cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE ‘NATURAL RATE’ CONTROVERSY AND ECONOMIC THEORY

Normal economic theory leads naturally to the hypothesis of the natural rate of unemployment. Yet the natural rate hypothesis should be understood as an approximation for it deliberately neglects feedbacks upon the unemployment rate from variables that are explicitly recognized in the normal theoretical framework. The chapter presents a few examples of places where approximations clearly have to be made in arriving at the natural rate hypothesis before proceeding to the question of whether or not normal theoretical paradigm that is used for arriving at the natural rate hypothesis is itself only a very rough approximation to economic reality. A more general concept than the natural unemployment rate is the unemployment rate that would prevail in a particular specified macroeconomic equilibrium. The system is in macroequilibrium if the actual rate of inflation is equal to the average expected rate of inflation where the averaging over people is done. This notion of macroequilibrium also requires that the actual rate of increase of the mean money wage rate be rising at the average expected rate of increase. The macroequilibrium is a steady-state equilibrium if the rate of inflation in question is constant over time and when by virtue of some underlying stationarity in the system, the unemployment rate corresponding to that equilibrium is also constant over time. In principle, there could be a different steady-state equilibrium unemployment rate corresponding to each different steady rate of inflation. The natural rate hypothesis in these terms states that, to a first approximation, the macro-equilibrium unemployment rate is independent of the rate of inflation when there is macroeconomic equilibrium.
New Particle Searches at Tevatron (II)

Various recent results of new particle searches at the Fermilab Tevatron are presented. No evidence is found for supersymmetric particles (chargino, gluino), leptoquark bosons and heavy gauge bosons in p-pbar collisions at sqrt{s} = 1.8 TeV. Excluded mass regions for each particle are determined.
Escape Strategies of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) in Response to Looming and Localized Heat Stimuli

Cockroaches can defend themselves from threats by escape behavior. Although wind-evoked turning in Periplaneta americana is robust, little is known about the turning and translational components of the escape response to looming and localized heat stimuli, especially in other cockroach species. In particular, it has been suggested that the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) lacks an escape response. Our goal was to use high-speed video to explore both the turning and translational components of the escape response of Madagascar cockroaches to looming and heat stimuli. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to expectations based on previous studies, Madagascar cockroaches do show an escape response that was adapted to looming direction and heat location. Although the escape response to looming stimuli was limited, the response to heat stimulation of their tarsi was unexpectedly robust, especially in translation. The translational responses to both looming and heat were directionally similar (160o and 166o). Our results demonstrate that G. portentosa also exhibits a well-organized escape response and emphasize the need to quantify both turning and translation to obtain a more complete description of an animals’ escape movement.
Production of 6 Li, 9 Be, and 10 B in p + 13 C reactions at low energies

Cross sections have been measured for the production of $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$, and $^{10}\mathrm{B}$ in proton reactions on $^{13}\mathrm{C}$, at energies extending from threshold to 18 MeV. The reaction products were identified by time-of-flight techniques, and total cross sections were determined by integrating over the measured angular distributions. Although the typical abundance of $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ in nature is small compared to that of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{14}\mathrm{N}$, or $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, the $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ reactions may have a significant role in the production of the light elements because of their low $Q$ values. Even for a $^{13}\mathrm{C}$/$^{12}\mathrm{C}$ ratio as low as the terrestrial ratio of 0.01, the inclusion of $^{13}\mathrm{C}$ contributions is found to reduce appreciably the $\frac{7}{6}$, $\frac{11}{10}$, and Li/Be abundance ratios calculated for interactions at low energies between protons and a representative mixture of C, N, and O. Over-all, this reduction brings the abundance ratios calculated at proton energies below 25 MeV closer to the observed solar system ratios.
Switching diffusions and stochastic resetting

We consider a Brownian particle that switches between two different diffusion states ($D_0,D_1$) according to a two-state Markov chain. We further assume that the particle's position is reset to an initial value $X_r$ at a Poisson rate $r$, and that the discrete diffusion state is simultaneously reset according to the stationary distribution $\rho_n$, $n=0,1$, of the Markov chain. We derive an explicit expression for the non-equilibrium steady state (NESS) on $\R$, which is given by the sum of two decaying exponentials. In the fast switching limit the NESS reduces to the exponential distribution of pure diffusion with stochastic resetting. The effective diffusivity is given by the mean $\overline{D}=\rho_0D_0+\rho_1D_1$. We then determine the mean first passage time (MFPT) for the particle to be absorbed by a target at the origin, having started at the reset position $X_r>0$. We proceed by calculating the survival probability in the absence of resetting and then use a last renewal equation to determine the survival probability with resetting. Similar to the NESS, we find that the MFPT depends on the sum of two exponentials, which reduces to a single exponential in the fast switching limit. Finally, we show that the MFPT has a unique minimum as a function of the resetting rate, and explore how the optimal resetting rate depends on other parameters of the system.
Quality Management Technologies in Highway Construction: Stakeholders’ Perception of Utility, Benefits, and Barriers

AbstractThe adoption and utilization of technology for quality management (QM) processes and procedures is an efficient and effective tool to improve project performance, service life, and cost. St...
Semi-supervised planning method for breast electronic tissue compensation treatments based on breast radius and separation

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to develop and assess a technique for the optimization of breast electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP) treatment plans based on the breast radius and separation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten ECOMP plans for 10 breast cancer patients delivered at our institute were collected for this work. Pre-treatment CT-simulation images were anonymized and input to a framework for estimation of the breast radius and separation for each axial slice. Optimal treatment fluence was estimated based on the breast radius and separation, and a total beam fluence map for both medial and lateral fields was generated. These maps were then imported into the Eclipse Treatment Planning System and used to calculate a dose distribution. The distribution was compared to the original treatment hand-optimized by a medical dosimetrist. An additional comparison was performed by generating plans assuming a single tissue penetration depth determined by averaging the breast radius and separation over the entire treatment volume. Comparisons between treatment plans used the dose homogeneity index (HI; lower number is better). RESULTS HI was non-inferior between our algorithm (HI = 12.6) and the dosimetrist plans (HI = 9.9) (p-value > 0.05), and was superior than plans obtained using a single penetration depth (HI = 17.0) (p-value < 0.05) averaged over the 10 collected plans. Our semi-supervised algorithm takes approximately 20 seconds for treatment plan generation and runs with minimal user input, which compares favorably with the dosimetrist plans that can take up to 30 minutes of attention for full optimization. CONCLUSIONS This work indicates the potential clinical utility of a technique for the optimization of ECOMP breast treatments.
The Emergence and Persistence of Oligarchy: A Dynamic Model of Endogenous Political Power

We study an infinite-horizon multilateral bargaining game in which the status quo policy, players’ recognition probabilities, and their voting weights are endogenously determined by the previous bargaining outcome. With perfectly farsighted players, we show that the equilibrium long-run outcome features the concentration of power by one or two players, depending on the initial bargaining state. If the players’ initial shares are relatively equal, they successfully prevent tyranny, but a two-player oligarchy nevertheless emerges and persists. If the players are imperfectly farsighted, the same results are obtained provided that the players’ shares are not too small. Our results highlight the importance of the initial power distribution and farsightedness in the long-run development of power configuration.
A Scoping Review of the Literature on the Relationship Between Social and Structural Determinants of Health and Neurosurgical Outcomes.

Abstract This study discloses findings from a scoping review of Social and Structural Determinant of Health (SSDOH)-related academic literature from neurosurgery. To identify studies to include or consider for this systematic review, the review team worked with a medical librarian to develop detailed search strategies for each database. The search was limited to articles published from January 1st, 1990 to December 3rd, 2020. All articles retrieved from the database searches were exported and stored in EndNote X.9 bibliographic and reference manager. Studies were screened by title and abstract independently by two reviewers. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer, blinded to the decisions of the primary reviewers. The search resulted in 5,940 studies. After exclusions were made during data extraction, 99 studies remained for final analysis. Of the 99 included studies, 6 social determinants were analyzed, with 3 studies evaluating highest level of educational attainment, 14 studies evaluating gender, 52 studies evaluating race, and 41 studies evaluating economic stability. Studies referencing SSDOH were found in 8 sub-specialties, with 40 studies in spine surgery, 4 studies in functional neurosurgery, 14 studies in vascular neurosurgery, 27 studies in cranial oncology, 5 studies in spinal oncology, 5 studies in pediatric neurosurgery, 1 study in trauma and 3 studies in general/unspecified. Research gaps include the remaining neurosurgical subspecialties and numerous other SSDOH. These gaps should be areas of future study, with the goal of aligning research with new healthcare initiatives and assuring that the SSDOH are accounted for.
Social Engineering Attacks in Healthcare Systems: A Survey

Technology runs much of modern society’s daily functions due to how efficient, reliable, and easy it is to access and manage content anywhere at any time. This rapid growth has created an emphasis on cybersecurity to ensure data integrity in today’s digital realm and the future to come. Since more industries are relying on technology, cybersecurity is becoming more utilized as the foundation for success for many companies and individuals alike. However, as these new avenues for communication become part of daily life, cyber threats have also become more prevalent. One of these avenues affected includes healthcare telemedicine (Annaswarmy et al. 2020) which during COVID-19 pandemic provides patients with more convenient methods of medical services. To prevent cyber-attacks on these services through social engineering, among several defense techniques, including machine learning (ML), are being researched to mitigate the effects of human error. This paper provides recent social engineering attacks on healthcare systems, devices, and telemedicine services; and highlights the potential of machine learning in defending against social engineering attacks.
Effects of oral premedication on cognitive status of elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

BACKGROUND Sedatives and analgesics are often administered to achieve conscious sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Appropriate concerns have been raised regarding post procedure delirium related to peri-procedural medication in the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of premedication on new onset delirium and procedural care in elderly patients. METHODS Patients ≥ 70 years old and scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to receive either oral diphenhydramine and diazepam (25 mg/5 mg) or no premedication. All patients underwent a mini mental state exam and delirium assessment using confusion assessment method prior to the procedure and repeated at 4 h after the procedure and prior to discharge. Patients' cooperation during the procedure and ease of post-procedure were measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The degree of alertness was assessed immediately on arrival to the floor, and twice hourly afterwards using Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S). RESULTS A total of 93 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 77 years, and 47 patients received premedication prior to the procedure. None of the patients in either group developed delirium. Patients' cooperation and the ease of procedure was greater and pain medication requirement less both during and after the procedure in the pre-medicated group (P < 0.05 for both). Nurses reported an improvement with patient management in the pre-medicated group (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, premedication did not cause delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The reduced pain medication requirement, perceived procedural ease and post procedure management favors premedication in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Identification of Patients with Intermediate Thickness Melanoma at Low Risk for Sentinel Lymph Node Positivity

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is recommended for all patients with intermediate-thickness melanomas. We sought to identify such patients at low risk of SLN positivity. All patients with intermediate-thickness melanomas (1.01–4 mm) undergoing SLN biopsy at a single institution from 1995–2011 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression determined factors associated with a low risk of SLN positivity. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to stratify groups based on risk of positivity. Of the 952 study patients, 157 (16.5 %) had a positive SLN. In the multivariate analysis, thickness <1.5 mm (odds ratio [OR] 0.29), age ≥60 (OR 0.69), present tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (OR 0.60), absent lymphovascular invasion (OR 0.46), and absent satellitosis (OR 0.44) were significantly associated with a low risk of SLN positivity. CART analysis identified thickness of 1.5 mm as the primary cut point for risk of SLN metastasis. Patients with a thickness of <1.5 mm represented 36 % of the total cohort and had a SLN positivity rate of 6.6 % (95 % confidence interval 3.8–9.4 %). In patients with melanomas <1.5 mm in thickness, the presence of additional low risk factors identified 257 patients (75 % of patients with <1.5 mm melanomas) in which the rate of SLN positivity was <5 %. Despite a SLN positivity rate of 16.5 % overall, substantial heterogeneity of risk exists among patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma. Most patients with melanoma between 1.01 and 1.5 mm have a risk of SLN positivity similar to that in patients with thin melanomas.
Senate testimony regarding the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998

On July 16, 2009, Dr. William E. Kiernan provided testimony to the U.S. Senate HELP Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety addressing ‘Modernizing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 to Help Workers and Employers Meet the Changing Demands of a Global Market’. The purpose of the hearing was to investigate how best to streamline a decisionmaking process that respects the necessary and complementary roles of the state, local areas, state legislatures and the federal government, and encourage regional arrangements: to explore how to ensure a dual customer approach that supports the needs of workers, jobseekers and employers; to discuss how to fully engage education partners, including community colleges and community-based organizations; and to explore the need for professional development for workforce system staff and partners. The panel was asked to address what works and should be preserved and refined in the current workforce system and what should be eliminated and, second, what innovative policy recommendations would modernize WIA. His testimony is provided in its
Kleptocratic Interdependence: Trafficking, Corruption, and the Marriage of Politics and Illicit Profits

How fundamentally new and different is “organized crime” in today's increasingly globalized world? How extensive are the ostensibly expanding links between international organized crime and domestic, state-based corruption, and how significant a threat do such links pose? And why, since conventional wisdom suggests corruption and criminality are most likely to thrive where governance is weakest, and border porosity greatest, are many of the world's most significant transnational criminal networks actually based in advanced industrial (democratic) states? In this cross-national data-analysis and theory-building paper, I demonstrate that while the links between transnational criminal organizations and domestic-level corruption are real and substantial, their effects are highly variable, both in degree and in consequence. In the most egregious cases, the relationships between criminals and corrupt officials may assume an advanced form of what I call “kleptocratic interdependence” - a set of profit- and power-driven, self-reinforcing relationships marked by: 1) a division of political, functional, and social control between state and non-state actors, i.e., the sharing of sovereignty functions traditionally viewed as residing with the state; 2) a privileging of private gain over public good; 3) an absence or dearth of legal and juridical accountability; and 4) some measure of fusion between the licit and illicit economic realms. Indeed, one might usefully think of kleptocratic interdependence as a malevolent stepchild of Keohane and Nye’s “complex interdependence,” which emphasized the significance of the myriad, and growing number of, complex transnational connections between states and societies. Although these symbiotic and strategic inter-relationships are not themselves novel, in our new so-called “flattened” world, such relationships provide the criminal and the corrupt(able) new economic and political opportunities to exploit. As the paper explores in some detail, these relationships also enable these self-same actors to attain new levels of prominence and power - which permit them to straddle borders, to scale the figurative and literal walls designed to keep them out, and to threaten both national and international security in a variety of innovative and unprecedented ways.
The influence of firm and industry characteristics on returns from technology licensing deals: evidence from the US computer and pharmaceutical sectors

This study examines the relationships between firm and industry characteristics and firms' abnormal stock market returns accompanying the announcement of technology licensing deals. In particular, I examine the fit among firms' licensing activities, their resource endowments, and their industry context, and develop hypotheses on its impact on abnormal stock market returns after licensing deals. Analyzing 11 years of inward and outward licensing transactions in the US computer and pharmaceutical industries between 1990 and 2000, I find support for my argument that while firms profit from both inward and outward licensing, the magnitude of such profits is determined by licensing firms' resource endowments, and that these determinants have a different impact in different industry contexts. Understanding these relationships helps explain when firms should use licensing to exploit their proprietary technologies and make better predictions about the impact of licensing transactions on firm performance.
The service sector in the United States, 1839 through 1899

The dissertation is a study of the service industries in the United States during the period 1839 through 1899. The primary purpose of the study is to provide three series relating to the quantitative development of the sector. These series—value-added, gainful workers, and capital stock—provide benchmark estimates at decade intervals centered on census years. Series are presented for the aggregate sector; the major components, final and intermediate services; and eight industries. These eight industries, defined as the service sector, are trade, transportation and public utilities, finance and insurance, professional services, personal services, government, education, and the independent hand trades.
Quenching of chlorophyll excited states in photosystem I by quinones: Stern-Volmer analysis of fluorescence and photochemical yield

Abstract We present an investigation of the effects of 5-hydroxy naphthoquinone (5-OH-NQ) on fluorescence and photochemical yield in detergent-isolated photosystem I (PS I) core antenna complexes using the Stern-Volmer analysis. The primary effects of 5-OH-NQ are to quench excited antenna chlorophylls and to decrease the effective rate of electron transport to exogenous acceptors. Quenching by 5-OH-NQ is static in nature, consistent with rapid transfer of the excited state among antenna pigments. We demonstrate that the Stern-Volmer analysis is equally applicable to measurements of fluorescence or photochemical yield in antenna/reaction center complexes. Comparison of fluorescence and photochemical data gives nearly identical binding constants for 5-OH-NQ (8×103M-1) indicating that the quinone is quenching excited states only on pigments that are coupled to P700. The Stern-Volmer intercepts predict that quenching of photochemistry is 100% efficient while fluorescence quenching is only 90%. Such a difference is expected in a coupled system of pigments in which a finite time is required for migration of the excited state to the quinone quenching site(s). Computer simulations show that the efficient quenching of antenna excited states by 5-OH-NQ cannot be accounted for by a single quenching site per PS I complex; at least one quinone bound per four chlorophylls is required. Although these data support a qualitative description of delocalized excited states in the PS I core complex, the number of quinone binding sites prohibits a more quantitative analysis.
MER: from landing to six wheels on Mars...twice

Application of the pathfinder landing system design to enclose the much larger Mars Exploration Rover required a variety of rover deployments to achieve the surface driving configuration. The project schedule demanded that software, design, engineering model test, and flight hardware build be accomplished in parallel. This challenge was met through (a) bounding unknown environments against which to design and test, (b) early mechanical prototype testing, (c) constraining the scope of on-board autonomy to survival-critical deployments, (d) executing a balance of nominal and off-nominal test cases, (e) developing off-nominal event mitigation techniques before landing, (f) flexible replanning in response to surprises during operations. Here is discussed several specific events encountered during initial MER surface operations.
Globally averaged exospheric temperatures derived from CHAMP and GRACE accelerometer measurements

[1] Neutral densities (ρ) inferred from accelerometer measurements on the polar-orbiting Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites are used to compile exospheric temperatures (T∞) during extended periods in 2003 and 2004 when their orbital planes were nearly parallel and at quadrature, respectively. Exospheric temperatures were first estimated using ρ-h-T∞ relationships implicit within the Jacchia models, then averaged over individual orbits. We found good agreement between the orbital-averaged T∞ obtained from CHAMP and GRACE accelerometer data as well as with globally averaged exospheric temperatures derived from drag measurements from the constellation of satellites used in the High-Accuracy Satellite Drag Model. Our analysis corrects a critical conjecture by Burke (2008) that globally averaged T∞ is essentially the same as orbit-averaged values obtained by polar-orbiting satellites, independent of the local time of their orbital planes. Unlike the symmetric 0200–1400 LT distribution of T∞ minima and maxima found in early Jacchia models, presented data indicate that the minima are located closer to the dawn meridian. We also demonstrate that the averaging technique used to estimate T∞ affects the outcomes. Statistical analyses provide an empirical basis for improving estimates of the thermosphere's total energy budget.
The dust scattering halo of Cygnus X-3

Dust grains scatter X-ray light through small angles, producing a diffuse halo image around bright X-ray point sources situated behind a large amount of interstellar material. We present analytic solutions to the integral for the dust scattering intensity, which allow for a Bayesian analysis of the scattering halo around Cygnus X-3. Fitting the optically thin 4-6 keV halo surface brightness profile yields the dust grain size and spatial distribution. We assume a power law distribution of grain sizes ($n \propto a^{-p}$) and fit for $p$, the grain radius cut-off amax, and dust mass column. We find that a $p \approx 3.5$ dust grain size distribution with amax $\approx 0.2$ um fits the halo profile relatively well, whether the dust is distributed uniformly along the line of sight or in clumps. We find that a model consisting of two dust screens, representative of foreground spiral arms, requires the foreground Perseus arm to contain 80\% of the total dust mass. The remaining 20\% of the dust, which may be associated with the outer spiral arm of the Milky Way, is located within 1 kpc of Cyg X-3. Regardless of which model was used, we found $\tau_{\rm sca} \sim 2 \ E_{\rm keV}^{-2}$. We examine the energy resolved halos of Cyg X-3 from 1 - 6 keV and find that there is a sharp drop in scattering halo intensity when $E < 2-3$ keV, which cannot be explained with multiple scattering effects. We hypothesize that this may be caused by large dust grains or material with unique dielectric properties, causing the scattering cross-section to depart from the Rayleigh-Gans approximation that is used most often in X-ray scattering studies. The foreground Cyg OB2 association, which contains several evolved stars with large extinction values, is a likely culprit for grains of unique size or composition.
Preferences of four cereal aphids for certain range grasses.

Preferences of flight-active Schizaphis graminum (Rondani). Macrosiphum avenae (F.), Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), and R. maidis (Fitch) for 10 species (8 genera) of range grasses (seedling and mature stages) were evaluated in environmental chambers. Significantly different numbers ( P 0.05) among species. The degree of attractiveness of grasses to aphids was generally consistent from the seedling stage to maturity. Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn., was highly attractive to the 3 species except that the mature plant was not attractive to S. graminum. S. graminum settled preferentially on orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L., and reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea L. M. avenue preferred intermediate wheatgrass, Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv., and creeping foxtail, Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir. R. padi selected Russian wildrye, Psathyrostachys (= Elymus ) juncea Fisch., and smooth brome Bromus intermis Leyss. Big bluestem, Andropogon gerardii Vitm., and smooth brome were unattractive to all aphids, except that R. padi was attracted to seedling smooth brome. R. padi was the most widely adapted of the 4 cereal aphids to range grasses; R. maidis was least adapted.
Use of mixed conducting membranes to produce hydrogen by water dissociation

Abstract We have studied the production of hydrogen by water dissociation at moderate temperatures (700–900°C) with novel mixed-conducting membranes. Hydrogen production rates were investigated as a function of temperature, water partial pressure, membrane thickness, and oxygen chemical potential gradient across the membranes. The hydrogen production rate increased with both increasing moisture concentration and oxygen chemical potential gradient. A hydrogen production rate of 6 cm 3 ( STP )/ min cm 2 was measured with a 0.10-mm-thick membrane at 900°C and 50 vol % water vapor on one side of the membrane and 80% hydrogen (balance helium) on the other side. Hydrogen was used as a model gas on one side of the membrane to establish a high oxygen potential gradient; however, another reducing gas, methane, was substituted in one experiment to maintain the high oxygen potential gradient. The hydrogen production rate increased with decreasing membrane thickness, but surface kinetics played an important role as membrane thickness decreased.
Seeded solution synthesis of straight and branched CdSe nanowires

The solution phase synthesis of narrow diameter (< 10 nm) CdSe NWs is described. Crystalline NWs with lengths between 1-10 mm are obtained using a seeded solution approach, whereby NW growth is catalyzed by Au/Bi core/shell NPs. A gold biphasic reduction step results in 1.5 (3) nm diameter Au NPs and is followed by the thermolysis of trialkylbismuthines to yield low melting, bimetallic particles with diameters less than 3 nm. These Au/Bi NPs are catalytically active towards the growth of similar diameter CdSe NWs (~7 nm) that exhibit unique quantum confinement effects since the bulk exciton Bohr radius of CdSe is 5.6 nm. Manipulating the Cd:Se ratio results in a transition from straight to branched NWs, yielding v-shapes, tripods, y-shapes, as well as higher order structures. Structural characterization shows NW growth along either the [111] or [0001] directions of zinc blende (ZB) and wurtzite (W) phases respectively for both straight and branched NWs. High resolution TEM imaging reveals that the NWs alternate between ZB and W along their length. A similar reaction scheme can be used to produce PbSe NWs with diameters less than 5 nm, demonstrating the generality of the technique.
The future of new technologies in government

The US federal government has set up social media accounts on popular platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to make government more participatory, transparent, and collaborative. Challenges facing the US and other governments in the increasing usage of social media include expectations of citizens, civil society organizations, and the media of radical transparency as well as citizen relationship management and customer service. In general, social media keeps challenging the existing status quo of governments around the world.
Vagotomy fails to protect against histamine-provoked ulcer.

Conclusions1. Bilateral vagotomy (infra- and supradiaphragmatic) failed to protect against ulcer or erosion (gastric and/or duodenal) produced by chronic histamine action in the dog, cat and rabbit.
No association between the WNT2 gene and autistic disorder.

Autistic disorder is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in language and social communication, as well as stereotyped patterns of behavior. Peak LOD scores from several genomic screening efforts indicate the presence of an autistic disorder susceptibility locus within the distal long arm of human chromosome 7 (7q31-q35). Wassink et al. [2001: Am J Med Genet 105:406-413] reported that WNT2, located at 7q31, influences genetic risk in autistic disorder. These findings were enhanced when examined in a subset of families with severe language impairment. WNT genes encode secreted growth factor-like proteins that participate in growth regulation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. We tested for genetic association of two WNT2 variants in an independent data set of 135 singleton and 82 multiplex families. No significant association was found between autistic disorder and the WNT2 genotypes in either the overall data set or in the language-impaired subset of families. However, differences in allele frequencies of the 3' UTR single nucleotide polymorphism between the present population and that of Wassink et al. may account for the inability to detect association between WNT2 and autistic disorder in the present data set. We also screened the two reported autistic disorder mutations previously detected by Wassink et al. We did not identify any activating mutation in the coding region of the WNT2 gene. Thus, we conclude that activating mutations of the WNT2 gene are not a major contributor to the development of autistic disorder in these data.
The morphology of the atrioventricular node in scleroderma--a three-dimensional reconstruction.

A new technique for looking at the atrioventricular node and bundle is described and applied to the conducting system in six patients with scleroderma. The conducting system blocks were removed, sectioned, appropriately stained and photographed. Outlines of the atrioventricular node and bundle were generated and digitized. From the digital information three-dimensional images were generated and the atrioventricular node and bundle were rotated so that the shape could be studied from any view. In striking contrast to normal atrioventricular nodal reconstructions, those from the patients who had scleroderma showed a narrow and flattened proximal atrioventricular node. The nodal microscopy, on the other hand, did not differ significantly in architecture. It is postulated that the alterations by fibrous replacement of the proximal node could account for the relatively high frequency of atrioventricular conduction Scleroderma, problems in patients with scleroderma and could paradoxically account for the relatively frequent occurrence of supraventricular tachycardias that are also found in this disease.
The interaction between iodine and micelles of amphipathic agents in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions

Abstract A complex between iodine and micelles (but not single molecules) of nonionic association colloids has been discovered to exist in aqueous and nonaqueous media alike. The ligand is shown to be the tri-iodide ion, regardless of the solvent. No evidence was found for polytri-iodide in the complex.
Asymptotic stability of relaxation shock profiles for hyperbolic conservation laws

Abstract This paper studies the asymptotic stability of traveling relaxation shock profiles for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws. Under a stability condition of subcharacteristic type the large time relaxation dynamics on the level of shocks is shown to be determined by the equilibrium conservation laws. The proof is due to the energy principle, using the weighted norms, the interaction of waves from various modes is treated by imposing suitable weight matrix.
Cough syncope in a patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Summary Cough syncope is a well-known entity which results in loss of consciousness during episodes of cough. It commonly occurs in patients with severe chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and asthma. We report a 50-year-old African American male who presented with a syncopal episode during vigorous bout of coughing. He was noted to have clonic movements with brief loss of consciousness during this episode. Initially, he was evaluated for seizures but careful history revealed that he had similar episodes in the past with coughing. Physical examination was remarkable for diffuse bilateral wheezing and tachycardia. Chest X-ray showed hyperinflation of the lungs. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed evidence of moderate pulmonary hypertension. EEG and CT scan of the head were unremarkable. His bronchodilator regimen was optimized. He was treated with antitussives for the cough and was advised to exhale before coughing. His syncopal episodes resolved on his follow up visits after the discharge. This case demonstrates that cough syncope is a known presentation of severe COPD. It can often be confused with a seizure episode but a careful history is helpful to differentiate it from seizures. Treatment of underlying COPD and cough is associated with resolution of syncopal episodes.
The trophic role of glycolic acid in coastal seawater. I. Heterotrophic metabolism in seawater and bacterial cultures

Glycolic acid, a known algal excretory product, represents a potentially important energy source for heterotrophic bacteria in marine waters. Measurements of heterotrophic uptake and mineralization by the natural microbes in the plankton indicate quantitative use of glycolic acid comparable to other common microbial substrates. This activity shows vertical and horizontal variations that correlate in a general way with primary productivity. Glycolic acid appears to be present at higher concentrations than other low molecular weight substrates, and it also shows a lower rate of turnover. It is mineralized (respired) to a greater extent than other recorded substrates, an average of 70% of total uptake. Two-thirds of a total of 141 colonies of bacteria cultured from seawater on marine agar proved capable oftaking up and respiring glycolic acid. These same bacteria, however, were unable to utilize glycolic acid for growth when it was the sole carbon source. Glycolate may therefore occur at higher concentrations and show erratic fluctuations in natural waters because microbial use is not tied to glycolate production but to the presence of other substrates. The fact that so many bacteria are able to metabolize it indicates a possibly important trophic role as an energy source. It is suggested that glycolic acid may be a major source of energy for active transport of other substrates by marine bacteria.
Hypoxia regulates the expression of fatty acid-binding proteins in primary term human trophoblasts.

Objective Fatty acids (FAs) are essential for fetal development. Cellular FA uptake is modulated by fatty acid–binding proteins (FABPs). We hypothesized that hypoxia regulates the expression of FABPs in human trophoblasts. Study Design Primary term human trophoblasts were cultured for 72 hours in either standard (O 2 = 20%) or hypoxic (O 2 Results We detected the expression of FABP1, -3, -4, -5, and pm but not FABP2 or FABP6-9 subtypes in trophoblasts. Exposure to hypoxia markedly increased lipid droplet accumulation in trophoblasts. Consistent with this observation, hypoxia enhanced the expression of FABP1, -3, and -4. Lastly, agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ enhanced the expression of FABP1 and -4 in trophoblasts. Conclusion Hypoxia enhances the expression of FABP1, -3, and -4 in term human trophoblasts, suggesting that FABPs support fat accumulation in the hypoxic placenta.
Local versus global buckling of thin films on elastomeric substrates

Local buckling can form microcorrugations in thin films on elastomeric substrates, to yield an effective type of mechanical stretchability in otherwise rigid, brittle materials, with many application possibilities. For large area films or relatively thin substrates, however, global (Euler) buckling, as opposed to local buckling, can be observed in experiments. This paper describes analytically the mechanics of local and global buckling of one-dimensional thin films or two-dimensional thin membranes on elastomeric substrates. The critical condition separating these two buckling modes is obtained analytically, and it agrees well with experiments and numerical simulations.
Modeling of Ductile Fracture: Significance of Void Coalescence

Abstract In this paper void coalescence is regarded as the result of localization of plastic flow between enlarged voids. We obtain the failure criterion for a representative material volume (RMV) in terms of the macroscopic equivalent strain (Ec) as a function of the stress triaxiality parameter (T) and the Lode angle (θ) by conducting systematic finite element analyses of the void-containing RMV subjected to different macroscopic stress states. A series of parameter studies are conducted to examine the effects of the initial shape and volume fraction of the primary void and nucleation, growth, and coalescence of secondary voids on the predicted failure surface Ec(T, θ). As an application, a numerical approach is proposed to predict ductile crack growth in thin panels of a 2024-T3 aluminum alloy, where a porous plasticity model is used to describe the void growth process and the expression for Ec is calibrated using experimental data. The calibrated computational model is applied to predict crack extension in fracture specimens having various initial crack configurations and the numerical predictions agree very well with experimental measurements.
Wave-plate-enhanced retinal birefringence scanning for true foveal fixation detection

We use spinning and fixed wave plates, optimized using an algorithm and related computer program, based on Muller-Stokes matrix calculus, to enhance foveal fixation detection while minimizing interference from corneal birefringence in retinal birefringence scanning.
Low earth orbit satellite based communication systems — Research opportunities

Abstract Telecommunication systems are undergoing revolutionary changes that are transforming society, changing the way in which industrial and service organizations operate, and are having a profound effect on the daily life of individuals. Low earth orbit satellite (LEOS) based communication systems are a new and exciting endeavor in reshaping the global communication network and the services that it provides. Huge investments are made in the development of LEOS systems, and larger amounts will be needed for their ongoing operation and use. Many LEOS based systems have been announced over the last decade. Globalstar, Iridium, Orbcomm and Teledesic are just a few of the many systems under development with the aim of providing global communication services to the masses. Limited experience exists in developing and managing large scale commercial satellite based mobile communication systems, which makes it a very risky business. Many open, interesting and challenging research issues are faced by the designers of such systems. This paper presents LEOS based communication systems, analyzes their economic viability, and discusses some of the important research areas involved in their development, configuration, maintenance, operation and management. We hope that exposing operation researchers to LEOS will attract their attention and will generate the much needed research in this important area.
Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on cerebral and cutaneous blood flow and on blood coagulability

Effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on cerebral and cutaneous blood flow and on blood coagulability. Seizures, hypertensive encephalopathy, transient ischemic attacks, and thrombosis of hemodialysis accesses occurred in early clinical trials with recombinant human erythropoietin. To determine if these events may be caused by the increased hematocrit value or some direct efifect of the recombinant human hormone, 10 transfusion-dependent hemodialysis patients were divided into two groups of five according to their serum ferritin concentration: group A, 800 µg/liter. After a month of placebo administration, recombinant human erythropoietin was given (150 U/kg intravenously thrice weekly) for four months and then stopped for one month. Hematocrit values were maintained at 0.33 ± 0.02 (mean ± SD) by dose adjustment in group A and at 0.26 ± 0.02 by thrice weekly phlebotomies in group B, who received a constant dose of erythropoietin. Viscosity increased from subnormal to normal in group A (P
A new method for determining Gibbs energies of formation of metal-carbonate solid solutions: 1. The CaxCd1−xCO3(s) system at 298 K and 1 bar

New thermodynamic data are presented for mixing of calcite (CaCO[sub 3](s)) and otavite (CdCO[sub 3](s)) to form Ca[sub x]Cd[sub 1-x]CO[sub 3](s) solutions. A reversible equilibrium was achieved between the aqueous solution and the metastable solid solution using electrochemical double cells and a new electrode of the third kind. Evidence that the cell reactions are reversible includes demonstration of Nernstian response to changes in electrolyte composition and an absence of significant hysteresis in cell current-voltage and current-temperature (10-35[degrees]C) plots. The authors observe negative excess Gibbs energies for mixing on the order of 0 to -6.6 kJ[center dot]mol[sup [minus]1]; these magnitudes are sensitive to uncertainties in the estimates of [Delta]G[sub f][degrees][CdCO[sub 3](s)]. The double-cell method is potentially useful in other systems where, through incorporation of impurities, the activity of the CaCO[sub 3](s) is not unity relative to the standard state of the pure, well-crystallized, endmember mineral. It remains to be seen whether the double cell method is equally useful for systems, such as the Ca[sub x]Mg[sub 1-x]CO[sub 3](s) or Ca[sub x]Sr[sub 1-x]CO[sub 3](s) solid solutions, that have variable and positive excess Gibbs energies, but some of the same advantages would apply.
Induction of anti-tumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes in normal humans using primary cultures and synthetic peptide epitopes

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recognize peptide antigens associated with cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. The identification of tumor cell-derived peptides capable of eliciting anti-tumor CTL responses would enable the design of antigen-specific immunotherapies. Our strategy to identify such potentially therapeutic peptides relies on selecting high-affinity MHC binders from known tumor-associated antigens. These peptides are subsequently tested for their ability to induce CTLs capable of killing tumor cells. With this strategy, we have identified a nine-residue epitope, derived from the product of the tumor-associated gene MAGE-3, which has the capacity to induce in vitro CTLs that kill melanoma and other tumor cell lines. These results show the primary in vitro induction of tumor-specific human CTLs and illustrate the feasibility of ex vivo antigen-specific approaches to the immunological therapy of cancer.
The breaking strength of imperfect (real) polymer fibers

Abstract The thermodynamic fusion theory of strength of perfect polymer fibers of finite molecular weight is extended to include imperfect (i.e. real) fibers of incomplete crystallinity and orientation. Approximate equations for failure strength, strain, and work of failure are derived by extracting from the real visco-elastic fiber an equivalent reversible component suitable for thermodynamic analysis. This is facilitated by an explicit relationship between fiber breaking stress, σ * , and breaking strain, e * , which is shown to be σ * =0.632Ke * (K=modulus) for constant strain-rate deformations. It is shown that fiber breaking time is equivalent to the fiber visco-elastic mechanical relaxation time. Experimental data shows that the activation energy of rupture of polyethylene fibers is not the activation energy of covalent bond rupture. Instead it agrees with the activation energy expected of crystal melting in accordance with the fusion theory of rupture. The activation volume of the polyethylene fibers also agrees with the value expected from this theory.