cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactive astrocytes in explant cultures of goal scars derived from lesioned rat optic nerve: An ultrastructural study

Explant cultures of glial scars generated by surgical removal of the retina in 3–60-day-old rats were used to determine if reactive astrocytes survive in vitro and how closely reactive astrocytes in culture resemble their in vivo counterparts. Characterization of the composition of age matched glial scars in vivo and in vitro showed that reactive astrocytes survived in glial scar explants even after several weeks in culture. Reactive astrocytes in both neonatal and adult glial scars retained ultrastructural features characteristic of reactive astrocytes in vivo. However, fewer reactive astrocytes survived in culture when explants were prepared from adult rat glial scars. The results of this study demonstrate that tissue culture is a viable model for the study of reactive astrocytes. A critical factor in the survival of reactive astrocytes in culture was the complete removal of myelin debris prior to the establishment of the culture. This outcome suggests that it will be important to clarify why myelin debris persists in culture and how it affects the survival of reactive astrocytes.
Localized Surface Plasmon Polariton Enhanced Radiative Recombination in Ion-Implanted Silicon Emitters

Silicon nanoparticles synthesized using low-energy (35 keV) silver ion beam implantation in crystalline Si exhibit enhanced radiative recombination efficiency due to resonant coupling of localized surface plasmon polariton to the bound excitons confined at the nanoscale Si interface. A photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of more than 20 times is observed due to the local field effect induced by the metal nanoparticles at 250 K. At 15 K, fourfold enhancement in the radiative recombination rate is observed as the presence of the PL due to Ag ion implantation is 400 ps compared with 2.1 ns without the metal ions.
The IPACS project: when IT hits the fan

This case summarizes a failed systems development project at Green Valley Hospital. The project was part of a large strategic information systems plan aiming to lower costs, improve the quality of patient care and re-engineer the hospital's operations. To implement the project, the president of the hospital selected a $5.9 million system by Ibax. The users, who felt that the selected system did not satisfy their needs, rejected it during the testing process. As a result, the project was abandoned 3 years after its initiation. This case describes the key factors and behaviours that led to the failure and invites readers to apply their project management and crisis management skills and creativity in managing the aftermath of the project's failure.
Chemical oscillations and multiple steady states due to variable boundary permeability

Abstract An analysis is made of isothermal chemical reactions occurring in a volume bounded by a membrane and immersed in a reservoir of reactants and products at fixed concentrations. The permeability of the membrane to a given species is taken to be a function of the concentration of that species or of another species. This coupling between reaction and permeation provides feedback and, even for extremely simple (one or two step) reaction mechanisms, shows the following phenomena: (i) multiple steady states, some of which are stable, some unstable; (ii) hysteresis effects; (iii) reversible and irreversible transitions between stable branches of steady states induced by variation of one parameter and dependent on the values of other parameters; (iv) oscillatory temporal approach to a stable steady state; and (v) limit cycles. A method is given for predicting in certain limiting conditions the presence of unstable permeation-reaction feedback loops; the procedure is essentially independent of the details of the reaction mechanism. The theory is proposed as an appropriate construct for certain cellular phenomena, and as one example, is compared with some experiments on glycolysis in yeast cells.
Phoretic Arthropods of the Red Imported Fire Ant in Central Louisiana

More than 4,665 phoretic arthropods comprising 29 species were collected from alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, preparing to fly from nests in Pineville, LA. A wide variety of taxonomic groups were represented, including two insect and 17 mite families. Most arthropods fell into two classes: 1) those that may be truly phoretic with more than four specimens collected (13 species) and 2) those seeming to be accidentally phoretic with one to three specimens collected (16 species). The latter group may be the result of gathering “accidental” mites from adjacent sources, such as grass, soil, tree bark; thus, practically any very small arthropod may use phoresy as a dispersal mechanism. The arthropod with perhaps the highest total numbers was Cyphoderus similis Folsom, a wingless insect, and the only known Collembola phoretic species. Eight new species of mites found in this study were recently described, with several other species future candidates for descriptions. Results indicate the more common species may actively persist in nests for the entire year. At least 11 species from six families may feed on fungi within nests. These and common associates from other families carry hyperphoretic spores of fungi that live inside fire ant nests. All three of the laelapid associates may be important predators or parasitoids of individuals within the nests. The collembolan is possibly a general feeder, and Histiostoma spp. are filter feeders that consume microorganisms. S. invicta is native to Argentina, and we speculate that some of the common mites associated with this ant species also may have originated in Argentina.
Characterization of human plasma growth inhibitory activity on serum-free mouse embryo cells

Serum-free mouse embryo (SFME) cells are a cell line derived in medium in which serum is replaced with growth factors and other supplements. These cells display unusual properties: a) they do not lose proliferative potential or show gross chromosomal aberration upon extended culture, b) they depend on epidermal growth factor (EGF) for survival, and c) they are reversibly growth inhibited by plasma and serum. Transfection of SFME cells with oncogenes (ras, neu, SV40 T antigen) results in cells that grow in serum-supplemented medium and no longer require EGF for survival. The growth inhibitory activity of human plasma on SFME cells was investigated. The activity was present in delipidated plasma and was not dialyzable against 1M acetic acid. The activity precipitated in 33% methanol, bound to concanavalin A-agarose and was retarded by Sephadex G-50 in 200 mM acetic acid. A fifty- to one-hundred-fold purification was achieved, although most of the differential inhibition of untransformed vs. transformed cells was lost in the course of the purification.
Solid State Quantum Computing Using Spectral Holes

We propose a method for addressing qubits using a method that combines spatial and spectral selectivity. The result is a design for quantum computation that provides the potential for a high density of quantum information storage and processing. Specifically, this method uses an ensemble of spectrally resolved atoms in a spectral hole burning solid. The quantum coupling is provided by strong atom-cavity interaction. Using a thin disk of diamond containing nitrogen-vacancy color centers as an example, we present an explicit model that may yield up to 300 coupled qubits in a single spot. We show how about 100 operations may take place in parallel, yielding close to $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}$ operations before decoherence.
Interest rate variability, government securities dealers, and the stability of financial markets

Abstract Monetarists argue that monetary policy should focus on controlling monetary growth rather than interest rates. Arguments to smooth rates at the expense of stabilizing monetary growth frequently emphasize the adverse effects of rate variability on financial markets. Assuming that financial market performance can be correctly inferred from dealer positions and spreads, this paper estimates the parameters of a model that allows for both short- and long-term effects of rate variability on dealer positions and spreads. Estimates of variability effects on government securities dealer positions and spreads provide little support for limiting variability to maintain or improve market performance because most of the adverse effects of variability are temporary.
Effect of a parafoveal microlesion made with an argon laser on smooth-pursuit eye movements of monkeys.

Abstract The significance of the parafoveal region in processing information about target velocity to initiate ocular pursuit was evaluated by making a small paracentral scotoma in monkeys trained to pursue a slowly moving target. In the experimental paradigms in which the image had to cross the scotoma, the small retinal lesion (>2°) gave a direct effect upon the ability of monkeys to pursue the target motion. The abnormal pursuit was characterized by a marked reduction of eye velocity. Evaluated from the initial portion of the pursuit immediately following the first corrective saccade, the eye velocity was as low as 50 to 60% of the target velocity. The abnormality was more pronounced in slow pursuit (15 to 20°/s) than in fast pursuit (25°/s). The data indicated that the small retinal region at the boundary of the macula plays an important role in sampling target velocity during the initial part of smooth-pursuit eye movement.
Comparison of 6- and 10-day collection periods for digestion trials with dairy heifers.

Summary Six digestion trials (three animals per trial) were conducted with dairy heifers in a study of oat hay rations. Coefficients of digestibility were determined on the basis of both six- and ten-day collection periods, and coefficients of correlation were calculated for the two sets of values. Correlations for all nutrients except the ether extract fraction were significant at the 1% level of probability; the correlation coefficient for the ether extract fraction was not significant at the 5% level. When differences between values obtained at six and ten days were analyzed by means of the “t” test, none were found to be significant at the 5% level of probability. The largest loss of efficiency resulting from the use of a six-day collection period was −2.81% for the ether extract fraction. It appears that in this study there was little advantage in extending the collection period to ten days.
Single-molecule studies of nucleocytoplasmic transport: from one dimension to three dimensions

In eukaryotic cells, the bidirectional trafficking of proteins and genetic materials across the double-membrane nuclear envelope is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). A highly selective barrier formed by the phenylalanine–glycine (FG)-nucleoporin (Nup) in the NPC allows for two transport modes: passive diffusion and transport receptor-facilitated translocation. Strict regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport is crucial for cell survival, differentiation, growth and other essential activities. However, due to the limited knowledge of the native configuration of the FG-Nup barrier and the interactions between the transiting molecules and the barrier in the NPC, the precise nucleocytoplasmic transport mechanism remains unresolved. To refine the transport mechanism, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods have been employed to obtain the transport kinetics of individual fluorescent molecules through the NPC and to map the interactions between transiting molecules and the FG-Nup barrier. Important characteristics of nucleocytoplasmic transport, such as transport time, transport efficiency and spatial distribution of single transiting molecules in the NPC, have been obtained that could not be measured by either ensemble average methods or conventional electron microscopy. In this critical review, we discuss the development of various single-molecule techniques and their application to nucleocytoplasmic transport in vitro and in vivo. In particular, we highlight a recent advance from one-dimensional to three-dimensional single-molecule characterization of transport through the NPC and present a comprehensive understanding of the nucleocytoplasmic transport mechanism obtained by this new technical development (105 references).
Synthesis and Characterization of Ionic Block Copolymer Templated Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposites

Self-assembling thermo-reversibly gelling anionic and zwitterionic pentablock copolymers were used as templates for precipitation of calcium phosphate nanostructures, controlling their size and ordered structural arrangement. Calcium and phosphate ions were dissolved in a block-copolymer micellar dispersion at low temperatures. Aging at ambient temperature produced inorganic nanoparticles, presumably nucleated by ionic interactions. The self-assembled nanocomposites were characterized by small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). 1H−31P NMR with 1H spin diffusion from polymer to phosphate proved the formation of nanocomposites, with inorganic particle sizes from ∼2 nm, characterized by 1H−31P dipolar couplings, to >100 nm. TEM analysis showed polymer micelles surrounded by calcium phosphate. SAXS attested that a significant fraction of the calcium phosphate was templated by the polyme...
Prospective evaluation of MRI, 11C-acetate PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT for staging of bladder cancer

Abstract Purpose To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 11 C-acetate positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and contrast-enhanced CT for bladder cancer staging, using whole-mount pathologic review of radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node specimens as the reference standard. Materials and methods The institutional review board approved this prospective study, which was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Written informed consent was obtained from 16 patients with histologically confirmed bladder cancer who underwent MRI, 11 C-acetate PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT before radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Before imaging 4/16 patients had received intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment, 6 had received systemic chemotherapy, 3 had received both and 3 had received neither. Measures of diagnostic performance including accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were estimated separately for each imaging modality. Results MRI correctly staged 56% of patients (9/16), overstaged 38% (6/16) and understaged 6% (1/16). CT correctly staged 50% of patients (8/16), overstaged 44% (7/16) and understaged 6% (1/16). In 9 patients, 11 C-acetate PET/CT showed uptake within the bladder wall; the uptake was true-positive in 7 patients and false-positive in 2 patients. Of the remaining 7 patients, 5 had true-negative and 2 had false-negative PET/CT results for cancer in the bladder wall. For all modalities, staging accuracy was reduced in patients with a history of prior intravesical and/or systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion In staging bladder cancer, MRI, 11 C-acetate PET/CT and CT displayed similar levels of accuracy. For all modalities, a history of intravesical and/or systemic chemotherapy affected staging accuracy.
Glutathione disulfide formation and lipid peroxidation during cardiac ischemia and reflow in the dog in vivo.

Abstract The content of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in tissue, coronary sinus blood plasma, and in cardiac lymph was measured in a well-characterized model of regional cardiac ischemia and reflow in dogs in vivo in order to assess the magnitude of the oxidant stress produced. No increase in GSSG content was observed during 60 min of occlusion of the circumflex or left anterior descending arteries, or during up to 70 min of reflow. The contents of 11-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoates (HETEs) in total lipids also were not increased following 60 min of regional ischemia and up to 60 min of reflow. In addition, global ischemia produced by aortic crossclamping and cardiopulmonary bypass did not increase HETE content. In contrast, infusion of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) into the left atrium produced readily measurable increases in GSSG content with or without prior induction of myocardial ischemia. Infusion of tBHP also increased tissue contents of the HETEs. These findings indicate that the canine myocardium subjected to ischemia-reflow conditions does not generate large amounts of reactive oxygen and does not form significant amounts of lipid peroxidation products.
Development of a software library of functions for analysis of spatial mechanisms

An integrated method for symbolical derivation of Eqs and numerical computations using dual numbers for analysis of spatial mechanisms is presented in this paper. The formulation is based on 3×3 dual transformation matrices and derived symbolically using the MathematicaTM software package. Based on the solution procedure presented in this paper, a software library of functions for displacement analysis of spatial mechanisms has been developed. Functions in this software library can be readily used in theCH language environment, where dual number is treated as a first-class object. Displacement analysis of the RCRCR spatial mechanisms is used as an example to illustrate the solution procedure and programming details.
The ground-state solutions of the conformally covariant spin-2 wave equation

The most general ground-state solutions of the second-order conformally covariant spin-2 wave equations are obtained. The spin-2 field is represented by the symmetric rank-two tensor of the conformal group. The authors find that none of the ground-state solutions belong to a unitary irreducible representation of the conformal group.
Groundwater depletion's contribution to sea level rise increasing

Since the turn of the twentieth century, industrial-scale redistribution of water from landlocked aquifers to the ocean has driven up the global average sea level by more than 12 centimeters. Between 1900 and 2008, roughly 4500 cubic kilometers of water was drawn from the ground, largely to feed an agricultural system increasingly reliant on irrigation. Of that 4500-cubic-kilometer total (nearly the volume of Lake Michigan), 1100 cubic kilometers were pumped out between 2000 and 2008 alone. This early-21st-century groundwater depletion was responsible for raising global sea level at a rate of 0.4 millimeter per year, an eighth of the observed total. These updated values, falling near the middle of the range of previous estimates, are the product of an investigation by Konikow that drew together a variety of volumetric measurements of groundwater storage.
Selective isolation of live/dead cells using contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP)

Contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) is a recently developed method of cell manipulation in which the electrodes are physically isolated from the sample. Here we present two microfluidic devices capable of selectively isolating live human leukemia cells from dead cells utilizing their electrical signatures. The effect of different voltages and frequencies on the gradient of the electric field and device performance was investigated numerically and validated experimentally. With these prototype devices we were able to achieve greater than 95% removal efficiency at 0.2–0.5 mm s−1 with 100% selectivity between live and dead cells. In conjunction with enrichment, cDEP could be integrated with other technologies to yield fully automated lab-on-a-chip systems capable of sensing, sorting, and identifying rare cells.
Survey of neonatology training programs: 2002 to 2003

The Committee on Research in Neonatology from the Section on Perinatal Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics presents an overview of the update of the Neonatal-Perinatal Training Program Survey obtained in 2002 to 2003. Our goal was to update the last survey in 1996 and to begin to assess research resources and the potential for training life-career physician scientists (basic and clinical investigators).
Fenugreek seed oil

Comparison of the heretofore known analytical constants of the fatty oil with those herein reported show that the order of magnitude thereof is substantially the same. The list has been increased, however, to include values not previously recorded. A separation of the fatty acids of this oil has been made with the following approximate results: palmitic acid, 7.3 per cent; stearic acid, 2.4 per cent; arachidic acid, 0.9 per cent; behenic acid, 0.6 per cent; oleic acid, 21 per cent; linoleic acid, 37 per cent; and linolenic acid, 19 per cent.
Longest increasing subsequences: from patience sorting to the Baik-Deift-Johansson theorem

We describe a simple one-person card game, patience sorting. Its analysis leads to a broad circle of ideas linking Young tableaux with the longest increasing subsequence of a random permutation via the Schensted correspondence. A recent highlight of this area is the work of Baik-Deift-Johansson which yields limiting probability laws via hard analysis of Toeplitz determinants.
The Effect of Epicutaneous Glucocorticostreroids on Human Monocyte and Neutrophil Migration in Vivo

The effect of epicutaneous methyl prednisolone (MP) at 10 −4 , 10 −5 , and 10 −6 molar concentration was studied in 54 normal, healthy volunteers using a new, in vivo microchemotaxis technique. Significant inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis occurred at all concentrations studied and persisted over a 24-hr period with 10 −4 molar MP. Neutrophil chemotaxis was significantly inhibited only with 10 −4 MP. The inhibitory effect of MP on neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis occurred earlier and at lower concentrations if the skin sites were pretreated with steroid. Thus, when corticosteroids are applied on abraded skin in concentrations achievable in vivo , monocyte chemotaxis into tissue is inhibited for longer periods and at lower drug concentrations than is neutrophil chemotaxis. By avoiding the significant systemic effects of corticosteroids on circulating monocyte and neutrophil populations, these experiments establish that local inhibition of chemotaxis is an important anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids, with differential effect on monocytes and neutrophils.
Diastereoselective Formation and Photophysical Behavior of a Chiral Copper(I) Phenanthroline Complex.

The Friedlander condensation of (1R,5S)-(+)- and (1S,5R)-(-)-nopinone with 8-aminoquinoline-7-carbaldehyde leads to the corresponding enantiomerically pure (2,3-b)-pineno-1,10-phenanthrolines. Coordination of these ligands with Cu(I) affords non-interconvertable chiral complexes which show equal and opposite Cotton effects in their CD spectra as well as identical half-wave oxidation potentials of +0.37 V and identical MLCT absorptions at 442 nm. Both complexes are nonemissive at 298 and 77 K. Stern-Volmer quenching studies were carried out with optically pure Delta- and Lambda-[Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) and racemic [Ru(dpb)(3)](2+) as donors (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and dpb = 4,4'-diphenyl-bpy). Neither study provides any evidence of enantioselective quenching, indicating that energy or electron transfer may be occurring through a distance where chiral recognition is unimportant.
Essential self-adjointness of Schrödinger-type operators

Abstract The essential self-adjointness of the strongly elliptic operator L = ∑ j , k =1 n ( ∂ j − ib j ( x )) a jk ( x )( ∂ k − ib k ( x )) + q ( x ) acting on C 0 ∞ ( R n ) is considered, where the matrix ( a jk ) is real and symmetric, b j and q are real, a jk and b j are sufficiently smooth, and q ϵ L loc 2 . It has been shown by Ural'ceva and also Laptev that if q is bounded below and n ⩾ 3 the minimal operator may not be self-adjoint if the principal coefficients rise too rapidly. Thus a theorem of Weyl for ordinary differential operators does not extend to partial differential operators. In this paper it is shown that if q is bounded below and if the principal coefficients are “well behaved” within a sequence of closed shells which go to infinity, then the minimal operator is self-adjoint. It is also shown that a number of results which were known to be true when q is sufficiently smooth may be extended to include the case where q ϵ L loc 2 . The principal tools used are a distribution inequality due to Tosio Kato and a general maximum principle due to Walter Littman.
Invariant foliations and stability in critical cases

We construct invariant foliations of the extended state space for nonautonomous semilinear dynamic equations on measure chains (time scales). These equations allow a specific parameter dependence which is the key to obtain perturbation results necessary for applications to an analytical discretization theory of ODEs. Using these invariant foliations we deduce a version of the Pliss reduction principle.
Ultrabright fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles for prescreening of cervical cancer.

We report on the first functional use of recently introduced ultrabright fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles, which are functionalized with folic acid, to distinguish cancerous and precancerous cervical epithelial cells from normal cells. The high brightness of the particles is advantageous for fast and reliable identification of both precancerous and cancerous cells. Normal and cancer cells were isolated from three healthy women and three cancer patients. Three precancerous cell lines were derived by immortalization of primary cultures of normal cells with human papillomavirus type-16 (HPV-16) DNA. We observed substantially different particle internalization by normal and cancerous/precancerous cells after a short incubation time of 15 minutes. Compared to HPV-DNA and cell pathology tests, which are currently used for prescreening of cervical cancer, we demonstrated that the specificity of our method was similar (94–95%), whereas its sensitivity was significantly better (95–97%) than the sensitivity of those currently used tests (30–80%).
Juncture flow improvement for wing/pylon configurations by using CFD methodology

Transonic flow field around a fighter wing/pylon configuration was simulated by using an implicit upwinding Navier-Stokes flow solver (F3D) and overset grid technology (Chimera). Flow separation and local shocks near the wing/pylon junction were observed in flight and predicted by numerical calculations. A new pylon/fairing shape was proposed to improve the flow quality. Based on numerical results, the size of separation area is significantly reduced and the onset of separation is delayed farther downstream. A smoother pressure gradient is also obtained near the junction area. This paper demonstrates that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology can be used as a practical tool for aircraft design.
Spin polarization in GaAs LED, the effect of phonon interaction

Abstract We present a model based on quantum Langevin equation for degree of spin polarization of the light emitted from GaAs LED. Using this model the effect of electron–phonon interaction on spin polarization at constant magnetic field and room temperature is investigated. Variation of degree of polarization with temperature and magnetic field for different values of electron–phonon interaction is also studied. It is found that electron–phonon interaction favors the degree of polarization at given temperature and magnetic field.
Adolescent Language And Communication From An Intergroup Perspective

How people meet and master certain challenges in adolescence may have a lasting impact on the remainder of their lives. Intergroup theories of communication offer a unique perspective to aid in the...
Decentralized sensitivity of stochastic composite systems

Abstract The sufficient conditions of exponential insensitivity of stochastic composite systems are established. In this case the objective is to analyse composite systems in their lower order subsystems and in terms of their interconnecting structure. The proposed qualitative analysis is very close to the stability analysis of some coordinates of the state of the system. An example is given to illustrate the obtained results.
Dis/Articulations and the Hydrosocial Cycle: Postapartheid Geographies of Agrarian Change in the Ceres Valley, South Africa:

This paper analyzes the role of the hydrosocial cycle in producing and sustaining uneven geographies of capitalist agriculture in the Ceres Valley, a major center of South Africa's high-value decid...
Detection and optimal compensation of unbalanced AC motor drives using DISC analysis

This paper develops a new feedback control method for fault detection and real-time compensation of unbalanced three-phase motor drive systems. This method is based on an extension time-domain symmetrical component theory where a new transformation is used to express the sequence components in state-space form. This transformation relies upon a decomposition of the instantaneous sequence components (DISC transformation). Unlike previous analysis techniques, this method models the dynamics of positive and negative sequence components for systems with arbitrary resistance, inductance, and capacitance imbalances in a systematic manner. Dynamic models derived using the DISC transformation are well suited for real-time compensation and fault detection in three-phase motor drives. This paper develops the theory of the DISC transformation and gives an application to the optimal compensation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive with a resistance imbalance. Experimental measurements from a laboratory inverter are provided to confirm the theoretical development.
A new algorithm for solving a mixed H 2 /H ∞ optimization problem

A new algorithm is presented for solving a coupled system of three Riccati equations arising from an LQG (H 2 ) control-design problem that includes an H∞ disturbance attenuation constraint. It is shown by example to exhibit both improved numerical stability and computational efficiency over a previously suggested algorithm. Solutions are obtained directly (that is, without using the socalled γ-continuation) and for smaller H∞-norm bounds than previously attainable for a given set of design weights.
A new dynamic scheduling for batch processing systems using stochastic utility evaluation function

In long production cycles, the earliness and tardiness weight (utility) of products vary depending on the time. It is necessary to reflect the weight of products for earliness and tardiness at decision epochs to decide on the optimal strategy. This research demonstrates the use of Stochastic Utility Evaluation (SUE) function approach to optimize system performance using multiple criteria. In addition, this research explores how SUE function using stochastic information can be derived and used to strategically improve existing approaches. SUE function for earliness and tardiness is used in an existing model to develop a tri-objective problem. Typically, this problem is very complex to solve due to its trade-off relationship. However SUE function makes it relatively easy to solve the tri-objective problem since SUE function can be incorporated in an existing model. It is observed that SUE function can be effectively used for solving a tri-objective problem.
Financial state of affairs for NCAA sports: a case for intangible strategic assets?

Traditionally, the practitioner literature gives significant account of how well NCAA-member organisations carries out its mission, but rarely is fiscal responsibility discussed as one of them. Although professional sport leagues are for-profit organisations and have traditionally relied on innovations to attract and hold its fan base and create new streams of potential revenue, it seems that the NCAA has lost its control on spiraling costs and has few solutions to its relatively flat sources of revenue. As outlined by recent financial reports, especially by Fulks (2012), all NCAA subdivisions experienced relatively few revenue sources. The three that accounted for 50% or more of the total generated revenues were ticket sales, alumni and booster contributions, and NCAA and conference distributions. The lack of fiscal sustainability in a world where few institutions are getting the most of available NCAA-related athletic activities' profits from their sport-related activities, coupled with relatively flat revenue growth and increasing expenses, a real signal to management of educational institutions that better fiscal management must be put into place. Most financial reporting makes the entire concept of a self-supporting NCAA athletic organisation unsustainable from a financial standpoint. However, these financial reports do not include the contributions from intangible assets.
Modification of CA-Montmorillonite by Low-Temperature Heat Treatment

The objectives of this investigation were to measure the effects of moderate heat treatments, below the dehydroxylation temperature, on physical and chemical properties of a calcium-montmorillonite clay. Previous workers have noted the reductions in cation exchange capacity and swelling property after heating in the range 200°–400°C, and have suggested several possible explanations, such as hysteresis effect, increased interlayer attractions owing to removal of interlayer water, or changes in the disposition of interlayer or layer-surface ions.
The Pennsylvania Corporate Tax Model

We have designed and constructed a corporate tax model for the state of Pennsylvania to aid in forecasting revenues and in performing policy analysis. The model contains two sub- models. One submodel is broad-based and includes corpora tions from all industrial sectors and firms of all sizes. The other submodel includes only the largest corporate taxpayers. The models are used for policy simulations including forecasting tax revenue and estimating the financial impact of new legisla tion.
Real Time Structural Electrochemistry of Platinum Clusters using Dispersive XAFS

Chemical reference tables state that the standard potential for the reaction of Pt with water, Pt + 2H2O → Pt(OH)2 + 2H+ + 2e-, is 0.98 V, and electrochemical studies propose that this reaction may occur at potentials as low as 0.8 V [1-5]. Using dispersive x-ray absorption fine- structure (XAFS) spectroscopy [6], we have directly probed the structural evolution of a Pt catalyst operating in-situ in a polymer electrolyte [7] fuel cell during cyclic voltammetry. The changes in the number of Pt and O nearest-neighbors and the Pt charge demonstrate a close correspondence with features in the voltammogram. Because dispersive XAFS is very sensitive to detecting structural changes, we have been able to detect the presence of chemisorbed oxygen at potentials of 0.6-0.9 V in the anodic sweep. Since double-layer charging is regarded as the only process in this region for bulk Pt [3-5], these results may reflect a limitation of previous (indirect) studies on Pt electrochemistry, or they may indicate that these clusters are different from their bulk metal counterparts. Exploiting the timeresolving capability of dispersive XAFS, we also monitored changes in the Pt charge and the number of O and Pt nearest-neighbors during the electrochemical oxidation and reduction of the Pt clusters in real-time. The results are inconsistent with those expected from the placeexchange mechanism [8-11] for the formation of the surface oxide on bulk Pt electrodes in aqueous solution; % % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaaeiuaiaabs % hadaWgaaWcbaGaaeOCaiaabwgacaqGKbaabeaakmaaoqcaleaacaWG % RbWaaSbaaWqaaiaaigdaaeqaaaWcbeGccaGLsgcacaqGqbGaaeiDai % aaykW7daqadaqaaiaabohacaqG1bGaaeOyaiaab2gacaqGVbGaaeOB % aiaab+gacaqGSbGaaeyyaiaabMhacaqGLbGaaeOCaiaaykW7caqGVb % aacaGLOaGaayzkaaWaa4ajaSqaaiaadUgadaWgaaadbaGaaGOmaaqa % baaaleqakiaawkziaiaabcfacaqG0bGaae4tamaaBaaaleaacaqG4b % aabeaaaaa!5813! $${\text{P}}{{\text{t}}_{{\text{red}}}}{\text{Pt}}\,\left( {{\text bmonolayer }\,{\text{o}}} \right){\text{Pt}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{x}}}$$ (place exchanged Pt and O atoms: k1>> k2) Our current model for understanding these behaviors is that, relative to bulk Pt, unusual types of surface sites play a major role in determining the reactivity of these clusters.
Flow Breakdown and Travel Time Reliability

This paper proposes a methodology for online prediction of travel time reliability based on real-world measurements in light of the probabilistic character of traffic breakdown. A discrete time Markov chain is developed to represent the flow breakdown event. Through the calibrated transition probability matrix of the Markov chain, the probability of flow breakdown or recovery along a given facility can be estimated. Travel time reliability that captures the probability of flow breakdown and the conditional expected delay associated with occurrence of breakdown can therefore be predicted. Because both the mean and the variance of travel time are represented as functions of current traffic conditions and calibrated for each road section on the basis of field data, travel time and its reliability could be obtained offline by analyzing historical data and computed online when real-time measurements are available.
Differential effects of acute administration of 19-Nor-1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D2 and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 on serum calcium and phosphorus in hemodialysis patients.

Abstract Background: Treatment of hyperparathyroidism includes the use of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D 3 (1,25D 3 ) to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH), but dosing of 1,25D 3 is limited by the development of hypercalcemia and a high calcium × phosphorus (Ca × P) product because of gut absorption of calcium and phosphorus and enhanced bone resorption. The vitamin D analogue 19-nor-1,25(OH) 2 -vitamin D 2 (19-Nor) causes less hypercalcemia and elevated Ca × P, whereas it still suppresses PTH in rats. Methods: To determine whether 19-Nor had similar effects in humans, we performed a prospective crossover study to assess bone mobilization. Ten hemodialysis patients on a low-calcium low-phosphorus diet were administered 20 μg of 1,25D 3 and 120 and 160 μg of 19-Nor, and changes in calcium, phosphorus, and intact and whole PTH levels were measured over 36 hours. Results: Ca × P product increased more after 1,25D 3 administration than after a six- or eightfold greater dose of 19-Nor and was significantly greater at 6, 12, and 24 hours. Ca × P product at 36 hours was 60.9 ± 3.4 (4.91 ± 0.27 mmol 2 /L 2 ) after 1,25D 3 administration, 53.2 ± 2.7 (4.29 ± 0.22 mmol 2 /L 2 ) after administration of 120 μg of 19-Nor, and 54.2 ± 2.7 (4.37 ± 0.22 mmol 2 /L 2 ) after administration of 160 μg of 19-Nor. Suppression of intact PTH at 36 hours was similar after administration of 1,25D 3 (54.1% ± 6.0%) and 120 μg of 19-Nor (54.4% ± 3.4%) and significantly greater after administration of 160 μg of 19-Nor (63.6% ± 2.3%). The whole PTH assay yielded values approximately 25% to 30% lower than the intact PTH assay, and the percentage of suppression was virtually identical. Conclusion: Consistent with animal studies, 19-Nor provides profound PTH suppression while stimulating bone resorption and/or intestinal absorption less than 1,25D 3 , resulting in less elevation of serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Am J Kidney Dis 40:1283-1288. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Maintenance of progesterone-facilitated sexual behavior in female rats requires continued hypothalamic protein synthesis and nuclear progestin receptor occupation

The role of ongoing progesterone-directed protein synthesis and hypothalamic cell nuclear progestin receptor occupation in maintaining the duration of the period of sexual receptivity was determined in ovariectomized rats treated with 500 ng progesterone 44 h after receiving 2 ng estradiol benzoate. Injection of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin (100 mg/ kg BW) either 2 or 10 h after progesterone treatment resulted in decreased levels of both receptive and proceptive sexual behavior. Similarly, injection of RU 486, an antiprogestin, 2, 6, or 10 h after progesterone injection resulted in inhibition of sexual behavior within 4–8 h after administration. Using a modified cell nuclear isolation technique for the exchange assay of nuclear-bound progestin receptors, elevated levels of progestin binding in hypothalamic cell nuclear fractions were detected as late as 14 h after progesterone injection. By 18 h after progesterone injection, nuclear progestin receptor levels had returned to baseline, a time ...
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is exacerbated in absence of endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R) initiates a cascade of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-mediated injury, the magnitude of which may be influenced by the bioavailability of nitric oxide...
Predicting the outcome of the senate trial of Richard M. Nixon

A prediction model for individual voting behavior in the U.S. Senate is developed and tested. The predictors are empirically derived indices which are combined using a unit weighting scheme. This model is then tested on recent roll call votes and a prediction is made about the results of the impeachment trial of Richard M. Nixon.
Direct recording of spontaneous and evoked seizures in epileptics

Surface and depth arrays of electrodes were implanted in three epileptic patients for several days. Tape-recorded interviews were synchronized with EEG recordings and with electrical stimulation. Several spontaneous and evoked seizures were recorded in each patient. Study of results indicated: 1. 1. Bursts of high voltage fast activity similar to Pentothal activity were observed under non-barbiturate anesthesia (patient #2). 2. 2. Patterns possibly related to seizure activity such as high voltage spikes and sharp and slow waves, isolated or in bursts, were recorded during interseizure periods. The activity was typical for each linkage with some variability limited to a few patterns. 3. 3. Oscilloscpic study of localized spikes and waves revealed consistency of patterns progressive time delay of spikes from depth to surface, and no delay of slow components. 4. 4. Induced local afterdischarges were reproducible with typical characteristics for each point which often resembled the electrical activity of the same area during generalized seizures. 5. 5. Clinical effects, such as hallucinations, oral sensations, verbalization of pleasure, deja vu, confused remarks, manifestation of sexual drive, etc., were evoked by electrical stimulation of the brain. Some of these effects were associated with local modifications of electrical activity. 6. 6. During spontaneous seizures spatial distribution of patterns was rather similar for each patient in different attacks. 7. 7. There was no observable EEG indication of the proximity of a fit; however, aura expressed by the patient was coincident with EEG modifications. 8. 8. Generalization of localized seizure activity was a slow process of 10–20 or more seconds. The spread was progressive and not an all-or-none phenomenon. 9. 9. Direct recording showed considerable independence of electrical pattern in areas of anatomical proximity. This demonstrated that our tracings represented local electrical activity and not volume conductor effects and also proved the considerable independence of bipolar recordings of electrical activity of different cerebral areas. 10. 10. In some cases epileptogenic patterns were present in depth and absent on surface, indicating the epileptogenic role of these structures and the diagnostic need to explore both. 11. 11. A mutual influence between local (mainly cortical) and centrencephalic mechanisms seemed to exist during spontaneous seizures. It is possible that a central pacemaker transmitted discharges through diffuse pathways and the local modulation of the initiating discharge gave each linkage its own pattern. 12. 12. Consciousness was not impaired during 3/sec. generalized seizure activity but it was lost in some patients at the onset of a fit before contralateral involvement. Confusion was evoked by electrical stimulation of some structures, and sensation of imminent fainting was elicited by electrical stimulation of one cerebral point. Such evidence suggests that loss of consciousness depends upon involvement of specific structures rather than upon extent of brain affected.
Disrupting the Transmission of a Vector-Borne Plant Pathogen

Approaches to control vector-borne diseases rarely focus on the interface between vector and microbial pathogen, but strategies aimed at disrupting the interactions required for transmission may lead to reductions in disease spread. We tested if the vector transmission of the plant-pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa was affected by three groups of molecules: lectins, carbohydrates, and antibodies. Although not comprehensively characterized, it is known that X. fastidiosa adhesins bind to carbohydrates, and that these interactions are important for initial cell attachment to vectors, which is required for bacterial transmission from host to host. Lectins with affinity to substrates expected to occur on the cuticular surface of vectors colonized by X. fastidiosa, such as wheat germ agglutinin, resulted in statistically significant reductions in transmission rate, as did carbohydrates with N-acetylglucosamine residues. Presumably, lectins bound to receptors on the vector required for cell adhesion/colonization, while carbohydrate-saturated adhesins on X. fastidiosa's cell surface. Furthermore, antibodies against X. fastidiosa whole cells, gum, and afimbrial adhesins also resulted in transmission blockage. However, no treatment resulted in the complete abolishment of transmission, suggesting that this is a complex biological process. This work illustrates the potential to block the transmission of vector-borne pathogens without directly affecting either organism.
Satire, Analogy, and Moral Philosophy

This article addresses two puzzles, one about the nature of satire and its kinship with moral philosophy and the other about the possibility of practicing philosophy through works of art. While it has long been noted that moral satire and applied ethics share subject matter in common, there has been little attention to the prominence of argument by analogy in satire. This essay shows that satire has a kinship with moral philosophy close enough that it is possible to practice philosophy through satire and thus possible to practice philosophy through works of narrative fiction.
Shorter treatment for vaginal candidosis: comparison between single‐dose oral fluconazole and three‐day treatment with local miconazole

Fluconazole is an effective, simple and safe, although slightly expensive, agent for the treatment of vaginal candidosis. Single-dose fluconazole (150 mg) administered orally in capsule form was compared with three-day local treatment with miconazole pessaries in the treatment of vaginal candidosis in a randomized study in Finland. Cure rates were good (> 80%) in randomized patient groups assessed both clinically and by the results of yeast cultures. Oral administration was preferred to local therapy by patients in both the miconazole and fluconazole groups. For the time being, fluconazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.