cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Olfactory bulb ablation: Effects on handling reactivity, open-field behavior, and agonistic behavior in male and female hamsters

Bilateral olfactory bulb ablation resulted in increased handling reactivity, and decreased open-field ambulation and intraspecific aggressiveness in male and female hamsters. Bulbectomy-induced increases in handling reactivity were greater in female than in male hamsters. However, bulbectomy-induced deficits in open-field ambulation and aggressive behavior were greater in males than in females. Bulbectomy-induced increases in handling reactivity were transient in both males and females. Furthermore, bulbectomized females regained preoperative levels of open-field ambulation by the second postoperative week. In contrast, bulbectomized males exhibited levels of open-field ambulation that were below preoperative levels in all but the third postoperative week. In bulbectomized males, aggressiveness was suppressed for the duration of postoperative testing.
Answers to applicant selection from a directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology.

Objective To answer six questions applicants commonly ask of programs, using the data base of a directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods We analyzed data from a directory of 258 civilian residency programs in the United States compiled from a 1994–1995 survey. We expanded the analysis to compare small and large residency programs on the six questions. Results The average-size program of four residents per year received 50 applications for each position, offered interviews to less than a third of its applicants, and interviewed 15 applicants for each position. An interview gives an applicant a 7% chance of matching with a program. Small programs (fewer than four residents per year) interviewed more of their applicants than did large programs. Programs reported that their residents' scores on part I ranged from the 25th to the 90th percentile, and on part II from the 38th to the 92nd percentile. In general, residents in large programs scored better on these tests than did residents in small programs. Most programs (74%) considered electives beneficial in obtaining a residency position and reported a higher percentage of elective takers than programs without this policy. One in four residents in a program either took a senior elective there, graduated from the same institution, or both. Residents from programs offering fellowship training were twice as likely to pursue fellowship training than residents from programs with no fellowships. Large programs were four times more likely to sponsor fellowships than were small programs. Conclusion Getting an interview in a residency program is a major accomplishment, whereas becoming known in a program may improve the applicant's odds of matching there. Applicants should review a program's policy on electives and selection record. Those considering fellowships should probably apply to programs that offer them. The directory offers a valuable data source for comparing residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology.
A probabilistic model for predicting the probability of no-show in hospital appointments

The number of no-shows has a significant impact on the revenue, cost and resource utilization for almost all healthcare systems. In this study we develop a hybrid probabilistic model based on logistic regression and empirical Bayesian inference to predict the probability of no-shows in real time using both general patient social and demographic information and individual clinical appointments attendance records. The model also considers the effect of appointment date and clinic type. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated based on a patient dataset from a VA medical center. Such an accurate prediction model can be used to enable a precise selective overbooking strategy to reduce the negative effect of no-shows and to fill appointment slots while maintaining short wait times.
Colpocephaly in adults.

Colpocephaly is a congenital abnormality in the ventricular system of the brain. The radiological diagnosis is usually made in the perinatal period and later presages intellectual disability. Adult cases of newly diagnosed colpocephaly have only rarely been reported. We have studied an adult with massive colpocephaly who is an otherwise functional woman. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with ventriculomegaly disproportionately affecting the occipital horns and must be differentiated from the more common form of adult ventriculomegaly—idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).
Interactive Services: A Framework, Synthesis and Research Directions

Abstract This article briefly reviews marketers' current knowledge about interactive services. It defines interactive services as services that have some form of customer–firm interaction in an environment characterized by any level of technology (i.e., a high or low technology environment). Customers may interact with the firm's physical elements (including technology), processes and people in both service creation and delivery. Consequently, customer participation directly influences service quality and behavioral outcomes (e.g., service usage, repeat purchase behavior and word-of-mouth) — as well as firm outcomes (efficiency, revenues and profits). Hence, a recurring theme throughout our article is that the nature of customer participation is critically important for the effective creation and delivery of interactive services. The article identifies key research areas and their relevance to managerial practice. This analysis yields a set of research questions that provides an agenda for future research.
Information processing using citations to investigate journal influence in accounting

Abstract The first objective of this study is to investigate the durability or “staying power” of accounting research in representative scholarly journals by evaluating the extent and usage of previous literature in current literature. The value or durability of research can be represented by the pattern of citation vintages that typifies a body of literature. We use the generalized gamma distribution and its four nested models (exponential, Weibull, gamma, and log-normal) to determine a mean, median, and mode for citation age. A second and significant motivation of the study is to objectively rank the relative influence of journals on the accounting literature. Three variations of an impact factor are used to make this analysis. The first impact factor is based upon simple citation count using the proportional method, while the other two impact factors use the results of the time analysis of the data to improve the method of ranking through the emphasis of current publications.
Radionuclide Separations in Radioactive Waste Disposal

Radionuclide separation processes that have been used successfully in the past as well as recent developments in separati on techniques are discussed with emphasis on their applications in the treatment of radioactive wastes. Both aqueous and nonaqueous processes are evaluated. Separation procedures proposed for use in systems involving transmutation of nuclear waste products are also discussed.
Generating a normalized geometric liver model using warping

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Automated liver surface determination in abdominal computed tomography scans, currently difficult to achieve, is of interest to determine liver location and size for various medical applications, including radiation therapy treatment planning, surgical planning, and oncologic monitoring. The authors propose to facilitate automation by the addition of a priori shape information in the form of a liver model. METHODS The normalized geometric liver model is generated by averaging outlines from a set of normal liver studies previously registered using thin-plate spline warping. The model consists of an averaged liver surface, a set of anatomic landmarks, and a deformation function. RESULTS A liver model is presented and its ability to represent normal liver shapes is demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Liver surface warping provides a means of data normalization for model construction and a means of model deformation for representation of liver organ shapes.
Optical properties of metal-cluster-doped ORMOSIL nanocomposites

Optical extinction of Ormosils (Organically Modified Silicates) with colloidal Au and Pt particles was studied by the absorption spectroscopy in the visible range. Both bulk and thin film forms of the metal-Ormosil nanocomposites were prepared and analyzed. The correlation between the nanocomposites' resonance absorption position with particle size and volume fraction of the colloidal metal particle was investigated and discussed. No third order nonlinear optical response was detected in the nanosecond time scale. The metal particle size and size distribution was studied by the transmission electron microscopy. X-ray analysis showed the metal particles to be crystalline with FCC structure. The metal clusters were incorporated into the Ormosil matrices by dissolving metal salts into the Ormosil precursor solution prior to gelatin. Reduction of the metal ions within the Ormosil matrices was achieved either by the thermal treatment or by UV irradiation of the samples.
Traffic scheduling for smart grid in rural areas with cognitive radios

In this paper, we study the communication architecture of smart grid for rural areas that employ cognitive radio technique. Since the communication in a cognitive radio network is normally unreliable, it is a great challenge to support applications which have stringent delay requirements, for instance, the transmission line monitoring application. To this end, we propose to reroute the data traffic with stringent delay requirement through the neighboring cells that work properly. This leads to a challenging scheduling problem, with the goal of maximizing the total throughput of the network while preserving the priority of real-time traffic in the local cell. To solve this problem, we present a scheduling algorithm that outperforms the earliest deadline scheduling and priority queue scheduling. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of our algorithm in achieving the design goals.
Creation of a transient vapor nanogap between two fluidic reservoirs for single molecule manipulation

We introduce a new experimental technique for manipulating a segment of a charged macromolecule inside a transient nanogap between two fluidic reservoirs. This technique uses an FPGA-driven nanopositioner to control the coupling of a nanopipette with the liquid surface of a fluidic cell. We present results on creating a transient nanogap, triggered by a translocation of double-stranded DNA between a nanopipette and a fluidic cell, and measure the probability to find the molecule near the tip of the nanopipette after closing the gap. The developed platform will enable testing of our recent theoretical predictions for the behavior of charged macromolecule in a nanogap between two fluidic reservoirs.
Testing the chance hypothesis in paired comparison or dominance data with missing observations

Paired comparison or animal dominance data are often displayed in a directed, asymmetric, graph. Under the “chance” hypothesis the two possible directions of each arc are equally likely. If the observed graph is complete, Kendall's test compares the number of circular triads in the observed graph with the distribution of this number under chance. Unobserved (missing) arcs complicate this test. Some modifications of Kendall's test, involving imputed values for the missing arcs, have been proposed in the literature. This paper examines optimal imputed values with respect to two criteria, and how these values may be used to modify the tests. Each approach is also illustrated with four example complete graphs and a simple missing data mechanism, and three real data sets are analyzed.
Microvascular responses to adenosine help explain functional and pathologic differences between intestinal segments.

Abstract Background Many physiologic (post-prandial hyperemia), pathologic (inflammatory bowel disease), and clinical (enteral feeding) phenomena involve changes in microvascular blood flow to the intestine. Adenosine (Ado) derived from energy metabolism causes vasodilation and appears to be involved in some of these events. The Ado-mediated control mechanisms appear to vary with the diameter of the microvessels and the function of the tissue. This suggests the possibility that Ado-based microvascular control varies between anatomic intestinal segments and microvascular levels in those intestinal segments. Methods In vivo digital intravital microscopy was used to measure the responses of larger distributing (A1) and smaller premucosal (A3) vessels to Ado in intact neurovascular loops of jejunum and terminal ileum of the rat. Dose-response curves to Ado were determined. Results Microvascular dilation and augmented blood flow to Ado were significantly greater in the jejunum than in the terminal ileum. Ado-induced dilation was greater in the smaller A3 than in the larger A1 microvessels. Discussion These data indicate (1) different vasodilator mechanisms for the jejunum and the terminal ileum, (2) a greater role for Ado-related microvascular control in the jejunum compared with the ileum, and (3) a greater Ado-related control in the premucosal (A3) vessels. These findings suggest that Ado-mediated microvascular effects could explain why some clinical phenomena vary in intensity in selective intestinal segments, and are likely to involve different microvascular control mechanisms in the different segments. Knowledge of these Ado mechanisms could be beneficial in certain clinical scenarios to control blood flow during pathologic conditions.
Software Fault Localization Using DStar (D

Effective debugging is crucial to producing dependable software. Manual debugging is becoming prohibitively expensive, especially due to the growing size and complexity of programs. Given that fault localization is one of the most expensive activities in program debugging, there has been a great demand for fault localization techniques that can help guide programmers to the locations of faults. In this paper a technique named DStar (D*), which has its origins rooted in similarity coefficient-based analysis, is proposed, which can identify suspicious locations for fault localization automatically without requiring any prior information on program structure or semantics. D* is evaluated across 21 programs and is compared to 16 different fault localization techniques. Both single-fault and multi-fault programs are used. Results indicate that D* is more effective at locating faults than all the other techniques it is compared to.
The influence of current speed and vegetation density on flow structure in two macrotidal eelgrass canopies

The influence of eelgrass (Zostera marina) on near-bed currents, turbulence, and drag was investigated at three sites in two eelgrass canopies of differing density and at one unvegetated site in the San Juan archipelago of Puget Sound, Washington, USA. Eelgrass blade length exceeded 1 m. Velocity profiles up to 1.5 m above the sea floor were collected over a spring-neap tidal cycle with a downward-looking pulse-coherent acoustic Doppler profiler above the canopies and two acoustic Doppler velocimeters within the canopies. The eelgrass attenuated currents by a minimum of 40%, and by more than 70% at the most densely vegetated site. Attenuation decreased with increasing current speed. The data were compared to the shear-layer model of vegetated flows and the displaced logarithmic model. Velocity profiles outside the meadows were logarithmic. Within the canopies, most profiles were consistent with the shear-layer model, with a logarithmic layer above the canopy. However, at the less-dense sites, when currents were strong, shear at the sea floor and above the canopy was significant relative to shear at the top of the canopy, and the velocity profiles more closely resembled those in a rough-wall boundary layer. Turbulence was strong at the canopy top and decreased with height. Friction velocity at the canopy top was 1.5–2 times greater than at the unvegetated, sandy site. The coefficient of drag CD on the overlying flow derived from the logarithmic velocity profile above the canopy, was 3–8 times greater than at the unvegetated site (0.01–0.023 vs. 2.9 × 10− 3).
Nonvolatile memory elements based on the intercalation of organic molecules inside carbon nanotubes.

We propose a novel class of nonvolatile memory elements based on the modification of the transport properties of a conducting carbon nanotube by the presence of an encapsulated molecule. The guest molecule has two stable orientational positions relative to the nanotube that correspond to conducting and nonconducting states. The mechanism, governed by a local gating effect of the molecule on the electronic properties of the nanotube host, is studied using density functional theory. The mechanisms of reversible reading and writing of information are illustrated with a F4TCNQ molecule encapsulated inside a metallic carbon nanotube. Our results suggest that this new type of nonvolatile memory element is robust, fatiguefree, and can operate at room temperature. The concept of information as organized knowledge can be formally described, but dealing with practical information in the real world is generally related to a physical medium [1]. Operations on information such as processing, modification, and storage take place through processes based on intrinsic properties of matter, and from that point of view, it is the intricate interplay between information and physical mechanisms that constitutes the fundamental ground for information technology. Electronic switches can be considered as the fundamental basis for information processing and storage. In an electronic switch, the flow of electrons is modified by changing the state of the switching device, via a controlled writing mechanism, while the current flow through the device is used as a reading mechanism. Information is stored in the state of the switch, which can be modified either mechanically or electrically using the same or additional electrodes.
Binding of a solubilized membrane ATPase to phospholipid bilayers

Abstract Interaction of purified Streptococcus fecalis membrane ATPase with lipid bilayer membranes was investigated using aqueous dispersions of phospholipids. A liposome-ATPase complex was demonstrated by gel filtration analysis. Binding of the solubilized ATPase to liposomes was studied by differential ultracentrifugation and the determination of binding parameters was based on the measurement of ATPase activity in the liposome-ATPase complex and the concentration of free ATPase in equilibrium with the complex. ATPase combined in phosphatidylcholine liposomes was essentially as active as the solubilized enzyme, and the binding of the ATPase to the liposomes was not reduced by increasing the ionic strength. The ratio of phosphatidylcholine to ATPase in the liposome complex was approximately 11 1 (w/w). The intrinsic association constant for the interaction, determined from Scatchard plots was 7.4·107±1.4·107 M−1. Phosphatidylcholine liposomes containing stearylamine or cardiolipin were prepared to investigate the effects of surface charge on binding. Stearylamine increased the ATPase binding at low ionic strength. In contrast, cardiolipin did not appear to change the binding characteristics. Phosphatidylethanolamine also had little effect on the ATPase binding. Cholesterol incorporated into phosphatidylcholine liposomes lowered ATPase binding. ATPase binding to synthetic dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine liposomes was lower than with natural phosphatidylcholine liposomes at 4 °C but not significantly different at 30 °C, above the gel-liquid crystalline phase-transition temperature.
PULSE-SYNCHRONOUS TORSIONAL PENDULAR NYSTAGMUS IN UNILATERAL SUPERIOR CANAL DEHISCENCE

A physically active 62-year-old man experienced the gradual onset of intermittent positional dizziness, occurring primarily on inclining his head upwards or downwards. Dizziness also appeared less commonly with abrupt turns of the head or while bearing down during a bowel movement. He denied tinnitus. He had no significant family history, he had never sustained head or neck trauma, and he was on no medications. Treatment with meclizine had not alleviated his symptoms. On physical examination with video Frenzel goggles (Micromedical Technology, Chatham, IL), there was a primary position torsional nystagmus, of approximately 1 Hz. There was also a low-amplitude downbeating nystagmus, greater on lateral gaze, and with no positional modulation. By watching the nystagmus while palpating the pulse, it was appreciated that the torsional nystagmus was pulse-synchronous, with the clockwise component corresponding to the pulse upswing. The torsional nystagmus was present when the patient was sitting or standing, but was suppressible in those positions with the Valsalva maneuver, and was absent when supine (see video on the Neurology ® Web site at www.neurology.org). Laboratory investigation revealed vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to be fourfold enlarged on the right, and the responses could be obtained at a lower threshold on the …
Power Transformations and Tests of Environmental Impact as Interaction Effects

Abstract Statistical analysis of the environmental impact of a pollutant point source or other human intervention often focuses on an interaction effect comparing, for example, measured pollutant levels before and after closure of a pollutant point source between regions presumed affected and unaffected by the intervention. This comparison may be meaningful only in terms of the original units of measurement of the environmental response. Statistical modeling of environmental data, however, is often most appropriately carried out on a transformed response scale. In this article we present a random effects model for rainfall acidity measured in the course of a study of the effects of closure of the ASARCO copper smelter in Tacoma, Washington. The response variables, concentrations of hydrogen, sulfate, and nitrate ions, were transformed to a cube-root scale for analysis. To assess the impact we introduce a simple approximate method to test for interaction expressed on the original scale of measurement in 2 ...
WASp is required for the correct temporal morphogenesis of rhabdomere microvilli

Microvilli are actin-based fingerlike membrane projections that form the basis of the brush border of enterocytes and the Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptor rhabdomere. Although many microvillar cytoskeletal components have been identified, the molecular basis of microvillus formation is largely undefined. Here, we report that the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) is necessary for rhabdomere microvillus morphogenesis. We show that WASp accumulates on the photoreceptor apical surface before microvillus formation, and at the time of microvillus initiation WASp colocalizes with amphiphysin and moesin. The loss of WASp delays the enrichment of F-actin on the apical photoreceptor surface, delays the appearance of the primordial microvillar projections, and subsequently leads to malformed rhabdomeres.
Chemotaxis of Escherichia coli to Pyrimidines: a New Role for the Signal Transducer Tap

Escherichia coli exhibits chemotactic responses to sugars, amino acids, and dipeptides, and the responses are mediated by methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs). Using capillary assays, we demonstrated that Escherichia coli RP437 is attracted to the pyrimidines thymine and uracil and the response was constitutively expressed under all tested growth conditions. All MCP mutants lacking the MCP Tap protein showed no response to pyrimidines, suggesting that Tap, which is known to mediate dipeptide chemotaxis, is required for pyrimidine chemotaxis. In order to confirm the role of Tap in pyrimidine chemotaxis, we constructed chimeric chemoreceptors (Tapsr and Tsrap), in which the periplasmic and cytoplasmic domains of Tap and Tsr were switched. When Tapsr and Tsrap were individually expressed in an E. coli strain lacking all four native MCPs, Tapsr mediated chemotaxis toward pyrimidines and dipeptides, but Tsrap did not complement the chemotaxis defect. The addition of the C-terminal 19 amino acids from Tsr to the C terminus of Tsrap resulted in a functional chemoreceptor that mediated chemotaxis to serine but not pyrimidines or dipeptides. These results indicate that the periplasmic domain of Tap is responsible for detecting pyrimidines and the Tsr signaling domain confers on Tapsr the ability to mediate efficient chemotaxis. A mutant lacking dipeptide binding protein (DBP) was wild type for pyrimidine taxis, indicating that DBP, which is the primary chemoreceptor for dipeptides, is not responsible for detecting pyrimidines. It is not yet known whether Tap detects pyrimidines directly or via an additional chemoreceptor protein.
Insomnia: pathophysiology and implications for treatment.

Summary Interest in developing a greater understanding of the pathophysiogical mechanisms underlying primary insomnia has increased. Recent evidence indicates that there may be some neuroendocrine and clinical similarities between primary insomnia and major depressive disorder, that abnormal corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) activity occurs in major depression, and that CRF hyperactivity appears to mediate the hyperarousal seen in primary insomnia. These findings all point to the possibility of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and CRF overactivity in both disorders. More recent findings have strengthened the evidence that primary insomnia may be linked with mood disorders and is associated with HPA axis overactivity and excess secretion of CRF, adrenocorticotropin releasing hormone, and cortisol. These insights have implications for managing chronic primary insomnia, such as use of antiglucocorticoid agents.
On some series representations of the Hurwitz zeta function

A variety of infinite series representations for the Hurwitz zeta function are obtained. Particular cases recover known results, while others are new. Specialization of the series representations apply to the Riemann zeta function, leading to additional results. The method is briefly extended to the Lerch zeta function. Most of the series representations exhibit fast convergence, making them attractive for the computation of special functions and fundamental constants.
Emotional behavior, arousal and sleep produced by sodium and calcium ions perfused within the hypothalamus of the cat.

Abstract In 18 cats, isolated sites within the anterior, posterior and other areas of the hypothalamus were perfused by means of push-pull cannulae inserted in intracranial guide tubes implanted permanently. The concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium was selectively altered in the perfusing solution and each locus was perfused for 30–40 min at a rate of 50 μl/min. When the sodium ion concentration was raised 34.0–88.0 mM above the normal value at 45 of 84 hypothalamic sites, the cat became agitated, and hyperactive; if a complete defense reaction ensued, the cat would claw, bite and attack. All of the characteristic autonomic changes associated with rage behavior were observed as a result of the sodium perfusions, which by an anatomical mapping were localized largely to the posterior and postero-lateral aspects of the hypothalamus. The elevation of the calcium concentration in the perfusate, at 27 of the 66 sites perfused, by 2.6 or 10.4 mM above the normal value, resulted in a suppression of behavioral activity, sleep and a catonia-like state. The EEG patterns showed synchronization during the calcium perfusion, which verified the behavioral features of sleep. Potassium or magnesium 2–10 times their normal values in extracellular fluid elicited no notable behavioral or physiological changes when these cations were perfused at identical sites in the hypothalamus at which an alteration in the sodium-calcium ratios altered the level of arousal. The possible independent mechanisms of an ionically controlled set-point for emotional behavior and a set-point for sleep-wakefulness are discussed.
Predicting data-dependent jitter

An analysis for calculating data-dependent jitter (DDJ) in a first-order system is introduced. The predicted DDJ features unique threshold crossing times with self-similar geometry. An approximation for DDJ in second-order systems is described in terms of the damping factor and natural frequency. Higher order responses demonstrate conditions under which unique threshold crossing times do not exist and total jitter is minimized. The DDJ predictions are verified with jitter measurements in a bandwidth-limited amplifier. The predictions for both first and second-order systems anticipate the features of the observed jitter.
Reinvesting in the Doctor–Patient Relationship in the Coming Era of Scarcity

The doctor–patient relationship (DPR) has been buffeted by more than 50 years of halting attempts at reforming our system of health care. As described by Alexander and Lantos (2006), much of this d...
A theoretical approach for modeling peripheral muscle fatigue and recovery.

Abstract A three-compartment model is presented to describe muscle activation, fatigue, and recovery under a variety of loading conditions. Muscle is considered to be in one of three states: resting ( M R ), activated ( M A ), or fatigued ( M F ). A bounded proportional controller represents muscle activation–deactivation, the transfer between M R and M A . The fatigue and recovery rates determine the transfer to/from M F state. The model qualitatively demonstrates empirically based fatigue behavior, known as Rohmert's curves, with isometric loading conditions. An expanded version of the model utilizes the properties of three muscle fiber types and a last-in-first-out stack mechanism to represent the known muscle recruitment hierarchy. Additionally, a novel yet practical approach is introduced to quantitatively evaluate task-related muscle fatigue for complex and/or dynamic movements at the joint level, encompassing the nonlinear influences of joint angle and velocity. This approach may have potential for digital human modeling, ergonomics, and other real-time applications due to its computational efficiency.
Sexual selection and speciation: Issues raised by Hawaiian Drosophila.

The Drosophila fauna of Hawaii is extraordinarily diverse, representing about 25% of the world's described species. The most notable characteristics which differentiate the species in Hawaii are morphological and behavioral ones used in courtship and mating. These flies are excellent model species for investigating the evolution of sexually selected traits. Hypotheses regarding the associations between species formation and mating behaviour have been formulated as a result of work on this group, leading to further empirical and theoretical research.
Digital Image Display Console Design Issues

Electronic image display has been envisioned as a means of alleviating some of the problems that expanding radiology departments have with film management, integration of multiple imaging modalities and as a means of improving the physician's diagnostic abilities through after acquisition image contrast enhancement. In an effort to provide an electronic image display suitable for general use, several educational institutions and industry have been in the process of developing computerbased image systems called picture archival and communication systems (PACS). Functional integration of the PACS components (network, archive, database management and display) presents problems which require the development of departmental modeling, a common communication protocol, image storage devices with enormous capacities, management software and display consoles. The latter has been the object of our focus.
More Evidence on Smoke Detector Effectiveness and the Value of Saving A Life

Economic models of the fire fatality rate give estimates of smoke detector effectiveness. These estimates are much smaller than those generally accepted. Reasonable interpretation of these estimates, combined with the cost of a smoke detector and the risk of a fire death, places the smoke detector-based value of life saving in a range of $ 1.41 to $ 2.487 million 1986 dollars. The more generally accepted results of other studies of the value of life saving fall in a range of $ 1.6 to $ 8.5 million 1986 dollars. Smoke detector market data, along with effectiveness estimates from economic models, may provide a unique opportunity to estimate the value of life saving.
Synthesis of Polyimide-Silicate Hybrids Via Sol-Gel Ultrastructure Processing

Abstract : New organic/inorganic hybrid materials ere prepared by hydrolysis and co-condensation of tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) with trimethoxysilane functionalized polyimide oligomers via sol-gel ultrastructure processing. In the first reaction step, amine terminated, fully imidized, soluble, high Tg polyimides were prepared from appropriate diamines and dianhydrides by solution imidization techniques. The amine end-groups were then quantitatively derivatized to nadimide structures through reaction with cis-norbornene 2,3 dicarboxylic anhydride. Subsequently, the nadimides were quantitatively derivatized to trimethoxysilane functionalities via hydrosilylation reactions in the presence of chloroplatinic acid catalyst. The resulting hexamethoxy functionalized polyimide oligomers were hydrolyzed and co-condensed at elevated temperatures under mild pressure with TMOS via sol-gel processing to generate thermally stable polyimidesilicate hybrids. The synthesis and characterization of these materials is discussed.
Evolution of the USF/CMS CODAR and WERA HF Radar Network

In an effort to improve our understanding on the workings of the coastal ocean for a variety of environmental applications and to improve upon forecasts of storm surge for residents along the West Coast of Florida, the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science (USF/CMS) established a real-time Coastal Ocean Monitoring Prediction System (COMPS) for the West Florida Shelf region. COMPS http://comps.marine.usf.edu program assets consist of arrays of offshore buoys and coastal tidal stations for surface meteorology and in-water measurement of temperature, salinity, and currents, and sea level; along with five High Frequency (HF) radar sites for offshore surface-current velocity field measurements. This paper will discuss the evolution of the USF/CMS HF Radar Network, consisting of three Direction Finding (DF) CODAR long-range SeaSonde HF radars and two Phased Array (PA) WERA systems with one site containing co-located CODAR and WERA systems; the first and only co-located and operational site in America.
Ultragap edge states in mixed halide chain solids

Abstract Resonance Raman spectroscopy has been performed above and below the intervalence charge transfer band for mixed halide [Pt(en) 2 ][Pt(en) 2 × 2 ](ClO 4 ) 4 en=ethylenediamine, X=Cl x Br 1−x , Cl x l 1−x , and Br x l 1−x ) linear chain MX solids. Strong resonance enhancement is observed for local state vibrational modes in tuniing between the band gaps of the constituent PtX species and well to the blue of the band gaps of both species in the case of PtBr x l 1−x . These ultragap states have been attributed to edge states created by the junction between segments with different halides. In the case of PtCl x Br 1−x and PtBr x l 1−x , we observe ultragap edge state vibrational modes at ca. 210 and 181 cm −1 that can be attributed to phonons dominated by the PtBr segment motions near the PtBr-PtCl interface; similar vibrational modes are observed for PtCl and Ptl segments in the mixed halide solids. Ultragap edge states are explicitly demonstrated within theoretical calculations of a discrete, 3 4 - filled , 2-band, tight binding, extended Peierls-Hubbard model that employs mean-field and direct-space random phase approximations.
Continuous quantization procedure in quasiclassical scattering: Application to atom-Morse oscillator collisions

The recently developed method of continuous quantization is applied to the atom-Morse oscillator collinear collision problem. This geometrical formulation of the classical scattering process allows for the extraction of transition probabilities for classically forbidden processes with reasonable accuracy. The accuracy of this method over the simple (histogram) quasi-classical procedure is demonstrated for two-model systems.
Logic synthesis in the design of the VLSI-/370 microprocessor

Abstract The paper presents the application of logic synthesis in the design of a production quality VLSI-/370 microprocessor. We give an overview of the design methodology used, followed by short description of the synthesis program itself. Timing correction and global fanout correction in the context of partitioned synthesis are discussed. We finish with a discussion of synthesis experience.
‘The November evening’: The Warsaw uprising of November 1830

Warsaw's famous ‘November Evening’ of 1830 provides an interesting look at the tactics of early nineteenth century urban warfare. A success for Polish rebels, it also marked the start of the first Russo‐Polish war.
Mathematical modeling and steady-state analysis of a co-ionic-conducting solid oxide fuel cell

A mathematical model of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a BaCe 1−x Sm x O 3−α type electrolyte is developed. This class of electrolytes exhibits both proton and oxygen-anion conductivity. To develop the model, heat transfer, mass transfer and electrochemical processes are taken into account. The existence of steady-state multiplicity in this class of fuel cells is investigated under three operation modes: constant ohmic load, potentiostatic and galavanostatic. The cell has up to three steady states under the constant ohmic load and potentiostatic modes, and a unique steady state under the galvanostatic mode. This same steady state behavior has been observed in oxygen-anion conducting and proton conducting SOFCs. Interestingly, this study shows that in this class of SOFCs, thermal and concentration multiplicities can coexist; ignition in the solid temperature is accompanied by extinction in the fuel and oxygen concentrations, and ignition and extinction in concentrations of water in the anode and cathode sides, respectively.
Merkel cell polyomavirus in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of immunocompetent individuals.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequently diagnosed skin cancer. It has a higher incidence in immunosuppressed individuals such as organ transplant recipients and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers. Recently, a newly described polyoma virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), was found in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare aggressive skin cancer also associated with immunosuppression. We hypothesized that MCPyV would be present in SCCs. To test for the presence of MCPyV in immunocompetent SCC patients, we used PCR primer sets directed against the large T (LT) antigen and VP1 gene of MCPyV. We detected MCPyV in 15% (26/177) of SCC DNA samples and 17% (11/63) of adjacent skin DNA samples from 21 of 58 (36%) individuals studied. We did not detect MCPyV in any matched normal blood DNA (0/57), but observed the presence of MCPyV DNA in 1 of 12 normal mouthwash DNAs. All sequenced SCC samples had a common mutation truncating the LT antigen that provides indirect evidence of viral integration. The presence of MCPyV in ∼15% of SCCs from immunocompetent individuals warrants evaluation of MCPyV as an etiologic agent in the carcinogenesis of SCC.
On some criteria of convexity for compact sets

We establish some criteria of convexity for compact sets in the Euclidean space. Analogs of these results are extended to complex and hypercomplex cases.
Once-weekly fluconazole (450 mg) for 4, 6, or 9 months of treatment for distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail

Abstract Background: Fluconazole is a bis -triazole antifungal agent approved for the treatment of oropharyngeal, esophageal, and vaginal candidiasis, serious systemic candidal infections, and cryptococcal meningitis. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different durations of once-weekly fluconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail caused by dermatophytes. Methods: In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, 384 patients with distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail received fluconazole, 450 mg once weekly, or placebo for 4, 6, or 9 months. For inclusion, patients were required to have mycologically confirmed distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail with a large toenail at least 25% clinically affected but having at least 2 mm of healthy nail between the nail fold and the proximal onychomycotic border. Efficacy was assessed by clinical and mycologic (microscopic and microbiologic) measures at screening, at every treatment visit starting at month 3, and at months 2, 4, and 6 after therapy. Observed or volunteered adverse events were recorded and classified at all visits. Results: At the end of treatment, very significantly superior clinical and mycologic results were achieved in all fluconazole groups compared with placebo ( p = 0.0001). This superiority was largely maintained over 6 months of follow-up. The clinical and mycologic responses of the 9-month treatment duration were significantly superior to the 4- and 6-month durations. Similar percentages of patients in the fluconazole and placebo groups reported adverse experiences for all three durations of the study. Conclusion: Results of this study support the efficacy and safety of fluconazole in the treatment of distal subungual onychomycosis of the toenail.(J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:S95-102.)
Blimp Hovers over T Cell Immunity

The functions of T lymphocytes are regulated by transcription factors controlling gene expression. Three studies in this issue of Immunity (Kallies et al., 2009; Rutishauser et al., 2009; Shin et al., 2009) indicate that the transcriptional repressor Blimp-1 promotes the development of short-lived effector cells and regulates clonal exhaustion.
Panic disorder and agoraphobia in consecutively referred children and adolescents.

ABSTRACT Objective This report examines the clinical features and correlates of juvenile panic disorder in referred children and adolescents to test specific hypotheses about its relationship with adult panic disorder. Method The sample consisted of consecutively referred children and adolescents (N = 472) comprehensively evaluated with structured diagnostic interviews, cognitive tests, and psychosocial assessments. Results Panic disorder was identified in 6% and agoraphobia in 15% of psychiatrically referred children and adolescents. Children meeting criteria for panic disorder also frequently met criteria for agoraphobia. The latter disorder was more prevalent and had an earlier age at onset than panic disorder. Children with panic disorder and those with agoraphobia had similar correlates with frequent comorbidity with other anxiety and mood disorders. A high level of comorbidity with disruptive disorders was also identified. Conclusions These results support the hypothesis of continuity between the juvenile and the adult form of panic disorder. However, the high level of comorbidity with disruptive behavior disorders also suggests developmentally specific discontinuities between juveniles and adults with panic disorder.
THE INTERNAL CONSTRUCT VALIDITY OF THE GRE GENERAL TEST ACROSS HANDICAPPED AND NONHANDICAPPED POPULATIONS

This study investigated the factor structure of the GRE General Test across handicapped and nonhandicapped groups, The handicapped student groups included two groups of examinees taking timed, standard administrations and one taking an extended-time, large-type administration. A simple, three-factor model, consisting of Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical item types was posed. Using the covariance matrices, this model was tested for invariance with respect to the number and intercorrelation of factors, the pattern of factor loadings, and the equality of scale units. To investigate observed discrepancies in factor structure, a higher-order factor solution using the correlation matrices was also computed. The three common-factor model provided a good fit in the nonhandicapped population and a moderately good fit for visually impaired students taking a standard administration. The least adequate fit was found for the visually impaired group taking the large type exam and for physically impaired students taking a standard administration. While the verbal and quantitative factors fit reasonably well in these two groups, the analytical factor fit less adequately, with the item types composing this factor–analytical reasoning and logical reasoning–behaving more as separate factors. For both groups, Analytical scores appeared to have a different meaning from those for nonhandicapped students. For visually impaired students taking the large type exam, a lower relationship between the verbal and quantitative factors was noted. This lower relationship indicates, relative to nonhandicapped students, an increased likelihood of achievement growth in one area independent of the other. This finding underscores the importance of interpreting Verbal and Quantitative scores individually rather than as part of a composite. Findings from this study should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample sizes on which results are based and because the study only provides one component of the evidence required to make summative judgments of test validity. Further evidence from predictive and item validity studies should add to the information base required for drawing policy and procedural implications about the development and the use of the General Test for handicapped examinees.
Geometric cues for directing the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Significant efforts have been directed to understanding the factors that influence the lineage commitment of stem cells. This paper demonstrates that cell shape, independent of soluble factors, has a strong influence on the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow. When exposed to competing soluble differentiation signals, cells cultured in rectangles with increasing aspect ratio and in shapes with pentagonal symmetry but with different subcellular curvature—and with each occupying the same area—display different adipogenesis and osteogenesis profiles. The results reveal that geometric features that increase actomyosin contractility promote osteogenesis and are consistent with in vivo characteristics of the microenvironment of the differentiated cells. Cytoskeletal-disrupting pharmacological agents modulate shape-based trends in lineage commitment verifying the critical role of focal adhesion and myosin-generated contractility during differentiation. Microarray analysis and pathway inhibition studies suggest that contractile cells promote osteogenesis by enhancing c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular related kinase (ERK1/2) activation in conjunction with elevated wingless-type (Wnt) signaling. Taken together, this work points to the role that geometric shape cues can play in orchestrating the mechanochemical signals and paracrine/autocrine factors that can direct MSCs to appropriate fates.
Yesterday's News or the Cream of the Crop? Choosing Which Managers to Keep After an Acquisition

The article discusses factors which influence a company's decision of choosing which managers to keep following an acquisition. Research has shown that the odds of a company surviving a merger improve if the acquiring firm can retain the acquired firm's high ranking executives, such as their president or chief executive officer. Statistics have shown that acquiring firms typically lose up to sixty percent of an acquisition's top managers. Research completed by Donald Bergh of Pennsylvania State University looked into whether an acquisition is more likely to avoid failure if the acquiring firm retains long-tenured or short-tenured high-ranking managers. Results of Bergh's research has proved inconclusive as to whether retaining long-tenured executives will hurt the chances for a company's post-acquisition success.