cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness of Skin Antiseptic Agents in Reducing Surgical Site Infections: A Report from the Washington State Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) are an important source of morbidity and mortality. Chlorhexidine in isopropyl alcohol is effective in preventing central venous-catheter associated infections, but its effectiveness in reducing SSI in clean-contaminated procedures is uncertain. Surgical studies to date have had contradictory results. We aimed to further evaluate the relationship of commonly used antiseptic agents and SSI, and to determine if isopropyl alcohol has a unique effect. Study Design We performed a prospective cohort analysis to evaluate the relationship of commonly used skin antiseptic agents and SSI for patients undergoing mostly clean-contaminated surgery from January 2011 through June 2012. Multivariate regression modeling predicted expected rates of SSI. Risk adjusted event rates (RAERs) of SSI were compared across groups using proportionality testing. Results Among 7,669 patients, the rate of SSI was 4.6%. The RAERs were 0.85 (p = 0.28) for chlorhexidine (CHG), 1.10 (p = 0.06) for chlorhexidine in isopropyl alcohol (CHG+IPA), 0.98 (p = 0.96) for povidone-iodine (PVI), and 0.93 (p = 0.51) for iodine-povacrylex in isopropyl alcohol (IPC+IPA). The RAERs were 0.91 (p = 0.39) for the non-IPA group and 1.10 (p = 0.07) for the IPA group. Among elective colorectal patients, the RAERs were 0.90 (p = 0.48) for CHG, 1.04 (p = 0.67) for CHG+IPA, 1.04 (p = 0.85) for PVI, and 1.00 (p = 0.99) for IPC+IPA. Conclusions For clean-contaminated surgical cases, this large-scale state cohort study did not demonstrate superiority of any commonly used skin antiseptic agent in reducing the risk of SSI, nor did it find any unique effect of isopropyl alcohol. These results do not support the use of more expensive skin preparation agents.
The Posttraumatic Growth Model: An Expansion to the Family System

This article focuses on expanding Calhoun and Tedeschi's model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) to the family system level. PTG has been conceptualized as an outcome on multiple levels, including individuals, families, and communities. However, in the original model the family is mostly viewed as the context for individual growth, whereas in this article the family is the unit that grows. The proposed conceptualization is consistent with the paradigmatic shift from a deficit-based perspective to a strength-based perspective of family functioning in general and in the aftermath of trauma in particular. The first part of the article briefly introduces the PTG model. The second part identifies and illustrates the family system parallels of the six components of the model: pretrauma characteristics, a traumatic/ highly stressful event, challenges, rumination, social context, and posttraumatic growth. The third part addresses future directions.
Blechnum obtusum (Blechnaceae), a new species from western Venezuela

Abstract Moran, R. C. (The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY, 10458-5126, U.S.A.; rmoran@nybg.org) & A. R. Smith (University Herbarium, Univ. of California, 1001 Valley Life Science Building, Berkeley, CA 94720-2465, U.S.A.; arsmith@berkeley.edu). Blechnum obtusum (Blechnaceae), a new species from western Venezuela. Brittonia 57:237–239. 2005.—Blechnum obtusum is described and illustrated as a new species. It grows in paramos of western Venezuela and most resembles B. werffii of Costa Rica and Panama.
Reconfigurable on-chip antenna arrays for multi-chip RF data transmission

Multicore computer architectures with upwards of 100 processor cores on a single chip promise unprecedented enhancement of computational performance. There are many key performance issues in computing on multicore systems that do not exist in single core computers or even computers with a few cores. Maximum computational performance, such as ideal load balancing and low latency, can only be achieved with efficient data transfers between cores. The full promise of multicore systems cannot be achieved unless efficient (both in energy and time) communications between cores is realized. In an multicore computer architecture with hundreds cores, physical connections will severely restrict system performance due to slowed data transfer, excessive power consumption and required redundancy for broken data links.
GC1 deletion prevents light-dependent arrestin translocation in mouse cone photoreceptor cells.

PURPOSE. Light-driven translocation of phototransduction regulatory proteins between the inner and outer segments of photoreceptor cells plays a role in the adaptation of these cells to light. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the absence of guanylate cyclase 1 (GC1) on light-driven protein translocation in rod and cone cells. Both cell types express GC1, but differ in sensitivity, saturation, and response times to light. METHODS. Immunohistochemical techniques employing antibodies specific for cone and rod transducin (T) subunits and arrestins were used to examine light-driven translocation of these proteins in the retinas of wild-type and GC1 knockout (KO) mice. RESULTS. Translocation of cone arrestin from cone outer segments to the inner cell regions was disrupted in the absence of GC1, whereas translocation of arrestin and T in rods was not affected. Cone T did not translocate in wild-type and GC1 KO mice, but differed in its subcellular distribution in GC1 KO retina, remaining in the cone outer segment in light and in dark. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that multiple, independent pathways regulate the translocation of phototransduction proteins and that GC1, and presumably cGMP, are of key importance in signaling the translocation of cone arrestin. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:12‐16) DOI:10.1167/iovs.040691 R
Fabrication and characterization of the Ag‐based high‐technology model nanocluster catalyst for ethylene epoxidation manufactured by electron beam lithography

Nanocluster catalysis is an area where greater fundamental knowledge is needed to understand the behavior of aggregates of metal atoms in determining product selectivity of chemical reactions. While catalysis is practiced industrially with economic success there is still a great need to eliminate wasteful side‐reactions which hurt overall yields. Here we report on fabrication of a Ag‐based high‐technology model nanocluster catalyst by using electron beam lithography (EBL) designed for systematic studies of the ethylene epoxidation reaction. The catalyst is made of a square array of cylinder‐shaped Ag nanoclusters that are 200 A in diameter, deposited on a four inch silicon wafer, precovered with a 100 A thick film of α‐alumina. The height of the particles and interparticle distance can vary, and were chosen to be 150–300 and 1000 A, respectively. The high technology catalyst was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thermal stability of Ag nanoclusters in vacuo was investigated.
Medical informatics: clinical decision making and beyond

Does Medical Informatics encompass all aspects of computing in health care, or is it limited to information processing in clinical medicine? A panel discussion will present several points of view. This paper advocates a unified view of Medical Informatics. It argues that in the future it will not be possible to separate purely clinical information systems from other aspects of computing in health care, and all health care systems should be a part of Medical Informatics.
Thermodynamic considerations for solubility and conformational transitions of poly-N-isopropyl-acrylamide

Thermodynamic considerations based on the free energy of hydration, free energy of solvation and partition coefficient predictions of the monomer N-isopropyl-acrylamide (NIPAM) determined using various intermolecular potentials are used to elucidate the origin of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity across the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Thermodynamic properties are predicted for NIPAM using adaptive bias force-molecular dynamics and various popular force-fields (AMBER, OPLS-AA, CHARMM and GROMOS) at four different temperatures: below the LCST (275 K and 300 K) and above the LCST (310 K and 330 K). The effect of changes in the thermodynamic properties of the monomer NIPAM at various temperatures below and above LCST on the kinetics of conformational transition of thermo-sensitive polymers is discussed. Our findings provide encouraging prospects for understanding the LCST transition in the hydrogel poly-N-isopropylacrylamide which shows temperature-dependent conformational changes in part due to the complex interplay of hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions.
The influence of a cryogenic brain injury on the cerebrovascular response to isoflurane in the rabbit.

To determine if an acute neurologic injury alters the cerebrovascular response to isoflurane, rabbits were anesthetized with morphine/N2O, mechanically ventilated, surgically instrumented, and assi...
A Cross-cultural Investigation of the Relationship Between Introversion-Extraversion, Social Attitudes and Anti-social Behaviour

This paper describes a number of studies which were undertaken in order to test Eysenck's theory that the introversion-extraversion factor is a significant source of variance in (1) authoritarian or ‘tough-minded’ attitudes, (2) religiosity, and (3) anti-social behaviour. There was no support for the hypothesized positive correlation between extraversion and tough-minded or authoritarian attitudes. Introversion-extraversion was a significant source of variance in subjects' religious behaviour but the direction of the relationship varied with religious background (Protestant and Jewish) and sex. Finally, the predicted positive correlation between extraversion and anti-social behaviour was confirmed in a group of male students, but not in a comparable female group. This finding was interpreted in terms of a sex-role identification theory of anti-social behaviour.
Influence of rifampin on fleroxacin pharmacokinetics.

Staphylococcus aureus infections have been successfully treated in animal models with the combination of fleroxacin and rifampin. We studied the influence of rifampin, a potent cytochrome P-450 inducer, on the pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of fleroxacin in 14 healthy young male volunteers. Subjects were given 400 mg of fleroxacin orally once a day for 3 days to reach steady state. After a wash-out period of 2 days, the same subjects received 600 mg of rifampin orally once daily for 7 days. On days 5 to 7 of rifampin treatment, 400 mg of fleroxacin was again administered once daily. Concentrations of fleroxacin as well as its two major urinary metabolites, N-demethyl- and N-oxide-fleroxacin, in plasma and urine were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The extent of hepatic enzyme induction by rifampin was confirmed by a significant increase of 6-beta-hydroxycortisol urinary output from 160.8 +/- 41.4 to 544.8 +/- 120.7 micrograms/4 h. There were no significant changes in the peak fleroxacin concentration in plasma (6.3 +/- 1.2 versus 6.2 +/- 1.9 mg/liter), time to maximum concentration of fleroxacin in plasma (1.1 +/- 0.9 versus 1.3 +/- 1.1 h), or renal clearance (58.3 +/- 16.4 versus 61.9 +/- 19.2 ml/min). The area under the curve AUC (71.4 +/- 15.8 versus 62.2 +/- 13.7 mg.h/liter) and the terminal half-life of fleroxacin (11.4 +/- 2.2 versus 9.2 +/- 1.1 h) decreased (P < 0.05), while the total plasma clearance increased from 97.7 +/- 21.6 to 112.3 +/- 25.8 ml/min (P < 0.01). Despite being statistically significant, this 15% increase in total plasma clearance does not appear to be clinically relevant. Metabolic clearance by N demethylation was increased ( 6.9 +/- 2.4 versus 12.5 +/- 3.2 ml/min; P < 0.01), whereas clearance by N oxidation did not change (5.8 +/- 1.1 versus 5.8 +/- 1.5 ml/min). Fleroxacin elimination was slightly increased (about 15%) through induction of metabolic clearance to N-demethyl-fleroxacin. Since fleroxacin levels remained above the MIC for 90% of the tested isolates of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus for at least 24 h, dose adjustment does not appear necessary, at least for short-term treatments.
Nucleos: a runtime system for ultra-compact wireless sensor nodes

Nucleos is a new runtime system for ultra-lightweight embedded systems. Central to Nucleos is a dispatcher based on the concept of recursive threaded code, which enables layers of abstraction from the runtime system and interrupt handlers to application tasks to be composed in a structured, powerful way, all with minimal program code. When used in conjunction with models of computation with behavioral transparency such as synchronous dataflow (SDF), Nucleos can support efficient memory allocation policies for multiple communicating actors with minimal runtime overhead. This recursive structure also lends itself to in-field code update and dynamic execution. Nucleos's low runtime overhead and low RAM/ROM requirements enable it to run on compact platforms previously unsupported by the most popular sensor OSes while still providing high flexibility and composability. In some cases, applications running on Nucleos actually outperform hand-crafted code running without an OS, thanks to non-obvious memory optimizations enabled by the SDF model of computation.
Generational income mobility in North America and Europe

The level of intergenerational mobility in a society is a question of fundamental concern to all the social sciences and the focus of a longstanding research tradition in both economics and sociology. Economists have primarily concentrated on income mobility, with the modern tradition dating back to Becker and Tomes’ work of the late 1970s. Sociological attention has been on mobility across occupational status hierarchies and among occupational class categories, and national comparison has been an essential research strategy in sociology since the 1950s. Various mid-20th century theories involving values, geography, and politics had all predicted higher mobility rates in the U.S. than elsewhere, and so the 1970s-era findings within sociology that American levels of mobility were actually not exceptional was a major accomplishment. More recently, the salience of comparison has again been heightened by growing returns to education and consequent growing levels of income inequality especially in the Anglo-Saxon countries. This development forms the substantive rationale for the papers in this volume. The 12 papers in Generational Income Mobility include four theoretical and overview chapters, six empirical chapters on intergenerational income mobility, and two empirical chapters on intergenerational transmission of receipt of social welfare benefits. The methods employed for the most part begin with the standard economic approach of regressing the natural logarithm of the adult child’s income on the natural logarithm of parental income, and then elaborate in various ways to
Blockade of Chronic Type I Interferon Signaling to Control Persistent LCMV Infection

Type I interferons (IFN-I) are critical for antiviral immunity; however, chronic IFN-I signaling is associated with hyperimmune activation and disease progression in persistent infections. We demonstrated in mice that blockade of IFN-I signaling diminished chronic immune activation and immune suppression, restored lymphoid tissue architecture, and increased immune parameters associated with control of virus replication, ultimately facilitating clearance of the persistent infection. The accelerated control of persistent infection induced by blocking IFN-I signaling required CD4 T cells and was associated with enhanced IFN-γ production. Thus, we demonstrated that interfering with chronic IFN-I signaling during persistent infection redirects the immune environment to enable control of infection.
Clinical features and therapeutic management of subglottic stenosis in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis

Objective. To determine the clinical features and optimal treatment of subglottic stenosis (SGS) in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Methods. Review of 43 patients with SGS and treatment of 20 patients with intratracheal dilation—glucocorticoid injection therapy. Results. SGS developed in 43 of 189 patients with WG who were followed up at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. The diagnosis of SGS occurred in the absence of other features of active WG in 21 of 43 patients (49%). In 21 patients (49%), SGS began while the patient was receiving systemic immunosuppressive therapy for disease activity involving other sites. Tracheostomy was required in 10 of 18 patients (56%) who were treated with systemic immunosuppressive therapy. In 20 patients treated with intratracheal therapy, none required tracheostomy and 6 with previous tracheostomies were decannulated. Conclusion. SGS often occurs independently of other features of active WG and is frequently unresponsive to systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Intratracheal dilation—injection therapy provides a safe and effective treatment for WG-associated SGS and, in the absence of major organ disease activity, should be used without concomitant systemic immunosuppressive agents.
Structure-function relationship of calcium ion channel antagonists at the pituitary gonadotrope.

We have compared the potencies of chemically heterogeneous classes of Ca2+ ion channel inhibitors as antagonists of GnRH-stimulated LH release from the rat pituitary. Verapamil and its more potent derivative methoxyverapamil (D600) are effective inhibitors. The 1,4-dihydropyridines, however, had no antagonistic efficacy, and diltiazem had slight inhibitory action, but only when preincubated with cells before GnRH addition. The observation that the potency series of antagonists was identical (verapanoids > diltiazem > 1,4-dihy-dropyridines) whether GnRH or veratridine was used to stimulate the release mechanism is consistent with the premise that the same Ca2+ channel is regulated by the receptor and by agents that evoke gonadotropin release by cell depolarization. This potency series is virtually opposite that observed for muscle tissue. Accordingly, these data suggest that the receptor-regulated Ca2+ ion channel of the pituitary gonadotrope is distinct from that described in muscle. (Endocrinology 113: 1...
Role of fracture face and formation plugging in injection well fracturing and injectivity decline

Particle plugging of wells in the near wellbore region can have an important influence on the initiation and propagation of thermally and hydraulically induced fractures during water injection. Fracturing in turn can significantly influence the rate of injectivity decline in water injection wells. Development of models that elucidate the role of plugging of the fracture face and surrounding formation on the growth of fractures, and the resulting injectivity behavior, is an important research need We present a model to predict the initiation and growth of a fracture in the near wellbore region due to the combined influence of injection pressure, changes in pore pressure, thermal stresses due to the injection of cold water, and an additional pressure drop due to particulate plugging. Fracture growth and fracture face plugging are modeled as dynamically coupled phenomena. The results indicate that wellbore plugging can significantly affect the initiation of a fracture. Further, plugging of the fracture face itself can have a major impact on the growth of the fracture, and the overall injectivity of the well. It is found that at a given injection rate, an increase in plugging leads to significant increases in fracture half-length. Results also demonstrate that a longer fracture does not necessarily imply an increase in injectivity, if there is significant permeability impairment due to plugging of the fracture face. The effectiveness of fracturing as a well-stimulation mechanism can be seriously diminished due to fracture face plugging in injection wells.
Sexual Bias in the Slosson Intelligence Test.

The use of intelligence tests in making special education decisions has come under repeated scrutiny in recent years. Arguments for and against the use of IQs have centered around the issue of test bisd. In the area of minority assessment a great deal of discussion concerning IQ bias has taken place. However, little evidence has been presented concerning potential IQ bias with respect to the sex of the child being evaluated even thought boys, like minority childern, are over-represented in special education classes. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the sexual bias of IQ as measured by the Stosson Intelligence Test (SIT) in relation to predictions of academic achievement. The sample consisted of 120 youngsters (73 boys, & 47 girls) who were evaluated using both the SIT and the Reading score from the Wide Range Achievement Test. The results indicated that the SIT IQ predicts statistically distinct Reading scores depending upon the sex of the child being evaluated derived regression equation...
Image reconstruction in photoacoustic tomography with variable speed of sound using a higher order geometrical acoustics approximation

Previous research correcting for variable speed of sound in photoacoustic tomography (PAT) has used a generalized radon transform (GRT) model . In this model, the pressure is related to the optical absorption, in an acoustically inhomogeneous medium, through integration over non-spherical isochronous surfaces. This model assumes that the path taken by acoustic rays is linear and neglects amplitude perturbations to the measured pressure. We have derived a higher-order geometrical acoustics (GA) expression, which takes into account the first-order effect in the amplitude of the measured signal and higher-order perturbation to the travel times. The higher-order perturbation to travel time incorporates the effect of ray bending. Incorrect travel times can lead to image distortion and blurring. These corrections are expected to impact image quality and quantitative PAT. We have previously shown that travel-time corrections in 2D suggest that perceivable differences in the isochronous surfaces can be seen when the second-order travel-time perturbations are taken into account with a 10% speed of sound variation. In this work, we develop iterative image reconstruction algorithms that incorporate this higher-order GA approximation assuming that the speed of sound map is known. We evaluate the effect of higher-order GA approximation on image quality and accuracy.
Ureter tracking and segmentation in CT urography (CTU) using COMPASS

Purpose: The authors are developing a computerized system for automated segmentation of ureters in CTU, referred to as combined model-guided path-finding analysis and segmentation system (COMPASS). Ureter segmentation is a critical component for computer-aided diagnosis of ureter cancer. Methods: COMPASS consists of three stages: (1) rule-based adaptive thresholding and region growing, (2) path-finding and propagation, and (3) edge profile extraction and feature analysis. With institutional review board approval, 79 CTU scans performed with intravenous (IV) contrast material enhancement were collected retrospectively from 79 patient files. One hundred twenty-four ureters were selected from the 79 CTU volumes. On average, the ureters spanned 283 computed tomography slices (range: 116–399, median: 301). More than half of the ureters contained malignant or benign lesions and some had ureter wall thickening due to malignancy. A starting point for each of the 124 ureters was identified manually to initialize the tracking by COMPASS. In addition, the centerline of each ureter was manually marked and used as reference standard for evaluation of tracking performance. The performance of COMPASS was quantitatively assessed by estimating the percentage of the length that was successfully tracked and segmented for each ureter and by estimating the average distance and the average maximum distance between the computer and the manually tracked centerlines. Results: Of the 124 ureters, 120 (97%) were segmented completely (100%), 121 (98%) were segmented through at least 70%, and 123 (99%) were segmented through at least 50% of its length. In comparison, using our previous method, 85 (69%) ureters were segmented completely (100%), 100 (81%) were segmented through at least 70%, and 107 (86%) were segmented at least 50% of its length. With COMPASS, the average distance between the computer and the manually generated centerlines is 0.54 mm, and the average maximum distance is 2.02 mm. With our previous method, the average distance between the centerlines was 0.80 mm, and the average maximum distance was 3.38 mm. The improvements in the ureteral tracking length and both distance measures were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: COMPASS improved significantly the ureter tracking, including regions across ureter lesions, wall thickening, and the narrowing of the lumen.
Career Maturity, Life Role Salience, and Racial/Ethnic Identity in Black and Asian American College Students.

The present study examined racial/ethnic identity attitudes, career maturity, and life role salience in Black and Asian American college students. Multivariate analyses of variance and canonical co...
Global ID, trusted systems, and communications markets

This paper examines the implications of technology identifying each consumer by a single globally unique identifier, or GUID. Such technology allows Internet content providers straightforwardly to identify the consumer originating any given packet stream, and to correlate incoming payment (and other) information to the information and entertainment that the content provider releases to that consumer. These systems promise to give content providers sharply expanded powers to discriminate among consumers. The paper suggests that, on balance, this result would be a Bad Thing. Further, the result could be avoided if content providers relied on more sophisticated techniques to manage access to their information goods.
Vehicle to grid: electric vehicles as an energy storage solution

With increased focus on intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and photovoltaics, there comes a rising need for large-scale energy storage. The vehicle to grid (V2G) project seeks to meet this need using electric vehicles, whose high power capacity and existing power electronics make them a promising energy storage solution. This paper will describe a charging system designed by the V2G team that facilitates selective charging and backfeeding by electric vehicles. The system consists of a custom circuit board attached to an embedded linux computer that is installed both in the EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) and in the power electronics unit of the vehicle. The boards establish an in-band communication link between the EVSE and the vehicle, giving the vehicle internet connectivity and the ability to make intelligent decisions about when to charge and discharge. This is done while maintaining compliance with existing charging protocols (SAEJ1772, IEC62196) and compatibility with standard “nonintelligent” cars and chargers. Through this system, the vehicles in a test fleet have been able to successfully serve as portable temporary grid storage, which has implications for regulating the electrical grid, providing emergency power, or supplying power to forward military bases.
Orientational photorefractive effects in nematic liquid crystal films

We present a detailed theoretical discussion of the fundamental mechanisms for the recently observed nonlinear electro-optical effects in nematic liquid crystal films. Detailed expressions for the three principal mechanisms for space charge fields formation and various dielectric, conductivity and flow induced torques that are responsible for the liquid crystal director axis reorientation process are derived. We have observed strong optical wave mixing effects such as two-beam energy coupling and self-diffraction; the observed effects, their magnitude and dynamics, and dependencies on various physical parameters are found to be in good agreement with theories.
The multifaceted nature of global climate change negotiations

International climate change negotiations primarily occur during annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and currently involve virtually every country in the world. What effect does such a large and heterogeneous group of states have on the complexity of climate change negotiations? Would a smaller, more homogenous, assortment of countries produce a more efficient negotiation space? To begin to answer these questions, I apply Latent Dirichlet Allocation to a corpus of High-level climate change conference speeches, covering the formal statements made by country-representatives at the 16th-to-19th COPs. This exercise yields a very large and coherent set of latent topics and many, but not all, of these topics correspond to the negotiating positions presumed by extant research. Analysis of the resultant topics reveals that the dominant dimensions of climate change negotiation favor developing country concerns over cooperation, though reducing negotiations to a smaller core group of countries may lessen this disparity. Together these findings indicate that unsupervised topic models can substantially expand our understandings of climate change negotiations, and international cooperation more generally.
Rise of the nanomachines.

Nanoparticles that combine features of viral and nonviral vectors show promise for targeted gene delivery.
Modeling the pre-industrial roots of modern super-exponential population growth.

To Malthus, rapid human population growth—so evident in 18th Century Europe—was obviously unsustainable. In his Essay on the Principle of Population, Malthus cogently argued that environmental and socioeconomic constraints on population rise were inevitable. Yet, he penned his essay on the eve of the global census size reaching one billion, as nearly two centuries of super-exponential increase were taking off. Introducing a novel extension of J. E. Cohen's hallmark coupled difference equation model of human population dynamics and carrying capacity, this article examines just how elastic population growth limits may be in response to demographic change. The revised model involves a simple formalization of how consumption costs influence carrying capacity elasticity over time. Recognizing that complex social resource-extraction networks support ongoing consumption-based investment in family formation and intergenerational resource transfers, it is important to consider how consumption has impacted the human environment and demography—especially as global population has become very large. Sensitivity analysis of the consumption-cost model's fit to historical population estimates, modern census data, and 21st Century demographic projections supports a critical conclusion. The recent population explosion was systemically determined by long-term, distinctly pre-industrial cultural evolution. It is suggested that modern globalizing transitions in technology, susceptibility to infectious disease, information flows and accumulation, and economic complexity were endogenous products of much earlier biocultural evolution of family formation's embeddedness in larger, hierarchically self-organizing cultural systems, which could potentially support high population elasticity of carrying capacity. Modern super-exponential population growth cannot be considered separately from long-term change in the multi-scalar political economy that connects family formation and intergenerational resource transfers to wider institutions and social networks.
The symmetric and asymmetric cash balance model of miller and orr with fixed and variable transfer costs dependent on the direction of transfer

THE PAPER extends the three parameter stochastic Miller and Orr cash balance model to admit a generalized linear transfer cost function in the cases of symmetric, asymmetric, and extreme asymmetric probability distributions of cash flows. Cash balance policies with optimal properties are developed for the fixed and variable cost symmetric models where transfer costs are permitted to differ depending on whether transfers are made from securities to cash or vice versa. The full transfer cost models are analytically intractable and solutions are obtained using numerical procedures in specific cases. Sufficient conditions for optimality are established for all symmetric models. The asymmetric cash balance models are developed, but analytical intractability precluded satisfaction of sufficient conditions for optimality and the development of closed form expressions for policies with optimal properties. Numerical procedures are applied to determine the regularity of the expected cost functions. Some conclusions can be drawn from sensitivity studies. Thesedemonstrate the relationships between these and the symmetric-extreme asymmetric models. The models admit a variety of policy implications for cash management and for the behavior of cash economizing economic entities. These implications depend on the character of the probability distribution of cash flows and the nature and magnitude of the transfer cost functions. A variety of interest rate elasticities of the demand for cash balances are obtained. Elasticities are higher when cash flows are asymmetric (asynchronous). This indicates that monetary policy may be more effective during cyclical swings than at any other time. Large firms may be somewhat unaffected by these circumstances in so far as they are able to synchronize cash flows with sophisticated cash management techniques, greater credit availability, and operational diversification. These implications are consistent with the variety of interest rate elasticity results found in empirical studies of money demand and in the declining liquidity ratios of manufacturing firms.
Sampling Adequacy and the Semantic Differential

Version Two of the Kaiser Measures of Sampling Adequacy was derived for a typical six-concept Semantic Differential. The over-all indices indicated that both concept and total correlation matrices would lead to comparable decisions regarding the psychometric quality of the sample data sets. The individual measures, however, showed considerable variability for some scales, placing several in a range which would make them suspect psycho-metrically. It was recommended that the concept of psychometric adequacy be used in determining the efficacy of one's Semantic Differential data for factor analytic procedures.
A study of workspace and singularity characteristics for design of 3-DOF planar parallel robots

A study of workspace and singularity characteristics is presented for two common types of 3-DOF planar parallel robot manipulators. The robots considered feature a kinematic structure with three in-parallel actuated, R-R-R, and R-P-R serial chain geometries. In this study, computer simulations aided with graphic visualization were used to characterize the complete pose workspace (for ranges of both position and orientation) and the singularity inherent to the systems. Parametric studies have also been performed to ascertain the way in which both characteristics vary with respect to various geometric parameters such as pivot locations, link lengths, and size of end-effector. Results are shown by way of a unique composite ratio of the available workspace to the density of singularity within that workspace, which can be used to optimize the geometry of the robots in design.
GABA‐Mediated Synaptic Interaction Between the Visual and Vestibular Pathways of Hermissenda

The synaptic convergence of the eyes and the vestibular hair cells in the nudibranch mollusc Hermissenda has been shown previously to mediate the learning of simple visual-vestibular associations. The neurotransmitter mediating this interaction between the visual and vestibular organs was characterized. HPLC chromatography, confirmed by mass spectroscopic analysis, demonstrated endogenous GABA in the statocysts, in a concentration approximately 150 times greater than in the whole CNS. Additional confirmation was provided by immunocytochemical localization of GABA in hair cell axons and branches that converge with photoreceptor terminal branches. Depolarization of the hair cells in the caudal region of the statocyst in response to positive current injection or vibratory stimulation caused a hyperpolarization and a cessation of the type B photoreceptor impulse activity. The inhibition of the B cell was unaffected by addition to the artificial sea water bath of the adrenergic antagonist yohimbine (250 microM), the cholinergic antagonist atropine (250 microM), and the serotonergic antagonist imipramine (50 microM). In contrast, the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (250 microM) significantly reduced the inhibitory interaction. Moreover, the GABA reuptake inhibitor guvisine (250 microM) increased the hyperpolarization. Pressure microapplication of GABA (12.5 or 25 microM) onto the terminal branches of the B cell resulted in a concentration-dependent hyperpolarization and cessation of spikes in the B cell. Depolarization of the caudal hair cell, or direct GABA application, decreased input resistance across the B cell soma membrane. Moreover, removal of chloride from the extracellular solution reduced inhibition of the B cell induced by GABA application or hair cell stimulation. Furthermore, application of the GABAB agonist baclofen hyperpolarized the type B cell and reduced or eliminated spontaneous impulse activity at the resting membrane potential. The reversal potentials for inhibition induced in all three procedures ranged from -70 to -80 mV and were consistent with mixed Cl- and K+ conductances. These results implicate GABA as the endogenous neurotransmitter mediating visual-vestibular interactions in this animal, and suggest a possible role of GABA in visual-vestibular associative learning.
SU-FF-T-141: Determination of a Chamber Independent Profile

Purpose: Calculation of the inherent beam profile and its accuracy are highly important in the dosimetric precision of treatment planning. However, perturbations are incorporated into the profile due to finite detector size and non‐water equivalency. We investigate a potential method for extracting the unperturbed beam profile from that of the measured profile using ion chambers for the purpose of performing de‐convolution of the detector response functions. Method and Materials: Beam profiles were obtained using a 0.04 cm3ion chamber orientated orthogonally to the beam direction. Scans were made at 10 cm depth and the SSD varied between 86 and 120 cm. The Data were extrapolated to a distance such that perturbation effects would be negligible, and then geometrically scaled to 90 SSD. The resulting profile was compared to penumbra measurements using diodes. Results: A linear relationship was observed between off axis dose location and increasing SSD i.e. the location of the 50% increased linearly along the off axis profile with changing SSD. The extrapolated and scaled profile demonstrated improved penumbra 0.74 cm to 0.5 cm for the 80–20 % region compared to the raw profile and was comparable with that obtained from diode measurements. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a potential method for obtaining the unperturbed beam profile from a megavoltage LINAC. The linearity of profile data with SSD has been exploited to remove chamber effects such as volume averaging that commonly degrade the penumbra in order to obtain the inherent beam profile. This work supported in part by SBIR Contract No HHSN261200522014C, ABD Contract No. N43‐CM‐52214 and Sun Nuclear Corporation.
New inorganic/organic coordination polymers generated from bidentate Schiff-base ligands.

The coordination chemistry of the long conjugated bidentate Schiff-base ligands 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene (L1) and 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-3,4-diaza-2,4-hexadiene (L2) with cadmium and cobalt nitrate hydrates is investigated. Four new coordination polymers are prepared by solution reactions and fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Cd(NO3)2(L1)1.5·0.5(L1)]n (1; monoclinic, P21/c; a = 7.7729(16) A, b = 19.049(4) A, c = 17.865(4) A, β = 93.13(3)°, Z = 4) is obtained by combination of L1 with Cd(NO3)2·4H2O in a benzene/methanol or THF/methanol mixed-solvent system. The structure features two-dimensional brick wall sheets that are cross-linked by weak noncovalent π−π interactions (alternating face-to-face stacking of coordinated and uncoordinated L1 molecules) to generate a novel three-dimensional network. [Co(NO3)2(L1)1.5·H2O]n (2; orthorhombic, Ccca; a = 19.031(4) A, b = 33.627(7) A, c = 14.299(3) A, Z...
Pathogenesis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by myozenin 2 mutations is independent of calcineurin activity.

Aims The role of calcineurin protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) in the pathogenesis of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains unsettled. We determined potential involvement of calcineurin in the pathogenesis of HCM caused by mutations in myozenin 2 (MYOZ2), an inhibitor of calcineurin. Methods and results We generated multiple lines of transgenic mice expressing either Flag-tagged wild-type (WT) (MYOZ2WT) or mutant MYOZ2S48P and MYOZ2I246M, identified in families with HCM, in the heart. To mimic the human genotype, we generated bigenic mice expressing WT and mutant MYOZ2 in the background of hemizygous endogenous MYOZ2 (Myoz2+/−). Transgene proteins constituted 15–48% of the total MYOZ2 protein in the heart. Mutant MYOZ2 mice showed molecular, cellular, and gross cardiac hypertrophy, preserved systolic function, and interstitial fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining showed co-localization of WT and mutant MYOZ2 proteins with α-actinin at the Z disks. Electron microscopy showed disrupted and mal-aligned Z disks in the mutant mice. Cardiac calcineurin activity, determined by quantifying Rcan1.4 mRNA and protein levels, luciferase activity in triple transgenic Myoz2+/−:NFATc-Luc:MYOZ2I246M and Myoz2+/−:NFATc-Luc:MYOZ2WT mice, and NFATc transcriptional activity assay, was unchanged in the mutant transgenic mice. However, levels of phospho-ERK1/2 and JNK54/46 were altered in the transgenic mice. Likewise, lentiviral-mediated expression of the MYOZ2I246M did not affect RCAN1.4 and calcineurin (PPP3CB) protein levels. Conclusions Thus, the cardiac phenotype in HCM caused by MYOZ2 mutations might be independent of calcineurin activity in the heart. Z disk abnormalities might provide the stimulus for the induction of cardiac hypertrophy caused by MYOZ2 mutations.
SELECTIVITY, MARKET TIMING, AND RANDOM BETA BEHAVIOR OF MUTUAL FUNDS: A GENERALIZED MODEL

This paper presents a generalized varying parameter model to investigate the performance of mutual funds. The model allows beta nonstationarity to include both market timing and random beta behavior; therefore, it can be regarded as a general case of previous research. Forty-three funds with a wide range of objectives are examined. The generalized varying parameter results indicate that about 30 percent of the funds show selectivity, 19 percent have random betas, and 14 percent indicate significant, yet negative, market timing performance. Therefore, mutual funds, as a group, show no market timing ability. The apparent ability to select undervalued securities, however, seems to conflict with the efficient markets hypothesis.
Semiparametric group testing regression models

Group testing, through the use of pooling, has proven to be an efficient method of reducing the time and cost associated with screening for a binary characteristic of interest, such as infection status. A topic of key interest in the statistical literature involves the development of regression models that relate individual-level covariates to testing responses observed from pooled specimens. In this article, we propose a general semiparametric framework that allows for the inclusion of multi-dimensional covariates, decoding information, and imperfect testing. The asymptotic properties of our estimators are presented and guidance on finite sample implementation is provided. We illustrate the performance of our methods through simulation and by applying them to chlamydia and gonorrhea data collected by the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory as a part of the Infertility Prevention Project.
Repeated dosing of nebulised 5% saline improves respiratory scores in inpatients with mild to moderate bronchiolitis at 48 h

Commentary on: K Al-Ansari, M Sakran, BL Davidson, et al.. Nebulized 5% or 3% hypertonic or 0.9% saline for treating acute bronchiolitis in infants.J Pediatr2010;157:630–4, 634.e1.
Radiation Therapy for Orbital Metastases

Metastatic disease to the soft tissue and bony components of the orbit is thought by most to be less common than metastasis to the globe itself. However, this observation may reflect different patterns of referral and patient care; those patients with orbital metastasis are seen by ophthalmologists less frequently than those patients with intraocular disease. Ferry’s pathology review (1973) of 213 cases of carcinoma metastatic to the eye and orbit indicated orbital involvement in only 12%. Yet in Albert et al.’s 1967 report on generalized carcinoma, and in Glassburn et al.’s 1984 report on the results of radiation therapy for metastatic disease to the eye and orbit, metastasis to the globe exceeded metastasis to the orbit by only a few percentage points.
Asynchronous optimal mixed P2P satellite refueling strategies

In this paper, we study pure peer-to-peer (henceforth abbreviated as P2P) and mixed (combined single-spacecraft and P2P) satellite refueling in circular orbit constellations comprised of multiple satellites. We consider the optimization of two conflicting objectives in the refueling problem and show that the cost function we choose to determine the optimal refueling schedule reflects a reasonable compromise between these two conflicting objectives. In addition, we show that equal time distribution between the forward and return flights for each pair of P2P maneuvers does not necessarily lead to the optimum cost. Based on this idea, we propose a strategy for reducing the cost of P2P maneuvers. This strategy is applied to pure P2P refueling scenarios as well as to mixed refueling scenarios. Furthermore, for the case of a mixed scenario, we propose an asynchronous P2P strategy that also leads to more efficient refueling.
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: Current therapy and future developments

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis affects between 2 and 4 million people in the United States alone and likely has a higher prevalence than previously thought. Renal artery stenosis has been increasingly recognized in recent years, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease. It has been associated with hypertension, renal dysfunction, and sudden onset of pulmonary edema. Patients with symptomatic and hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis are candidates for revascularization. Revascularization is most often accomplished by renal artery stenting, which has high success rates in terms of patency and low complication rates. An important element in managing patients with renal artery stenosis is selecting those patients who are most likely going to benefit from revascularization. This review article focuses on the clinical diagnosis, current treatment options, and future directions regarding treatment of patients with renal artery stenosis.