cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of maternal-fetal movement on concentration of cells obtained at genetic amniocentesis

The number of viable amniotic fluid cells in the aliquot obtained at amniocentesis is an important determinant of the success of subsequent cell culture. However, cell concentration and viability are highly variable, even in samples of equivalent gestational age. We studied the effect of prescribed maternal position change or spontaneous fetal movement on the concentration, viability, and subsequent harvest time of amniotic fluid cells removed at genetic amniocentesis. Samples from 108 patients at 15 to 22 weeks' gestation were evaluated. We did not find a relationship between this type of maternal or fetal movement and the retrieval of amniotic fluid cells.
Novel molecular therapy.

Summary Anti-inflammatory treatment, mainly with inhaled corticosteroids, is the cornerstone of asthma therapy. There are a number of new more specific therapies based on a molecular approach. Despite some promising results from some novel molecular therapies there are also some studies which have shown no effect of these treatments.
Analysis of recurrence, complications, and functional results with free jejunal flaps

The medical records of 20 patients undergoing revascularized jejunal flap reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the incidence of distal marginal recurrence, complication rates, and success of early functional restoration. This report is one of few in the literature to address distal marginal recurrence in patients undergoing jejunal free flap reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects. In 15 evaluable patients, two (13%) developed distal marginal recurrences. Both patients had tumor involving the hypopharynx at the junction of the cervical esophagus. The major complication rate was five of 20 patients (25%) and included three flap failures, one death, and one intra-abdominal hemorrhage. The minor complication rate was 35%. The median hospital stay was 15.5 days and the median time to successful swallowing was 14.5 days. The functional success rate for swallowing was 58%. Because of the aggressive nature of this disease, we feel partial esophagectomy with jejunal flap reconstruction is warranted to achieve early functional restoration in a select group of patients when a 2-cm distal margin can be obtained above the cervical esophagus with frozen-section control, and the distal esophagus is normal. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Convective Structure of Hurricanes as Revealed by Lightning Locations

Cloud-to-ground lightning flash locations were examined for nine Atlantic basin hurricanes using data from the National Lightning Detection Network. A common radial distribution in ground flash density was evident: a weak maximum in the eyewall region, a clear minimum 80‐100 km outside the eyewall, and a strong maximum in the vicinity of outer rainbands (210‐290-km radius). These results are consistent with the authors’ previous study of Hurricane Andrew. None of the storms showed this characteristic radial structure during prehurricane stages. The results support the division of precipitation in the hurricane into three distinct regimes. The eyewall is a unique phenomenon but shares some attributes with deep, weakly electrified oceanic monsoonal convection. The region outside the eyewall and under the central dense overcast has characteristics of the trailing stratiform region of mesoscale convective systems, including a relatively high fraction of positive polarity flashes. The outer bands, with mean maximum flash density at the 250-km radius, contain the vast majority of ground flashes in the storms. Eyewall lightning, defined as that within 40 km of the center, was examined for four moderate-to-strong hurricanes. Such lightning occurred episodically during hurricane stage, with 93% of hourly intervals containing no detected flashes. Eyewall lightning outbreaks over water always occurred at the beginning of or during times of intensification, but often were indicative of the imminent end of deepening. It is proposed that the existence of such inner core lightning might reveal the presence of an eyewall cycle. For the one storm with available aircraft reconnaissance data, eyewall cycles were reliably identified by the occurrence of inner core lightning, and inner core lightning appeared only during such cycles. Suggestions are made as to how eyewall flashes in existing hurricanes might be used to help predict hurricane intensity change.
MYOCARDIAL FIBER SIZE AND CAPILLARY-FIBER RATIO IN THE RIGHT AND LEFT VENTRICLES OF THE RAT.

Histological techniques were used to obtain fiber counts, capillary counts, fiber diameters, and capillary-fiber ratios in the adult rat heart. Based on measurements of 3,600 fibers in six rats, the means and standard deviations of the fiber diameters for the left and right ventricles were 11.8 ± 4.8 and 11.5 ± 4.3 μ respectively. The corresponding capillary-fiber ratios were 0.92 ± 0.23 and 0.90 ± 0.33. The differences between the right and left ventricles were not statistically significant. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the reproducibility of the results. The frequency distribution of the fiber diameters was found to be unimodal in both right and left ventricles suggesting that only one group of fiber sizes is involved. It was found that fiber counts could be used as an indication of fiber size under ordinary conditions provided that the total number of fibers counted is over 200.
Central & Peripheral Nervous System: Overview D1 selective and mixed D1/D2 dopaminergic compounds: Structural diversity and recent advances

CNS disorders like schizophrenia are postulated to arise from an impairment of one or more neurotransmitter or neuromodulatory regulatory mechanisms. Symptomology is partially ameliorated by current therapies, sometimes exhibiting enhanced antipsychotic potential or reduced side-effect profile (i.e., clozapine), a variety of hypotheses have arisen as to necessary and sufficient receptor affinities responsible for atypical activity. This review emphasises compound classes that have potent Di dopaminergic receptor affinity, either in selective form or combined with varying levels of D2 receptor affinity. Structural diversity within this set of compounds provides insight into the similarities and differences between these two categories of dopaminergic receptors.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults

Abstract Background: Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a relatively common form of autoimmune diabetes mellitus (DM) that is diagnosed based on the presence of DM-associated autoantibodies in patients who present with clinical features of type 2 DM. Objective: The goal of this article was to review the available data regarding LADA versus type 1 and type 2 DM, and the role of insulin in treating these diseases. Methods: Major English-language articles published since 1984 on autoimmune DM, including LADA and type 1.5 DM, were identified through a MEDLINE search on the topic. Results: The precise definition of LADA varies among investigators, but in addition to the presence of autoimmune markers, common elements of the definition have included disease onset in adulthood and the lack of an insulin requirement at diagnosis. The relevance of identifying LADA patients is primarily based on studies demonstrating a more aggressive clinical course in autoantibody-positive compared with autoantibody-negative individuals, with loss of β-cell function and progression to insulin dependence in most LADA patients soon after diagnosis. The commonalities between LADA and type 1 DM are not surprising, as these disease processes share similar immunogenetic features, which distinguish this population from patients with type 2 DM and from the general population. The LADA and type 2 DM populations can also be distinguished from each other based on clinical features. However, clinical features are not able to distinguish LADA from type 2 DM patients on an individual basis due to a large degree of overlap between the 2 groups. Therefore, the use of immunogenetic markers, in particular the measurement of autoantibodies, remains the gold standard for identifying these patients. The question remains as to whether identification of these patients is clinically relevant to their management. The early use of insulin resulted in β-cell preservation in several pilot studies; however, a much larger study found no beneficial effect of insulin on the prevention of type 1 DM onset in at-risk relatives. Conclusions: Screening recommendations await larger studies that will help elucidate the disease course of LADA, highlight the differences between LADA and type 1 or type 2 DM, and provide more information about the effects of intervention studies on this population.
Systematic revision of the genus Psithyristria Stål (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) with seven new species and a molecular phylogeny of the genus and higher taxa

The cicada genus Psithyristria Stal (Hemiptera: Cicadidae), endemic to Luzon, the Philippines, is reviewed, and its higher taxonomic affiliations are determined using morphology and molecular phylogenetics. Seven new Psithyristria species, P. grandis, sp.n., P. albiterminalis, sp.n., P. incredibilis, sp.n., P. paraspecularis, sp.n., P. peculiaris, sp.n., P. moderabilis, sp.n. and P. genesis, sp.n., are described. A key to the 12 known species is provided. The molecular phylogenetic analyses of Psithyristria and putatively related taxa showed some unexpected generic relationships, leading to changes in higher taxonomic placement for a number of Asian cicada genera. Psithyristria falls within the tribe Cicadini Latreille, 1802, and the tribe Psithyristriini Distant, 1905 syn.n. is therefore synonymized with Cicadini. The subtribe Psithyristriina Distant, 1905 stat.n. is recognized within Cicadini and defined for the genera Psithyristria, transferred from Psithyristriini, and Basa Distant, Pomponia Stal and Semia Matsumura, transferred from Cicadina, synonymizing Pomponiina Kato, 1932syn.n. with Psithyristriina. The Cicadini subtribe Leptopsaltriina Moulton, 1923 is redefined to include the genera Terpnosia Distant, Euterpnosia Matsumura, Leptosemia Matsumura, Neocicada Kato, Puranoides Moulton, Leptopsaltria Stal, Tanna Distant, Purana Distant, Formosemia Matsumura, Maua Distant, Nabalua Moulton, Taiwanosemia Matsumura, Gudaba Distant and Calcagninus Distant, synonymizing Terpnosiina Kato, 1932syn.n. The tribe Cicadatrini Distant, 1905 is recognized and redefined to include the genera Cicadatra Kolenati, Psalmocharias Kirkaldy, Mogannia Amyot & Audinet-Serville, Nipponosemia Kato and Emathia Stal, synonymizing Moganniini Distant, 1905 syn.n. The nine Psithyristria species included in the molecular analyses have an uncorrected mitochondrial genetic distance of 2–9%, and most species appear to be related through a single radiation event that occurred approximately 5–10 Ma. No phylogenetic structure was found in two unusually divergent characters, the forewing venation and the shape of the uncal lobes. Psithyristria is found in the northern Luzon mountains and is closely related to Semia of Taiwan and eastern China, Pomponia of east Asia and the Indonesian/Malaysian islands, and probably most closely to Basa of India. Psithyristria may be a cicadid example of a small number of Philippine organisms that trace their ancestry directly back to the temperate Asian mainland, rather than through the island chains to the south of the country.
The perfect construction and complexity drift in Sri Lankan Malay

Abstract The verb morphosyntax of Sri Lankan Malay (SLM) differs strikingly from that found in other Malay varieties in that it has developed bound functional morphology as well as contrasts that are not present in related Indonesian varieties. Various types of functional prefixes and suffixes are now associated with the SLM verb which were not previously associated with Malay verbs, including tense and (non-)finiteness markers. The periphrastic perfect construction (1) is discussed and analyzed as biclausal, based on evidence from negation. (1) Farida nasi a(bI)s-makan (tr)-aɖa. Farida rice ASP-eat (NEG)-EXIST “Farida has eaten rice.” The auxiliary aɖa can be negated, interrupting the adjacency of the verb and the auxiliary. Negation ordinarily precedes the lexical verb in the SLM verbal complex. The fact that a morphologically finite negation element is prefixed to the auxiliary in (1) supports a biclausal analysis of this construction. The construction does not add a semantic contrast, but compensates for the reanalysis of the free-standing perfect marker su as a bound tense affix. Some younger speakers are not using past or completive prefixation, and are reinterpreting aɖa (as - ɖa ) as a suffix on the main verb, demonstrating that morphological simplicity or complexity in radical contact languages does not increase monodirectionally.
Three-dimensional image reconstruction for preplanning of renal surgery

aGlickman Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/A100, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA b Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/Hb6, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA c Department of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western University, 10900 Euclid Avenue. Cleveland, OH 44106-4920, USA The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma has improved owing to an increased sensitivity in detecting smaller tumors at an earlier stage that are amenable to local excision. Consequently, the indications for nephron-sparing surgery have expanded with the detection of such lesions, which are often asymptomatic. Helical CT and three-dimensional volume rendering can be combined into a single noninvasive test to delineate renal tumors and normal and complex renal anatomy before nephron-sparing surgery. The authors' experience suggests that three-dimensional spiral CT can assist in the planning of nephron-sparing surgery by helping to determine the resectability of the mass and by depicting its relationship to the renal vasculature and collecting system.
Unique biochemical properties of a mutant MHC class I molecule, H-2Ksml

This study describes serological and biochemical properties of a novel MHC class I molecule. The mutant H-2Ksm1 molecule was discovered in a mouse because of loss of reactivity of its peripheral blood lymphocytes to monoclonal antibodies. This mutation in the H-2Ks molecule is the first in vivo mutation described that has altered an amino acid residue (amino acid 107) distant from the regions generally considered to be peptide or TCR contacts. Cell surface expression of the mutant molecules remains high but the Arg107 to Trp substitution appears to alter the native protein conformation, markedly decreasing cell surface association with beta 2-microglobulin light chains and conferring a loss of recognition by Ks specific antibodies.
Vocational Anticipatory Socialization (VAS): A Communicative Model of Adolescents’ Interests in STEM:

Models of career development have focused on important vocational influences such as self-efficacy, exposure, and gender prescriptions but have glossed over the role of communication in socializing adolescents toward or from various careers. We investigate academic interests in math and science and related career aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Drawing on data from 38 focus groups (241 students), the proposed Vocational Anticipatory Socialization (VAS) model of STEM depicts factors that influence adolescent academic-career interests including communication associated with gender prescriptions; cultural membership/socioeconomic status; experiences; personal factors (self-efficacy, exposure, resilience); and importantly, the sources and significance of VAS messages for the development of academic-career pursuits.
Different thermoregulatory strategies in nearly weaned pup, yearling, and adult Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli).

Abstract Mammals balance heat dissipation with heat production to maintain core body temperatures independent of their environment. Thermal balance is undoubtedly most challenging for mammals born in polar regions because small body size theoretically results in high surface‐area‐to‐volume ratios (SA:V), which facilitate heat loss (HL). Thus, we examined the ontogeny of thermoregulatory characteristics of an ice‐breeding seal (Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddelli). Morphology, blubber thickness, rectal temperature (Tr), muscle temperature (Tm), and skin temperatures on the trunk (Ts) and flipper (Tf) in 3–5‐wk‐old pups, yearlings, and adults were measured. Adults maintained the thickest blubber layers, while yearlings had the thinnest; Tr and Tm fell within a narrow range, yet Tr and Tm decreased significantly with body length. All seals maintained skin temperatures lower than Tr, our index of core body temperature. The Ts's were positively correlated with environmental temperatures; conversely, Tf's were ...
LPE growth of ferroelectric tungsten bronze Sr2KNb5O15 thin films

Abstract Ferroelectric tungsten bronze Sr 2 KNb 5 O 15 (SKN) thin films have been grown by liquid phase epitaxy on (100), (110) and (001) orientations of tungsten bronze Sr 0.6 Ba 0.4 Nb 2 O 6 (SBN:60) substrates using vanadium-containing solvents. Single-crystal film growths of up to 25 μm thickness were achieved with very good film quality in all growth directions, due in part to the excellent lattice match with SBN:60. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) measurements show electro-mechanical coupling of up to 130 × 10 −4 , comparable to values measured in other tungsten bronze ferroelectrics. The high dielectric constants available in these films also indicate potentially very large linear electro-optic effects which are roughly an order of magnitude greater than for LiNbO 3 .
Presidential Address: Building Evaluation’s Collective Capacity

Abstract Building collective capacity can improve the quality of evaluators’ work, as well as their quality of life. Strengthening collective capacity will help evaluation to influence the policy and program worlds, which continue to misunderstand, misuse, and sometimes fear evaluation. Building this capacity means strengthening the relationships among evaluators themselves, for mutual support, information, collaboration, and sharing. Some barriers to strengthening these relationships include a tendency to operate in a lonely and independent context; an implicit denigration of skills for dealing with people and organizations; and the absence of a forum for discussing these issues. Evaluators can improve their collective capacity in at least three ways: 1) improved membership services from evaluation associations to reduce the vulnerability of individual evaluators to negative reactions to their work; 2) educating evaluation clients more broadly and proactively about what is required for a high quality and useful evaluation; and 3) mechanisms to support and strengthen the evaluation community. For AEA, the local affiliates are key to these improvements.
Relation of Luteinizing Hormone Levels to Body Mass Index in Premenopausal Women 1

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and basal LH and the LH-FSH ratio in normally menstruating women. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: A teaching hospital clinic. Patient(s): Premenopausal women without cancer, not currently using oral contraceptives, selected from a familial ovarian cancer clinic or the general population. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Early follicular phase plasma LH and FSH. Result(s): Luteinizing hormone increased slightly and nonsignificantly ( P = 0.44) from the first to the second quintile of BMI and decreased over all subsequent quintiles. Women in the highest quintile of BMI (>27.1) had significantly lower LH levels than women in the lowest quintile of BMI (≤20.4; P = 0.003). Compared with women in the second quintile of BMI who had the highest LH levels, women in the highest quintile of BMI had LH levels that were 40% lower. The relationship between BMI and the LH-FSH ratio was similar, though not as strong. Conclusion(s): Over most of the range of BMIs observed in this study, BMI was inversely associated with LH. These results suggest that the upper limits of normal for LH may need to be shifted downward for heavier women.
Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of the structure and dynamics of allylic magnesium compounds

Abstract The infrared spectra of allyl- and methallyl-d 2 -magnesium bromides have two double bond streching bONds, corresponding to C  CH 2 and C  CD 2 groups in equilibrating allylic isomers. The methylene resonances in the 13 C NMR spectra of allylmagnesium bromide and chloride and methallylmagnesium bromide are broadened at low temperatures by an exchange process which appears to be the interconversion between the classical unsymmetrical allytic structures. Analogous changes are seen in the spectrum of 1,3-dimethylallylmagnesium chloride and in the proton NMR spectrum of allylmagnesium bromide. Rate constants and activation parameters for the exchange have been determined from the line broadenings. Unlike the Grignard reagent, the methylene resonances of diallylmagnesium in tetrahydrofuran are not significantly broadened at reduced temperature, and the deuterated reagent does not have two distinct double bond stretching bands in the IR spectrum.
Commutation by Armature Induced Voltage in Self-Controlled Synchronous Machines

A self-controlled synchronous machine drive system consists of a frequency converter, a control loop utilizing ashaft angle sensor as the primary control input, and a conventional synchronous machine. The static and dynamic characteristics of the system are similar to those of a dc machine.
An iron(III)trichloride adduct of N-isopropylsalicylaldimine: preparation, X-ray structure and NMR spectroscopic characterization

Abstract The reaction of anhydrous iron(III)trichloride and N-isopropylsalicylaldimine (LiprH) in benzene yields the adduct Fe(LiprH)Cl3. The X-ray crystal structure of the compound shows a mononuclear tetrahedral iron(III) center with only the oxygen atom of the potentially bidentate Schiff base ligand coordinated to iron(III)trichloride. The imine nitrogen of the coordinated ligand is protonated and non-coordinating with LiprH binding to iron in its phenolate-iminium (zwitterion) form with a { Fe  O- - -H  N  C } intraligand hydrogen bond. The solid-state infrared spectrum of Fe(LiprH)Cl3 exhibits an increase in the energy of the CN stretch from 1631 cm −1 in the free ligand to 1649 cm −1 consistent with the protonation of the imine upon coordination. The solution 1H NMR spectrum of Fe(LiprH)Cl3 and the solution 2H NMR spectrum of its deuterated derivative Fe(LiprD)Cl3 also support this coordination mode displaying isotropically shifted iminium C  1 H and N2H resonances at 21.8 and −43.7 ppm, respectively. A well-resolved solid-state 15N magic angle spinning NMR resonance with a centerband at 970 ppm can be observed at 25 °C with the 15N enriched derivative of Fe(LiprH)Cl3.
IT IS EASY TO MAKE JUDGMENTS IF IT'S NOT FAMILIAR: THE USE OF SIMULATION KITS TO DEVELOP SELF-AWARENESS AND REDUCE AGEISM

This study evaluated 99 baccalaureate social work students' reactions to simulation kits that replicated visual impairments common with the aging process. Through qualitative research methods, students' preconceived notions and reported incidents of ageism were assessed in light of their reactions to increased understanding of visual changes. The outcome was greater self-awareness and critical reflection of ageism and discrimination. Students reported enhanced awareness of personal, social, and professional implications. This research supports previous data which suggest that increased exposure to activities that simulate the disabilities and experiences of oppression in older adults provide an opportunity to reduce ageism.
Farmer Response to Foodgrain Controls in Developing Countries

I. Introduction, 697. — II. To cheat or not to cheat, 698. — III. The inhibited supply curve, 701. — IV. Conclusion, 702.
Perception of electrical and mechanical stimulation of the skin: implications for electrotactile feedback

Spinal cord injury is often accompanied by impaired tactile and proprioceptive sensations. Normally, somatosensensory information derived from such sensations is important in the formation of voluntary motor commands. Therefore, as a preliminary step toward the development of an electrotactile feedback system to restore somatosensation, psychophysical methods were used to characterize perceptual attributes associated with electrical stimulation of the skin on the back of the neck in human subjects. These data were compared to mechanical stimulation of the skin on the back of neck and on the distal pad of the index finger. Spatial acuity of the neck, evaluated using two-point thresholds, was not significantly different for electrical (37 +/- 14 mm) or mechanical stimulation (39 +/- 10 mm). The exponent (beta) of the best fitting power function relating perceived intensity to applied stimulus strength was used to characterize perceptual sensitivity to mechanical and electrical stimuli. For electrical stimuli, both current amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated trains of pulses were tested. Perceptual sensitivity was significantly greater for current amplitude modulation (beta = 1.14 +/- 0.37) compared to frequency modulation (beta = 0.57 +/- 0.24) and mechanical stimulation (0.51 +/- 0.12). Finally, based on the data gathered here, we derive a transfer function that could be used in the future to convert mechanical stimuli detected with artificial sensors placed on the fingers into electrotactile signals that evoke perceptions similar to those arising from normal mechanical stimulation of the skin.
Querying by color regions using VisualSEEk content-based visual query system

VisualSEEk is a highly functional image database manipulation system that provides advanced user tools for searching, browsing and retrieving images. VisualSEEk is distinct from other content-based image query systems in that the user may query for images using both the visual properties of regions and their spatial layout. Furthermore, the image analysis for region extraction is fully automated. VisualSEEk uses a novel system for region extraction and representation based upon color sets. Through a process of color set back-projection, the system automatically extracts salient color regions from images. This paper describes the implementation of the color query system and examines its role for content-based visual query in image and video databases. The next phases of the VisualSEEk implementation will provide additional tools for querying by texture, shape, embedded text and motion features.
Challenges of Internationally Educated Teachers in the U.S. Public School System

A phenomenological research study was conducted to discover some of the challenges that internationally educated teachers face in the U.S. public school system. Interviews, in conjunction withbridling journal entries, were conducted with three internationally educated teachers who had experience teaching in the U.S. public school system, and whole-part-whole analysis was used to examine the interview scripts in the context of culture and language. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Bakhtin’s authoritative discourses and his theory of language. The findings of this study revealed three broad challenges: hardships in classroom discipline due to cultural differences, conflicts with parents due to the lack of understanding of the U.S. mainstream culture, and language barriers. In addition, the implications for internationally educated teachers in the U.S. schools were discussed. Among the discussions, the implications for schools highlighted the need for a mutually respectful mentoring for the internationally educated teachers.
Differences in Response to Serotonergic Activation between First and Higher Order Thalamic Nuclei

Two types of thalamic nuclei have been recognized: first order, which relay information from subcortical sources, and higher order, which may relay information from one cortical area to another. We have recently shown that muscarinic agonists depolarize all first order and most higher order relay cells but hyperpolarize a significant proportion of higher order relay cells. We now extend this result to serotonergic agonists, using rat thalamic brain slices and whole-cell, current- and voltage-clamp recordings from relay cells in various first order (the lateral geniculate nucleus, the ventral posterior nucleus, and the ventral portion of the medial geniculate body) and higher order nuclei (the lateral posterior, the posterior medial nucleus, and the dorsal portion of the medial geniculate body). Similar to the effects of muscarinic agonists, we found that first and most higher order relay cells were depolarized by serotonergic agonists, but 15% of higher order relay cells responded with hyperpolarization. Thus different subsets of higher order relay cells are hyperpolarized by these modulatory systems, which could have implications for the transfer of information between cortical areas.
A Lower Bound on Proximity Preservation by Space Filling Curves

A space filling curve (SFC) is a proximity preserving mapping from a high dimensional space to a single dimensional space. SFCs have been used extensively in dealing with multi-dimensional data in parallel computing, scientific computing, and databases. The general goal of an SFC is that points that are close to each other in high-dimensional space are also close to each other in the single dimensional space. While SFCs have been used widely, the extent to which proximity can be preserved by an SFC is not precisely understood yet. We consider natural metrics, including the ``nearest-neighbor stretch'' of an SFC, which measure the extent to which an SFC preserves proximity. We first show a powerful negative result, that there is an inherent lower bound on the stretch of any SFC. We then show that the stretch of the commonly used Z curve is within a factor of 1.5 from the optimal, irrespective of the number of dimensions. Further we show that a very simple SFC also achieves the same stretch as the Z curve. Our results apply to SFCs in any dimension d such that d is a constant.
Modeling, implementation and analysis of a Li-ion battery powered electric truck

This paper presents the modeling, simulation and hardware implementation of a Li-ion battery powered electric truck. Theoretical calculations and model based simulations were carried out for sizing the components and to develop a supervisory control algorithm. A circuit based model has been developed for the Li-ion batteries for its use with the simulation model. The paper presents Power Save feature to limit the vehicle power demand in response to a driver request to increase the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) range of the electric vehicle (EV). The experimental results from the electric truck drivetrain are presented in this paper.
Prescribed Fire and the Abundance of Soil Microarthropods in Northeast Georgia

Abstract We examined the effects of prescribed fire on the abundance of soil microarthropods in a southeastern pine-hardwood forest in northeast Georgia. Using soil cores, the soil microarthropod groups Prostigmata, Oribatida, and Collembola were examined before and after a low-intensity prescribed fire intended for fuels reduction and wildlife habitat improvement. A post-burn evaluation found 100% duff layer coverage and 80% of the understory vegetation consumed. Prostigmata numbers were significantly reduced four months after the burn, with numbers returning to pre-burn levels more than one year later. Although Oribatida and Collembola fluctuated from year to year, we found no significant effects from the burn on those taxa. These results suggest that low-intensity prescribed burning has no lasting negative effects on soil microarthropod populations. The results from this study add to the evidence suggesting the adaptability of southeastern forests to low-intensity prescribed fire.
Naked Power: The Practice of Stripping as a Confidence Game

The stripper-customer interaction is a complicated manipulation of emotional labour and symbolic communication. Using a series of carefully constructed interactions resembling a confidence game, strippers create and maintain control over their customers. This article uses findings from a participant-observation study performed in Hawaii and explores the motivation, social roles, and consequences involved in the striptease act. In an attempt to acquire a monetary reward, strippers: (1) forge feelings of intimacy and emotional connectedness; and/or (2) fulfill customer fantasies by assuming the sex- object role. This article concludes: (1) strippers have power in their individual interactions with customers; (2) this power does not translate into gender relations in mainstream society; and (3) the emotionally and sexually manipulative act of stripping has outcomes of psychological and social estrangement, stigmatization and potential victimization for the dancers.
The Information Content of Royalty Income

The rise of intangible assets in size and contribution to corporate growth over the past quarter century was accompanied by a steep increase in the rate and scope of patenting. Consequently, many patent‐rich companies, particularly in the science‐based and high‐tech industries, are extensively engaged in the licensing and sale of patents. We examine various valuation and disclosure aspects of the outcome of patent licensing—royalty income. Our findings indicate the following: (1) royalty income is highly relevant to securities valuation, (2) the intensity of royalty income provides investors with an important signal about the quality and prospects of firms' R&D expenditures, and (3) a substantial number of companies engaged in patent licensing do not disclose royalty income in financial reports.
Is net stock issuance relevant to capital formation? Comparing heterodox models of firm-level capital expenditures across the advanced and largest developing economies

Smith, Ricardo, Marx and Keynes never claimed that stock markets were critical funding conduits for a firm’s capital expenditures. While Adam Smith had a rather poor opinion of the joint-stock form of business organisation, classical economists generally saw accumulated profits as the primary source of funding for capital investment. Keynes famously remarked in the General Theory that the ‘capital investment needs of a nation’ would likely be ‘ill served’ by stock markets. Prior empirical studies of financialisation found a deleterious impact from stock buybacks on capital investment; however, they did not match buybacks against new stock issuances. Using an unbalanced panel of firms located in China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Japan and the USA from 1998 to 2008, classical, post-Keynesian and financialisation models of firm-level investment were specified and estimated across the seven economies as well as individual countries. Net stock issuance is found to have a positive impact on real investment when estimated across all models and observations. Between the classical and post-Keynesian models, profitability, internal and external finance, macroeconomic demand as well as net stock issuance were positively related to capital expenditures; capital intensity in the classical model exhibited a negative association across all countries. For the financialisation model, interest and dividend payments were inversely associated with capital expenditures but not consistently so for individual countries. Macroeconomic growth had a consistently positive impact for most advanced economies, affirming the critical role played by aggregate demand in heterodox theories of business investment.
Submillimeter receivers for radio astronomy

The state of development of receivers for submillimeter-wave radio astronomy is reviewed. Bolometers for continuum observation, hot-electron mixer receivers for narrowband spectral line observation, and heterodyne receivers, both Schottky diode and superconducting tunnel junction, are presented. At the lower frequency end of the submillimeter band, standard waveguide techniques, scaled from millimeter wavelengths, prevail. At wavelengths shorter than about 0.5 mm, quasioptical designs are preferred. In the case of Schottky diode receivers, corner cube designs are used almost exclusively, whereas integrated mixer designs are the focal point of research for superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) receivers at these wavelengths. Although such designs are extensively reviewed, it is nevertheless the Schottky diode mixer remains the element of choice at the shortest submillimeter wavelengths. >
Applying critical social theory in nursing education to bridge the gap between theory, research and practice

The congruency between theory, research and practice is essential for nursing's professional development. This paper briefly examines the historical development of theory, research and practice and discusses the gap between the triad. Critical social theory is discussed as an alternative in nursing education to bridging this gap. Through critical enquiry, it is believed that many of the constraints to providing holistic care can be uncovered in order for the essence of nursing to be actualized. It is also through critical theory that students can become ethical, moral, responsible and accountable individuals in society.
Intensity of Precision Agriculture Technology Adoption by Cotton Producers

Many studies on the adoption of precision technologies have generally used logit models to explain the adoption behavior of individuals. This study investigates factors affecting the intensity of precision agriculture technologies adopted by cotton farmers. Particular attention is given to the role of spatial yield variability on the number of precision farming technologies adopted, using a count data estimation procedure and farm-level data. Results indicate that farmers with more within-field yield variability adopted a higher number of precision agriculture technologies. Younger and better educated producers and the number of precision agriculture technologies used were significantly correlated. Finally, farmers using computers for management decisions also adopted a higher number of precision agriculture technologies.
Accessibility-Based Resource Selection in Loosely-Coupled Distributed Systems

Large-scale distributed systems provide an attractive scalable infrastructure for network applications. However,the loosely-coupled nature of this environment can make data access unpredictable, and in the limit, unavailable. We introduce the notion of accessibility to capture both availability and performance. An increasing number of data intensive applications require not only considerations of node computation power but also accessibility for adequate job allocations. For instance, selecting a node with intolerably slow connections can offset any benefit to running on a fast node. In this paper, we present accessibility-aware resource selection techniques by which it is possible to choose nodes that will have efficient data access to remote data sources. We show that the local data access observations collected from a node's neighbors are sufficient to characterize accessibility for that node. We then present resource selection heuristics guided by this principle, and show that they significantly out perform standard techniques. The suggested techniques are also shown to be stable even under churn despite the loss of prior observations.
Market Values of Fiber Properties in Southeastern Textile Mills

Effects of fiber properties (length, length uniformity, strength, micronaire, white, yellow, and trash content) on U.S. mill prices of cotton were estimated. USDA data on fiber properties and mill prices on cottons from four production regions in the U.S. were used in the statistical analysis. All fiber properties were found to significantly affect mill prices; the fiber properties having the greatest influence were fiber strength, length, and micronaire, followed by length uniformity, yellowness, whiteness, and trash content. These properties explained 18% of the total variation in mill prices between 1977/78 and 1983/84.
A Study Of Corporate Venturing And Sustainability Of First Mover Advantages During Technological Disruption In The U.S. Mobile Wireless Data Industry

This study tests the impact of corporate venturing (CV) forms on the sustainability of pioneering advantage. Using the Miles and Covin 2002 classification of CV forms, this study shows that performance of early entrants is twice as much higher than performance of lagers. However, the effect of parent support prior to entry is substantially larger than the pioneering effect. Companies entering a market via direct external CV perform twenty five to fifteen times better than companies entering via direct internal CV. Hence, the sustainability of first mover advantage is challenged in the face of new entrants with superior resources.
Making the Nuss repair safer: Use of a vacuum bell device

From the Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Mo. Disclosures: Author has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Aug 23, 2015; accepted for publication Aug 24, 2015; available ahead of print Sept 19, 2015. Address for reprints: Varun Puri, MD, MSCI, Washington University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Campus Box 8234, 660 S Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 (E-mail: puriv@wudosis.wustl.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2015;150:1374-5 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2015 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2015.08.086
ADP-ribosyl cyclase and CD38: Multi-functional enzymes in Ca+2 signaling

Mobilization of internal Ca+2 is an important signaling mechanism in cells. In addition to the inositol trisphosphate pathway, cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAADP) have been shown to mobilize Ca+2 via independent mechanisms. Although the structures of cADPR and NAADP are totally distinct, both nucleotides can be synthesized by ADP-ribosyl cyclase or CD38, a lymphocyte antigen. Both enzymes cyclize NAD to cADPR. In the presence of nicotinic acid the two enzymes catalyze a base exchange reaction resulting in the synthesis of NAADP from NADP. The switch between these two modes of catalysis is regulated by pH. Furthermore, both enzymes can also cyclize nicotinamide guanine dinucleotide (NGD) to produce a fluorescent product, cyclic GDP-ribose (cGDPR), which has a site of cyclization different from cADPR. A model is proposed to account for the multi-functionality of these enzymes. In order to be able to verify the model, a soluble ADP-ribosyl cyclase has been crystallized and X-ray diffraction shows that it is a dimer. Solution of the crystal structure of the cyclase should provide valuable insight into the structural features necessary for its multiple catalytic functions.
Editorial—The Exploration-Exploitation Tradeoff and Efficiency in Knowledge Production

Marketing Science is in a very healthy state as the premier journal for quantitative research in marketing. Since its inception, it has led the way in bringing novel and innovative methodologies and expanding into new substantive areas of inquiry. The journal is now at the cusp of its next stage of creativity and innovation. I outline new research possibilities due to big data, behavioral field studies, and managerial interest in substantive areas such as health, sustainability, emerging markets, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As quantitative marketing’s leading journal, Marketing Science should aid the field in the efficient production of in-depth, valid, current, and relevant knowledge across the breadth of the discipline. To this end, I will actively manage incentives for exploitation and deepening of existing competencies in established areas while supporting exploration and broadening into newer, riskier topics at Marketing Science. To increase the field’s overall efficiency of knowledge productio...
Profiles of Management Competencies Identified by Successful Dairy Managers

Abstract The goals of this research were to identify profiles of occupational competencies that were used by successful dairy managers in middle-and senior-level positions and to conduct an analysis of development needs among managers in one group of farms. Focus groups of successful middle and senior managers were held using the DACUM (Developing A CUrriculuM) method to identify competency profiles. Unique senior manager general competency areas included crop management; land management; strategic planning; purchasing, sales, and marketing; and financial planning. Unique middle manager competency areas included feed management; information management; quality control and standard operating procedures; milking management; reproductive management; young stock management; financial management; employee development; and professional development. General competency areas common to both senior and middle managers included herd management, herd health management, operations management, community service and public relations, and human resource management. Managers from one producer group responded to a survey asking them to assess their own ability in each of the general competency areas in the profile. Senior managers were least confident in their competencies in human resource management (mean = 4.95, on a scale of 1 to 7) and financial planning (mean = 5.05). Middle managers were least confident in their competencies in financial management (mean = 4.67), human resource management (mean = 4.41), and community service and public relations (mean = 4.05). Dairy educators can use these profiles to compare with current educational programs and identify potential areas for improvement. Managers can use the profiles to create development plans for themselves and other farm employees.
The spatial analysis and morphological evolution of the ‘Bazaar Streets’ and urban structure of Dhaka city

Four hundred years of developing, shifting and changing marks the city of Dhaka with a strong culture heritage. Traditional hierarchies and organic spatial structures form a rich mix of indigenous morphology, which is obvious in historically famous and organically developed bazaar streets and commercial interfaces. The urban development of Dhaka city is well known for its spatial structure. A ‘space syntax’ technique is used to understand the structure, function, underlying logic, morphological growth and evolution of the urban systems. This article focuses on both the spatial dynamics of the urban structure and on the spatial nature of the bazaar streets (commercial networks) and aims to explicate the notion of the configurational analysis of urban growth. By determining the syntactic pattern and evolution of the bazaar streets, this analysis can be usefully applied to designing for future urban growth.
ReaxFF Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Hydration of Cu-SSZ-13 Zeolite and the Formation of Cu Dimers

A new Cu/Si/Al/O/H reactive ReaxFF force field was developed and used in molecular dynamics simulations of the hydration of Cu-exchanged SSZ-13 catalyst. It was observed that at temperatures close to room temperarture, all Cu cations, including those at the faces of the double 6-member rings (6MRs), become fully hydrated and detach from the framework. The hydrated Cu cations can diffuse through the Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite pore windows. At higher temperatures, the formation of cationic OH-bridged Cu dimers Cu2OH and Cu2(OH)2 within the cages was observed. The simulations show that the temperature at which these species are formed is lower for zeolites that stabilize [CuOH]+ ions, as would be expected for relatively high-Cu- and low-Al-content zeolites. The stable dimers bind preferentially to 8MRs beside the large cages in a configuration that blocks the openings of the pores. The consequences of the present results for selective catalytic reduction and NO oxidation catalysis in Cu-SSZ-13 are discussed.