cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dark innovation: An interview with Jerry Michalski

As computing technologists, we tend to think of innovations in terms of new products or services supported by, or made of, computing technologies. But there are other types of innovation besides products. There are process innovations, such as McDonald's method of making hamburgers fast; social innovations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving; and business model innovations, such as Starbucks replacing a coffee shop with an Internet cafe. In all these categories, we tend to think of innovations as new ways of doing things that positively impact many people.
Masses and Spins in Curved Space-Time

The Poincar\'e and de Sitter groups are well known to imply a deep connection between the structure of space-time and particle properties (mass and spin) for cosmological models with constant four-dimensional curvature. An analogous relationship is constructed for any isotropic spatially homogeneous cosmological model. The spin is proved to be constant; a time variation of the masses of all physical systems may well exist. It is shown that the variation $m\ensuremath{\sim}{t}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, which arises in the context of the Friedmann model, is not precluded by present observational and experimental evidence.
On the complexity of computing the measure of ∪[ai,bi]

The decision tree complexity of computing the measure of the union of n (possibly overlapping) intervals is shown to be O(n log n), even if comparisons between linear functions of the interval endpoints are allowed. The existence of an O(n log n) lower bound to determine whether any two of n real numbers are within ∈ of each other is also demonstrated. These problems provide an excellent opportunity for discussing the effects of the computational model on the ease of analysis and on the results produced.
Laminar flow meter with straight glass capillary

The Center for Measurement Standards (CMS) developed a laminar flow meter (LFM) as a transfer standard. This LFM consists of a single, straight glass capillary or multiple straight glass capillaries connected in parallel. Two gauges and one thermometer measure the inlet/outlet pressure and inlet temperature, respectively, and the differential pressure was restricted to between 2 kPa and 100 kPa. The glass capillaries were manufactured by laser machining, which resulting in consistent inner diameter and straight flow path. Characteristics of the glass material also prevented the capillary from bending during installation. The LFMs were calibrated against the CMS piston prover primary standard and the calibration data were fitted using a theoretical LFM model and a 2nd order polynomial. The turndown ratio of this approach was higher than 20 and the residuals were within 0.11%. The reproducibility/repeatability within 0.03% indicated that this LFM could be used as a transfer standard. Measurement with dry air demonstrated that these four LFE meters could span flows from 0.8 to 986 µmol/s within the deviation of ± 0.15% (1µmol/s is 1.3 cm3/min at 0°C and 101.325 kPa). Additional measurement with nitrogen demonstrated the feasibility of measurement with multiple gases.
Cooperative Communications in Dynamic Fault Management

The motivation for this research is to further theory on the development of artificial intelligence systems that function as “team players” in dynamic fault management applications. One challenge is effectively supporting the practitioner in understanding the assessments and actions of the intelligent system. The typical expert system approach to explanations is not well suited to the cognitive demands of dynamic fault management. In order to gain insight into effective cooperative interaction in dynamic fault management, we have undertaken a field of study of practitioners in one such domain, anesthesiology. We analyze the findings using the theoretical framework of a common ground and common frame of reference.
Job–Worker Balance and Income Match in the United States

This study uses journey-to-work data from urban census tracts across the United States to investigate whether people living and working in the same area is related to job–worker balance or to the income from jobs. The results indicate that more people live and work in the same commute shed if there is job–worker balance and income matching.
Assessing the cost effectiveness of adjuvant therapies in early breast cancer using a decision analysis model.

Background: We have developed a decision analysis model that uses the results of available randomized controlled trials to model the natural history of early breast cancer and assess the potential clinical and financial effects of using adjuvant therapies.
Early polarised neutron work

Abstract A brief summary of the early history of work with polarised neutrons is presented, beginning with the suggestion by Bloch in 1936 that polarised neutron beams could be produced by transmission through magnetised iron. The development of this technique, concurrent developments in the theory of magnetic scattering, plus alternate methods of producing polarised neutrons such as reflection from magnetised mirrors and Bragg scattering from ferromagnets, are followed. The construction and use of the two-axis polarised-beam diffractometer in 1959 and the triple-axis polarised-beam spectrometer in 1968 are discussed.
Comparative analysis of five neural network models

Abstract The performance of five neural networks are analyzed, using two data sets of silhouettes generated from wireframe models of four ground vehicles, one data set composed of silhouettes of two dissimilar‐shaped vehicles and the other set generated from two very similar‐shaped vehicles. The performances are measured by the rate of correct classifications of the test sets. The test design and test results are described for this process.
BIOSYNTHESIS OF STEROLS AND SAPOGENINS IN DIOSCOREA SPICULIFLORA.

Abstract The relative incorporation of radioactive mevalonic acid into four sapogenins and three sterols of Dioscorea spiculiflora plants has been determined. Significant differences in biosynthetic activity of tubers and shoot systems were observed.
The regulation of protein phosphorylation in synaptosomal fractions from Drosophila heads: The role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and calcium/calmodulin☆

1. 1. Crude synaptosomal fractions from heads of Drosophila have been subjected to autophosphorylation in the presence of either cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or added Ca2+ and Calmodulin. 2. 2. Four proteins can be identified the phosphorylation of which is affected by cAMP. Three of these proteins are phosphorylated in the presence of cAMP while the fourth (protein III) shows reduced phosphorylation in the presence of the nucleotide. 3. 3. Treatment of the synaptosomal fractions with EGTA results in the loss of a number of phosphoproteins. Reactivation of these EGTA treated fractions with Ca2+ and Calmodulin results in the resolution of four phosphorylated proteins. 4. 4. EGTA treatment of the membranes also reverses the effect that cAMP has on the phosphorylation of protein III. 5. 5. Phosphorylation in the presence of Ca2+/Calmodulin with increasing ATP concentrations yields results which suggest that more than one Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent kinase may be present in these fractions. 6. 6. Comparisons are made between the fractions phosphorylated in this insect and those observed in mammalian systems.
Collision strengths and line strengths for fine-structure transitions between the 2la2lb configurations and the 2l′a3l′b configurations in Be-like ions☆

Abstract Collision strengths have been calculated for all fine-structure transitions between the levels of the 2la2lb configurations and those of the 2l′a3l′b configurations in 17 Be-like ions with nuclear charge number Z in the range 10 ⩽ Z ⩽ 74 for nine impact-electron energies ϵ in threshold units in the range 1 ⩽ ϵ ⩽ 15. Fits of all the collision strengths to simple functions of ϵ that are readily integrated over a Maxwellian distribution to obtain collision rates are given. Also given are the results for transitions between energy terms. In addition, the electric-dipole radiative line strengths and the transition energies are listed. The method used is a Coulomb-Born-exchange method that is well suited for handling many members of an isoelectronic sequence simultaneously. The calculations include both configuration mixing and intermediate coupling effects.
Performance enhancement in spread spectrum multiple-access networks using hybrid ARQ and hand-shake protocols

The performance of an asynchronous spread spectrum multiple access network under a simple hybrid-automatic repeat request (ARQ) control protocol and a hand-shake protocol is analyzed. The performance under a simple hybrid-ARQ scheme using convolutional encoding and Viterbi decoding with repeat request is presented. The protocol enables the receivers to request retransmission before the decoding process is over. An evaluation is made of a hand-shake protocol without the hybrid-ARQ control. The hand-shake time is assumed to be exponentially distributed. Under the assumptions of uniform traffic with Poisson arrival process and exponentially distributed packet lengths, the network is modeled with several interactive absorbing Markov chains. The performance in throughput and reliability is numerically compared with the pure forward error control (FEC) protocol. >
The World Trade Organization: Theory and Practice

We consider the purpose and design of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and review recent developments in the relevant theoretical and empirical literature. We describe the GATT/WTO architecture and briefly trace its historical antecedents. We suggest that the existing literature provides a useful framework for understanding and interpreting central features of the design and practice of the GATT/WTO, and we identify key unresolved issues.
FDTD simulation of 3D surface plasmon polariton band gap waveguide structures

Fundamental to progress in integrated optical systems are techniques for controlling light propagation on small spatial scales. The development of photonic band gap (PBG) waveguides (Joannopoulos, J.D. et al., 1982) represents a major step towards achieving such control, as it permits the nearly lossless redirection of light flows through sharp waveguide bends, a feat unachievable using conventional optical waveguide structures. Recently, a new kind of optical waveguide was introduced that exploits the existence of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) on metals in the optical regime to construct surface-based PBG structures (Kitson, S.C. et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol.77, p.2670-3, 1996; Bozhevolnyi, S.I., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol.86, p.3008-10, 2001). These SPPBG waveguide structures introduce interesting mechanisms for controlling light flow beyond the possibilities offered by conventional PBG waveguides. Notable experimental progress in the construction and characterization of SPPBG waveguides notwithstanding few efforts, to date, have been directed at their theoretical/computational analysis. Here, we report on the implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) scheme for simulating wave propagation in SPPBG waveguides. In addition, two specific SPPBG bent waveguide geometries are analyzed.
Organization for information education: contrasts in curriculum structure and administrative locus of control

Information degree programs offered by two different universities are contrasted. Those at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies with those of the School of Library and Information Sciences at the University of North Texas. The significant differences for comparison were at the master's and doctoral level. At the master's level, one university had different degree programs developed from a common core of courses, while the other had degree programs with separate core requirements but with shared electives. At the doctoral level, one institution had a relatively new, highly structured, interdisciplinary Ph.D. program which leveraged university resources by having faculty participants from five different academic units. At the other institution, a mature doctoral program with few set requirements was lead by an interdisciplinary faculty within a single academic unit. The author describes organizational and curriculum differences and circumstances and provides observations which may be helpful to the development of new information programs.
From platinum rods to Planck's constant

Terry Quinn, From artefacts to atoms: the BIPM and the search for ultimate measurement standards. Oxford University Press, 2011. Pp. xxviii + 432, £70.00 (hardback). ISBN 978-0-19-530786-3. This is an epic time for world measurement. Over centuries, human beings have depended on physical
Taming the Information Tide: Perceptions of Information Overload in the American Home

This study reports on new media adopters’ perceptions of and reactions to the shift from push broadcasting and headlines to the pull dynamics of online search. From a series of focus groups with adults from around the United States we find three dominant themes: 1 Most feel empowered and enthusiastic, not overloaded; 2 evolving forms of social networking represent a new manifestation of the two-step flow of communication; and 3 although critical of partisan “yellers” in the media, individuals do not report cocooning with the like-minded or avoiding the voices of those with whom they disagree. We also find that skills in using digital media matter when it comes to people's attitudes and uses of the new opportunities afforded by them.
Investigating the use of GPU-accelerated nodes for SAR image formation

The computation of an electromagnetic reflectivity image from a set of radar returns is a computationally intensive process. Therefore, the use of high performance computing is required to form images from radar signals in a short time frame. This paper explores the use of distributed memory cluster computers and accelerator technologies such as GPUs for radar signal analysis applications, particularly backprojection image formation. We obtain good results with the use of GPUs and compare their performance in terms of execution time with distributed memory cluster computers. When using a configuration with 4 GPU-accelerated nodes, we achieve speedups up to 3.45x for different input and output data size combinations.
Higher Education Consortia for Early Intervention: A Survey of State Efforts.

A significant challenge to the successful implementation of statewide early intervention service delivery systems is the adequate and timely preparation of personnel to provide appropriate family-centered interdisciplinary services for young children and their families. A promising strategy utilized by state agencies and faculty to build personnel preparation program capacity is the formation of consortia of faculty from the early intervention disciplines. However, no systematic data exists to document the use of such consortia. To address this need, this study provides descriptive data on higher education consortia obtained from a survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Respondents were the directors, coordinators (or designees) of each of the state early intervention systems. The data revealed that more than half of the states utilized a Higher Education Consortium (HEC) to facilitate personnel development and capacity building in the early intervention disciplines. Information about the m...
Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in cobra venom factor-treated and C4-deficient guinea pigs.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was studied in guinea pigs with an inherited deficiency of the fourth component of complement (C4) and in guinea pigs injected with cobra venom factor to deplete the third component and late-acting components of complement. EAE was elicited by immunization with homologous spinal cord or purified basic protein. Administration of cobra factor after the injection of encephalitogenic emulsion delayed the onset and reduced the intensity of the clinical manifestations of EAE. In addition, cobra factor markedly reduced mortality during the sixty days of observation. However, pathological changes of perivascular infiltration and demyelination were similar in cobra factor–treated and untreated animals. Clinical signs of EAE and mortality in C4-deficient guinea pigs were no different from those in normocomplementemic controls. Thus, although activation of the classic complement pathway does not appear to be involved in the production of EAE in guinea pigs, our results suggest a possible role of the alternative complement pathway in the pathogenesis of EAE.
Scanning ellipsometer by rotating polarizer and analyzer.

A new type of scanning photometric ellipsometer with polarizer and analyzer both rotating synchronously at rotation rates of ω0/2 and ω0 (f0 = 51 Hz), has been designed and constructed. The mechanical and electrical design, alignment, calibration, and error reduction of the system are discussed in detail. Through measuring the amplitudes of the three ac components from the photomultiplier, at frequencies of 51, 102, and 153 Hz, respectively, complex dielectric function spectra have been obtained for test samples of Au and CdTe in the 1.5–5.5-eV range and shown to be in agreement with the results of others.
Fast, Accurate and Shift-Varying Line Projections for Iterative Reconstruction Using the GPU

List-mode processing provides an efficient way to deal with sparse projections in iterative image reconstruction for emission tomography. An issue often reported is the tremendous amount of computation required by such algorithm. Each recorded event requires several back- and forward line projections. We investigated the use of the programmable graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate the line-projection operations and implement fully-3D list-mode ordered-subsets expectation-maximization for positron emission tomography (PET). We designed a reconstruction approach that incorporates resolution kernels, which model the spatially-varying physical processes associated with photon emission, transport and detection. Our development is particularly suitable for applications where the projection data is sparse, such as high-resolution, dynamic, and time-of-flight PET reconstruction. The GPU approach runs more than 50 times faster than an equivalent CPU implementation while image quality and accuracy are virtually identical. This paper describes in details how the GPU can be used to accelerate the line projection operations, even when the lines-of-response have arbitrary endpoint locations and shift-varying resolution kernels are used. A quantitative evaluation is included to validate the correctness of this new approach.
Curvature affects superhydrophobicity on flexible silicone microstructured surfaces

The flexure of microstructured polymers affects hydrophobicity. As curvature becomes more positive, droplets suspended on the tops of asperities are suspended on fewer asperities, resulting in an increase in contact angle and a decrease in slide angle. Critical curvature constraints presented here can be used to design microstructure geometries that maintain the suspension of a droplet when curved surfaces are covered with microstructured polymers for corrosion resistance or fluid control.
Succinylcholine, cholinoceptors and catecholamines: proposed mechanism of early adverse haemodynamic reactions

An hypothesis is proposed to account for the occurrence of adverse haemodynamic reactions to succinylcholine. Interaction of succinylcholine with cholinergic receptors is postulated to result in release of endogenous catecholamines (predominantly norepinephrine). The occurrence and the clinical manifestations of the adverse reactions would be dependent on the extent of the release. Based on literature reports of findings in experimental animals with nicotinic and muscarinic agents, a mechanism for the release of norepinephrine is outlined. Interaction of succinylcholine with muscarinic and nicotinic receptors is proposed to result in an initial activation which is followed by a phase of chemical insensitivity. Activation of the presynaptic nicotinic receptors on the poslganglionic sympathetic terminals leads to a short-lasting release of norepinephrine. Activation of the presynaptic muscarinic receptors produces attenuation of the norepinephrine release. In the majority of patients these opposing actions are balanced and the net result is small, variable, and of little clinical importance. An unbalanced response leading to clinical manifestations can be expected if the two types of the presynaptic cholinoceptors are differentially activated.
Toward understanding the ionization of biomarkers from micrometer particles by bio-aerosol mass spectrometry

The appearance of informative signals in the mass spectra of laser-ablated bio-aerosol particles depends on the effective ionization probabilities (EIP) of individual components during the laser ionization process. This study investigates how bio-aerosol chemical composition governs the EIP values of specific components and the overall features of the spectra from the bio-aerosol mass spectrometry (BAMS). EIP values were determined for a series of amino acid, dipicolinic acid, and peptide aerosol particles to determine what chemical features aid in ionization. The spectra of individual amino acids and dipicolinic acid, as well as mixtures, were examined for extent of fragmentation and the presence of molecular ion dimers, which are indicative of ionization conditions. Standard mixtures yielded information with respect to the significance of secondary ion plume reactions on observed spectra. A greater understanding of how these parameters affect EIP and spectra characteristics of bio-aerosols will aid in the intelligent selection of viable future biomarkers for the identification of bio-terrorism agents.
Censored exploration and the dark pool problem

Dark pools are a recent type of stock exchange in which information about outstanding orders is deliberately hidden in order to minimize the market impact of large-volume trades. The success and proliferation of dark pools have created challenging and interesting problems in algorithmic trading---in particular, the problem of optimizing the allocation of a large trade over multiple competing dark pools. In this work, we formalize this optimization as a problem of multi-venue exploration from censored data, and provide a provably efficient and near-optimal algorithm for its solution. Our algorithm and its analysis have much in common with well-studied algorithms for managing the exploration--exploitation trade-off in reinforcement learning. We also provide an extensive experimental evaluation of our algorithm using dark pool execution data from a large brokerage.
Strategic gaming analysis for electric power systems: an MPEC approach

Transmission constraints and market concentration may prevent power markets from being fully competitive, allowing firms to exercise market power and raise prices above marginal cost. We present a strategic gaming model for analyzing such markets; it represents an oligopolistic market economy consisting of several dominant firms in an electric power network. Each generating firm submits bids to an ISO, choosing its bids to maximize profits subject to anticipated reactions by rival firms. The single-firm model is formulated as a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) with a parameter-dependent spatial price equilibrium problem as the inner problem. Power flows and pricing strategies are constrained by the ISO's linearized DC optimal power flow (OFF) model. A penalty interior point algorithm is used to compute a local optimal solution of the MPEC. Numerical examples based on a 30 bus network are presented, including multi-firm Nash equilibria in which each player solves an MPEC of the single-firm type.
True reversal of Mu integration

We describe a high-temperature (75°C) transition in the Mu integration complex that causes efficient and true reversal of the integration reaction. A second reversal pathway, first described as ‘foldback' reversal for the HIV integrase, was also observed upon disassembly/reassembly of the Mu complex at normal temperatures. Both true and foldback reversal severed only one or the other of the two integrated Mu ends, and each exhibited distinct metal ion specificities. Our results directly implicate an altered transposase configuration in the Mu strand transfer complex that inhibits reversal, thereby regulating the directionality of transposition.
THz Technology: An Overview

THz technology applications, sensors and sources are briefly reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the less familiar components, instruments or subsystems. Science drivers, some historic background and future trends are discussed.
Gravity Waves in Shear and Implications for Organized Convection

Abstract It is known that gravity waves in the troposphere, which are often excited by preexisting convection, can favor or suppress the formation of new convection. Here it is shown that in the presence of wind shear or barotropic wind, the gravity waves can create a more favorable environment on one side of preexisting convection than the other side. Both the nonlinear and linear analytic models developed here show that the greatest difference in favorability between the two sides is created by jet shears, and little or no difference in favorability is created by wind profiles with shear at low levels and no shear in the upper troposphere. A nonzero barotropic wind (or, equivalently, a propagating heat source) is shown to also affect the favorability on each side of the preexisting convection. It is shown that these main features are captured by linear theory, and advection by the background wind is the main physical mechanism at work. These processes should play an important role in the organization of...
Life stage-related differences in density of questing ticks and infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato within a single cohort of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae).

Abstract The primary aims of this study were to quantify the density of Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls nymphs and adults of the same generational cohort collected within a single year in six oak or madrone leaf litter habitats and to compare the prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in adults originating from nymphal cohorts with a low ( 10%) infection prevalence. Because adult densities were very low both in and adjacent to several sites, direct comparisons of infection prevalence between nymphs and adults were possible only for two sites. Mean density in these sites decreased from 11.95/100 m2 for nymphs to 0/100 m2 for adults in leaf litter, and infection prevalence with B. burgdorferi s.l. was four-fold higher in nymphs (7.4%) versus adults (1.6%) of the same generational cohort collected in ecotones bordering the leaf litter areas. Assuming a density of adults in leaf litter of 0.04/100 m2 (mean for all six examined sites) and an infection prevalence...
Cytochemical Demonstration of Acrosomal Proteinase in Mammalian and Avian Spermatozoa by a Silver Proteinate Method

A silver proteinate method developed by Takamatsu ci’ at. (1963) was employed for visual demonstration of the active sites of proteinase in the spermatozoa of nine mammalian species (golden hamster, mouse, deer mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, dog, bull, and human) and one avian species (cock). Proteinase activity was demonstrated only in the acrosomal caps of all mammalian species studied. Strong proteinase activity was observed in the acrosomes of cock spermatozoa. In the golden hamster, activity was demonstrated in the acrosomes of not only mature spermatozoa, but also of immature spermatozoa as well as early spermatids. The optimum activity of the acrosomal proteinase in all of these species was generally in the acidic range. Studies using golden hamster and rabbit spermatozoa showed that proteinase activity was not inhibited by soybean and lima bean trypsin inhibitors, but it was drastically inhibited by tetrabutylammonium iodide, and completely inhibited by HgCl2, KCN, KMnO4, heparin sodium salt, phosphorylated hesperidin and a hydroquinone sulphonic acid-formaldehyde polymer. It was inferred that the hamster and rabbit sperm acrosomal proteinase demonstrable by this technique represents a proteinase conjugated with hyaluronidase. The function of such a proteinase was judged to be depolymerization of the matrix of the cumulus oophorus in close association with the action of hyaluronidase.
Differences in Glyphosate-Resistant Weed Management Practices over Time and Regions

The objective of this research was to describe proportional differences across time and region in management practices among southern cotton farmers who experienced glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds on their farms earlier than those who experienced them later and among farmers who were closest to one of four historical outbreak epicenters: Lauderdale County, TN; Macon County, GA; Edgecombe County, NC; and Terry County, TX. A mail survey was conducted with cotton farmers in 2012 from 13 southern, cotton-producing states. Survey responses on practices used by farmers were classified into three broad categories of labor, mechanical/tillage/chemical (MTC), and cultural. Proportions of respondents using practices from each category were identified by time and region; across which, proportional-difference tests were conducted. Results indicated respondents encountering GR weeds earlier were more likely than farmers who experienced them later to use the three broad-category practices (labor, 98 vs. 92%; MTC, 95 vs...
Abstract TP419: Worse Outcome After Intraoperative Re-Rupture In Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Not Due to Increased Vasospasm

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative re-rupture of cerebral aneurysms is a frequent complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treatment. Studies have demonstrated worsened outcomes after re-rupture, particularly in those treated with surgical clipping, for reasons that are unknown. We designed a study to test the hypothesis that worsened outcomes in these patients may be due to increased vasospasm. Detecting a higher incidence of vasospasm in this population would justify aggressive early treatment to prevent subsequent ischemic injury in those with intraoperative re-rupture after SAH. METHODS: All patients with aneurysmal SAH treated with open surgical clipping between 2006-2008 were examined at a single institution. Angiographic vasospasm was defined as narrowing of vessels seen on catheter angiography. Symptomatic vasospasm was defined as clinical deterioration after other causes had been excluded or radiographic evidence of infarction attributable to vasospasm. RESULTS: We identified 241 consecutive patients that included 41 with intraoperative re-rupture (17%). Average age was 54 ± 13 years and 69% of the patients were female. Hunt Hess scores between the group with intraoperative re-rupture and without were similar (2.1 ±1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3, p = 0.09). Modified Fischer scores were also similar between the two groups (2.8 ±1.2 vs. 2.8 ± 1.2, p = 0.66). Time from rupture to definitive treatment was not significantly different (3.5 days ± 3.2 vs. 3.5 days ± 3.2, p=0.9). Patients in both groups had similar histories of smoking (58% vs. 50%, p=0.47) and HTN (49% vs. 53%, p=0.72). Angiographic vasospasm was seen in 61% of the group without re-rupture and 63% in the group with re-rupture (p=0.83). Symptomatic vasospasm was seen in 38% of patients without re-rupture and 49% of patients with re-rupture (p=0.26). In-hospital mortality was higher in the group with intraoperative re-rupture (20% vs. 9%, p DISCUSSION: Our results corroborated previous findings of worsened outcomes after intraoperative re-rupture in SAH patients treated with surgical clipping, but did not show a significant difference in rates of vasospasm. These findings indicate that the worsened outcome of these patients is likely secondary to other, as yet known, causes.
A Note On The Adoption Of The Euro Compared To The Adoption Of Federal Money In The United States

This paper compares and contrasts the experience of the European Community in creating a single monetary unit (the Euro) from the currencies of a dozen participating member states to the experience of the United States in creating a single monetary unit (the dollar) across the former colonies after the American Revolution. The European Community was able to merge the member state currencies in a period of 23 years, while the United States experience lasted over 75 years. By extensively reviewing the experience of the United States through contemporaneous textbooks, two factors are identified which may account for this difference. First, the existence of a central bank, and second, the universal adoption of decimal currencies, which began with the United States experience.
Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Burkholderia pseudomallei by Use of Laser Light Scattering Technology.

Rapid methods to determine antimicrobial susceptibility would assist in the timely distribution of effective treatment or postexposure prophylaxis in the aftermath of the release of bacterial biothreat agents such as Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, or Burkholderia pseudomallei Conventional susceptibility tests require 16 to 48 h of incubation, depending on the bacterial species. We evaluated a method that is based on laser light scattering technology that measures cell density in real time. We determined that it has the ability to rapidly differentiate between growth (resistant) and no growth (susceptible) of several bacterial threat agents in the presence of clinically relevant antimicrobials. Results were available in 10 h of incubation. Use of laser scattering technology decreased the time required to determine antimicrobial susceptibility by 50% to 75% for B. anthracis, Y. pestis, and B. pseudomallei compared to conventional methods.
Investigation and analysis on immunization quality in Yanliang District of Xi'an City from 2006-2011

[Objective]To analyze the status of immunization among children in Yanliang District of Xi'an City from 2006-2011 and the characteristics of adverse events following immunization(AEFI),evaluate the quality of immunization and safety of vaccines in national immunization program(NIP).[Methods]① The monitoring data of routine immunization in Yanliang District from 2006-2011 were analyzed according to method of basic report coverage rate assessment in national immunization program(difference value evaluation method).②30 children under 2 years old were randomly collected from each town every year.Their vaccination card and certificate were tested to investigate the basic coverage rate.③The difference between basic coverage rate under 12 months from routine report and that from investigation was compared.④The data of AEFI cases from 2006-2011 were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.[Results]The investigated basic coverage rates of 5 vaccines increased year by year in Yanliang District from 2006-2011(92.26%-99.56%).There were differences between basic coverage rates from routine report and those from investigation in all 5 vaccines,while the estimated vaccination rate was different as compared with the reported vaccination rate.A total of AEFI cases were reported in Yanliang District from 2006-2011,and most of AEFI were caused by live attenuated measles virus vaccine.90.83% of AEFI cases were adverse reactions,and 9.17% were other reactions.The clinical damage of AEFI was dominated by allergy.The reported incidence rate of AEFI was between 0.12 /1000 000 dose and 4.16 /1000 000 dose in Yanliang District from 2006-2011.[Conclusion]The quality of routine immunization among children in Yanliang District has continuously improved,and the immunization quality and safety of NIP vaccines are good.
Method Study of Constructing Digital Watershed for Large-scale Distributed Hydrological Model

Large-scale distributed hydrological model plays an important role in the coupling atmospheric and hydrological models research at present.In this paper,ZB algorithm is proposed to obtain base on 1 km grid scale DEM data,because it can maintain data information about drainage basin boundaries and river networks very well at coarser resolutions.We apply ZB algorithm and grid-averaged algorithm at 5km,10km,15km,and 20km scales in the upper Yellow river(above Tangnaihai station,drainage area 121,972 km2).Elevation,slope,wetness index,drainage density,length of main channel,watershed area and other parameters are extracted and compared with the parameters that are obtained based on 1 km DEM.Results show that DEM data obtained by ZB algorithm can hold stream network continuity and real watershed boundaries very well,and meanwhile it can decrease the amount of other geographical information falling off,compared to other algorithms.The method can supply satisfied digital watersheds for constructing large-scale distributed hydrological model.
The effects of strengthening exercise, stretching and meditation on electromyography onset timing of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius during vertical jump performance in healthy adults

Objective: Jump training helps increase the muscle power by improving the muscle strength and reaction time of the muscle in operation. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of strengthening, stretching exercise and meditation on electromyographic (EMG) onset timing of rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscle during vertical jump performance. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten healthy adults (5 male and 5 female) who were familiar with the vertical jumping task and had no lower extremity injuries or any bone or joint disorders, were recruited for this study. Muscle onset timing was measured by surface EMG. After EMG onset timing were measured during performing three baseline vertical jump trials, strengthening and stretching exercises of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius, and meditation were performed in random order. EMG onset timing was measured during vertical jump after intervention, respectively. EMG value was averaged for the three trials and analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA. Results: During vertical jump, EMG onset timing of gastrocnemius was a significant difference after intervention (p
Stress-Induced Executive Dysfunction in GDNF-Deficient Mice, A Mouse Model of Parkinsonism.

Maladaptive reactivity to stress is linked to improper decision making, impulsivity, and discounting of delayed rewards. Chronic unpredictable stress alters dopaminergic function and re-shapes dopaminergic circuits in key areas involved in decision making, and impairs prefrontal-cortex dependent response inhibition and working memory. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is essential for regulating dopamine release in the basal ganglia and the survival of dopaminergic neurons, and GDNF-deficient mice are considered an animal model for aging-related Parkinsonism. Recently, GDNF expression in the striatum has been linked to resilience to stress. Here we investigated the effects of chronic unpredictable stress on decision making in GDNF-heterozygous (HET) mice and their wild-type littermate controls (WT). Before chronic unpredictable stress no differences in temporal discounting were found between genotypes. However, following chronic unpredictable stress GDNF heterozygous mice, having a partial reduction of GDNF levels, showed increased impulsive choice indexed by a reduction in percent larger-later choices in the temporal discounting paradigm, and a reduction in area under the temporal discounting curve. Moreover, stressed GDNF-HET mice, but not their WT controls, showed decreased neuronal activation (number of cFos positive neurons) in the orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and nucleus accumbens shell, suggestive of a maladaptive response to stress. Interestingly, area under the temporal discounting curve positively correlated with cFos activation in the nucleus accumbens core, and nucleus accumbens shell, but not with orbitofrontal activity. These results provide further evidence of the differential involvement of the orbital frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and nucleus accumbens shell in impulsive choice, and identify GDNF-deficient mice as a double-hit (gene x environment) model of stress-related executive dysfunction, particularly relevant to substance abuse and Parkinson’s Disease.
Multi-dimensional alignment between online instruction and course technology: A learner-centered perspective

Abstract Compared with face-to-face instruction, online instruction in distance and hybrid education relies on the extensive use of course technology. Course technology supports multiple aspects of online instruction including objective specification, material organization, engagement facilitation, and outcome assessment. This study looks into different dimensions underlying the alignment between online instruction and course technology, and investigates the direct and indirect effects of involved constructs on student satisfaction as the outcome variable. The empirical evidence from a survey supports most research hypotheses, and suggests that instruction-technology fit is a partial mediator for online instruction and a full mediator for course technology in terms of their relationships with student satisfaction. Whereas all alignment dimensions but assessment fit are significant, engagement fit calls for closer attention than objective fit and material fit. That is, course technology has great potentials as well as a big space for improvement to facilitate the student engagement aspect of online instruction. From a learner-centered perspective, the findings offer researchers and practitioners helpful insights on how to utilize all kinds of e-learning tools for student success.
Gaining ‘Bonus Customers’ by Stretching the Market

ABSTRACT A brand that leads its product category in market share may profit from marketing only to its core segment if the product category is popular enough to become a ‘social necessity’ to others outside that core segment. Likewise, a scarce and talked-about brand, model, or entertainment vehicle may be a ‘social necessity’ even if not a category leader. If so, it may, in parallel fashion, be profitable to market only to the core segment, because others outside of that segment will purchase despite the fact that the ‘hot brand’ is neither designed for, nor advertised to, them.
Mechanics of Cellulose Nanocrystals and their Polymer Composites

The fabrication of cellulose nanocomposites with ultimate mechanical properties has received tremendous attention during the past decade. However, the published data has not been reviewed and systematically compared from mechanical point of view. The current study aims to fill this gap by providing a critical review on the published data on the mechanics of cellulose nanocrystals and their composites. The studies on individual cellulose nanocrystals show that their strength depends on the number and type of inter and intra hydrogen bonds on the cellulose chains, which are affected by the cellulose type and origin. It has been shown that the tensile modulus, yield strength and creep resistance are higher in cellulose nanocomposites than in unfilled polymers. However, above optimum cellulose content, the agglomeration of nanocrystals degrades the mechanical properties. Furthermore, cellulose nanocrystals enhance the structural stiffness of polymer composites at elevated temperatures. Formation of rigid nanocrystal network causes increase in the storage modulus (E′) and glass transition temperature.
Focus Groups of Parents and Teens Help Develop Messages to Prevent Early Marijuana Use in the Context of Legal Retail Sales.

ABSTRACTObjectives: The changes in Washington State and Colorado marijuana laws call for the development of new brief family-focused adolescent marijuana use preventive interventions that are relevant for and tailored to the context of legalization for retail sale. To that end, focus groups with parents and teens were conducted to find out about their concerns and needs in the context of legalization. Methods: Six semi-structured focus groups (3 with parents, 3 with teens) were conducted in Washington State in 2013 related to consequences of teen marijuana use and messages that would be effective in helping to prevent teens from using marijuana in the context of legal adult use. A total of 33 teens and 35 parents participated. Results: Three primary themes were common to these parents and teens: the negative consequences of marijuana use during adolescence on mental, physical, and social health; the need for more or better information; and the need for information/messages to come from trusted sources. Th...
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intensive Multidisciplinary Intervention for Pediatric Feeding Disorders: How Standard Is the Standard of Care?

Objective To assess models of care and conduct a meta-analysis of program outcomes for children receiving intensive, multidisciplinary intervention for pediatric feeding disorders. Study design We searched Medline, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases (2000-2015) in peer-reviewed journals for studies that examined the treatment of children with chronic food refusal receiving intervention at day treatment or inpatient hospital programs. Inclusion criteria required the presentation of quantitative data on food consumption, feeding behavior, and/or growth status before and after intervention. Effect size estimates were calculated based on a meta-analysis of proportions. Results The systematic search yielded 11 studies involving 593 patients. Nine articles presented outcomes based on retrospective (nonrandomized) chart reviews; 2 studies involved randomized controlled trials. All samples involved children with complex medical and/or developmental histories who displayed persistent feeding concerns requiring formula supplementation. Behavioral intervention and tube weaning represented the most common treatment approaches. Core disciplines overseeing care included psychology, nutrition, medicine, and speech-language pathology/occupational therapy. The overall effect size for percentage of patients successfully weaned from tube feeding was 71% (95% CI 54%-83%). Treatment gains endured following discharge, with 80% of patients (95% CI 66%-89%) weaned from tube feeding at last follow-up. Treatment also was associated with increased oral intake, improved mealtime behaviors, and reduced parenting stress. Conclusions Results indicate intensive, multidisciplinary treatment holds benefits for children with severe feeding difficulties. Future research must address key methodological limitations to the extant literature, including improved measurement, more comprehensive case definitions, and standardization/examination of treatment approach.
A quick behavioral dichotic word test is prognostic for clinical response to cognitive therapy for depression: A replication study

There are no commonly used clinical indicators of whether an individual will benefit from cognitive therapy (CT) for depression. A prior study found right ear (left hemisphere) advantage for perceiving dichotic words predicted CT response. This study replicates this finding at a different research center in clinical trials that included clinically representative samples and community therapists. Right-handed individuals with unipolar major depressive disorder who subsequently received 12-14 weeks of CT at the University of Pittsburgh were tested on dichotic fused words and complex tones tests. Responders to CT showed twice the mean right ear advantage in dichotic fused words performance than non-responders. Patients with a right ear advantage greater than the mean for healthy controls had an 81% response rate to CT, whereas those with performance lower than the mean for controls had a 46% response rate. Individuals with a right ear advantage, indicative of strong left hemisphere language dominance, may be better at utilizing cognitive processes and left frontotemporal cortical regions critical for success of CT for depression. Findings at two clinical research centers suggest that verbal dichotic listening may be a clinically disseminative brief, inexpensive and easily automated test prognostic for response to CT across diverse clinical settings.