cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expense report abuse: influence of mood and social presence

This paper examines the impact of mood and social presence of communication medium on ethical decision making within an expense reporting setting. Based on theoretical accounting research (Gaudine and Thorne, 2001), we predict that negative mood will result in more unethical expense reporting. From the social presence literature (Bazerman et al., 2000), we anticipate that an online reporting system will result in more unethical behaviour due to its low social presence, as opposed to face–to–face expense reporting with high social presence. Our findings confirm these predictions and interestingly discover that communication medium mediates the effect of mood, whereas the debriefing techniques had very little effect. Implications of these results and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Canonical Modelling of Coorbital Motion in Hill's Problem using Epicyclic Orbital Elements

This paper presents a Hamiltonian approach to modelling relative coorbital motion based on derivation of canonical coordinates for the relative coorbital dynamics. The Hamiltonian formulation facilitates the modelling of high-order terms and orbital perturbations while allowing us to obtain closed-form solutions to the relative coorbital motion in Hill's restricted three-body problem. First, the Hamiltonian is partitioned into a linear term and a high-order term. The Hamilton-Jacobi equations are solved for the linear part by separation, and new constants for the relative motions are obtained, called epicyclic orbital elements. The influence of the gravitational interaction between the coorbiting satellites is incorporated into the analysis by a variation of parameters procedure.
Testing a model of sense of virtual community

A distinguishing feature of virtual communities is their sense of community, i.e., their participants' feelings of membership, identity, influence, and attachment with each other. This study tests a model in which members' perceptions of the group's norms mediate the relationships between supporting each other and identifying each other with the members' sense of virtual community. Two studies were conducted providing partial support for the model. The results show that the perception of norms mediate the relationship between SOVC and (a) observing and publicly exchanging support, (b) perceiving that others know one's identity, and (c) using technical features to learn and create identity. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
On the ratio of the string tension and the glueball mass squared in the continuum

We present the weak coupling non-perturbative expression for the energy of 't Hooft type electric flux. Combining this with Luscher's perturbative scheme for the glueball mass M(0+), we propose a method to estimate the ratio σ/M(0+)2, with σ the string tension.
Nuclear Localization of Dpc4 (Madh4, Smad4) in Colorectal Carcinomas and Relation to Mismatch Repair/Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor Defects

The tumor-suppressor protein Dpc4 (Smad4, Madh4) regulates gene expression. On binding of an extracellular ligand of the extensive transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily to its cognate receptor complex, latent cytoplasmic Dpc4 is activated and translocated into the nucleus to function as part of various DNA-binding transcriptional activator complexes. The most relevant ligand/receptor pair to control the tumor suppressive function of Dpc4 remains uncertain, but is usually assumed to be TGF-β and its heteromeric receptor. We exploited a fortuitous experiment of nature to directly test this hypothesis: the TGF-β type II receptor gene is inactivated by mutation in nearly all colorectal carcinomas having microsatellite instability, as seen in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and in sporadic medullary colorectal cancers. Using a specific and sensitive immunohistochemical label for Dpc4, we examined nuclear localization of Dpc4 in 13 HNPCC, six medullary, and 41 sporadic nonmedullary colorectal carcinomas. In agreement with published rates, two (5%) of 41 sporadic tumors showed complete loss of Dpc4 protein, indicative of genetic inactivation. All 13 HNPCC and six medullary tumors had intact cytoplasmic and nuclear Dpc4 localization. The TGFBR2 gene was sequenced in three of the cancers from patients with HNPCC, and all of these harbored inactivating mutations. The specificity of the immunohistochemical assay was demonstrated in xenograft tumors of syngeneic cell lines that differed in DPC4 genetic status because of an engineered gene knockout. Thus, nuclear localization of Dpc4 can be maintained in cells with inactivated TGF-β type II receptors, suggesting the persistence of tumor-suppressive action of an upstream signaling input, most likely a ligand/receptor complex distinct from TGF-β. Identification of the relevant input would be expected to have implications for the understanding of tumorigenesis and the design of rational biological therapy.
Deriving ocean color products using neural networks

Abstract In this paper we develop a neural network (NN) algorithm for retrieving inherent optical properties (IOP) from above water remote sensing reflectances (Rrs) at available MODIS (or similar satellite) wavelengths. In previous work we used Hydrolight5 simulations of Rrs with widely varying globally representative constituent physical parameters as a training basis to develop a neural network algorithm, which, using the Rrs at the MODIS visible wavelengths (412, 443, 488, 531, 547 and 667 nm) as input, retrieves the in-water particulate backscattering (bbp), phytoplankton (aph) and non-phytoplankton (adg) absorption coefficients at 443 nm. In this work, using the same dataset, we develop a NN which takes these same Rrs as input, and produces an output which is used to separate the non-phytoplankton absorption coefficient (adg) at 443 nm into dissolved (ag) and particulate (adm) components. We then apply this synthetically trained algorithm to the NASA bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data set (NOMAD) Rrs to retrieve IOP at 443 nm, with the measured NOMAD and retrieved IOP values showing good agreement. These retrieved IOP along with their related Rrs values are then used to train an additional NN that produces chlorophyll concentration [Chl] as output. It is shown that these [Chl] values are retrieved more accurately when compared with ones retrieved with a similar approach which does not use IOP as input, as well as with those derived using the MODIS OC3 algorithm.
Cyberinfrastructure for isotope analysis and modeling

As the quantity and complexity of scientific data expand, accessible interfaces for data manipulation and analysis are needed to support broad and efficient data use. The Isoscapes Modeling, Analysis, and Prediction (IsoMAP; http://isomap.org) Web-based geographical information system (GIS) gateway is an example of such a resource. Recently launched with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Biological Infrastructure, IsoMAP enables analysis and integration of diverse light stable isotope and environmental data by a broad-based user community. It provides an intuitive, spatial interface that streamlines data analysis, modeling, and exploration in research ranging from greenhouse gas biogeochemistry to food science.
Proof of concept for low-dose molecular breast imaging with a dual-head CZT gamma camera. Part II. Evaluation in patients.

Purpose: Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a nuclear medicine technology that uses dual-head cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) gamma cameras to image functional uptake of a radiotracer, Tc-99m sestamibi, in the breast. An important factor in adoption of MBI in the screening setting is reduction of the necessary administered dose of Tc-99m sestamibi from the typically used dose of 740 MBq to approximately 148 MBq, such that MBI’s whole-body effective dose is comparable to that of screening mammography. Methods that increase MBI count sensitivity may allow a proportional reduction in the necessary administered dose. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of two count sensitivity improvement methods on image quality by evaluating count sensitivity, spatial resolution, and lesion contrast in phantom simulations. Methods: Two dual-head CZT-based MBI systems were studied: LumaGem and Discovery NM 750b. Two count sensitivity improvement methods were implemented: registered collimators optimized for dedicated breast imaging and widened energy acceptance window optimized for use with CZT. System sensitivity, spatial resolution, and tumor contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured comparing standard collimation and energy window setting [126–154 keV (+10%, −10%)] with optimal collimation and a wide energy window [110–154 keV (+10%, −21%)]. Results: Compared to the standard collimator designs and energy windows for these two systems, use of registered optimized collimation and wide energy window increased system sensitivity by a factor of 2.8–3.6. Spatial resolution decreased slightly for both systems with new collimation. At 3 cm from the collimator face, LumaGem’s spatial resolution was 4.8 and 5.6 mm with standard and optimized collimation; Discovery NM 750b’s spatial resolution was 4.4 and 4.6 mm with standard and optimized collimation, respectively. For both systems, at tumor depths of 1 and 3 cm, use of optimized collimation and wide energy window significantly improved CNR compared to standard settings for tumors 8.0 and 9.2 mm in diameter. At the closer depth of 1 cm, optimized collimation and wide energy window also significantly improved CNR for 5.9 mm tumors on Discovery NM 750b. Conclusions: Registered optimized collimation and wide energy window yield a substantial gain in count sensitivity and measurable gain in CNR, with some loss in spatial resolution compared to the standard collimator designs and energy windows used on these two systems. At low-count densities calculated to represent doses of 148 MBq, this tradeoff results in adequate count density and lesion contrast for detection of lesions ≥8 mm in the middle of a typical breast (3 cm deep) and lesions ≥6 mm close to the collimator (1 cm deep).
An evaluation of MINI/MICRO systems: an emperical multivariant analysis

Many variables are important in determining the performance of computer systems. Potential buyers and current users of these systems would like to know more about these variables or factors which can help them decide about a computer system they would like to acquire for their organization. Large numbers of variables could confuse the manager or decision-maker and these variables may give redundant information. This paper tests the hypothesis of potential redundancy among the computer performance or satisfaction variables. The null hypothesis was rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis, concluding that the initial fourteen variables were redundant and three factors could replace them. The importance of some of these variables is discussed in detail. These three nonredundant factors are designed to be incorporated in an interactive online EDP (Electronic Data Processing) Auditing Software System for Mini/Micro Computers. The auditor of a mini/micro computer system could evaluate the efficiency and the effectiveness of the system through the information accumulated by this interactive software package.
Progress on characterization of a dualband IR imaging spectrometer

A dualband infrared focal plane array is the central component of a compact, low mass, multispectral imaging spectrometer with perfect spectral registration. The prototype spectrometer design uses a grating blaze chosen to be efficient over both 3.75-6.05 and 7.5-12.1 μm, although the mercury cadmium telluride focal plane array limits the bandwidths with cutoff wavelengths near 5.2 and 10.5 μm. The spectrometer has been spectrally calibrated with flooded blackbody illumination and offset and gain corrections have been performed. The wavelength resolution is ±0.024 μm in the MWIR and ±0.083 μm in the LWIR, however this limitation is caused by the calibration method and not by the design. The potential for determining the temperature of a blackbody or greybody from the ratio of two narrow wavebands has been demonstrated.
Incipient electrochemical oxidation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite : correlation between surface blistering and electrolyte anion intercalation

Electrochemical oxidation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrodes in KNO 3 electrolyte solution at a carbon submonolayer level was shown in a previous paper to produce raised, bubblelike features, giving the appearance of shallow blisters. The blisters were established to be hollow, with a top surface of intact HOPG lattice and an inner one of graphitic oxide. This paper explores the relationship of the intercalating properties of the electrolyte anion to the blister formation on HOPG. Cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and in situ atomic force microscopy/electrochemistry results are presented. Surface blister formation is observed to occur in 1 M LiCIO 4 , 1 M (NH4) 2 SO 4 , 1 M HNO 3 , and 1 M H 2 SO 4 aqueous electrolytes as a result of potential scans (+1.50 to +1.90 V vs SSCE, depending on the electrolyte) that pass a few carbon monolayers of charge or less. Blister formation on HOPG in 1 M KOH electrolyte is observable but at significantly higher levels of oxidative charge, whereas blisters were not observed in 1 M K 2 HPO 4 and 1 M H 3 PO 4 electrolytes. These results are consistent with literature Raman intercalation data that indicate phosphate does not readily intercalate into HOPG, supporting a model in which blister formation reflects electrolyte anion intercalation followed by subsurface gas evolution.
Toward a new scientific study of religion

Atran & Norenzayan (A&N) have proposed a study of religion based in the cognitive sciences. Their final conclusions, however, incorporate functionalist definitions. Further, key features by which they characterize religion are not instantiated by some historical evidence. Nevertheless, the foci of their arguments are central to any study of religion and should provoke further research and experimentation along the lines suggested.
Type form Variables: Differences in Perceived Readability and Perceived Hazardousness:

This investigation assessed the type form variables that influence the readability of warnings and the subjective hazardousness of the product. The variables used were font type, point size contras...
SYMMETRY AND MODULARITY

Abstract Many complex structures may be generated from simple modules with the aid of an algorithm or generating rule. The properties of space generally impose restrictions on the shape of the module. As examples we consider tilings of the euclidean plane and of the sphere, lattices and lattice complexes, Dirichlet Domains and space-filling, and the decomposition and recombining of some polyhedra into space fillers.
Personalized medicine: The future is not what it used to be

People want personalized medical care. I would like to think that we doctors have always treated our patients based on their individual health status, including factors such as their medical history, family history, laboratory data, results of imaging, and patient wishes. Personalized medicine, as a term, has evolved to indicate that the results of various forms of genomic analysis are applied to tailor an individual patient’s medical care. Patients don’t know, and indeed, most doctors don’t understand the future that the emerging molecular technologies can bring to the practice of medicine. Still, there are clear advantages that supplement but do not replace traditional clinical medicine. These advantages include the potential for predicting susceptibility to disease and as a result, more detailed screening or prophylactic preventive treatment. Personalized medicine also offers the potential for the diagnosis of disease at an early and more effectively treated time when the sequelae of the disease may be ameliorated. This is particularly true in the cancer field, where we work. Potential beneficiaries of the novel technologies will primarily be our patients but those who pay for medical care will also benefit. There are immense business opportunities for companies that develop diagnostics, drugs, or methods for data analysis. My message today is to focus on how we as surgeons have an opportunity and a responsibility to become involved and influence the development of personalized medicine as a field of discipline. Already several medical schools have developed institutes, programs, or curriculum focused on personalized medicine. Companies have been formed marketing individual analyses that purport to predict one’s risk of the development of a myriad of diseases ranging from Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes to male pattern baldness. In my address, I plan to review the current state of the field as it relates to our practice as endocrine surgeons.
A highly selective rhodamine based turn-on optical sensor for Fe3+

Abstract A reversible turn-on sensor (Rh–OH–Rh) which can selectively detect Fe 3+ in solution has been developed. The sensor combines two rhodamine moieties with a 3-oxygen Fe 3+ receptor to provide excellent selectivity for Fe 3+ over a range of biologically relevant metal ions. It binds Fe 3+ in a 1:1 stoichiometry with an apparent binding constant 5.2 × 10 6 M − 1 (log K = 5.28) in ACN/DMF (9/1 v/v) solution. The sensor displays distinct “on–off” changes in color and fluorescence upon the alteration of free Fe 3+ levels in solution with a reversible response and little interference with other biological relevant metal ions.
ESR and Optical Spectroscopy of CrO43− in Chlorospodiosite, Ca2PO4Cl

Studies of the spectral properties of CrO43− ion in Ca2PO4Cl (chlorospodiosite) single crystals confirm the structural results established by single‐crystal x‐ray structure analyses. Detailed electron spin resonance measurements of a single crystal of Ca2(PO4, CrO4)Cl are described and the appropriate spin‐Hamiltonian parameters determined. It is shown that the unpaired electron (3d1) in its ground state occupies a dz2 orbital, which is largely concentrated on the chromium atom. The visible and ultraviolet absorption spectrum of a single crystal of Ca2PO4Cl containing CrO43− is described and shown to be similar to the spectrum of MnO42−, which had been interpreted on the basis of a Ballhausen and Liehr molecular‐orbital level scheme. The infrared absorption spectra show more splitting of the vibrational bands of the chromate (V) compound (Ca2CrO4Cl) than of the phosphate (Ca2PO4Cl), in agreement with the structural results which indicated a greater distortion of the CrO43− than that of the PO43− tetrahedr...
Using singular values for model reduction of flexible structures

Finite-element methods (FEMs) and extraction from experimental data are the most widely used methods for developing models of flexible structures for the analysis, design, and simulation of control systems. However, these methods produce models with modes that do not contribute significantly to the fidelity of the model. Eliminating these modes is the major focus of this work. Particular attention is paid to MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) systems. Control system model development, using finite-element methods and experimental data, is briefly discussed. The problems associated with models, including unnecessary and/or residual modes, are delineated. SISO (single-input, single-output) and MIMO techniques for reducing the order of models are presented, and example modal reduction is illustrated using modal data from the proposed NASA Shuttle-C. >
Some Physical Properties of Bismuth Telluride

This paper summarises the information obtained here in the Solid State Physics Laboratory during a programme of research on bismuth telluride. Earlier papers [1–3] have discussed some of its properties with reference to applications of the Seebeck and Peltier effects.
A horseradish peroxidase-light and electron microscopic study of immunoliposomes utilized for intracellular delivery to the rat striatum

Liposomes can deliver plasmid DNA, viruses, antisense oligonucleotides, and pharmacological agents to the central nervous system. Conjugation of antibodies to liposomes increases delivery specificity. Immunoliposomes created with Thy 1.1 antibody have previously been shown to be effective for neuronal delivery. The intracellular delivery of these immunoliposomes is evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Thy 1.1 conjugated liposomes were loaded with horseradish peroxidase and stereotactically injected into rat striatum. On light microscopy, immunoliposomes were concentrated within 0.2 mm of the injection site 8 h following delivery but, 24 h post-operatively, had diffused more than 0.5 mm from the injection site. With transmission electron microscopy, immunoliposomes were observed entering numerous neurons and some astrocytes in a process distinct from the clathrin-coated pit mechanism. These findings suggest that Thy 1.1 immunoliposomes are effective for intracellular delivery in vivo and their endocytosis occurs independently of a coated pit process. The research has helped to elucidate alternative mechanisms for immunoliposomal delivery. A more fundamental understanding of these attributes is needed to achieve the therapeutic potential of immunoliposomes.
Micro-grinding electronic and optical materials using diamond-coated piezoelectric materials

Micro-scale fabrication requires that substrates that are made from electronic and optical materials are truly flat so that 'bottom-up' nanofabrication techniques such as lithographically induced self-assembly, nanoimprint lithography and soft lithography can be performed. The coating of a piezoelectric material with sub-micron size diamond particles has enabled the author to produce truly flat substrates and machine micro-features into electronic and optical materials using a new manufacturing process known as 'piezoelectric micro-grinding'. The paper describes the principle of the process of micro-grinding using coated piezoelectric materials. It also correlates the wear of diamonds with stresses induced into the diamonds when an electric current is applied to the piezoelectric material coated with diamonds in order to remove very small amounts of workpiece material.
Exploring the Effectiveness of an Online Writing Workspace to Support Literacy in a Social Studies Classroom

The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze the writing experiences of eighth-grade students in three social studies classrooms while using a Web 2.0 online writing workspace. Participants included one social studies teacher and 69 eighth-grade students in a selective admission public high school. Furthermore, three of the eighth-grade students were chosen as case studies to allow for a more detailed exploration of their writing processes within the online environment. The project was guided by the Common Core Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, and objectives were to enhance the students' literacy skills and knowledge acquisition by having students create a wiki-like project. The author proposes that the online writing project and environment allowed students in the social studies class to extend their learning and make connections to outside sources in an accessible manner. The students took ownership over their own learning within their topics and were able to extend and ...
Women Doing Leadership Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture

Although women in the United States make up about half of the workforce, only 14.6% of executive officer positions in the Fortune 500 and 16.9% of Fortune 500 board of director seats in 2013 were held by women, numbers that have remained flat for the past decade. Decades after the so-called “feminist revolution,” women are still struggling to be seen as leaders within organizations even though many have put in place hiring and recruitment policies to help eliminate this problem. Our study examines this disparity by observing how leadership emerges and is negotiated in discourse among male and female participants in decision-making groups in a masculine organizational culture. First, it identifies whether female participants randomly assigned to mixed-gender groups emerge as leaders. Second, it analyzes the discourse of those competing for leadership positions in mixed groups to identify the effects of leadership style on leader attribution by others. Of the 22 mixed-gender groups (N = 110) that took part ...
INDUCTANCE TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING TRANSITION TEMPERATURES OF SUPERCONDUCTING POWDERS

A simple technique to measure Tc of superconducting powder samples is evaluated. Inductance of the sample is used as the indicator to determine the behavior of the material as it goes to the superconducting state. The effect of particle size and sample size on the measured parameters has been investigated. The main advantages of this technique are the absence of electrical contacts and the elimination of the need for sintered bars. The technique has the potential to measure the amount of superconducting phases as well as the critical current density.
Absolute absorption cross section measurements of in the wavelength region 163–200 nm and the temperature dependence

Abstract Laboratory measurements of the absorption cross section of CO 2 at the temperatures 195 and 295 K have been made throughout the wavelength region 163–200 nm by using a high resolution grating spectrometer. Cross sections at 195 K are smaller than those at 295 K, and the band structures are more emphasized as expected. In combining with our previous measurements [J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer, 55 (1996) 53], the absorption cross sections of CO 2 are available in the wavelength region 117.8–200.0 nm at 295 K and 117.8–192.5 nm at 195 K.
Adjunctive Re-Dilation for Early Cicatrization after Punctoplasty

Purpose: To evaluate punctoplasty outcomes with adjunctive in-office probing of early post-procedure cicatricial changes.Method: Retrospective analysis of all eyes undergoing 3-snip punctoplasty by a single surgeon between August 1,2008 and June 30, 2011.Results: Twenty-two patients were eligible for this study. Twenty-eight eyes (15 right, 13 left) underwent punctoplasty. Twenty-three eyes underwent in-office post-procedure dilation for early cicatricial changes. Anatomical success was achieved in 22 patients (100%). Twenty-one patients (95.5%) reported improvement in epiphora.Conclusions: Functional and anatomical success rates after punctoplasty may be improved by close post-procedure follow-up with in-office re-dilation for recurrent punctal cicatrization.
Predictive Optimal Linear Control of Inelastic Structures during Earthquake. Part II

A predictive optimal linear control (POLC) algorithm is proposed for controlling the seismic responses of elastic structures. This algorithm compensates for time delay that occurs in real control application by predicting the structural response in the classical optimal linear control equation. The unique feature of this proposed POLC algorithm is that it compensates for time delay very effectively over a very wide range of time delay magnitudes. Numerical examples of single-degree-of-freedom structures are presented to study the performance of the proposed POLC system for various time delay magnitudes. Results show that a time delay always causes degradation of control efficiency, and POLC can greatly reduce this degradation. The effects of natural periods and damping of the structure, different earthquake characteristics and numerical integration schemes, and choices of control gains on the degradation induced by time delay are carefully studied in the analysis. Results show that using a larger time delay magnitude may give smaller structural responses, and this magnitude is independent of earthquake characteristics but dependent on the control gains. Finally, practical application of POLC is performed on a six-story moment-resisting steel frame. It is demonstrated that POLC maintains stability in multi-degree-of-freedom structures and at the same time it has a satisfactory control performance.
Multimodality intraoperative MRI for brain tumor surgery

Intraoperative MRI has already fundamentally changed the way current brain tumor surgery is performed. The ability to integrate high-field MRI into the operating room has allowed intraoperative MRI to emerge as an important adjunct to CNS tumor treatment. Furthermore, the ability of MRI to successfully couple with molecular imaging (PET and/or optical imaging), neuroendoscopy and therapeutic devices, such as focused ultrasound, will allow it to emerge as an important image-guidance modality for improving brain tumor therapy and outcomes.
Multimedia content authentication: fundamental limits

In many multimedia applications, there is a need to authenticate a source that has been subjected to benign degradations in addition to potential tampering attacks. We develop a meaningful formulation of this problem, and identify and interpret the associated information-theoretic performance limits. The associated systems are shown to perform dramatically better than frequently proposed approaches based on information embedding techniques.
Emergence of Resistance of Providencia stuartii to Multiple Antibiotics: Speciation and Biochemical Characterization of Providencia

From October 1972 through April 1973 isolates of Providencia with multiple resistance to antibiotics were obtained from patients in the Burn Unit of Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California Medical Center. A comparison of the in vitro susceptibilities against nine antibiotics was made of the Burn Unit strains with 20 strains isolated from patients on other services. Cultures from the Burn Unit were resistant to most antibiotics, including kanamycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, and tobramycin; they remained susceptible only to the experimental antibiotic, amikacin. Biochemical reactions permitted speciation of the 114 strains. Strains that fermented inositol and conformed to the definition of Providencia stuartii, demonstrated marked resistance to antibiotics. Those characterized as Providencia alcalifaciens were susceptible to most antibiotics. These observations signal the necessity for speciation of Providencia in the laboratory and emphasize again the hazard of resistance among coliforms in isolated nosocomial environments.
Cushitic and Nilotic Prehistory: New Archaeological Evidence from North-West Kenya

Recent archaeological research conducted west of Lake Turkana, Kenya has shed new light on the prehistory of eastern Cushitic and Nilotic speakers in East Africa. The Namoratunga cemetery and rock art sites, dated to about 300 B.C., are clearly related to the prehistory of Eastern Cushitic speakers. The newly defined Turkwell cultural tradition, dated to the first millennium a.d., is associated with eastern Nilotic prehistory. Lopoy, a large lakeside fishing and pastoralist settlement, is discussed in terms of eastern Nilotic prehistory. The archaeological data agrees with the independent findings of historical linguistics.
Private Speech in the Classroom: The Effects of Activity Type, Presence of Others, Classroom Context, and Mixed-age Grouping

This study addressed the question of how young children's spontaneous use of private speech in the kindergarten classroom varies as a function of contextual variables, such as type of activity, immediate presence of others, degree of teacher-given structure, and classroom age composition. Twenty children from two classrooms (one mixed-age, one same-age) were systematically observed in their regular kindergarten classroom during a period of four weeks, using a time-sampling procedure. Results from ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression analyses indicated that young children's use of private speech does vary systematically according to the immediate physical and social context. More specifically, children were found to use more self-regulatory language when they were: (1) engaged in goal-directed task activity, as compared to free play or other activities; (2) in a classroom context which provided an intermediate degree of teacher regulation, compared to contexts in which either very little or a great d...
Diffusing-wave-spectroscopy measurements of viscoelasticity of complex fluids

We present a new use of dynamic light scattering that permits the determination of the viscoelastic behavior of a complex fluid. By describing the motion of a scattering particle in a viscoelastic medium in terms of a generalized Langevin equation with a memory function, we relate the time evolution of its mean-square displacement to the frequency-dependent storage and loss moduli of the medium. The utility of this technique is illustrated through the application of diffusing-wave spectroscopy to probe the viscoelastic behavior of two complex fluids. The properties of a concentrated suspension of colloidal particles interacting as hard spheres are shown to be strongly influenced by the incipient colloidal glass transition, which leads to an extended range of frequencies over which they behave like an elastic solid. Similar elasticity is observed in a compressed emulsion, resulting in this case from the additional interfacial energy of the deformed droplets. In both cases diffusing-wave spectroscopy is used to measure the frequency dependence of the storage and loss moduli, and these results are compared with those from mechanical measurements. Besides providing a purely optical method for measuring mechanical properties, this technique provides new insight into the origin of the viscoelastic behavior.
National in-hospital morbidity and mortality trends after lumbar fusion surgery between 1998 and 2008

Increasing numbers of posterior lumbar fusions are being performed. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in demographics, mortality and major complications in patients undergoing primary posterior lumbar fusion. We accessed data collected for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for each year between 1998 and 2008 and analysed trends in the number of lumbar fusions, mean patient age, comorbidity burden, length of hospital stay, discharge status, major peri-operative complications and mortality. An estimated 1 288 496 primary posterior lumbar fusion operations were performed between 1998 and 2008 in the United States. The total number of procedures, mean patient age and comorbidity burden increased over time. Hospital length of stay decreased, although the in-hospital mortality (adjusted and unadjusted for changes in length of hospital stay) remained stable. However, a significant increase was observed in peri-operative septic, pulmonary and cardiac complications. Although in-hospital mortality rates did not change over time in the setting of increases in mean patient age and comorbidity burden, some major peri-operative complications increased. These trends highlight the need for appropriate peri-operative services to optimise outcomes in an increasingly morbid and older population of patients undergoing lumbar fusion.
Both Normal and Transforming PCPH Proteins Have Guanosine Diphosphatase Activity But Only the Oncoprotein Cooperates with Ras in Activating Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase ERK1

Previous reports from our laboratory described the activation of the PCPH gene into the PCPH oncogene (mt-PCPH, reported previously as Cph) by a single point mutational deletion. As a consequence, the mt-PCPH oncoprotein is a truncated form of the normal PCPH protein. Although both proteins have ribonucleotide diphosphate-binding activity, only mt-PCPH acted synergistically with a human H-Ras oncoprotein to transform murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts. We report here the expression of the PCPH and mt-PCPH proteins in Escherichia coli and the finding that the purified bacterial recombinant proteins have intrinsic guanosine diphosphatase (GDPase) activity. However, expression of the Syrian hamster PCPH and mt-PCPH proteins in haploid yeast strains engineered to be GDPase deficient by targeted disruption of the single GDA1 allele did not complement their glycosylation-disabled phenotype, suggesting the existence of significant functional differences between the mammalian and yeast enzymes. Results from transient cotransfections into NIH3T3, COS-7, or 293T cells indicated that, in mammalian cells, both PCPH and mt-PCPH cause an overall down-regulation of the stimulatory effect of epidermal growth factor or the activated ras or raf oncogenes on the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. However, despite this overall negative regulatory role on Ras signaling, mt-PCPH, but not PCPH, cooperated with the Ras oncoprotein to produce a prolonged stimulation of the phosphorylation of ERK1 but had no effect on the phosphorylation levels of ERK2. These results represent a clear difference between the mechanisms of action of PCPH and mt-PCPH and suggest that the ability to cause a sustained activation of ERK1 may be an important determinant of the transforming activity of mt-PCPH.
Peptic ulcer disease

Abstract Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is an uncommon disease of childhood. Peptic ulceration of the stomach or duodenum is usually associated with abnormalities of the gastric mucosa such as gastritis and/or gastropathy. Gastritis and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum can be classified into either primary or secondary depending on their aetiologies. The majority of primary or unexplained peptic ulcers are the result of chronic inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. However, an increasing number of children with PUD without evidence of H. pylori infection are now being seen. Rarely PUD is caused by hypersecretory states. Secondary ulceration occurs in response to acute stress from severe systemic illnesses such as sepsis, head injury, burns, and as sequelae to use of certain drugs. The prognosis for recovery from peptic ulcers is good as most patients will respond to treatment.
Digital communications technology for air transport applications

The Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) is being developed as a means of providing reliable digital communications for air transport aircraft by internetworking avionics end systems, air/ground communications links, multiple ground distribution systems, and ground end systems. Satellite communications systems allow ATN to be available anywhere in the world, providing tremendous economic advantages to the air transport industry through more efficient operations. Integration of voice and data networks will provide a totally automated communications system for air transport aircraft. >
Clinical and microbiologic findings in dogs with bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse: 37 cases (1990-1995).

Objective—To investigate the role of bacteria in bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse in dogs by evaluating qualitative results of bacteriologic cultures. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—37 dogs with tracheal collapse. Procedure—Clinical records for dogs with tracheal collapse confirmed with bronchoscopy were reviewed. A protected catheter brush was used to obtain samples for bacteriologic culture from the large airways. Results—Results of bacterial culture were negative for 5 of 29 dogs. For 24 dogs, 1 (n = 10), 2 (6), or ≥ 3 (8) species of bacteria were isolated. Pseudomonas spp were isolated most frequently (17/29), and a single Pseudomona ssp grew in 7 samples. Other bacteria included Enterobacter spp (4/29), Citrobacter spp (3/29), and Moraxella spp, Klebsiella spp, Bordetella spp, or Acinetobacter spp (2/29 dogs each). Anaerobic and aerobic cultures yielded positive results in samples from 2 dogs. Cytologic results were available for 13 dogs with positive results of bacteriologic cultur...
Is There a Starling Curve for Intensive Care

Large differences exist in the provision of ICU beds worldwide, with a complicated mix of risks and benefits to the population of having either too few or too many beds. Having too few beds can result in delayed admission of patients to the ICU or no admission at all, with either scenario potentially increasing mortality. Potential societal benefits of having few beds include lower costs for health care and less futile intensive care at the end of life. With added ICU beds for a population, mortality benefit should accrue, but there is still the question of whether the addition of beds always means that more lives will be saved or whether there is a point at which no additional mortality benefit is gained. With an abundance of ICU beds may come the possibility of increasing harm in the forms of unnecessary costs, poor quality of deaths (ie, excessively intensive), and iatrogenic complications. The possibility of harm may be likened to the concept of falling off a Starling curve, which is traditionally used to describe worsening heart function when overfilling occurs. This commentary examines the possible implications of having too few or too many ICU beds and proposes the concept of a family of Starling curves as a way to conceptualize the balance of societal benefits and harms associated with different availability of ICU beds for a population.
G Protein–Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Expression in Native Cells: “Novel” endoGPCRs as Physiologic Regulators and Therapeutic Targets

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of signaling receptors in the human genome, are also the largest class of targets of approved drugs. Are the optimal GPCRs (in terms of efficacy and safety) currently targeted therapeutically? Especially given the large number (∼120) of orphan GPCRs (which lack known physiologic agonists), it is likely that previously unrecognized GPCRs, especially orphan receptors, regulate cell function and can be therapeutic targets. Knowledge is limited regarding the diversity and identity of GPCRs that are activated by endogenous ligands and that native cells express. Here, we review approaches to define GPCR expression in tissues and cells and results from studies using these approaches. We identify problems with the available data and suggest future ways to identify and validate the physiologic and therapeutic roles of previously unrecognized GPCRs. We propose that a particularly useful approach to identify functionally important GPCRs with therapeutic potential will be to focus on receptors that show selective increases in expression in diseased cells from patients and experimental animals.
A Survey of Decidability Results for Modal, Tense and Intermediate Logics1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses survey of decidability results for modal, tense, and intermediate logics. The chapter considers first-order theories based on these logics, in particular theories based on the intuitionistic predicate logic. Modal and tense logics are concerned with the addition of one or two additional unary connectives to the language of classical logic. The language of intuitionistic logic and its extensions is, of course, the same as that of classical logic. The main methods that can be employed in solving the decision problem of a given system are presented. Some of the main modal systems are discussed in the chapter. The algebraic models corresponding to intuitionistic logic are the well known Heyting (or Brouwerian) algebras.
Substance P Receptor Signaling Mediates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Chemoresistance

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline, is broadly considered the most active single agent available for treating breast cancer but has been known to induce cardiotoxicity. Although DOX is highly effective in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), DOX can have poor outcomes owing to induction of chemoresistance. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for TNBC aimed at improving DOX outcome and DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Substance P (SP), a neuropeptide involved in pain transmission is known to stimulate production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated cardiac ROS is linked with heart injury and failure. We investigated the role of SP in chemotherapy-associated death of cardiomyocytes and chemoresistance. We showed that pretreating a cardiomyocyte cell line (H9C2) and a TNBC cell line (MDA-MB 231) with aprepitant, a SP receptor antagonist that is routinely used to treat chemotherapy-associated associated nausea, decreased DOX-induced reduction of cell viability, apoptotic cell death, and ROS production in cardiomyocytes and increased DOX-induced reduction of cell viability, apoptotic cell death, and ROS production in TNBC cells compared with cells treated with DOX alone. Our findings demonstrate the ability of aprepitant to decrease DOX-induced killing of cardiomyocytes and to increase cancer cell sensitivity to DOX, which has tremendous clinical significance.
17β-Estradiol and Agonism of G-protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Enhance Hippocampal Memory via Different Cell-Signaling Mechanisms

The ability of 17β-estradiol (E2) to enhance hippocampal object recognition and spatial memory depends on rapid activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the dorsal hippocampus (DH). Although this activation can be mediated by the intracellular estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, little is known about the role that the membrane estrogen receptor GPER plays in regulating ERK or E2-mediated memory formation. In this study, post-training DH infusion of the GPER agonist G-1 enhanced object recognition and spatial memory in ovariectomized female mice, whereas the GPER antagonist G-15 impaired memory, suggesting that GPER activation, like E2, promotes hippocampal memory formation. However, unlike E2, G-1 did not increase ERK phosphorylation, but instead significantly increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the DH. Moreover, DH infusion of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented G-1 from enhancing object recognition and spatial memory, but the ERK inhibitor U0126 did not. These data suggest that GPER enhances memory via different cell-signaling mechanisms than E2. This conclusion was supported by data showing that the ability of E2 to facilitate memory and activate ERK signaling was not blocked by G-15 or SP600125, which demonstrates that the memory-enhancing effects of E2 are not dependent on JNK or GPER activation in the DH. Together, these data indicate that GPER regulates memory independently from ERα and ERβ by activating JNK signaling, rather than ERK signaling. Thus, the findings suggest that GPER in the DH may not function as an estrogen receptor to regulate object recognition and spatial memory. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although 17β-estradiol has long been known to regulate memory function, the molecular mechanisms underlying estrogenic memory modulation remain largely unknown. Here, we examined whether the putative membrane estrogen receptor GPER acts like the classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, to facilitate hippocampal memory in female mice. Although GPER activation did enhance object recognition and spatial memory, it did so by activating different cell-signaling mechanisms from ERα, ERβ, or 17β-estradiol. These data indicate that 17β-estradiol and GPER independently regulate hippocampal memory, and suggest that hippocampal GPER may not function as an estrogen receptor in the dorsal hippocampus. These findings are significant because they provide novel insights about the molecular mechanisms through which 17β-estradiol modulates hippocampal memory.
Workplace violence: the responsibility of employers and supervisors.

Violence in medical institutions is escalating and is not limited to emergency departments and psychiatric units. Employers, administrators, and supervisors share responsibility for controlling these assaults. Preventive measures are expensive, but not as expensive as the lack of safety control. Nor can safety be measured only in terms of dollars. This article offers a practical strategy for protecting employees, patients, and others from being assaulted. Language: en