cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Bypass for Aneurysms in the Era of Flow Diversion: Single-Surgeon Case Series

Background With recent advances in endovascular treatments of brain aneurysms such as flow diverters, the role of cerebral revascularization needs to be re-evaluated. Objective To evaluate the contemporary indications and outcomes of cerebral revascularization for brain aneurysms. Methods A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively maintained database was performed to review clinical and imaging data of all the patients who underwent cerebral revascularization for brain aneurysms over the past 10 yr. Results Among 174 cerebral revascularizations, 40 (in 36 patients) were done for the treatment of aneurysms. In total, 9 patients underwent combined endovascular treatment and surgical revascularization. Immediate aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 30 patients (83.3%). Immediate postoperative bypass patency was confirmed in 33 patients (92%). Postoperative neurological deficit was observed in 4 patients (11.1%). There were 2 mortalities in the postoperative period. Aneurysm total occlusion rate was 91% at 1 yr. Thirty patients had 1 yr clinical and radiological follow-up. Clinical evaluations showed modified Rankin Scale 2 or less in 25 patients at 1 yr. Bypass patency was confirmed in 27 (90%). Patients with fair/poor outcome were all in the subarachnoid hemorrhage group. Twenty-one patients had follow-up studies for 3 yr or beyond with no evidence of stroke or aneurysm recurrence. Conclusion Our results support that cerebral revascularization can be regarded as a viable and durable treatment option for these challenging aneurysms with acceptable morbidity. Cerebral bypass should be offered in selected cases where standard endovascular or surgical treatment is not efficacious or curative.
Market‐Supporting Institutions, Gild Organisations, and the Industrial Revolution: A Comparative View

This article investigates the conditions for the emergence of the agents of the Industrial Revolution by comparing the market-supporting institutions in pre-modern England and China. Market-supporting institutions in pre-modern England supported group mobility and expansion of laws, which permitted the forthcoming of new entrepreneurs critical for launching industrial ventures. By contrast, market-supporting institutions in pre-modern China, although supporting individual mobility, led to stable social stratification and stagnancy in law development, which did not provide appropriate conditions for the emergence of industrial entrepreneurs.
An Introduction to Solving for Quantities of Interest in Finite-State Semi-Markov Processes

Semi-Markov processes (SMPs) provide a rich framework for many real-world problems. However, due to diculty implementing practical solutions they are rarely used with their full capability. The theory of SMPs is quite mature but was mainly developed at a time when computational resources were not widely available. With the exception of some of the simplest cases, solutions to SMPs are inherently numerical, and SMPs have been underutilized by practitioners because of diculty implementing the theory in applications. This paper demonstrates the theory and computational methods needed to implement SMP models in practical settings. Methods are illustrated with an application modeling the movement of coronary patients in a hospital. Our aim is to allow practitioners to use richer SMP models without being burdened with the rigorous mathematical theory.
Ki67 is an independent predictor of oncological outcomes in patients with localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma.

Objective To validate the impact of Ki67 expression on oncological outcomes of patients treated for clinically localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Patients and Methods Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 was performed on tissue microarray constructs of patients treated with radical or partial nephrectomy for clinically localized (M0) ccRCC and Ki67 expression >10% was considered abnormal. Clinical and pathological data elements were entered into an institutional review board-approved database. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models were used to analyse disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) probabilities. Results Of 401 patients, 59.6% were males. The median (range) age was 58 (17–85) years, follow-up was 22 (0–150) months and time to death was 27 (0–150) months. A total of 20.2% of patients had advanced stage (pT3–T4) and 31% had advanced grade (3–4) disease. Abnormal expression of Ki67 was seen in 6.5% of our cohort and was associated with adverse pathological features (P < 0.05). Patients with high expression of Ki67 were found to have 5-year DFS and CSS rates of 67 and 84%, respectively, vs 87 and 95%, respectively, in those with normal expression (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In multivariable analyses, adjusting for stage and grade, abnormal Ki67 expression was an independent predictor of DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 3.77, P = 0.011, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–10.52), but not of CSS (HR 3.51 P = 0.137, 95% CI 0.671–18.35). Conclusions Our findings support the role of Ki67 as a powerful independent predictor of inferior oncological outcomes in patients with ccRCC. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical applicability of these findings.
Is the medical loss ratio a good target measure for regulation in the individual market for health insurance

Effective January 1, 2011, individual market health insurers must meet a minimum medical loss ratio (MLR) of 80%. This law aims to encourage 'productive' forms of competition by increasing the proportion of premium dollars spent on clinical benefits. To date, very little is known about the performance of firms in the individual health insurance market, including how MLRs are related to insurer and market characteristics. The MLR comprises one component of the price-cost margin, a traditional gauge of market power; the other component is percent of premiums spent on administrative expenses. We use data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (2001-2009) to evaluate whether the MLR is a good target measure for regulation by comparing the two components of the price-cost margin between markets that are more competitive versus those that are not, accounting for firm and market characteristics. We find that insurers with monopoly power have lower MLRs. Moreover, we find no evidence suggesting that insurers' administrative expenses are lower in more concentrated insurance markets. Thus, our results are largely consistent with the interpretation that the MLR could serve as a target measure of market power in regulating the individual market for health insurance but with notable limited ability to capture product and firm heterogeneity.
Watermarking Streaming Video: The Temporal Synchronization Problem

This chapter examines the problems with temporal synchronization in video watermarking and describes a new method for efficient synchronization and resynchronization. In our method, efficient synchronization is achieved by designing temporal redundancy in the structure of the watermark. Temporal redundancy allows the watermark detector to establish and maintain synchronization without performing an extensive search in the watermark key space. Our method does not use synchronization templates that may be subject to attack and increase the visibility of the watermark. Another advantage of our technique is that the watermark structure is video-dependent, which enhances security.
Patent Reviews: 6,624,434; 6,624,940; 6,628,383; 6,633,368; 6,633,391; 6,642,521; 6,650,419; 6,650,421; 6,653,649; 6,657,715; 6,657,717; 6,661,523; 6,665,068; 6,665,069

The patent number, date of issuance by the U.S. Patent Office, and classification are shown on the first line. The filing date is that of the first application (although some patents may derive from earlier applications with earlier claim dates). Any opinions expressed are those of the reviewers and do not reflect the opinions of the organizations with which they are associated, the Optical Society of America, or this journal. Printed copies of these patents may be ordered from the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, DC 20231: telephone (703) 557-3158, URL http://patents.uspto.gov. Inquiries about patents should be addressed to the Patents Office, not to this journal or to OSA.
Modern Humans: Origin and Evolution

Modern humans originated recently in geological time from a diverse African gene pool. Very little if any interbreeding probably occurred with existing archaic human populations outside of Africa such as the Neanderthals of Europe. Keywords: multiregional model; single recent replacement model; coalescence; Neanderthal; mitochondrial DNA
Analytical and numerical modeling of electron-beam controlled semiconductor switches

The subject of this paper is the mathematical modeling of a recently proposed/sup 1/ class of electron-beam controlled high power semiconductor switches which are able to overcome the space charge limitation of conventional EBS (electron bombarded semiconductor) devices by utilizing the secondary ionization effects of cathodoluminiscence and bremsstrahlung. Current densities of several kA/cm/sup 2/ at forward voltages of tens of volts can be controlled with an electron-beam of 100 keV and 1 A/cm/sup 2/; hold-off voltages of more than 100kV/cm and dark currents as small 10 /spl mu/A/cm/sup 2/ are possible. The concept allows for fast and repetitively closing and opening under load and is therefore suitable for inductive energy storage applications.
The Growing Demand for Behavioral Science in Government: Its Implications for Anthropology

My remarks this evening do not reflect much inside information on governmental activities and interests as they relate to the behavioral sciences. My connections with the federal government are slight. So when I speak of a growing demand for behavioral science in government, I am giving voice only to a personal impression.
Lightning and Other Transients on Transmission Lines

A great many uncoordinated researches and observations have been made of lightning on transmission lines both in the field and in the laboratory. It is the purpose of this paper to coordinate this work with a view of determining the various types and order of magnitude of predatory voltages to which transmission lines are subject. No claim is made for exact results. If it were possible to obtain such results, they could apply only to specific cases. A knowledge of the general types of disturbances and their order of magnitude should be of great value in determining the best means of providing against them. Failures of apparatus can be provided against in a number of ways, for instance, by excessive insulation; by less insulation but a design to prevent local high stresses; by prevention of high lightning voltages by placing the line under ground; by greatly limiting the possible voltage by a ground wire; by limiting the time of application of the high voltage by arresters; or by combinations of the above. Obviously, the matter of design and economics is also of importance in considering the problem of protection. The technical part of the discussion will not be limited to cloud lightning, but will cover other disturbances. Recent work of the author with his lightning generator and model transmission lines with and without ground wire will be included.
Observations of a quasi‐static plasma sheet boundary

No high-speed flows or discernible counterstreaming ion beams were observed during a series of plasma sheet boundary encounters resulting from solar wind-driven plasma sheet motions. We conclude that the boundary may be active primarily during plasma sheet 'recovery'. A temporal onset of flows in the inner plasma sheet (IPS) was associated with the appearance of counterstreaming beams embedded in an already isotropic plasma sheet boundary and close to the neutral sheet may have a common generation mechanism.
TC10α Is Required for Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Adipocytes

Previous studies have suggested that activation of the Rho family member GTPase TC10 is necessary but not sufficient for the stimulation of glucose transport by insulin. We show here that endogenous TC10α is rapidly activated in response to insulin in 3T3L1 adipocytes in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-independent manner, whereas platelet-derived growth factor was without effect. Knockdown of TC10α but not TC10β by RNA interference inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as well as the translocation of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4 from intracellular sites to the plasma membrane. In contrast, loss of TC10α had no effect on the stimulation of Akt by insulin. Additionally, knockdown of TC10α inhibited insulin-stimulated translocation of its effector CIP4. These data indicate that TC10α is specifically required for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes.
Plant cell biology: with grand challenges come great possibilities.

The cell is the basic unit of life, and so it can be argued that cell biologists hold a special place amongst biological researchers in pursuing insight into the most fundamental aspect of what it means to be alive. Starting with the advent of light microscopy and the work of people such as Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 1600s, a whole new suite of questions as to the workings of the flora and fauna of the Earth flowed from observing biology at magnifications able to reveal its basic building blocks. Although Hooke (1665) originally coined the term “cell” from the microscopic structure of cork, we now appreciate that all biology, be it a bacterium or an oak tree, shares the cellular basis of its function. This understanding has set the stage for cell biologists to explore some of the most essential questions in biology, such as what are the core features of cells that lie at the heart of life and how do these contrast with the unique aspects of the individual cellular functions that define each organism? Further, how do the interactions of cells with each other and with the environment lead to the diversity of life that is a hallmark of our planet. These are grand challenges not only for plant cell biology but for all biological sciences. Fortunately, we are being presented with an ever-expanding suite of tools and resources to approach some of these basic questions about cellular biology.
A sum ru'e for the two-pion decay amplitudes of k-mesons

I t h a s b e e n k n o w n t h a t t h e n o n l e p t o n i c s t r a n g e n e s s v i o l a t i n g decays of b a r y o n s a n d mesons can b e q u a l i t a t i v e l y u n d e r s t o o d on t h e basis of a h i = 1⁄2 ru le (1). Such a ru le c a n n o t h o w e v e r b e exac t , s ince i t fo rb ids t h e decay K+-+ ~+~o. Whi l e t h i s decay is cons ide rab ly supp re s sed in r e l a t i o n to t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g decay of t h e n e u t r a l kaon , i t is b y no m e a n s negligible. Since i so top ic -sp in se lec t ion rules m a y be v io la t ed b y e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c i n t e r a c t i o n s i t is o f t en sugges ted t h a t t h e K +-~ ~+7: ° decay s h o u l d b e cons ide red as due to e l e c t r o m a g n e t i c co r rec t ions to t he A I = 1⁄2 rule . On t h e o t h e r h a n d in a c u r r e n t c u r r e n t p i c t u r e of w e a k i n t e r a c t i o n s w i t h on ly c h a r g e d c u r r e n t s {3) i t is n o t poss ib le to ge t a n e x a c t A1 = 1⁄2 rule . W i t h t h e choice of a n 1 ~ 1⁄2 c u r r e n t ru le for t h e s t r a n g e n e s s c h a n g i n g c u r r e n t a n d a n I = 1 c u r r e n t ru le for t h e s t r a n g e n e s s p r e s e r v i n g cu r r en t , we would e x p e c t a n o n l e p t o n i c decay i n t e r a c t i o n w h i c h wou ld b e a m i x t u r e of A I = 1⁄2 a n d A I = ~ t e r m s (8). T h e domi n a n c e of t h e A I = 1⁄2 t e r m s h o u l d t h e n b e a t t r i b u t e d to a d y n a m i c a l m e c h a n i s m . Such a n e n h a n c e m e n t (~ oc t e t d o m i n a n c e ,) is p l aus ib le w i t h i n our p r e s e n t p i c t u r e of s t r o n g in t e rac t ions . W i t h i n t h i s f r a m e w o r k we wou ld t h e n a n t i c i p a t e a c e r t a i n a m o u n t of A I ~ c o n t r i b u t i o n to t h e (non lep ton ic ) w e a k i n t e r a c t i o n s a n d h e n c e t h e K + ~ + 7 ~ ° decay is no longer fo rb idden . A t t h e s ame t i m e t h e b r a n c h i n g r a t i o of t h e n e u t r a l k a o n decay i n to ~+~a n d ~ (cor rec ted for t h e s l ight di f ference in p h a s e space) wou ld d e v i a t e f rom t h e va lue 2 p r e d i c t e d b y t h e A I = 1⁄2 rule. I t is h o w e v e r poss ible to e s t ab l i sh a s u m ru le r e l a t i n g t he s t h r e e decay processes . T h i s s u m ru le
Good and Bad Ideas in Obesity Prevention

One of six commentaries on “Obesity: Chasing an Elusive Epidemic,” by Daniel Callahan, from the January-February 2013 issue.
Progesterone inhibition of aggressive behaviors in hamsters

Effects of progesterone on aggressive behaviors were tested in male-male or female-female pairs of hamsters, after both members of the pair had received the same experimental treatment. In castrated males, progesterone increased the latency to attack, and decreased the frequency of attack and on-back fighting postures. Similarly, in ovariectomized females, progesterone decreased the frequencies of upright and attack fighting responses, as well as the frequency of rolling fights. Estradiol treatment did not produce these effects on aggressive behaviors, and was not required to prime the nervous system for the progesterone effects. These results suggest that progesterone may act by means other than estrogen-inducible progestin receptors to inhibit aggressive behaviors.
Honoring the Cultural Diversity of Families When Gathering Data

The cultural histories, values, and beliefs of families who are among the growing and diverse, non-white, non-Anglo population must be recognized and valued by early intervention specialists who provide family services. This article describes these concerns and suggests strategies for gathering information from these families.
Humanistic Psychology Alive in the 21st Century

This article makes the argument that humanistic psychology remained a vibrant movement even after it lost much of its high-profile reputation and sociopolitical power toward the close of the 1970s....
Phylogenetic inference based on information theory-based PCR amplification

As a method for the determination of the taxonomic affinities of plant pathogens and other organisms, a set of ‘universal’ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers which amplify a taxonomically diverse sequence domain of 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were designed. The PCR primers chosen by information-theory analysis generated PCR products using DNA templates from a wide diversity of organisms. Sequences of PCR products were then obtained which allowed phylogenetic dendrograms to be constructed. Based on the above analysis, the Oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans clustered with the protist Prorocentrum micans rather than with representatives of the true fungi, consistent with its designation as a ‘pseudofungus’, Magnaporthe grisea. another important plant pathogen, clustered with the true fungi as expected. The approach described can be used with other plant pathogens to clarify phytogeny of new or ambiguously designated species. Zusammenfassung Als Verfahren zur Bestimmung taxonomischer Ahnlichkeiten von Pflanzenpathogenen und anderen Organismen entwickelten wir einen Satz ‘universeller’ PCR-Primer, die einen bei verschiedenen Taxa unterschiedlichen Sequenzbereich von 28S-ribosomaler DNA (rDNA) amplifizieren. Mit Hilfe der informationstheoretischen Analyse ausgewahlte PCR-Primer erzeugten PCR-Produkte von DNA-Matrizen ganz unterschiedlicher Organismen, Wir erhielten Sequenzen von PCR-Produkten, die eine Konstruktion phylogenetischer Dendrogramme erlaubten, Basierend auf der oben genannten Analyse clusterte das zu den Oomyceten gehorende Pathogen Phytophthora infestans mit dem Einzeller Prorocentrum micans und nicht mit hoheren Pilzen, was mit seiner Einstufung als ‘Scheinpilz’ubereinstimmt, Magnaporthe grisea, ein anderes wichtiges Pflanzenpathogen, clusterte dagegen erwartungsgemas mit den hoheren Pilzen, Das von uns beschriebene Verfahren kann auch fur andere Pflanzenpathogene angewendet werden, um die Phylogenese neuer Arten zu untersiichen oder bei strittiger Nomenklatur Klarung herbeizufuhren.
Angiographic reversed flow ratio as an indicator of high-grade internal carotid stenosis.

Abstract Purpose To examine differential flow through internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) circulations on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as an indicator of carotid stenosis. Materials and Methods Carotid and cerebral angiograms ( N = 148) were retrospectively evaluated, with flow through ICA and ECA circulations scored on a five-point flow scale ratio: a score of 1 indicated ICA flow arrived at the vertex at least 1 second before ECA flow, a score of 3 indicated ICA and ECA flow arrived at the same time, and a score of 5 indicated ECA flow reached the vertex at least 1 second before ICA flow. Sensitivities and specificities for ICA stenosis detection were determined for flow ratios. Results Sensitivity and specificity varied with stenosis severity and flow grade. In general, deranged flow was an insensitive marker for stenosis; however, flow ratio equalization or frank ratio reversal was a highly specific indicator of ICA stenosis. A flow grade of 3–5 was 88% specific (95% CI, 79%–94%) and 66% sensitive (95% CI, 53%–77%) for stenosis of 70% or greater. A grade of 4 or 5 was 99% specific (95% CI, 93%–99%) and 24% sensitive (95% CI, 15%–37%) and a grade of 5 was 100% specific (95% CI, 94%–100%) and 18% sensitive (95% CI, 9%–29%) for carotid stenosis of 70% or greater. Conclusions Identification of deranged differential flow between the ICA and ECA circulations is an insensitive but highly specific marker for high-grade stenosis. Therefore, if flow reversal is identified but the apparent carotid stenosis is mild, further angiographic projections should be used to uncover a highly probable severe carotid stenosis.
Computational analysis of predicational structures in English

The results of a computational analysis of all predications, finite and non-finite, in a one-million-word corpus of present-day American English (the "Brown Corpus") are presented. The analysis shows the nature of the syntactic differences among the various genres of writing represented in the data base, especially between informative prose and imaginative prose. The results also demonstrate that syntactic complexity, if defined as the number of predications per sentence, is not directly predictable from sentence length.
CYBB Mutation Analysis in X-Linked Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Abstract Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) results from mutations of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Seventy percent are X-linked (X-)CGD with absent or defective gp91 phox protein encoded by the CYBB gene. A subset of X-CGD patients demonstrates partial oxidase activity and/or varied levels of the gp91 phox protein. Definitive genotypic diagnosis in these unusual patients requires mutation analysis. Typically, CYBB mutation analysis has relied on initial screening of cDNA by single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis, followed by selective sequencing. We report a fluorescent, automated method for CYBB mutation analysis using genomic DNA that provides more rapid and reliable results. Moreover, the use of genomic DNA in this approach allows mutation detection in the mRNA coding region, promoter/enhancer region, and intronic sequences flanking splice junctions and does not require mRNA preparation. The PCR conditions were optimized for each exon, including those with A+T-rich regions. We analyzed DNA from two unusual X-CGD patients and established the genetic basis for their phenotype. We also sequenced 100 normal X chromosomes to establish wild-type consensus sequences and identify polymorphisms.
Experimental and theoretical studies of NO decomposition and reduction over metal-exchanged ZSM-5

Abstract Metal-exchanged zeolites and, in particular, ZSM-5 are candidate catalysts for NO decomposition and reduction. Results of experimental and theoretical studies are presented which focus on understanding the nature of the catalytically active sites and the elementary processes involved in the decomposition of NO over Cu-ZSM-5 and the reduction of NO over Co-ZSM-5.
Effect of deposition rate on morphology evolution of metal-on-insulator films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Ag films were grown by pulsed laser deposition on insulating $\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and mica substrates and exhibited a morphological progression beginning with nucleation of three-dimensional islands and culminating in a continuous, electrically conducting film. The rate of advancement through this progression with increasing pulse frequency was studied with experiments and with kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. Experiments at 93 and $135\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ give exponents of $\ensuremath{-}0.34$ and $\ensuremath{-}0.31$, respectively, for the scaling of the electrical percolation thickness with pulse frequency. Simulations predicted an exponent of $\ensuremath{-}0.34$, in excellent agreement with the experiments. Both of these values agree well with the previously reported analytic value of $\ensuremath{-}0.33$ for the scaling of the morphology transition thickness with average flux in continuous deposition. Simulations also predicted that data collapse for island density vs amount deposited would be observed for experiments run at the same value of the parameter $B∕f$ at constant amount deposited per pulse, where $B$ is the kinetic rate constant for coalescence and $f$ is the pulse frequency. Measurements of the percolation transition were consistent with this prediction. These findings indicate that the elementary processes included in the KMC simulation\char22{}substrate terrace diffusion, irreversible aggregation of hemispherical islands, and two-island coalescence, but neglecting the effects of kinetic energy\char22{}are sufficient to explain the behavior observed when the pulse rate is varied at constant kinetic energy.
Molluscan biostratigraphy of the Koobi Fora hominid-bearing deposits

Since the discovery1 of late Cenozoic hominid-bearing deposits in the Koobi Fora area, north Kenya, a variety of studies2–9 have been undertaken to provide a chronostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental context for the important palaeoanthropological and early archaeological discoveries1,10. Unfortunately, although the exposures are areally extensive (>1,000 km2), they are broken up into subareas (Fig. 2); these local sections are often difficult to correlate with one another due to intervening bush cover and faulting. Here I summarize a molluscan biostratigraphical analysis which demonstrates serious stratigraphical miscorrelations between certain local sections, including some previously indicated by vertebrate evidence. These miscorrelations require substantial revisions to current stratigraphical interpretation of the Koobi Fora deposits. In particular, both the Suregei and Tulu Bor tuff horizons actually represent different levels. Although the Tulu Bor is considered to overlie the Suregei, some exposures currently attributed to the Tulu Bor are actually older than some units previously mapped as the Suregei. Fortunately, the stratigraphical miscorrelations reported here do not significantly affect the relative placement of the mollusc faunas reported in a previous evolutionary analysis15; superpositional relationships in the areas from which these faunas were collected (mainly collecting areas 102, 103, 110, 123, 202 and 203) are unaffected by the miscorrelations reported here.
A modified bootstrap for autoregression without stationarity

Abstract In this paper, we consider a bootstrap approximation to the distribution of the least squares estimator \ gb of the autoregressive parameter β in a first-order autoregressive process which may or may not have a stationary solution. Our bootstrap procedure is a modification of the standard bootstrap and employs a data based shrinkage towards the critical values β = ±1. The error in estimation of the sampling distribution of \ gb by the above procedure converges to zero as the sample size grows, irrespective of the value of the autoregressive parameter. This result is in sharp contrast with the behavior of the standard bootstrap for which a random limiting distribution emerges at the critical values β = ±1, resulting in a failure of the bootstrap procedure. The asymptotic validity of our procedure enables us, inter alia, to construct a confidence interval for β which will have the correct coverage probability (asymptotically) under any real β. The theoretical validity result for the modified bootstrap is supported by appropriate simulations. Finally, we also indicate an extension of the proposed modified bootstrap method to the pth order autoregressive processes.
Effects on growth performance and body composition in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fry fed organic diets containing yeast extract and soyabean meal as a total replacement of fish meal without amino acid supplementation

Fish meal (FM) is the main protein source in aquaculture diets owing to its palatability and quality. Available quantities of FM have remained constant for the past several decades; however, demand has dramatically increased due to its inclusion in diets used for the global aquaculture industry. There are various alternative protein sources that can be used in aquaculture diets, with soyabean meal (SBM) being the most widely used plant protein ingredient; however, use of SBM as the sole protein source has often resulted in reduced fish growth. There is a growing segment of consumers who desire organically grown foods, and since Nile tilapia is one of the most-cultured fish in the world and has herbivorous/omnivorous feeding habits, Nile tilapia fed an organic diet may allow producers to enter this rapidly developing market. A feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the combination of organic SBM and an organic yeast extract (YE) as complete replacements for FM. Five isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets w...
The Impact of Supplier Selection Criteria and Supplier Involvement on Manufacturing Performance

SUMMARY This research investigates the extent to which supplier selection criteria and supplier involvement are used by manufacturers. It also provides support for the claim that firms employing these practices have enhanced supplier and manufacturing performance. Most firms regard the use of supplier selection criteria as an important part of their supplier selection process. Supplier involvement in product design activities and continuous improvement efforts is much lower than the use of supplier selection criteria. The product quality and product performance dimensions of supplier selection criteria plus all of the dimensions of supplier involvement and supplier performance are positively correlated with manufacturing performance. When the sample is divided into high and low manufacturing performers, all the elements of supplier performance and supplier involvement and all but one of the four supplier selection criteria are significantly better for the high performing group than the low performing group. These results lend support to the statement that implementing supplier selection criteria and involving suppliers has a positive impact on performance.
Composite cylindrical segments subjected to hygrothermal and mechanical loads

Abstract The three-dimensional stress analysis of Kollar and Springer (1992, Int. J. Solids Structures 29 , 1499–1517) is applied to a fiber-reinforced organic matrix composite cylindrical segment subjected to hygrothermal and mechanical loads. The segment can have an arbitrary arc length. The straight edges of the segment can be free, fixed or hinged. The wall of the cylindrical segment may be “thin” or “thick”. An individual fiber is at the same radial distance from the axis; no other restrictions are placed either on fiber orientations or on stacking sequence. The applied hygrothermal and mechanical loads may vary radially and circumferentially, but not axially. Solutions are presented which yield radially and circumferentially varying strains and stresses inside the composite cylindrical segment. To illustrate the capability of the resulting computer code, sample problems are discussed.
Liquid water model : Predicting phase separation and phase characteristics

Abstract A model of liquid water that considers the presence of intact, distorted and broken H-bonds in the liquid predicts the anomalous density variation at around 277 K and a liquid–liquid phase separation at around 223 K under 1 atm pressure. The liquid phases at 223 K have densities of around 0.97 (phase I) and 0.92 g/mL (phase II) with very high and very low viscosities, and may represent phases with glassy and superfluid characteristics, respectively. The superfluid phase II terminates at around 219 K with the formation of ice Ih, and the glassy phase I, if it avoids conversion to phase II (at 223 K) in ultra-fast cooling, may remain in the glassy state until its termination at around 150 K with the formation of ice Ic.
TCT-158 Assessment Of Sleep Apnea In Patients With And Without A Patent Foramen Ovale

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. It is reported that the prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increased in patients with OSA and may be involved in the pathophysiology of OSA in some patients. The aim of this
Prospective cost analysis of moxalactam versus clindamycin plus gentamicin for endomyometritis after cesarean section.

The direct and indirect costs associated with either moxalactam or clindamycin plus gentamicin as treatment for endomyometritis after emergent cesarean section were compared in an open, randomized prospective trial of 114 patients. A total of 58 patients were assigned to receive moxalactam, 2 g intravenously (i.v.) every 8 h for 5 doses, followed by 2 g every 12 h and prophylactic vitamin K (10 mg) intramuscularly, and 56 patients were assigned to receive clindamycin (600 mg) i.v. every 6 h plus gentamicin (1.5 mg/kg) i.v. every 8 h. Prothrombin times were measured in moxalactam-treated patients, and patients treated with clindamycin plus gentamicin had urinalyses and blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine determinations performed before and after treatment. Also, gentamicin levels in serum were determined as clinically indicated. A satisfactory treatment response was defined as the resolution of signs and symptoms of endomyometritis within 3 days of the start of antibiotic therapy. Satisfactory responses were demonstrated in 78% of the moxalactam-treated patients and 84% of patients treated with clindamycin plus gentamicin. Mean hospital costs for laboratory tests ($30.30 versus $4.53) and mean patient charges for laboratory tests ($76.39 versus $27.81) and medications ($539.45 versus $421.82) were significantly higher in patients treated with clindamycin plus gentamicin (P less than 0.05), while mean medication costs to the hospital were greater in the moxalactam group ($255.47 versus $195.68; P less than 0.05). However, total patient charges and total hospital drug-associated costs were not significantly different for the two group. In this tudy, moxalactam was similar in efficacy and, despite its higher acquistion cost, was comparable in total hospital costs and patient charges to clindamycin plus gentacmicin in treating endomyometritis.
Studies concerning the histotoxicity of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive when employed as an oral hemostat

Abstract An experimental study was implemented to determine the effectiveness of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate (bucrylate) as an oral hemostat, its influence on sequential wound healing, and its potential as a carcinogen. Segregated groups of equal numbers of male and female Long-Evans Hooded Rats underwent deep (socket) and superficial (surface) aerosol placement of bucrylate to maxillary molar extraction sites. Bucrylate proved to be an effective oral hemostat, rapidly retarding postextraction hemorrhage. Deep placement of the adhesive resulted in retarding of healing and lingering macrohistiocytic aggregates in wounds. Superficial placement of the material resulted in very little long-term macrohistiocytic response, and wound healing showed little retardation. A neoplastic potential was not demonstrated for bucrylate.
Vermiculite decorated with copper nanoparticles: Novel antibacterial hybrid material

Abstract Vermiculite decorated with copper nanoparticles is a new antibacterial material that was prepared in this study through ion-exchange process and hydrogen reduction. The replacement of magnesium ions in interlayer structure was carried out using concentrated copper sulfate solutions at elevated temperature. Copper ions were reduced to elemental copper at 400–600 °C using hydrogen as the reducing agent. During the reduction process copper diffused primarily to vermiculite surface regions and formed copper nanoparticles with a broad range of sizes, from ∼1 to 400 nm. Strong adhesion of copper nanoparticles to the vermiculite carrier makes this hybrid very stable and durable. The new vermiculite-metallic copper hybrid material shows strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 37 °C. Vermiculite is an inexpensive mineral that is very stable under a wide range of industrial and environmental conditions, and extensively used as filler in fireproof materials, plastics, paints and lightweight concrete, so the addition of copper as an antibacterial agent opens new avenues for the application of vermiculite in consumer products and other areas.
Tennyson's thanatology

Abstract The spectre of death, particularly tragic death, can bring much anxiety and grief to the living. Much study of death anxiety and grief reaction has been done with the idea that recovery begins with an understanding of the problem. Rigorous academic studies, like those of Toynbee, Lindemann, and Kubler-Ross, provide such an understanding. Yet another understanding, an empathetic “I know how you feel because I've been there,” can also be comforting and healing to a bereaved person. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in his poem “In Memoriam A.H.H.” demonstrates both types of understanding with heartfelt expression that only a great poet can give. A mere reading of his poem conveys the sincerity of his firsthand understanding. Point by point comparison of his poem with the findings of leading psychologists shows the depth of his academic understanding.
A Review of Equine Laparoscopy

Minimally invasive surgery in the human was first identified in mid 900's. The procedure as is more commonly practiced now was first reported in 1912. There have been many advances and new techniques developed in the past 100 years. Equine laparoscopy, was first reported in the 1970's, and similarly has undergone much transformation in the last 40 years. It is now considered the standard of care in many surgical techniques such as cryptorchidectomy, ovariectomy, nephrosplenic space ablation, standing abdominal exploratory, and many other reproductive surgeries. This manuscript describes the history of minimally invasive surgery, and highlights many of the techniques that are currently performed in equine surgery. Special attention is given to instrumentation, ligating techniques, and the surgical principles of equine minimally invasive surgery.
Persistent atrial mechanical dysfunction after spontaneous conversion of chronic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm

creased. Fourteen months after initial examination, the patient underwent mitral valve repair. Intraoperatively the valve leaflets were noted to be pliable, with thickening along the leading edge of the posterior leaflet. The chordae to the posterior leaflet were thickened and foreshortened, and the chordae to the anterior leaflet were mildly thickened. The valve was repaired by dividing the papillary muscle heads to allow release of the posterior chordal apparatus and placement of a 30 mm Carpentier annuloplasty. After repair, transesophageal echocardiography revealed a small, eccentric regurgitant jet at the coaptation point of the anterior and posterior leaflets; the jet was graded as mild. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient has done well since hospital discharge.
Conserved linkage of two genes on the same macronuclear chromosome in spirotrichous ciliates

Macronuclear chromosomes of spirotrichous ciliates are mainly "nanochromosomes" containing only a single gene. We identified a two-gene chromosome in the spirotrich Sterkiella histriomuscorum (formerly Oxytricha trifallax) which, unlike other characterized two-gene molecules, contains reading frames oriented tail to tail. These are homologs of ribosomal protein L29 (RPL29) and cyclophilin. We found that both genes are transcribed, with their polyadenylation sites on opposite strands separated by only 135 bp. Furthermore, both genes in S. histriomuscorum are present only on one macronuclear chromosome and do not occur alone or linked to other genes. The corresponding micronuclear locus is fragmented into three nonscrambled gene segments (MDSs), separated by two noncoding segments (IESs). We also found that these two genes are linked on a macronuclear chromosome, similarly arranged tail to tail, in the three spirotrichs Stylonychia lemnae, Uroleptus sp., and Holosticha sp.. In addition, single-gene macronuclear chromosomes containing only the RPL29 gene were detected in the earlier diverged Holosticha and Uroleptus. These observations suggest a possible evolutionary trend towards loss of chromosomal breakage between these two genes. This study is the first to examine gene linkage in the macronucleus of several spirotrichs and may provide insight into the evolution of multi-gene macronuclear chromosomes and chromosomal fragmentation in spirotrichs.
Movements of Southern Giant Petrels ringed near U.S. Palmer Station, Antarctica

Of the 1,390 Giant Petrels Macronectes giganteus nestlings ringed near U.S. Palmer Station, Antarctica, 20 (1.4%) were recovered far from the natal grounds during their first (85%) and second (15%) years. The peak recovery month was July, shortly after the nestlings had fledged in May. Recovery localities were widely separated and included Chile, Brazil, Falklands, South Africa. New Zealand, but with the majority (75%) recovered in the Australian region. Although the results of this study substantiate previous observations of others several unresolved basic questions remain concerning the movements of pre‐breeding and breeding Giant Petrels. Reference is made to a newly initiated study at Palmer Station involving the use of bird‐borne satellite transmitters for resolving some of these problems.
Extending the Noninterference Version of MLS for SAT

A noninterference formulation of MLS applicable to the Secure Ada® Target (SAT) Abstract Model is developed. An analogous formulation is developed to handle the SAT type enforcement policy. Unwinding theorems are presented for both MLS and Multidomain Security (MDS) and the SAT Abstract Model is shown to satisfy both MLS and MDS. Generalizations and extensions are also considered.
Spices and type 2 diabetes

Purpose – The paper is a review of current research on phytochemicals and how they may alleviate type 2 diabetes by improving insulin activity in the body.Design/methodology/approach – Literature searches were conducted to find a link between common household spices and type 2 diabetes. Only common household spices were researched so that any link found between spices and type 2 diabetes could lead to practical home‐based recommendations for changes in a person's diet.Findings – Cinnamon, garlic, ginger, basil, oregano, nutmeg, tea, bay leaf, allspice, curry, and others were found to play a role in lowering blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, and increasing glucose synthesis in response to food intake. In addition, these spices may improve blood circulation, decrease platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure, and act as blood vessel protectants, ameliorating the cardiovascular disease often associated with type 2 diabetes. To gain these benefits, only average amounts commonly used in foods are...
3-D Integrated Vernier Filters in Silicon

Three-dimensionally integrated microdisk resonators have been employed to realize Vernier filters in Silicon. Cascaded configuration of vertically-coupled microdisk resonators with dissimilar radii increases the free spectral range of filters from 5.5 nm to 23 nm.
Trophic garnishes: cat-rat interactions in an urban environment.

Background Community interactions can produce complex dynamics with counterintuitive responses. Synanthropic community members are of increasing practical interest for their effects on biodiversity and public health. Most studies incorporating introduced species have been performed on islands where they may pose a risk to the native fauna. Few have examined their interactions in urban environments where they represent the majority of species. We characterized house cat (Felis catus) predation on wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), and its population effects in an urban area as a model system. Three aspects of predation likely to influence population dynamics were examined; the stratum of the prey population killed by predators, the intensity of the predation, and the size of the predator population. Methodology/Principal Findings Predation pressure was estimated from the sizes of the rat and cat populations, and the characteristics of rats killed in 20 alleys. Short and long term responses of rat population to perturbations were examined by removal trapping. Perturbations removed an average of 56% of the rats/alley but had no negative long-term impact on the size of the rat population (49.6±12.5 rats/alley and 123.8±42.2 rats/alley over two years). The sizes of the cat population during two years (3.5 animals/alley and 2.7 animals/alley) also were unaffected by rat population perturbations. Predation by cats occurred in 9/20 alleys. Predated rats were predominantly juveniles and significantly smaller (144.6 g±17.8 g) than the trapped rats (385.0 g±135.6 g). Cats rarely preyed on the larger, older portion of the rat population. Conclusions/Significance The rat population appears resilient to perturbation from even substantial population reduction using targeted removal. In this area there is a relatively low population density of cats and they only occasionally prey on the rat population. This occasional predation primarily removes the juvenile proportion of the rat population. The top predator in this urban ecosystem appears to have little impact on the size of the prey population, and similarly, reduction in rat populations doesn't impact the size of the cat population. However, the selected targeting of small rats may locally influence the size structure of the population which may have consequences for patterns of pathogen transmission.
Electrophysiology of taste, feeding and reward in lateral hypothalamus of rabbit

Abstract Single-unit responses of LH cells and oral reaction were studied in food-deprived animals to intraoral injections of rewarding and aversive tastants differentially cued by tonal stimuli. Correlative tests were carried out with microstimulation. Classification and statistical analysis of task-related neurons in different AP regions of LH revealed two functionally disparate, anatomically segregated groups of cells that may play a role in hedonic reactions to tastants. A rostral group showed strong “excitatory” response to aversive test stimuli and divergent “inhibitory” or mininal response to rewarding test stimuli. More caudal cells displayed maximal excitatory response to rewarding test stimuli, which, in some cases, related to oral behavior. Microstimulation of caudal sites also evoked rhythmical oral movement. Phasic and/or tonic reactivity to taste stimuli were common among LH neurons, but most cells responded differentially to both conditioned stimuli and tastants. Only a few cells reacted selectively to the fluid stimuli.