cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scleroderma associated with renal cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review:

Introduction:Systemic sclerosis (aka scleroderma) is an autoimmune disease with no known definitive etiology, but genetic, infectious, and non-infectious exposures have been associated with its occ...
The Work Sharer

Work-sharing seems to be the “in” thing nowadays. According to this line of reasoning, unemployment is caused by people working too many hours; if they would just reduce their work-week to, say, 32 hours, there would be plenty of jobs to go around for everyone. According to some estimates, the 32-hour work-week could create more than a million additional jobs. If not halting unemployment entirely dead in its tracks, at least this would radically reduce it.
Out on a Limb: True Confessions of a Bug Detective

In a complex co-evolutionary dance, insects influence, and are influenced by plant chemistry and phenology. Although there is great controversy about the magnitude and setting of global species-richness on our planet, the bulk of terrestrial biodiversity reputably consists of tropical insects and plants. Tropical canopies are renowned not only for their high diversity of species, but also for their range of alkaloids, latex, and other secondary metabolites which in turn inspire a wealth of counter-adaptations by phytophagous insects. Herbivores in tropical tree canopies were literally unknown until canopy access was developed in the late 1970s. With the advent of single rope techniques to climb tropical trees in Australia, the world of canopy plant-insect interactions was discovered. Since then, it has become a hotspot for biodiversity and for investigations about plants, insects, and the spatial and temporal attributes of their complex interactions.
Quasi-Newton Methods

In this chapter we take another approach toward the development of methods lying somewhere intermediate to steepest descent and Newton’s method. Again working under the assumption that evaluation and use of the Hessian matrix is impractical or costly, the idea underlying quasi-Newton methods is to use an approximation to the inverse Hessian in place of the true inverse that is required in Newton’s method. The form of the approximation varies among different methods—ranging from the simplest where it remains fixed throughout the iterative process, to the more advanced where improved approximations are built up on the basis of information gathered during the descent process.
Radiative Capture Processes in Hot Plasmas

The theory of electron capture by ionic targets is discussed and a calculational procedure for the evaluation of capture rates and cross sections is outlined. Scaling properties of the radiative and Auger transiton probabilities are examined in detail. Sample calculations of dielectronic recombination (DR) rates and cross sections are given. Refinements of the basic calculation which are described include configuration interaction, intermediate coupling, orders of coupling, overlapping resonances, cascade effects, and the fine-structure effect. The effect of extrinsic electric fields on the DR cross section is considered. Field-induced 1-mixing, field mapping of the captured states, field ionization, and possible field-induced shifts of the captured high Rydberg states by time-dependent electric fields are all considered. Finally. atomic processes which are related to DR are briefly summarized.
Eye see what you are saying: : Testing conversational influences on the information gleaned from home-loan disclosure forms

The federal government mandates the use of home-loan disclosure forms to facilitate understanding of offered loans, enable comparison shopping, and prevent predatory lending. Predatory lending persists, however, and scant research has examined how salespeople might undermine the effectiveness of these forms. Three eye-tracking studies (a laboratory simulation and two controlled experiments) investigated how conversational norms affect the information consumers can glean from these forms. Study 1 was a laboratory simulation that recreated in the laboratory; the effects that previous literature suggested is likely happening in the field, namely, that following or violating conversational norms affects the information that consumers can glean from home-loan disclosure forms and the home-loan decisions they make. Studies 2 and 3 were controlled experiments that isolated the possible factors responsible for the observed biases in the information gleaned from these forms. The results suggest that attentional biases are largely responsible for the effects of conversation on the information consumers get and that perceived importance plays little to no role. Policy implications and how eye-tracking technology can be employed to improve decision-making are considered.
Experimental cervical dysplasia in the rhesus monkey. Estrogen as a cofactor with methylcholanthrene.

Abstract A 1 per cent suspension of methylcholanthrene in mineral oil was applied topically to the uterine cervix of 16 mature rhesus monkeys. Eight of the 16 animals were allowed to menstruate physiologically and 8 received 20 mcg. of estradiol benzoate parenterally. Differences between the two groups involved both the thickness of the squamous epithelium and the degree of epithelial atypia. Among the estrogen-treated animals the squamous epithelium was hyperplastic and epithelial pegs were found deeper in the stroma by comparison with the non-estrogen-treated controls. The most striking difference between the two groups was in the degree of epithelial atypia. Among the 8 non-estrogen-treated animals there was only mild cellular atypia. Among the 8 estrogen-treated animals 4 exhibited advanced epithelial dysplasia.
Performance evaluation of TPM-based digital wallets

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) manufactured and promoted by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) [1] is an embedded chip found on laptops and desktops and is fast becoming a standard component on most computing systems. Previous work in trusted computing-based research has suggested that we can facilitate e-commerce transactions such as digital wallets, e-cash and offline payments using TPMs. In this paper, we experimentally evaluate the performance of digital wallets that are implemented using TPM-based functionality. In particular, we study how different approaches of implementing TPM-based monotonic counters that are used in the digital wallet application can perform with respect to time and cost, experimentally evaluate and compare how each of these approaches perform under conditions like different workloads and distributions, and how they perform in non-standard environments where one would need a simulator to estimate performance.
Cumulative Toll-Like Receptor Activation in Human Macrophages Treated with Whole Bacteria

Purified components from bacteria selectively activate Toll-like receptors (TLR), leading to shared and unique responses in innate immune cells. Whole bacteria contain agonists for multiple TLR and induce a common macrophage activation program of transcription. It is not known, however, whether the stimulation of specific TLR by whole bacteria results in differential activation of the innate immune system. We evaluated gene expression data from human macrophages and found a unique gene expression profile induced by Gram-negative bacteria. In contrast, Gram-positive bacteria evoked few specific alterations in gene expression. LPS, a TLR4-specific ligand, was sufficient to elicit the distinct expression profile observed with Gram-negative bacteria. TLR4 activation regulated gene expression by both an IFN-dependent and an IFN-independent mechanism, illustrated by I-TAC and IL-12 p70, respectively. IL-12 p70 was produced by cells in whole blood exposed to Gram-negative bacteria, demonstrating faithful reproduction of the macrophage response in mixed populations of cells and identifying a potential diagnostic marker of infection. Our results show that the macrophage response to bacteria is dominated by the accumulated input from multiple TLR. For macrophages exposed to Gram-negative bacteria, gene expression changes encompass those induced by Gram-positive bacteria plus a distinct TLR4 response. This distinct TLR4 response may provide the basis to diagnose clinical Gram-negative infections.
Task-Shifting: An Approach to Decentralized Hepatitis C Treatment in Medically Underserved Areas

Despite the availability of safe and effective direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), the vast majority of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in the USA remain untreated, in part due to lack of access to specialist providers. To determine the effectiveness of DAA-based treatment in medically underserved areas in California, in a healthcare model dependent on task-shifting—wherein a visiting hepatologist assesses patients for treatment eligibility, but subsequent routine follow-up evaluation of patients prescribed treatment is devolved to a part-time licensed vocational nurse under remote supervision of the hepatologist. We retrospectively determined rates of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR-12), adverse events, and treatment discontinuations in patients who received sofosbuvir-based DAA regimens between December 2013 and November 2014. Despite limited specialist provider involvement in medically underserved areas, all but two of 58 patients completed treatment, and 88 % of patients achieved the curative endpoint of undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after completing treatment (sustained virologic response, SVR-12). Almost 80 % of patients with cirrhosis and 85 % of patients with prior treatment experience achieved SVR-12. Treatment effectiveness with sofosbuvir-based regimens in medically underserved areas utilizing task-shifting from a specialist to a mid-level provider is comparable to those achieved in pivotal clinical trials for these regimens, and to “real-world” experiences of tertiary care centers in the USA.
Modified maximum likelihood and modified moment estimators for the three-parameter inverse gaussian distribution

This article is concerned with modifications of both maximum likelihood and moment estimators for parameters of the three parameter inverse Gaussian distribution . Modifications presented here are essentially the same as those previously proposed by Cohen and Whitten (1980, 1981, 1982a, 1982b) in connection with the 1ognormal, gama and Weibull distributions . Computer programs have been prepared for the practical application of these estimators and an illustrative example is included. Results of a simulation study provide insight into the sampling behavior of the new estimators and include comparisons with the traditional moment and maximum likelihood estimators with respect to bias and standard deviations of estimates. For some combinations of parameter values, some of the modified estimators considered here enjoy advantages over both moment and maximum likelihood estimators with respect to bias, variance, and/or ease of computation.
Temporal and Spatial Expression of Amygdalin Hydrolase and (R)-(+)-Mandelonitrile Lyase in Black Cherry Seeds

In black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) macerates, the cyanogenic diglucoside (R)-amygdalin undergoes stepwise degradation to HCN catalyzed by amygdalin hydrolase (AH), prunasin hydrolase, and (R)-(+)-mandelonitrile lyase (MDL). A near full-length AH cDNA clone (pAH1), whose insert encodes the isozyme AH I, has been isolated and sequenced. AH I exhibits several features characteristic of [beta]-glucosidases of the BGA family, including their likely nucleophile center (isoleucine-threonine-glutamic acid-asparagine-glycine) and acid catalyst (asparagine-glutamic acid-proline/isoleucine) motifs. The temporal expression of AH and MDL in ripening fruit was analyzed by northern blotting. Neither mRNA was detectable until approximately 40 days after flowering (DAF), when embryos first became visible to the naked eye. Both mRNAs peaked at approximately 49 DAF before declining to negligible levels when the fruit matured (82 DAF). Taken together with enzyme activity data, these time courses suggest that AH and MDL expression may be under transcriptional control during fruit maturation. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that AH transcripts are restricted to the procambium, whereas MDL transcripts are localized within cotyledonary parenchyma cells. These tissue-specific distributions are consistent with the major locations of AH and MDL protein in mature seeds previously determined by immunocytochemistry (E. Swain, C.P. Li, and J.E. Poulton [1992] Plant Physiol 100:291–300).
Evaluation of a sound-generator chip: The AY 3-8910

Despite the continuing decrease in computer prices, psychoacoustic research is still expensive because of the high cost of sound-generation equipment and software. A single-chip sound generator was evaluated as an inexpensive tone/noise generator, amplitude attenuator, envelope modulator, and sound mixer. Although the chip has some limitations, it offers important advantages for pilot research and laboratory demonstrations.
Raster image adaptation for mobile devices using profiles

Focusing on digital imagery, this paper introduces a strategy to handle heterogeneous hardware in mobile environments. Constrained system resources of most mobile viewing devices require contents that are tailored to the requirements of the user and the capabilities of the device. Appropriate image adaptation is still an unsolved research question. Due to the complexity of the problem, available solutions are either too resource-intensive or inflexible to be more generally applicable. The proposed approach is based on scalable image compression and progressive refinement as well as data and user profiles. A scalable image is created once and used multiple times for different kinds of devices and user requirements. Profiles available on the server side allow for an image representation that is adapted to the most important resources in mobile computing: screen space, computing power, and the volume of the transmitted data. Options for progressively refining content thereby allow for a fluent viewing experience during adaptation. Due to its flexibility and low complexity, the proposed solution is much more general compared to related approaches. To document the advantages of our approach we provide empirical results obtained in experiments with an implementation of the method.
Synthesis and reactivity of a series of [14]azaannulenes

Using a metal template reaction, a series of [14]azaannulenes formed from a β-diketone and an aromatic diamine in the presence of nickel(II) have been synthesized. Attempted cyclizations with bulky β-diketones and certain substituted diamines showed that the cyclization is sensitive to steric effects. At least one of the nickel complexes readily reacts with a series of nucleophilic reagents to give methine-substituted products.
Existence of optimal controls for nonlinear systems in Banach spaces

Using a recent result of Castaing and Clauzure on the lower semicontinuity of integral functionals, we prove the existence of an optimal control for a broad class of nonlinear infinite-dimensional control systems. An example of a distributed parameter system is worked in detail.
Expression Cloning and Biochemical Characterization of a Rhizobium leguminosarum Lipid A 1-Phosphatase

Lipid A of Rhizobium leguminosarum, a nitrogen-fixing plant endosymbiont, displays several significant structural differences when compared with Escherichia coli. An especially striking feature of R. leguminosarum lipid A is that it lacks both the 1- and 4′-phosphate groups. Distinct lipid A phosphatases that attack either the 1 or the 4′ positions have previously been identified in extracts of R. leguminosarum and Rhizobium etli but not Sinorhizobium meliloti or E. coli. Here we describe the identification of a hybrid cosmid (pMJK-1) containing a 25-kb R. leguminosarum 3841 DNA insert that directs the overexpression of the lipid A 1-phosphatase. Transfer of pMJK-1 into S. meliloti 1021 results in heterologous expression of 1-phosphatase activity, which is normally absent in extracts of strain 1021, and confers resistance to polymyxin. Sequencing of a 7-kb DNA fragment derived from the insert of pMJK-1 revealed the presence of a lipid phosphatase ortholog (designated LpxE). Expression of lpxE in E. coli behind the T7lac promoter results in the appearance of robust 1-phosphatase activity, which is normally absent in E. coli membranes. Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/time of flight and radiochemical analysis of the product generated in vitro from the model substrate lipid IVA confirms the selective removal of the 1-phosphate group. These findings show that lpxE is the structural gene for the 1-phosphatase. The availability of lpxE may facilitate the re-engineering of lipid A structures in diverse Gram-negative bacteria and allow assessment of the role of the 1-phosphatase in R. leguminosarum symbiosis with plants. Possible orthologs of LpxE are present in some intracellular human pathogens, including Francisella tularensis, Brucella melitensis, and Legionella pneumophila.
Electrocardiographic response to enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease.

Purpose: Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are universal in infantile Pompe disease or glycogen storage disease type II, a fatal genetic muscle disorder caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA). Hallmarks of this disease include a shortened PR interval, an increased QT dispersion (QTd), and large left ventricular (LV) voltages. We evaluated the effect of recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on these ECG parameters in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. Methods: A total of 134 ECGs were evaluated from 19 patients (5 females and 14 males) with a median age of 5.5 months at the time of enrollment in open-label clinical trials exploring the safety and efficacy of ERT at a single center from 1999 to 2004. rhGAA was purified from genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovary cells overproducing GAA and infused intravenously at doses ranging from 10 mg/kg per week to 20 to 40 mg/kg every 2 weeks in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. The PR interval, QTd (longest to shortest QT), and LV voltage (SV1+RV6) were blindly determined by two independent observers. Results: The median follow-up period was 6 months (range 2–30 months). The PR interval lengthened from 83 (42–110) ms to 107 (95–130) ms (P < .001), and the QTd decreased from 83 (40–125) ms to 53 (20–80) ms (P = .003). There were significant decreases in LV voltage (67 [17–83] mV vs. 48 [18–77] mV, P = .03), which correlated with decrease in LV mass on two-dimensional echocardiogram. There was no evident change in the QTc interval (429 [390–480] ms vs. 413 [370–450] ms, P = not significant). Conclusion: rhGAA ERT for infantile Pompe disease results in an increase in PR interval and a decrease in both the QTd and the LV voltage. These results suggest that these ECG parameters may be useful markers of the severity of cardiac disease and the response to ERT treatment in patients with infantile Pompe disease.
The simultaneous in vivo perilymphatic perfusion of avian auditory and vestibular end organs

Perilymphatic perfusion is a method that allows the control of fluid parameters throughout the perilymphatic space of the inner ear. We have evaluated a new method for continuous perilymphatic perfusion of the auditory and vestibular end organs with artificial perilymph (APL) in chickens. Perfusate temperature (39.0 degrees C), pH (7.4), osmolarity (328 +/- 2 mosm), and flow rate (2 microl/min) were carefully controlled. Independent functional tests of vestibular and auditory sensory systems were made throughout perfusion periods by recording peripheral compound action potentials (CAPs). The recordings provided a means of monitoring the status of hair cell transduction, synaptic transmission and collective primary afferent activation in response to auditory or vestibular gravity receptor stimuli. Auditory and vestibular responses were stable during perfusion. No significant changes occurred in vestibular or auditory CAP amplitudes during long-term perfusion (50-80 min, n=7) and responses remained stable in one animal perfused for over 3 h. To our knowledge, there have been no reports evaluating vestibular function under these conditions. This technique enables us to systematically study receptor pharmacology in the peripheral vestibular and auditory systems virtually simultaneously in vivo. The model is well suited for use in the study of the pharmacology and toxicology of inner ear sensory systems.
Diversification of the expression patterns and developmental functions of the dishevelled gene family during chordate evolution

Dishevelled (Dvl) proteins are key transducers of Wnt signaling encoded by members of a multi-gene family in vertebrates. We report here the divergent, tissue-specific expression patterns for all three Dvl genes in Xenopus embryos, which contrast dramatically with their expression patterns in mice. Moreover, we find that the expression patterns of Dvl genes in the chick diverge significantly from those of Xenopus. In addition, in hemichordates, an outgroup to chordates, we find that the one Dvl gene is dynamically expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Using knockdowns, we find that Dvl1 and Dvl2 are required for early neural crest specification and for somite segmentation in Xenopus. Most strikingly, we report a novel role for Dvl3 in the maintenance of gene expression in muscle and in the development of the Xenopus sclerotome. These data demonstrate that the expression patterns and developmental functions of specific Dvl genes have diverged significantly during chordate evolution.
Surface-wave damping in a circular cylinder with a fixed contact line

The natural frequencies and damping ratios for surface waves in a circular cylinder are calculated on the assumptions of a fixed contact line, Stokes boundary layers, and either a clean or a fully contaminated surface. These theoretical predictions are compared with the measurements for the first six modes in a brimfull, sharp-edged cylinder of radius 2.77 cm and depth 3.80 cm. The differences between the predicted and observed frequencies were less than 0.5 % for all but the fundamental axisymmetric mode with a clean surface. The difference between the predicted and observed damping ratio for the dominant mode with a clean surface was 20%; this difference was significantly larger for the higher modes with a clean surface and for all of the modes with a contaminated surface.
Extraction of Pigments from Mechanically Deboned Turkey Meat

Several extraction procedures were tested to lighten the color and improve textural characteristics of mechanically deboned turkey meat. An extensive extraction of heme pigments was achieved when 0.04M phosphate buffer with a pH of 8.0 was used. Lightness of MDTM increased by 51. I%, redness decreased by 64.0%, and yellowness increased by 26.0% over untreated raw MDTM when measured objectively. Sensory analyses of cooked patties made from extracted MDTM from necks and ground turkey breast indicated that breast meat products could be formulated with 5–20% washed MDTM without significantly affecting overall sensory quality.
Connecting the dots: Children's use of a systematic figure to facilitate mapping and search.

Organizing locations into a systematic figure was predicted to facilitate children's use of spatial relations in a mapping task. In Study 1, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds used a map to find a sticker hidden under 1 of 27 locations. The search locations formed a systematic figure, the outline of a dog. Half of the children were shown that the locations formed a dog. Seeing the dog pattern facilitated the performance of 5-year-olds but not that of the younger children. Study 2 indicated that children had to see a systematic figure to gain an advantage; adding lines to an unsystematic figure did not convey an advantage. Study 3 indicated that a verbal label alone could not convey an advantage. Study 4 revealed that seeing the dog pattern could also facilitate performance when the map was rotated relative to the represented space. The importance of organizing spatial information to facilitate relational thinking and mapping is discussed.
The validity of radiographic estimation of total lung capacity in patients with respiratory disease

Study objective To evaluate the validity of a state-of-the-art computerized planimetry technique for estimation of total lung capacity (TLC) from chest radiographs, when applied to patients with clinical lung disease receiving routine chest radiographs. Design Retrospective clinical survey. Setting An occupational medicine diagnostic clinic. Patients A convenience sample of 40 subjects with asbestos-related lung disease, 5 patients with nonasbestos-related restrictive defects, 15 subjects with occupational asthma, and 10 subjects with irritant tracheobronchitis. Results Estimation of TLC using state-of-the-art computerized algorithms demonstrated limited agreement with conventional measures of TLC when applied to patients with occupational lung disease receiving routine chest radiographs. The most pronounced differences occurred in patients with asbestos-related lung disease and restrictive defects, where the radiographic method of measurement significantly overestimated helium dilution TLC by 986 mL (r=0.73, p Conclusions Our findings suggest that this planimetric technique should not be used as a substitute for conventional measures of TLC in clinic populations receiving routine radiographs. The large diagnostic group specific mean differences observed between radiographic and conventional measures of TLC also suggest that this method is of limited utility in clinical evaluation of occupational lung disease.
Kodu: end-user programming and design for games

Project Kodu is a kid-friendly game design and programming environment which enables nontechnical users to create complete games - including AI" behaviors - using only an XBox 360 controller for input. Kodu includes a novel graphical programming environment based on a concurrent rule system derived from contemporary robotics practice. This language is approachable - it can be mastered by 10-year-olds - yet expressive, and can be used to implement a broad array of game genres. In addition to behavior editing, Kodu integrates terrain and level design - providing a full-spectrum game design system that is accessible to 9-year-olds (and their parents) running on the XBox 360 or a Windows PC.
The relationship between sleep problems and neuropsychological functioning in children with first recognized seizures.

Abstract Epilepsy is associated with sleep disturbance, but little is known about how early this relationship develops and how it affects neuropsychological functioning. This study documented the frequency and types of sleep problems and examined how sleep problems are associated with seizures and neuropsychological functioning in 332 children following their first recognized seizure (ages 6–14) and in 225 sibling controls. Formal neuropsychological batteries were administered to all subjects. Sleep was measured using the Sleep Behavior Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist. Sleep problems were more frequent in the seizure sample relative to siblings and previously published norms; bedtime difficulties, daytime somnolence, and parasomnias were the most frequently occurring sleep problems. In the seizure group, sleep problems were related to seizure parameters and to neuropsychological functioning. Seizure patients with significant sleep problems had worse neuropsychological functioning on all measures. Findings demonstrate the significant impact of sleep disturbance on children with newly recognized seizures.
Production of Dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus) Larvae in the New River of West Virginia

Abstract Annual production was quantified for age-1 and age-2 larvae of the dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus) in the New River, West Virginia, between Bluestone Dam and Sandstone Falls. This population had a two-year life cycle, which, when compared to other reported life cycle patterns, suggested that larval growth and voltinism is governed by latitudinal temperature effects. The annual production of ages −1 and −2 larvae in the New River was about 3.1 g live weight · m−2 · year−1 (6.0 g · m−2 · year−1 in riffles; 0.3 g · m−2 · year−1 in pools). Previously reported annual harvest of such larvae by commercial bait catchers and anglers was equivalent to about 8% of this production.
The making of the Gibraltar-Spain border: cholera, contraband, and spatial reordering, 1850–1873

The Anglo-Spanish controversy over Gibraltar has generated a good deal of research in international law and diplomatic history, but little insight into the historical dynamic that forged the British territory's permanent de facto sovereign border with Spain during the third quarter of the nineteenth century. The transformation of a loosely defined neutral zone into a clearly marked line had little to do with statecraft or expansionism, as typically assumed, but rather was a local response to a series of external challenges that increasingly militated for some agreement among local authorities on a precise demarcation. These included broad administrative and fiscal reforms on the part of the British Empire and Spain's liberal governing coalition, the rise of revolutionary Republicanism in Spain, a dramatic uptick in human mobility and migration in the Mediterranean, and the third cholera pandemic.
Computerized Tomographic Densitometry of the Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Using a Nodule Phantom

The successful application of computerized tomographic density analysis for evaluating the solitary pulmonary nodule has previously been described and the technique has since been simplified by using a calcium-equivalent nodule reference phantom. Because published experience with this technique remains limited, the current research reports the Cleveland Clinic experience with the CIRS model in pulmonary nodule reference phantom. Without knowledge of the final diagnosis, the nodule phantom was used as the standard for categorizing 31 nodules in 29 patients as either benign or indeterminate. Secure diagnoses were obtained in all cases. Eleven nodules were called benign and ten proved so, whereas 20 nodules were classified as indeterminate. One lesion, an adenocarcinoma, was falsely called benign using this technique. The excellent density discrimination achieved with CT makes this a superior tool for analysis of the solitary pulmonary nodule, and the nodule reference phantom has greatly simplified the technique of CT densitometry. As demonstrated by this and prior studies, calcification is not a unique feature of the benign lesion and successful clinical application of this technique requires cautious interpretation of results.
A Reexamination of Current Hotel Valuation Techniques – Which Approach is More Realistic?

This study revisits the issue of accuracy in contemporary hotel valuation. Along with the hotel valuation techniques used by Rushmore (1992) and Chen and Kim (2010), this study uses the cost approach and the automated valuation model (AVM) in its examination of contemporary hotel valuation techniques. Fourteen randomly selected hotel firms are analyzed using nine valuation approaches. The valuation results are then compared to the market values of these firms to assess which technique provides the most robust and supportable estimate. Research results reveal that, at least for the analyzed sample, the discounted cash flow (DCF) technique provides the most realistic estimate of a hotel firm's value. Results also show that the valuation estimate of AVM is significantly different from both Band of Investment methods. As such, the process of valuing hotel properties is better understood.
Changes in cholesterol accumulation and steroid excretion in response to cellulose, alfalfa or oats in cholesterol-fed rats

Abstract Experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanisms by which some sources of dietary fiber reduce accumulation of liver cholesterol in rats fed a cholesterol-containing diet. Male Wistar rats were fed a semipurified diet containing no fiber (sucrose replacing dietary fiber) or 15% cellulose, alfalfa or whole ground oats as a source of dietary fiber with a without 0.25% cholesterol added. Serum and liver cholesterol level, liver HMG CoA reductase activity, and fecal bile acid and neutral steroid excretion were measured after 21 days. Serum cholesterol levels were not different in any of the diet groups. In cholesterol-fed rats, alfalfa resulted in a reduction in the level of liver cholesterol accumulation in comparison to cellulose or the fiber-free diet but oats did not. Daily bile acid and neutral steroid excretion were increased in response to cholesterol feeding but little difference was observed among the groups fed the various dietary fiber sources except that alfalfa resulted in lower excretion rates compared to other fiber-containing diets. HMG CoA reductase activity was reduced by cholesterol feeding and was significantly increased in response to alfalfa in the absence of dietary cholesterol. The relative amounts of bile acids excreted was altered both by cholesterol feeding and by the source of dietary fiber. Cholesterol feeding resulted in an increase in the amount of chenodeoxycholic acid derivatives excreted, especially in the 6β-hydroxylated, muricholic acids. Dietary fiber appeared to increase the contribution of chenodeoxycholic and lithocholic acids to the resultant increase in response to dietary cholesterol. These changes in the relative amounts of bile acids excreted in response to this cholesterol challenge are suggested as a partial explanation of the reduction in accumulation of liver cholesterol in rats in response to dietary cholesterol.
Effect of visibility on time allocation and escape decisions in crimson rosellas

Most studies of antipredator behaviour have focused on a single behaviour at a time, but ubiquitous factors may simultaneously influence a variety of activities. Habitat structure influences visibility, which influences both the ability of prey to detect and respond to their predators. We studied how habitat visibility influenced time allocation and escape decisions of crimson rosellas (Playcercus elegans). We examined the effect of visibility on time allocated to looking, locomotion and foraging. We measured escape decisions by experimentally approaching rosellas until they fled. We measured visibility by standing 12 m away from a 1-m2 white sheet containing 36 points and counting the number of points that were visible. As measured, visibility influenced time allocated to both foraging and locomotion. However, there was no effect of visibility on flight-initiation distance or two other related measures of escape (a measure of the latency to detect an approaching threat or the latency to flee once the threat was detected). Therefore, crimson rosellas modified their behaviour as a function of visibility, but this did not influence their decision to flee from an approaching human. We infer that they are sensitive to variation in visibility, but that this does not influence their overall perception of risk as we measured it. These two stages of antipredator behaviour may thus be largely independent; ubiquitous factors need not have ubiquitous effects on different aspects of antipredator behaviour.
A novel tungsten trioxide (WO3)/ITO porous nanocomposite for enhanced photo-catalytic water splitting

Hybrid nanocomposite films of ITO-coated, self-assembled porous nanostructures of tungsten trioxide (WO3) were fabricated using electrochemical anodization and sputtering. The morphology and chemical nature of the porous nanostructures were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of WO3 porous nanostructures were studied in various alkaline electrolytes and compared with those of titania nanotubes. A new type of alkaline electrolyte containing a mixture of NaOH and KOH was proposed for the first time to the best of our knowledge and shown to improve the photocurrent response of the photoanodes. Here, we show that both the WO3 nanostructures and titania nanotubes (used for comparison) exhibit superior photocurrent response in the mixture of NaOH and KOH than in other alkaline electrolytes. The WO3 porous nanostructures suffered from surface corrosion resulting in a huge reduction in the photocurrent density as a function of time in the alkaline electrolytes. However, with a protective coating of ITO (100 nm), the surface corrosion of WO3 porous nanostructures reduced drastically. A tremendous increase in the photocurrent density of as much as 340% was observed after the ITO was applied to the WO3 porous nanostructures. The results suggest that the hybrid ITO/WO3 nanocomposites could be potentially coupled with titania nanotubes in a multi-junction PEC cell to expand the light absorption capability in the solar spectrum for water splitting to generate hydrogen.
On the evaluation of the method of finite spheres for the solution of Reissner–Mindlin plate problems using the numerical inf–sup test

In this paper we use the numerical inf–sup test to evaluate both displacement-based and mixed discretization schemes for the solution of Reissner–Mindlin plate problems using the meshfree method of finite spheres. While an analytical proof of whether a discretization scheme passes the inf–sup condition is most desirable, such a proof is usually out of reach due to the complexity of the meshfree approximation spaces involved. The numerical inf–sup test (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 1997; 40:3639–3663), developed to test finite element discretization spaces, has therefore been adopted in this paper. Tests have been performed for both regular and irregular nodal configurations. While, like linear finite elements, pure displacement-based approximation spaces with linear consistency do not pass the inf–sup test and exhibit shear locking, quadratic discretizations, unlike quadratic finite elements, pass the test. Pure displacement-based and mixed approximation spaces that pass the numerical inf–sup test exhibit optimal or near optimal convergence behaviour. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic Laser Treatment of Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis

The ideal laser produces discrete wounds in a reproducible manner. The CO2 laser with its 10.6 micron wavelength is highly absorbed by water, its energy concentrated at the point of impact and the longer wavelength creates less scatter in tissue. The development of binocular endoscopic delivery system for use with binocular microlaryngoscopes have aided in using CO2 laser to treat patients with subglottic and tracheal stenosis. Often, patients with these disease processes require multiple endoscopic or open reconstructive procedures and my ultimately become tracheotomy dependent. The canine model of subglottic stenosis that has been develop allows testing of new agents as adjuncts to laser treatment. Mitomycin-C is an antibiotic with antitumor activity used in chemotherapy and also in ophthalmologic surgery due to its known inhibition of fibroblast proliferation. Current studies indicate this drug to have significant potential for improving our current management of this disease process.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Estimating the intensity function of a power law process at the current time: time truncated case

The power law process, a nonhomogeneous Poisson process with intensity function µ(t) = (β/θ)(t/θ) , is frequently used to model the occurence of events in time. Often, an important quantity is the value of the intensity function at the current time, that is, the time when data collection is ceased. In this article, the problem of estimating this quantity is addressed when the data are time truncated, that is, when data collection is stopped at a predetermined time T. The class of multiples of the conditional MLE is suggested, and some members are analyzed. In addition, the class of estimators formed by first performing a preliminary test of significance on the parameter β is analyzed. Expressions for the bias and MSE of these estimators are derived and evaluated for several values of the parameters
Photoionization and photogeneration of carriers in anthracene

Abstract Cross sections for photoionization of molecular anthracene and for photogeneration in the solid are calculated using approximate wavefunctions and assuming the process to occur by a transition directly into a simple continuum. The results differ from earlier reported values, are in better agreement with observed photogeneration efficiencies, and are more nearly consistent with autoionization as the dominant mechanism in both processes.
How Will Diversity Affect Literacy in the Next Millennium

Les differents intervenants proposent une reflexion sur l'evolution de la societe americaine et de son education en tenant compte de la diversite culturelle et ethnique qui caracterise la nation americaine, et mettent tout particulierement en relation les notions d'alphabetisation et de diversite. Comment preparer les enseignants americains d'origine europeenne a enseigner a des enfants de couleur, parlant des dialectes, d'origine sociale modeste, ou encore handicapes?
Effects of alpha-amylases on pregelatinised starches, as measured by the amylograph

Eleven starches, pregelatinised under standardised conditions in the Amylograph, were subjected to the action of various amounts of fungal, bacterial and malt-α-amylases. On an equal basis of dextrinogenic activity, malt amylases showed highest liquefying properties for each of the starches; fungal amylase was lowest, and bacterial amylase was comparable with malt amylase. Comparison of liquefaction by equal amounts of α-amylase showed that the highest susceptibility to enzymic action was exhibited by waxy cereal starches.
Intertextuality and large corpora: a medievalist approach

This paper concurs with Mark Olsen's premise that computer-aided literature studies should take a different direction, one that is more suited to the computer's strength in analyzing large corpora of texts. However, the authors take issue with his conclusion that a reorientation of the notions of textual analysis is necessary in order to exploit the computer's capabilities. Contemporary medieval studies already provides us with models of textual analysis which are well suited to computer development. Though they stem from the particularities of medieval textual production, these models can perhaps be useful in the study of modern literatures.
Control of the condylar-proximal mandibular segments after sagittal split osteotomies to advance the mandible

Abstract Maintenance of the normal or presurgical anatomic position of the mandibular condyles and contiguous proximal mandibular ramus segments after sagittal split ramus osteotomies is important, not only to enhance the stability of results but also to avoid iatrogenic temporomandibular joint complications. Accordingly, during the past few years, we have attempted to improve the surgical control of condyle and proximal segment position while using the sagittal split ramus osteotomy to advance the mandible. After several modifications, the device reported herein was used and the results evaluated in ten consecutive patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies with symmetric advancement of the mandible. This device enables the surgeon to obtain very precise reproduction of the “normal” proximal segment and condyle position at the time of surgery. The use of the device and documentation of its efficiency are presented.
On optimizing yield reliability and area overhead in large memory arrays

Abstract Fault tolerant semiconductor memory array designs are proposed for enhancing yield and improving reliability. Reconfiguration is achieved through redundancy in memory cell clusters, single and multiple rows, and single and multiple columns. The factors that affect the amount of redundancy are analytically determined and the effect of reconfiguration on the yield, reliability and area overhead are analyzed.
PROSPECTS FOR EXPANDED PARENT EDUCATION SERVICES FOR DIVORCING FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

The factors influencing court readiness to implement programs for divorcing families that are evidence based (i.e., have received support as being effective in scientific trials) were examined in a stratified random sample of the 3, 140 U.S. counties. Represented in the final survey were 22 large, 58 medium-sized, and 74 small counties with established divorcing parent education programs. For each court, a telephone interview was conducted with a key informant. Results indicate that 95% of counties report that implementing a lengthier, empirically validated program would be helpful to families, would find support from judges (80%), should be done in their county (74%), would find funding (73%), and was the responsibility of the court (69%). The two important barries to implementing longer evidence-based programs are potential funding problems and parents' potentially low attendance.
Analytic Solution of a Finite-Width Rough Surface Hydrodynamic Bearing

Solution analytique pour la lubrification hydrodynamique d'un palier de longueur finie a surface rugueuse
Bipolar electrochemical method for dynamic in situ control of single metal nanowire growth.

Fabrication plays a key role in determining the unique electrical, optical, and catalytic properties of metal nanowires. Here we present a bipolar electrochemical method for dynamically monitoring and controlling the rate of single metal nanowire growth in situ without a direct electrical connection. Solutions of a metal precursor and a reducing agent are placed on either side of a silica nanochannel, and a pair of electrodes is used to apply a tunable electric potential across the channel. Metal nanowire growth is initiated by chemical reduction when the two solutions meet and continues until the nanochannel is blocked by the formation of a short metal wire segment. Further growth is driven by a bipolar electrochemical mechanism which enables the reduction of metal precursor ions at one end of the nanowire and the oxidation of the reducing agent at the other. The growth rate is monitored in real time by simultaneously recording both the faradaic current and optical microscope video and can be adjusted ac...
Simple Semi-Analytic Model for Optimized Interplanetary Low-Thrust Trajectories Using Solar Electric Propulsion

This paper describes a simple semi-analytic model for mass-optimized interplanetary solar electric low-thrust trajectories. A description is given of a model that accurately and quickly determines the performance of circular-coplanar low-thrust transfers with a series of simple empirical and physics-based relationships that can be implemented easily in a spreadsheet. The model takes flight time, departure and arrival velocity, initial power, initial mass, and propulsion-system efficiency as inputs and produces the optimum specific impulse, Δv, final mass, and burn time that correspond to the mass-optimum trajectory as outputs. The development methodology is described, governing variables and fundamental relationships are identified, and a model is presented that efficiently calculates these parameters for a wide range of low-thrust trajectories. Models are presented for Earth-Jupiter/Trojan asteroid, Earth-Mars, Mars-Earth, Earth-Venus, and Earth-Main-Belt asteroid transfers using solar electric propulsio...