cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Will Your Acquisitions Increase Your IT Budget? The Effects of Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy on Firms? Information Technology Strategy\r\n

Many firms engage in series of mergers and acquisitions to grow. While IT has been recognized as one of the critical factors that influence merger success, little research has been done to investigate the development of appropriate IT strategy to facilitate the maximum exploitation of synergies from the mergers. This research provides theoretical insight which aims at answering the research question “How do firms’ growth strategy by mergers and acquisitions influence their IT investments strategy?”
Heterogeneous transport costs and spatial sorting in a model of New Economic Geography

Transportation costs are of central importance in the New Economic Geography literature, though assumptions about transportation costs continue to be simplistic. This paper begins to address these simplifications by assuming that transportation costs for manufactured goods are heterogeneous. Basic results are consistent with standard models showing dispersion of economic activity for high transport costs and eventual agglomeration as transport costs decline. However, several novel features arise too. Many unstable, dispersed equilibria exist for high average transport costs, but converge to a stable equilibrium path as transport costs decrease. Equilibrium paths smoothly transition from dispersion to agglomeration and do so at an increasing rate. Additionally, transport costs directly influence firms' location decisions and firms spatially sort by transport cost. Resumen Los costos de transporte tienen una importancia capital en la literatura sobre la Nueva Geografia Economica, aunque se siguen asumiendo los costos de transporte de manera simplista. Este articulo empieza a tratar estas simplificaciones, asumiendo que los costos de transporte de bienes manufacturados son heterogeneos. Los resultados basicos son consecuentes con los modelos estandar que muestran la dispersion de la actividad economica para costos de transporte elevados y una eventual aglomeracion a medida que los costos de transporte disminuyen. Sin embargo, tambien aparecen varias caracteristicas novedosas. Existen muchos equilibrios dispersos, inestables, para costos de transporte promedio elevados, pero convergen en una linea de equilibrio a medida que los costos disminuyen. Las lineas de equilibrio tienen una transicion fluida de la dispersion a la aglomeracion y lo hacen a una tasa en aumento. Ademas, los costos de transporte influyen directamente las decisiones de localizacion de las empresas y estas se ordenan espacialmente de acuerdo a los costos de transporte.
Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: Implications for Care Delivery

OBJECTIVES:To compare substance use treatment differences of individuals aged 65 and older with that of those younger than 65 by analyzing smaller age groupings.DESIGN:A retrospective analysis using Kruskal–Wallis chi-square and chi-square tests of association. Covariates were entered into an adjust
Grover vs. mceliece

This paper shows that quantum information-set-decoding attacks are asymptotically much faster than non-quantum information-set-decoding attacks.
MHC Class I Molecules Can Direct Proteolytic Cleavage of Antigenic Precursors in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

The large set of peptides presented by MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class I molecules are generated by proteolysis of diverse precursors in the cytoplasm and possibly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To define the potential peptide trimming events in the ER, we analyzed proteolytic products generated in isolated microsomes. The residues flanking the N terminus of the final antigenic peptide were rapidly removed within the microsomes but only in the presence of appropriate MHC molecules. Remarkably, the precursor peptide was bound to the MHC molecules in a distinct conformation and required an aminopeptidase activity to generate the optimal peptide. The MHC molecules are therefore not only the final repositories of antigenic peptides, but they can also direct their excision from longer precursors.
Centrosome-Associated Degradation Limits β-Catenin Inheritance by Daughter Cells after Asymmetric Division

Caenorhabditis elegans embryos rapidly diversify cell fate using a modified Wnt/β-catenin signaling strategy to carry out serial asymmetric cell divisions (ACDs). Wnt-dependent ACDs rely on nuclear asymmetry of the transcriptional coactivator SYS-1/β-catenin between daughter cells to differentially activate Wnt-responsive target genes. Here, we investigate how dynamic localization of SYS-1 to mitotic centrosomes influences SYS-1 inheritance in daughter cells and cell-fate outcomes after ACD. Through yeast two-hybrid screening, we identify the centrosomal protein RSA-2 as a SYS-1 binding partner and show that localization of SYS-1 to mitotic centrosomes is dependent on RSA-2. Uncoupling SYS-1 from the centrosome by RSA-2 depletion increases SYS-1 inheritance after ACD and promotes Wnt-dependent cell fate. Photobleaching experiments reveal that centrosome-bound SYS-1 turns over rapidly. Interestingly, disruption of the proteasome leads to an increased accumulation of SYS-1 at the centrosome but disrupts its dynamic turnover. We conclude that centrosomal targeting of SYS-1 promotes its degradation during asymmetric cell division. We propose a model whereby centrosome-associated SYS-1 degradation couples negative regulation with cell-division timing to facilitate SYS-1 clearance from the mother cell at the time of asymmetric division. Based on our observations of centrosomal SYS-1 dynamics, we discuss the possibility that the centrosome may coordinate various cell-cycle-dependent processes by synchronizing mitosis and protein regulation.
Explorer deformation zone: Evidence of a large shear zone and reorganization of the Pacific–Juan de Fuca–North American triple junction

Recently collected multibeam bathymetry and hydroacoustic earthquake data are used to investigate the recent tectonics of the Explorer–Juan de Fuca Ridge systems, the boundaries between the Pacific and northern Juan de Fuca plates. The bathymetric and seismic evidence presented is consistent with a zone of shear extending well south of the Sovanco Fracture Zone to include the Heck and Heckle seamounts, and potentially as far south as the Springfield Seamounts and Cobb offset along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. This indicates that the triple junction between the Pacific–Juan de Fuca–North American plates may be reorganizing southward to establish at the Cobb offset.
Near-infrared spectroscopy as a potential surrogate for mixed venous oxygen saturation for evaluation of patients with hemodynamic derangements

Crookes and colleagues demonstrated that a decreased thenar muscle tissue oxygen saturation may reflect the presence of severe hypoperfusion (shock) in trauma patients better than traditional hemodynamic parameters [1]. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be a novel method for rapidly and noninvasively assessing changes in tissue level oxygenation. The purpose of this study was to compare and correlate NIRS measurements (StO2) ith central venous blood saturation measurement (ScvO2) in the setting of compromised systemic perfusion in critical patients in the emergency department (ED).
Oil Effects on In-Tube Evaporation of CO2 by Altering Flow Regime and Properties

Flow boiling heat transfer characteristics of CO2 with and without oil were investigated experimentally in horizontal smooth and enhanced tubes with an inner diameter of 11.2 mm. The visualization of flow pattern provides a detailed attributes of the nucleate and the convective boiling heat transfer. In order to investigate the effect of the miscible oil on the heat transfer of CO2, POE (polyolester) RENSIO C85E oil is added to give an oil circulation rate (OCR) between 0.5% and 2%. Results are compared with those of pure CO2. The experimental conditions include evaporation temperatures of −15 °C, mass fluxes from 40 to 200 kg/m2 s, heat fluxes from 0.5 to 10 kW/m2, and vapor qualities from 0.1 to 0.8. Oil generally deteriorates the heat transfer coefficient of pure CO2. The reduction in heat transfer coefficient is most apparent at low vapor qualities, 0.1 to 0.4, and at low mass fluxes, 100 and 200 kg/m2. It is caused by the suppression of nucleate boiling due to increased surface tension. At conditions where the convective boiling contribution is dominant, vapor qualities above 0.5, oil increases heat transfer coefficients. Through visualization, it is shown that the wetted area on the perimeter of inner tube is enhanced due to formation of foaming in the smooth tube. However, such enhancement of heat transfer due to forming is negligible in the enhanced tube, because the enhanced factor due to micro-finned structures is dominant.© 2013 ASME
In vitro transfer of [32P]-label from α-[32P]-dATP into ribonucleotides

Abstract During the incorporation of α-[ 32 P]-dATP into HeLa cell nuclei some of the [ 32 P]-label enters ribonucleic acid presumably because of intracellular nucleotide turnover. This result makes the conclusion about the existence of an RNA-DNA covalent linkage, based on the transfer of [ 32 P]-label from deoxyribonucleotides to ribonucleotides after alkaline hydrolysis of the nuclei acid, untenable.
Three-dimensional constitutive model for shape memory alloys based on microplane model

Abstract A new model for the behavior of polycrystalline shape memory alloys (SMA), based on a statically constrained microplane theory, is proposed. The new model can predict three-dimensional response by superposing the effects of inelastic deformations computed on several planes of different orientation, thus reproducing closely the actual physical behavior of the material. Due to the structure of the microplane algorithm, only a one-dimensional constitutive law is necessary on each plane. In this paper, a simple constitutive law and a robust kinetic expression are used as the local constitutive law on the microplane level. The results for SMA response on the macroscale are promising: simple one-dimensional response is easily reproduced, as are more complex features such as stress–strain subloops and tension–compression asymmetry. A key feature of the new model is its ability to accurately represent the deviation from normality exhibited by SMAs under nonproportional loading paths.
Scattering of plane harmonic P, SV and Rayleigh waves by a completely embedded corrugated elastic inclusion

Abstract Scattering of a plane harmonic P, SV or Rayleigh wave by a corrugated elastic inclusion completely embedded in a two-dimensional isotropic half or full space is investigated by using a direct boundary integral equation method. The corrugated scatterer is generated by superimposing a sinusoidal perturbation of arbitrary amplitude and period to a smooth elliptical shape. Extensive testing of the numerical results is presented. The displacement fields are evaluated along the half space and rough inclusion surfaces for a wide range of frequencies and corrugation shapes. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of the inclusion roughness on the ensuing motion. The surface response is found to strongly depend upon the frequency and polarization of the incident wave and the shape of the inclusion. For both models and low frequency incident waves the difference between the rough and smooth inclusion response is small. Moderate differences between the two responses are obtained at a higher frequency for vertical P and SV incidences or an oblique incident P wave. However, at the higher frequency for an oblique SV or a Rayleigh wave incidence, the half-space surface response is very sensitive upon the inclusion roughness especially for shorter corrugation periods. Similarly, for the full-space problem the inclusion roughness may produce significant effects in the resulting motion for both P and SV incident waves even at moderate frequencies.
Geometric Tracking Control of a Quadrotor UAV for Extreme Maneuverability

Abstract This paper provides new results for the tracking control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The dynamics of the quadrotor UAV are expressed globally on the configuration manifold of the special Euclidean group, and we construct geometric controllers to track outputs that correspond to each of three flight modes, namely (1) almost global asymptotic tracking of the attitude of the quadrotor UAV, (2) almost global asymptotic tracking of the position of the center of mass of the quadrotor UAV, and (3) almost global asymptotic tracking of the velocity of the center of mass of the quadrotor UAV. Since the control approach is coordinate-free, it completely avoids singularities and complexities that arise when using local coordinates. Based on a hybrid control architecture, we show that the proposed control system can generate complex acrobatic maneuvers of a quadrotor UAV.
A linear force-summing hand dynamometer independent of point of application.

Abstract Theort, design and construction details are presented for a versatile strain gauge hand dynamometer. What distinguishes this instrument is that sensitivity is completely independent of the location. Force is applied so it is capable of linearly summing forces exerted at multiple locations along the length of the active area of the dynamometer. In addition to including the basic principles of this transducer, a template for the instrument and an accompanying spread sheet is provided for computing transducer response characteristics for instruments of arbitrary size, including sensitivity and force range, depending on particular measurement requirements. Variations of this dynamometer were constructed and used for measuring grip and pinch strength, as well as for measuring submaximal exertions produced during manual activities and tasks. Because this dynamometer is compact and rigid, one of suitable dimensions may be substituted as a handle for tools or objects handled during work for directly measuring applied exertions and grip force. Examples of practical applications of this instrument are given for hand biomechanics, hand tool ergonomics, and clinical evaluations.
Cervical cancer among Vietnamese women: efforts to define the problem among Houston's population.

Abstract Introduction. Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States (US) continue to bear a disproportionate burden of cancer. This report focuses on the interviews with local health-care delivery providers, directors, administrators, and community outreach liaisons in the Vietnamese community in Houston, Texas. Methods. The Center for Minority Health (CMRH) at the University of Texas M.D. Cancer Center interviewed 17 leaders, as defined above, to identify factors that have a negative impact on screening practices among Vietnamese women. Results. The results show that some of the barriers to cervical cancer screening include: lack of knowledge, lack of female physicians, language barriers, lack of insurance, and embarrassment. Interviews established that "prevention" is a Western concept that the Vietnamese community has not yet adopted. Vietnamese women used their churches, community physicians (licensed or not), circle of friends, and families for their health information. Many patients used herbs as alternative or complementary therapies. Conclusion. Cultural factors play a vital role in limiting Vietnamese women in the use of cervical screening. Further research needs to focus on identifying specific barriers and how they can be overcome.
Clonal selection algorithm for power generators maintenance scheduling

Abstract This paper introduces a technique based on the one of the artificial immune system (AIS) technique known as the clonal selection algorithm (CSA) to obtain the optimal maintenance schedule outage of generating units. Based on a weekly load profile, the proposed technique provides the optimal maintenance window and calculates the optimal output power from each generator over a one year horizon. The maintenance scheduling problem is decoupled into two interrelated sub-problems namely, the maintenance scheduling and the power system sub-problems. The CSA is used to solve the maintenance scheduling subproblem to obtain the optimal maintenance outage of each unit. Based on the schedule generated by the CSA, the economic dispatch iterative lambda technique is used to find the optimal output power from each unit. Due to the search nature of the CSA, infeasible solutions may be introduced during the solution process. Therefore, a local search technique is used to watch the feasibility of the new solutions. The paper reports test results of the proposed algorithm to find the optimal maintenance schedule of the IEEE 30 bus system with 6 generating units and the IEEE 118 bus system with 33 generating units. Results are compared against the results obtained by complementary decision variables structure (CDV) and the evolutionary programming based techniques. Results are encouraging and indicate the viability of the proposed CSA technique.
The early phase of dark adaptation in human infants

Abstract Two types of thresholds with 8° circular test fields were measured in 7- and 13-week-old human infants and in adults. Increment thresholds were measured against adapting fields of 0.50 and 50 cd/m2. All ages showed Weber's Law for incremental sensitivity over this 2 log unit range of luminance. Thresholds during early dark adaptation were also measured for the 5 sec immediately following the offsets of these adapting fields. The reductions in threshold during the early phase of dark adaptation were quantitatively similar in all age groups at both adapting luminances, despite substantial developmental differences in the absolute values of these thresholds. These data do not reject the hypothesis that the neural processes underlying early dark adaptation are adult-like in early infancy.
Transcriptome of the Lymantria dispar (Gypsy Moth) Larval Midgut in Response to Infection by Bacillus thuringiensis

Transcriptomic profiles of the serious lepidopteran insect pest Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) were characterized in the larval midgut in response to infection by Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, a biopesticide commonly used for its control. RNA-Seq approaches were used to define a set of 49,613 assembled transcript sequences, of which 838, 1,248 and 3,305 were respectively partitioned into high-, mid- and low-quality tiers on the basis of homology information. Digital gene expression profiles suggested genes differentially expressed at 24 hours post infection, and qRT-PCR analyses were performed for verification. The differentially expressed genes primarily associated with digestive function, including α-amylase, lipase and carboxypeptidase; immune response, including C-type lectin 4; developmental genes such as arylphorin; as well as a variety of binding proteins: cellular retinoic acid binding protein (lipid-binding), insulin-related peptide binding protein (protein-binding) and ovary C/EBPg transcription factor (nucleic acid-binding). This is the first study conducted to specifically investigate gypsy moth response to a bacterial infection challenge using large-scale sequencing technologies, and the results highlight important genes that could be involved in biopesticide resistance development or could serve as targets for biologically-based control mechanisms of this insect pest.
A practical approach to evaluate the effect of the aqueous stagnant layer on drug release from polymeric devices

Abstract The present study describes an approach to characterize drug release from a sustained drug delivery system composed of the natural fibrin polymer. The biochemical reaction between fibrinogen and thrombin has been used to produce potentially natural, biodegradable, biocompatible, sustained drug delivery systems. One of these is a promising implantable sheet containing entrapped drug. A model was used which described the release of drug entrapped within a fibrin matrix in which data were treated assuming that flux follows a model consistent with movement through two barriers in series: diffusion in the matrix (path length varying with time) and diffusion through an aqueous stagnant layer. The experimental design permitted the measurement of rate of transport as a function of time. The methodology made it possible to determine the contribution of each barrier to the overall transport from a single experiment. This represents a practical approach to evaluate and compare sustained drug delivery systems and demonstrated the need to account for the involvement of barriers that are highly dependent on the way data are collected, since they can impact the conclusions that are made relative to the matrix affects.
The sup8 tRNALeu gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe has an unusual intervening sequence and reduced pairing in the anticodon stem

We have cloned and sequenced the wild-type and suppressor alleles of the S. pombe sup8 tRNA gene. The wild-type allele has a leucine UAA anticodon and the suppressor (sup8-e) carries the opal suppressor anticodon UCA. The gene has a 16 base pair intervening sequence that, in the RNA, is predicted to form a secondary structure which involves base pairing to the 5', rather than the usual 3' side of the 5' splice site. When incubated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell-free extracts both alleles are efficiently transcribed, the 5' leader and 3' trailer sequences are removed and CCA is added to the 3' processed end; however, the intervening sequence is not excised. This finding implies that the structural requirements of the splicing endonucleases in the two yeasts have diverged. No other tRNA genes with related sequences were detected in S. pombe DNA by hybridization, suggesting that other UUA isoacceptors may be structurally dissimilar to sup8 or that the UUA codon may be decoded by a UUG leucine isoacceptor.
In vivo metabolite differences between the basal ganglia and cerebellum of the rat brain detected with proton MRS at 3T

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) enables non-invasive longitudinal tracking of brain chemistry changes that can accompany aging, neurodegenerative disease, drug addiction and experimental manipulations in animals modeling such conditions. J-coupled resonances, such as glutamate, which are highly relevant to neuropsychiatric conditions are difficult to resolve on a clinical 3T MR scanner using conventional one-dimensional MRS sequences. We, therefore, implemented Constant Time PRESS (CT-PRESS) to quantify major metabolite and neurotransmitter biochemical signals, including glutamate, in two brain regions of the rat, basal ganglia and cerebellum. We acquired spectra at two distinct time points in two independent groups of six rats and analyzed metabolite levels using either creatine or water as a reference. Our results provide evidence that CT-PRESS at 3T is adequate and reliable for in vivo detection and quantification of glutamate in the rat brain and that regional differences occur in the signal intensities of the major metabolites. That the directionality of the differences depends on whether creatine or water is used as a reference for metabolite levels emphasizes the benefit to in vivo MRS of incorporating methods to establish absolute baseline metabolite concentrations.
Hemodialysis vascular access survival: upper-arm native arteriovenous fistula.

Achieving Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines for native arteriovenous fistulae using the radiocephalic forearm fistula (lower-arm fistula [LAF]) is difficult. This study reports results using the upper-arm native arteriovenous fistula (UAF). From a prospective access database (1992 to 1998), this study was based on 204 patients (322 accesses). Average patient age was 56 +/- 1 years, 63% were men, and 47% had diabetes. A native fistula was the first access in 73% of patients (36%, LAFs; 37%, UAFs) and accounted for 48% of subsequent accesses (13%, LAFs; 35%, UAFs). Younger men were more likely to receive an LAF, but there was no demographic difference between patients receiving a UAF or arteriovenous graft (AVG). Both primary unassisted and cumulative access patencies were significantly better for UAFs than either LAFs or AVGs. For first accesses, cumulative access patency rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 71%, 57%, and 57% for UAFs; 54%, 46%, and 36% for LAFs; and 54%, 28%, and 0% for AVGs (P < 0.01). Despite shorter access survival, AVGs required more total access procedures than either UAFs or LAFs (procedures per access: 2.5, 1.0, and 0.6 for AVGs, UAFs, and LAFs, respectively). When used, catheters were required for dialysis for a longer time for UAFs (median catheter days, 36, 53, and 56 for AVGs, LAFs, and UAFs, respectively; P < 0.05). Access flow rates were greater in UAFs (1,247 mL/min; n = 48; P < 0.01) than AVGs (851 mL/min; n = 30) or LAFs (938 mL/min; n = 31). There was no evidence that UAFs were banded or ligated for steal syndromes or heart failure more often than AVGs or LAFs. These results show that the UAF is a good alternative to an AVG for achieving Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines.
Exercise, Antidepressant Medications, and Enhanced Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression

Physical activity and antidepressant treatment have each separately been of significant interest for the management of Alzheimer's disease (AD); particularly the behavioral problems associated with this dementing disorder. We have found that combined antidepressant treatment and physical activity have an additive, potentiating effect on BDNF mRNA expression within several areas of the rat hippocampus. During the 20-day experimental period, animals were treated daily with imipramine (15 mg/kg) or tranylcypromine (7.5 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Exercising rat groups were given access to running wheels for the duration of the experiment. BDNF mRNA levels were assessed in several cell groups of the hippocampus by in situ hybridization, using a [35S] labelled riboprobe complementary to the full-length BDNF sequence, and computer-assisted densitometry. The combination of physical activity and antidepressant treatment for the 20-day period led to a signifciant potentiation of full-length BDNF mRNA levels within the dentate gyrus and CA 1, CA 3, and CA 4 cellular fields, above the levels obtained with each intervention alone. These results provide impetus for the study of physical exercise as a potential enhancer of treatment response to antidepressants.
A novel approach to laryngeal suspension after partial laryngectomy.

Objectives Supraglottic laryngectomy is a well-established surgical therapy for selected carcinomas of the larynx and hypopharynx. Most compromised by this procedure and its variations is the laryngeal mechanism that protects the lower respiratory tract from aspiration. Laryngeal suspension serves to compensate for the loss of the resected laryngeal elevator muscles by pulling the larynx upward and forward beneath the tongue base. In this study we describe a method of laryngeal suspension in supraglottic laryngectomy using a cartilage-anchored suture carrier device. Study Design Report of this novel approach to laryngeal suspension using seven suture anchors in two patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. Methods Seven Mitek Micro anchors (Mitek, Westwood, MA) were used to perform laryngeal suspension in two patients undergoing supraglottic laryngectomy. Our technique is compared with traditional methods. Operative data as well as postoperative functional results are reviewed. Results Laryngeal suspension using suture anchors was successful, with failure of only one anchor. Oral alimentation was quickly re-established in both patients. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. Conclusions We describe a novel approach to laryngeal suspension that overcomes some of the technical challenges inherent in traditional suturing techniques. This novel approach is technically easier and more efficient than traditional methods and accomplishes distribution of stress forces on the thyroid cartilage remnant.
COMPARISON OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS: HOMOSEXUAL VERSUS HETEROSEXUAL WOMEN

The purpose of this study was to compare nuclear family characteristics of homosexual and heterosexual women. Data of two samples (34 homosexual and 31 heterosexual women) were analyzed for differences and similarities of the nuclear families. Statistically significant differences indicate that lesbians experience less positive nuclear family relationships. However, personal comments by the subjects may be of more interest to the reader than the statistical analysis. Findings are consistent with other research on this problem, pointing to the need for systematic analysis of family variables and how they relate to development of sexual identity.
Liberal incorporations: Kymlicka, Pettit and the grammar of hegemony

A liberal koine operates in much of the West today as the dominant political ideology. Liberalism does not simply defeat and oust rival positions from the political field; rather, it encapsulates some of their claims in order to make them compatible with its core beliefs. The incorporation of non-liberal themes into liberal discourse functions primarily at the level of the deep structures of language. Here I examine two texts that appear to conform to the canons of liberal discourse without articulating canonical liberal themes. First, I present Will Kymlicka's reflection on the ‘right to culture’ as a patent illustration of liberalism's ability to co-opt non-liberal themes (communitarian, in this case) into its own framework. Then, I analyse Philip Pettit's theorization of ‘neo-republicanism’, and argue that his definition of liberty as non-domination ends up justifying liberalism's conception of the political as merely instrumental to the preservation of individual liberty.
Thermonuclear kinetics in astrophysics

Over the billions of years since the Big Bang, the lives, deaths and afterlives of stars have enriched the Universe in the heavy elements that make up so much of ourselves and our world. This review summarizes the methods used to evolve these nuclear abundances within astrophysical simulations. These methods fall into 2 categories; evolution via rate equations and via equilibria. Because the rate equations in nucleosynthetic applications involve a wide range of timescales, implicit methods have proven mandatory, leading to the need to solve matrix equations. Efforts to improve the performance of such rate equation methods are focused on efficient solution of these matrix equations, in particular by making best use of the sparseness of these matrices, and finding methods that require less frequent matrix solutions. Recent work to produce hybrid schemes which use local equilibria to reduce the computational cost of the rate equations is also discussed. Such schemes offer significant improvements in the speed of reaction networks and are accurate under circumstances where calculations which assume complete equilibrium fail.
Tax abatement and tax rates in a system of overlapping revenue-maximizing governments

Abstract This paper treats tax abatement as a form of discriminatory taxation in a model of two overlapping revenue-maximizing governments, a ‘municipality’ and a ‘school district’. If the ‘municipality’ can abate all property taxes, the school district's maximum revenues may be increased or decreased, depending on the fraction, θ, of the property value that remains taxable on projects granted abatements. If each government abates only its own taxes, school district revenues will be greater, but the maximum municipal tax revenues will be reduced.
Localization and electron-electron interaction effects in thin Bi wires and films

We report the results of a comprehensive study of localization and electron-electron interaction effects in thin Bi wires and films. Measurements of the resistance as a function of both temperature and magnetic field over a wide range have allowed us to separate the contributions of localization and interactions to the resistance, and to determine the electron inelastic-scattering time. The overall behavior is in general accord with the theory. The contribution of interactions is characterized by a screening parameter, F, whose value is consistent with theoretical expectations. The inelastic scattering appears to be due to electron-electron scattering, and the absolute magnitude of the scattering rate agrees reasonably well with the theory. However, several aspects of our results are not understood. First, relatively thick (\ensuremath{\gtrsim}600 A\r{}) films exhibit an anomalously large resistance change as a function of temperature, which cannot be simply ascribed to a transition to three-dimensional behavior. Second, contrary to theoretical predictions, the dimensionality of the electron-electron scattering does not appear to always be the same as that of the electron-electron interaction effects. There is a range of wire diameter and of film thickness in which the scattering is three dimensional, while the interaction effects are one or two dimensional, respectively. This suggests that the important length scales for these processes are still not completely understood.
Atypical psychosis in Tourette syndrome.

Associated features of the rare neuropsychiatric condition known as Tourette syndrome (TS) include attentional difficulties, hyperactivity, obsessive thoughts and compulsive rituals, learning difficulties, impulsive behavior, and sleep disturbances. Although psychosis and schizophrenia have been described anectodotally in association with TS, the exact nature of this relationship has not been fully defined. We report a case of TS with atypical psychosis and discuss the relationship between the two.
Quantitative DNA analysis of small renal cortical neoplasms

Abstract DNA aneuploidy is common in large renal cortical neoplasma (RCNs), but the incidence in small RCNs is not known. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the traditional 3.0cm size distinction between small (benign) and large (malignant) tumors might have an objective correlate in the form of abnormal DNA content. Quantitative DNA analysis was performed retrospectively, by image analysis, on 59 RCNs measuring 5.0 cm or less from 30 nephrectomy specimens with solitary tumors and 17 with multiple tumors. DNA indices and the proportion of cells with DNA content greater than that of the G0 G1 population were evaluated with respect to tumor size, stage, and histologic parameters. There was a relationship between the presence of detectable nondiploid stem lines (NDSLs) and tumor size, stage, nuclear grade, and proportion of non-G0 G1 cells, but not histologic pattern. The relationship of NDSLs to tumor size was more apparent in the solitary tumor group, while the relationship of a high proportion of non-G0 G1 cells to tumor size was stronger in the multiple tumor group. Our results show that the incidence of NDSLs increases with tumor size and nuclear grade, and suggest that as RCNs enlarge, the emergence of NDSLs heralds potential biologic aggressiveness. Further, solitary tumors and multiple synchronous tumors may be biologically different in terms of etiologic factors and growth potential.
Characterization of heart plaque in by‐passed and non‐bypassed heart arteries

Abstract Patients who have undergone bypass surgery often find the bypasses fill up again with plaque ("new plaque") whereas the heart arteries not bypassed contain plaque deposited since childhood ("old plaque"). A preliminary study was undertaken to characterize and contrast the chemical compositions of these “new”; and “old”; plaques. The samples were obtained from a particular surgeon. His patients had had bypass surgery but the bypasses had refilled over a period of a few years. In the surgery both bypassed and non‐bypassed arteries were reopened as necessary to improve circulation by surgically drilling out some plaque. This plaque was analyzed. Each particular sample was divided into two portions. One portion was used for lipid analysis using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) while the other portion was used for the determination of selected metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). The results are summarized below. The analytical procedures (HPLC a...
Multigenerational Occurrence of Survivor Syndrome Symptoms in Families of Holocaust Survivors

The purpose of this study was to determine possible transmission of psychopathology from Jewish holocaust survivors to their children and grandchildren. The Mini-Mult, Death Anxiety Scale, Louisvil...
Alar-Columellar and Lateral Nostril Changes Following Tongue-in-Groove Rhinoplasty

Repositioning the medial crura cephalically onto the caudal septum (tongue-in-groove; TIG) allows alteration of the columella, ala, and nasal tip to address alar-columellar disproportion as seen from the lateral view. To date, quantitative analysis of nostril dimension, alar-columellar relationship, and nasal tip changes following the TIG rhinoplasty technique have not been described. The present study aims to evaluate post-operative lateral morphometric changes following TIG. Pre- and post-operative lateral views of a series of consecutive patients who underwent TIG rhinoplasty were produced from 3D images at multiple time points (≤2 weeks, 4–10 weeks, and >10 weeks post-operatively) for analysis. The 3D images were converted to 2D and set to scale. Exposed lateral nostril area, alar-columellar disproportion (divided into superior and inferior heights), nasolabial angle, nostril height, and nostril length were calculated and statistically analyzed using a pairwise t test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ninety-four lateral views were analyzed from 20 patients (16 females; median age: 31.8). One patient had a history of current tobacco cigarette use. Lateral nostril area decreased at all time points post-operatively, in a statistically significant fashion. Alar-columellar disproportion was reduced following TIG at all time points. The nasolabial angle significantly increased post-operatively at ≤2 weeks, 4–10 weeks, and >10, all in a statistically significant fashion. Nostril height and nostril length decreased at all post-operative time points. Morphometric analysis reveals reduction in alar-columellar disproportion and lateral nostril shows following TIG rhinoplasty. Tip rotation, as a function of nasolabial angle, also increased. These results provide quantitative substantiation for qualitative descriptions attributed to the TIG technique. Future studies will focus on area and volumetric measurements, and assessment of long-term stability. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Mouse and guinea pig models for testing new tuberculosis vaccines

Animal models of pulmonary tuberculosis in the mouse and guinea pig contain to provide new information about the host response in the lungs, changes in immunopathology, and the protective effect of new vaccine candidates. These include Mtb72F, a polyprotein vaccine that gives excellent protection and also boosts and prolongs the protective effect of the BCG vaccine.
Determination of complex formation constants of 18 neutral alkali and alkaline earth metal ionophores in poly(vinyl chloride) sensing membranes plasticized with bis(2-ethylhexyl)sebacate and o-nitrophenyloctylether

A segmented sandwich membrane method is used to determine complex formation constants of 18 electrically neutral ionophores in situ in solvent polymeric sensing membranes. These ionophores are commonly used in potentiometric and optical sensors, and knowledge of such binding information is important for ionophore and sensor design. In this method, two membrane segments are fused together, with only one containing the ionophore, to give a concentration-polarized sandwich membrane. Unlike other approaches, this method does not require the use of a reference ion in the sample and/or a second ionophore in the membrane, and is typically pH insensitive. The following ionophores responsive for the common cations lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium are characterized and discussed: valinomycin, BME-44, bis[(benzo-15-crown-5)-4′-ylmethyl]pimelate, ETH 157, ETH 2120, bis[(12-crown-4)methyl]dodecylmethylmalonate], 4-tert-butylcalix [4] arene tetraacetic acid tetraethyl ester, ETH 149, ETH 1644, ETH 1810, 6,6-dibenzyl-14-crown-4, N,N,N′,N′,N″,N″-hexacyclohexyl-4,4′,4″-propylidyne tris(3-oxabutyramide), ETH 1117, ETH 4030, ETH 1001, ETH 129, ETH 5234, and A23187. The logarithmic complex formation constants range from 4.4 to 29 and compare well to published data for ionophores that were characterized earlier. From the observed complex formation constants, maximum possible selectivities are calculated that would be expected if interfering ions show no binding affinity to the ionophore, and the values are compared with experimental findings. Each ionophore is characterized in poly(vinyl chloride) membranes plasticized either with a polar (NPOE) or a nonpolar plasticizer (DOS). Membranes based on NPOE always show larger complex formation constants of the embedded ionophore.
The Deterioration of Rotary Nickel-Titanium Files under Controlled Conditions

It has been shown that rotary nickel-titanium files cannot be used indefinitely. Researchers and clinicians have not been able to agree on how many times a file can be used before being discarded, except if a file has fractured or become visibly distorted. This study used ISO size 20 files of 0.04 taper in the curved canals of extracted mandibular molars. The canals had been previously instrumented to an ISO size 15 with stainless steel hand files. The irrigant used during rotary and hand instrumentation was Glyde®. The rotary files were closely examined with scanning electron microscopy before use to detect any defects. They were then reexamined after each of five uses to document deterioration. An electric handpiece was configured to rotate at 150 rpm and secured to the testing device, which also held the extracted tooth. The testing device controlled the load at 8 N, the depth of penetration for each canal and the rate of penetration (12 mm/min). Used instruments demonstrated surface fatigue wear and cracking. Torsional moment at failure was determined on a torsiometer for used and new instruments. Data (n = 10) were analyzed by analysis of variance. The torsional moment for used and new instruments was not affected by use (p = 0.25).
Local, sustainable, small-scale cellular networks

Over five billion people are active cellular subscribers, spending over a trillion dollars a year on communications. Despite this, hundreds of millions of people are still not connected. Implicit in these networks is a top-down design, with large nation-scale telecommunication firms deciding when and where coverage will be available. This is enforced by the large capital investment required to run cellular systems; base stations can cost upwards of US$100,000 and require expensive related core infrastructure. Recent technological innovations have enabled much cheaper cellular equipment; a base station now costs around US$10,000 and requires none of the other related systems. This reduction in cost is enabling new models of cellular telephony. Small organizations are suddenly capable of being service providers. In this work we ask, "How successful would bottom-up cellular networks be?" Essentially we argue for and demonstrate a local cellular network, utilizing existing infrastructure (e.g., power, network, and people) to operate at much lower cost, with less required capital, bringing coverage to areas not traditionally able to support cellular deployments. This network also provides sustainable employment and revenue to local entrepreneurs and services for the local community. We demonstrate the value of this concept by conducting an ongoing six-month long field deployment in rural Papua, Indonesia, in partnership with local NGOs. This network is currently live, with 187 subscribers sustainably providing US$830 per month in revenue (US$368 in profit) for the operator and employment for three different credit sellers in the village. We also show that this network provides a valuable service to the community through usage logs and user interviews.
Solidification of a liquid penetrating into a convectively cooled tube

Solidification of a liquid at its fusion temperature as it penetrates into an initially empty tube maintained at constant temperature was treated theoretically and experimentally. An approximate method was introduced which involves postulating a reasonable functional form for the instantaneous shape of the frozen layer along the tube wall. This approximate crust profile method was verified theoretically using a numerical approach in which the governing integro-differential equation of liquid motion was rigorously solved on a digital computer. The good agreement obtained between the numerically exact solution and the crust profile assumption in the special case of constant wall temperature encourages exploitation of the crust profile method to predict the effects of a finite heat transfer coefficient when the flow tube is immersed in a liquid coolant bath. This system has been used in previous experimental studies of freezing of an advancing flow.
Exploring Brain Tumor Heterogeneity for Survival Time Prediction

Brain tumor heterogeneity is well recognized in clinical MRI imaging and it is a challenging problem to quantitatively explore the underlying variations. It is known that brain tumors in different patients can have remarkably diverse visual appearances. In this paper, we propose a novel concept to categorize brain tumors with emphasis on spatial "habitats": a tumor can be quantified into distinctive sub-regions where the potential dynamics of tumor evolution may be evident. Our work is aimed at discovering spatially distinctive habitats within the tumor region, which may be useful in clinical practice for image-guided therapy. In particular, the heterogeneity can be well captured by two main steps: (a) intra-tumor segmentation, (b) spatial mapping scheme from a multi-modality MRI imaging dataset (Tl-weighted, FLAIR and T2-weighted MRI slices). A tumor region is initially segmented into high and low signal groups and then a joint mapping scheme is used to consider the correlation between different input modalities. In addition, focusing on signal contrast, we propose a set of quantitative features to measure differences between sub-regions. We further examined the application of survival time prediction for patients with malignant Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Experimental results showed that these features enabled classifiers to predict survival groups.
Why do couples seek marital therapy

If therapists know why couples seek marital therapy, they can more effectively tailor their therapies to improve treatment outcome. Unfortunately, there have been no systematic studies to date on couples' reasons for seeking therapy. In a survey of 147 married couples seeking marital therapy, the most commonly reported reasons were problematic communication and lack of emotional affection. Within individual couples, spouses showed little agreement on their reasons for therapy, suggesting that careful and individual assessments should be made of each spouse. There was only partial overlap of couples' reasons for seeking therapy, questionnaires of relationship problems, and previous studies of therapists' reports of couples' problems, indicating that traditional methods of assessment may not fully capture why couples are seeking therapy.