cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality information systems through people

Abstract The Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy is rapidly being adopted by organizations that are concerned about remaining competitive in an intensely competitive global marketplace. As a result, Information Technology (IT) is being developed and deployed to foster these quality programs. However, little empirical research is available concerning implementation of technology in TQM environments. Research is needed to guide organizations toward a path of successful implementation of quality systems. The objective of this study is to devise a set of guidelines for organizations attempting to infuse total quality into their systems development efforts. The study draws upon data gathered from case studies of three organizations involved in total quality systems development. The three organizations were chosen based on their differences in size (total revenues). Contrasting the three organizations should add richness to the development of TQM guidelines. The study begins with a review of the quality research. The methodology is described in the next section. A synopsis of the case studies is then presented. Finally, a set of guidelines and theoretical implications synthesized from the literature and cases are introduced.
TEACHING STATISTICS VIA DISTANCE: DUPLICATING THE CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE

This paper presents the results of developing technology mediated instructional material (TMIM) for a graduate level statistics courses presented to a mixed audience—students at the local site as well as students at distance sites. Over the past five years our pedagogical approach has included numerous software and hardware solutions to address educational demands. These experiences admit useful lists of successes and failures that will benefit other interested course designers. Most useful is highlighting combinations of software and hardware that address the technological components of duplicating the classroom experience. As course design considerations are a result of content and pedagogy, we identify motivational sources in the details of actually conducting a course with a distance education component. Simultaneously, we emphasize our experience that the local students are prime beneficiaries of TMIM strategies and we employ our methods regardless of any distance education requirements.
Model of TPTC Stirling Engine With Adiabatic Working Spaces

A Stirling engine incorporating a phase-changing component of the working fluid has been modeled with the assumption that the compression and expansion space are adiabatic, and that the heat exchanger consists of a cooler, regenerator, and heater of finite size where the fluid follows an idealized temperature profile. Differential equations for the rate of change of mass in any cell and pressure over the entire engine were derived from the energy, continuity, state equations, and Dalton's law. From the simultaneous solution of these equations, all of the information necessary for calculation of power output and efficiency were obtained. Comparison of the results from this model with previous studies shows that the advantage of adding a phase-changing component to the working fluid may have been overstated.
Every SOMA(n-2 ,n) is Trojan

A SOMA(k,n) is an nxn array A each of whose entries is a k-subset of a kn-set @W of symbols, such that every symbol of @W occurs exactly once in each row and exactly once in each column of A, and every 2-subset of @W is contained in at most one entry of A. A SOMA(k,n) is called Trojan if it can be constructed by the superposition of k mutually orthogonal Latin squares of order n with pairwise disjoint symbol-sets. Note that not every SOMA(k,n) is Trojan, and if k>=n then there exists no SOMA(k,n). Trivially, every SOMA(0,n) and every SOMA(1,n) is Trojan. R. A. Bailey proved that every SOMA(n-1,n) is Trojan. Bailey, Cameron and Soicher then asked whether a SOMA(n-2,n) must be Trojan, which is posed in B. C. C. Problem 16.19 in Discrete Math. vol. 197/198. In this paper, we prove that this is indeed the case. We remark that there are non-Trojan SOMA(n-3,n)s, at least when n=5,6,7. While the result of Bailey shows that the existence of a SOMA(n-1,n) is equivalent to the existence of an affine plane of order n, our result together with known results show that if n>=5 then the existence of a SOMA(n-2,n) is equivalent to the existence of an affine plane of order n.
Child and family factors that ameliorate risk between 4 and 13 years of age.

Abstract Protective processes in at-risk children between 4 and 13 years of age were examined in a longitudinal study. A multiple risk index was used at 4 years to identify 50 high-risk children and 102 who were at low risk. Cognitive and social-emotional status were measured at each time point. The following indicators of protective processes were related to positive change in cognitive and/or social-emotional function in the high-risk children between 4 and 13 years: mother-child interaction; child perceived competence, locus of control, life events, and social support; and maternal parenting values, social support, depression, and expressed emotion. Many of these factors were also related to improvement in the low-risk children. Some variables showed an interaction effect, where impact was substantially higher in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. The utility of multiple risk constructs and process oriented approaches to protective factors are discussed.
The balance of TCF7L2 variants with differential activities in Wnt-signaling is regulated by lithium in a GSK3β-independent manner

TCF7L2 transcription factor is a downstream effector of the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, which controls cell fate and homeostasis. However, the complexity of TCF7L2 expression with numerous mRNA isoforms coding for proteins with distinct N- and C-termini allows variability in TCF7L2 functions and regulations. Here, we show that although TCF7L2 mRNA isoforms distinguish fetal, immortalized and adult differentiated endothelial cells (EC), they cannot explain the lack of significant beta-catenin/TCF7 activities in ECs. Lithium, a Wnt-signaling activator, increases TCF7L2 mRNA levels and induces an RNA isoform switch favoring the expression of TCF7L2-short forms lacking the C-termini domains. Although the latter occurs in different cell types, its extent depends on the overall increase of TCF7L2 transcription, which correlates with cell responsiveness to Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. While GSK3beta down-regulation increases TCF7L2 expression, there is no concomitant change in TCF7L2 mRNA isoforms, which demonstrate the dual effects of lithium on TCF7L2 expression via a GSK3beta-dependent up-regulation and a GSK3beta-independent modulation of RNA splicing. TCF7L2E-long forms display a repressor activity on TCF7L2-promoter reporters and lithium induces a decrease of the endogenous TCF7L2 forms bound to native TCF7L2-promoter chromatin at two novel distal TCF7-binding sites. Altogether our data reveal a lithium-induced RNA switch favoring the expression of TCF7L2-short forms, which results in a transcriptional de-repression of lithium target genes negatively regulated by TCF7L2-long forms, like TCF7L2, and thus to an amplification of Wnt-signaling in responsive cells.
Visualization of discrete gradient construction

This video presents a visualization of a recent algorithm to compute discrete gradient fields on regular cell complexes. Discrete gradient fields are used in practical methods that robustly translate smooth Morse theory to combinatorial domains. We describe the stages of the algorithm, highlighting both its simplicity and generality.
Changes in membrane currents during Pavlovian conditioning of single cortical neurons

Single electrode voltage clamp recordings were made during Pavlovian conditioning of single units of the motor cortex of cats. Units that developed a conditioned spike discharge in response to a click conditioned stimulus (CS) after pairing the click with glabella tap and local ionophoretic application of glutamate showed increases in input resistance and reductions of an early outward current induced by depolarizing commands and by return to holding potentials after hyperpolarizing commands. Changes in later currents were also found in some cells. Units that failed to develop a conditioned response did not show these changes. The decreases in membrane currents could contribute to an increased spike discharge in response to the CS as could the increased input resistance observed after conditioning. Conductance changes of this type may serve as engrams by which some forms of memory and learning are expressed across both vertebrate and invertebrate species.
Rotationally resolved electronic spectroscopy of tryptophol in the gas phase.

High resolution S1–S0 fluorescence excitation spectra of tryptophol have been observed in the collision-free environment of a supersonic beam. Each origin band has been assigned to a unique conformer based on its observed rotational constants. Unlike its close relative tryptamine, which exhibits seven distinguishable conformers under similar conditions, tryptophol exhibits only four (GPy-in, GPh-in, and two anti structures). Possible reasons for this difference in behavior are discussed.
Enhanced Sensitivity to Chemotherapy in Esophageal Cancer through Inhibition of NF-κB

Background Apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic drugs is blocked by activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in some cancer cell lines. Therefore, inhibition of NF-κB by adenoviral delivery of an IκBα super-repressor (Ad.IκBα-SR) should make esophageal cancer cells more sensitive to 5- fluorouracil (5-FU) and taxotere chemotherapy. Materials and methods SEG1 and BIC1 human esophageal cancer cells were studied. Chemotherapy-induced NF-κB activation was assessed by luciferase reporter assay and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Cell growth inhibition was assessed by cell proliferation assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and caspase 3/7 assay. Results 5-FU and taxotere significantly induced NF-κB activation as measured by luciferase reporter assay ( P m ) or taxotere (0.01 ug/ml), led to an increased apoptosis of 183% and 55%, respectively ( P m ) or taxotere (0.01ug/ml) ( P m ) or taxotere (0.001 ug/ml) ( P Conclusion Treatment with 5-FU or taxotere induced NF-κB activation in human esophageal cancer cells. Inhibition of NF-κB by Ad.IκBα-SR increased their sensitivity to 5-FU and taxotere chemotherapy. Therefore, these results may provide the basis for novel clinical approaches using cytoxic therapy with NF-κB inhibition to improve outcome in patients with esophageal cancer.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: the more you look, the more you see.

Purpose of review There is evolving understanding of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the consequences of nonadherence. The present review aims to discuss recent research findings that illuminate lingering clinical questions or contribute to the contextual framework for future research. Recent findings Although some patients can achieve undetectable viral load at moderate adherence levels, studies confirmed that achieving very high adherence optimizes virological and clinical outcomes. In computer modeling, earlier initiation of ART despite suboptimal adherence was associated with improved survival and quality-adjusted life years. Better adherence and virological outcomes occurred when ART was initiated during hospitalization versus outpatient setting, and when depressed patients were treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Differential adherence to individual drugs in an antiretroviral regimen appears to be common. Preliminary data from randomized studies designed to evaluate patient-selected treatment partners showed no clear benefit on long-term viral suppression. Summary Earlier initiation of ART may be desirable even in some patients with suboptimal adherence. Adherence should be reinforced during periods of viral suppression, maximum adherence should be targeted, and attention paid to differential adherence and treatment of depression.
A Comparison of Pseudomorphic Bcc Phase Stability in Zr/Nb and Ti/Nb Thin Film Multilayers

A series of Nb-rich Zr/Nb and Ti/Nb multilayers were sputter deposited. Upon a reduction in thickness, a pseudomorphic bcc phase was stabilized in the Zr and Ti layers. X-ray and electron diffraction techniques were used to confirm these phase transformations. The change in phase stability was modeled by the competition between volumetric and interfacial components of the total free energy of a unit bilayer representing the multilayer. An outcome of this model is the ability to plot phase stability diagrams for multilayers, referred to as biphase diagrams, as a function of bilayer thickness and volume fraction. A comparison of the phase stability boundary between hcp/bcc and bcc/bcc for these two systems has shown that the bcc Ti’s pseudomorphic phase stabilization is maintained for a much larger layer thickness as compared to Zr. Atom probe compositional profiles of the Ti/Nb multilayers have indicated that the Nb layers interdiffused into the Ti layers thus helping to facilitate the bcc Ti phase stability in the Ti/Nb multilayers.
Direct decomposition of austenite in two Fe-V-C alloys

Investigations of austenite decomposition have been undertaken in (1) Fe-0.5Mn-1V-0.2C and (2) Fe-0.5Mn-3Ni-1V-0.2C alloys. Isothermal transformation characteristics were determined using dilatometric and thermo-electric potential techniques. Also, micro-structural features were observed using optical and transmission electron microscopy for treatments of interest following isothermal austenite decomposition in the 550 to 750° C range. Associated mechanical properties were measured with emphasis being placed on Charpy impact behavior. Both alloys exhibited two temperature regions in which “C-curve” austenite decomposition occurred. In the upper region a combination of fibrous and fine particle VC precipitation was observed in both alloys. In the lower transformation region, bainitic microstructures resulted from the isothermal treatments. Additionally, the alloy containing 3 pct Ni exhibited VC precipitation in the austenite prior to ferrite formation. In both alloys, complete isothermal transformation produced microstructures with poor impact properties. However, a good combination of strength and toughness was produced in the 3 pct Ni alloy using the heat treatment that promoted VC precipitation in austenite but avoided total isothermal austenite decomposition.
State Estimation and Power Flow Analysis of Power Systems

State estimation and power flow analysis are important tools for analysis, operation and planning of a power system. In this paper, a new state estimation method based on the extended weighted least squares (WLS) method for considering both measurement errors and model inaccuracy is presented. Two bus, three bus, and IEEE 14 bus test cases are employed to evaluate the accuracy of the method. The comparison results show that the extended WLS method may outperform traditional WLS approach when the model is not accurate. In addition, this paper investigates a method based on Z matrix to implement power flow in a transmission system with multiple types of loads (e.g. constant PQ, constant impedance and constant current magnitude loads or mixed loads). The load flow results demonstrate that the method is effective and easy to implement when composite load types exist in the system. Our studies also show that it may be possible that multiple solutions exist for a power flow problem.
Community-Based Sanctions for Juvenile Offenders: Issues in Policy Implementation

Graduated sanctions are a key feature of state juvenile justice policy. Federal funding is contingent on state adoption of graduated sanctions for juvenile offenders. Despite widespread utilization, limited information exists regarding the implementation or effects of graduated sanctions for juveniles. Nationally, approximately 90% of delinquent youth are supervised in local communities, so a system of graduated sanctions depends on local efforts to develop and sustain a continuum of sanctions and services. North Carolina is one of many states that enacted juvenile justice reforms based on a graduated sanctions model. Using data from 93 counties, the local implementation of sanctions was examined and compared to an idealized state model. Factors affecting policy implementation were identified. Most counties did not have full implementation of sanctions continuum. Counties with fewer financial resources showed lower implementation levels, but regression analysis indicated that political factors had the greatest effect on policy implementation.
Parenteral Glutamine Infusion Alters Insulin-Mediated Glucose Metabolism

Background: Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is critical for many basic cellular processes. Its supplementation has been found to be beneficial during several critical illnesses. This study examines the effects of increased glutamine availability on insulin-mediated glucose homeostasis in vivo in multicatheterized conscious canines (n = 5). Methods: Two weeks before the study, catheters were placed in the femoral artery and the portal, hepatic, femoral, and renal veins for blood sampling and in the splenic vein for intraportal infusion of insulin and glucagon. Doppler probes were placed to measure blood flow. The metabolic study consisted of equilibration, basal, and experimental periods during which [3-3H]glucose was infused to measure glucose kinetics. During the 5-hour experimental period, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed by infusing somatostatin, basal glucagon, fivefold basal insulin, and glucose to maintain euglycemia. The experimental period was divided evenly...
The role of the cerebral and visceral ganglia in ciliary activity

Abstract 1. 1. Lateral ciliary activity was studiedon isolated gill preparations of the mussel Mytilus edidis. 2. 2. Electrical stimulation of the branchial nerve at 5 Hz (increased) and 50 Hz (decreased) changed the average rate of ciliary beating. 3. 3. These modifications in the ciliary activity were significantly altered in specimens lacking an intact cerebrovisceral connective. 4. 4. It appears that the cerebral and visceral ganglia exhibit a coordinated role in the control of ciliary beating.
Thematic transmutation in the music of Brahms: A matter of musical alchemy

Abstract As demonstrated by the literature on Brahms, his music reveals a host of procedures that seem designed by the composer to insure the unity of contrasting material. This article focuses on one particular technique that seems to have been largely neglected—namely, a kind of metamorphosis, where two previously‐heard contrasting themes merge in a coda through a process of transmutation. Works considered in detail include the Intermezzos, op. 117, no. 2, op. 118, no. 6, and op. 116, no. 4, and the second movement of the Piano Sonata in F Minor, op. 5.
Seismic Performance Tests of Masonry and Masonry Veneer

This paper summarizes the preliminary findings of a research project on performance-based design of masonry and masonry veneer. The project includes quasi-static testing of clay masonry veneer with wood-stud and concrete masonry backings; shaking-table tests of concrete masonry and wood-stud wall segments with clay masonry veneer; and shaking-table tests of a full-scale wood-stud structure with clay masonry veneer and a concrete masonry structure with clay masonry veneer; and nonlinear analytical modeling. Based on the test results, recommendations are presented for refinements to current seismic design and detailing provisions for masonry and masonry veneer.
Tracking analysis of an ARMA parameter estimation algorithm using weak convergence theory

In this paper we study the problem of adaptively estimating the Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) parameters of a time varying ARMA process using a constant step size Gauss-Newton Algorithm. Using weak convergence theory and the concept of prescaling, it is shown that the "mean" behavior can be described by an ordinary differential equation (ODE). Computer simulations are provided to substantiate the analysis.
THE EFFECT OF ITEM TYPE ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGING ANSWERS ON MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS

Many research studies have consistently demonstrated the beneficial consequences of changing answers on objective tests (Bath, 1967; Foote & Belinky, 1972; Hill, 1937; Jarrett, 1948; Lamson, 1935; Lowe & Crawford, 1929; Mathews, 1929; Mueller & Shwedel, 1975; and Reile & Briggs, 1952), but only one study has examined the effects of the cognitive level of the test items as a factor in answer changing (Reiling & Taylor, 1972). Reiling & Taylor dichotomized their items as those that required analytical reasoning and those that did not. These classifications were not made by independent raters, but by the authors themselves; thus objectivity and reliability may be or would seem to be serious limitations in their study. The present study attempted to determine if there were differential rates of changing answers on test items according to the cognitive level of the items, and if the proportion of gains to losses across the items was different. Lower-order items were defined as those that tested knowledge or comprehension as defined by Bloom (1956). Higher-order items were those that tested cognitive processes such as application, synthesis, analysis, or evaluation. It was hypothesized that more gains would result from changes on higher-order items, since deliberating upon these items might enable the student to see where he or she had made a hasty or simplistic error; on lower-order items, the student generally either knows the answer or does not. Another aspect of changing which was investigated in this study was the degree to which net gain was related to overall knowledge. Several studies have shown that high-scoring students gain more points as a result of changing than do low-scoring students (Mallinson & Miller, 1956; Mathews, 1929; Mueller & Schwedel, 1975; Reile & Briggs, 1952; Reiling & Taylor, 1972). However, Mueller and Wasser (1977) have pointed out that in all of these studies the computed gain score was confounded by calculating the gain score after answer changing occurred. Thus, since answer changing tends to raise the total score, the reported relation between net gain and total score is only partly a result of the better students gaining more points than the poorer students. To eliminate this problem in the present study, two scores were computed for each individual: a prescore which reflected the score the student would have made if there had been no changes, and a post-score which represented the student's score as a result of changing.
Heterodyne receivers for atmospheric optical communications

The performance of an optical heterodyne receiver for communication through the clear-air turbulent atmosphere is considered. Optimum and certain suboptimum adaptive processors are developed for receivers that synchronously demodulate the IF signal and those that use envelope demodulation. Error probabilities are presented demonstrating the effects of turbulence level, signal strength, and spatial diversity on binary orthogonal communication systems. In addition, a simple expression is developed for the optimum aperture size of an optical heterodyne receiver.
Resilience among children and adolescents at risk for depression: Mediation and moderation across social and neurobiological contexts

This article offers a multilevel perspective on resilience to depression, with a focus on interactions among social and neurobehavioral systems involved in emotional reactivity and regulation. We discuss models of cross-contextual mediation and moderation by which the social context influences or modifies the effects of resilience processes at the biological level, or the biological context influences or modifies the effects of resilience processes at the social level. We highlight the socialization of emotion regulation as a candidate process contributing to resilience against depression at the social context level. We discuss several factors and their interactions across levels-including genetic factors, stress reactivity, positive affect, neural systems of reward, and sleep-as candidate processes contributing to resilience against depression at the neurobehavioral level. We then present some preliminary supportive findings from two studies of children and adolescents at high risk for depression. Study 1 shows that elevated neighborhood level adversity has the potential to constrain or limit the benefits of protective factors at other levels. Study 2 indicates that ease and quickness in falling asleep and a greater amount of time in deep Stage 4 sleep may be protective against the development of depressive disorders for children. The paper concludes with a discussion of clinical implications of this approach.
A Cross-Layer Model for HR/DSSS IEEE 802.11b WLANs with Differentiation Services

An analytical medium access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) cross-layer model for the saturation goodput and delay of IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs) operating under the Wireless-Fidelity Multimedia (WMM) specification is derived. A comparison between numerical and simulation results, assuming an uncorrelated flat fading Rayleigh channel, is carried out for the high rate direct sequence spread spectrum (HR/DSSS) IEEE 802.11b PHY layer.
Consumer Reaction toward Arbitration as a Remedial Alternative to the Courts

A strong case can be made that a flexible and understandable alternative to the courts is needed by today's consumer. Consumer arbitration is one such alternative. Actual experience with consumer arbitration has been limited and, consequently, relatively little information is available regarding consumer perceptions of and reactions toward this system of dispute resolution. A survey of 361 recent purchasers of new cars in a metropolitan area where arbitration has not been used suggests that consumer reaction and acceptance are likely to be favorable, but not without problems.
No Longer “All-American”? Whites’ Defensive Reactions to Their Numerical Decline

We suggest that Whites’ declining share of the U.S. population threatens their status as the most prototypical ethnic group in America. This prototypicality threat should lead to growing resistance toward diversity, motivated by the desire to reassert Whites’ standing as prototypical Americans. In Study 1, how dramatically Whites perceived their share of the population to decline predicted support for cultural assimilation, mediated by prototypicality threat (controlling for realistic and symbolic threat). This relationship held only among Whites who felt that ethnic groups differ in their prototypicality, not among those who saw all groups representing America equally. Study 2 experimentally manipulated exposure to demographic projections such that Whites who saw their group shrinking showed weaker diversity endorsement relative to those who believed their share to be stable, again mediated by prototypicality threat. These findings reveal Whites’ threatened prototypicality as a novel, emerging source of ...
Sequential experimentation for mixtures

We present a sequential method for experimenting with mixtures when the number of mixture components is large and the experimental goal is to gain information on a subset of components for the purpose of mixture product improvement. The model-independent method utilises parameter estimates from the Cox mixture model with a current product formulation from which to begin experimentation. The advantages of our method are the ability to perform experiments using a split-plot like structure and utilise it in a sequential manner on an operating process.
Impact of an encounter-based prompting system on resident vaccine administration performance and immunization knowledge.

Objectives. To evaluate an encounter-based immunization prompting system on resident performance in administering vaccines and knowledge of immunization guidelines. Design/Methods. Prospective randomized, controlled trial. Subjects were first- and second-year pediatric residents in a hospital-based continuity clinic. The intervention group received manual prompts of immunizations due. Postclinic chart review compared immunizations due with those administered. Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for not administering vaccines were assigned. Resident knowledge was measured by a 70-item examination. Results. The intervention group had significantly less missed opportunities/vaccine administration errors (11.4% vs 21.6%). The most common reason for unacceptable errors in the intervention group: vaccine was given too early; in the control group: vaccine was postponed to next visit. Pre- and postintervention knowledge scores were similar: intervention group (75.5% vs 80.7%, control group; 76.5% vs 81.3%). Conclusion. An immunization prompting system in a hospital-based pediatric resident continuity clinic reduced missed opportunities/vaccine administration errors without significantly impacting resident knowledge of immunization guidelines.immunization schedule, vaccination, immunization, prompting systems, resident education.
Effects of presentation complexity on rapid-sequential reading.

In two experiments, text segments were presented successively to a single location on a computercontrolled CRT screen. In Experiment 1, either one or three segments were presented in each display, and in the three-segment displays either one (scrolling) or all segments provided new information. Comprehension was assessed using both multiple-choice questions and passage summarization. Lower comprehension was found in the three-segment displays relative to the onesegment display. In Experiment 2, segments presented in each display in the scrolling condition were arranged either vertically or horizontally. In addition, a highlight technique was introduced to manipulate the distinguishability between the center segment and the surrounding segments in each display. Comprehensive was not affected by the horizontal or vertical presentation dimension, but the highlighting cue did improve comprehension. Overall, the results clarify the effects of the complexity of the visual display on the processing of rapidly presented text segments.
Temporal coding of time-varying stimuli

Temporal structure is an inherent property of various sensory inputs and motor outputs of the brain. For example, auditory stimuli are defined by the sound waveform. Temporal structure is also an important feature of certain visual stimuli, for example, the image on the retina of a fly during flight. In many cases, this temporal structure of the stimulus is being represented by a time-dependent neuronal activity that is locked to certain features of the stimulus. Here, we study the information capacity of the temporal code. In particular we are interested in the following questions. First, how does the information content of the code depend on the observation time of the cell's response, and what is the effect of temporal noise correlations on this information capacity? Second, what is the effect on the information content of reading the code with a finite temporal resolution for the neural response? We address these questions in the framework of a statistical model for the neuronal temporal response to a time-varying stimulus in a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm. We show that information content of the temporal response scales linearly with the overall time of the response, even in the presence of temporal noise correlations. More precisely, we find that positive temporal noise correlations have a scaling effect that decreases the information content. Nevertheless, the information content of the response continues to scale linearly with the observation time. We further show that finite temporal resolution is sufficient for obtaining most of the information from the cell's response. This finite timescale is related to the response properties of the cell.
Mammalian target of rapamycin and the kidney. II. Pathophysiology and therapeutic implications.

The mTOR pathway plays an important role in a number of common renal diseases, including acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and polycystic kidney diseases (PKD). The activity of ...
Removal of SO2 and NOX from Stack Gas by Reaction with Calcium Hydroxide Solids

Previous workers have shown that simultaneous SO2/NOX removal can be obtained in a dry scrubbing system with Ca(OH)2 promoted by an additive such as NaOH, and that fly ash and product recycle improve the reactivity of the solids toward SO2. To test SO2/NOX removal with fly ash and product recycle, bench-scale experiments with a packed bed reactor were performed at bag filter conditions. The most reactive solid for NOX removal was prepared by slurrying Ca(OH)2 with fly ash, CaSO3, and NaOH. The best conditions for NOX removal were the greatest temperature (125°C) and greatest concentrations of SO2 (1500 ppm) and O2 (20 percent). At the best conditions, NOX removed in 1 hour was 3-4 moles per 100 moles Ca(OH)2, compared to 5-10 moles SO2 removed per 100 moles Ca(OH)2. The best SO2 removal was obtained at the highest relative humidities/lowest temperatures (55% RH/ 65°C) with solids prepared by slurrying Ca(OH)2 with fly ash and NaOH. At these conditions, SO2 removed In 1 hour was 60-80 moles per 100 moles C...
Ongoing Innovation in Legal Education

The impact on the global economy of the financial services meltdown in 2008 and the resulting “Great Recession” can only be described as far reaching. All industries, including the legal services industry, were affected, with the pressures for cost containment causing profound disruption and changes in virtually every segment of the legal services market.In the wake of the Great Recession, corporate legal departments saw intensified pressure not only to do more with less, but also to experiment with new approaches for acquiring and delivering legal services. This dynamic, in turn, affected large law firms dramatically, with clients now sending less work to them and placing greater constraints on how that work gets done and billed for. In turn, law firms have undergone significant consolidation and have tightened their hiring practices dramatically.Law schools, who train the lawyers of the future, likewise felt the impact. With reduced law firm hiring, law school graduates saw reduced demand for their services, all while tuitions and debt levels continued to rise. Law school applications, not surprisingly, plummeted.In the face of (and because of) these changes, certain segments of the legal services industry continue to grow. Alternative legal service providers, such as eDiscovery vendors and Legal Process Outsourcers (“LPOs”), have prospered during this period, as have Legal Operations groups within corporate legal departments.
Stimulation of Sporulation of Phytophthora Fragariae

Races of Phytophthora fragariae differed in production of zoospores and sporangia when flooded with 1% soil extracts of three different soils. Steam and filter sterilization of soil extracts and ig...
A Brand Loyalty Concept-A Comment

Jacoby and Kyner [2] attempt to explain the phenomenon of brand loyalty by means of a causative definition which "provides some understanding of the causative factors underlying the development of brand loyalty" [3, p. 7]. This they fail to do. Their definition is expressed by a set of six necessary and collectively sufficient conditions. These are: "(1) the biased (i.e., nonrandom), (2) behavioral response (i.e., purchase), (3) expressed over time, (4) by some decision-making unit, (5) with respect to one or more alternative brands out of a set of such brands, and (6) is a function of psychological (decision-making, evaluative) process" [2, p. 2]. A careful analysis of their definition reveals that it does not deal with causative factors since it fails to explain anything about why consumers behave in any particular fashion. A causal definition is a request for the specification of preceding or simultaneous events or conditions, namely, explanans. The explanans in this case are the authors' six conditions, but taken together they do not enhance our understanding of the explanandum which in this case are those repeat purchase behaviors designated as brand loyalty behavior. A teleogical definition would make more sense here because it would address the "why" question by specifying the goal or goals of the consumer. Here brand loyalty would become the explanans and the explanandum would, for example, be maximum satisfaction or minimum post-purchase dissonance. Brand loyalty would be defined as an intervening variable in the model to explain something about some of the '"means" consumers use to achieve their specific (consumption) ends. Another fundamental question concerning Jacoby and Kyner's conceptual definition of brand loyalty centers on their six conditions: "biased (i.e., nonrandom) behavior response (i.e., purchase) over time, by a decision-making unit with respect to brand choice and a function of a decision-making process" [2, p. 2]. Biased here refers to behavior which, statistically speaking, would not be likely to occur as a result of chance. Any other interpretation of the term makes little sense. If by definition, however, all repeat purchasing is biased behavior over time by a decision maker with respect to brand alternatives, then the first five conditions cannot be used to differentiate
Radiographic manifestations of Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis in the head and neck region

Monckeberg sclerosis is a disease of unknown etiology, characterized by dystrophic calcification within the arterial tunica media of the lower extremities leading to reduced arterial compliance. Medial calcinosis does not obstruct the lumina of the arteries, and therefore does not lead to symptoms or signs of limb or organ ischemia. Monckeberg sclerosis most commonly occurs in aged and diabetic individuals and in patients on dialysis. Monckeberg arteriosclerosis is frequently observed in the visceral arteries, and it can occur in the head and neck region as well. This report describes a remarkable case of Monckeberg arteriosclerosis in the head and neck region as detected on dental imaging studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that has been reported in which this condition presented in the facial vasculature. The aim of this report was to define the radiographic characteristics of Monckeberg arteriosclerosis in an effort to assist health care providers in diagnosing and managing this condition.
Effects of a rock-ramp fishway on summer fish assemblage in a Lake Huron tributary

The use of nature-like fishways to increase ecosystem connectivity has increased in recent years, but their effectiveness has rarely been evaluated. A rock ramp was constructed in the Shiawassee River in 2009, and post-construction effects (2011–2012) were evaluated on the summer fish assemblage by comparing fish assemblage composition to a nearby free-flowing river and a nearby river with a dam. Patterns of fish species richness, mean catch-per-unit-effort and proportional abundance in reaches upstream and downstream of the rock ramp, dam and comparable sites in the free-flowing river were evaluated. Overall, species richness by site and proportional abundance in the rock-ramp river were more similar to the free-flowing river, while species richness by reach was more similar to the dammed river. These findings suggest that the rock ramp has improved connectivity for the summer fish assemblage, but has not fully restored conditions to the level observed in a free-flowing river.
Mercury and Beyond: Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers for Inertial Fusion Energy

Abstract We have begun building the Mercury laser system as the first in a series of new generation diode-pumped solid-state lasers for inertial fusion research. Mercury will integrate three key technologies: diodes, crystals and gas cooling, within a unique laser architecture that is scalable to kilojoules and megajoule energy levels for fusion energy applications. The primary near-term performance goals include 10% electrical efficiencies at 10 Hz and 100 J with a 2–10 ns pulse length at 1.047 μ m wavelength. When completed, Mercury will allow rep-rated target experiments with multiple chambers for high energy density physics research.
Permanent Granulocytosis in Mice Due to Cortisone

mone on white blood elements in mice and other mammals is well known,’ and has been partially reviewed by Gordon.8 Lymphopenia, lysis of lymphoid tissue, eosinopenia, granulocytosis and myeloid metaplasia occur in various combinations, the particular configuration depending upon the animal Species. In mice, granulocytosis and myeloid mnetaplasia are particularly striking (luring hormone therapy.�7 This led us to test the effect of long-term, intermittent cortisone therapy on mice, in the hope that permanent and irreversible changes might occur. Our preliminary experiments indicated that the granulocytosis might become permanent and not dependent upon continuing cortisone therapy. The experiments reported here confirmed this finding. In addition, a few animals developed apparent myeloid leukemia in the spleen and liver.
A novel application of the Staudinger ligation to access neutral cyclic di-nucleotide analog precursors via a divergent method

Our efforts to develop a scalable and divergent synthesis of cyclic di-nucleotide analog precursors have resulted in (1) an orthogonally protected di-amino carbohydrate as well as (2) the novel application of the Staudinger ligation to provide medium-sized macrocycles featuring carbamate or urea linkages.
Case study: Use of A2 and donor red blood cells for anti ABO a titer

ABO incompatibility (ABOi) is no longer an absolute contraindication for kidney transplantation. Recipients who are either blood group O or B have successfully received kidney transplants from donors who are blood group A, as long as their titer against the donor A antigen is low. Although the predominant A antigen subtype in the population is A1, less than 20% of blood group A individuals are of other subtypes, with weaker antigen expression, A2 being the most common of these. Accurate quantification of the amount of Anti A antibody titer in the recipient against the intended donor is important to determine compatibility for ABOi transplants. A review of the literature demonstrated that there is a high degree of technique variability, especially concerning the target cells utilized to determine such titers. Accordingly, we decided to use A2 and donor RBCs as well as our standard A1 RBCs in our assays, in order to determine the differences in titer when various A subtype cells are utilized as the target. Our case is a 54 year old male; 0% CPRA, blood group O recipient, whose donor was ABO typed as a non-A1. Flow T and B cell crossmatch negative. The transplant program decided to move forward with the ABO incompatible transplant since no other live donors were available. Determination of the Anti-A titer was as follows: Recipient sera was serially diluted with saline from 1:1 to 1:512. One drop of RBC suspension is added to 2 drops (100 ul) of each sera dilution. Three different titrations were performed using commercially produced A1 and A2 RBC as well as donor RBC. Tubes were incubated at RT for 30 minutes, centrifuged and agglutination macroscopically observed and recorded. Tubes were then incubated at 37C for 30 minutes, washed 4 times with saline, IgG added then centrifuged and agglutination recorded again. This procedure allows for determination of both IgM and IgG antibodies against blood group A antigens. IgG titers were 1:16 with A1 RBC; 1:8 with A2 RBC; and 1:8 with donor RBC. Our transplant program considers an IgG titer less than or equal to 1:8 acceptable and the transplant was performed. Recipient is out 11 weeks with no rejection episodes.
Intermittent Access to Ethanol Drinking Facilitates the Transition to Excessive Drinking After Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure.

Background Alcohol binge drinking in humans is thought to increase the risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Unclear is whether drinking patterns (e.g., bingelike or stable drinking) differentially affect the transition to compulsive-like drinking in dependent individuals. We examined whether chronic bingelike drinking facilitates the transition to compulsive-like drinking in rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were given 5 months of intermittent access to ethanol (EtOH) (IAE) or continuous access to EtOH (CAE) in a 2-bottle choice paradigm. Then, rats were given chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure. Escalation of EtOH intake and compulsive-like responding for EtOH, using a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement and quinine-adulterated EtOH, were measured. Results IAE rats escalated EtOH drinking after 2 weeks of 2-bottle choice, whereas CAE rats exhibited stable EtOH drinking for 5 months. After 8 weeks of CIE, both IAE + CIE and CAE + CIE rats escalated their EtOH intake. However, IAE rats escalated their EtOH intake weeks sooner than CAE rats and exhibited greater EtOH intake. No differences in compulsive-like responding were found between IAE + CIE and CAE + CIE rats. However, both IAE + CIE and CAE + CIE rats showed strong compulsive-like responding compared with rats without prior IAE or CAE. Conclusions Chronic EtOH drinking at stable or escalated levels for several months is associated with more compulsive-like responding for EtOH in rats that are exposed to CIE compared with rats without a prior history of EtOH drinking. Moreover, IAE facilitated the transition to compulsive-like responding for EtOH after CIE exposure, reflected by the escalation of EtOH intake. These results suggest that IAE may facilitate the transition to AUD. This study indicates that despite a moderate level of EtOH drinking, the IAE animal model is highly relevant to early stages of alcohol abuse and suggests that it may be associated with neuroadaptations that produce a faster transition to alcohol dependence.
Low-temperature surface preparation and epitaxial growth of ZnS and Cu2ZnSnS4 on ZnS(1 1 0) and GaP(1 0 0)

Abstract We give a summary of the low-temperature preparation methods of ZnS(1 1 0) and GaP(1 0 0) crystals for epitaxial growth of ZnS and Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) via molecular beam epitaxy. Substrates were prepared for epitaxial growth by means of room-temperature aqueous surface treatments and subsequent ultra-high vacuum transfer to the deposition system. Epitaxial growth of ZnS was successful at 500 K on both ZnS(1 1 0) and GaP(1 0 0) as only single domains were observed with electron backscatter diffraction; furthermore, transmission electron microscopy measurements confirmed an epitaxial interface. Epitaxial growth of CZTS was successful on ZnS at 700 K. However, epitaxial growth was not possible on GaP at 700 K due to Ga x S y formation, which significantly degraded the quality of the GaP crystal surface. Although CZTS was grown epitaxially on ZnS, growth of multiple crystallographic domains remains a problem that could inherently limit the viability of epitaxial CZTS for model system studies.