” measurements (i.e., measurements not specific for FSH or LH) to be secured readily in all categories of animals. Specific methods for the determination of FSH and LH yielded barely detectable values in pools comprising several days' urine of the rhesus and stump-tail monkeys and the baboon. In the adult female chimpanzee, the FSH and LH content of serial 24-hr specimens approximated human levels. The FSH values were maximal during the early follicular phase, fell below the extinction point of the assay during midcycle and became measurable again during the luteal phase. LH was excreted in a surge, the rise commencing on the day after sex skin swelling reached its zenith. (Endocrinology 84: 508, 1969)