cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brand Extensions: When to Use Them

This empirical study investigates whether brand extensions should be introduced early or late in the life cycle of a product category. The longitudinal/cross-category sample of frequently purchased consumer brands is used to analyze how the performance of brand extensions depends on order of entry. The results indicate that early-entering brand extensions do not perform as well on average as either early-entering new-name products or late-entering brand extensions. This conclusion is based on four findings. First, the brand extensions were introduced later on average than the new-name products. Second, the early brand extensions had a lower probability of surviving than either the early-entering new-name products or the late-entering brand extensions. Third, the brand extensions earned higher market shares on average than new-name products, controlling for order of entry. Fourth, the extensions obtained smaller market share premia from entering early than did new-name products.
The impact of buffer strips and stream-side grazing on small mammals in southwestern Wisconsin

Abstract The practice of continuously grazing cattle along streams has caused extensive degradation of riparian habitats. Buffer strips and managed intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) have been proposed to protect and restore stream ecosystems in Wisconsin. However, the ecological implications of a switch from traditional livestock management to MIRG or buffer strip establishment have not been investigated. Differences in small mammal communities associated with riparian areas on continuously grazed and MIRG pastures, as well as vegetative buffer strips adjacent to row crops, were investigated in southwestern Wisconsin during May–September 1997 and 1998. More species (mean of 6–7) were found on the buffer sites than on the pasture sites (mean of 2–5). Total small mammal abundance on buffer sites was greater than on the pastures as well; there were 3–5 times as many animals on the buffer sites compared to the pasture sites, depending on year. There were no differences in species richness or total abundance between MIRG and continuously grazed pastures in either year. Total small mammal abundance was greater near the stream than away from the stream, regardless of farm management practice but there were no differences in species richness. Buffer strips appear to support a particularly rich and abundant small mammal community. Although results did not detect a difference in small mammal use between pasture types, farm-wide implications of a conversion from continuous to MIRG styles of grazing may benefit small mammals indirectly by causing an increase in the prevalence of pasture in the agricultural landscape.
Generalisation of Wigner's theorem for dissipative quantum systems

The author presents a quantum Langevin equation in the Schrodinger picture. The friction term is motivated by a natural generalisation of Wigner's theorem or, equivalently, of Dirac's superposition principle. The author applies the model to spin relaxation and to the Brownian motion of the harmonic oscillator. In both cases the state vectors evolve asymptotically to a distribution which has the Gibbs state as corresponding density matrix. It is shown that for any initial state, the harmonic oscillator tends to a coherent state.
The influence of compression and expansion on the intelligibility of speech by young and aged aphasic (demonstrated CVA) individuals

Abstract Intelligibility of words was measured for 20 young and 20 aged aphasic (demonstrated CVA) subjects in a single control condition, two conditions of expanded speech (30% and 50%) and two conditions of compressed speech (30% and 50%). Data obtained with these groups were compared to previous data for young and aged subjects with normal hearing and aged subjects with sensorineural hearing impairments. The results indicated that, although the absolute scores (% words correct) appeared to differentiate the groups in terms of both age and diagnostic category, the losses due to the distortion conditions appeared to be related only to age. Thus, the change scores which were used to evaluate the effects of the distortion conditions did not provide any information which would support a hypothesis of greater losses for CVA than for normal groups.
A comparison of the safety of olanzapine and haloperidol in combination with benzodiazepines in emergency department patients with acute agitation.

Abstract Background Pharmacologic management of the agitated emergency department patient is controversial. The combination of olanzapine + benzodiazepines is not recommended by the manufacturer, but a recent report suggested harm only if the patient was intoxicated. Whether this is also true for haloperidol + benzodiazepines is not known. Objectives The measurement of vital signs and ethanol levels in patients who received haloperidol with or without benzodiazepines was compared to a previous analysis of patients who received olanzapine with or without benzodiazepines. Methods This is a structured retrospective chart review of patients who received parenteral haloperidol or parental olanzapine either with or without benzodiazepines. Results There were 96 patients (71 haloperidol, 25 olanzapine) who met inclusion criteria. No patient in the olanzapine + benzodiazepine group had hypotension, although one patient in the olanzapine-only group did (6.7%); 2 patients in the haloperidol + benzodiazepines group (5.1%) and 2 patients in the haloperidol-only group (6.3%) had hypotension. In alcohol-negative (ETOH−) patients, neither olanzapine alone nor olanzapine + benzodiazepines was associated with decreased oxygen saturations. In ETOH+ patients, olanzapine alone was not associated with decreased oxygen saturations, but olanzapine + benzodiazepines were associated with lower oxygen saturations than haloperidol + benzodiazepines. Conclusions In this sample, olanzapine alone or with a benzodiazepine was not associated with more hypotension than haloperidol. However, olanzapine + benzodiazepines were associated with lower oxygen saturations than haloperidol + benzodiazepines in ETOH+ but not ETOH− patients. In patients with known alcohol ingestion, haloperidol, haloperidol + benzodiazepines, or olanzapine alone may be better choices for treatment of agitation.
Vector and parallel algorithms for the molecular dynamics simulation of macromolecules on shared‐memory computers

A detailed description of vector/parallel algorithms for the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of macromolecular systems on multiple processor, shared-memory computers is presented. The algorithms encompass three computationally intensive portions of typical MD programs: (1) the evaluation of the potential energies and forces, (2) the generation of the nonbonded neighbor list, and (3) the satisfaction of holonomic constraints. We implemented the algorithms into two standard programs; CHARMM and AMBER, and obtained near linear speedups on eight processors of a Cray Y-MP for cases (1) and (2). For case (3) the SHAKE method demonstrated a speedup of 6.0 on eight processors while the matrix inversion method demonstrated 6.4. For a system of water molecules the performance improvement over the standard scalar SHAKE subroutine in AMBER ranged from a factor of 165 to greater than 2000.
The effect of surface preparation on the Kapitza resistance

Abstract The Kapitza resistance between copper and liquid 3 He has been measured in a guarded cell in the temperature range 0.05–0.5 K. An extreme sensitivity to surface damage was observed.
Toward a culturally sensitive child sexual abuse prevention program for latinos

A culturally sensitive sexual abuse prevention program for Latinos is proposed which makes recommendations regarding style of interaction, discussion topics of importance, and other areas which need he considered in the design and implementation of such a program. The role of the child, parents, professionals, and others involved is discussed.
AN ENDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF ENTERIC VIRUS INFECTIONS POLIOMYELITIS, COXSACKIE, AND ORPHAN (ECHO) VIRUSES ISOLATED FROM NORMAL CHILDREN IN TWO SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUPS

An endemiological study of enteric viruses was conducted among 136 normal children, living in households in two socio-economic groups, over a 29 month period in Charleston, West Virginia. A repeatable seasonal incidence of enteric virus excretion was noted with over 90 per cent of isolations occurring in the months of June to October. Of 592 stools examined in District I, a lower socio-economic group, 8.3 per cent yielded virus as compared to 3.1 per cent of 966 stools examined in District IV, an upper middle class district with good environmental sanitation. Among the 77 viruses isolated in tissue cultures of monkey kidneys, 44 per cent were ECHO or orphan viruses, 37 per cent Coxsackie viruses, and 19 per cent poliomyelitis viruses. Among poliovirus carriers, and 15 family contacts, 10 individuals had simultaneous heterotypic and type-specific antibody responses. The heterotypic ones were usually present at low levels and were transient in nature. Family infection with certain orphan viruses was also evident from antibody development which occurred following isolation of virus in the sentinel child.
Crystallization of Zircon in Stoneware Glazes

High levels of zircon are required to impart opacity in glazes. Zircon additions of 12% cause all the zircon to crystallize from the glaze. Dynamic high-temperature X-ray diffraction has shown that, during heating, a portion of the zircon dissolves and subsequently recrystallizes, using undissolved zircon crystals as seeds. This recrystallization does not occur at lesser zircon levels, because of a lack of seed crystals. When zirconia is added to the glaze, zircon is formed as elongated crystals at the glaze surface. Lesser zircon levels have been observed in the glazes that have zirconia additions.
Geography as destiny : Cities, villages and Khmer Rouge Orientalism

A partir de l'un des rares documents publies ecrit par un leader Khmer Rouge, la these de doctorat de Khieu Samphan, l'A. explore comment les Khmer Rouges ont conduit leur strategie d'evacuations des villes et des cites. L'A. considere le contexte de la these, ses arguments et ses implications et discute de la facon dont Khieu Samphan a emprunte a, et a construit sa these sur, un discours orientaliste utilise par les pouvoirs coloniaux et ceux qui les remettaient en question. L'A. examine plus particulierement deux ensembles d'images qui eclairent le travail de Samphan : premierement, celles d'un Cambodge Romantique et mythique et, deuxiemement, celles des forces modernisatrices, rationnelles, representees par le colonialisme et le capitalisme (et, quand ceux-ci echouent, par le nationalisme et le socialisme) dont les missions historiques etaient d'amener des pays comme le Cambodge a sortir de leur «etat arriere». L'A. tente ainsi de montrer comment l'orientalisme devint une arme entre les mains des Khmer Rouges
Sleep medicine content of major medical textbooks continues to be underrepresented.

Abstract Objective Sleep-related material in medical textbooks may be the only method by which physicians educate themselves about sleep. In the last decade significant progress in sleep research has been made, but how textbooks in relevant fields reflect it has not been examined. Our purpose was to review and compare (2005 with 1998) sleep content in representative medical textbooks. Methods Sleep content of the latest edition of textbooks in four specialties was evaluated. Present sleep content in seven textbooks was compared with that found in 1998. Numbers of pages devoted to sleep were counted and reported for the subjects covered and for the specialty of the textbook. Results Thirty-one textbooks were examined for current content and seven textbooks for content comparison. Sleep coverage in medical textbooks uniformly received less than 2% of the text volume. Focus of topics covered varied with specialty. Compared with 1998, the proportion of pages devoted to sleep remained the same or decreased. Coverage of new topics remained minimal. Conclusions Major medical textbooks present small amounts of sleep content and few provide a comprehensive overview of sleep medicine. In comparison to textbook editions from the 1990s, current editions still devote little attention to sleep, and the diversity of topics has not improved.
Human subjectivity and performance limits in document retrieval

Abstract Test sets for the document-retrieval task composed of human relevance judgments have been constructed that allow one to compare human performance directly with that of automatic methods and that place absolute limits on performance by any method. Current retrieval systems are found to generate only about half of the information allowed by these absolute limits. The data presented here strongly suggest that most of the improvement that could be achieved consistent with these limits can only be achieved by incorporating specific subject information into retrieval systems.
Finite element two-dimensional panel flutter at high supersonic speeds and elevated temperature

A consistent finite element formulation for flutter of two-dimensional panels including effects of temperature variation along panel length is presented. The von Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relation is used to account for the large-deflections, and the quasi-steady first-order piston theory is employed for aerodynamic loading in the finite-element formulation. The panel flutter under combined thermal/aerodynamic loading can be separated into solving two problems in sequence. They are: (1) postbuckling deflection, stresses and buckling stability boundary, and (2) critical dynamic pressure and linear flutter boundary. The solution procedures in solving these problems are presented in detail. Finite element results of two-dimensional panels with uniform temperature change are compared with classic analytical solutions. Influence of nonuniform temperature distributions on critical buckling temperature, flutter deflection and stresses, and flutter boundary is also given.
An investigative study of a wave-energy device

Abstract This paper presents the methodology and design of an offshore float device to capture the power in waves. Results, both experimental and theoretical, reveal that a simple modification of a mechanical cycle can lead to a significant increase in the energy that is developed. A prototype device, to be tested on the Great Lakes, is presented with experimental results obtained from laboratory testing. The responses of the prototype system are correlated to illustrate that wave power can provide significant amounts of energy. The novel method analyzed, when employed on other float devices, increases the energy output of the system. The recovery concept presented increases the deliverable energy that can be captured from a bouyant float following the free passage of a wave: this is accomplished by sequential capture (preloading) and release of the buoyant float at critical stages of wave passage. Displacement-work-energy concepts presented illustrate that preloading a float in the trough of the wave and subsequent release of it under the wave crest, as a mechanical cycle, can lead to a return of more energy than was required to preload the float and provide a net increase of energy that might be extracted from a wave alone.
Trace metals behavior during the thermal treatment of paper-mill sludge

Abstract The objective of the present study is to investigate trace metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) behavior during thermal treatment of sludge wastes. Paper mill sludge enriched with Cd, Cr, and Pb was subjected to different thermal regimes using two different bench-scale reactors. Metals retention in the resultant ash is discussed as is the influence of structural modifying additives. Ash was characterized using leachability tests to determine the environmental availability of the trace metals and provide insight as to the extent of metals immobilization within the ash matrix. The bulk of the ash appears to be supermicron particles composed of individual fragments kept together by an irregular framework. Ash morphology appears unchanged throughout the temperature regime investigated with the exception of the 900 °C ash which exhibited signs of localized melting. Cadmium and chromium partitioning behavior is similar for both reactors, with metal retention by the ash strongly influenced by treatment temperature. Lead behavior exhibits significant differences between the two reactors. Under oxidizing conditions, 95 to 100% of the lead is retained by the ash and occurs as an immobilized form resistant to leaching using a strong mineral acid (HNO 3 ). Structural modifying additives did not increase metals retention or decrease metals leachability from the ash matrix. Alternatively, these additives appear to have a detrimental effect upon metals immobilization by the ash.
Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on tolerance to the analgesic action of D-Pen2, D-Pen5 enkephalin and morphine in the mouse

Abstract The effects of NG-nitro-L-arginine (NNA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of D-Pen2, D-Pen5 enkephalin (DPDPE), a δ1 opioid receptor agonist, and morphine were determined in the mouse. Tolerance to DPDPE was induced in male Swiss-Webster mice by twice daily intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of the drug (20 μg/mouse) for 4 days. NNA was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 10 min before each injection of DPDPE. Chronic injections of DPDPE resulted in development of tolerance to its analgesic action. Multiple injections of NNA by itself did not modify the analgesic response to DPDPE. Concurrent injections of NNA did not affect the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of DPDPE. Twice daily injections of morphine (15 mg/kg s.c.) for 4 days resulted in the tolerance to its analgesic action. Concurrent administration of NNA with morphine attenuated the development of tolerance to morphine. It is concluded that NOS inhibition attenuates morphine, but not δ1 opioid agonist-induced tolerance in the mouse.
Lithology Studies of Upper Devonian Well Cuttings in Eastern Kentucky Gas Field: ABSTRACT

Well cuttings from 14 wells in the Eastern Kentucky gas field, studied under reflected light, permit comparison of lithology changes across the field and between stratigraphic units. Comparison is made with formation density logs, gas production studies, and geochemistry. Such field-study approach, in more detail, is valuable for future exploration and evaluation in production of gas from Upper Devonian shales in this area. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1584------------
Signal transduction and metabolic changes during tumor cell apoptosis following phthalocyanine-sensitized photodynamic therapy

Mechanisms of cell death have been explored in cells and tumors treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Photosensitizers used for these studies were Photofrin, tetrasulfonated and nonsulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine, and a new silicon phthalocyanine [SiPc(OH)OSi(CH3)2(CH2)3N(CH3)2], referred to as PcIV. In mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells, a dose of PDT sensitized by PcIV which causes a 90% loss of cell survival induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) over a several-hour time course, beginning within 10 minutes of irradiation. Apoptosis is a metabolic process initiated by PDT-induced damage to membranes and triggered by the activation of phospholipases A2 and C and the release of Ca++ from intracellular stores. An endogenous endonuclease is activated and cleaves nuclear DNA in the internucleosomal region of chromatin. Subsequent metabolic events now appear to cause the loss of cellular NAD and ATP, the former a result of the activation of a second nuclear enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, by the endonucleolytically generated DNA strand breaks. Loss of ATP follows upon the loss of NAD needed for energy metabolism. Although the induction of apoptosis is efficiently produced by direct PDT damage to L5178Y cells, we now find that apoptosis is also produced by treatment of certain other lymphoid-derived cells and cells of epithelial origin. Under the limited set of conditions tested, there was no evidence for PDT-induced apoptosis in a fibroblast cell line, in mouse fibrosarcoma RIF-1 and L929 cells, in human adenocarcinoma A549 cells, or in human squamous cell carcinoma cells in culture. The evidence suggests that apoptosis, a form of metabolic cell death, is an important mechanism of tumor ablation in PDT-treated tumors, and that the induction of apoptosis may involve the interaction of direct PDT damage to malignant cells with factors produced by PDT action on vascular and other host cells.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compression dependence of the melting of elements

In normal melting there is no significant change in the electronic structure, while in anomalous melting the crystal and liquid have different electronic structures. For those elements that melt normally at zero pressure, the pressure derivative of the melting temperature is shown to follow the normal melting rule. For Ar, Na, K and Hg, the normal melting properties continue to hold to high compression, and in Hg it appears that the strong higher-order correlations in the liquid are gradually weakened by compression. The normal melting process is described by two sets of nearly independent parameters: universal statistical factors, and factors depending on the interatomic forces. Anomalous melting is related to a compression induced solid-solid-liquid triple point, and Cs is observed to change from normal to anomalous as its first triple point is approached.
EGG LAYING, EGG TEMPERATURE, ATTENTIVENESS, AND INCUBATION IN THE WESTERN BLUEBIRD

We present the first detailed information on egg laying, egg temperature (Tegg), and development of attentiveness and incubation in Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana). We used miniature infrared CCD video cameras to record egg laying at three nest boxes and validate attentiveness measurements derived from Tegg in seven other nests. Females entered the nest box on egg-laying days between 0522 and 1037 hrs PST and laid an egg on average 11.4 6 4.3 min later (n 5 11). Warm weather early in egg laying often elevated Tegg above physiological zero (27u C), despite low parental attendance. Females often began roosting in the nest box 2-3 nights before clutch completion, and most birds began steady night-time incubation with the penultimate egg. Attentiveness, mean Tegg, and number of minutes Tegg exceeded 27u C reached their highest values 1 day or night after clutch completion. Western Bluebirds exhibit gradual onset to incubation that is attributable to vagaries of weather and varying patterns of parental attentiveness. Received 8 September 2008. Accepted 10 February 2009.
West Nile virus impacts in American crow populations are associated with human land use and climate

West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the western hemisphere during the summer of 1999, reawakening US public awareness of the potential severity of vector-borne pathogens. Since its New World introduction, WNV has caused disease in human, avian, and mammalian communities across the continent. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are a highly susceptible WNV host and when modeled appropriately, changes in crow abundances can serve as a proxy for the spatio-temporal presence of WNV. We use the dramatic declines in abundance of this avian host to examine spatio-temporal heterogeneity in WNV intensity across the northeastern US, where WNV was first detected. Using data from the Breeding Bird Survey, we identify significant declines in crow abundance after WNV emergence that are associated with lower forest cover, more urban land use, and warmer winter temperatures. Importantly, we document continued declines as WNV was present in an area over consecutive years. Our findings support the urban-pathogen link that human WNV incidence studies have shown. For each 1% increase in urban land cover we expect an additional 5% decline in the log crow abundance beyond the decline attributed to WNV in undeveloped areas. We also demonstrate a significant relationship between above-average winter temperatures and WNV-related declines in crow abundance. The mechanisms behind these patterns remain uncertain and hypotheses requiring further research are suggested. In particular, a strong positive relationship between urban land cover and winter temperatures may confound mechanistic understanding, especially when a temperature-sensitive vector is involved.
Identification of the Segments of the Mouse Transferrin Receptor 1 Required for Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Infection

Most enveloped viruses enter cells through binding of virion surface envelope proteins to receptors found on the plasma membrane of the cell. The beta retrovirus mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) uses transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) to enter cells in a pH-dependent mechanism, probably co-trafficking with TfR1 to an acidic compartment where virus entry occurs. We have shown here that, although mouse and rat TfR1 function as entry receptors, cat, dog, hamster, or human TfR1s do not support MMTV infection. We also demonstrated that MMTV entry is independent of transferrin, iron, and the TfR1 cofactor hereditary hematochromatosis HFE protein. Using chimeric mouse/human hybrid TfR1 constructs, we determined the site of interaction with MMTV and found that it maps to two segments physically disparate from the TfR and HFE binding sites. Thus, MMTV has apparently evolved to enter cells independently of the iron status of the host.
Real time asset tracking in the data center

The importance and difficultly of asset tracking make it worthy of attention. We focus on data centers consisting of vertical racks where each rack may accommodate a variety of equipment. We describe an asset tracking system which automatically detects and identifies equipment within rack; has "pinpoint" accuracy, i.e., location resolution equals asset size; relays this information to possibly several management back-ends; includes a back-end application that maintains a location history for all equipment; and uses a visualization tool to display both the current state and the history of deployment. The solution features a flexible architecture that simplifies the connection with both existing and future asset management applications. The architecture supports simple configuration, load balancing, and redundancy. Care has been taken to use widely recognized standards wherever possible.
Vestibular nucleus projections to the parabrachial nucleus in rabbits : implications for vestibular influences on the autonomic nervous system

Acute vestibular dysfunction and motion sickness are characterized by autonomic effects such as pallor, nausea, and vomiting. Previous anatomic and physiologic studies suggest that one potential mediator of these effects may be light, direct vestibular nuclear projections to the nucleus tractus solitarius and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. This study presents evidence for relatively dense, direct projections from the vestibular nuclei to the parabrachial nucleus. Male albino rabbits received injections of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the vestibular nuclei. The tracer was visualized immunocytochemically with standard techniques. Anterogradely labeled axons were traced bilaterally from the vestibular nuclei to the parabrachial nuclear complex, where they terminated around somata in the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, external medial parabrachial nucleus, medial parabrachial nucleus, and lateral parabrachial nucleus. Less dense terminations were observed in the ventrolateral aspect of the medullary reticular formation, the subtrigeminal nucleus, lateral tegmental field, and nucleus ambiguus. These findings have several important implications. First, they suggest that vestibular input converges directly at brain stem levels with visceral sensory input in both nucleus of the solitary tract and the parabrachial complex. Second, they suggest that vestibular input influences brain stem autonomic outflow via two parallel pathways: (1) direct, light projections to the nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, and ventrolateral medullary reticular formation; and (2) denser projection to regions of the parabrachial nucleus that project to these brain stem regions. Finally, since the parabrachial nucleus regions that receive vestibular input also project to the hypothalamus and the insular and infralimbic prefrontal cortex, the parabrachial nucleus may serve as an important relay and integrative structure for the cognitive impairment and vegetative symptoms associated with motion sickness, vestibular dysfunction, and responses to altered gravitational environments.
Preventing sudden death in student athletes.

The incidence of HCM is estimated at 0.2%, while Marfan syndrome occurs much less frequently. How is the physician to find the rare disease that can kill a patient in his adolescence? As in the case of other uncommon diseases, clinical suspicion and careful history and physical examination are of primary importance.
High-T c superconductivity in theRBa2?xSrxCu3O7 system forR ? Y, Gd, Sm and Nd

RBa2−x SrxCu3O7 samples whereR≡Y, Gd, Sm and Nd were synthesized in oxygen between 930 and 1070 °C. The effect of the Ba substitution by Sr on the sample optimum synthesis temperature, microstructure and electrical properties was investigated for 0⩽x⩽1.0. The magnitude of the resistivity increase and of theT c decrease due to the Ba substitution by Sr is found to depend on theR ionic radius. Moreover, the Sr addition has a decreasing effect onJ c for allR elements.
Spin-glass-like complex susceptibility of frozen magnetic fluids

The complex magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}={\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}i{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ of different kinds of magnetic fluids (MFs) was measured as a function of temperature $T$ from 6 to 300 K in a weak ac field of 1 Oe for frequencies ranging from $f=0.1$ to 1000 Hz. A prominent peak appears in both ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ as a function of $T$ in the frozen state of the MF in which cluster formation of the colloidal particles is difficult, whereas no peak appears in the frozen state of other MFs in which clusters form easily. The peak temperature ${T}_{p2}$ of ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{''}}$ depends on $f$ following the Vogel-Fulcher (VF) law, i.e., ${f=f}_{0}\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}{E}_{\mathrm{sg}}{/k}_{B}{(T}_{p2}\ensuremath{-}{T}_{0})],$ where ${f}_{0}$ and ${E}_{\mathrm{sg}}$ are positive constants and ${T}_{0}$ is a function of the particles' volume fraction \ensuremath{\varphi}. The VF law only holds for $0.0007l~\ensuremath{\varphi}l~0.104,$ where an empirical power law of ${T}_{0}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{0.41}$ holds. There is another kind of peak in the loss factor $\mathrm{tan}\ensuremath{\delta}={\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{''}}/{\ensuremath{\chi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ as a function of $T,$ which means the existence of a magnetic aftereffect. This peak temperature ${T}_{p4}$ is far less than ${T}_{p2}$ and shown as an Arrhenius-type dependence on $f$ with the exception of a MnZn ferrite particle MF.
Excess of early onset multiple myeloma in endometrial cancer probands and their relatives suggests common susceptibility.

Abstract Objective. Determine whether there is an association between uterine cancer and multiple myeloma. Methods. Data on second malignancies were obtained for 368 uterine corpus cancer patients treated between 1992 and 2005. Detailed family histories were devised for 192 probands. Diagnoses of multiple myelomas, lymphomas and leukemias in family members were medical record verified. The frequency of multiple myeloma among uterine cancer patients was compared to the female age-adjusted incidence rate of multiple myeloma obtained from the SEER database. The crude rate of multiple myeloma (as well as Hodgkin's, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and leukemias) among first-degree relatives of patients with uterine cancer was compared to the age-adjusted incidence rate of multiple myeloma in the general population. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate disease and cohort characteristics. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Two of 368 uterine cancer patients were also diagnosed with multiple myeloma, both at age 50. The observed incidence of multiple myeloma in this cohort (543 per 100,000; 95% CI: 66–1962 per 100,000) represents a 120-fold increase based on predicted incidence ( P =0.00014). The frequency of multiple myeloma in first-degree relatives was 2/1351 (148 per 100,000; 95% CI: 14.8–533 per 100,000) which represents a 27-fold increase compared to the general population ( P =0.0026). The frequencies of leukemias and lymphomas in these family members on the other hand were not significantly increased ( P =0.152 and P =0.218). Conclusion. This specific excess frequency of early onset multiple myeloma in endometrial cancer probands and their relatives suggests shared susceptibility.
Measurement of myelin sheath resistances: implications for axonal conduction and pathophysiology

As commonly understood, the myelin sheath of axons insulates the internodal axolemma and essentially restricts transmembrane currents to nodal regions. However, recordings obtained from within the myelin sheath showed that its apparent resistance to current generated by action potentials is similar in magnitude to that of the internodal axolemma. This suggests that the sheath does not appreciably limit transmembrane current flow, presumably because there is a longitudinal shunt under the myelin and through the paranodal region. Thus, in some demyelinating diseases and other axonopathies, the safety factor for impulse conduction may be lowered by a loosening or a reduction in the number of paranodal axoglial junctions.
Mobile number portability (MNP): service providers perspective (pros & cons)

Lock in of mobile number series with Telecom Service Providers has always been an impediment to ushering in healthy competition between the mobile carriers. While India has seen a rapid growth in the penetration of Telephony services, the same exponential growth is seen lacking when it comes to quality of service offered or openness of transaction with the large players. Though the initial enrolment of subscribers to specific carriers has an atmosphere of enthusiasm and a promise of quality around it, subsequently there is marked degradation in quality of service. Customers are discouraged to switch service providers as that would involve changing numbers and possibility of lost calls for the end user. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a technology that enables subscribers to switch their service providers while retaining their mobile numbers. Deceptively trivial in terms of nomenclature, the underlying technology that realizes this is quite complex and neatly integrated into the telephony infrastructure. The other significant aspect is the fact that MNP has reached the Indian shores in mid 2010. The TSP's have been mandated to adopt MNP and it has created lot of action and opportunity. The country as of now has 800 million mobile subscribers, as quoted by TRAI. Going by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines, mobile users will be allowed to use the same mobile number even if providers use different mobile technologies like CDMA (code division multiple access) or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). This paper is thus looking into the pros and cons of MNP for Telecom Service Providers.
Salvage therapy for relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma utilizing autologous bone marrow transplantation

Purpose Our objective was to evaluate the impact of high-dose therapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation as salvage treatment for recurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a defined group of patients from the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group. Design Patients treated initially by oncologists from the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group between January 1983 and July 1987 who subsequently underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation for recurrent or refractory disease were evaluated for treatment outcome. Patients Twenty-five patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma underwent high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell infusion in the time period reviewed. An initial doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-containing chemotherapy regimen had failed in all patients. The most favorable subgroup included 17 patients who were less then 60 years of age and had received no chemotherapy beyond their initial doxorubicin-containing regimen when referred for bone marrow transplantation. Results The complete response rate to the highdose therapy was 52%, with an actuarial five-year disease-free survival of all patients treated of 40%. The overall survival at five years was 46%. Conclusions High-dose chemo-radiotherapy, followed by infusion of autologous hematopoietic stem cells, can effectively function as salvage therapy in a significant number of patients in whom primary chemotherapy regimens for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma fail. This treatment approach appears to offer superior results when compared with the reported outcome for patients treated with salvage chemotherapy administered at conventional doses.
Alumina as a filler for bone cement: a feasibility study

A composite bone cement of Alcoa A-10 Alumina and very finely ground poly(methyl methacrylate) beads (PMMA) was fabricated. It was tested in an attempt to improve on the conventionally used pure PMMA bone cement. By knowing the densities of the powders and their volumes, the mass of each was calculated for the most efficient packing of PMMA and Al2O3 powders and a 65% PMMA: 35% Al2O3 ratio by weight composition was determined. This was tested, as well as the pure cement so comparisons could be made. Cylinders for the strength tests were also made of silane treated Al2O3. The compositions were tested for compressive and tensile strengths. The pure PMMA, composite and silane treated composite had compressive strengths of 79.64 +/- 13.0, 83.17 +/- 4.8, and 71.52 +/- 8.6 MPa and the tensile strengths were 6.69 +/- 0.6, 5.12 +/- 0.3, and 7.12 +/- 0.5 MPa respectively. Also the 65%-35% PMMA-Al2O3 composite required 64% less monomer for mixing than did the pure cement which is thought to be better for tissue healing. The maximum temperature attained from room temperature was 110 degrees-115 degrees C for both cements. The composite took 6.5 min longer to reach its peak temperature than did the pure cement. The bone cements were implanted for one week in a rabbit and both compositions seemed acceptable by the tissue.
The regulation of glucose metabolism by HIF-1 mediates a neuroprotective response to amyloid beta peptide.

It is frequently argued that both amyloid beta (Aβ) and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We show here that clonal nerve cell lines and primary cortical neurons that are resistant to Aβ toxicity have an enhanced flux of glucose through both the glycolytic pathway and the hexose monophosphate shunt. AD brain also has increased enzymatic activities in both pathways relative to age-matched controls. The Aβ-induced changes in glucose metabolism are due to the activation of the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). As a result of Aβ-induced changes in glucose metabolism, Aβ-resistant cells are more readily killed by glucose starvation and by classes of antipsychotic drugs that inhibit glucose uptake.
9.5.1 Characterizing the Accuracy of DoD Operating & Support Cost Estimates

For decades, the DoD has employed numerous reporting and monitoring tools for characterizing the acquisition cost estimates of its major programs. These tools have resulted in dozens of studies thoroughly documenting the magnitude and extent of DoD acquisition cost growth. However, little attention has been paid to the behavior of the larger cost component of a system's life cycle cost: Operating and Support (O&S) costs. Consequently, the DoD has little knowledge of how O&S cost estimates behave over time, and virtually no insights regarding their accuracy. In a previous paper, the authors describe an analytical methodology for remedying this deficiency via a study to characterize the historical accuracy of O&S cost estimates. The results of this study are presented here, and indicate there tend to be large errors in DoD O&S cost estimates, and that the accuracy of the estimates improves little over time. However, the results also suggest the possibility of improving the accuracy of these estimates via a stochastically-based predictive cost model.
“It May Not Be Pretty, But It's Honest”: Examining Parental Grief on the Callapitter Blog

Following the death of a child, parents are turning to alternative means of communication to express their grief. In this instrumental case study, the authors explore how 1 woman, Amy Ambrusko, communicates her grief experience on her blog, emotionally negotiating loss and parental grief. Guided by M. S. Miles's (1984) parental grief model, the authors argue that the Callapitter blog serves as a case study illustration of online parental grief. Specifically, Ambrusko displays parental grief in three ways: (re)questioning reality, experiencing discursive and corporeal guilt, and rationalizing a “new normal.” This analysis highlights the changing nature of communicating about grief and underscores how grief blogs challenge contemporary social death rules.
Classification of multi-look polarimetric SAR data based on complex Wishart distribution

An optimal feature classification scheme is developed for multilook polarimetric SAR (synthetic aperture radar) imagery based on a multivariate complex Wishart distribution. The purpose is to identify various ground covers, such as forest, vegetation, city block, ocean, and sea ice type. Multilook polarimetric SAR data can be represented either in Stoke's matrix form or in complex covariance matrix form. The latter has a complex Wishart distribution. A simple but effective classifier is then developed using the complete information of the complex covariance. This algorithm is further extended to classification using multifrequency polarimetric data. A procedure for assessing the classification errors is also developed using a Monte Carlo simulation. The effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated with NASA/JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) P-, L-, and C-band polarimetric SAR data. >
Human cord blood stem cell-modulated regulatory T lymphocytes reverse the autoimmune-caused type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.

Background The deficit of pancreatic islet β cells caused by autoimmune destruction is a crucial issue in type 1 diabetes (T1D). It is essential to fundamentally control the autoimmunity for treatment of T1D. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in maintaining self-tolerance through their inhibitory impact on autoreactive effector T cells. An abnormality of Tregs is associated with initiation of progression of T1D.
Math propulsion: engaging math learners through embodied performance & visualization

This paper describes a series of interaction design sketches we created to supplement mathematics curricula. These sketches were deployed in a variety of secondary school math classrooms in the San Francisco Bay Area. The activities purposefully use visualization and embodiment to engage students with the math concepts of geometric transformations and symmetrical patterning. These experiments exemplify how applying embodiment and visualization to traditionally impersonal and abstract subjects like math can make the learning experience more fun and active for students and offer new pedagogical strategies for teachers.
EVOLUTIONARY TRADE-OFFS UNDER CONDITIONS OF RESOURCE ABUNDANCE AND SCARCITY: EXPERIMENTS WITH BACTERIA

It is often hypothesized that bacteria that are superior competitors when resources are abundant must be inferior competitors when resources are scarce, and vice versa. Most previous studies that sought to test this trade-off hypothesis compared kinetic parameters of extant strains of bacteria, with mixed results. We employed an experimental approach in which bacterial populations were propagated for many generations under two distinct regimes and their evolutionary responses were monitored. Thirty-six populations of bacteria were allowed to adapt evolutionarily to either abundant (batch culture) or scarce (chemostat culture) resource regimes. The competitive fitness of each derived line, relative to its ancestor, was then measured under both regimes. The trade-off hypothesis predicts that adaptation to either selective regime causes a concomitant loss of fitness under the alternative regime. Overall, our findings failed to support this hypothesis, and several cases contradict it. Only two derived lines showed clear trade-offs, having significantly adapted to the selective regime while becoming significantly less fit in the alternative regime. By contrast, five derived lines significantly improved in the alternative regime even as they adapted to their selective regime. Summing over all 36 derived lines (including those for which the observed fitness changes were nonsignificant under one or both regimes), 15 cases support the trade-off hypothesis, whereas 21 indicate the opposite result. These data therefore refute the necessity, or even general tendency, for evolutionary trade-offs in performance under conditions of resource abundance vs. scarcity. Instead, these data suggest that bacteria are able to adapt to a particular level of resource via multiple evolutionary pathways, which may produce either gains or losses in fitness at some different level of resource.
The Nonlinear Optical Properties of Polyacetylene within the Intermediate Exciton Formalism

Within the Singles-CI approximation, the perturbation theory expression for γ (the non-resonant third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility) contains a class of terms which correspond to (i) the creation of an s-type exciton (ii) a transition to a p-type exciton, and (iii) a return to the ground state through an s-type exciton. The contribution of these terms to γ is considered in the limit of an infinite chain of polyacetylene. The infinite chain limit is obtained by considering a ring of polyacetylene and allowing the ring size to go to infinity. The limit is approached using three methods, each of which reveals a different characteristic length of the system. The form of the excitons is found to be independent of ring size for rings which are larger than the size of the exciton.
Model order reduction of multichannel stable systems

This paper addresses the problem of approximating multichannel stable systems by lower order stable system transfer functions that interpolate the partial impulse response matrix sequence of the original system. This is achieved by making use of the left- and right-Schur (1918) recursion algorithms, and in this context, the classical Pade approximations that are also stable are shown to be a special case of this general formulation. >
Digital Systems Analysis

There have been many attempts to understand how the Internet affects our modern world. There have also been numerous attempts to understand specific areas of the Internet. This article applies Immanuel Wallerstein's World Systems Analysis to our informationalist society. Understanding this world as divided among individual core, semi-periphery, and periphery members adds greater clarity to studies of subsections of the world, digital and otherwise.