cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and fitness: The feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of wearable activity tracker technology incorporating altruistic motivation in youth.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of using wearable activity tracker technology, integrated with altruistic motivation in children to increase physical activity (PA), fitness, and prosocial behavior. Design and methods A quasiexperimental design was employed in two 4th grade classrooms in a rural southern state. The intervention was a wearable PA tracker and a web-based curriculum with activities to earn power points redeemable to provide life-saving food to undernourished kids internationally. Seventeen children in the intervention group participated in the 10-week PA program and 18 children were in the wait listed control group. Three measures were assessed in both groups at baseline and postintervention: (a) PA measured with accelerometers, (b) fitness levels measured with shuttle run, and (c) prosocial behavior measured with Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire. Results Of the 35 children enrolled, the majority were nine years old (n = 28), black (n = 31) and female (n = 23). An overall enrollment rate of 88%, attrition rate of 9%, and an accelerometer noncompliance rate of 25% was determined to assess feasibility. There was no statistical significance between the control and intervention group outcome variables. The average minutes of PA in the control group decreased 8 min from baseline to postintervention (p = .05). In the intervention group, PA decreased by 10 min from baseline to postintervention (p = .12). In both the control and intervention groups, prosocial behavior scores decreased (p = .09 control; p = .62 intervention). The fitness scores, VO2 max, did not significantly change (intervention p = .21; control p = .35). Practice implications Developing effective interventions that foster PA and dissuade sedentary behaviors are essential to enhancing PA and fitness levels. The recruitment, retention, and accelerometer wear adherence suggest this setting, with this population is feasible. The intervention is deliverable, however, the potential of wearable activity trackers and the effect of prosocial behavior that benefits others in increasing PA and improving cardiorespiratory fitness, should be further researched by building on the successful elements of this study.
Examining the Link between Children's Cognitive Development and Touchscreen Interaction Patterns

It is well established that children's touch and gesture interactions on touchscreen devices are different from those of adults, with much prior work showing that children's input is recognized more poorly than adults? input. In addition, researchers have shown that recognition of touchscreen input is poorest for young children and improves for older children when simply considering their age; however, individual differences in cognitive and motor development could also affect children's input. An understanding of how cognitive and motor skill influence touchscreen interactions, as opposed to only coarser measurements like age and grade level, could help in developing personalized and tailored touchscreen interfaces for each child. To investigate how cognitive and motor development may be related to children's touchscreen interactions, we conducted a study of 28 participants ages 4 to 7 that included validated assessments of the children's motor and cognitive skills as well as typical touchscreen target acquisition and gesture tasks. We correlated participants? touchscreen behaviors to their cognitive development level, including both fine motor skills and executive function. We compare our analysis of touchscreen interactions based on cognitive and motor development to prior work based on children's age. We show that all four factors (age, grade level, motor skill, and executive function) show similar correlations with target miss rates and gesture recognition rates. Thus, we conclude that age and grade level are sufficiently sensitive when considering children's touchscreen behaviors.
A single gene inherited trait confers metabolic resistance to chlorsulfuron in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

This study confirms a high level of metabolic resistance to the herbicide chlorsulfuron, inherited by a single dominant gene in a sorghum genotype (GL-1). Chlorsulfuron, an acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor, effectively controls post-emergence grass and broadleaf weeds but is not registered for use in sorghum because of crop injury. The objectives of this study were to characterize the inheritance and mechanism of chlorsulfuron resistance in the sorghum genotype GL-1. Chlorsulfuron dose–response experiments were conducted using GL-1 along with BTx623 (susceptible check), and Pioneer 84G62 (commercial sorghum hybrid). The F1 and F2 progeny were generated by crossing GL-1 with BTx623. To assess if the target site alterations bestow resistance, the ALS gene, the molecular target of chlorsulfuron, was sequenced from GL-1. The role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in metabolizing chlorsulfuron, using malathion, a CYP-inhibitor was tested. The chlorsulfuron dose–response assay indicated that GL-1 and F1 progeny were ~ 20-fold more resistant to chlorsulfuron relative to BTx623. The F2 progenies segregated 3:1 (resistance: susceptibility) suggesting that chlorsulfuron resistance in GL-1 is a single dominant trait. No mutations in the ALS gene were detected in the GL-1; however, a significant reduction in biomass accumulation was found in plants pre-treated with malathion indicating that metabolism of chlorsulfuron contributes to resistance in GL-1. Also, GL-1 is highly susceptible to other herbicides (e.g., mesotrione and tembotrione) compared to Pioneer 84G62, suggesting the existence of a negative cross-resistance in GL-1. Overall, these results confirm a high level of metabolic resistance to chlorsulfuron inherited by a single dominant gene in GL-1 sorghum. These results have potential for developing chlorsulfuron-tolerant sorghum hybrids, with the ability to improve post-emergence weed control.
Industry 5.0 and Banking 5.0

This chapter defines the goals of banking 5.0 and its relationships with industrial and social developments. Banking 5.0 is a powerful engine, and starting point of the customers’ changes increasingly needed for services and business models in financial services. Banking 5.0 is not only part of the industrial revolution. It has value in innovating the business models of banking. This chapter presents the history of banking development over time coordinated with the business and social world changes. This chapter analyzes the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of banking 5.0 and details the critical success factors of banking 5.0. This chapter aims to define the organization’s business model concept since it is one of the main factors in banking 5.0. The chapter presents in detail the business model canvas and its customization for banking 5.0. Attention is devoted to the roadmaps for successful innovation and the innovation acceptance model.
Overcoming the acquired resistance to gefitinib in lung cancer brain metastasis in vitro and in vivo

In our previous work, PC-9-Br, a PC-9 brain seeking line established via a preclinical animal model of lung cancer brain metastasis (LCBM), exhibited not only resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) gefitinib in vitro, but also chemotherapy regimens of cisplatin plus etoposide in vivo. Using this cell line, we investigated novel potential targeted therapeutics for treating LCBM in vitro and in vivo to combat drug resistance. Significant increases in mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 were found in PC-9-Br compared with parental PC-9 (PC-9-P), but no significant changes of Bcl-XL were observed. A remarkable synergistic effect between EGFR-TKI gefitinib and Bcl-2 inhibitors ABT-263 (0.17 ± 0.010 µM at 48 h and 0.02 ± 0.004 µM at 72 h), or ABT-199 (0.22 ± 0.008 µM at 48 h and 0.02 ± 0.001 µM at 72 h) to overcome acquired resistance to gefitinib (> 0.5 µM at 48 h and 0.10 ± 0.007 µM at 72 h) in PC-9-Br was observed in MTT assays. AZD9291 was also shown to overcome acquired resistance to gefitinib in PC-9-Br in MTT assays (0.23 ± 0.031 µM at 48 h and 0.03 ± 0.008 µM at 72 h). Western blot showed significantly decreased phospho-Erk1/2 and increased cleaved-caspase-3 expressions were potential synergistic mechanisms for gefitinib + ABT263/ABT199 in PC-9-Br. Significantly decreased protein expressions of phospho-EGFR, phospho-Akt, p21, and survivin were specific synergistic mechanism for gefitinib + ABT199 in PC-9-Br. In vivo studies demonstrated afatinib (30 mg/kg) and AZD9291 (25 mg/kg) could significantly reduce the LCBM in vivo and increase survival percentages of treated mice compared with mice treated with vehicle and gefitinib (6.25 mg/kg). In conclusion, our study demonstrated gefitinib + ABT263/ABT199, afatinib, and AZD9291 have clinical potential to treat LCBM.
Long-term medication reduction in controlled glaucoma with iTrack ab-interno canaloplasty as a standalone procedure and combined with cataract surgery.

Purpose To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of iTrack (Nova Eye Medical, Fremont, USA) ab-interno canaloplasty performed as a standalone procedure, or combined with cataract surgery, in reducing antiglaucoma medication dependence and maintaining intraocular pressure within target range in patients with controlled primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods This is a retrospective, single-center, case series study of patients who underwent iTrack ab-interno canaloplasty as a standalone procedure (n = 34) or in combination with cataract surgery (n = 11). Eyes with controlled mild or moderate glaucoma (intraocular pressure ⩽17 mmHg) were included; those with prior glaucoma surgeries were excluded. The primary outcome was the mean reduction in glaucoma medication and the secondary outcome was the maintenance of controlled intraocular pressure postoperatively. Results A total of 35 patients (45 eyes) with a mean age of 73 ± 9.7 years were included in the study. For all eyes, a significant decrease (61%) in the mean number of medications was seen at 36 months (1.89 ± 0.93 versus 0.60 ± 0.82; p < 0.001), with 56% (14/25) of eyes medication free. No significant difference was observed in the reduction of medication use whether iTrack was performed with or without cataract surgery at 12 and 36 months. Mean baseline intraocular pressure of 14.42 ± 2.2 mmHg for all eyes was maintained at the 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up visits (14.6 ± 3.65, 15.06 ± 2.26, and 14.19 ± 2.91, respectively), with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.08). Conclusion The iTrack ab-interno canaloplasty significantly reduced medication dependency and maintained intraocular pressure within target range in patients with controlled mild or moderate primary open-angle glaucoma, while showing a good safety profile, both as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract surgery.
Public investment multipliers: Evidence from stock returns of the road pavement industry in Japan

Abstract This study contributes empirical evidence of the macroeconomic impacts of public investment. I extract public investment news shocks from the excess returns of narrowly defined road pavement firms and use them as an instrument for future public investment spending. Using Japanese data for the period between 1980 and 2014, I find that when the news shock is followed by a persistent increase in public investment and a weak real interest rate response, the public investment spending has a significant stimulative effect over the medium term. The estimated cumulative multiplier is as large as 6.10, four years after the shock. However, the cumulative multiplier eventually falls below 1 after 10 years. I also report a substantial temporary improvement in aggregate labor productivity associated with a rise in public investment spending.
A new approach to estimating the fatigue notch factor of Ti-6Al-4V components

Abstract Titanium alloy is used for airframe components and compressor blades application because of its high strength and fracture toughness at low temperatures and high strength and creep resistance at elevated temperature. This paper extends a recently developed probabilistic mesomechanics based model to notched titanium alloy components using simulation strategies that capture both the essence of notch root stress gradient and the complexity of realistic microstructures. The notch size effects and notch root and inelastic behavior are combined with probability distributions of microscale stress and small crack initiation to inform minimum life design methods. A new approach which can be applied using crystal plasticity finite element or closed form solution is also proposed as a more robust method for determining the fatigue notch factor than the existing classical methods. The fatigue notch factors predicted using the new probabilistic mesomechanics based model are in good agreements with experimental for notched titanium alloy specimens subjected to cyclic loads with various stress ratios.
Prevention of hepatitis B infection by hepatitis B immune globulin in infants born to mothers with acute hepatitis during pregnancy

Eleven infants born to mothers with acute hepatitis B during the third trimester of pregnancy who were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive at delivery were treated with hepatitis B immune globulin within 24-48 h of birth. Five infants received one dose of hepatitis B immune globulin and 6 infants received a second dose at 1 mo of age. During the average 12.5-mo follow-up period, only 1 of 11 (9%) treated infants became hepatitis B surface antigen-positive and this individual developed acute hepatitis B at 9.5 mo of age and recovered. Twenty-four infants born to mothers with acute hepatitis B during the third trimester of pregnancy who were untreated served as historical controls. Of these, 17 (71%) showed evidence for hepatitis B infection and 15 (62.5%) became chronic hepatitis B virus carriers. This study shows that administration of hepatitis B immune globulin to infants born to mothers with acute hepatitis B is effective in preventing perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus. With the availability of the hepatitis B virus vaccine, the current recommendation is to give hepatitis B immune globulin to such infants within 24 h of birth, followed by three doses of the hepatitis B virus vaccine beginning soon after birth, and again 1 and 6 mo later.
A Comparison of Training Experience, Training Satisfaction, and Job Search Experiences between Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency and Traditional Vascular Surgery Fellowship Graduates

Background The first 2 integrated vascular residents in the United States graduated in 2012, and in 2013, 11 more entered the job market. The purpose of this study was to compare the job search experiences of the first cohort of integrated 0 + 5 graduates to their counterparts completing traditional 5 + 2 fellowship programs. Methods An anonymous, Web-based, 15-question survey was sent to all 11 graduating integrated residents in 2013 and to the 25 corresponding 5 + 2 graduating fellows within the same institution. Questions focused on the following domains: training experience, job search timelines and outcomes, and overall satisfaction with each training paradigm. Results Survey response was nearly 81% for the 0 + 5 graduates and 64% for the 5 + 2 graduates. Overall, there was no significant difference between residents and fellows in the operative experience obtained as measured by the number of open and endovascular cases logged. Dedicated research time during the entire training period was similar between residents and fellows. Nearly all graduates were extremely satisfied with their training and had positive experiences during their job searches with respect to starting salaries, numbers of offers, and desired practice type. More 0 + 5 residents chose academic and mixed practices over private practices compared with 5 + 2 fellowship graduates. Conclusions Although longer term data are needed to understand the impact of the addition of 0 + 5 graduating residents to the vascular surgery work force, preliminary survey results suggest that both training paradigms (0 + 5 and 5 + 2) provide positive training experiences that result in excellent job search experiences. Based on the current and future need for vascular surgeons in the work force, the continued growth and expansion of integrated 0 + 5 vascular surgery residency positions as an alternative to traditional fellowship training is thus far justified.
Rapid Detection of Acetamiprid in Foods using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid pesticide that is commonly used in modern farming. Acetamiprid residue in food commodities can be a potential harm to human and has been implicated in the honey bee hive die off crisis. In this study, we developed rapid, simple, and sensitive methods to detect acetamiprid in apple juice and on apple surfaces using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). No pretreatment of apple juice sample was performed. A simple surface swab method was used to recover acetamiprid from the apple surface. Samples were incubated with silver dendrites for several minutes and SERS spectra were taken directly from the silver surface. Detection of a set of 5 apple juice samples can be done within 10 min. The swab-SERS method took 15 min for a set of 5 samples. Resulting spectral data were analyzed using principal component analysis. The highest acetamiprid peak at 634 cm(-1) was used to detect and quantify the amount of acetamiprid spiked in 1:1 water-methanol solvent, apple juice, and on apple surface. The SERS method was able to successfully detect acetamiprid at 0.5 μg/mL (0.5 ppm) in solvent, 3 μg/mL (3 ppm) in apple juice, and 0.125 μg/cm(2) on apple surfaces. The SERS methods provide simple, rapid, and sensitive ways to detect acetamiprid in beverages and on the surfaces of thick skinned fruits and vegetables.
A new carrier frequency estimator for modem signals

A novel carrier frequency estimation scheme for a relatively broad class of voiceband data signals (modem signals) is presented. The class of signals being studied includes different types of phase-shift-keyed (PSK) and frequency-shift-keyed (FSK) signals. The frequency estimates are obtained averaging the estimates of the derivative of the instantaneous signal phase after discarding the estimates at the baud boundaries. Experimental results illustrate that the frequency estimates obtained are unbiased and have small variances. Results also show that the carrier frequency estimation scheme presented is superior to two other techniques in terms of both the mean and variance of the carrier frequency estimates. >
Quantitative determination of extracellular glutamine concentration in rat brain, and its elevation in vivo by system A transport inhibitor, α‐(methylamino)isobutyrate

The basal concentration of glutamine in the extracellular fluid, [GLNECF], was determined to be 385 ± 16 μm in the cortico-striatal region of awake rats. This in vivo concentration was determined by measuring glutamine concentrations in dialysates collected at several flow rates (0.2–4 μL/min), and extrapolating to the concentration at zero flow-rate. Dialysate glutamine concentrations in the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus and thalamus showed no statistically significant difference. In these brain regions, [GLNECF] was elevated 1.5- to 1.8-fold upon perfusion of 50–250 mmα-(methylamino)isobutyrate (MeAIB), a competitive inhibitor of glutamine uptake by system A amino acid transporter. The results show, for the first time, that MeAIB causes elevation of brain GLNECFin vivo. The MeAIB-induced elevation of [GLNECF] provides additional support for the current view that system A GLN transporter (Gln T/SAT 1) is the major pathway for the uptake of GLNECF by neurons, while GLN release from glia is mainly mediated by a system N transporter (SN1) which is not inhibitable by MeAIB. The steady-state GLNECF concentration and the effectiveness of MeAIB in inhibiting neuronal GLN uptake in vivo, reported in this study, will be useful, when combined with the known in vitro kinetic properties of the GLN transporters, for study of GLN transport in the intact brain.
Permutable polynomials for several variables.

The Russian mathematician P. L. Chebyshev defined and studied a class of polynomials of one variable. These polynomials have many in teresting properties including commutativity and closure with respect to composition. In this article we show how to generalize this property to several variables. Special attention is given to the case of three variables. Results concerning how to compute the polynomials, their value at certain points, closed forms, recurrence relations, and generating functions are presented.
Interpretation of structure and magnetism in transition-metal pnictides M2X and (M1−xM′x)2X

Abstract The transition-metal pnictides M 2 X and (M 1− x M′ x ) 2 X containing first-row transition elements and X = P, As or Sb tend to crystallize in three related structures that permit metal-metal bonding via partially filled 3 d -shell cores. It is argued that in the phosphides, and probably in most arsenides and antimonides, of the first-row transition elements, the X-atom p bands are filled and the cation 4 s bands are empty, so that the number of 3 d electrons per metal atom are known unambiguously. Furthermore, some of the phosphides are magnetic and some are not, so that the width of the 3 d -electron bands can be varied by As substitution or by hydrostatic pressure to provide critical information about changes in magnetic order, magneticordering temperatures, and the magnitudes of the atomic moments as a function of bandwidth and band occupation in the critical region where the transition from spontaneous magnetism to Pauli paramagnetism occurs. General conceptual phase diagrams are developed from physical arguments about the influence of electron-electron correlations on quasidegenerate, narrow d bands. This discussion, which leads to an explanation of the Slater-Pauling curve of magnetization vs electron/atom ratio in the transition metals, is then applied to an interpretation of available magnetic data for the transition-metal pnictides M 2 X and (M 1− x M′ x ) 2 X. Prediction of individual atomic moments requires that allowance be made for distinguishable cation sites and for the transfer of 3 d -electron charge from lighter to heavier elements, but the crystal-field effects appear to be manifest only in the signs of the interatomic exchange interactions. Significantly, in alloys an equal and integral number of majority-spin electrons tend to be stabilized at each atomic constituent that is magnetic.
The firm in early Modern China

Abstract The Chinese shareholding entity had a long history supported by cultural and legal practices pre-dating the introduction of European business forms in China. In the absence of codified or systematic precedent-based private law, a culture in which contract was deeply embedded in daily practice and the state enforced private agreements sustained a growing commercial sector. Kinship practices were adapted to the needs of a merchant community seeking ways to pool capital and sustain firm longevity. These institutional developments help to explain Chinese adaptability to Western practices and the paradoxical persistence of Chinese practices after the promulgation of a Western-style company law.
Human gene therapy, the public, and public policy.

ABSTRACT The public's involvement in the debate over human gene therapy is used to illustrate two points. First, complex bioethical issues often come to the public's attention because of a scandal, in this case the Cline episode; enlightened discussion and public understanding are difficult to achieve under these conditions. Second, even with unfavorable circumstances at the outset, the debate can become channeled into politically responsible institutions which then can develop effective public policy. For gene therapy, four significant forums emerged: the President's Commission's Report Splicing Life, the 1982 Congressional Hearings, the OTA Report, and the RAC's Points to Consider document.
Tunable laser study of the ν10 + ν11 band of cyclopropane

Diode laser measurements of the ν10 + ν11 (ltot = ±2) perpendicular band of cyclopropane have led to the assignments of roughly 600 lines in the 1880–1920-cm−1 region. Most of the spectra were recorded and stored in digital form using a rapid-scan mode of operating the laser. These spectra were calibrated, with the aid of a computer, by reference to the R lines of the ν1 + ν2 band of N2O. The ground state constants we obtained are (in cm−1) B = 0.670240 ± 2.4 × 10−5, DJ = (1.090 ± 0.054) × 10−6, DJK = (−1.29 ± 0.19) × 10−6, DK = (0.2 ± 1.1) × 10−6. The excited state levels are perturbed at large J values, presumably by Coriolis couplings between the active E′(ltot = ±2) and the inactive A′(ltot = 0) states. Effective values for the excited state constants were obtained by considering only the J < 15 levels. The A1-A2 splittings in the K′ = 1 excited states were observed to vary as qeffJ(J + 1), with qeff = (2.17 ± 0.17) × 10−4 cm−1.
Impact of Surgeon Demographics and Technique on Outcomes After Esophageal Resections: A Nationwide Study

Background Thoracic, cardiac, and general surgeons perform esophageal resections in the United States. This article examines the impact of surgeon subspecialty on outcomes after esophagectomy. Methods Esophagectomies performed between 1998 and 2008 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Surgeons were classified as thoracic, cardiac, or general surgeons if greater than 65% of their operative case mix was representative of their specialty. Surgeons with less than 65% of a specialty-specific case mix served as controls. Regression equations calculated the independent effect of surgeon specialty, surgeon volume, and operative approach (transhiatal versus transthoracic) on outcomes. Results Of the 40,589 patients who underwent esophagectomies, surgeon identifiers were available for 23,529 patients. Based on case mix, thoracic, cardiac, and general surgeons performed 3,027 (12.9%), 688 (2.9%), and 4,086 (17.4%) esophagectomies, respectively. Operative technique did not independently affect risk-adjusted outcomes—mortality, morbidity, and failure to rescue (defined as death after a complication). Surgeon volume independently lowered mortality and failure to rescue by 4% ( p ≤ 0.002 for both), but not complications ( p = 0.6). High-volume hospitals (>12 procedures/year) independently lowered mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46–0.96), and failure to rescue (AOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44–0.94). Esophageal resections performed by general surgeons were associated with higher mortality (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.02–3.45) and failure to rescue (AOR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.06–3.61) but not complications (AOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.64–1.49). Conclusions General surgeons perform the major proportion of esophagectomies in the United States. Surgeon subspecialty is not associated with the risk of complications developing but instead is associated with mortality and failure to rescue from complications. Surgeon subspecialty case mix is an important determinant of outcomes for patients undergoing esophagectomy.
Final and peak epidemic sizes for SEIR models with quarantine and isolation.

Two $SEIR$ models with quarantine and isolation are considered, in which the latent and infectious periods are assumed to have an exponential and gamma distribution, respectively. Previous studies have suggested (based on numerical observations) that a gamma distribution model (GDM) tends to predict a larger epidemic peak value and shorter duration than an exponential distribution model (EDM). By deriving analytic formulas for the maximum and final epidemic sizes of the two models, we demonstrate that either GDM or EDM may predict a larger epidemic peak or final epidemic size, depending on control measures. These formulas are helpful not only for understanding how model assumptions may affect the predictions, but also for confirming that it is important to assume realistic distributions of latent and infectious periods when the model is used for public health policy making.
Multidimensional Red Tape: A Theory Coda

ABSTRACT Almost all red tape research is anchored in a relatively small number of theoretical formulations and formal red tape concepts. My article analyzes these concepts, including Kaufman's red tape concept, organizational red tape, and stakeholder red tape. After reviewing previous concepts of red tape I suggest a new one, multidimensional red tape. The basic idea of multidimensional red tape is that red tape is subject-dependent and that rules and regulations may be pathological in some elements and not others, even with respect to the same stakeholder. Multidimensional red tape seeks to provide a conceptual platform for enhancing researchers’ ability to assess multiple costs and benefits of rules and, thereby, to identify rules in need of reform, even in cases where rules are not judged to be red tape.
The rules of the game: An analysis of Osha's enforcement strategy

Although OSHA promulgates standards for chemical exposures on the basis of workers' relative risk of acquiring chronic disease, it interprets the limits as absolute levels never to be exceeded. This poses a dilemma to the gathering of useful information which can be used to assess and reduce exposures, because employers can maximize compliance outcomes by minimizing exposure monitoring. The result is that, in the absence of adequate information, the working population's true risk of acquiring disease is essentially unknown and average exposures of several times the permissible exposure limit (PEL) can be declared in compliance. The dilemma could be resolved if OSHA would define compliance in terms of one or more parameters of the cumulative exposure distribution. Since OSHA's current method of assessing risks is based upon average exposures, enforcement of the PEL as the limit of each worker's true mean exposure would be internally consistent. This change could have the effect of encouraging employers to monitor exposures since the confidence interval surrounding the mean can be narrowed with increased sample size.
The axial angular momentum balance of a global ocean general circulation model

Abstract In this study we examine the axial angular momentum balance of a non-eddy-resolving global ocean general circulation model, from the perspective of the geographical and seasonal variability of angular momentum and from the perspective of the torques acting on the ocean through its surfaces. Our purpose is to provide an estimate of the magnitude of the seasonal storage of angular momentum in the ocean and hence the oceanic excitation of variability in length of day, and to elucidate the role of the ocean in transferring angular momentum between the atmosphere and the Earth's crust. We provide an assessment of the reliability of the model results by examining the sensitivity of the angular momentum and torque distributions to several model parameters. Although the Southern Ocean region containing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) makes the largest contribution to both the annual mean oceanic angular momentum and its seasonal variability, inclusion of the rest of the world ocean reduces both of these quantities to about two-thirds of the value of the Southern Ocean alone. The annual, global mean angular momentum is found to be insensitive to most model choices except for the isopycnal diffusivity. The seasonal variability, on the other hand, is insensitive to the isopycnal diffusivity, but sensitive to the smoothness of the representation of topography and moderately sensitive to horizontal and vertical friction parameterizations. The torque balance at all latitudes, including within the Antarctic circumpolar belt, is between wind stress and bottom pressure torques. Horizontal friction torques are small but non-negligible. Bottom friction and storage of angular momentum are negligible in angular momentum budgets on seasonal time scales. Two commonly used wind stress climatologies, one based on historical marine meteorological observations and the other based on operational weather analyses, differ in the sign of the globally integrated wind stress torque.
Neurotoxicity of polystyrene containers detected in a closed tissue culture system.

Abstract Certain lots of polystyrene Petri dishes used in tissue culture are toxic to neurons in an air-tight tissue culture system. This closed culture system may be useful for the rapid screening of volatile agents for neurotoxicity. The possible sublethal effects of polystyrene containers should be considered in the assessment of anomalous cellular behavior in culture systems in which plastic containers are used.
Coaxial cable Bragg grating assisted microwave coupler

This paper reports a microwave coupler based on two parallel coaxial cable Bragg gratings fabricated by drilling U-grooves across the cables at periodic distance along the cable direction. Electromagnetic field couplings between two cables were observed at discrete frequencies through both near and far ends detections. The coupling frequency and strength can be precisely controlled by varying the grating period and length. The coupling bandwidth may also be controlled through specific grating design. The device physics was also described through transfer matrix which matched well with the experimental results.
Scherk saddle towers of genus two in {\mathbb R^3}

In 1996 Traizet obtained singly periodic minimal surfaces with Scherk ends of arbitrary genus by desingularizing a set of vertical planes at their intersections. However, in Traizet’s work it is not allowed that three or more planes intersect at the same line. In our paper, by a saddle-tower we call the desingularization of such “forbidden” planes into an embedded singly periodic minimal surface. We give explicit examples of genus two and discuss some advances regarding this problem. Moreover, our examples are the first ones containing Gaussian geodesics, and for the first time we prove embeddedness of the surfaces CSSCFF and CSSCCC from Callahan-Hoffman-Meeks-Wohlgemuth.
Predicting Multiple Criteria: Comparison of Two Vectors of Regression Coefficients.

The present paper generalizes the t ratio used in testing the difference between two independent regression coefficients to the multivariate case of testing the difference between two vectors of regression coefficients. The generalized statistic is particularly useful when one wishes to determine which of two variables is the best predictor of a number of criterion variables. In addition, simultaneous confidence bounds may be applied at the level of each pairwise difference.
If You Listen, The Patient Will Tell You the Diagnosis

Since the time of Hippocrates, nearly 2,500 years ago, professors in medical schools have been telling their students to listen to patients. Medical students and young doctors all come to realize t...
A frequency-filtering strategy of obtaining PHI-free sentences from clinical data repository

Clinical natural language processing (NLP) has become indispensable in the secondary use of electronic medical records (EMRs). However, it is found that current clinical NLP tools face the problem of portability among different institutes. An ideal solution to this problem is cross-institutional data sharing. However, the legal enforcement of no revelation of protected health information (PHI) obstructs this practice even with the availability of state-of-the-art de-identification tools. In this paper, we investigated the use of a frequency-filtering approach to extract PHI-free sentences utilizing the Enterprise Data Trust (EDT), a large collection of EMRs at Mayo Clinic. Our approach is based on the assumption that sentences appearing frequently tend to contain no PHI. This assumption originates from the observation that there exist a large number of redundant descriptions of similar patient conditions in EDT. Both manual and automatic evaluations on the sentence set with frequencies higher than one show no PHI are found. The promising results demonstrate the potential of sharing highly frequent sentences among institutes.
The priority of justice: A framework approach to ethics in program evaluation

The situations of evaluation are inevitably complex and various, often involving conflicts between ethical principles as well as among aims or stakeholders. To meet this challenge, evaluators and stakeholders need an interpretive framework to clarify the issues at hand and open the way to workable solutions. This paper provides a three-part framework of justice to guide practitioners in this interpretive task. First, evaluation is instituted to serve the public with fidelity to the values, standards, and ideals that characterize it as a profession and as an office deserving the public trust, here called public justice. Second, these requirements evoke and entail the more general demands of fair process, mutual respect, and right action known as procedural justice. Third, the operations of office and just process must serve the public good, meeting the demands of distributive justice that govern the allocation of goods and benefits. This framework takes as a starting point the priority of justice as articulated by John Rawls: "Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is to thought. A theory however elegant and economical must be rejected or revised if it is untrue; likewise laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust" (1971, p. 3).
Teaching evidence-based public health to public health practitioners.

Purpose The purpose of the Evidence Based Public Health (EBPH) course is to train public health practitioners to utilize a comprehensive approach for program development and evaluation from a scientific perspective, including principles of scientific reasoning and systematic uses of data and information systems. The increasing technical sophistication of public health problems and approaches emphasizes the importance for an evidence-based approach to developing policy and interventions. Methods The training methods used highlight the linkages between data systems and program/policy initiatives. Participants learn to access and interpret existing data systems and methods of using data to impact specific policies or decision-makers. From 1992 through mid-2004 the EBPH course was offered a total of 20 times, in Missouri, nationally and internationally. In March 2002, the workshop was taped and pressed into a 16-CD set that public health workers can use as a self-teaching program in their own homes and offices. The group exercises from the classroom workshop have been adapted into individual self-guided applications, and background readings are included in the set. Results Compiled results of course evaluations indicate average ratings for course satisfaction ranging from 8.50 to 10.00 on a scale from 1 to 10. Satisfaction with course instructors ranged between 8.00 and 10.00 on the same scale. Ninety-four to ninety-six per cent of participants reported that they would use the course in their day-to-day work. Qualitative comments from participants at the time of and after the course show that the material is applied in a variety of ways. Conclusions The EBPH course is making a valuable contribution in strengthening the application of scientific methods to public health practice. To expand the offerings of this training, a train-the-trainer component for the EBPH course is being developed, to be made available in 2005.
Reassembling 3D thin shells using integrated template guidance and fracture region matching

Geometric restoration that composes 3D fragmented pieces into the original complete object is an important computer graphics and geometric processing problem. Automatic and effective restoration has applications in many fields such as archeological reconstruction, digital heritage archiving, forensic evidence processing, to name a few. For example, archaeologists reconstruct ceramic fragments (sherds) into complete pots in order to analyze the information of the ancient society. Forensic scientists reassemble skull fragments into complete skull for face reconstruction and body identification. In both of these problems we need to solve a composition of digitized thin-shell fragments with different shapes, sizes, and resolutions. This problem remains very challenging.
The perception of doubly curved surfaces from intersecting contours

The perception of a three-dimensional (3-D) surface shape can be inferred from a 2-D image of two intersecting curves. Three experiments are reported in which we examined a possible method for determining the surface shape as a function of the geometry at the point of intersection. The method involves a two-step process in which the tangents to the two curves determine a skewed Cartesian coordinate system. The angle of the quadrant containing two arcs, the double arc quadrant (DAQ), is then examined. Experiment 1 showed that the surface is perceived as hyperbolic when the DAQ is acute and as locally convex when the DAQ is obtuse. Experiments 2 and 3 showed that even when the DAQ is 90°, the underlying 3-D shape may be unambiguously judged as either hyperbolic or locally convex. It is suggested that the viewer may use an extrapolation process in order to differentiate between these potentially ambiguous stimulus configurations.
Structure/activity relationships among photosensitizers related to pheophorbides and bacteriopheophorbides

Abstract A series of long wavelength absorbing photosensitizers related to pheophorbide-a, pyropheophorbide-a, bacteriopheophorbide-a and chlorin-e 6 were synthesized and evaluated for their comparative in vivo tumorcidal activity and skin phototoxicity vis-a-vis Photofrin®. Structure/function relationships are discussed. All new photosensitizers were found to have high production of 1 O 2 and reduced skin phototoxicity compared to Photofrin®.
On an open problem in spherical facility location

In this paper we partially resolve an open problem in spherical facility location. The spherical facility location problem is a generalization of the planar Euclidean facility location problem. This problem was first studied by Katz and Cooper and by Drezner and Wesolowsky where a Weszfeld-like algorithm was proposed. This algorithm is very simple and does not require a line search. However, its convergence has been an open problem for more than ten years. In this paper, we prove that the sequence generated by the algorithm converges to the unique optimal solution under the condition that the oscillation of the sequence converges to zero. We conjecture that the algorithm is a descent algorithm and prove that the sequence generated by the algorithm converges to the optimal solution under this conjecture.
2,3-dihydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1H-isoindol-1-one-based HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.

The bis-salicylhydrazides class of HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors has been postulated to function by metal chelation. However, members of this series exhibit potent inhibition only when Mn2+ is used as cofactor. The current study found that bis-aroylhydrazides could acquire inhibitory potency in Mg2+ using dihydroxybenzoyl substituents as both the right and left components of the hydrazide moiety. Employing a 2,3-dihydro-6,7-dihydroxy-1H-isoindol-1-one ring system as a conformationally constrained 2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl equivalent provided good selectivity for IN-catalyzed strand transfer versus the 3′-processing reactions as well as antiviral efficacy in cells using HIV-1 based vectors.
Hydrogenolysis of palladium(II) hydroxide and methoxide pincer complexes.

Hydrogenolysis reactions of palladium(II) hydroxide and methoxide complexes to form water and methanol, respectively, and the corresponding palladium(II) hydride are reported. In the presence of water, 1 was found to exist in solution as a water-bridged dimer; however, kinetic studies suggest the reaction of 1 and H2 proceeds exclusively through the hydroxide monomer to form the palladium(II) hydride and water. Computational studies suggest a four-center intramolecular proton transfer as opposed to an oxidative addition/reductive elimination pathway.
Photoreactivation in Blepharisma.

Abstract 1. 1. After exposure to far-ultraviolet (UV) radiation (265 nm), an equally high degree of photoreactivation (PR), about 80 to 90% of the radiation-induced division retardation, was obtained with the albino mutant of Blepharisma japonicum as with other ciliates previously tested, contrary to an earlier report. 2. 2. Maximal PR was observed only when PR light of low intensity was used and the dose was optimum. If too large a dose was applied, apparent PR was correspondingly reduced. 3. 3. Violet (405 nm) and blue (436 nm) light were most photoreactive; near-UV (366 nm) somewhat less so, and green (540 nm) and yellow light (570 nm) only slightly so. This is similar to what has been found for many other organisms. 4. 4. Under appropriate conditions similar degrees of PR were obtained for red wild-type B. japonicum as for the albino, though higher doses of PR light (longer exposures) were required. 5. 5. Under restricted conditions, which were different as to dose of PR light required, comparable PR was obtained in B. americanum, B. stoltei and B. japonicum. A high degree of PR is therefore probably characteristic of the genus, not just the albino. 6. 6. In the light of the present study, the previously reported low degree of PR of far-UV induced division delay, which had been considered exceptional among ciliates, appears to be an artifact, a result of (a) the use of logarithmic cultures which show less PR; (b) exposure to yellow light during handling and microscopic observation, which, though non-photoreactive to other ciliates, photoreactives far-UV damage in Blepharisma, and so reduces apparent PR measured; (c) supraoptimal light dosages which themselves induce division delay and so reduce the measurable PR. 7. 7. Blepharisma is much more sensitive to visible light in the PR spectral range than is Colpidium colpoda, which tolerated very much larger doses without injury.
Portable Conformable Mask-A Hybrid Near-Ultraviolet And Deep-Ultraviolet Patterning Technique

Deep-UV conformable printing offers the capability of delineating submicrometer features with high aspect ratios. The profile of the resist image can easily be manipulated from overcut to vertical and undercut. However, making intimate contact between the mask and the wafer potentially induces defects. On the other hand, near-UV optical projection printing can be defect-free but cannot achieve a high aspect ratio in the photoresist image. In this paper a double layer resist system is used to combine the advantages of the two printing methods while eliminating the shortcomings. A thin AZ layer is spun on a thick PMMA layer. The AZ1350J layer is conventionally deliniated with a near-UV mask aligner. Because AZ1350J is opaque to deep-UV radiation, it acts as a built in conformable mask which can be carried with the wafer to a deep-UV blanket-exposure station to delineate the PMMA layer.