cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable Annuities with Guaranteed Living Benefits: A Capital Structure Impact for Life Insurers?

Traditional variable annuities build retirement income for annuitants through investments in stocks and bonds. These annuities are variable because their performance depends upon the performance of uncertain financial markets. The risk of poor performance lies solely upon annuitants, rather than upon the life insurers that market the products. The last ten years have seen the dramatic growth of a new type of variable annuity that transfers some of the investment risk to the insurers by offering guarantees. Variable annuities with guarantees bundle a traditional variable annuity with one or more contractual guarantees of (1) increase in annuitant income, (2) increase in accumulation value, or (3) annuitant withdrawal rights – regardless of the actual performance of equity and fixed income markets. For life insurers, the risk of such guarantees is a relatively new dimension of their product risk. In this article we explore how U.S. life insurers’ involvement in variable annuities that offer guaranteed living benefits (VAGLB) impacts their capital structure. To assess the risk of VAGLB guarantees, we introduce a new guarantee risk metric that is proxied by the actuarial deficiency of insurer reserves for the guarantee obligations. We apply standard capital structure models to assess the impact of guarantee risk on capital in the context of other enterprise risks and controls for the years 2006 and 2007 (before the credit crisis of 2008/2009). For life insurers that underwrite VAGLB, we find that a regime of “excessive risk” prevails for VAGLB guarantee risk. That is, capital tends to decrease with increasing VAGLB guarantee risk, ceteris paribus. This unexpected finding may be explained by the elevated use of derivatives among VAGLB underwriters. Life insurers may view their derivative hedging activity as an adequate alternative to capital accumulation for managing the risks of VAGLB.
Graphene and Quantum Dot Nanocomposites for Photovoltaic Devices

As one of the most attracting nanoscale materials in the past decade, graphene and composites based on graphene have boosted the efficiency of catalytic reaction in energy conversion applications. Charge collection and transport are facilitated with the presence of graphene and reduced graphene oxide in quantum dot solar cells. The 2-D graphene and its derivatives serve as a scaffold for the immobilization of catalytic and photovoltaic nanoparticles as well as promoting selectivity and efficiency of the reaction process. Small size graphene quantum dots, which have quantum confinement effect, are promising for the applications in photovoltaic devices, due to their outstanding properties and advantages, including high optical absorption, tunable bandgap, and earth abundant chemical composition. In this chapter, the synthesis and application of both graphene sheets and graphene quantum dots are highlighted, followed by a perspective of future research in this area.
Evaluation of Subjective Effects of Aripiprazole and Methamphetamine in Methamphetamine-Dependent Volunteers

A variety of neuropharmacological strategies are being pursued in the search for an effective treatment for methamphetamine addiction. In this study, we investigated the safety and potential efficacy of aripiprazole, an antipsychotic agent acting on both dopamine and serotonin systems. We conducted a double-blind inpatient clinical pharmacology study to assess potential interactions between intravenous (IV) methamphetamine (15mg and 30mg) and oral aripiprazole (15mg). In addition, the effects of aripiprazole treatment on abstinence related craving and cue-induced craving were evaluated. Participants included non-treatment seeking, methamphetamine dependent patients (N=16), 18-45 years of age, currently using methamphetamine. Following baseline methamphetamine dosing (15mg and 30mg), participants received 2 weeks of treatment with aripiprazole (n=8) or placebo (n=8). Participants then completed cue exposure sessions using neutral and methamphetamine-related cues. Methamphetamine dosing (15mg and 30mg) was then repeated. Aripiprazole treatment had no effect on cue-induced methamphetamine craving, or on daily baseline craving assessed over the course of medication treatment, though aripiprazole treatment was associated with increased craving independent of methamphetamine dosing. Aripiprazole treatment was associated with significantly higher ratings on ARCI subscales reflecting euphoria and amphetamine-like effects following methamphetamine dosing. Aripiprazole was treatment was also associated with significant reductions in ratings of “bad effects” and reductions on the ARCI subscale for sedation effects following methamphetamine dosing. Aripiprazole treatment reduced the increase in systolic blood pressure following methamphetamine dosing, but had no other effects on cardiovascular responses to methamphetamine. Aripiprazole treatment did not alter the pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine. These findings indicate that aripiprazole treatment appears to be safe in volunteers with methamphetamine dependence, though the finding that aripiprazole increased some of the rewarding and stimulatory effects produced by acute methamphetamine suggests that 15mg aripiprazole is unlikely to be efficacious for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Further research with lower doses of aripiprazole, possibly using study designs aimed at evaluating efficacy for relapse prevention, are needed before ruling out aripiprazole as a treatment for methamphetamine dependence.
An experiment in capturing a priority-utility function in public agencies

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology and results of an experiment performed with a group of public agency executives in order to capture an agency-wide priorityutility function. A method based on the Churchman-Ackoff-Arnoff successive comparisons approach was developed for easy administration to the policy makers. The results produced high levels of concordance among the individual executives; the use of the results as input for other decision-making, such as resource allocation or the relative effectiveness of programs, is discussed.
Response of winter chemical defense in Alaska paper birch and green alder to manipulation of plant carbon/nutrient balance

Plant carbon/nutrient balance has been implicated as an important factor in plant defensive chemistry and palatability to herbivores. We tested this hypothesis by fertilizing juvenile growth form Alaska paper birch and green alder with N, P and N-plus-P in a balanced 2x2 factorial experiment. Additionally, we shaded unfertilized plants of both species. Fertilization with N and N-plus-P increased growth of Alaska paper birch, reduced the concentration of papyriferic acid in internodes and increased the palatability of birch twigs to snowshoe hares. Shading decreased birch growth, decreased the concentration of papyriferic acid in internodes and increased twig palatability. These results indicate that the defensive chemistry and palatability of winter-dormant juvenile Alaska paper birch are sensitive to soil fertility and shade. Conversely the defensive chemistry and palatability of green alder twigs to snowshoe hares were not significantly affected by soil fertility or shade. The greater sensitivity of Alaska paper birch defensive chemistry and palatability to snowshoe hares in comparison to green alder is in agreement with the hypothesis that early successional woody plants that are adapted to high resource availability are more plastic in their chemical responses to the physical environment than are species from less favorable environments.
Driver differentiation with seat settings part I: Component selection

The addition of user-customizable features to automobiles increases the need to differentiate among drivers so that each driver’s custom settings can be automatically applied. This study explored the feasibility of using component adjustment settings (e.g., seat position or steering wheel angle) to differentiate among drivers. The primary consideration in the feasibility assessment is the ratio of the within- and between-driver variance in component adjustments. Differentiation is a function of the stature difference between sharing drivers. Simulation and analysis showed that H-point fore-aft position provides the best single-component differentiation, followed by H-point up-down, steering wheel telescope and steering wheel angle. Seatback angle and seat-cushion angle are less useful in driver differentiation.Copyright © 2010 by General Motors
First step towards tiger frequency management: A ray tracing exploration using both IRI and IGRF models

Abstract Now that a recent addition to the southern hemisphere Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) - The Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER) - has become operational, real-time frequency management and coordinates registration of both back- and ground-scattered echoes are needed. Currently, and certainly in the near future, TIGER will operate like a high-frequency direction finding, single-site location instrument given that no other SuperDARN instrument currently overlaps its field of view. Ray tracing can be used initially to devise an optimum choice of operating frequencies for maximum coverage and to locate geographically (or geomagnetically) the backscattering regions. For convenience, we relied on the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) and Geomagnetic Reference Field models (IGRF) for the electron density profile and geomagnetic field as both models could easily be implemented in the ray-tracing code. Collisions were neglected. We also assumed that the radar echoes would mainly return from regions of the ionosphere where rays are nearly perpendicular to the local geomagnetic field. Throughout the study, we considered the magnetic aspect angle condition, | sin −1 ( K·B /kB )|≤05°, to be a necessary (yet insuffiient) condition for backscatter resulting from field-aligned irregularities. We retained as potential backscatter centres all points along the rays where the condition is fulfilled. Although our approach does not encompass all types of irregularities susceptible to produce significant radar returns and completely ignores the geographic distribution of irregularities by assuming their omnipresence, it provides a starting point for the real-time frequency management of the TIGER radar.
Dexamethasone blocks morphine-induced hypothermia in restrained rats

Abstract Rats restrained in small plexiglass restraining cages responded to morphine, 30mg/kg, with a pronounced hypo thermia. However, when this same dose of morphine was administered to unrestrained freely moving rats a marked hyper thermia resulted. The absolute magnitude and time course for body temperature changes after morphine were similar in both groups. When restrained rats pretreated with dexamethasone were administered morphine the hypothermic response was not only prevented but a subsequent hyperthermia occured. Morphine injected into unrestrained dexamethasone pretreated rats, however, still elicited a hyperthermia although of slightly lesser magnitude. These findings indicate that restraint is a potent modifier of morphine's effects on thermoregulation and that this effect most probably results from a stress-related activation of anterior pituitary hormone release. The possibility that ACTH or s-endorphin released by the stress of restraint are responsible for this modification is discussed.
Efe fathers: one among many? A comparison of forager children's involvement with fathers and other males

The study reported describes Efe (pygmy) forager one-, two-, and three-year-olds' involvement with males. The Efe of northeastern Zaire were chosen because their social organization allows us to examine hypotheses based on studies in Western, technologically complex societies about the distinctive role fathers play in the lives of their young children. Behavioral observations of Efe children's day-to-day activities with fathers, men and boys were recorded using a focal subject sampling technique (Altmann, 1974). Two behavioral measures were created to capture the extent to which males were involved with children: Social engagement describes males' involvement with children and social attention describes eavesdropping by children on males' everyday activities. Eight one-year-olds, 7 two-year-olds and 8 three-year-olds were each observed for six, one-hour observation sessions that were distributed evenly over the daylight hours. Data were analyzed using the traditional measure of involvement (e.g., adult males) and using a newly developed measure of the involvement of the average individual (e.g., average adult mate). Comparisons at each of the ages showed that fathers were consistently like other men in the extent to which children participated in social activities with them and watched their activities. Only fathers' level of social engagement declined significantly as children grew older. Boys' role relative to other males became increasingly distinctive as children aged. The findings suggest that Efe fathers may not be unique in the same sense assumed by Western study ideals, and raise questions about the special status given to fathers in Western theory and data. The patterning of mate involvement with children is discussed in terms of Efe community life, and in terms of Efe children's developing understanding of their relationship with fathers and other males.
The Impact of the Initial Flow on the Extratropical Response to Madden–Julian Oscillation Convective Heating

AbstractThe response to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) over the Pacific–North American (PNA) region is investigated. In addition, the sensitivity of this response to the interaction between Madden–Julian oscillation forcing and the extratropical initial flow is explored. First, a simple dynamical model is run with an ensemble of 100 randomly selected initial conditions from ERA-Interim data, with no heating, MJO phase-1-like heating, and MJO phase-5-like heating. The 300-hPa geopotential height field is separated into a part that would evolve without an active MJO present, and a part that is a consequence of the MJO heating. A negative 300-hPa geopotential height anomaly centered over northeastern China bounded by positive anomalies on its equatorward and poleward flanks is found to be followed by a large amplitude negative PNA-like response for MJO phase 1 and a positive PNA-like response for phase 5.A similar study is carried out using observational data. An analog approach—using projections to det...
Factors related to menopausal symptom management decisions

Abstract Objective To systematically review the literature regarding factors related to women's menopausal symptom management decision making. Methods The PubMed.gov online search engine was queried using pre-selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reference lists of articles were also reviewed to identify potentially missed articles. Full-text, English-language, peer-reviewed articles on factors related to menopausal symptom management decisions were reviewed. Results A total of 16 articles (15 data-based, 1 review of literature) from 6 different countries were reviewed. Most articles were related to decisions about one class of therapies and did not take into account all available therapeutic options. In the 15 data-based articles, diverse methods were used: qualitative (47%), quantitative (47%), and mixed (6%), with most being cross-sectional (93%). Very few of the data-based articles were based on a conceptual model (20%) and none used findings to derive an explanatory or predictive model. Most samples were not representative of special populations, such as women with breast cancer. Factors fell into four broad categories: (1) individual characteristics (demographics, menopause experience, symptomatology); (2) values, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences (attitudes and beliefs about menopause and treatments, preferred modalities, tolerance for risks/side effects); (3) facts and information about menopause and symptom management (amount, type, source, credibility, availability); and (4) health care context (health care provider communication, trust, availability/time, knowledge, relationship). Conclusions Additional descriptive studies are needed understand women's menopausal symptom management decisions in the context of all available therapies so that a comprehensive model of menopausal symptom management decision making can be specified. Additional understanding is needed regarding decisions in special populations of menopausal women such as breast cancer survivors, a group for whom menopausal symptom management can be particularly complex.
Spin Dependence of the s -Wave Neutron Interaction with Li 7

The angular distributions of the neutrons scattered elastically by ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$ have been measured at four energies in the vicinity of the $p$-wave resonance at 256 kev. Pronounced departures from symmetry are observed, the scattering being predominantly forward below resonance and backward above resonance. These departures are analyzed for information on the nature of the $s$-wave "background" interaction. By taking into account the known values of the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections at zero energy, it is possible to conclude that the parallel-spin ($J={2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) $s$-wave interaction is the stronger. Several other examples are cited from the literature on light nuclei which also indicate a stronger parallel-spin $s$-wave interaction, the magnitudes of the splittings being of the order of 1 Mev.
Rapid prototyping of composite parts using resin transfer molding and laminated object manufacturing

An expensive and time consuming aspect of a product development cycle is manufacturing the prototype of the design concept. The goal of current research is to devise a methodology for the rapid process development of resin transfer molding (RTM) in order to reduce product development cycle time and lower the cost of developing composite parts. As a first step towards this goal the feasibility of an alternative rapid prototyping technique, namely laminated object manufacturing (LOM), to fabricate molds has been investigated. The durability and dimensional stability of such a mold, as well as its economic practicality in the RTM manufacturing of a composite I-beam were considered. To keep tooling and fixturing simple, vacuum pressure was used to draw resin into the mold. However, injection at this low pressure proved difficult. To remedy the situation a high permeability layer (HPL) was incorporated into the process. The benefits and drawbacks of utilizing such a layer are also discussed in the paper. Furthermore, an RTM simulation program developed at UCLA was employed to determine optimum gate locations. Finally, the total hours to manufacture the first acceptable part were quantified for comparison with future studies.
Near-Field Infrared Vibrational Dynamics and Tip-Enhanced Decoherence

Ultrafast infrared spectroscopy can reveal the dynamics of vibrational excitations in matter. In its conventional far-field implementation, however, it provides only limited insight into nanoscale sample volumes due to insufficient spatial resolution and sensitivity. Here, we combine scattering-scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) with femtosecond infrared vibrational spectroscopy to characterize the coherent vibrational dynamics of a nanoscopic ensemble of C–F vibrational oscillators of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The near-field mode transfer between the induced vibrational molecular coherence and the metallic scanning probe tip gives rise to a tip-mediated radiative IR emission of the vibrational free-induction decay (FID). By increasing the tip–sample coupling, we can enhance the vibrational dephasing of the induced coherent vibrational polarization and associated IR emission, with dephasing times up to T2NF ≃ 370 fs in competition against the intrinsic far-field lifetime of T2FF ≃ 680 f...
Mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers as indicators of pathways to preterm delivery.

Objective: To determine whether mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers were associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (PTD). Methods: We studied a subcohort from the Pregnancy Outcomes and Community Health Study for whom mid-pregnancy angiogenic markers (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 [sFlt-1], soluble endoglin [sEng] and placental growth factor [PlGF]) and covariate data were available (N = 1301). Angiogenic marker levels were grouped as high/not high (sFlt-1 and sEng), low/not low (PlGF) and high/intermediate/low (sFlt-1). Associations between levels of angiogenic markers and PTD/PTD subtype were determined for women who were nonsmokers during pregnancy (N = 933). Results: Low PlGF and high sEng were associated with medically-indicated PTD and PTD <35 weeks, largely due to preeclampsia (PE). Excluding PE and small-for-gestational-age infants, low sFlt-1 was positively associated with medically-indicated PTD. Conclusions: Among nonsmokers, mid-pregnancy levels of angiogenic markers may m...
Planning with Hypermedia Combining Text, Graphics, Sound, and Video

Abstract One of the most exciting areas of development in computer technology today is the organization and display of information using a variety of media. Commonly termed “hypermedia,” this technology allows one to combine text with interactive video, maps, animation, graphics, and sound. In this report we examine the terminology and history of the development of hypermedia, evaluate three current software packages (Hyper-card, Supercard, and Guide), and describe three hypermedia applications relevant to planning practice. We conclude that there will be an explosion of planning information available in digital form, and that hypermedia technology will help us organize this information, and will form the basis for much more powerful decision support systems for planning.
Bone marrow genotoxicity of 2,5-dimethylfuran, a green biofuel candidate.

2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF) is being considered as a potential green transportation biofuel, but there is limited information about its toxicity and safety. We examined DMF toxicity in the bone marrow using a murine in vitro erythropoietic micronucleus assay and found that exposure to DMF (0.1 mM, 1 hr) induced an increase in micronuclei frequency compared with controls. These data suggest that DMF may be genotoxic to hematopoietic cells and that more thorough toxicological studies on DMF should be conducted to ensure public and occupational safety before it is considered a viable biofuel and produced in mass quantities. As well as specific data on DMF, our study further validates an in vitro cell culture system that captures the essential features of the in vivo mammalian micronucleus genotoxicity assay, enabling increased throughput and controlled studies on hematopoietic DNA damage response, while reducing animal sacrifice. In vitro assays, such as the in vitro micronucleus assay, will be essential as international chemical policy is increasingly utilizing green chemistry principles that require more toxicological testing. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eigenvalues of the moment-method matrix and their effect on the convergence of the conjugate gradient algorithm (EM scattering)

A theory that relates eigenvalues of a continuous operator to those of the moment-method matrix operator is discussed and confirmed by examples. This theory suggests reasons for ill conditioning when certain types of basis and testing functions are used. In addition, the effect of eigenvalue location on the convergence of the conjugate gradient (CG) method is studied. The convergence rate of the CG method is dependent on the eigenvalues of the iteration matrix as well as on the number of eigenvectors of the iteration matrix needed to represent the right side of the equation. These findings explain the previously reported convergence behavior of the CG method when applied to electromagnetic-scattering problems. >
Species rank in reaction pathways : application of delplot analysis

Abstract A new method of reaction pathway analysis that consists of plotting (molefraction( y p )/ (conversion) r ( x r )) versus conversion ( r is the rank of the Delplot) was recently proposed. In this paper, two species rank are identified, the Delplot rank D ( P ) and the network rank N ( P ). The network rank is the minimum number of slow steps between the reactant and the product. The Delplot rank is r, where the plot of y / x r vs x shows a finite intercept. The network rank is the information sought after in reaction pathway analysis, and the Delplot rank is the information obtained from Delplot analysis. A simple algebraic recursive equation is proposed to find the Delplot rank of a product in a given reaction network. This equation illustrates the coupling between the order of reaction and the rank species. Furthermore, this equation differentiates between network rank and Delplot ranks. Also, an asymptotic analysis that utilizes the network information in the slope of the Delplot is presented. This method is illustrated for sequential reaction networks and for series-parallel reaction networks.
ANALYTIC AND PRAGMATIC FACTORS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS' METACOGNITIVE READING STRATEGIES

The present study describes the development and validation of a self-report instrument that is designed to measure college students' use of reading strategies for comprehension and for studying while reading school-related materials. Principal components analysis (PCA) of an initial sample (n = 575) of college students showed that the Metacognitive Reading Strategies Questionnaire (MRSQ) measured two constructs: analytic cognitions aimed at reading comprehension, and pragmatic behaviors aimed at studying and academic performance. Cross-validation of the constructs with a second sample (n = 574) revealed that the MRSQ demonstrates high validity and internal reliability, simple and stable structure, and meaningful interpretability.
Comparison of excited phases alter sedatives and tranquilizers

1. When compared on an activity table, mice given phenobarbital or ethanol show an initial excitatory phase. 2. This excitatory phase resembles that after pipradrol. 3. Chlorpromazine, buclizine, meprobamate and hydroxyzine, by contrast, show no initial stimulatory phase. 4. Thus, with respect to presence or absence of initial excitatory phase, the tranquilizer group is quite distinct from the typical sedative, phenobarbital, and includes buclizine and meprobamate.
Cetacean culture: Resisting myths and addressing lacunae

Assessments of cetacean behavior has been hampered by popular misconceptions and mythic imagery. Rendell and Whitehead argue persuasively for accepting the idea of cetacean culture. Approaches to “culture,” however, must resist positivist approaches that reaffirm the observable. Culture is also comprised of “lacunae” when organisms choose to resist or avoid behavioral patterns.
Resolving the Ga Ad-dimer location and orientation on the Si(100) surface.

Quantitative x-ray standing wave measurements of the Ga ad-dimer bond length, orientation, and location for the Si(100)-(2[times]2):Ga surface combined with first-principles molecular cluster calculations on four different ad-dimer models lead to the conclusion that Ga atoms form ad-dimers which are aligned parallel to the underlying Si dimers and lie in between Si dimer rows at the valley bridge site.
On systematic generation of scientific papers

Subtle humor fosters learning through tongue-in-cheek advice on transforming simple, clear writing into technical papers appropriately complicated for the experienced scientist or engineer. Sophisticated, computer-based templates are being designed with passive-voice construction, repetition of ideas, and other features of scientific papers so that authors will need only to supply topical nouns to a computer in an interactive session to produce a paper written for their peers.
Evaluation of finite volume solutions for radiative heat transfer in a closed cavity solar receiver for high temperature solar thermal processes

Abstract High temperature solar-thermal reaction processes can be carried out within closed-cavity solar receivers in which concentrated solar energy enters the cavity through a small aperture or window and is absorbed either directly by reactants or by tubes containing reactant mixtures. Accurate modeling of radiation transfer phenomena in the solar receiver is critical for predicting receiver performance and improving receiver design. The accuracy of the finite volume (FV) method is evaluated in comparison to Monte Carlo (MC) techniques for both the concentrated solar energy and the energy emitted by heated surfaces in a receiver with either absorbing/diffusely emitting or specularly reflective cavity walls. Models are solved for two-dimensional slices of each of two receiver configurations with four spatial grids ranging from 2300 to 133,000 mesh elements, and three different angular grids. Solar radiative energy is described by a simplified uniform spatial profile at the receiver aperture that is either collimated or diffuse. Quantitatively accurate FV solutions for the solar energy either require highly refined angular and spatial grids, or are not possible on the mesh sizes investigated in this study. FV solutions for the emitted energy are sufficient even on coarse angular and spatial grids. FV solutions are least accurate when the cavity is highly specularly reflective or the absorber area is minimized, and tend to improve as the character of the incident solar energy changes from collimated to diffuse. Based on these results, a hybrid MC/FV strategy is proposed for use in combined radiation and convection/conduction heat transfer models.
Creating Healthy Acculturation Pathways: Integrating Theory and Research to Inform Counselors’ Work with Immigrant Children:

This article has two purposes. First, it integrates the underlying principles of developmental systems theory (Ford & Lerner, 1992; Lerner, 2002, 2004) with the most recent research on immigrant youth. Second, based on an analysis of both theory and research, it offers implications for school counseling professionals' work with immigrant youth that take into account contextual factors, sources of risk and resilience, and the impact of multiple levels of development over the course of the lifespan.
Applications of sequential set partitioning: A set of technical information systems problems

Many problems that appear in different contexts are conceptually similar and so are amenable to solution by a common technique. Three such technical Information Systems (IS) problems are: (1) segmentation of computer programs; (2) attribute discretization for decision tree induction; and (3) design of hash tables in database systems. In this paper we show how each of these seemingly different problems can be formulated as a sequential (set) partitioning problem, and solved using a parametric linear programming (LP) procedure. This approach provides optimal solutions unlike previous solution approaches which were either greedy heuristics or limited to solving only a specific problem situation. Given the likelihood that other applications of the sequential partitioning problem exist in IS, the material presented here could be useful to other researchers in formulating the problem at an appropriate level of abstraction so that available optimal solution approaches can be identified. In addition to providing a common solution method, parametric LP frees the user from having to make premature decisions regarding the number of groups for the partition, and this decision can be delayed post solution.
Arteriolar flow recruitment with vitronectin receptor stimulation linked to remote wall shear stress.

Abstract Our purpose was to investigate the hemodynamic mechanism of flow recruitment within arteriolar networks as stimulated by the vitronectin receptor. Since remote stimulation of the vitronectin receptor initiates a flow-mediated dilation, we tested whether the response could be mimicked by exogenous NO. Arteriolar diameter, red blood cell flux, and velocity were measured in terminal branch arterioles arising from a central feed (8–10 μm) arteriole (together previously defined as an arteriolar network) in the cheek pouch tissue of anesthetized hamsters (n = 29, pentobarbital 70 mg/kg). Terminal branch arterioles were stimulated (micropipette, 10 s) with 10 μg/ml LM609 (agonist, vitronectin receptor), 10−4 M nitroprusside (SNP), or control. The same amount of flow was recruited into the network by applying LM609 or SNP to only one branch of the network; however, flow distribution differed. With LM609, all recruited flow went directly to the branch that was stimulated. With SNP, recruited flow was distributed evenly throughout the network, no matter where the stimulus was applied. Thus, flow-mediated dilation induced by vitronectin receptor stimulation initiates a robust flow recruitment response, directing flow to the stimulus flow path. In contrast, NO alone initiates flow recruitment to the entire network, along multiple parallel flow paths.
Mixed transition-ion effect in the glass system: Fe2O3-MnO-TeO2

Abstract In earlier studies on phosphate and tellurite glasses containing vanadium and iron oxides, non-linear variation of physical properties as functions of the ratios of the transition ions (V/V + Fe) were observed. The most striking effect was observed with electrical conductivity, where a 3 orders of magnitude reduction in conductivity was observed at a V/V + Fe ratio of ~ 0.4. The effect was termed Mixed Transition-ion Effect or MTE. In phosphate glasses, however, MTE was not observed when one of the transition ions was manganese. It was concluded that Mn does not contribute to conduction in these glasses. In the present study, we demonstrate a mixed transition ion effect in tellurite glasses containing MnO and Fe2O3 (xFe2O3(0.2 − x) MnO0.8TeO2 with x varying from 0 to 0.2). A maximum in the property at an intermediate composition (x = 8.5 mol%), was observed in DC resistivity, activation energy, molar volume etc. Mossbauer and optical absorption (UV–VIS–NIR) measurements were performed on these glasses and the transport mechanism has been identified to be hopping of small polarons between Fe3 + (Mn3 +) and Fe2 + (Mn2 +) sites.
Chemotherapy exposure increases leukemia cell stiffness

Deformability of blood cells is known to influence vascular flow and contribute to vascular complications. Medications for hematologic diseases have the potential to modulate these complications if they alter blood cell deformability. Here we report the effect of chemotherapy on leukemia cell mechanical properties. Acute lymphoblastic and acute myeloid leukemia cells were incubated with standard induction chemotherapy, and individual cell stiffness was tracked with atomic force microscopy. When exposed to dexamethasone or daunorubicin, leukemia cell stiffness increased by nearly 2 orders of magnitude, which decreased their passage through microfluidic channels. This stiffness increase occurred before caspase activation and peaked after completion of cell death, and the rate of stiffness increase depended on chemotherapy type. Stiffening with cell death occurred for all cell types investigated and may be due to dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton. These observations suggest that chemotherapy itself may increase the risk of vascular complications in acute leukemia.
Energy for grinding aluminium oxide

An experimental investigation of material removal from four aluminium oxide ceramics by a single point diamond tool was conducted. A kinetic model was constructed and the specific grinding energy was determined for a variety of grinding conditions.
Special massive spin-2 on the de Sitter space

The theory of a massive spin-2 state on the de Sitter space—with the mass squared equal to one sixth of the curvature—is special for two reasons: (i) it exhibits an enhanced local symmetry; (ii) it emerges as a part of the model that gives rise to the self-accelerated Universe. The known problems of this theory are: either it cannot be coupled to a non-conformal conserved stress-tensor because of the enhanced symmetry, or it propagates a ghost-like state when the symmetry is constrained by the Lagrange multiplier method. Here we propose a solution to these problems in the linearized approximation.
Spectroscopic Studies Of The Stratum Corneum

Current spectroscopic investigations of thermally induced changes in the lipophilic pathway of the stratum corneum are beginning to provide insight into the molecular structure and barrier function of the stratum corneum. Enhanced permeability of lipophilic compounds has been noted between 37 and 70°C. Reversible solid to liquid transitions occur in the lipophilic pathway of the stratum corneum in the temperature region associated with enhanced permeability.
INTEGRATION OF A SINGLE CYLINDER ENGINE MODEL AND A BOOST SYSTEM MODEL FOR EFFICIENT NUMERICAL MAPPING OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION

A numerical engine mapping methodology is proposed for the engine performance and fuel consumption map generation. An integrated model is developed by coupling a single cylinder GT-Power® engine model with a MATLAB/ Simulink® based boost system model to simulate a turbocharged diesel engine over the entire engine operating speed and load ranges within reasonable computational constraints. A single cylinder engine model with the built-in multi-zone combustion modeling option in GT-Power® is configured as a predictive engine model. The cycle averaged simulation result from the engine model is used as the boundary conditions of the boost system including intake and exhaust manifolds and a turbocharger. The boost system model developed in MATLAB/Simulink® platform calculates the intake and exhaust conditions which are fed back to the engine model. The integrated system model predicts the performance and fuel consumption of a turbocharged diesel engine with better predictive capability than mean value engine models. Its computational time is fast enough to simulate the engine over the entire engine operation range compared to multi-cylinder engine models.
Crystal structure of cholesterol monohydrate

CHOLESTEROL, almost water insoluble, normally occurs in the body bound to lipoprotein, or incorporated in lipid aggregations such as bile micelles, or within certain biomembranes. When cholesterol levels are abnormally high, single crystals of the monohydrate tend to deposit; in bile, clumps of these crystals form gallstones1. Crystals of cholesterol monohydrate also occur in atherosclerotic lesions2. Earlier reports of crystal data for cholesterol monohydrate are not all consistent, although they indicate a structure of unusual complexity (refs 1, 3–5 and S. H. Kim and W. Warrant, personal communication). The crystal structure (Fig. 1)has now been determined by a molecular replacement method which was developed primarily for protein crystallography6.
Intestinal stem cells and mucosal gut development

Purpose of reviewIn the past year, the study of intestinal stem cell biology has realized significant progress toward understanding the mechanisms and pathways regulating crypt stem cell turnover, maintenance, and differentiation.Recent findingsThis review summarizes recent investigations that have
Testing Multicultural Robustness of the Child Behavior Checklist in a National Epidemiological Sample in Uruguay

Comparisons of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores from 31 societies (Rescorla et al. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 15:13–142 2007) supported the instrument’s multicultural robustness, but none of these societies was in South America. The present study tested the multicultural robustness of the 2001 CBCL using data from a national epidemiological survey in Uruguay. Participants were 1,374 6- to 11-year-olds recruited through 65 schools nationwide; 1,098 (80%) had received no mental health or special education services in the past year (non-referred group), whereas 276 (referred group) had been referred for mental health services, had repeated ≥2 grades, or had significant developmental disabilities. Mean item ratings, factor structure, and scale internal consistencies were very similar to findings reported by Rescorla et al. (Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 15:13–142 2007) and Ivanova et al. (Journal of Clinical Child and Adoloescent Psychology 36: 405–417 2007). Children from low SES school environments obtained higher problem scores, especially in the referred group. Gender, age, and referral status effects paralleled those in the U.S. Non-referred children obtained somewhat higher mean problem scores in Uruguay than in the U.S., but mean score differences between non-referred and referred children were smaller in Uruguay than the U.S. Findings supporting the CBCL’s multicultural robustness in a South American country extend the generalizability of findings reported by Rescorla et al. (Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 15:13–142 2007) for 31 societies.
One-year evaluation of myopic laser photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy using the summit apex plus: phase III of a Food and Drug Administration clinical trial.

Abstract Purpose To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Summit Apex Plus excimer laser in the treatment of primary compound myopic astigmatism. Design Prospective noncomparative interventional case series. Participants Patients with primary compound myopic astigmatism: sphere of −1.0 to −7.0 diopters (D) and cylinder −1.0 to −5.0 D. Methods Ninety-three eyes of 56 patients with a mean spherical equivalent of −4.98 ± 1.80 D (−1.75 to −8.5) underwent photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK) with the Summit Apex Plus excimer laser using erodible mask technology. Prospective follow-up is analyzed at 1-year postoperatively. Main outcome measures Postoperative reduction in myopic sphere, myopic astigmatism, spherical equivalent, angle of error, magnitude of error, difference vector, uncorrected visual acuity, and corneal haze. Results Seventy-one eyes were available at 1-year follow-up. Mean spherical equivalent was reduced 86.5% to a mean residual of −0.65 D ±0.70 D (−2.88–+1.13 D). Astigmatism was reduced 66.2% to a mean residual of −0.76 ± 0.52 D (−2.25–0.00 D); 77.5% were within 1.0 D of attempted correction; 1.4% of eyes experienced an overcorrection >1.0 D of spherical equivalent; 0.27 D of mean myopic regression was demonstrated between 1 and 12 months; 93.0% of eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better; and 49.3% of eyes achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Conclusions PARK with the Summit Apex Plus excimer laser is effective at reducing compound myopic astigmatism. However, current laser algorithms result in consistent undercorrection of both the compound myopia and the astigmatic component.
Diaspirin Crosslinked Hemoglobin (DCLHbTM): Bioanalytical Studies in Swine

These studies were a part of preclinical safety and efficacy studies of DCLHb. Their purpose was to analyze the characteristics of DCLHb during circulation, and the distribution of iron following the administration of DCLHb to swine. Swine were dosed (2 g/kg) with 10 g/dL DCLHb, infused intravenously at a rate of 1 mL/kg/min. Blood samples were collected up to 48 hours post-infusion for analysis. Tissue samples were obtained for iron determination. The data collected showed that the concentration of DCLHb in the plasma gradually decreased, while the concentration of methemoglobin remained low and essentially constant. The oxygen binding characteristics and stability of the crosslink were preserved following infusion, indicating that the DCLHb continued to function as an effective oxygen carrier. Iron concentrations in the liver and kidneys increased as expected, but plasma levels of iron did not saturate the iron binding capacity of transferrin, inferring a controlled process for the release of iron.
Randomized evaluation of adverse events and length-of-stay with routine emergency department use of phenytoin or fosphenytoin.

Abstract Intravenous phenytoin has come under increased scrutiny with the introduction of the prodrug, fosphenytoin. We evaluated adverse events and length-of-stay using parenteral the two drugs in routine emergency department use. Open-label randomization of phenytoin or fosphenytoin in 256 Emergency Department patients prescribed 279 parenteral doses of a phenytoin-equivalent. All phenytoin was administered intravenously, and fosphenytoin was given intravenously or intramuscularly (physician preference). Adverse events and Emergency Department length-of-stay were recorded; re-presentation to the Emergency Department within three months was reviewed for evidence of the purple glove syndrome. Nonparametric statistics were used to analyze the data. Seventy-seven patients received phenytoin and 202 fosphenytoin; 28 (10.0%) received intramuscular fosphenytoin. The mean phenytoin-equivalent dose was similar between the groups. Eighteen patients required reduction in infusion rates because of an adverse event ...
Population: a central concept for ecology?

When my colleague Mauricio Lima sent me the accompanying paper (Camus and Lima 2002) it rekindled my interest in an unfinished manuscript that attempts to address some of the questions and problems they pose. The ideas presented in this essay are based on the premise that ecology needs a central unifying concept upon which to build a coherent and practical discipline. I will argue that, from a practical point of view, the "population" is the most logical choice for that central concept and that, because of this, the concept requires a precise and unambiguous meaning. This leads me to propose a definition for "population" that, I think, has these qualities.
Voltage clamp of rat and human skeletal muscle: measurements with an improved loose‐patch technique.

Intact fibres of human intercostal and rat omohyoid muscles were studied at 23 degree C with a loose-patch voltage-clamp technique that employed two concentric micropipettes to electrically isolate small-diameter (10-15 microns) patches of sarcolemma. This method allows investigation of membrane excitability under highly physiological conditions. Step depolarizations to 0 mV elicited sodium inward currents that reached peak values of up to 20 mA/cm2 within 250 microseconds, and then declined. In human muscle, the reversal potential (ENa) was approximately 40 mV, and maximal conductances (GNa) ranged from 44 to 360 mS/cm2. In rat muscle, ENa was 42 mV and GNa ranged from 100 to 250 mS/cm2. Sodium channels in rat and human muscle were indistinguishable in most aspects of their kinetic behaviour and voltage dependence. Outward potassium currents were small by comparison (usually less than 2 mA/cm2) and saturated at positive potentials. The maximum potassium conductance (GK) ranged from 0 to 19 mS/cm2 (human) and from 4 to 12 mS/cm2 (rat muscle).
The partial purification of the 553 mμ cytochrome component

Abstract Methods have been described by which cytochrome C 1 can be solubilized with either of the bile salts, sodium deoxycholate or sodium cholate. The yields, however, are low. The purest preparations of soluble cytochrome C 1 are obtained with sodium deoxycholate followed by ammonium sulfate fractionation. Cytochrome C 1 can be obtained in good yields by this method, and the final preparation absorbs maximally, when reduced with Na 2 S 2 O 4 , at 419, 525, and 553 mμ.