cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efferent control of hearing sensitivity and protection via inner ear supporting cells

It is critical for hearing that the descending cochlear efferent system provide negative feedback to hair cells to regulate hearing sensitivity and provide protection from noise. The medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent nerves project to outer hair cells (OHCs) and inhibit OHC electromotility, which is an active cochlear amplification and can increase hearing sensitivity. Here, we report that the MOC efferent nerves also have functional innervation with the cochlear supporting cells to regulate hearing sensitivity. The MOC efferent nerve fibers and the corresponding MOC neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) receptors were visible in the cochlear supporting cells. Application of ACh in the cochlear supporting cells could also evoke inward currents in a dose-dependent manner and reduced gap junctional (GJ) coupling between the cochlear supporting cells, which consequently declined electromotility in OHCs. This indirect inhibitory effect through the mediated GJs between the cochlear supporting cells on OHC electromotility was consistent and enhanced the direct inhibition of ACh on OHC electromotility but had long-lasting influence. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that deficiency of this GJ-mediated efferent control pathway declined the regulation of active cochlear amplification and impaired the protection from noise trauma. Our findings reveal a new pathway for the cochlear efferent system to control hearing sensitivity, and also demonstrate that this supporting cell GJ-mediated efferent pathway is critical for control of hearing sensitivity and the protection of hearing from noise trauma.
La ensoñación poética de Valparaíso desde el estudio de la "oblicuidad semántica" en la lírica de Ximena Rivera

Considering Adolfo de Nordenflycht's proposals on local literature as differentiated from national literature, the study proposes an approach to the “differential” imaginary of the city-port of Valparaiso, concretized in the lyric of Ximena Rivera Ordenes (Vina del Mar, 1959—Valparaiso, 2013). In the first place, the "localized subaltern space" is considered as a dispute political space, and the catastrophic consequences of the military dictatorship in the social, cultural, and literary terms are addressed. Second, the concept of "poetic reverie" as proposed by Gaston Bachelard is addressed and discussed, to access the author's poetics and her selfrepresentation in the lyrical discourse. Finally, her lyrical work is approached while taking into account the materiality of Spinozist affections, the temper of mind, and the principle of "semantic obliqueness" of the text as proposed by Michael Riffaterre's critical system (1983), revealing that Ximena Rivera's poetry evokes a representation that is singular and different from that of the Port of Valparaiso, thus exerting resistance against the homogenization of the “abstract space”.
Determination of cardiovascular dysfunction before initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in septic shock.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is being increasingly used in patients having sepsis-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. We report successful use of venovenous ECMO in septic shock secondary to pneumonia in the presence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. We also discuss the quantitative evaluation of cardiovascular dysfunction, which provides important input in choosing the type of ECMO in septic shock.
Left ventricular longitudinal strain and strain rate measurements in paediatric patients in long-term treatment for Chagas disease.

Introduction: Previous echocardiographic studies failed to show residual alterations of heart function in paediatric patients that have received treatment for Chagas disease. While the echocardiogram is the fundamental front-line tool for evaluating heart function, the appearance of new techniques allows a more detailed analysis. We aimed to evaluate systolic and diastolic function with new techniques in a paediatric population with Chagas disease several years after treatment completion. Material and methods: Echocardiograms were obtained from 84 Chagas disease patients (48 female) and 27 healthy controls. All patients had received treatment concluding on average 10 years prior to the study. The prospective analysis considered cardiac dimensions and cardiac function using two-dimensional, M-mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging with emphasis on measuring longitudinal strain in the left ventricle by speckle tracking. Ejection fraction was measured with three-dimensional echocardiography. Results: Patients had an age of 14.2 ± 5.7 years (6–33) at the time of evaluation. Global and segmental motility of the left ventricle was normal in all patients. Ejection fraction was 59.2 ± 6.5 and 57.4 ± 6.5% (p = 0.31) in patients and controls respectively. Left ventricular global longitudinal systolic strain was −19 ± 2.4% in patients and −19 ± 3.6% (p = 0.91) in controls. No significant differences were found in remaining systolic and diastolic function measurements. Conclusions: Paediatric patients that have received treatment for Chagas disease, evaluated with either conventional techniques or new tools, do not show significant long-term alterations of ventricular function.
MIOCENE NERITIC BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL COMMUNITY DYNAMICS, CALVERT CLIFFS, MARYLAND, USA: SPECIES POOL, PATTERNS AND PROCESSES

The presence/absence and abundance of benthic foraminifera in successive discrete beds (Shattuck “zones”) of the Miocene Calvert and Choptank formations, exposed at the Calvert Cliffs, Maryland, USA, allows for investigation of community dynamics over space and time. The stratigraphic distribution of benthic foraminifera is documented and interpreted in the context of sea-level change, sequence stratigraphy, and the previously published distribution of mollusks. Neritic benthic foraminiferal communities of four sea-level cycles over ∼4 million years of the middle Miocene, encompassing the Miocene Climatic Optimum and the succeeding middle Miocene Climate Transition, are dominated by the same abundant species. They differ in the varying abundance of common species that occur throughout most of the studied section and in the different rare species that appear and disappear. Transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) have higher species diversity than highstand systems tracts (HSTs) but much lower density of specimens. In contrast to some previous research, all beds in the studied section are interpreted as being from the inner part of a broad, low gradient shelf and were deposited at water depths of less than ∼50 m. It is suggested that species are recruited from a regional species pool of propagules throughout the duration of TSTs. Recruitment is curtailed during highstands leading to lower diversity in the HSTs.
SARS, pandemic influenza and Ebola: The disease control styles of Britain and the United States

Some researchers claim that nation states have begun to conform to an internationally uniform response to infectious disease. A potential barrier to this development are the distinct systems of disease control that industrialized nation states have developed over long periods of time. I explain the divergent public policy responses of the United Kingdom and the United States to SARS, pandemic influenza and Ebola by taking a historical approach. I examine the different medical theories of disease that existed in Britain and America in the nineteenth century as each country began to develop its public health system. I also examine where in the state apparatus disease control was located in each country. In Britain disease control was historically part of the welfare sector of the state, while in the United States it was originally operated by the military. These different starting conditions helped push Britain and the United States along different paths of disease control and this helps explain why they respond to contemporary diseases in such different ways. The 'historical durability' national styles of disease may make it more difficult for the international community to enact a truly uniform response to pandemics.
Remarks on Two-By-Two Matric Semigroups

This is an identification of many of the important subsets of the set of 2x2 matrices with complex number elements, having under matrix multiplication a semigroup structure. The concepts defined are important and the structures noted are excellent examples for use in mathematics education. Some applications are noted in the references. Since we are concerned only with 2x2 matrices the results are easily verified and the proofs are omitted.
SU-E-E-05: Improving Contouring Precision and Consistency for Physicians-In-Training with Simple Lab Experiments

Purpose: Target contouring for high-dose treatments such as radiosurgery of brain metastases is highly critical in eliminating marginal failure and reducing complications as shown by recent clinical studies. In order to improve contouring accuracy and practice consistency for the procedure, we introduced a self-assessed physics lab practice for the physicians-in-training. Methods: A set of commercially acquired high-precision PMMA plastic spheres were randomly embedded in a Styrofoam block and then scanned with the CT/MR via the clinical procedural imaging protocol. A group of first-year physicians-in-training (n=6) from either neurosurgery or radiation oncology department were asked to contour the scanned objects (diameter ranged from 0.4 cm to 3.8 cm). These user-defined contours were then compared with the ideal contour sets of object shape for self assessments to determine the maximum areas of the observed discrepancies and method of improvements. Results: The largest discrepancies from initial practice were consistently found to be located near the extreme longitudinal portions of the target for all the residents. Discrepancy was especially prominent when contouring small objects 0.23more » suggesting agreement cannot be established). However, when incorporating a secondary imaging scan such as reconstructed coronal or sagittal images in a repeat practice, the agreement was dramatically improved yielding p<0.02 in agreement with the reference data set for all the participants. Conclusion: A simple physics lab revealed a common pitfall in contouring small metastatic brain tumors for radiosurgical procedures and provided a systematic tool for physicians-in-training in improving their clinical contouring skills. Dr Ma is current a board member of international stereotactic radiosurgical society.« less
Effects of Quenched-in Hydrogen on Deformation of Iron Single crystals

ABSTRACT Effects of hydrogen on mechanical properties were investigated in iron single crystals quenched from temperatures between 833° and 1133° K in a hydrogen atmosphere. The specimens were tensile-tested in a temperature range from 77° to 200° K. The specimens quenched from 1133° K deformed almost exclusively by twinning and fractured at 77° K, the reference specimens cooled slowly from 1133° K deformed plastically without twinning and failed in a ductile manner. The twinning stress was lower than the yield stress of the reference specimens. Aging at room temperature completely eliminated the effect of hydrogen-quenching, indicating that hydrogen dissolved in iron is responsible for twinning. The specimens oriented to the [110] tensile direction deformed substantially even if they were quenched from 1133° K in a hydrogen atmosphere. The flow stress of the hydrogen-quenched specimens was lower than that of the reference specimens in the temperature range from 77 to 200° K. This softening effect was smallest at 200° K.
Energy-Dependent Neutron Transport Theory

Abstract A complete set of solutions to the Boltzmann equation with energy transfer, but constant cross sections (in space and energy), is given for the case of plane symmetry. The neutron flux is expanded in terms of the eigenfunctions of the energy transfer operator; this reduces the problem to a denumerable set of “one-velocity” transport problems of the type which have been studied by Case (2). Completeness and orthogonality relations follow almost directly from the work of Case (2). Several of the standard neutron transport problems are solved in the energy-dependent case and numerical results are obtained for the heavy gas model. These results are then compared with diffusion theory and it is found that the diffusion theory results are correct only for small absorption and the first energy mode. A later paper will consider the case of energy-dependent cross sections.
Reactions between neutral molecules and cation-radicals in the gas-phase: Can protonation occur without proton transfer?

Abstract Gas-phase collisions of Gly and Ala with free electrons were employed to form positive ions at well determined energies. At elevated molecular vapor pressure, protonated [Gly+H]+ and [Ala+H]+ ions were also observed. The appearance energies of [Gly+H]+ and [Ala+H]+ were both determined as 0.30 ± 0.14 eV higher than the ionization energies of their M + congeners. Quantum chemical calculations predict proton transfer reactions rather than hydrogen atom abstraction reactions as the likely [M+H]+ forming method in our experiment. Microcanonical rate coefficient calculations using B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,p) frequencies and rotational constants, support abstraction of a Calpha proton for glycine, whereas the C-terminal proton abstraction mechanism was found as being more favorable for alanine. Additionally, substantial immonium ion formation was observed at experimental energies identical to either the protonated product or cation radical for glycine and alanine, respectively. Theoretical barriers to M + cation radical fragmentation to HRCNH2+ indicate that they are product-limited and that the glycine barriers are generally larger than those for alanine.
Successful medical therapy for endocarditis due to Candida parapsilosis. A clinical and epidemiologic study.

A heroin addict with asymmetric septal hypertrophy and persistent fungemia with Candida parapsilosis was treated with amphotericin Band flucytosine tosine). The diagnosis of endocarditis was based on the subsequent development of a murmur of mitral tation and echocardiographic evidence of prolapse of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Cure was effected with antifungal therapy alone. Thus, when the diagnosis of fungal endocarditis is made early in its course, open-heart surgery may not be needed. To investigate the relative frequency of isolation of parapsilosis from sites, a mycologic survey was conducted in our hospital Among the isolates of yeasts, C parapsilosis reprcsented 8.0, 17.1, and 26.7 percent of those from all cnll nre sites, from contaminated intravenous catheters, and from cultures of blood, respectively. Since this trend to in cases of fungemia was not seen with other yeasts.
Welfare comparisons and situation comparisons

Abstract The paradigmatic welfare comparison question is: ‘How much would a family with three children have to spend to make it as well off as a family with two children spending $20,000?’ This question, if it it can be answered at all, cannot be answered by comparing the consumption patterns of households with two children with those of households with three children. The difficulty is that, although observing the demand behavior of households with different demographic profiles reveals their conditional preferences (i.e., their preferences over vectors of goods taking the demographic profiles as fixed), it cannot reveal their unconditional preferences (i.e., their preferences over goods and demographic profiles).
Cross-Racial Identification

This article reviews the research on differential recognition for own-versus other-race faces. A meta-analysis of 14 samples revealed that the magnitude of the own-race bias is similar for both Black and White subjects, accounting for about 10o of the variance in recognition accuracy. There is a considerable consistency across studies, indicating that memory for own-race faces is superior to memory for other-race faces. Both Black and White subjects exhibited own-race bias in 79%0 of the samples reviewed.
Noninvasive Biomarkers of Liver Fibrosis: Clinical Applications and Future Directions

Chronic liver disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current strategies for assessing prognosis and treatment rely on accurate assessment of disease stage. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing fibrosis stage but has many limitations. Noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis have been extensively designed, studied, and validated in a variety of liver diseases. With the advent of direct acting antivirals and the rise in obesity-related liver disease, there is a growing need to establish these noninvasive methods in the clinic. In addition, it has become increasingly clear over the last few years that noninvasive biomarkers can also be used to monitor response to antifibrotic therapies and predict liver outcomes, including hepatocellular carcinoma development. This review highlights the most well-established noninvasive biomarkers to date, with a particular emphasis on serum and imaging-based methodologies.
Horizontal Variability of Microstructure in the Vicinity of a Sargasso Sea Front

Abstract Temperature microstructure variability has been determined from measurements of electrical conductivity (∼1.5 cm wavelength resolution) along two depths in the seasonal thermocline of the Sargasso Sea in July 1981. The microstructure sensors were attached to a thermistor chain, which was towed in and away from a frontal shear zone in the region of the Subtropical Convergence Zone. Averaged over the 170-km-long tow, the estimated dissipation rate of temperature variance, χ, was ∼10−8 °C2 s−1, but χ values ranged from 10−11 (noise level) to 10−5 in the most energetic events. Cox numbers, C, were calculated by making use of a local temperature gradient calculated over a fixed ∼1 m vertical spacing on the chain. Mean values of C were ∼10, but values as high as 105 were observed. The signals wear highly intermittent, varying by as much as five orders of magnitude over scales of the order of 10 m. Probability distributions of χ and C appeared to resemble the lognormal form only in cases where the data ...
Multigrid third-order least-squares solution of Cauchy–Riemann equations on unstructured triangular grids

In this paper, a multigrid algorithm is developed for the third-order accurate solution of Cauchy–Riemann equations discretized in the cell-vertex finite-volume fashion: the solution values stored at vertices and the residuals defined on triangular elements. On triangular grids, this results in a highly overdetermined problem, and therefore we consider its solution that minimizes the residuals in the least-squares norm. The standard second-order least-squares scheme is extended to third-order by adding a high-order correction term in the residual. The resulting high-order method is shown to give sufficiently accurate solutions on relatively coarse grids. Combined with a multigrid technique, the method then becomes a highly accurate and efficient solver. We present some results to demonstrate its accuracy and efficiency, including both structured and unstructured triangular grids. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of Rydberg States in Na 2 by Two-Step Polarization Labeling

The new excited $^{1}\ensuremath{\Delta}_{g}$ states and five new excited $^{1}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{g}$ states of ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}$ have been identified with the use of the two-step polarization labeling technique. The electronic energies of these states form a molecular Rydberg series. By extrapolating the dissociation energies, vibrational constants, and rotational constants of these Rydberg states it is possible to obtain good estimates of the same quantities for the $X^{2}\ensuremath{\Sigma}_{g}$ ground state of ${\mathrm{Na}}_{2}^{+}$.
EVOLUTION TO CURRENT OTOLARYNGIC ALLERGY TECHNIQUES

The evolution of current otolaryngic allergy techniques for the diagnosis and management of inhalant and food allergens is presented in this article. Skin titration, in vivo diagnostic techniques, and symptom-relieving immunotherapy are emphasized for the former sensitivities and oral challenge tests, skin titration, and elimination or rotary diets for the latter.
Determining the Competitiveness of School District Salaries

Cost of living and comparison of pay rates with neigh boring districts are two factors fre quently considered when district wage levels are evalu ated. This writer says that labor market competition must also be re viewed, and tells how to do it.
Transfer of response bias by injection of brain homogenates: A replication

A group of rats was trained to bar press under a CRF schedule. A second group served to control for the effects of handling and stimulation. Homogenates prepared from the brains of these animals were injected into untrained recipient animals. These recipients were subsequently tested for bar-pressing rates and food magazine entries. Animals receiving “conditioned” homogenate made reliably more bar presses and magazine entries than did animals injected with “untrained” homogenate.
A 14,500 MW protein is coded by region E3 of group C human adenoviruses.

Abstract There is an ORF in the early region E3 transcription unit of human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) which could encode a protein of 14,500 MW (14.5K). This ORF is conserved in Ad5 and Ad2, both group C adenoviruses, and also in Ad3 and Adz, both group B adenoviruses. To address whether the 14.5K protein is synthesized, we prepared antisera against synthetic peptides corresponding to residues 19–34 or 118–132 in the Ad5 version of 14.5K, and also against a TrpE14.5K fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli . These antisera immunoprecipitated the [ 35 S]Met-labeled 14.5K protein from KB cells infected with rec 700 (an Ad5-Ad2-Ad5 recombinant), Ad2, and a variety of E3 mutants. Mutants in the 14.5K ORF did not produce the 14.5K protein. The 14.5K is coded in large part, although probably not exclusively, by E3 mRNA f , as indicated by immunoprecipitation of 14.5K from cells infected with mutants that overproduce or underproduce mRNA f . The 14.5K migrated as five to six bands on SDS-PAGE after immunoprecipitation or Western blot, suggesting that it undergoes post-translational modification. Two bands of 14.5K were obtained by cell-free-translation of 14.5K from mRNA purified by hybridization from infected cells.
Characterization of the GaN-rich side of GaNP grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

We have investigated the growth of the GaN-rich side of GaNP films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The GaNP samples were mainly analysed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). From the XRD measurement, we have found that the c-axial lattice constant and the a-axial lattice constant of our GaNP were smaller than those of GaN. Moreover, we have confirmed that these lattice constants decreased with increasing PH 3 flow rate. According to the AES analysis, the nitrogen concentration in GaNP hardly changed along with increasing the PH 3 flow rate, but the gallium concentration tended to decrease. This fact implies that a phosphorus atom would be replaced with not a nitrogen atom but a gallium atom on III-group site.
Natural language and direct manipulation search tools in a multimodal information system

This study evaluated the usability of an existing, information-dense workspace, which places burdensome search requirements on its users. Direct manipulation principles were contrasted with natural language and multimodal interaction. The results indicated that natural language was an effective and usable search tool in a complex information workspace
Portable gasoline container headspace flammability

Abstract This work summarizes the findings of a multi-year study into the flammability hazards associated with portable gasoline containers (PGC's). In particular, this investigation focuses on identifying the limited conditions under which a flame can propagate through the pour spout and into the PGC, causing a deflagration. The first series of tests simulate quiescent gasoline storage in a 18.9 l (5 gallon) PGC with a child resistant spout and closure. The storage conditions are varied to include a range of liquid volumes (5 to 500 mL) and temperatures (−30 to 0 °C). The second series of tests simulates pouring of gasoline from the PGC and involves testing over a range of tilt angles from 61 to 73°. In both cases, vapor concentrations are obtained from a paramagnetic oxygen analyzer and from an infrared sensor calibrated for n -butane. It is found that the container tilt angle is a significant controlling parameter and that liquid volumes ranging from 5 to 30 mL in a 18.9 l PGC are capable of producing a flammable headspace region. Finally, a model is developed to predict the influence of these controlling parameters on the flammability hazard.
Feasibility study of robotically tracked photoacoustic computed tomography

Photoacoustic imaging (PA) is becoming a promising modality for pre-clinical and clinical application by providing functional information with high penetration depth. In particular, PA computed tomography (PACT) aims to visualize the photoacoustic source distribution by scanning ultrasound transducers around a surface of the structure. Placing transducers around the subject or rotating the subject with fixing transducer position are two major approaches to scan in circular arc trajectory, but both are not flexible and have their drawbacks. To resolve the problem, we propose a new scanning method based on the robotic tracking technique. High flexibility of the scanning geometry is available because the trajectory of the tracked transducer generated by robot motion will be regarded as the scanning path. A simulation study of proposed method is conducted, assuming a 6cm array ultrasound transducer was used as receivers. To replicate the scenario that the probe is moved by robot, the probe is placed at two positions across a designated rotation angle, and received signals at both positions are used to generate an image. Compared to the result without robot motion, the lateral resolution of the target drastically improved due to aperture extension. In addition, the effect of error in one of the pose in lateral and axial direction was also simulated. Finally, an experiment was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the system. The result indicates that the ultrasound calibration is required to the system, and the robotically tracked PACT has a huge potential to be a new scanning strategy.
In situ potential difference Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic studies of the electrochemical oxidation of adsorbed carbon monoxide on nickel in alkaline solutions

The spectral properties of CO adsorbed on polycrystalline nickel electrodes in 0.1 M KOH have been examined using in situ potential difference Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results obtained have shown that the voltammetric peak observed in the first linear scan in the positive direction for Ni(poly)/CO(ads) surfaces prepared by a special procedure is associated with the electrochemical oxidation of bridge-bond CO to generate solution-phase carbonate as the only detectable product. No changes in the stretching frequency of CO (ν CO ) could be found as a function of potential in a region negative to the onset of CO oxidation
A Molecular Switch for the Orientation of Epithelial Cell Polarization

The formation of epithelial tissues containing lumens requires not only the apical-basolateral polarization of cells, but also the coordinated orientation of this polarity such that the apical surfaces of neighboring cells all point toward the central lumen. Defects in extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling lead to inverted polarity so that the apical surfaces face the surrounding ECM. We report a molecular switch mechanism controlling polarity orientation. ECM signals through a β1-integrin/FAK/p190RhoGAP complex to downregulate a RhoA/ROCK/Ezrin pathway at the ECM interface. PKCβII phosphorylates the apical identity-promoting Podocalyxin/NHERF1/Ezrin complex, removing Podocalyxin from the ECM-abutting cell surface and initiating its transcytosis to an apical membrane initiation site for lumen formation. Inhibition of this switch mechanism results in the retention of Podocalyxin at the ECM interface and the development instead of collective front-rear polarization and motility. Thus, ECM-derived signals control the morphogenesis of epithelial tissues by controlling the collective orientation of epithelial polarization.
Attitudes and Attributes of Physical Educators Associated with Teaching Individuals with Severe and Profound Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between attitudes and selected attributes (teaching assignment, teaching level, adapted physical education coursework, special education coursework, years teaching students with disabilities, quality of teaching experience, and perceived competence in teaching students with disabilities) of public school (K-12) physical educators toward teaching students with severe and profound disabilities in regular classes. Teacher (N = 150) from suburban school districts in a midwestern state were sent the Physical Educators' Attitude Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities-III (PEATID-III) and 91 (61%) responded. Data showed that physical educators were undecided about teaching students with severe disabilities and disagreed with the proposal of teaching students with profound disabilities in their regular classes. There was a significant difference between attitudes toward teaching students with severe and profound disabilities. Although only a moderate...
The warp of the Galactic stellar disk detected in IRAS source counts

About 90,000 IRAS point sources have been used as disk tracers in order to explore the possibility of warp in the Galactic stellar disk. The results imply that the Galactic stellar disk is warped at large radii in a way similar to the H-I layer, and that the warp is an important characteristic of the Galaxy as a whole. It is suggested that the warp may be a long-lasting phenomenon, possibly caused by asymmetries of the mass distribution in the outer regions of the Galactic dark halo.
Of Runes and Sagas: Perspectives on Liquidity Stress Testing Using an Iceland Example

The global financial crisis revealed weaknesses in the stress testing exercises performed on financial institutions and systems around the world. These failures were most evident in the area of liquidity risk, where now-obvious vulnerabilities were left largely undetected, with stress tests having largely focused on solvency risk. This paper uses publicly available data from a now-defunct bank in Iceland, where liquidity shocks were immense, to demonstrate how a combination of stress tests of the various risks would have provided a clearer picture of existing vulnerablities. We show that, ultimately, stress test models do not necessarily need to be complex or overly sophisticated. Basic stress tests, using appropriate assumptions and shocks, could reveal key areas of risk to inform contingency planning. The liquidity stress test templates used in this paper are included.
Development of fusion fuel cycles: Large deviations from US defense program systems

Abstract Fusion energy research is dominated by plasma physics and materials technology development needs with smaller levels of effort and funding dedicated to tritium fuel cycle development. The fuel cycle is necessary to supply and recycle tritium at the required throughput rate; additionally, tritium confinement throughout the facility is needed to meet regulatory and environmental release limits. Small fuel cycle development efforts are sometimes rationalized by stating that tritium processing technology has already been developed by nuclear weapons programs and these existing processes only need rescaling or engineering design to meet the needs of fusion fuel cycles. This paper compares and contrasts features of tritium fusion fuel cycles to United States Cold War era defense program tritium systems. It is concluded that further tritium fuel cycle development activities are needed to provide technology development beneficial to both fusion and defense programs tritium systems.
Issues That Have Made a Difference

This article originally appeared as Chapter 14 in Dr. Callen's book Enriching Mind and Spirit: A History of Higher Education in the Church of God, published in 2007 by Anderson University Press. It appears here by special permission of the author. In this chapter, Dr. Callen presents a summary of several issues that have been faced by higher education institutions in the Church of God movement. In this discussion of issues confronted by these Church of God institutions, we glimpse the unique features of these institutions and the similarity of some issues faced by all Christian institutions of higher education.
Temperature dependence of resistivity and hole conductivity mobility in p-type silicon

Abstract A new method is employed to determine the temperature dependence of the resistivity and hole conductivity mobility of p-type silicon. This method involves the use of an aluminum-on-p-Si ohmic diode and a magnesium on p-Si Schottky barrier diode on the same silicon chip. The resistivity is determined from the Al/p-Si ohmic diode. The hole concentration is evaluated from the C-V data of the Mg/p-Si Schottky barrier diode. The conductivity mobility is then computed from the resistivity and hole concentration data. The following ranges are covered: 77–300 K, 0.4–100 ohm-cm and 5 × 1016−2 × 1014 holes/cm3 at room temperature.
Explicit formulas for the design of transmission-power amplifiers

Abstract Explicit formulas are derived for the design of optimum transmission-power amplifiers having Butterworth or Chebyshev transducer power-gain characteristics of arbitrary order. They reduce the design of these amplifiers to simple arithmetic. The procedures are illustrated by numerical examples.
Climatic implications of the variable obliquity explanation of Cretaceous-Paleogene high-latitude floras

The record of high-latitude Cretaceous-Paleogene floras has been interpreted as indicative of warmth and climatic equability and has also been the basis for arguments of reduced obliquity. Climate model simulations suggest that a reduced obliquity will result in a substantial polar cooling that is incompatible with the interpretation for polar warmth. Paleobiologic adaptations to low light levels may be an alternative to a variable obliquity.
The risk of developing rectal cancer due to active cigarette smoking and passive smoke exposure

Purpose The objective of this study was to examine whether active smoking and passive smoke exposure contributes to rectal cancer risk. Methods We prospectively studied smoking status in relation to the incidence of rectal cancer in two cohorts established in Washington County, MD. Measurement of exposure to passive smoke was based on residing with cigarette smokers. Two cohorts were followed up from 1963–1978 (N = 45,749) and from 1975–1994 (N = 48,152). The Washington County Cancer Registry was used to ascertain diagnoses of rectal cancer occurring in these cohorts. Poisson regression models were fitted to estimate age- and multivariate-adjusted rate ratios (RR) associated with active and passive smoking status, in comparison to the referent category of never smokers not exposed to household passive smoke. Results Among current active smoking men, the adjusted RRs for rectal cancer were 3.0 (95% CI 1.2–7.8) in the 1963 cohort and 1.8 (95% CI 0.9–3.7) in the 1975 cohort. The risk of rectal cancer in the 1963 cohort showed less evidence of being associated with tobacco exposure in women, with current active smoking not significantly associated with rectal cancer in the 1963 (RR 0.9; 95% CI 0.5–1.8) or 1975 (RR 1.6; 95% CI 0.9–3.8) cohorts. Passive smoke exposure was strongly associated with rectal cancer in men in the 1963 (RR 5.8; 95% CI 1.8–18.4) but not the 1975 (RR 1.1; 95% CI 0.2–5.0) cohort. In women, passive smoke exposure in nonsmokers was not associated with rectal cancer in either cohort. Discussion This study adds data from a prospective cohort study to previous evidence concerning the possible association between cigarette smoking and rectal cancer. Evidence linking active and passive smoke exposure to rectal cancer risk was observed, but it was limited to men, and even the associations among men were largely confined to the earlier 1963 cohort. As in our study, the overall evidence has hinted that cigarette smoke may be associated with rectal cancer, but has not been consistent. The index of suspicion thus remains high, pointing to the need for additional studies.
Influence of dexamethasone, progesterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and testosterone on estrous behavior of estradiol-treated ovariectomized heifers.

Abstract In Experiment 1, 12 ovariectomized heifers were assigned to receive weekly hormone treatments in a replicated 6×6 Latin square design. Hormonal treatments were given as two simultaneous injections i.m. and consisted of: 1) 2ml propylene glycol and 2ml propylene glycol; 2) .5mg estradiol benzoate and 2ml propylene glycol; 3) .5mg estradiol benzoate and 4mg dexamethasone; 4) .5mg estradiol benzoate and 10mg progesterone; 5) .5mg estradiol benzoate and .4mg GnRH; and 6) .5mg estradiol benzoate and 12.5 mg testosterone propionate. The .5mg estradiol benzoate and 4mg dexamethasone treatment reduced the percentage of heifers in estrus compared with the .5mg estradiol benzoate and 2ml propylene glycol treatment. In Experiment 2, 16 ovariectomized heifers were used in four replicates of a 4×4 Latin square design to determine if pretreatment with progesterone potentiated the actions of estradiol. Hormonal treatments i.m. consisted of: 1) 0mg progesterone and .2mg estradiol benzoate; 2) 50mg progesterone and .2mg estradiol benzoate; 3) 0mg progesterone and .5mg estradiol benzoate; and 4) 50mg progesterone and .5mg estradiol benzoate. Progesterone pretreatment, at either dosage of estradiol benzoate, did not increase the percentage of heifers in estrus. Based on these observations, we conclude that: 1) dexamethasone inhibited estrus in estradiol-treated ovariectomized heifers and 2) progesterone pretreatment did not potentiate the actions of estradiol in ovariectomized heifers.
Effects of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on neointimal proliferation in a porcine coronary injury model

To assess the effectiveness of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in a proliferative porcine coronary restenosis model, 35 animals received orally administered trandolapril (10 mg) or captopril (200 mg) or no drug (control group) for 6 days before and 28 days after injury by oversized metallic coils in one or more coronary arteries. Twenty arterial lesions in the trandolapril group, 17 in the captopril group, and 18 in the control group were evaluated. There was no significant difference in neointimal thickness or percentage luminal area stenosis for the groups as a whole. However, in quantitative comparisons in which vessel injury score was used as a covariate, the fractional increase in mean neointimal thickness per unit of injury was significantly less for the trandolapril group (p = 0.019) but not for the captopril group when compared with control animals. In this model, neointimal proliferation from arterial injury was inhibited by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition with trandolapril but only modestly. Such an effect may not be clinically significant.
Comparison of Skin Stripping, in vitro Release, and Skin Blanching Response Methods to Measure Dose Response and Similarity of Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream Strengths from Two Manufactured Sources

The collective studies compare in vitro drug release, in vivo skin stripping, and skin blanching response methods for dose responsiveness and bioequivalence assessment of triamcinolone acetonide cream products, as a function of application duration, drug concentration, and manufacturer source. Commercially available triamcinolone acetonide creams (0.025%, 0.1%, and 0.5%) from two manufacturers were evaluated in vitro for rate and extent of drug release across synthetic membranes and in vivo for rate, extent, and variability of drug uptake into human stratum corneum and skin blanching response in human forearm skin. Data demonstrate that increasing triamcinolone acetonide cream concentration applied increased the rate and extent of drug released in vitro as well as the extent of drug uptake and skin blanching response in human skin in vivo. No difference (p < 0.05) between the two sources of 0.1% or 0.5% creams was measured by the skin stripping or skin blanching response methods. Dermatopharmacokinetic analysis of triamcinonide acetonide in vivo is therefore dose responsive to drug concentration applied and application duration and agrees with in vivo skin blanching results. Data support the use of dermatopharmacokinetic methods for bioequivalence and bioavailability assessment of topical drug products.
Pretargeting using peptide nucleic acid

BACKGROUND Pretargeting studies in animals and humans have usually involved (strept)avidin and biotin. Depending on the particular strategy, endogenous biotin can adversely influence localization when these molecules are used. METHODS As an alternative to (strept)avidin and biotin, we have explored the use of a single-stranded peptide nucleic acid (PNA) bound to a protein administered first and followed by the complementary single-stranded PNA radiolabeled with 99mTc. Target localization of the PNA-bound protein in a mouse infection and a mouse tumor model occurred by passive diffusion while the radiolabeled complementary PNA localized by in vivo hybridization. The PNA-streptavidin was prepared by adding biotin-conjugated PNA to streptavidin; the complementary PNA, derivatized with a primary amine, was conjugated with acetyl S-protected NHS-MAG3 bifunctional chelator and radiolabeled with 99mTc. RESULTS In both the infection and tumor mouse models, increased localization of radiolabel was achieved in animals receiving both injectates compared with control animals receiving only the radiolabeled PNA. In the infection model, the infected to normal thigh radioactivity ratio was 3.5 for the study animals compared with 1.7 for control animals (P = 0.0001). In the tumor model, these values were 1.7 versus 1.2 (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that PNA may be considered an alternative to (strept)avidin and biotin for pretargeting studies. Cancer 1997; 80:2699-705. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Mammographic Density: Potential as a Risk Factor and Surrogate Marker in the Clinical Setting

Mammographic breast density reflects the relative proportions of fat, connective, and epithelial tissue on the mammogram. Studied for over 30 years, breast density continues to be one of the strongest risk factors for all types of breast cancer. Recent evidence suggests breast density may be a useful surrogate marker for response to endocrine therapies and potentially, a marker of local recurrence as well. High density is also prevalent in the population, with 32 % of women estimated to have breasts over 50 % dense. Because of the importance and prevalence of breast density, state and federal governments have proposed or passed legislation to mandate physicians to provide information on a woman’s breast density, especially if increased. We review the evidence and clinical utility for mammographic breast density in context of breast cancer risk, outcomes, and response to therapy. Further, we describe the implications of high density for screening, and include a discussion of potential supplemental screening strategies for women with high density.
Joint venture stability and cooperation: Direct, indirect and contingent effects of resource complementarity and trust

Abstract Despite the increased use of JVs and other forms of alliances, research shows that most collaborative arrangements end in failure due to relationship and resource sharing problems. We note that extant research and practice in this area has tended to emphasize structural and partner selection issues, often at the expense of the relationship and resource development processes which promote ongoing stability and cooperation. This paper presents a view of JV formation and success grounded in the Resource–Advantage (R–A) theory of competition. Our results illustrated the distinct effects of resource complementarity and trust upon JV stability and cooperation. Further, we found that trust was most influential in newer JVs, while the presence of resource complementarity was more critical in older ventures. For firms with greater (less) JV experience, resource complementarity (trust) between the partners was more critical for attaining JV outcomes.
The geodesic approximation for the Yang-Mills-Higgs equations

In this paper we consider the dynamics of the monopole solutions of Yang-Mills-Higgs theory on Minkowski space. The monopoles are solutions of the Yang-Mills-Higgs equations on three dimensional Euclidean space. It is of interest to understand how they evolve in time when considered as solutions of the Yang-Mills-Higgs equations on Minkowski space-i.e. the time dependent equations. It was suggested by Manton that in certain situations the monopole dynamics could be understood in terms of geodesics with respect to a certain, metric on the space of guage equivalence classes of monopoles-the moduli space. The metric is defined by taking theL 2 inner product of tangent vectors to this space. In this paper we will prove that Manton's approximation is indeed valid in the right circumstances, which correspond to the slow motion of monopoles. The metric on the moduli space of monopoles was analysed in a book by Atiyah and Hitchin, so together with the results of this paper a detailed and rigorous understanding of the low energy dynamics of monopoles in Yang-Mills-Higgs theory is obtained. The strategy of the proof is to develop asymptotic expansions using appropriate gauge conditions, and then to use energy estimates to prove their validity. For the case of monopoles to be considered here there is a technical obstacle to be overcome-when the equations are linearised about the monopole the continuous spectrum extends all the way to the origin. This is overcome by using a norm introduced by Taubes in a discussion of index, theory for the Yang-Mills-Higgs functional.
The effects of using lactic acid bacteria inoculants in maize silage on the formation of biogenic amines.

Silages from five ripened varieties of silage maize with dry matter contents ranging between 275 and 410 g/kg were prepared in five laboratory experiments. Whole-plant maize was fermented at 22°C and silages were then stored at the same temperature for 4 months. Spontaneously fermented silages were prepared as control variants and compared with silages inoculated with commercial strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri and a mixed preparation Microsil containing L. plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium and Pediococcus pentosaceus. The starter cultures were applied at doses 5·105 and 5·106 CFU/g of chopped maize. Seven biogenic amines and polyamines were extracted from silages with perchloric acid and determined as N-benzamides by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Common chemical criteria of silage quality were also determined. All three inoculants, mainly at the higher dose, decreased significantly contents of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine, three unde...