cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between Socioeconomic Indicators and Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides in Tree Bark

This paper suggests that, barring very long-range transport, global environmental concentrations of organochlorine pesticides are proportional to the socioeconomic status of the country (or region) from which the samples were taken. We tested this hypothesis by the following experi ment: Over 200 tree bark samples were collected from 32 countries (or isolated regions of countries) and analyzed for 22 pesticides, including active ingredients and degrada tion products. The Gross National Product per person and the Human Development Index of the various countries were used as socioeconomic indicators. Regression analysis indicated that hexachlorobenzene, trans-nonachlor, and dieldrin concentrations were highly correlated with the GNP per person and the Human Development Index. In general, the poorest counties, such as Togo, Ghana, and Uganda, showed the least amount of pesticide contamination in tree bark, while some industrialized countries, such as those in northern Europe, showed the highest levels of or...
Discrete parametric band conversion in silicon for mid-infrared applications

Mid-infrared has great potential for silicon photonics. Engineering the dispersion by IR compatible cladding materials and waveguide dimensions enable broadband discrete wavelength conversion. We show that >1.2μm discrete wide-band conversion is achievable at 4μm pumping.
Interruption of the middle cerebral artery in 10-day-old rat alters normal development of distal collaterals.

Pial surface arterioles join rami of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in 10-day-old normal Wistar rats. Normally, the anastomosing branches differentiate into small-diameter vessels with significantly greater tortuos- ity (length) by 56 days of age. After interruption of the MCA in 10-day-old rats, large-diameter, relatively straight collaterals were observed 46 or 90-110 days later. Evidently altered hemodynamic factors, as the result of MCA interruption, prevent the development of a normal pattern of arterioles and augment the development of an anomalous pattern of collaterals in young Wistar rats. A prior study indicated that distal branches of the anterior (ACA) and middle (MCA) cerebral arteries are joined by collaterals in the 5-6-week-old normal Wistar (NW) rat (Coyle and Jokelainen, 1982). A method was developed to occlude the MCA in the rat (Coyle, 1982). Twenty days after rapid occlusion of the MCA, the di- ameters and lengths of these collaterals were increased, but there was no evidence that new vessels were formed (Coyle, 1984). The expanded collaterals provided blood supply that usually protected the MCA tissue field from infarction (Coyle, 1982; Coyle and Jokelainen, 1983; Coyle et al., 1984).
Heterogeneity of melanized neurons expressing neurotensin receptor messenger RNA in the substantia nigra and the nucleus paranigralis of control and Parkinson's disease brain.

Abstract We have recently cloned the neurotensin receptor from human substantia nigra. Usingin situ hybridization techniques, with an35S-labeled antisense RNA probe complementary to this receptor complementary DNA, we studied the expression of the human neurotensin receptor in the brain from control and Parkinson's disease subjects. We also performed an analogous study with rat brain. Neurotensin receptor messenger RNA was present in high levels in melanized neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and the nucleus paranigralis (the ventral tegmental area for rat brain). Background levels of signals for neurotensin receptor messenger RNA were detected in the nucleus ruber, the colliculus inferior and the striatal subdivisions (the nucleus caudatus, the putamen and the nucleus accumbens) of both human and rat brain. All these areas, except the nucleus ruber and the collicus inferior, contain very high to high levels of neurotensin receptor binding sites. Additionally, Parkinson's disease brains had markedly fewer melanized (possibly dopaminergic) neurons, as expected, and correspondingly very low or background levels of messenger RNA for neurotensin receptor. We have also demonstrated heterogeneity among the melanized cells expressing messenger RNA encoding the neurotensin receptor in the substantia nigra and the nucleus paranigralis of human brain. The neurons in the nucleus paranigralis had lower melanin pigmentation and higher expression of neurotensin receptor messenger RNA. In general, the expression of the messenger RNA within the highly and evenly melanized neurons was lower than that found in low or unevenly pigmented neurons. The neurons in the nucleus paranigralis had lower melanin pigmentation and higher expression of neurotensin receptor messenger RNA. The low pigmented neurons in the ventral tier of the substantia nigra had relatively high expression. On the other hand, highly and evenly melanized neurons in these regions of the brain had low expression of neurotensin receptor messenger RNA. Together with the previous binding data, it is suggested that not only in rat brain, but also in human brain, melanized (possibly dopaminergic) neurons in the substantia nigra and the nucleus paranigralis (ventral tegmental area of rat brain) synthesize neurotensin receptors and express them in their perikarya and the terminal regions. Additionally, the heterogeneity of the melanized neurons in human brain may play a role in the normal function of dopaminergic systems and probably in the etiology of some neurological and psychiatric disorders.
An integrated economic/emission/load profile management dispatch algorithm

Load profile management, among other load or demand side management (DSM) techniques, has been considered as an effective tool for power system operation and management. This paper introduces a load profile management program to be incorporated, along with the generation cost and emission constraints, in a dispatch algorithm to minimize the overall production cost over the period of the load profile management program. The algorithm has been implemented using Matlab optimization toolbox and tested on a 5-bus, 3-generator system. The simulation results are presented, compared and discussed for different scenarios with different levels of load management. The results show that the load management can help reduce generation costs and emissions.
Lateral decubitus position as therapy for persistent focal pulmonary interstitial emphysema in neonates: A preliminary report

Experience preliminaire sur 9 prematures nes entre 820 et 1800 g. Le decubitus lateral necessite des ajustements mineurs du soutien respiratoire. Il a ete bien tolere. Il s'agit d'une manœuvre therapeutique non invasive, relativement benigne qui devrait etre tentee avant que des methodes plus agressives ne soient entreprises, pour traiter les emphysemes interstitiels focalises persistants
Reducing noise in single-photon-level frequency conversion

We demonstrate low-noise and efficient frequency conversion by sum-frequency mixing in a periodically poled LiNbO3 (PPLN) waveguide. Using a 1556 nm pump, 1302 nm photons are efficiently converted to 709 nm photons. We obtain 70% conversion efficiency in the PPLN waveguide and >50% external conversion efficiency with 600 noise counts per second at peak conversion with continuous-wave pumping. We simultaneously achieve low noise and high conversion efficiency by careful spectral filtering. We discuss the impact of low-noise frequency translation on single-photon upconversion detection and quantum information applications.
Noise reduction by diffusional dissipation in a minimal quorum sensing motif.

Cellular interactions are subject to random fluctuations (noise) in quantities of interacting molecules. Noise presents a major challenge for the robust function of natural and engineered cellular networks. Past studies have analyzed how noise is regulated at the intracellular level. Cell–cell communication, however, may provide a complementary strategy to achieve robust gene expression by enabling the coupling of a cell with its environment and other cells. To gain insight into this issue, we have examined noise regulation by quorum sensing (QS), a mechanism by which many bacteria communicate through production and sensing of small diffusible signals. Using a stochastic model, we analyze a minimal QS motif in Gram-negative bacteria. Our analysis shows that diffusion of the QS signal, together with fast turnover of its transcriptional regulator, attenuates low-frequency components of extrinsic noise. We term this unique mechanism “diffusional dissipation” to emphasize the importance of fast signal turnover (or dissipation) by diffusion. We further show that this noise attenuation is a property of a more generic regulatory motif, of which QS is an implementation. Our results suggest that, in a QS system, an unstable transcriptional regulator may be favored for regulating expression of costly proteins that generate public goods.
The Effects of Communication and Commitment in a Public Goods Social Dilemma

Abstract A social dilemma is a situation in which members of a group are faced with a conflict between maximizing personal interests and maximizing collective interests. Communication among the members of a group has been shown to enhance cooperation (maximize groups interests); it was hypothesized that if members are allowed to make a pledge prior to their actual decision, they can communicate their intentions and hence increase the cooperation rate. Two experiments were conducted in which several types of pledge conditions were contrasted with a "no-pledge" (control) condition. As hypothesized, the results indicate that a pledge enhanced cooperation. However, the degree of commitment required in the pledge differentially affected the cooperation rate. The results are interpreted in terms of a two-stage dilemma in which members can coordinate their expectations only if some degree of commitment is required in their pledge.
A new heterospecific foraging association between the puddingwife wrasse, Halichoeres radiatus , and the bar jack, Caranx Tuber : evaluation of the foraging consequences

The bar jack,Caranx Tuber, was commonly observed to follow individual puddingwife wrasses,Halichoeres radiatus, that were foraging on the substrate. Individuals of both species actively pursued the other to maintain these heterospecific foraging ‘teams’, were sometimes attracted to feeding acts initiated by team partners, and the foraging rates of teamed jacks and wrasses were positively correlated. Pilfering of food items was rare, suggesting little, if any, competition cost of this foraging association. The ratio of bites to search in teamed jacks was over three times that when solitary, and jacks were sometimes aggressive to conspecifics attempting to join their team, suggesting that the association is beneficial to the jacks. Both bite and search rates were higher in puddingwifes when teamed with a jack, indicating that the association also benefits the wrasses. Benefits to puddingwifes may be derived directly from attendants because wrasses were sometimes attracted to jack foraging acts. However, increased foraging in wrasses may also be a consequence of heightened motivation to feed owing to heterospecific social facilitation.
Cascaded energy-optimized linear volume hologram array for 1-to-many surface-normal even fan-outs

Optimization of fan-out energy distribution for substrate guided wave optical interconnects with a surface-normal configuration is addressed in this paper. Up to nine optimized waveguide holograms are independently fabricated on the same substrate. Energy fluctuation affected by the deviation of the designed diffraction efficiency is theoretically analysed. Using DuPont photopolymer film HRF-600X001-20, we demonstrate 1-to-5 and 1-to-9 surface-normal fan-out devices operating at 850 nm. The output non-uniformities of ±4% and ±10% are experimentally confirmed for the two devices, respectively.
Governmentality as Epistemology

This article presents Foucault's governmentality as an analytical framework that is useful for interpreting and using empirics toward critical theory. Although Foucault viewed the discipline of geo...
Influence of Chronic Ethanol Exposure on Nitrous Oxide Analgesia in Mice

The purpose of this study was to determine whether sensitivity to nitrous oxide analgesia was altered by chronic ethanol exposure. Control mice exposed to 25%, 50%, and 75% nitrous oxide in oxygen demonstrated a concentration-related analgesic effect, as measured by the acetic acid abdominal constriction test. Other mice previously exposed to ethanol vapors for 72 h exhibited a significantly reduced sensitivity to nitrous oxide analgesia. The dose-response curve of the chronic ethanol-exposed group was shifted to the right of that of the control mice. These findings suggest the possibility that subjects with a history of alcohol abuse might have reduced responsiveness to nitrous oxide in a clinical setting.
RATE OF CONVERGENCE OF CENTRED ESTIMATES OF AUTOREGRESSIVE PARAMETERS FOR INFINITE VARIANCE AUTOREGRESSIONS

. Let Yn=μ+Σβj (Yn–j–μ) +ɛn be a pth order autoregressive process with innovations {ɛn} in the domain of attraction of a stable law with index α α. It is shown here that if α is estimated by the sample mean, N1/δ(βj–βj) O almost surely for δ > max(1, α). In addition, some statements are made regarding estimators of α which will give the full (Hannan and Kanter) rate of convergence, in particular when α < 1.
A pilot case-cohort study of liver and pancreatic cancers in poultry workers.

Purpose To test the hypothesis that exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses that widely occurs occupationally in poultry workers and in the general population, may be associated with increased risks of deaths from liver and pancreatic cancers, and to identify new risk factors. Methods A pilot case-cohort study of both cancers within a combined cohort of 30,411 highly exposed poultry workers and 16,408 control subjects was conducted, and risk assessed by logistic regression odds ratios (OR) and proportional hazards risk ratios. Results New occupational findings were recorded respectively for pancreatic/liver cancers, for slaughtering of poultry (OR = 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–29.3)/OR = 9.1, 95% CI: 1.9–42.9); catching of live chickens (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2–10.9)/OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.1–8.5); killing other types of animals for food (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.5–16.6)/OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.2–18.2), and ever worked on a pig raising farm (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0–8.2) for pancreatic cancer only. New non-occupational findings for liver cancer were for receiving immunization with yellow fever vaccine (OR = 8.7, 95% CI: 1.0–76.3); and vaccination with typhoid vaccine (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.1–37.4). The study also confirmed previously reported risk factors for both diseases. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses may possibly be associated with the occurrence of liver and pancreatic cancers. Case-control studies nested within occupational cohorts of highly exposed subjects of sufficient statistical power may provide an efficient and valid method of investigating/confirming these findings.
Planar permanent magnet multipoles for particle accelerator and storage ring applications

In prior work a planar permanent magnet (PM) configuration for generating an approximate quadrupole field distribution in the vicinity of its symmetry axis was disclosed. In the present paper extensions of the method are considered for generating sextupole and higher order multipole fields. The field distributions and strengths are contrasted with idealized (n-fold rotationally symmetric) multipole field generators and selected applications in the area of single-pass and recirculating particle machines are considered. >
Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions in valence bond systems

We investigate the effect of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions on the low temperature magnetic susceptibility for a system whose low energy physics is dominated by short-range valence bonds (singlets). Our general perturbative approach is applied to specific models expected to be in this class, including the Shastry-Sutherland model of the spin-dimer compound SrCu_2(BO_3)_2 and the antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model of the recently discovered S=1/2 kagome compound ZnCu_3(OH)_6Cl_2. The central result is that a short-ranged valence bond phase, when perturbed with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, will remain time-reversal symmetric in the absence of a magnetic field but the susceptibility will be nonzero in the T\to 0 limit. Applied to ZnCu_3(OH)_6Cl_2, this model provides an avenue for reconciling experimental results, such as the lack of magnetic order and lack of any sign of a spin gap, with known theoretical facts about the kagome Heisenberg antiferromagnet.
Multi-Application Deployment in Shared Sensor Networks Based on Quality of Monitoring

Wireless sensor networks are evolving from dedicated application-specific platforms to integrated infrastructure shared by multiple applications. Shared sensor networks offer inherent advantages in terms of flexibility and cost since they allow dynamic resource sharing and allocation among multiple applications. Such shared systems face the critical need for allocation of nodes to contending applications to enhance the overall Quality of Monitoring (QoM) under resource constraints. To address this need, this paper presents Utility-based Multi-application Allocation and Deployment Environment (UMADE), an integrated application deployment system for shared sensor networks. In sharp contrast to traditional approaches that allocate applications based on cyber metrics (e.g., computing resource utilization), UMADE adopts a cyber-physical system approach that dynamically allocates nodes to applications based on their QoM of the physical phenomena. The key novelty of UMADE is that it is designed to deal with the inter-node QoM dependencies typical in cyber-physical applications. Furthermore, UMADE provides an integrated system solution that supports the end-to-end process of (1) QoM specification for applications, (2) QoM-aware application allocation, (3) application deployment over multi-hop wireless networks, and (4) adaptive reallocation of applications in response to network dynamics. UMADE has been implemented on TinyOS and Agilla virtual machine for Telos motes. The feasibility and efficacy of UMADE have been demonstrated on a 28-node wireless sensor network testbed in the context of building automation applications.
CPW-fed arrow-shaped slot antenna design for ultra wideband (UWB) applications

A novel arrow-shaped slot antenna fed by coplanar waveguide (CPW) is presented for ultra wideband (UWB) applications. By means of a slightly increased operational bandwidth, improvements in the full range of frequencies allocated for UWB applications have been achieved, while providing a better robustness for deviations induced by the electrical coupling with the entire system and a higher tolerance margin during the fabrication process. The fabricated UWB antenna demonstrates very good impedance matching with a measured bandwidth of 114.18% for a VSWR = 2, along with a stable radiation pattern in the entire frequency spectrum assigned for UWB applications.
What Is the Nature of Poststroke Language Recovery and Reorganization

This review focuses on three main topics related to the nature of poststroke language recovery and reorganization. The first topic pertains to the nature of anatomical and physiological substrates in the infarcted hemisphere in poststroke aphasia, including the nature of the hemodynamic response in patients with poststroke aphasia, the nature of the peri-infarct tissue, and the neuronal plasticity potential in the infarcted hemisphere. The second section of the paper reviews the current neuroimaging evidence for language recovery in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of recovery. The third and final section examines changes in connectivity as a function of recovery in poststroke aphasia, specifically in terms of changes in white matter connectivity, changes in functional effective connectivity, and changes in resting state connectivity after stroke. While much progress has been made in our understanding of language recovery, more work needs to be done. Future studies will need to examine whether reorganization of language in poststroke aphasia corresponds to a tighter, more coherent, and efficient network of residual and new regions in the brain. Answering these questions will go a long way towards being able to predict which patients are likely to recover and may benefit from future rehabilitation.
An update on the Boston Marathon as a research laboratory.

AbstractPurpose/methods. The Boston Athletic Association’s annual marathon, also referred to as BAA in this article, continues to be a source of subjects for exercise and endurance performance research. We performed a systematic literature review of BAA studies published in the 7 years since our prior report. Results. We identified 20 articles published from January 2008 to February 2015. Nine were related to cardiology; six were related to exercise physiology; four were related to metabolism; and one was related to marathon qualifying times. As in our prior, report cardiovascular studies remained the dominant topic, but with risk factors for atherosclerosis and thrombosis as the present focus. Conclusion. Cardiac issues remain the largest subject area for BAA studies, but with more emphasis on the effect of prolonged exercise on atherosclerotic and thrombotic risk factors. This shift is associated with an increase in marathon participation by older, recreational runners at increased risk of cardiac compl...
Two dimensional angle and polarization estimation with a simple dipole array

It is shown how the two-dimensional arrival angle and the polarization of an incoming CW (continuous-wave) signal can be estimated simultaneously from the received signals on a simple array. The array considered consists of eight dipoles lying in the xy-plane with their axes pointing radially out from the origin of an xyz-coordinate system. Each dipole is assumed to be a short dipole whose output voltage is proportional to the electric field along the dipole. >
A cheap output feedback tracking controller with robustness: the RLFJ problem

In this paper, we propose a robust output feedback link position tracking controller for the full-order model used to describe rigid-link flexible-joint (RLFJ) robot manipulators. The method uses a bank of dynamic filters, with the link position tracking error as the input, to generate surrogates for the immeasurable system states. One of these generated filter states is then used in the feedback control strategy. The method is distinguished from previous results by the limited amount of modeling information required, the utilization of only link position measurements, and the overall simplicity of the controller. Even though the approach only requires link position measurements, the controller exhibits good robustness properties while ensuring semi-global uniformly ultimately bounded link position tracking.
Survivability in optical networks

Network survivability ensuring service continuity at an affordable cost is of great interest to telecommunication system vendors, service providers and end users. This paper discusses several survivability techniques used in optical networks. Many of the protection techniques used in today's telecommunication networks were developed for use in SONET and SDH networks (non-WDM networks). This paper explores these techniques in detail. Following this, the basic techniques for survivability in WDM networks are discussed.
Analytical assessment of the effect of vertical earthquake motion on RC bridge piers

This paper presents analytical assessment of the effect of vertical earthquake ground motion on RC bridge piers. A bridge structure damaged during the Northridge Earthquake and a Federal Highway concept bridge design are examined. The effects of a suite of earthquake ground motion records with different vertical-to-horizontal peak acceleration ratios on the two bridges are presented and the results are compared with the case of horizontal-only excitation. The effects of arrival time interval between horizontal and vertical acceleration peaks are also reported and compared to the case of coincident motion. It is observed that the inclusion of the vertical component of ground motion has an important effect on the response at all levels and components. It is therefore concluded that vertical motion should be included in analysis for assessment and design, especially that there are no particular challenges impeding its inclusion.
Two-response-time model based on CM2/INDO/S2 electrostatic potentials for the dielectric polarization component of solvatochromic shifts on vertical excitation energies

A model is presented for the electrostatic component of solvatochromic shifts on vertical electronic excitation energies. The model, called vertical electrostatic model 42 (VEM42), is based on representing the solute by a set of distributed atomic monopoles obtained by charge model 2 (CM2) and representing the solvent by its static and optical dielectric constants. The theory is applied here with intermediate neglect of differential overlap for spectroscopy-parameterization 2 (INDO/S2) configuration interaction wave functions. The model is implemented in the ZINDO electronic structure code package. We present illustrative applications to the singlet n! excitation of acetone in nine solvents. When the electrostatics are augmented by one-parameter estimates of dispersion and hydrogen-bonding contributions, the experimental solvatochromic shifts in the nine solvents are reproduced with a mean unsigned error of 65 cm 1 (0.2 kcal/mol). These calculations present a compelling picture of the quantitative origin of the solvatochromic red and blue shifts in this prototype n! excitation.
Burgers flow past an arbitrary ellipse

The two-dimensional steady flow past an ellipse of arbitrary aspect ratio is investigated analytically, applying a linearized version of the Navier-Stokes equation based on the approximation of Burgers (1928). The resulting infinite system of linear equations is truncated to give reliable results for Reynolds numbers between zero and five, and separation, drag, and boundary-layer phenomena are characterized and illustrated with graphs. The Burgers approximation is found to provide good qualitative results near the ellipse, with reasonable quantitative accuracy for the special case of a circular cylinder.
Prevalence of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in reintroduced Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni)

Abstract Fecal samples from 54 Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) from Albuquerque, NM were analyzed for the presence of coccidia and all were positive. They were then relocated to an abandoned prairiedog town on the Sevilleta Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site. Six Eimeria species, E. callospermophili, E. cynomysis, E. pseudospermophili (new host record), E. spermophili, E. ludoviciani and E. vilasi (new host record) were found in Albuquerque animals, but only 2 species, E. callospermophili and E. vilasi were present in relocated hosts. A significant (P < 0.05) reduction was seen in the prevalence of E. vilasi (72% vs. 13%) and in the prevalence of infections (P < 0.05) with 2 or more Eimeria species (39% vs. 4%) in pre- and postrelocation animals. To assess the impact of the introduction of C. gunnisoni on the resident rodent population, feces were collected from 6 species of rodents. Five Eimeria species, E. arizonensis (Reithrodontomys), E. chobotari (Dipodomys, Perognathus), E. liomys...
Depth profiling of mechanical degradation of PV backsheets after UV exposure

Polymeric multilayer backsheets protect the photovoltaic modules from damage of moisture and ultraviolet (UV) while providing electrical insulation. Due to the multilayer structures, the properties of the inner layers of the backsheets, including their interfaces, during weathering are not well known. In this study, a commercial type of PPE (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/PET/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)) backsheet films was selected as a model system for a depth profiling study of mechanical properties of a backsheet film during UV exposure. The NIST SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) was used for the accelerated laboratory exposure of the materials with UV at 85°C and two relative humidities (RH) of 5 % (dry) and 60 % (humid). Cryomicrotomy was used to obtain cross-sectional PPE samples. Mechanical depth profiling of the cross-sections of aged and unaged samples was conducted by nanoindentation, and a peak-force based quantitative nanomechanical atomic force microscopy (QNM-AFM) mapping techniquewas used to investigate the microstructure and adhesion properties of the adhesive tie layers. The nanoindentation results show the stiffening of the elastic modulus in the PET outer and pigmented EVA layers. From QNM-AFM, the microstructures and adhesion properties of the adhesive layers between PET outer and core layers and between PET core and EVA inner layers are revealed and found to degrade significantly after aging under humidity environment. The results from mechanical depth profiling of the PPE backsheet are further related to the previous chemical depth profiling of the same material, providing new insights into the effects of accelerated UV and humidity on the degradation of multilayer backsheet.
Temporary and Permanent Employment in Modern Organizations

The study was designed to uncover the potential differences between temporary and permanent employees with respect to workplace deviance tendencies, organizational commitment, organizational trust, and perceived organizational fairness. Because of their ever-growing presence in today's companies, we focused on temporary employees alongside their permanent counterparts in the same organization. Data pertaining to these variables were collected from both temporary and permanent employees working in light industrial-type organizations (N = 71). Few statistically significant differences between temporary and permanent employees were found. However, significant relationships between organizational commitment, trust, and fairness were revealed among both temporary and permanent employee groups. A more complete understanding of the attitudes and behaviors of the types of workers employed in modern organizations will help leaders manage their workforces in more effective ways.
Warning: Discretize With Care

Decision analysts commonly use low-order discrete approximation of probability distributions to reduce computational effort. We have found that three popular discretization methods can lead to serious errors in certain applications, among them, news vendor problem and scheduling decisions for service-facilities. We demonstrate that the moment-matching approach to discretization can be particularly poor, and discuss how one might uncover potential problems due to discretization.
Mapping and modernizing the Indian Ocean Rim: Communication technologies under colonial Britain

This article traces some political and economic questions and challenges faced by colonial Britain in networking the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) through the telegraph and wireless technologies. In the p...
U.S. defense spending and the soviet estimate

There is a glaring and potentially important discontinuity surrounding discussions of U.S. defense expenditure policy making. On the one hand, a growing body of empirically-based research questions whether the U.S. reacts in any significant fashion to the military expenditures of the Soviet Union. On the other hand, defense policy makers routinely justify defense increases as a response to similar increases by the Soviet Union. The discontinuity is resolved in the context of a multistep model of the defense expenditure policy-making process that incorporates a new estimate of Soviet defense spending and mass public opinion. Once formulated, the model provides answers to the following two questions: (1) Does the U.S., insofar as defense spending is concerned, react to the military expenditures of the Soviet Union? (2) If so, what is the magnitude of the reaction? The answers indicate that not only does the U.S. react to estimated Soviet defense spending, but that the reaction is directly responsible for a very substantial portion of the post-1978 increases in U.S. military expenditures.
Characterization of Haku Maki prints from the “Poem” series using light-based techniques

Four brightly colored calligraphic prints from the “Poem” series (1970/71) by Japanese artist Haku Maki (1924–2000) were examined using multiple light-based analytical techniques in an effort to address conservation concerns regarding these artworks. A distracting white haze on the surface of some of the prints was determined by light microscopy and infrared microanalysis to be fungal mycelium from an inactive mold infestation that occurred prior to the artwork’s acquisition by the museum. Pigment analysis by Raman, X-ray fluorescence, and infrared microspectroscopies identified the artist’s palette as containing common printing ink colors such as aniline black (PBk1), carbon black (PBk7), phthalocyanine blue (PB15), Prussian blue (PB27), ultramarine blue (PB29), molybdate orange (PR104), chrome yellow (PY34), barium yellow (PY31), viridian (PG17), barium sulphate (PW21), and synthetic organic red pigments (PR3, PR22, PR48:3). Although aniline black and molybdate orange are common industrial pigments, reference vibrational spectra to assist in their identification have not appeared previously in the conservation literature. Moreover, this investigation includes to the authors’ knowledge the first published identification of these pigments in a work of fine art. Haku Maki’s unique ‘cement-on-woodblock’ printing technique in combination with his vibrant palette creates dynamic, embossed effects in these prints. However, lightfastness testing using a microfade tester identified the potential for light-based damage to the artwork, in some instances showing poorer lightfastness for colors reported to be stable pigments and greater stability than anticipated for others. These analyses are the first objective study of this innovative artist’s material choices, and they enhance our understanding of his printing technique while helping to determine the proper stewardship protocols to protect his artistic legacy.
Corticosteroids for Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

Four children between five and nine years of age with Landau-Kleffner syndrome were treated with ACTH or corticosteroids at the Department of Pediatrics, Beilinson Medical Centre, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Information Poverty and Reproductive Healthcare: Assessing the Reasons for Inequity between Income Groups

It is commonly known that in the United States women who are low income do not access reproductive healthcare services and information with the same reliability and regularity of women who are higher income. A qualitative research approach was undertaken to assess the root cause of this disparity. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 women divided among socioeconomic lines. The primary barriers to care for women who are low income are clinical staff attitudes, knowledge of care available and needed, and cost or lack of insurance. This study adds to the current understanding of the barriers to reproductive healthcare for women of different socioeconomic statuses.
Locating methane leaks across large areas with frequency comb lasers

Recent advancements in mobile frequency comb technology and inverse methods are enabling the location and sizing of small methane leaks across large regions.
Cluster Analysis for Segmentation

This note is designed for use in an MBA marketing research course. It provides an overview of segmentation using K-means clustering. A simple algorithm for K-means clustering and the process of profiling clusters are provided. The note discusses the need for segmentation in marketing and emphasizes the role of managerial judgment in choosing a segmentation policy. Examples from the insurance industry are used in the note. Excerpt UVA-M-0748 Rev. Mar. 28, 2018 Cluster Analysis for Segmentation Introduction We all understand that consumers are not all alike. This provides a challenge for the development and marketing of profitable products and services. Not every offering will be right for every customer, nor will every customer be equally responsive to your marketing efforts. Segmentation is a way of organizing customers into groups with similar traits, product preferences, or expectations. Once segments are identified, marketing messages and in many cases even products can be customized for each segment. The better the segment(s) chosen for targeting by a particular organization, the more successful the organization is assumed to be in the marketplace. Since its introduction in the late 1950s, market segmentation has become a central concept of marketing practice. Segments are constructed on the basis of customers' (1) demographic characteristics, (2)psychographics, (3) desired benefits from products/services, and (4) past-purchase and product-use behaviors. These days, most firms possess rich information about customers' actual purchase behavior, geodemographic, and psychographic characteristics. In cases where firms do not have access to detailed information about each customer, information from surveys of a representative sample of the customers can be used as the basis for segmentation. . . .
Predicting birth weight in fetuses with gastroschisis

To determine the accuracy of commonly utilized ultrasound formulas for estimating birth weight (BW) in fetuses with gastroschisis. A retrospective review was conducted of all inborn pregnancies with gastroschisis within the five institutions of the University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC) between 2007 and 2012. Infants delivered at ⩾28 weeks who had an ultrasound within 21 days before delivery were included. Prediction of BW was evaluated for each of the five ultrasound formulas: Hadlock 1 (abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL) and head circumference (HC)) and Hadlock 2 (AC, BPD and FL), Shepard (AC and BPD), Honarvar (FL) and Siemer (BPD, occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), and FL) using Pearson’s correlation, mean difference and percent error and Bland–Altman analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the ultrasound diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were assessed. We identified 191 neonates born with gastroschisis within the UCfC, with 111 neonates meeting the inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age at delivery was 36.3±1.7 weeks and the mean BW was 2448±460 g. Hadlock (1) formula was found to have the best correlation (r=0.81), the lowest mean difference (8±306 g) and the lowest mean percent error (1.4±13%). The Honarvar and Siemer formulas performed significantly worse when compared with Hadlock 1, with a 13.7% (P<0.001) and 3.9% (P=0.03) difference, respectively, between estimated and actual BW. This was supported by Bland–Altman plots. For Hadlock 1 and 2, sensitivity was 80% with a NPV of 91%. The widely used Hadlock (1) and (2) formulas provided the best estimated BW in infants with gastroschisis despite its inclusion of abdominal circumference. Furthermore, this formula performs well with diagnosis of IUGR.
π to Thousands of Digits from Vieta's Formula

(2008). π to Thousands of Digits from Vieta's Formula. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 81, No. 3, pp. 201-207.
Impact of greening on the urban heat island: Seasonal variations and mitigation strategies

Abstract Intensive urbanization has led to the depletion of vegetation and its replacement by impervious surfaces, resulting in the accumulation of thermal energy, with urban areas becoming warmer than peripheral areas, a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI). Much of the literature has focused on the relationship between the UHI and urban factors at peak summer times, without considering seasonality effects. There is, however, clear evidence that the UHI varies over the year, with implications for greening mitigation strategies, as green spaces are known to help reduce summer local temperatures, but also reduce exposure to winter cold, thus increasing local winter temperatures. Both effects are likely to generate, in varying extents, benefits in terms of better health and reduced energy usage and pollution emissions. This paper addresses the seasonality of the impacts of building rooftop and facade areas, urban canyons, water bodies, vegetation, and solar radiation, on UHI intensity. In a case study of the central area of Columbus, Ohio, these various 2D and 3D inputs, as well as land surface temperatures estimated with remotely-sensed imagery, are captured within a spatial grid, and used in spatial regression analyses. The estimation results confirm the opposite effects of greenery, measured by the NDVI, on summer and winter temperatures. The estimated models are then used to simulate the seasonal changes in temperatures resulting from a potential urban greening strategy involving green roofs, the greening of parking lots and other vacant spaces, and vegetation densification. The results show that increased greenery reduces temperatures in summer and increases them in winter, thus demonstrating that greening and land-use policies designed to mitigate the UHI must account for seasonal effects to achieve year-long effectiveness.
Synthezing Secular, Demographic-Structural, Climate and Leadership Long Cycles: Moving Toward Explaining Domestic and World Politics in the Last Millennium

Among approaches to explaining global history, the secular cycles and leadership long cycle schools emphasize much different phenomena. The former stresses processes highlighting demographic pressures and the rise and fall of land powers. The latter focuses on trading states, maritime activities, and economic growth pulsations. While the two research programs seemingly possess little in common, appearances may be deceiving. By elucidating their overlapping emphasis on structured punctuations in demographic/dynastic cycles with significant changes in global political economy, it is possible to show how the two schools of thought are complementary. A more integrated approach, encompassing population, disease, war and economic growth dynamics, should enhance our understanding of changes in global history.
Existing Development Platforms

The development of a social network platform requires laborious effort not only in the implementation process but also during the deployment and maintenance phase. In previous chapter all the implementation considerations were presented ranging from infrastructure options to privacy and security issues. In the most available social networking development platforms a number of the aforementioned considerations may have been already addressed which makes them an alternative possibility especially in cases that people who are not so familiar with programming want to easily setup a social network. In this chapter, currently available social network platforms will be presented with their corresponding advantages and limitations.
Nuts and Bolts of Auditory Interfaces

This chapter covers various tools and techniques relevant to the design of effective auditory interfaces. It is designed to be a brief overview of currently available technology in this field. The topics introduced here will be used to advantage throughout this book in describing various kinds of auditory interaction. An excellent and frequently updated source of information in this field can be found in the monthly Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) posting to the Usenet newsgroup comp.speech — a hypertext version can be found on the WWW at URL http://www.speech.cs.cm.edu/comp.speech/.
Macrophages in the Uterus and Placenta

Macrophages are abundant in the mesenchymal and connective tissue stroma of the cycling and pregnant uterus, and constitute a significant proportion of the villous or labyrinthine mesenchymal cells in the human and murid placenta. In other contexts, the activities of these multifunctional cells are strongly influenced by regulatory molecules such as steroid hormones, polypeptide growth factors, and bioactive lipids. All of these are present at particularly high concentrations in the pregnant uterus and placenta. Thus, uterine and placental macrophages stimulated by endogenous factors could contribute to the complex cellular and molecular interactions that result in successful pregnancy.
Regulation of Ca2+ signaling by acute hypoxia and acidosis in cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract Aims The effects of acute (100 s) hypoxia and/or acidosis on Ca2+ signaling parameters of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) are explored here for the first time. Methods and results 1) hiPSC-CMs express two cell populations: rapidly-inactivating ICa myocytes (τi Conclusions Variability in ICa inactivation kinetics rather than cellular ancestry seems to underlie the action potential morphology differences generally attributed to mixed atrial and ventricular cell populations in hiPSC-CMs cultures. The differential hypoxic regulation of Ca2+-signaling in the two-cell types arises from differential Ca2+-dependent inactivation of the Ca2+-channel caused by proximity of Ca2+-release stores to the Ca2+ channels.
Viral Infection Rates and Associated Serious Complications in Pediatric Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant Patients over the Last Decade

Background Umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation has been demonstrated to be associated with higher risk of viral infections, but few studies have examined the rates of viral infections and morbidity in the pediatric population. Patients and methods Retrospective assessment of all pediatric patients who received an UCB transplant at UCLA from January 2007 to December 2017. Pre-transplant screening included serologies for CMV, HSV, EBV and hepatitis viruses. Prophylaxis was administered to patients seropositive for CMV and HSV, consisting of ganciclovir 6 mg/kg over days -7 to -2 and acyclovir 10-20 mg/kg/dose BID or TID from day 0 to +100, respectively. Results Sixty-two patients received 65 UCB transplants, 47 for malignancies and 18 for genetic disorders; the incidence of viral infections at thirty days and at one year after transplantation were 27.7% and 43.0%, respectively. Some patients were diagnosed with more than one viral infection in the first year after transplant (13.8%), and the adjusted incidence of viral infections was highest in the 16-21 age group (87.5%). Among patients who received prophylaxis, the incidences of CMV viremia and HSV infections were 45.5%% and 10.7%, similar to the literature. Of 33 CMV seropositive patients, viral reactivation progressing to CMV disease occurred in 30.3% of patients. HHV6 viral encephalitis was diagnosed in 5 patients, and 1 patient developed adenovirus encephalitis. Graft failure occurred in 12.3% of patients. Of 47 transplants for malignant disease, 14.9% patients died of relapse. Of 29 reported deaths, GvHD was the cause of death in 9.2% of these cases. Infections in the absence of relapsed disease or GvHD contributed to 41.3% of deaths. Respiratory viral infections contributed to the death of 3 patients. Conclusion Pre-transplant serological screening and viral prophylaxis were effective in preventing infections in patients with UCB transplants. Strategies for prevention and therapy of viral infections will improve transplantation outcomes.