cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Franchisor Brand Name Capital and Competency On the Cost of Fast-Food Franchise

This study empirically examined whether franchisors' brand name capital and competency significantly differentiate costs associated with fast-food franchise affiliation. The study's purpose was to identify the effect of franchisors' brand name capital and competency on the costs of fast food franchise systems. Proxy variables were developed to measure fran chisor brand name capital and competency followed by a series of hypotheses tests. The empirical results, based on 109 fast-food operations, indicated that the franchisor's visi bility, geographical market representation, contract period, and affiliation in a profes sional trade association were important factors in differentiating fast food franchise costs. The findings also offered recommendations for potential franchisees considering entering into a fast food franchise.
Tracking the sparseness of the underlying support in shallow water acoustic communications

Tracking the shallow water acoustic channel in real time poses an open challenge towards improving the data rate in high-speed underwater communications. Multipath arrivals due to reflection from the moving ocean surface and the sea bottom, along with surface wave focusing events, lead to a rapidly fluctuating complex-valued channel impulse response and associated Delay-Doppler spread function that follow heavy-tailed distributions. The sparse channel or Delay-Doppler spread function components are difficult to track in real time using popular sparse sensing techniques due to the coherent and dynamic nature of the optimization problem as well as the timevarying and potentially non-stationary sparseness of the underlying support. We build on related work using non-convex optimization to track the shallow water acoustic channel in real time at high precision and tracking speed to develop strategies to estimate the non-stationary sparseness of the underlying support. Specifically, we employ non-convex manifold navigational techniques to estimate the support sparseness to balance the weighting between the L1 norm of the tracked coefficients and the L2 norm of the estimation error. We explore the efficacy of our methods against experimental field data collected at 200 meters range, 15 meters depth and varying wind conditions.
Experimental study on integration of laser-based additive/subtractive processes for meso/micro solid freeform fabrication

Solid freeform fabrication has attracted considerable attention lately because of its ability to build a 3D structure with a complex and arbitrary shape. This work presents initial studies to adapt this technology for the fabrication of meso-/micro-3D structures. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used for laser microdeposition (additive) and micromachining (subtractive) processes. An ultrasonic-based micropowder feeding system was developed to generate precise patterns of micropowders on a substrate without any pre-processing. Laser microdeposition of copper and stainless steel micropowders was accomplished. The characterization of micromachining was performed on stainless steel and copper plates with a laser beam of wavelengths of 355 nm and 266 nm. The integration of laser microdeposition and micromachining processes improved the resolution and edge quality of the meso-/micropatterns.
Mechanism of ligand exchange studied using transition path sampling.

The mechanism of intermolecular ligand exchange has been studied using transition path sampling (TPS) based molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Specifically, the exchange of solvent molecules bound to unsaturated Cr(CO)5 in methanol solution has been investigated. The results of the TPS simulations have shown that there are multiple steps in the reaction mechanism. The first involves partial dissociation of the coordinated solvent from the Cr metal center followed by association with a new methanol molecule between the normally void first and second solvent layers. After diffusive motion of the exchanging ligands, the last step involves the originally bound methanol molecule moving into the bath continuum followed by solvation of the Cr metal fragment by the exchanging ligand. It has been found that the reaction center (defined as the organometallic fragment and two exchanging ligands only) and the solvent bath have favorable interactions. This is likely due to the adiabatic nature of the ligand exchange...
On double integrals in the calculus of variations

The problem of the double integral in the calculus of variations, when expressed in the parametric notation, was first fully discussed by Kobb. In this paper Kobb finds conditions for the minimising of the double integraltaken over the surface
Understanding Sierra Leone in Colonial West Africa: A Synoptic Socio-Political History

Sierra Leone played a pivotal role in the success of the British colonial project in West Africa in the 19th century. In 1866, it served as the administrative headquarters for the colonies of Lagos, the Gold Coast now Ghana and Bathurst Gambia. Professionals, clergymen, and intellectuals from Sierra Leone, particularly Creoles, served as civil servants, engineers, and medical doctors in Nigeria, Ghana, and the Gambia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Sierra Leone also educated one of the first crops of Western-educated elites in West Africa. In short, despite experiencing a devastating civil war, evidently Sierra Leone is gradually regaining its quintessential role as one of the oldest, peaceful, and democratic states in West Africa.
Formation of stable cationic (cyclooctadiene) Rhodium(I) complexes containing thiophene ligands

Abstract A new series of cationic (cyclooctadiene)RhI complexes containing π-bound thiophene ligands has been prepared by allowing the tetrafluoroborate salt of either Rh(COD)(acetone)2+ or Rh(COD)(methanol) 2+ to react with various thiophene derivatives in CHCl3. The cationic Rh(COD)+ monomer was prepared from the chloro-bridged dimer, [RhCl(COD)]2, by halide abstraction using AgBF4 in either acetone or methanol solvent. Stable 1:1 cationic complexes containing thiophene, 2-methylthiophene, and 2,5-dimethylthiophene were obtained following reaction with Rh(COD)(acetone)2+, whereas complexes containing benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene complexes were prepared in good yield using Rh(COD)(methanol) 2+.
Effects of intravenous juglone in the dog.

Abstract Juglone, 5-hydroxy, 1:4 naphthoquinone, a natural product of the black walnut, Juglans nigra , was dissolved in an ethanol-glucose mixture and injected i.v. into anesthetized dogs. It produced no changes in EKG, heart rate, or blood pressure. Lung wet: dry weight ratios, respiratory rate, hematocrit, and blood specific gravity increased significantly, while plasma specific gravity decreased. Histopathologic changes in lungs and liver support the view that juglone is toxic to the cell membrane, increasing capillary permeability.
Composite coatings of Si3N4-soda lime silica produced by the thermal spray process

Silicate glass and glass-silicon nitride composite coatings were atmospheric plasma sprayed onto mild carbon steel substrates under varying process parameters such as torch power and H2/Ar ratios. The x-ray analysis revealed that Si3N4 in the composite coatings could be preserved under the harsh environmental conditions of the plasma spray process. The presence of Si3N4 as the reinforcement phase to the glass matrix conferred higher hardness properties to the coatings.
Network-based vaccination improves prospects for disease control in wild chimpanzees

Many endangered wildlife populations are vulnerable to infectious diseases for which vaccines exist; yet, pragmatic considerations often preclude large-scale vaccination efforts. These barriers could be reduced by focusing on individuals with the highest contact rates. However, the question then becomes whether targeted vaccination is sufficient to prevent large outbreaks. To evaluate the efficacy of targeted wildlife vaccinations, we simulate pathogen transmission and control on monthly association networks informed by behavioural data from a wild chimpanzee community (Kanyawara N = 37, Kibale National Park, Uganda). Despite considerable variation across monthly networks, our simulations indicate that targeting the most connected individuals can prevent large outbreaks with up to 35% fewer vaccines than random vaccination. Transmission heterogeneities might be attributed to biological differences among individuals (e.g. sex, age, dominance and family size). Thus, we also evaluate the effectiveness of a trait-based vaccination strategy, as trait data are often easier to collect than interaction data. Our simulations indicate that a trait-based strategy can prevent large outbreaks with up to 18% fewer vaccines than random vaccination, demonstrating that individual traits can serve as effective estimates of connectivity. Overall, these results suggest that fine-scale behavioural data can help optimize pathogen control efforts for endangered wildlife.
Chronic cocaine administration depletes tyro sine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the meso-limbic dopamine system in rat brain: Quantitative light microscopic studies

Chronic administration of cocaine (10 mg/kg, IP, every 12 hours for 10 consecutive days) produced a large decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase staining axons and terminal boutons in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in rats. This treatment also produced a depletion of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain when examined 60 days following the final cocaine injection. These effects were quantitated using a Leitz Data Acquisition and Display System. This analysis revealed a 59% and 65% decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase positive staining terminal processes in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, respectively. Furthermore, quantitative light microscopic analysis showed a 52% decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase positive material in the ventral tegmental area. These data demonstrate that chronic administration of cocaine produces a long-term, if not permanent, loss of tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme in both the cell bodies of the midbrain ventral tegmental area as well as in the nerve terminals in post-synaptic target regions of the forebrain.
Light scattering from polymer films

A variety of films were examined by low angle laser light scattering to yield information on the size, shape, and orientation of superstructure. Films of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polypropylene give distinctive scattering patterns in the form of two- and four-leaf clovers which change with polarization direction, stretching, heat setting, and heat relaxation. Changes in pattern geometry vary systematically with film properties, x-ray, and polarized infrared structural parameters. In one-way oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) films, the quadrant, leaves tend toward the equator and elongate with increased draw, taking on a fiberlike appearance, whereas with two-way drawn films the leaves shift away from the equator and patterns become more circular with increased second direction draw. Melt-pressed, quenched, unnucleated, polypropylene films show a characteristic spherulitic type pattern. The higher the quench temperature, the larger the spherulites become. Calculated spherulite diameters increase with quench temperature up to 15m for temperatures of 60°C. Upon drawing, the patterns elongate owing to Spherulite deformation and internal reorganization of crystallites, taking on a fiberlike geometry. Nucleated and slowly cooled resins show very little scattering and no spherulitic quadrant leaves. Heat setting usually led to the appearance of new pattern features characteristic of new structures. Heat relaxation tended to smear out the Scatterning patterns as a result of the disappearance of superstructure.
FGF-2 Regulates Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Angiogenesis through an NDY1/KDM2B-miR-101-EZH2 Pathway

The histone H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 plays an important role in oncogenesis, by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Here, we show that the JmjC domain histone H3 demethylase NDY1 synergizes with EZH2 to silence the EZH2 inhibitor miR-101. NDY1 and EZH2 repress miR-101 by binding its promoter in concert, via a process triggered by upregulation of NDY1. Whereas EZH2 binding depends on NDY1, the latter binds independently of EZH2. However, both are required to repress transcription. NDY1 and EZH2 acting in concert upregulate EZH2 and stabilize the repression of miR-101 and its outcome. NDY1 is induced by FGF-2 via CREB phosphorylation and activation, downstream of DYRK1A, and mediates the FGF-2 and EZH2 effects on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The FGF-2-NDY1/EZH2-miR-101-EZH2 axis described here was found to be active in bladder cancer. These data delineate an oncogenic pathway that functionally links FGF-2 with EZH2 via NDY1 and miR-101.
REM behavior disorder and excessive daytime somnolence in Machado-Joseph disease (SCA-3).

We reported previously that behavior suggestive of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) was markedly increased in a small population of SCA-3 patients. We, therefore, asked patients and nonpatient attendees at an SCA-3 annual clinic to complete a questionnaire soliciting RBD-like behavior. Our results support the previous observation that RBD-like behaviors are significantly increased in SCA-3.
The Goods Produced By Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations produce a range of goods and services from the purely public to the purely private. Within the two extremes fall a majority of their outputs. This article explores the quest...
Where vaptans do and do not fit in the treatment of hyponatremia

The treatment of hyponatremia, an exceedingly common electrolyte disorder, has been a subject of controversy for many years. The advent of vasopressin antagonists (vaptans) has added to the treatment arsenal. This review focuses on why hyponatremia should be treated and the role of these antagonists in the treatment. Upon analysis of the available literature, we conclude that there is presently no role for vaptans in acute symptomatic hyponatremia. Although numerous therapeutic approaches are available for chronic symptomatic hyponatremia, vasopressin antagonists provide a simpler treatment option. Vaptans are efficacious in raising serum sodium in long-standing ‘asymptomatic' hyponatremia. However, the cost of the only Food and Drug Administration-approved oral agent (tolvaptan) makes its use prohibitive for most patients in this setting.
Trisomy 5 as the sole chromosomal abnormality in a primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the minor salivary gland

We describe the cytogenetic findings in a moderately differentiated primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the base of the tongue. The only karyotypic abnormality found in the primary culture of this neoplasm was trisomy 5. This finding is remarkably different from previous cytogenetic studies of mucoepidermoid carcinomas, which have shown heterogeneous and unrelated chromosomal aberrations. Our results suggest that trisomy 5 may be an early aberration in the development of this neoplasm.
Rabbit supraspinatus motor endplates are unaffected by a rotator cuff tear

Rotator cuff tears are a major cause of morbidity. Following rotator cuff tears, muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration begin in the tissue, limiting repair potential and leading to a higher re-tear rate and a worse functional outcome. We evaluated whether fatty degeneration resulting from a complete supraspinatus tear with retraction is associated with an injury to the suprascapular nerve. Four skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to receive an index procedure on either their right or left shoulder with the opposite shoulder serving as a control. At the index procedure, the supraspinatus tendon was transected at its insertion and allowed to retract. At 3 months, the rabbits were euthanized, and both supraspinatus muscles were harvested. The specimens were then examined with confocal microscopy and histology. Atrophy was grossly visible in all four test muscles, and fatty infiltration was confirmed with osmium tetroxide staining. In all four rabbits, the degree of denervation (p = 0.71) and partial denervation (p = 0.91) was not significantly different between control and experimental muscle. Rotator cuff tear does not affect the motor endplate or innervation status of the supraspinatus. Fatty infiltration occurs independent of denervation of the supraspinatus. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:99–104, 2012
The Asian Pacific: Political and Economic Development in a Global Context

1. Comparing Asian Pacific Countries. 2. The Imposition of Colonialism. 3. Nationalism and the Movement for Independence. 4. Authoritarianism in Government and Politics. 5. Political Economy and Development. 6. Culture and Ideology. 7. The Global Context of Asian Pacific Development-The Cold War and After. 8. Political Economy of the Asian Pacific Region. 9. Summing Up and Looking Ahead.
Ultra-Small Graphitization Reactors for Ultra-Microscale 14C Analysis at the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (NOSAMS) Facility

In response to the increasing demand for 14 C analysis of samples containing less than 25 µg C, ultra-small graphitization reactors with an internal volume of ~0.8 mL were developed at NOSAMS. For samples containing 6 to 25 µg C, these reactors convert CO 2 to graphitic carbon in approximately 30 min. Although we continue to refine reaction conditions to improve yield, the reactors produce graphite targets that are successfully measured by AMS. Graphite targets produced with the ultra-small reactors are measured by using the Cs sputter source on the CFAMS instrument at NOSAMS where beam current was proportional to sample mass. We investigated the contribution of blank carbon from the ultra-small reactors and estimate it to be 0.3 ± 0.1 µg C with an Fm value of 0.43 ± 0.3. We also describe equations for blank correction and propagation of error associated with this correction. With a few exceptions for samples in the range of 6 to 7 µg C, we show that corrected Fm values agree with expected Fm values within uncertainty for samples containing 6–100 µg C. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rc.57.18118
“With such vigilance! With such effort!” Studying Dante ‘Subjectively’

Since the nineteenth century, Dante studies have been dominated by variations on a contextualizing philological and historicist critical method. The article examines the implications, and especially several of the shortcomings and blind spots, of this approach. It focuses on two closely inter-related areas of investigation that hold positions of prominence in modern-day dantismo: the study of Dante’s literary and doctrinal sources and of his intellectual formation. Rather than a rebuttal of historicist scholarship, the article proposes ways in which this might be refined, in particular by paying greater attention to the practical realities of medieval (Florentine) culture, including education and scholastic institutions, the circulation of manuscripts and modes of reading, and contacts between clerici and laici.
Erratum: Initial American Experience with Hip Resurfacing Following FDA Approval

The online version of the original article can be found under doi:10.1007/s11999-008-0563-2.
Uno: A Privacy-Aware Distributed Storage and Replication Middleware for Heterogeneous Computing Platforms

Cloud computing is an emerging research area that has drawn considerable interest in recent years. However, the current infrastructure raises significant concerns about how to protect users' privacy, in part due to that users are storing their data in the cloud vendors' servers. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing and implementing a novel middleware, called Uno, which separates the storage of physical data and their associated metadata. In our design, users' physical data are stored locally on those devices under a user's full control, while their metadata can be uploaded to the commercial cloud. To ensure the reliability of users' data, we develop a novel fine-grained file replication algorithm that exploits both data access patterns and device state patterns. Based on a quantitative analysis of the data set from Rice University [1], this algorithm replicates data intelligently in different time slots, so that it can not only significantly improve data availability, but also achieve a satisfactory performance on load balancing and storage diversification. We implement the Uno system on a heterogeneous testbed composed of both host servers and mobile devices, and demonstrate the programmability of Uno through implementation and evaluation of two sample applications, Uno@Home and Uno@Sense.
The effect of leaf size on the microwave backscattering by corn

Attema and Ulaby (1978) proposed the cloud model to predict the microwave backscattering properties of vegetation. This paper describes a modification in which the biophysical properties and microwave properties of vegetation are related at the level of the individual scatterer (e.g., the leaf or the stalk) rather than at the level of the aggregated canopy (e.g., the green leaf area index). Assuming that the extinction cross section of an average leaf was proportional to its water content, that a power law relationship existed between the backscattering cross section of an average green corn leaf and its area, and that the backscattering coefficient of the surface was a linear function of its volumetric soil moisture content, it is found that the explicit inclusion of the effects of corn leaf size in the model led to an excellent fit between the observed and predicted backscattering coefficients. Also, an excellent power law relationship existed between the backscattering cross section of a corn leaf and its area.
Identification of a high-affinity orphanin FQ/nociceptin(1-11) binding site in mouse brain.

The presence of pairs of basic amino acids within the orphanin FQ/Nociceptin (OFQ/N) sequence has raised the possibility that truncated versions of the peptide might be physiologically important. OFQ/N(1–11) is pharmacologically active in mice, despite its poor affinity in binding assays (Ki > 250 nM) for the OFQ/N receptor. Using an analog of OFQ/N(1–11), [125I][Tyr10]OFQ/N(1–11), we identified a high-affinity binding site (KD 234 pM; Bmax 43 fmol/mg protein) with a selectivity profile distinct from the OFQ/N receptor and all the traditional opioid receptors. This site had very high affinity for OFQ/N and its related peptides. The most striking differences between the new site and the OFQ/N receptor previously observed in brain were seen with traditional opioids. Dynorphin A analogs and α-neoendorphin competed with [125I][Tyr10]OFQ/N(1–11) binding in mouse brain with Ki values below 10 nM, while naloxone benzoylhydrazone (Ki 3.9 nM) labeled the [125I][Tyr10]OFQ/N(1–11) binding site as potently as many traditional opioid receptors. Several other opioids, including fentanyl, (−)cyclazocine, levallorphan, naltrindole, and diprenorphine, also displayed moderate affinities for this site. Finally, the [125I][Tyr10]OFQ/N(1–11) site had a unique regional distribution consistent with a distinct receptor. Thus, [125I][Tyr10]OFQ/N(1–11) labels a novel site in brain with a selectivity profile intermediate between that of either opioid or OFQ/N receptors. Synapse 34:181–186, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A scalable model of collaborative learning: the virtual high school consortium

Can NetCourses™ teach collaboration, improve learning, and transform teaching practices on a large scale? This paper describes an experimental model of collaborative Web-teaching using netseminars to train teachers, who in turn, create NetCourses for their virtual students in a Virtual High School (VHS) Consortium. We suggest that netseminars and NetCourses represent a viable and feasible method for scaling up instruction that fosters constructivist teaching practices and capitalizes on collaborative learning communities and cooperative on-line resources. We articulate this novel model and discuss issues in fostering collaboration, highlighting the challenges faced by teachers and netfaculty in the transformation of their practices toward collaborative approaches based on results from the first netseminar. We raise questions about the cultural shifts needed to transform computer-supported collaborative teaching and reflect on redefinition of teacher/student roles in the scaling of electronic communities.
Expression and Regulation of Human Fetal-Specific CYP3A7 in Mice

CYP3A7 is the predominant cytochrome P450 (CYP) expressed in human fetal liver, accounting for 30-50% of the total CYP in fetal liver and 87-100% of total fetal hepatic CYP3A content. However, the lack of a rodent model limits the investigation of CYP3A7 regulation and function. Hence, double-transgenic mice expressing human pregnane X receptor (PXR) and CYP3A4/7 (Tg3A4/7-hPXR) were used to investigate the regulation and function of CYP3A7. Expression of CYP3A7 was monitored in mice that ranged in age from 14.5-d-old embryos to 8.5-d-old newborns; expression of CYP3A7 mRNA was increased before birth in the embryos and decreased after birth in the newborns. This is consistent with the observed developmental regulation of CYP3A7 protein levels and CYP3A7-mediated dehydroepiandrosterone 16α-hydroxylase activities. This developmental flux is also in agreement with previous studies that have investigated the expression of CYP3A7 in developing human liver. The regulation of CYP3A7 was further studied using hepatoblasts from the Tg3A4/7-hPXR mice. Glucocorticoids, including dexamethasone, cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone all induced the expression of CYP3A7 mRNA, whereas rifampicin, an activator of PXR and an inducer of CYP3A4 in adult liver, had no effect on CYP3A7 expression. Cell-based promoter luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further confirmed glucocorticoid receptor-mediated control of the CYP3A7 promoter. These findings indicate that CYP3A7 is developmentally regulated in mouse liver primarily by glucocorticoids through the glucocorticoid receptor. The Tg3A4/7-hPXR mouse model could therefore potentially serve as a tool for investigating CYP3A7 regulation and function.
Nonlinear optics via double dark resonances

Double dark resonances originate from a coherent perturbation of a system displaying electromagnetically induced transparency. We experimentally show and theoretically confirm that this leads to the possibility of extremely sharp resonances prevailing even in the presence of considerable Doppler broadening. A gas of ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms is subjected to a strong drive laser and a weak probe laser and a radio frequency field, where the magnetic coupling between the Zeeman levels leads to nonlinear generation of a comb of sidebands.
A Screen-Grid Voltmeter without External Leak

A highly sensitive screen-grid voltmeter using type 24 (or 32) tubes without grid leak is described. Static and transrectification characteristics of single and twin tubes and of tube circuits including a load resistance are shown. The voltmeter is independent of frequency from low audio to ultra-high frequencies. The useful range of the twin (full wave rectifying) circuit is from 0.05 to 20 volts root-mean-square; this can be extended to higher voltages as desired by suitable choice of blocking condensers. The range from 0.1 to 10 volts has a linear calibration curve. Over this range the transrectification factor ∂I t /∂e g = 2.05 × 10-3. The input admittance of the device is very low. Applications of the circuit for use as a peak voltmeter, as a resonance indicator, as a radio detector, and as a high-frequency intensity meter are briefly discussed.
Thermal Oxidation Kinetics of Silicon in Pyrogenic H 2 O and 5% HCl / H 2 O Mixtures

The kinetics of the thermal oxidation of silicon in and in in using a pyrogenic system have been investigated over the temperature range 900°–1100°C. Oxide thickness‐oxidation time data, rate constants, and activation energies have been obtained for (111) and (100) oriented, , n‐type silicon. Results obtained for oxidation in are very similar to those reported previously for water bubbler systems. The addition of to does not increase the silicon oxidation rate as with dry , but the rate actually decreases apparently because of the reduced vapor pressure. The also appears to reduce impurity contributions from the oxidation system.
Molecular (SNP) analyses of overlapping hemizygous deletions of 10q25.3 to 10qter in four patients: evidence for HMX2 and HMX3 as candidate genes in hearing and vestibular function.

We report on the analyses of four unrelated patients with de novo, overlapping, hemizygous deletions of the long arm of chromosome 10. These include two small terminal deletions (10q26.2 to 10qter), a larger terminal deletion (10q26.12 to 10qter), and an interstitial deletion (10q25.3q26.13). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) studies (Illumina 550 K) established that these deletions resulted in the hemizygous loss of ∼6.1, ∼6.1, ∼12.5, and ∼7.0 Mb respectively. Additionally, these data establish that Patients 1, 2, and 3 share common, distal, hemizygous deleted regions of 6.09 Mb containing 37 RefSeq genes. Patients 3 and 4 share a 2.52 Mb deleted region corresponding to the proximal deleted region of Patient 3 and the distal deleted region of Patient 4. This common, hemizygous region contains 20 RefSeq genes including two H6 family homeobox genes (HMX2 and HMX3). Based on previous reports that Hmx2/Hmx3 knockout mice have vestibular anomalies, we propose that hemizygous deletions of HMX2 and HMX3 are responsible for the inner ear malformations observed from CT images, vestibular dysfunction, and congenital sensorineural hearing loss found in Patients 3 and 4.
Efficient Pricing and Capital Recovery for Infrastructure over Time: Incentives and Applications for Electric Transmission Expansion

Classic economic theory provides a conundrum: different short- and long-run pricing prescriptions for large capital-intensive infrastructure projects. Short run prices should cover only the operating costs of the facility; otherwise, the project may go under-utilized. Only as the facility becomes congested are additional fees warranted to allocate its use efficiently. But capital costs are included in user-fees only when additional demand would force the construction of more capacity. Once built, however, the price should fall, resulting in schizophrenic behavior by customers and investors. By integrating the assessment and assignment of congestion fees with other economic principles like "peak-load-pricing" and the "inverse-elasticity" rule for apportioning capital costs, a sequence of pricing rules is described that can lead to a smooth, efficient and fair evolution of prices over space and time. These pricing principles also result in compatible incentives for all parties, and they complement several existing electricity system planning processes.
Nucleophilic substitution reactions of 1,4-dichlorobenzene chromium tricarbonyl with mono- and diphenoxides

The nucleophilic substitution reactions of 1,4-dichlorobenzene chromium tricarbonyl (1) with the phenoxide anion were investigated. The substitution of the first chlorine was very fast and gave the mono-substituted product in high yield. The substitution of the second chlorine group was significantly retarded by the presence of the phenoxy group incorporated during the first reaction and also due to the competing decomplexation reaction. The application of 1,4-dichlorobenzene chromium tricarbonyl (1) to the synthesis of new monomers was demonstrated by the preparation of 2,2′-bis[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]propane (9). 2,2′-Bis[4-(4-chlorophenoxyl)phenyl]propane (9) was synthesized by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenolate with 1,4-dichlorobenzene chromium tricarbonyl (1) followed by decomplexation with I2. 2,2′-Bis[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-phenyl]propane (9) was also synthesized via a three-step reaction starting from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (7a) with 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene (10). 2,2′-Bis[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]propane (9) was polymerized by a Ni(0)-catalyzed reaction to yield amorphous aromatic polyethers with number-average molecular weights of up to 11,200 g/mol. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The demands for funds by agricultural households : evidence from rural India

This study presents estimates of borrowing functions based on rural household data for India. It improves upon existing work in three key areas. First, it is shown that existing studies have used an inappropriate definition of the demand for funds, which when rectified produces quite different results. Second, the interaction between agricultural technical change and the rural finance market is examined and it is shown that farmers in a position to benefit from technical change tend both to borrow more and to face lower interest rates. Third, it is shown that farm specific interest rates, when introduced endogenously, are quite sensitive to personal and locational characteristics and are significant determinants of borrowing.
Health of Community-Dwelling Adults With Mobility Limitations in the United States: Prevalent Health Conditions. Part I

Abstract Rasch EK, Hochberg MC, Magder L, Magaziner J, Altman BM. Health of community-dwelling adults with mobility limitations in the United States: prevalent health conditions. Part I. Objective To characterize the extent and types of prevalent health conditions among nationally representative groups of adults with mobility, nonmobility, and no limitations. Design Data were collected during 5 rounds of household interviews from a probability subsample of households that represent the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. With some exceptions, round 1 variables were used for this analysis. Setting Community. Participants Data were analyzed on the same respondents from the 1996 to 1997 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the 1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement. Respondents were categorized into 3 groups for analysis: those with mobility limitations, nonmobility limitations; and no limitations. The analytic sample included 13,897 MEPS adults (≥18y). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Number, types, and prevalence of self-reported health conditions compared across groups. Results On average, adults with mobility limitations had significantly more prevalent conditions (3.6) than those with nonmobility limitations (2.4), or no limitations (1.3). Greater comorbidity existed in the context of fewer personal resources and more than half of adults with mobility limitations were working age. Conclusions Determining factors that influence the health of adults with mobility limitations is a critical public health issue.
Invariant natural killer T cells and immunotherapy of cancer

Invariant CD1d restricted natural killer T (iNKT) cells are regulatory cells that express a canonical TCR-Valpha-chain (Valpha24.Jalpha18 in humans and Valpha14.Jalpha18 in mice) which recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by the monomorphic CD1d molecule. They can secrete a wide variety of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines very swiftly upon their activation. Evidence for the significance of iNKT cells in human cancer has been ambiguous. Still, the (pre-)clinical findings reviewed here, provide evidence for a distinct contribution of iNKT cells to natural anti-tumor immune responses in humans. Furthermore, clinical phase I studies that are discussed here have revealed that the infusion of cancer patients with ligand-loaded dendritic cells or cultured iNKT cells is well tolerated. We thus underscore the potential of iNKT cell based immunotherapy in conjunction with established modalities such as surgery and radiotherapy, as adjuvant therapy against carcinomas.
Semi-analytical method for analyzing models and model selection measures based on moment analysis

In this article we propose a moment-based method for studying models and model selection measures. By focusing on the probabilistic space of classifiers induced by the classification algorithm rather than on that of datasets, we obtain efficient characterizations for computing the moments, which is followed by visualization of the resulting formulae that are too complicated for direct interpretation. By assuming the data to be drawn independently and identically distributed from the underlying probability distribution, and by going over the space of all possible datasets, we establish general relationships between the generalization error, hold-out-set error, cross-validation error, and leave-one-out error. We later exemplify the method and the results by studying the behavior of the errors for the naive Bayes classifier.
Simultaneous PMD monitoring of several WDM channels using subcarrier tones

Summary form only given. We demonstrate a simple technique for simultaneous and independent PMD monitoring by adding subcarrier tones at slightly different frequencies to the different WDM channels. Our statistical investigation shows a close correlation between the measured power penalty and the subcarrier power fading of each channel. This technique could be very useful for in-line monitoring of several optical channels without the need for optical demultiplexing and multiple detectors.
Using a genetic algorithm for multi-hypothesis tracking

A technique has been devised that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to address the multi-scan assignment problem in multitarget tracking. The problem is recast in the form of a scheduling problem, where the GA searches the space of possible orderings of detections, and a greedy heuristic is used to make the associations for a particular ordering. The resulting tracker can operate in either batch or continuous mode. In the continuous mode, a single population of hypotheses evolves on a fitness landscape that changes with each new scan of data.
Critical Investigations of Age and Aging in the United States

Aged by Culture. Margaret Morganroth Gullette. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004. 267 pp. Breaking the Watch: The Meanings of Retirement in America. Joel S. Savishinsky. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2000. 281 pp. My Mother's Hip: Lessons from the World of Eldercare. Luisa Margolies. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2004. 339 pp.
Municipal Solid Waste and the Environment: A Global Perspective

Municipal solid waste (MSW) reflects the culture that produces it and affects the health of the people and the environment surrounding it. Globally, people are discarding growing quantities of waste, and its composition is more complex than ever before, as plastic and electronic consumer products diffuse. Concurrently, the world is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate. These trends pose a challenge to cities, which are charged with managing waste in a socially and environmentally acceptable manner. Effective waste management strategies depend on local waste characteristics, which vary with cultural, climatic, and socioeconomic variables, and institutional capacity. Globally, waste governance is becoming regionalized and formalized. In industrialized nations, where citizens produce far more waste than do other citizens, waste tends to be managed formally at a municipal or regional scale. In less-industrialized nations, where citizens produce less waste, which is mostly biogenic, a combination of formal and ...
Experiences and Challenges in Developing Countries

Compared with the industrialized nations, the challenges of combating iron (Fe) deficiency in developing countries include the far greater magnitude of the problem, the more limited resources and the more complex nature of the setting. The two groups most affected by Fe deficiency are young children and women of reproductive age. Infant diets in developing countries are low in iron, due to less use of industry prepared foods and much lower consumption of food from animal sources. Successful experiences in countries such as Chile and the United States have shown that it is feasible to reduce anemia levels in young children through the use of fortified infant food products and low cost weaning foods. In settings in which people are already using processed foods, the cost of improving the nutritional value of these foods is marginal compared with the significant benefits. However, costs and accessibility by the poorest are important concerns, and other options such as supplementation and efforts to improve complementary feeding also require attention. The high prevalence of iron and other micronutrient deficiencies due to poor diets and/or infections among women before and during pregnancy calls for strategies such as fortification and periodic supplementation. Experience to date suggests that fortification of staples (e.g., wheat flour) is a cost-effective and feasible strategy, but regulatory monitoring is required to demonstrate effectiveness and ensure quality. Supplementation is still required for all pregnant women, however, and challenges remain in finding ways to improve coverage and compliance. In summary, effectively combining and balancing the needs of program implementation, research and community involvement will help combat Fe deficiency.
Using Preclinical High-Fidelity Medical Simulations to Integrate Pharmacology and Physiology with Clinical Sciences

The medical educational literature is replete with proposed curricular models designed to integrate critical foundational sciences like physiology and pharmacology with clinical sciences vertically and horizontally. Yet gaps exist on the best pedagogy and procedures to maximize conceptual integration and learner encapsulation at the instructor and sessional level. We now present a model for how to implement and effectively integrate pharmacology and physiology with other essential foundational and clinical sciences using preclinical high-fidelity medical simulations carefully scaffolded using a modified Bloom’s taxonomy framework to keep cognitive domain levels appropriate to the novice medical student’s abilities.
Multivariate Analysis of Morphological Variation in Two Cryptic Species of Sancassania (Acari: Acaridae) from Costa Rica

Populations of Sancassania mites were collected in Costa Rica from scarabaeid and passalid beetles and cultured. The populations proved to be reproductively incompatible due to postzygotic isolation and show 1.4% difference in domains 2 and 3 of the 28S nuclear rDNA gene, indicating the populations represent distinct species. Because the mites were virtually indistinguishable morphologically, 61 morphological characters of 50 females and 101 characters of 60 deutonymphs of the two species were analyzed. Traditional univariate morphometrics could not separate them. Multivariate analyses of variance (principal component and discriminant function) were used to interpret morphological differences between the two species in relation to factors that influence their morphology in a laboratory and field setting. Principal component analyses were done on size and shape as well as shape variables alone. The discriminant function analysis was done on a reduced subset of shape variables. In both cases, the shape analyses resulted in complete separation of the two species and the characters contributing strongly to the discrimination were used in formal description of the two species, Sancassania salasi sp. nov. and S. ochoai sp. nov. Although deutonymphs of S. salasi taken from field-collected beetles show a significantly smaller magnitude of size variation, they show significant deviation in shape compared with cultured deutonymphs of the same species, a potential problem for correlation of specimens of other Sancassania species from culture and nature. Characters that provide the strongest contribution to these intraspecific shape changes are, therefore, taxonomically unreliable.
High Resolution Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of Diatomic Molecules

In this short discussion of the high resolution spectroscopy of diatomic molecules in the vacuum ultraviolet, it is impossible to give a review of the instrumentation and the state of knowledge of the spectra. This paper is therefore limited to a discussion of some of the experimental techniques and some of the molecules which are closely associated with the research programs carried out in Ottawa.
Judicial Style: An Exemplar

This article examines one noteworthy judicial opinion that, in the opinion of the article’s author, can serve as a model of excellent legal writing.
Line-Narrowing, Q-Switching, and Self-Injection Locking of Ti:Al2O3

Self-injection locking is a versatile method of producing the narrow spectral bandwidths required for accurate remote sensing applications. As remote sensing applications require laser energies on the order of 1.0 J/pulse, either a power oscillator or a master oscillator and power amplifier approach could be exploited. Since Ti:Al2O3 has a high gain, the latter concept can be employed to advantage.
Mycoplasmal flora of simians.

The Bureau of Biologics (formerly the Division of Biologics Standards) requires that a test for mycoplasmas be performed on viral vaccines produced in tissue cultures. Consequently, we have maintained a continuing study of the contamination of cell cultures by Mycoplasma, the presence of Mycoplasma in animal tissues used in cell-culture preparations for production of vaccine, and the mycoplasmal flora of oral and genital issues of various animals, including the African green monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops. The monkeys examined were obtained from Kenya and were quarantined in the United States for at least six weeks prior to study. The study was supported by our contracts program and was supported by four participating laboratories [1]. Two laboratories were responsible for maintaining the monkeys and for collecting the tissues, while two others, and in particular Mr. R. A. DelGiudice of Huntington Research Center, were responsible for the isolation and identification of species of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma. To minimize gross bacterial contamination, tissues were approached through the thoracic and peritoneal cavities. A midline incision was made and the entire larynx and cervix or prostratic urethral tissues were removed aseptically. The mucosal linings of these tissues were cultured for Mycoplasma. Duplicate broth and agar cultures were incubated aerobically or in a C02-N2 environment [2]. Positive broth cultures were subcultured to a series of agar plates. The agar subcultures and the original agar cultures were stained directly with a series of fluorecein-conjugated antisera, and species of Mycoplasma were identified by epiimmunofluorescence [3] (table 1). The microscope used was the Carl Zeiss epiilluminator, which directs ultraviolet light to the surface of the
Antipressor Effect of 1,4-Cyclohexandione on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Dogs.

SummaryDaily intramuscular injections for one week of the diketone, 1,4-cyclohexandione, into hypertensive dogs resulted in a moderate reduction of blood pressure. In the dosage thus far employed there has been no gross evidence of local or general toxic effect.
Oceanography of the Indonesian Seas

Abstract : The magnitude and variations of the Pacific to Indian Ocean throughflow within the Indonesian Seas are considered to be key elements in the thermohaline balance of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and perhaps to the global climate system. Local variability of the Indonesian Seas may influence ENSO by governing the transfer of the warm tropical water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Furthermore, advective and tidal induced mixing may influence the SST and sea-air coupling, with feedback on ENSO. The Arlindo Project is a joint oceanographic research endeavor of Indonesia and the United States. Arlindo s goal is to resolve the circulation and water mass stratification within the Indonesian Seas in order to formulate a thorough description of the source, spreading patterns, inter-ocean transport and dominant mixing processes within the Indonesian Seas.