cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A thermodynamic and kinetic-based grain growth model for nanocrystalline materials: Parameter sensitivity analysis and model extension

Abstract Predicting grain growth in nanocrystalline materials requires modeling approaches that incorporate grain boundary thermodynamics and kinetics. In this work, the thermokinetic model of Chen et al. (2012) for grain growth was applied to experimental X-ray diffraction measurements from a binary nanocrystalline alloy in an effort (1) to understand the influence of thermodynamic, kinetic, and material parameters in the model; and (2) to extend the thermokinetic model by incorporating temperature dependence. The model performs well for the grain boundary saturated case in the binary nanocrystalline alloy, where it is assumed that solute segregates to the grain boundaries and thermodynamically/kinetically reduces the driving force for grain growth. In this work, a sensitivity analysis of parameters (Monte Carlo global sensitivity analysis) identifies the important thermodynamic/kinetic parameters and their correlation with one another for the present model. This model was then extended to include the change in these independent thermodynamic/kinetic parameters as a function of temperature and to model the effect of initial grain size distribution. This research shows that the thermodynamic and kinetic contributions can describe grain growth in nanocrystalline materials and this extended model can be parameterized for grain size evolution and stabilization with temperature for nanocrystalline systems.
Quality of life: An independent prognostic variable in a general population of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

19596 Background: It is uncertain whether the current Quality of Life (QL) instruments can facilitate clinical decision-making in oncology. Since the most important outcome in oncology is survival,...
What Accuracy Could Not Be

Two different programs are in the business of explicating accuracy—the truthlikeness program and the epistemic utility program. Both assume that truth is the goal of inquiry, and that among inquiries that fall short of realizing the goal some get closer to it than others. TL theorists have been searching for an account of the accuracy of propositions. Epistemic utility theorists have been searching for an account of the accuracy of credal states. Both assume we can make cognitive progress in an inquiry even while falling short of the target. I show that the prospects for combining these two programs are bleak. A core accuracy principle, Proximity, that is universally embraced within the Truthlikeness program turns out to be incompatible with a central principle within the Epistemic Utility program, namely Propriety.
Electroanatomical Mapping Using the CARTO® System

Mapping during catheter ablation is an essential component of the procedure in several aspects. In terms of “localization”, in addition to the mere fact that it is necessary for identification of the region of the heart that is the “focus” of the arrhythmia, mapping should also provide some insight into the mechanism of the arrhythmia. Furthermore, to facilitate the ablation process, mapping should also provide some information about the anatomy and geometry of that particular portion of the heart. Finally, if the ablation process involves more than a single point ablation, mapping should also provide guidance in terms of navigation.
Metastasis Suppressor Genes: A Brief Review of an Expanding Field

Metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor to form macroscopic lesions at the secondary site is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Thus, an understanding of the mechanisms controlling metastasis would allow more effective treatments resulting in better quality of life and higher survival rates. Metastasis suppressor genes prevent metastasis without affecting tumorigenesis and are therefore unique therapeutic targets. In this review, the thirteen defined metastasis suppressor genes are discussed and updated data on the mechanisms of action of these gene products are summarized. Furthermore, work ongoing on a number of potential metastasis suppressor genes for which functional data does not exist is summarized. Finally, important areas of ongoing research that will facilitate translation to the clinic are highlighted.
Robust dosage (RD)-PCR protocol for the detection of heterozygous deletions.

Dosage Detection of Deletions Large deletions comprise over 5% of reported human diseases, but existing detection methods require extensive optimization procedures and often lack controls. Nguyen e...
Role of Selenium in Immune Responsiveness and Disease Resistance

Although selenium was established as an essential nutrient for mammals in 1957, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that a true biological function for the element was recognized (Schwarz and Foltz, 1957; Schwarz et al., 1957; Rotruck et al., 1972). Rotruck et al. (1973) established that selenium is an integral component of the metalloenzyme glutathione peroxidase, and, as such, plays an important role in the cellular antioxidant defense system.
Emile Zuckerkandl, Linus Pauling, and the molecular evolutionary clock, 1959-1965.

Emile Zuckerkandl et Linus Pauling ont demontre que le taux d'evolution des proteines est approximativement constant au cours du temps
The Influence of Multisensory Cues on Representation of Quantity in Children

Abstract We broadly discuss the influence of multiple cues on humans’ psychophysical representation of number. We first review extant research investigating the limitations of abstract numerical representations, as well as more recent findings that demonstrate enhanced numerical discrimination following multisensory stimulation. We also discuss possible environmental and biological factors that underlie humans’ propensity to perceptually benefit from multisensory stimulation, and close with discussion of unanswered questions regarding the beneficial effects of redundant multisensory stimulation. Emergent data from our own lab is used as a backdrop to discuss many of these unknowns.
Raman Spectra and Structure of Fluorine- and Water-Bearing Silicate Glasses and Melts

Transport and thermodynamic properties of water- and fluorine-bearing silicate melts differ significantly from those of their F- and H2O-free equivalents (e.g., Hirayama and Camp, 1969; Kogarko and Kriegman, 1973; Burnham, 1979). For example, their viscosities and densities decrease dramatically as only a few percent of these components are added. Furthermore, the magnitudes of such changes caused by either water or fluorine resemble each other. Liquidus phase equilibria of fluorine- or water-bearing silicate systems also differ dramatically from those of F- and H2O-free systems. From these observations it can be inferred that F and H2O profoundly affect the structure of silicate melts. In order to understand the solution mechanisms it is necessary to determine the individual complexing mechanisms of F and H2O with the silicate materials.
Effect of Polychromatic X-Ray Microtomography Imaging on the Amino Acid Content of the Murchison CM Chondrite

X-ray microcomputed tomography is a useful means of characterizing cosmochemical samples such as meteorites or robotically returned samples. However, there are occasional concerns that the use of μCT may be detrimental to the organic components of a chondrite. Small organic compounds such as amino acids comprise up to ~10% of the total solvent extractable carbon in CM carbonaceous chondrites. We irradiated three samples of the Murchison CM carbonaceous chondrite under conditions akin to and harsher than those typically used during typical benchtop x-ray μCT imaging experiments to determine if detectable changes in the amino acid abundance and distribution relative to a non-exposed Murchison control sample occurred. After subjecting three meteorite samples to ionizing radiation dosages between ~300 Gray (Gy) and 3 kGy with bremstrahlung X-rays, we analyzed the amino acid content of each sample. Within sampling and analytical errors, we found no differences in the amino acid abundances and amino acid enantiomeric ratios when comparing the control samples (non-exposed Murchison) and the irradiated samples. We conclude that a polychromatic X-ray μCT experiment has no detectable effect on the amino acid content of a CM type carbonaceous chondrite.
Parallel-in-Space-Time Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference in Electronic Enclosures

There has been a growing and pressing need to rapidly evaluate the electromagnetic (EM) interference and susceptibility of electronic devices inside complex enclosures. To address this need, this paper leverages the time-domain wave physics to develop first-principles computational and predictive models. The temporal multi-scale challenge in analyzing longtime cavity transient dynamics is addressed by a new time-evolution Green's function and a space-time domain decomposition method. The research overcomes the time-step limitation and the sequential-in-time barrier, and achieves first-time a parallel-in-time capability for solving transient cavity problems. The results are valuable for the broadband analysis of EM emission and interference, shielding effectiveness and integrity, and integrated design of electronics and enclosures.
Cryogenic L-band GaAs HEMT LNA for the Square Kilometer Array

Cryogenic low noise amplifiers (LNAs) are in high demand for highly sensitive receivers for radio astronomy. This paper describes the design and testing of an extremely low noise amplifier based on 3-stage GaAs HEMTs and a microwave integrated circuit. Utilizing computer-aided design techniques, lumped passive components were adapted to integrate with GaAs low noise transistors to optimize the noise and return losses. This LNA design achieved an extremely low noise temperature of averaging only 1.3 K, having $>40$ dB gain, and low input and output return losses $< -10$ dB, in a wide bandwidth from 900 MHz to 2000 MHz at a physical temperature of 15 K. It realized high gain and an excellent gain stability of Allan variance $< 2 \mathrm {x}10~^{\mathbf {-8}}$ at cryogenic temperatures and meets the stringent requirements of the Square Kilometer Array receivers.
Is it ethical to isolate study participants to prevent HIV transmission during trials with an analytical treatment interruption

This commentary considers an extreme idea for protecting against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission to sex partners of individuals participating in HIV remission studies with an analytical treatment interruption (ATI). Other human challenge studies, such as studies of influenza, commonly isolate participants during the trial, to protect their contacts and the community against infection. Why should HIV studies with a treatment interruption be any different, one might wonder? This article concludes that isolation should not be used in HIV remission studies with an ATI but also shows that the matter is complex.
Are interest rate swaps used to manage banks' earnings?

Previous research has shown that loan loss provisions and security gains and losses are used to manage banks’ net income. However, these income components are reported below banks largest operating component, net interest income (NII). This study extends the literature by examining whether banks exploit the accounting permitted under past and current hedge accounting standards to manage NII by entering into interest rate swaps. Specifically, I investigate whether banks enter into receive-fixed/pay-variable swaps to increase earnings when unmanaged NII is below management’s target for NII. In addition, I investigate whether banks enter into receive-variable/pay-fixed swaps to decrease earnings when unmanaged NII is above management’s target for NII. Swaps-based earnings management is possible because past and current hedge accounting standards allow receive-fixed/pay-variable swaps (receivevariable/pay-fixed) to have known positive (negative) income effects in the first period of the swap contract. However, entering into swaps for NII management is not costless, because such swaps change the interest rate risk position throughout the swap period. Thus, I also examine whether banks find it cost-beneficial to enter into offsetting swap positions in the next period to mitigate interest rate risk caused by entering into earnings management swaps in the current period. Using 546 bank-year observations from 1995 to 2002, I find that swaps are used to manage NII. However, I do not find evidence that banks immediately enter into offsetting swap positions in the next period. In sum, this research demonstrates that banks exploit the accounting provided under past and current hedge accounting rules to manage NII. This NII management opportunity will disappear if the FASB implements full fair value accounting for financial instruments, as foreshadowed by FAS No. 133.
Additively Manufactured Multi-Material Parts with Defect Detection Capabilities

Abstract Detection of defects is possible by putting conductive paint or foils between the layers of composite materials. The location of the defect is estimated from the lost conductivities along the X and Y axis. Recently, Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods have been used for many applications. AM equipment with double extruding heads and available conductive filaments make the building of parts with conductive sections at single step possible. In this study, two approaches were considered for the design of parts with sensing capabilities, to work along with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems. The first approach embedded conductive rods along the span of each part. Each rod was further connected to a controller from both of its ends. The defect and its location were estimated by the controller from the loss of the connection. The second approach connected conductive rods parallel inside the part, which reduced the number of overall outside connections. When the part is damaged and one or more of the rods lose their conductivity, their location was estimated from the change of the resistance. The study demonstrated that conductive sections can be imbedded inside polymer parts when they are created with AM printers. These sections in turn can be used with a proper monitoring system to identify defects, their locations, and depths.
Multifunction Phased Array Radar Advanced Technology Demonstrator (MPAR ATD) Nearfield Testing and Fielding

MIT Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL) has been working in support of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) program to develop low-cost phased array radar. MIT LL along with MACOM has developed an S-band 64-element dual-polarization phased array panel with 6 W radiated power per element per polarization. The third generation of this panel was used to build a 76-panel fully polarimetric AESA radar, the MPAR Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD). Recently characterized at MIT LL's RF Test Facility, the ATD has EIRP of 85 dBW, 40 dB boresite directivity, and less than 0.04° beam steering error. The ATD was installed at the National Weather Radar Testbed (NWRT) at the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) in 2018. This paper summarizes nearfield chamber test results, installation, and calibration of the 76-panel MPAR ATD.
Communication Skills and Teaming are a Project Manager's Best Tools

As a project manager, it is our job to control the scope, time and budget of an initiative with a defined start and end. The everyday logistics of how that occurs varies greatly from one PM to another and from one organization to another. Two skills that can be consistently used to support success are strong communication skills and teaming. Teaming is the art and skill of creating several small focused working groups to concentrate on very defined deliverables while working as a part of the whole project as one cohesive unit. Communication skills are a vast bucket into which many things can be grouped; in this particular scenario, I am referring to communications within your project teams, controlling communications to your customers/stakeholders and communication up to senior management. In this paper, I will explore the various tools and strategies, including teaming which can be used to increase project visibility, create stakeholder buy-in, encourage organizational change management and ensure project success.
Exploiting intervalley scattering to harness hot carriers in III–V solar cells

Hot carrier solar cells offer the potential to exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit. So far, however, there has been no clear route to achieve this result. Recently, the exploitation of the satellite valleys of the solar absorber material has been proposed as a feasible approach to harness hot carriers. Here, we show that, upon photoinduced and field-aided intervalley scattering to upper L-valleys, hot carriers can be harnessed in InGaAs/AlInAs heterojunctions at voltages defined by the upper valley (~1.25 V in the ideal case) rather than the bandgap of the InGaAs absorber (0.75 eV) under practical operational conditions. The efficiency of the present system does not exceed the single bandgap limit due to a mismatch in the valley degeneracy across the n+-AlInAs/n-InGaAs interface. However, we suggest that this is not a fundamental limitation to the realization of a hot carrier solar cell. Hot carrier solar cells offer greater conversion efficiency than single junction cells but they have yet to be demonstrated in real devices. Esmaielpour et al. show that hot carriers are harnessed from metastable valleys in III–V heterojunction devices at voltages greater than the absorber bandgap.
Making Traffic Safety Personal: Visualization and Customization of National Traffic Fatalities

Communicating public health issues related to rural and urban road transportation safety is a challenging task. The approach to this task was to utilize an action-design research methodology to design and evaluate several innovative GIS-mashups that visually communicate traffic fatality information from the national to the local level. These web-based mashups (www.saferoadmaps.org) integrate a range of spatial data regarding motor vehicle crashes, transportation policy legislation, and driver behavioral data and present a visual representation of traffic safety across the United States. It was anticipated that these mashups, and related website, would help raise awareness and change fundamental perceptions regarding the magnitude, risk factors, and impacts of motor vehicle crashes and bring both increased safety and awareness to transportation policy makers and private citizens. Preliminary findings from around the world suggest that there is a strong interest in this type of information, particularly as users can customize it to local queries.
Beyond consuming ethically? Food citizens, governance, and sustainability

Abstract To improve the sustainability of food and agriculture, analyses are increasingly calling for forms of engagement by consumers that go beyond "voting with their dollars,” and for people to be food citizens. While the notion of food citizenship suggests innovative ways that consumers can contribute to sustainable transitions, there is a dearth of research on what it means for a person to act as a food citizen and the kinds of governance processes that enable food citizenship. Using a case study of a consumer cooperative, Seikatsu Club Consumer Cooperative, in Japan, this paper examines how consumers and producers act as food citizens, and the ways that governance processes affect food citizenship. Three sets of analyses are presented. First, the aspects of Seikatsu Club’s governance system that promote and facilitate food citizenship are analyzed. Second, what it means to be food citizens and the kinds of activities consumers and producers partake in as food citizens are examined. Third, the ways that food citizenship impacts consumer-producer relations and sustainability are discussed. Specifically, the analysis of Seikatsu Club Consumer Cooperative indicates that food citizenship can facilitate mutual understanding and partnership between consumers and producers, and a sense of ownership by them over the food system and sustainability. In concluding, the implications of the findings on Seikatsu Club Consumer Cooperative for governance, food citizenship, and sustainability more generally are discussed.
Time-resolved 3D imaging of two-phase fluid flow inside a steel fuel injector using synchrotron X-ray tomography.

The multiphase flow inside a diesel injection nozzle is imaged using synchrotron X-rays from the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Through acquisitions performed at several viewing angles and subsequent tomographic reconstruction, in-situ 3D visualization is achieved for the first time inside a steel injector at engine-like operating conditions. The morphology of the internal flow reveals strong flow separation and vapor-filled cavities (cavitation), the degree of which correlates with the nozzle’s asymmetric inlet corner profile. Micron-scale surface features, which are artifacts of manufacturing, are shown to influence the morphology of the resulting liquid-gas interface. The data obtained at 0.1 ms time resolution exposes transient flow features and the flow development timescales are shown to be correlated with in-situ imaging of the fuel injector’s hydraulically-actuated valve (needle). As more than 98.5% of the X-ray photon flux is attenuated within the steel injector body itself, we are posed with a unique challenge for imaging the flow within. Time-resolved imaging under these low-light conditions is achieved by exploiting both the refractive and absorptive properties of X-ray photons. The data-processing strategy converted these images with a signal-to-noise ratio of ~ 10 into a meaningful dataset for understanding internal flow and cavitation in a nozzle of diameter 200 μm enclosed within 1–2 millimeters of steel.
Surf early to higher tides: surfactant therapy to optimize tidal volume, lung recruitment, and iNO response

Inhaled nitric oxide is approved by FDA for the management of hypoxemic respiratory failure in term and near-term infants. However, approximately a third of patients treated with inhaled nitric oxide fail to have a sustained improvement in oxygenation. Recruitment of the lung with surfactant enables optimal delivery of nitric oxide to the alveolar space leading to effective pulmonary vasodilation.
Correlates of transactional sex and violent victimization among men who inject drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California

Men who inject drugs (MWID) and engage in transactional sex (i.e., receive money or drugs in exchange for sex) are vulnerable to HIV and violence. However, MWID who engage in transactional sex have been less studied than women. We examine factors associated with transactional sex among MWID in Los Angeles and San Francisco and whether transactional sex is associated with violent victimization. MWID were recruited using targeted sampling methods in 2011–2013 and completed surveys that covered demographics, drug use, HIV risk, violence, transactional sex, and other items. Multivariable logistic regression was used to (1) determine factors independently associated with transactional sex and (2) determine if transactional sex was independently associated with violence victimization in the last 6 months among MWID. An interaction term between income source and sexual identity was included in the transactional sex model. Of the 572 male PWID in the sample, 47 (8%) reported transactional sex in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV infection was 7% for MWID who did not report transactional sex, 17% for MWID who reported transactional sex, and 24% for MWID who reported transactional sex and reported gay or bisexual identity. In multivariable analysis, transactional sex was positively associated with gay or bisexual identity (GB without illegal income adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86–14.27; GB with illegal income AOR = 13.55, CI = 4.57–40.13), coerced sex in the last 12 months (AOR = 11.66, CI = 1.94–70.12), and violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.31, CI = 1.13–4.75). Transactional sex was negatively associated with heroin injection (last 30 days) (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18–0.78). Transactional sex was independently associated with violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.00–4.14) while controlling for confounders. MWID who engaged in transactional sex are at elevated risk for HIV and multiple forms of violent victimization. Interventions focused on this at-risk subpopulation are urgently needed and should include access to substance use disorder treatment, victimization services, and harm reduction services across the HIV care continuum.
Comparison of 1.9 eV InGaP front- and rear-junction solar cells grown on Si

In this work, we compare the performance of front-junction (FJ) and rear-heterojunction (RHJ) 1.9 eV InGaP solar cells grown on Si by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The RHJs had greater Voc than the FJs on Si, even with ~10 × higher threading dislocation density (TDD), indicating superior dislocation tolerance of the n-type absorber of the RHJ compared to the p-type absorber of the FJ. However, poor internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of the RHJ on Si due to insufficient diffusion length also limited cell efficiency. Based on modeling, a thinner RHJ absorber will greatly boost the short circuit current density (J sc ), enabling high-performance InGaP RHJs for epitaxial III-V/Si solar cells.
Gardening/yard work and depressive symptoms in African Americans

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of gardening/yard work in relation to depressive symptoms in African-Americans while controlling for biological and social factors. Methods A secondary analysis was performed on the National Survey of American Life (n=2,903) using logistic regression for complex samples. Gardening/Yard work was measured by self-reported frequency. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Results Biological and social factors, not gardening/yard work, were associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Biological and social factors may need to be addressed before the association between gardening/yard work and depressive symptoms can be determined.
Receptor-mediated regulation of calcium channels and neurotransmitter release.

Ca2+ influx into the nerve terminal is normally the trigger for the release of neurotransmitters. Many neurons possess presynaptic receptors whose activation results in changes in the quantity of neurotransmitter released by an action potential. This paper reviews studies that show that presynaptic receptors can regulate the activity of Ca2+ channels in the nerve terminal, resulting in changes in the influx of Ca2+ and in neurotransmitter release. Neurons possess several different types of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Ca2+ influx through N-type channels appears to trigger transmitter release in many instances. In other cases Ca2+ influx through L channels can influence transmitter release. Neurotransmitters can inhibit N channels through a G protein-mediated transduction mechanism. The G proteins are frequently pertussis toxin substrates. Inhibition of N channels appears to involve changes in their voltage dependence. Neurotransmitters can also regulate neuronal K+ channels. Activation of these K+ cha...
Generational ethics: age cohort and healthcare executives' values.

This cross-sectional study of three generations of healthcare executives examines whether age cohort is the key determiner of ethical values. Responses to a national survey using the Rokeach Value Survey indicate that, contrary to widely reported beliefs that suggest otherwise, the age cohort groups in this sample exhibit virtually identical value preferences. The concept of career attraction is introduced to explain the similarities in value preference, and it is further suggested that generational differences may be nullified by the homogeneous demands of organizational life in a healthcare setting. Implications for ethical decisionmaking are discussed. Does age cohort affiliation influence healthcare executive values and consequent ethical judgements? The greater body of literature clearly suggests the answer is yes, yet an empirical assessment of the question has never before been reported. The attention given this issue to date has been focused on the generational differences between the three age cohorts in the workplace today: Matures, Boomers, and Generation Xers (1). Defined as a group of people who share a given historical or socially structured life experience, an age cohort is believed to have a relatively stable influence over the decisionmaking of individuals, and serves to distinguish one generation from another (2)(3)(4). ‘Generation X,’ or ‘GenXers’ as they are commonly referred to, are comprised of individuals born between 1961 and 1981. ‘Baby Boomers,’ or ‘Boomers’ as they are popularly known, are those born between 1943 and 1960. ‘Matures’ is the name given to characterize the group of people born between born 1925 and 1942. [Birth dates defining generational cohorts vary slightly among multiple sources. The dates used in this study are from Strauss and Howe (1991), though the nomenclature is not.] The literature suggests that certain values are more important to one age cohort than another, that the values they place greater weight upon distinguish them as unique (2). As our values form the basis of our decisionmaking criteria (5)(6), and as a great deal (some argue all) of the behavior we engage in is attributable to the values we hold (7)(5)(8)(9)(10)(6), empirically assessing whether the value differences between age cohorts are supported by data is key to an understanding of how healthcare executives make ethical decisions. This essay empirically examines the effect of age cohort affiliation on value preferences and consequent decisionmaking. Results from a national survey of three generations of healthcare executives are reported and analyzed, offering a first time glimpse into the value systems that guide the key decisionmakers in the delivery of healthcare in America.
Raman coupling of Zeeman sublevels in an alkali-metal Bose-Einstein condensate

We investigate amplitude and phase control of the components of the spinor order parameter of a $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ Bose-Einstein condensate. By modeling the interaction of the multilevel atomic system with a pair of Raman-detuned laser pulses, we show that it is possible to construct a pulse-sequence protocol for producing a desired state change within a single Zeeman manifold. We present several successful elementary tests of this protocol in both the $F=1$ and $F=2$ Zeeman manifolds of $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ using the ${D}_{1}$ transitions. We describe specific features of the interaction, which are important for multimode, spatially varying field configurations, including the role of state-dependent, light-induced potentials.
Simultaneous approximations for adversarial and stochastic online budgeted allocation

Motivated by online ad allocation, we study the problem of simultaneous approximations for the adversarial and stochastic online budgeted allocation problem. This problem consists of a bipartite graph G = (X, Y, E), where the nodes of Y along with their corresponding capacities are known beforehand to the algorithm, and the nodes of X arrive online. When a node of X arrives, its incident edges, and their respective weights are revealed, and the algorithm can match it to a neighbor in Y. The objective is to maximize the weight of the final matching, while respecting the capacities.When nodes arrive in an adversarial order, the best competitive ratio is known to be 1 - 1/e, and it can be achieved by the Ranking [18], and its generalizations (Balance [16, 21]). On the other hand, if the nodes arrive through a random permutation, it is possible to achieve a competitive ratio of 1 -- e [9]. In this paper we design algorithms that achieve a competitive ratio better than 1 -- 1/e on average, while preserving a nearly optimal worst case competitive ratio. Ideally, we want to achieve the best of both worlds, i.e, to design an algorithm with the optimal competitive ratio in both the adversarial and random arrival models. We achieve this for unweighted graphs, but show that it is not possible for weighted graphs.In particular, for unweighted graphs, under some mild assumptions, we show that Balance achieves a competitive ratio of 1 -- e in a random permutation model. For weighted graphs, however, we prove this is not possible; we prove that no online algorithm that achieves an approximation factor of 1 -- 1/e for the worst-case inputs may achieve an average approximation factor better than 97.6% for random inputs. In light of this hardness result, we aim to design algorithms with improved approximation ratios in the random arrival model while preserving the competitive ratio of 1 -- 1/e in the worst case. To this end, we show the algorithm proposed by [21] achieves a competitive ratio of 0.76 for the random arrival model, while having a 1 -- 1/e ratio in the worst case.
Promoting the Quiet Life or Risk-Taking? CEO Severance Contracts and Managerial Decision-Making

Using CEO severance contracts during 1992-2010, we find that CEOs with a severance contract tend to reduce corporate investments, impede innovation, and decrease firm risk across several dimensions, leading to shareholder value destruction. This negative value effect is stronger during the recent financial crisis period. Our findings suggest that severance contracts, rather than encouraging risky, value-increasing decisions, induce managerial shirking and destroy shareholder value. Such negative value impact is significantly mitigated for firms with stronger governance, greater growth, and in more competitive industries. We shed new light on the debate over regulation of executive compensation following the recent financial crisis.
A longitudinal study of dental caries risk among very young low SES children

Objectives—Early childhood caries is a challenging public health problem in the United States and elsewhere; however, there is limited information concerning risk factors in very young children. The purpose of this study was to assess baseline risk factors for 18-month caries prevalence as part of a longitudinal study of high-risk children. Methods—212 children 6–24 months of age were recruited from a rural community in Iowa. Subjects were enrolled in the WIC program, which provides nutritional support for low-income families with children. Dental examinations using d1d2-3 criteria were conducted at baseline and after 18 months. Caries prevalence was determined at the frank decay level (d2-3 or filled surfaces), as well as at the non-cavitated level (d1), and combined (d1, d2-3 or f surfaces). Risk factor data were collected at baseline and after 9- and 18- months. These data included beverage consumption data, presence of visible plaque, and use of fluoride toothpaste for children as well as mutans streptococci (MS) levels of mothers and children and family socio-demographic factors. Results—128 children (60%) remained in the study after 18 months. Among these children, prevalence of d-1d2-3/f level caries increased from 9% to 77%, while d2-3/f level caries increased from 2% to 20%. Logistic regression models for baseline predictors of d2-3f caries at the 18month follow-up found presence of MS in children (OR=4.4; 95% CI: 1.4, 13.9) and sugarsweetened beverages (OR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.6) to be the only significant risk factors. Sociodemographic factors and use of fluoride toothpaste were not significant in these models. Conclusions—Results suggest that early colonization by MS and consumption of sugarsweetened beverages are significant predictors of early childhood caries in high-risk populations.
Determination of chlordiazepoxide, its hydrochloride and related impurities in pharmaceutical formulations by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A quantitative high-performance liquid chromatographic method using an octadecylsilane column and a methanol-water mobile phase was employed for the determination of chlordiazepoxide, chlordiazepoxide X HCl and related impurities in capsule and tablet preparations. Each component is well separated and directly detected by 254 nm absorption. For chlordiazepoxide and chlordiazepoxide X HCl the coefficient of variation for replicated injections was below 1%. Recovery of authentic samples ranged from 98.4 to 101.6% for both capsule and tablet formulations.
The potential role of ventricular compressive therapy

Early infarct expansion is associated with progressive ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction, and heralds a poor long-term prognosis. The pathophysiology of ventricular remodeling leading to CHF is hypothesized to begin with infarct expansion, which causes increased stress in the myocardium adjacent to the infarct. Increased stress in normally perfused border zone myocardium results in the production of cytokines and ROS, which in turn stimulate myocyte apoptosis, disruption of the ECM, and fibrosis. The value of ventricular compressive therapy in established CHF with the Acorn CSD is unclear. Early clinical and laboratory studies indicate that the device can be placed safely using standard surgical techniques, and that constrictive physiology is surprisingly rare. In the few patients who have received the device, however, the clinical benefit has not been dramatic. A final assessment awaits a well-designed clinical trial comparing isolated CSD placement with optimal medical management, the primary end points being death or the need for organ replacement. In contrast, the value of early ventricular compressive therapy (ie, the prophylactic prevention of infarct expansion) has been demonstrated experimentally: early ventricular restraint dramatically ameliorates remodeling. This strategy probably represents the best application of ventricular compressive therapy. Future work must ascertain the best timing for such an intervention.
Caudate stimulation and behavioral inhibition in the rat.

Abstract The behavioral effects of various forms of caudate nuclear electrostimulation were studied in relation to their potency for inhibiting a well learned operant response. The major findings were: (1) The total amount of electrical energy per unit time delivered to the caudate nuclei proved to be an effective predictor of the degree of response inhibition. (2) Paired-pulse stimulation over a wide range of interpulse intervals produced increasing amounts of response inhibition dependent upon both the interval between pulse-pairs and the interpulse interval itself. (3) Concomitant changes in cortical evoked potentials to caudate stimulation were observed with increasing amounts of behavioral inhibition. (4) The results were discussed within the context of caudate-cortical mechanisms for producing both neuronal and behavioral inhibition.
ZERO-POINT FLUCTUATIONS IN THE NUCLEAR BORN-OPPENHEIMER GROUND STATE

The small-amplitude oscillations of rigid nuclei around the equilibrium state are described by means of the nuclear Born-Oppenheimer (NBO) method. In this limit, the method is shown to give back the random phase approximation (RPA) equations of motion. The contribution of the zero-point fluctuations to the ground state are examined, and the NBO ground state energy derived is shown to be identical to the RPA ground state energy.
The Impact of Minimally Invasive Techniques on Open Partial Nephrectomy: A 10-Year Single Institutional Experience

Purpose: With the advent of minimally invasive, nephron sparing surgical options we hypothesized that the indications, perioperative parameters and complication rates of open partial nephrectomy may have changed significantly during a 10-year period.Materials and Methods: Open partial nephrectomy was compared during 2, 3-year periods. From 1994 to 1996 (before laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, cryoablation and radio frequency ablation) 208 cases were compared vs 347 open partial nephrectomies performed from 2004 to 2006 with regard to indications, perioperative parameters and complication rates.Results: There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to age (59 vs 58 years), gender (65.5% vs 65.0% male) and tumor size (3.9 vs 3.6 cm). Tumors removed in the recent era were more often in a solitary kidney (40.0% vs 15.6%) and centrally located (55.6% vs 37.3%), and pathological evaluation more often revealed higher grade (Fuhrman 3 or 4) (43.1% vs 27.8%, each p <0.0001). Despite increas...
Interacting is believing? Examining bottom‐Up credibility of blogs among politically interested Internet users

This study examines how politically interested Internet users perceive blogs as a credible source of news and information. More specifically, this study aims to identify a new possible factor that has a moderating impact on blog credibility assessment in the collaborative nature of digital media circumstances. This study found that blog credibility was predicted by the interaction between blog reliance and online news activity, indicating that those who more actively interact with news and with other users judge blogs as more credible than those who do less so. Implications of the findings were discussed for future research.
Characteristics of prostate cancer found with early detection regimens

This article reviews the clinical and pathologic characteristics of nonpalpable (Stage T1c) prostate cancer reported in five studies published to date. Stage T1c tumors more closely resemble palpable prostate cancers (Stage T2) than they do incidental prostate cancers detected in cystoprostatectomy specimens. The mean tumor volume of Stage T1c tumors is about 50 times greater (2.0 mL vs 0.04 mL) than incidental cystoprostate cancers. Only about 20–25% of T1c tumors have a tumor volume 0.5 mL are considered to have significant biologic potential. Furthermore, 30–50% of T1c tumors have penetrated the prostatic capsule, 20⅔0% demonstrate positive surgical margins, and 5–10% demonstrate seminal vesicle invasion and/or positive pelvic lymph nodes. Possible reasons for nonpalpability of T1c tumors include tumor location in the central and/or anterior zones of the prostate and increased gland volume due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, making T1c tumors more difficult to palpate. A combination of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density 0.5 mL that warrant aggressive treatment in accordance with age and other health considerations.
Superiority of aztreonam/clindamycin compared with gentamicin/clindamycin in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma

Abstract There were 73 evaluable patients entered into a prospective, double-blinded trial comparing aztreonam/clindamycin ( A C ) to gentamicin/clindamycin ( G C ) for the prevention of infection after penetrating abdominal trauma. Aztreonam was administered at a dosage of 2 g every 8 hours and gentamicin at 5 mg/kg for the first 24 hours and then adjusted by serum monitoring to a peak of 6 to 8 μg/mL and a trough of less than 2 μg/mL; all patients received 900 mg of clindamycin every 8 hours. Patients with colon wounds received 4 days of antibiotics, and the remaining patients received a 24-hour course. Gunshot wounds occurred in 69% of patients: 74% of all patients had some hollow viscus injury, and 26% had only solid viscus injury. The groups were well matched according to abdominal trauma index, percentage with colon injury, and transfusion requirements. Failures occurred in eight patients (11%): two wound infections, five intra-abdominal infections, and one case of necrotizing fasciitis. Seven infections occurred in 36 (19%) G C patients compared with 1 in 37 (3%) A C patients (p A C patients (p A C regimen may be partially attributable to relative underdosing of gentamicin (approximately half of the patients had inadequate levels after 24 hours) combined with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile (significantly prolonged half-life) of aztreonam in this clinical setting.
Thermodynamic Measurements by Means of Simulated Isothermal Enclosures

A theory is worked out for a simulated isothermal enclosure created by irradiating an object with a beam of radiant flux from a reference blackbody and comparing the blackbody radiant flux with that reflected, transmitted, and emitted by the object. By modifying Kirchhoff’s law to conform to the new geometry, conditions of isothermal balance or imbalance between blackbody and object can be determined, thus enabling temperature measurement or control to be effected. Also, measurements of emissivity, reflectance, and transmittance can be made.
Florida State University superconducting booster

Abstract A superconducting linear accelerator booster is to be added to the existing super FN tandem Van de Graaff accelerator installation at Florida State University to achieve an effective 12 MV additional acceleration voltage. A description of this booster, the tandem modifications to accommodate it and the present status of this project are presented.
Mysterious zero in AdS 5 ×S 5 supergravity

It is shown that all the states in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}$ supergravity have zero eigenvalue for all Casimir eigenvalues of its symmetry group SU(2,2|4). To compute this zero in supergravity we refine the oscillator methods for studying the lowest weight unitary representations of $\mathrm{SU}(N,M|R+S).$ We solve the reduction problem when one multiplies an arbitrary number of super-doubletons. This enters in the computation of the Casimir eigenvalues of the lowest weight representations. We apply the results to SU(2,2|4) that classifies the Kaluza-Klein towers of ten-dimensional type IIB supergravity compactified on ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}.$ We show that the vanishing of the SU(2,2|4) Casimir eigenvalues for all the states is indeed a group-theoretical fact in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{5}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{S}}^{5}$ supergravity. By the AdS-CFT correspondence, it is also a fact for gauge invariant states of super-Yang-Mills theory with four supersymmetries in four dimensions. This nontrivial and mysterious zero is very interesting because it is predicted as a straightforward consequence of the fundamental local Sp(2) symmetry in 2T-physics. Via the 2T-physics explanation of this zero we find a global indication that these special supergravity and super-Yang-Mills theories hide a twelve-dimensional structure with (10,2) signature.
An Improved Digital Image Correlation Method Applied to Scanning Probe Microscope Images

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a method for measuring the surface displacements and displacement gradients in materials under deformation. The method has also been applied to the calculation of image distortion for scanning probe microscopy (SPM). The traditional DIC method directly uses the intensity values of compared images but does not take out-of-plane nonlinearity error into account. However, in SPM measurements, the recorded z-direction value is a sum of the real surface height of the sample and any longitudinal deformation of the piezoelectric tube. In order to improve the calculation accuracy of the displacement fields, an improved DIC method is performed here. Two new parameters related to out-of-plane error are introduced in the mathematical modeling. The in-plane displacements between two compared images are then calculated pixel by pixel, with the z-direction error accounted for. This method is tested by applying it to two pairs of atomic force microscopy (AFM) images along the fast and slow scan directions.
Human Response to Low Concentrations of p,p-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI)

Abstract The spray application of a polyurethane foam was monitored in an underground mine to determine the air concentrations of diisocyanate and the resultant human response. Results snowed that the majority of unreacted p,p-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) was contained in the particulate material generated by the spray mechanism. Nearly all the generated particles were shown to be in the respirable range. The immunochemical response of human subjects showed that an exposure of about 1.3 ppm-min resulted in an antibody response, whereas an exposure of about 0.9 ppm-min did not. This study indicates that detection of MDI antibodies in the serum of individuals is diagnostic proof of a recent exposure to isocyanates.