cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE USEFULNESS AND LIMITATIONS OF ACCOUNTING REPORTS FOR TESTING THE THEORY OF THE FIRM: AN APPRAISAL*

THE PURPOSE OF this study is to analyze and evaluate the characteristics of the financial data that are normally produced by conventional accounting procedures, with special reference to the use of such data in empirical research when conducted for the purpose of validating theories of the firm. Accounting reports may be useful in such respect if it is assumed that the purpose of the theory of the firm is to enable the user thereof to make valid predictions regarding the results of operations. The question at issue, then, is whether conventional accounting reports may appropriately be employed to verify predicted outcomes. Accounting shares with economics a common subject matter in the financial transactions of the firm. The potential value of accounting in the theory of the firm depends on how closely the accountants' interpretations of such data correspond to those of the economists. The traditional theory of profit maximization is subject to a number of versions or interpretations, and several different criteria of maximization have been suggested by economists. The most widely known of such criteria is the controversial marginal analysis. Other theories are those which postulate average-cost pricing policy, "homeostatic" tendencies, and the maximization of the flow of liquid funds. Findings.-Conventional accounting reports will not ordinarily be suitable for empirical testing of any version of a profit-maximization type theory, using any of the criteria which are commonly suggested. The reasons are that accounting costs do not measure the economic sacrifice in the sense that appears to be implied in such theories, and, concomitantly, accounting representations of asset values do not correspond to the concepts of economists. The relationship between total cost and volume of output is not adequately revealed for purposes of the marginal analysis. Costs are sometimes assigned incorrectly to individual products and to periods. The economic distinc-
Multievent Crisis Management Using Noncooperative Multistep Games

The optimal allocation of resources to emergency locations in the event of multiple crises in an urban environment is an intricate problem, especially when the available resources are limited. In such a scenario, it is important to allocate emergency response units in a fair manner based on the criticality of the crisis events and their requests. In this research, a crisis management tool is developed which incorporates a resource allocation algorithm. The problem is formulated as a game-theoretic framework in which the crisis events are modeled as the players, the emergency response centers as the resource locations with emergency units to be scheduled, and the possible allocations as strategies. The payoff is modeled as a function of the criticality of the event and the anticipated response times. The game is played assuming a specific region within a certain locality of the crisis events to derive an optimal allocation. If a solution is not feasible, the perimeter of the locality in consideration is increased and the game is repeated until convergence. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology and metrics are derived to quantify the fairness of the solution. A regression analysis is performed to establish the statistical significance of the results
Passivation of aluminum by ion mixing

Abstract Modification of the surface chemical properties of vapor and sputter deposited aluminum films by ion mixing is reported. Aluminum films covered by a thin ( 1%), was modified; undercutting of the thin protected surface could be observed at the edge of masked regions. The ennoblement of the surface persisted even after annealing of the films at 450° C for over one hour but was found to be reduced by extended exposure to an RF plasma in oxygen. It is postulated that the passivation of the surface is the result of chemical as well as crystallographic modifications of the surface.
National comorbidity survey replication adolescent supplement (NCS-A): II. Overview and design.

Abstract Objective To present an overview of the design and field procedures of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Method The NCS-A is a nationally representative face-to-face household survey of the prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV mental disorders among U.S. adolescents (aged 13–17 years) that was performed between February 2001 and January 2004 by the Survey Research Center of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. The sample was based on a dual-frame design that included 904 adolescent residents of the households that participated in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (response rate 85.9%) and 9,244 adolescent students selected from a representative sample of 320 schools in the same nationally representative sample of counties as the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (response rate 74.7%). Results Comparisons of sample and population distributions on census sociodemographic variables and, in the school sample, school characteristics documented only minor differences that were corrected with poststratification weighting. Comparisons of DSM-IV disorder prevalence estimates among household versus school sample respondents in counties that differed in the use of replacement schools for originally selected schools that refused to participate showed that the use of replacement schools did not introduce bias into prevalence estimates. Conclusions The NCS-A is a rich nationally representative dataset that will substantially increase understanding of the mental health and well-being of adolescents in the United States.
The need for epidemiologic studies of in-situ carcinoma of the breast

The purpose of this paper is to present background information on carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the breast and to provide a theoretical framework for planning epidemiologic studies which may further our understanding of breast cancer. Two types of epidemiologic studies are needed which incorporate CIS of the breast: (i) case-control studies, in which in-situ lesions serve as disease outcomes (endpoints), and (ii) cohort studies and clinical trials, in which diagnosis of in-situ carcinoma serves as a starting point for patient treatment and follow-up. Case-control studies focusing on the causes of CIS have distinct advantages: if risk factors for cancer contribute to pathways involving some intermediate stages but not others (e.g. comedo-type but not non-comedo-type DCIS; LCIS versus DCIS), the use of precursor lesions may more clearly reveal risk factor associations than studies of invasive breast cancer alone; epidemiologic studies of precursor lesions are conducted closer in time to the exposures suspected to be causes and may reduce recall bias or other forms of misclassification; genetic alterations in early lesions are more likely to represent causal events in development of the malignant phenotype. Population-based case-control studies of CIS may thus prove useful in understanding breast cancer etiology and designing preventive strategies. CIS patients identified for case-control studies may be followed up over time as a cohort. Cohort studies (and clinical trials) of CIS aim to elucidate mechanisms influencing progression of CIS to invasive cancer as well as to evaluate effectiveness of specific treatment modalities. Although the majority of CIS lesions of the breast are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), epidemiologic studies which also include patients with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) address potential differences between DCIS and LCIS with respect to both etiology and progression.
Problems in Quantitation in X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS): the Use of Data Reduction Techniques to Obtain Peak Areas

Problems in lineshape analysis for quantitation of XPS data on metals are reviewed. Comparison is made of deconvolution versus curve fitting approaches. Deconvolution methods successfully applied to AES data, using electron-energy-loss spectra, are not similarly successful with XPS data. An optimum approach is data fitting using previously formulated lineshapes that account for the large intrinsic energy losses which cause significant distortion of metal core level spectra.
"Glocal" science advocacy.

Here we go again. on 4 February, President Bush released his fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget request to the U.S. Congress, and the news for research funding is once again mixed. Some agencies, such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy9s Office of Science, are proposed for very substantial increases, but others, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are slated for flat funding or worse. This news comes after a dismal FY 2008 science funding outcome. If the new Bush budget proposal is adopted, U.S. research will see its fifth consecutive year of decreased support (in inflation-adjusted constant dollars) as compared to the increasing research investments by other nations. The news is important not only for the U.S. scientific community but also for its many international collaborators.
Protein kinase activity in Morris hepatomas.

Abstract Rat liver protein kinase has been fractionated into five peaks of activity on isoelectrofocusing columns. The major liver peak, which was activated by cAMP, was decreased in two fast growing Morris hepatomas. The second major liver peak, independent of cAMP, was increased in the tumors.
Surface oxide softening in tungsten and molybdenum single crystals

Athermal-to-thermal transition defines the temperature range over which surface film softening occurs in bcc metals. Tungsten and molybdenum should exhibit substantial softening at temperatures in the vicinity of room temperature. For tungsten deformed at strain rates of the order 10/sup -4/ s/sup -1/ the transition temperature is above 600/sup 0/K (16); for molybdenum the corresponding temperature is approximately 450/sup 0/K (17). Mechanical testing of these metals, coated and uncoated, at room temperature should disclose if softening exists in these metals. Experiments on oxide-coated single crystals of tungsten and molybdenum were performed to test this idea. Surface film softening occurs for Mo and the effect is of the same order of magnitude (100 MN/m/sup 2/ out of 300 to 400 MN/m/sup 2/) as in W.
The dielectric response of labradorite

Abstract The mineral labradorite exhibits a dielectric response similar to that of the fast-ion conductor Na β-alumina and, at low temperatures, similar to that typical of glasses.
Needle tract seeding after bone marrow biopsy in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Seeding of malignant cells along a biopsy tract is an uncommon complication of percutaneous biopsy. This occurrence is relatively more common in hepatocellular or renal cell carcinomas than in pati...
Advances in uncooled systems applications

The Low Cost Microsensors (LCMS) Program recently demonstrated state-of-the-art imagery in a long-range infrared (IR) sensor built upon an uncooled vanadium oxide (VOx) 640 x 480 format focal plane array (FPA) engine. The 640 x 480 sensor is applicable to long-range surveillance and targeting missions. The intent of this DUS&T effort was to further reduce the cost, weight, and power of uncooled IR sensors, and to increase the capability of these sensors, thereby expanding their applicability to military and commercial markets never before addressed by thermal imaging. In addition, the Advanced Uncooled Thermal Imaging Sensors (AUTIS) Program extended this development to light-weight, compact unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications.
Infant autonomic functioning and neonatal abstinence syndrome

Abstract Background Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) expression is widely variable among affected infants and the reasons for this variability are largely unknown; mechanisms that predispose infants to NAS expression are not understood. It has been postulated that the regulatory problems of prenatally drug exposed infants are manifested in dysfunctional vagal regulation of autonomic processes. The current study examines whether cardiac vagal tone, an indicator of parasympathetic neuroregulation, provides a marker for autonomic dysregulation subsequently expressed as NAS in prenatally opioid-exposed newborns. Methods Heart period (HP) and cardiac vagal tone ( V ) were derived from electrocardiogram data collected from 64 methadone-exposed infants on postnatal days 1 and 3. The postpartum NAS course was assessed serially. Results Infants with lower V on day 1 had significantly higher NAS symptomatology on day 3. Boys had more severe NAS symptoms than girls through the first 4 days of life and, among infants receiving pharmacologic treatment for NAS, boys required longer treatment course and hospitalizations. Greater poly-drug exposure, detected through toxicology screening throughout pregnancy, and cocaine use in particular, were associated with lower V and shorter HP (faster heart rate) in newborns. Multiple regression models accounted for 25–35% of the variance in NAS symptoms and duration of hospitalization in methadone-exposed infants. Significant predictors included infant sex, SSRI/SNRI use, and cigarette smoking. Conclusions Results support the hypothesis of a biologic vulnerability of autonomic regulatory functioning in methadone-exposed infants and greater male infant vulnerability to maternal methadone use.
A different lens: administrative perspectives on portability in Illinois' Housing Choice Voucher Program

Over the last decade, the Housing Choice Voucher Program has grown to become the USA's primary strategy for providing safe, decent, and affordable housing. Annually serving more than 2 million low-income households, the program is designed to help low-income households afford private market rental housing. The program also allows for the “portability” of vouchers nationally between housing authority jurisdictions. Both features aim to mitigate the effects of concentrated poverty. Research on the Moving to Opportunity Program and the Gautreaux consent decree have produced data confirming that residential mobility can at times lead to positive opportunities for assisted households. This past research has been conducted on specific programs occurring outside of the general Housing Choice Voucher Program framework and has focused on household-level outcomes, paying little attention to the ways in which program administration may affect outcomes for voucher households. This article aims to understand voucher p...
Blinding controlled-release tablets for clinical trials.

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to develop a method to blind commercially available Wellbutrin® SR 150 mg sustained-release tablets for a clinical study. Overcoating was selected as the most appropriate blinding method. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Opadry® II) containing red iron oxide and titanium dioxide was applied to the Wellbutrin tablets at coating levels ranging from 0.5% to 4% weight gain. When compared against the uncoated product, no significant differences in drug release were noted over an 8-hr period. Matching placebo tablets, prepared using specially designed tablet tooling, were coated with the same cellulosic polymer that was used for the active. The coated active and placebo tablets were virtually indistinguishable. To test the applicability of this overcoating technique for blinding other controlled release products, the same procedure was used to coat Glucotrol® XL 5 mg tablets and Theo-Dur 200 mg tablets. The debossing on the Theo-Dur tablets and the laser-drilled hole...
An Integrated Lattice Filter Adaptive Control System for Time-Varying CMM Structural Vibration Control, Part 2: Experimental Implementation

The integrated fast lattice filter adaptive control algorithm developed in Part I of this paper will be implemented for the control of the structural vibration of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The structural vibration of a CMM exhibits time-varying dynamic characteristics. For auxiliary control, the probe head acceleration was measured to compute the voltage input to the servo motor of the CMM. The developed algorithm uses directly the lattice filter parameters to track and control the CMM structural dynamics and is implemented on a Sheffield horizontal arm Coordinate Measuring Machine using a floating point Digital Signal Processor TMS320C30. Through experiments, significant reduction of the CMM settling time has been achieved by suppressing the structural vibration. In certain configurations, the reduction was 95 percent.
Tympanostomy tubes and early post-operative otorrhea

Otorrhea is a recognized complication of tympanostomy tube insertion. This may be caused by external contamination or by the pre-existing conditions in the middle ear cleft. Some surgeons try to reduce the risk of surgical contamination by using a non-touch technique, never allowing the gloved hand to come into contact with the tympanostomy tube. A prospective study was carried out on 66 children to evaluate the efficacy of the non-touch technique. One tympanostomy tube was inserted by the non-touch method with the contralateral ear acting as a touched control in each patient. Postoperative otorrhea occurred within 10 days in 1.67% of the non-touch ears and in 1.67% of the controls. This study demonstrates a low incidence of otorrhea in the early post-operative period with either technique. Time-consuming and costly sterile precautions are unnecessary for this common procedure.
Increasing Student Learning in the Classroom through Experiential Learning Programs outside the Classroom

Does it make any difference to require hospitality majors to gain work experience as part of their curriculum of study? Most hospitality programs require some sort of experiential learning occur prior to graduation, yet there is little empirical evidence that such inclusion in a curriculum changes a student's perception of learning. This study reviews the responses of over 600 students and the differences between those who have not had an experiential learning experience and those who had. The study shows that there is a difference and that many of the reasons that educators require experiential experiences are validated. The study used a modified version of a previously validated survey instrument (P.L.A.C.E.) to obtain data. An independent samples T-test was performed to identify ten areas where statistically significant differences were found. This is what is presented in this paper.
Model potential approach for e±-atom scattering

Abstract A model potential approach is considered for electron- and positron-atom scattering in order to handle with ease the calculation of the scattering amplitudes in the case of collision by a more complex atomic target. As an illustrative example demonstrating the feasibility of this method of approach, we apply the method to the calculation of e-Li elastic scattering in its ground state, using the Glauber approximation. Results for the differential cross sections are presented.
Students' perception of control at school and problem behavior and attitudes.

Abstract As part of a series of studies exploring perceived control at school, comparisons were made of students attending regular and special education programs. As expected, in contrast to regular education students, those in public school special education programs perceived themselves as having less control at school and reported lower levels of happiness. Special education students in a laboratory program emphasizing the enhancement of perceived control were found to have higher perceptions of control at school and more positive attitudes toward schooling than either of the public school samples. Significant positive relationships were found between perceived control at school and most of the indices of attitude, affect, and behavior for the regular education sample; these relationships were considerably weaker for the special education samples. Implications for further research and intervention practices are discussed.
Neuronal lysosomal enzyme replacement using fragment C of tetanus toxin

Abstract Development of a strategy for efficient delivery of exogenous enzyme to neuronal lysosomes is essential to achieve enzyme replacement in neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. We tested whether effective lysosomal targeting of the human enzyme beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase A (Hex A; beta-N-acetyl-D-hexosaminide N-acetylhexosaminohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.52) can be obtained by coupling it via disulfide linkage to the atoxic fragment C of tetanus toxin (TTC) that is bound avidly by neuronal membrane. TTC-Hex A conjugation resulted in neuronal surface binding and enhanced endocytosis of enzyme as observed in immunofluorescence studies with rat brain cultures. In immunoelectrophoretic quantitative uptake studies, rat neuronal cell cultures contained 16- and 40-fold greater amounts of enzyme after incubation with TTC-Hex A than with nonderivatized Hex A. In cerebral cortex cell cultures from a feline model of human GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases), binding and uptake patterns of the enzymes were similar to those in the rat brain cell cultures. After exposure to extracellular concentrations of enzyme attainable in vivo, lysosomal storage of immunodetectable GM2 ganglioside was virtually eliminated in neurons exposed to TTC-Hex A, whereas a minimal effect was observed with Hex A. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of TTC adducts for effective neuronal lysosomal enzyme replacement.
Environment influences food access and resulting shopping and dietary behaviors among homeless Minnesotans living in food deserts

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to investigate how shopping behaviors and environment influence dietary intake and weight status among homeless Minnesotans living in food deserts. Seven focus groups (n = 53) and a quantitative survey (n = 255), using the social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, were conducted at two homeless shelters (S1 and S2) in the Twin Cities area. Heights, weights, and 24-h dietary recalls were also collected. Food stores within a five-block radius of the shelters were evaluated for the price and availability of foods and compared to the Thrifty Food Plan’s market basket prices (MBP). Results showed that almost 80% of the sample was overweight or obese, with women consuming less than the recommended level for the fruits, vegetables, and milk food groups and excess for the fats/oils/sweets food group. Focus groups and participant surveys indicated that the shelter infrastructure and surrounding community influenced the types of foods available, food store access, and the foods purchased and consumed. Participants relied on food assistance programs, including food stamps, to supplement their food supply; however, some felt the high food prices at neighboring stores limited food choice and that food stamps did not adequately cover food costs. Results from the food store survey found the majority of food prices exceeded Midwest or national MBP. To promote healthier dietary intake and weight status, community-based interventions and city planners should aim to increase access to food through improved food availability and food access within the shelter environment and surrounding community.
Selective Disruption of ERα DNA-Binding Activity Alters Uterine Responsiveness to Estradiol

In vitro models have been used to demonstrate that estrogen receptors (ERs) can regulate estrogen-responsive genes either by directly interacting with estrogen-responsive element (ERE) DNA motifs or by interacting with other transcription factors such as AP1. In this study, we evaluated estrogen (E2)-dependent uterine gene profiles by microarray in the KIKO mouse, an in vivo knock-in mouse model that lacks the DNA-binding function of ERα and is consequently restricted to non-ERE-mediated responses. The 2- or 24-h E2-mediated uterine gene responses were distinct in wild-type (WT), KIKO, and αERKO genotypes, indicating that unique sets of genes are regulated by ERE and non-ERE pathways. After 2 h E2 treatment, 38% of the WT transcripts were also regulated in the KIKO, demonstrating that the tethered mechanism does operate in this in vivo model. Surprisingly, 1438 E2-regulated transcripts were unique in the KIKO mouse and were not seen in either WT or αERKO. Pathway analyses revealed that some canonical path...
A Polyaniline Coating Material for Inhibiting Corrosion in Marine Environment

The conventional molecular ion doped polyaniline undergoes dedoping in sea water because the sea water, with pH = 8, induces deprotontation of polyaniline. In this article we report polyaniline complexes that remain conductive in sea water. These complexes are useful for corrosion protection of metals in marine environment and for chromate replacement coatings. The reason for the pH stability of these polyaniline complexes was discussed. The polymeric complexes of polyaniline were used as an additive in an epoxy primer coating on AL7075-T6 without surface pre-treatment of the metal. Corrosion tests show that these polymeric complexes of polyaniline are effective for improving the corrosion inhibition in seawater for aluminum alloys.
New perspectives on von Willebrand factor functions in hemostasis and thrombosis.

The adhesive protein, von Willebrand factor (VWF), mediates the initiation and progression of thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury by means of specific interactions with extracellular matrix components and platelet receptors. The essential biologic properties of VWF have been elucidated, with progress particularly in the areas of genetic regulation, biosynthesis, and specific bimolecular interactions. The three-dimensional structure of selected domains has been solved, but our understanding of detailed structure-function relationships is still fragmented, partly because of the complexity and size of the VWF molecule. The biomechanical properties of the interaction between the VWF A1 domain and the platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ibα also are better known, but we can still only hypothesize how this adhesive bond can oppose the fluid dynamic effects of rapidly flowing blood to initiate thrombus formation and contribute to platelet activation. Elucidating the details of VWF and GPIbα function will lead to a more satisfactory definition of the role of platelets in atherothrombosis, since hemodynamic forces greatly influence responses to vascular injury in stenosed and partially occluded arteries. Progress in this direction is also aided by rapidly expanding novel information on the mechanisms that regulate VWF multimer size in the circulation, a topic of relevance to explain microvascular thrombosis and, perhaps, arterial thrombosis in general. Developments in these areas of research will refine our understanding of the role played by VWF in vascular biology and pathology.
Crossover interference in humans.

Crossing-over between homologous chromosomes facilitates proper disjunction of chromosomes during meiosis I. In many organisms, gene functions that are essential to crossing-over also facilitate the intimate chromosome pairing called “synapsis.” Many organisms—including budding yeast, humans, zebrafish, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis—regulate the distribution of crossovers, so that, most of the time, each chromosome bundle gets at least one crossover while the mean number of crossovers per chromosome remains modest. This regulation is obtained through crossover interference. Recent evidence suggests that the organisms that use recombination functions to achieve synapsis have two classes of crossovers, only one of which is subject to interference. We statistically test this two-pathway hypothesis in the CEPH data and find evidence to support the two-pathway hypothesis in humans.
Prothrombin complex concentrate in trauma patients

Abstract Background Despite recent advances, trauma care providers nowadays face a number of coagulopathic patients. Coagulopathy in trauma patients can be secondary to the traumatic insult or therapeutic effect of the anticoagulants including the Vitamin K antagonist. The efficacy of a concentrated product of Vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors, prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), to reverse coagulopathy has been tested mainly in nontrauma setting. Data Sources Currently available literature on the use of PCC was identified by searches of electronic database. The indications (trauma vs nontrauma) and types of the PCC products (3 vs 4 factors) were also reviewed in each article. Conclusions There are small studies that show promising results regarding PCC use to reverse the Vitamin K antagonist–related coagulopathy in trauma patients. It remains unanswered whether PCC can be effective as an adjunct in patients who require massive transfusion.
The Old and New of Vernacular Architecture — A Review Essay

(1989). The Old and New of Vernacular Architecture — A Review Essay. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 42, No. 4, pp. 45-56.
Themes in the Journal, Theological Education, 1964–2006: What Do They Say?

The study reported in this paper reviewed the themes of the journal, Theological Education, from the beginning of its publication in 1964 through 2006, as a means of gaining an historical perspective on the educational emphases that have shaped graduate theological education over the last 40 years. Theological education in the United States has developed into a substantial field of graduate professional education. The educational practices of seminaries and divinity schools are vital to faith communities across the nation, to the communities of which they are an integral part, and, subsequently, to society as a whole. Theological Education is one of the few published resources of scholarly works in the field of graduate theological education. There has not been a published review of the journal's themes or articles in the last 42 years. The study yielded insights into the prevailing concerns of theological educators over time, the emergence of issues and trends in theological education, and potential gaps...
The restriction language for computer grammars of natural language

Over the past few years, a number of systems for the computer analysis of natural language sentences have been based on augmented context-free grammars: a context-free grammar which defines a set of parse trees for a sentence, plus a group of restrictions to which a tree must conform in order to be a valid sentence analysis. As the coverage of the grammar is increased, an efficient representation becomes essential for further development. This paper presents a programming language designed specifically for the compact and perspicuous statement of restrictions of a natural language grammar. It is based on ten years' experience parsing text sentences with the comprehensive English grammar of the N.Y.U. Linguistic String Project, and embodies in its syntax and routines the relations which were found to be useful and adequate for computerized natural language analysis. The language is used in the current implementation of the Linguistic String Parser.
Impact of UV Disinfection Combined with Chlorination/Chloramination on the Formation of Halonitromethanes and Haloacetonitriles in Drinking Water

The application of UV disinfection in water treatment is increasing due to both its effectiveness against protozoan pathogens, and the perception that its lack of chemical inputs would minimize disinfection byproduct formation. However, previous research has indicated that treatment of nitrate-containing drinking waters with polychromatic medium pressure (MP), but not monochromatic (254 nm) low pressure (LP), UV lamps followed by chlorination could promote chloropicrin formation. To better understand this phenomenon, conditions promoting the formation of the full suite of chlorinated halonitromethanes and haloacetonitriles were studied. MP UV/postchlorination of authentic filter effluent waters increased chloropicrin formation up to an order of magnitude above the 0.19 μg/L median level in the U.S. EPA's Information Collection Rule database, even at disinfection-level fluences (<300 mJ/cm(2)) and nitrate/nitrite concentrations (1.0 mg/L-N) relevant to drinking waters. Formation was up to 2.5 times higher for postchlorination than for postchloramination. Experiments indicated that the nitrating agent, NO(2)(•), generated during nitrate photolysis, was primarily responsible for halonitromethane promotion. LP UV treatment up to 1500 mJ/cm(2) did not enhance halonitromethane formation. Although MP UV/postchloramination enhanced dichloroacetonitrile formation with Sigma-Aldrich humic acid, formation was not significant in field waters. Prechlorination/MP UV nearly doubled chloropicrin formation compared to MP UV/postchlorination, but effects on haloacetonitrile formation were not significant.
Finite-Element Analysis of Temperature Effects on Plain-Jointed Concrete Pavements

The finite-element study of the effect of temperature variation on plain-jointed concrete pavements is presented. Temperature variation causes curling and thermal-expansion stresses. Curling stresses result from temperature gradients through a slab depth. Thermal-expansion stresses are induced due to uniform changes in temperature that cause the slab to expand. The developed three-dimensional (3D) model consists of four slabs separated by longitudinal and transverse joints. The interaction between the ground and the concrete slab along with interaction at the joints were modeled using interface elements. These elements gave the model the capability to solve for partial contact between curled slabs and the ground to investigate the effect of compressive stresses that may develop at the joints during curling, and to study the influence of friction between slabs and the ground. The data obtained using the finite-element model has shown reasonable agreement with the results obtained from three computer models: KENSLABS, ILLI-SLAB, JSLAB, and the analytical solution proposed by Bradbury. The best correlation was obtained with JSLAB. The model was used to perform parametric studies on curling and thermal-expansion stresses to study the effect of superposition of both stresses and to address the effect of uniform temperature changes on joint opening. Another simpler model using nine layers across the depth of a pavement slab was used to introduce the effects of nonlinear temperature distribution. The results of parametric studies are presented and compared with other solutions. The arithmetic addition of positive curling stresses and thermal-expansion stresses were less than those stresses obtained by superposition. In some cases, the calculated joint openings were higher than the allowable joint opening. Nonlinear temperature distribution caused higher tensile stresses than the linear distribution of temperature. The difference in tensile stresses between the two distributions was approximately 3–13% of the modulus of rupture of concrete.
Two-Body Forces and Nuclear Saturation. I. Central Forces

The problem of nuclear saturation for the rapidly varying and nonmonotonic potentials of pseudoscalar meson theory has been investigated. In these potentials, variational methods using independent-particle trial functions are grossly inadequate. Although the problem can be approached using more general variational functions with interparticle correlation, the evaluation of the resulting expressions is very difficult since indirect correlations involving many more than two particles become important at high densities. An alternative procedure has been developed which allows a rather straightforward evaluation of the many-body energy even when the potentials are of great complexity. This method depends on a treatment of the coherent particle motion which is exact in the limit of very many scatterers, and treats the incoherent motion as a perturbation. In this case the many-body potential energy can be simply expressed in terms of the low-energy scattering amplitudes. This method has been applied to the two-body potentials given by pseudoscalar meson theory when the effects of nucleon pair formation are assumed to be small. In this approximation the many-body forces of the theory are negligible. These potentials given an excellent fit to the low-energy scattering parameters of the two-nucleon system and also an approximately correct description of scattering up to 90 Mev. They are characterized by repulsive cores of radii 0.3-0.4\ensuremath{\Elzxh}/\ensuremath{\mu}c and quite weak interactions in odd states. The many-body energy has been evaluated neglecting the tensor contributions which average to zero in first approximation. The result shows saturation at an energy per particle (neglecting Coulomb energy) of 12 Mev at a nuclear radius of $1.15\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}{A}^{\frac{1}{3}}$ cm. The method has also been applied to potentials of the L\'evy type in which the odd-state potentials are rather strong and attractive. To give saturation with these near normal density, a 3-body force of the type given by the pair terms in the pseudoscalar coupling with a coupling constant $\frac{{g}^{2}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{\sim}3$ is required. Finally, the method can easily be extended to the determination of the elastic interaction of a slow neutron with a nucleus. The resulting "Weisskopf" potential has a depth of 35 Mev.
Barrier engineered superlattice and quantum dot detectors for HOT operation

In this paper, we demonstrate a high operating temperature (HOT) quantum dot-in-a-well (DWELL) infrared photodetector with enhanced normal incidence (s-polarization) radiation photocurrent. The s-to-p polarization ratio was increased to 50%, compared to the 20% in conventional quantum dot detectors. This improvement was achieved through engineering the dot geometry and the quantum confinement via post growth capping materials of the quantum dots (QDs). The effect of the capping procedures was determined by examining the dot geometry using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and s-to-p polarization induced photocurrent in the DWELL structure photodetector. The TEM image shows a quantum dot with a reduced base of 12 nm and an increased height of 8 nm. The infrared photodetectors fabricated from this material shows a peak photodetectivity of 1×109 cmHz1/2/W at 77K for a peak wavelength of 4.8 μm and 1×107 cmHz1/2/W at 300K for a peak wavelength of 3.2 μm. The dark current density is as low as 2×10-4A/cm2 and the photocurrent gain is 100 at the optimal operating bias.
Influence of Exchange on the Static Polarization of an Electron Gas

A modified Hartree-Fock equation is employed to determine the displaced density of an electron gas due to the presence of a small impurity charge. The modification consists in replacing the exchange potentials which differ from one electronic state to another in the true equation with a common potential chosen in accordance with the variational principle. By this means an approximate exchange correction to the static dielectric constant in the random-phase approximation is found. In the high-density limit as well as in the limits of long- and short-wavelength perturbations, the results from the modified equation coincide with those from the correct Hartree-Fock equation.
A refined index of model performance: a rejoinder

Willmott et al. [Willmott CJ, Robeson SM, Matsuura K. 2012. A refined index of model performance. International Journal of Climatology, forthcoming. DOI:10.1002/joc.2419.] recently suggest a refined index of model performance (dr) that they purport to be superior to other methods. Their refined index ranges from − 1.0 to 1.0 to resemble a correlation coefficient, but it is merely a linear rescaling of our modified coefficient of efficiency (E1) over the positive portion of the domain of dr. We disagree with Willmott et al. (2012) that dr provides a better interpretation; rather, E1 is more easily interpreted such that a value of E1 = 1.0 indicates a perfect model (no errors) while E1 = 0.0 indicates a model that is no better than the baseline comparison (usually the observed mean). Negative values of E1 (and, for that matter, dr < 0.5) indicate a substantially flawed model as they simply describe a ‘level of inefficacy’ for a model that is worse than the comparison baseline. Moreover, while dr is piecewise continuous, it is not continuous through the second and higher derivatives. We explain why the coefficient of efficiency (E or E2) and its modified form (E1) are superior and preferable to many other statistics, including dr, because of intuitive interpretability and because these indices have a fundamental meaning at zero. We also expand on the discussion begun by Garrick et al. [Garrick M, Cunnane C, Nash JE. 1978. A criterion of efficiency for rainfall-runoff models. Journal of Hydrology 36: 375-381.] and continued by Legates and McCabe [Legates DR, McCabe GJ. 1999. Evaluating the use of “goodness-of-fit” measures in hydrologic and hydroclimatic model validation. Water Resources Research 35(1): 233-241.] and Schaefli and Gupta [Schaefli B, Gupta HV. 2007. Do Nash values have value? Hydrological Processes 21: 2075-2080. DOI: 10.1002/hyp.6825.]. This important discussion focuses on the appropriate baseline comparison to use, and why the observed mean often may be an inadequate choice for model evaluation and development. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Diabetic neuropathy: scope of the syndrome.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that may be disabling and even contribute to mortality. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy encompasses a group of clinical and subclinical syndromes, each characterized by diffuse or focal damage to peripheral somatic or autonomic nerve fibers. None of these syndromes is pathognomonic for diabetes, and they may occur idiopathically or in association with other disorders in nondiabetic persons. Distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy is the most common form of peripheral neuropathy and is the leading cause of lower limb amputation. The characteristic slowing of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities and advancing distal symmetric sensorimotor deficits are ascribed to an underlying insidious, chronically progressive, length-dependent, distal axonopathy of the dying-back type primarily, but not exclusively, affecting sensory nerve fibers. The cumulative prevalence of clinical diabetic neuropathy parallels the degree and duration of antecedent hyperglycemia, and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial definitively established an important role of improved metabolic control in the primary prevention of clinical neuropathy. Improved blood glucose control substantially reduces the risk of developing diabetic polyneuropathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus, thereby strongly implicating hyperglycemia as the important causative factor in this degenerative disease process. Studies in experimental animal models reveal several glucose-related metabolic mechanisms that could initiate neurochemical, neurotrophic, and/or neurovascular defects culminating in a peripheral sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy. Other than improved blood glucose control, therapy for diabetic neuropathy remains palliative and supportive, although this is expected to change radically as new insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy give rise to specific new mechanism-based therapies.
Impact of hospital and surgeon volumes on outcomes following pelvic reconstructive surgery in the United States.

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of hospital and surgeon volumes on outcomes following urogynecologic surgery. Study design This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent urogynecologic procedures between 1998 and 2003 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Hospitals and surgeons were categorized as low, medium, or high volume based on average number of cases per year. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, complications, and nonroutine discharges. Multivariable analyses were performed using generalized estimation equations to estimate relative risks. Results There were 310,759 women and 2986 hospitals. Women who had procedures at low-volume hospitals were 2.75 (95% CI 2.33-3.16) times more likely to die and 1.63 (95% CI 1.44-1.83) times more likely to have a nonroutine discharge, compared to those at high-volume hospitals. Women who had procedures by low-volume surgeons were also more likely to suffer complications and have nonroutine discharges compared to those with high-volume surgeons. Conclusion Differences in hospital and surgeon volumes of urogynecologic procedures may contribute to variations in mortality and morbidity risks.
Biasing the random walk of a molecular motor

Biomolecular motors are often described in mechanical terms, with analogy to cars, turbines, judo throws, levers, etc. It is important to remember however that because of their small size, and because of the aqueous environment in which molecular motors move, viscous drag and thermal noise dominate the inertial forces that drive macroscopic machines. The sequence of motions-conformational changes-by which a motor protein moves can best be described as a random walk, with transitions from one state to another occurring by thermal activation over energy barriers. In this paper I will address the question of how this random walk is biased by a non-equilibrium chemical reaction (ATP hydrolysis) so that the motor molecule moves preferentially (with almost unit certainty) in one direction, even when an external force is applied to drive it in the opposite direction. I will also discuss how these 'soft matter' motors can achieve thermodynamic efficiencies of nearly 100%.
Bayesian entropy estimators for spike trains

Il Memming Park and Jonathan Pillow are with the Institute for Neuroscience and Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712, USA -- Evan Archer is with the Institute for Computational and Engineering Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, TX 78712, USA -- Jonathan Pillow is with the Division of Statistics and Scientific Computation, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
A multi-purpose computer lab for a small college

Small colleges face problems in constructing computer labs that are not shared by larger institutions. Due to moderate usage, it can be difficult to justify a large computer lab used for a restricted purpose, e.g. departmental labs. When only a few classes will use “high technology” presentations, it is difficult to justify equipping a “master classroom,” at least until sufficient interest is generated to leverage that construction. With smaller student bodies it becomes difficult to arrange non-credit “computer trainin,g” courses that reach enough students simultaneously. Our sulution is to use the same laboratory space for several uses. Our lab is designed for, and primarily intended for, introductory computer science classes. Lab sections of CS courses are taught there several afternoons each week, with extensive use of a computer projection system. Student use for these (and other) courses is heavy during evenings. The room is used by other courses for presental ions during morning and afternoon hours, e.g. for a course on “Cumputer Applications in Geology,” and for freshmen seminars. The projection equipped computer is installed on amobile cart and is taken to other classrooms for presentations. SeE-training software has been installed so students can learn to use computers, and most installed software, at their own pace.