cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Profiles and Underlying Transmitters/Circuits of Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulant Drugs of Abuse

Plant-derived cathinone (found in khat of C. edulis, a shrub native to Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula) is structurally similar to amphetamine and produces psychosomatic, behaviorally activating effects. Alterations to one or more motifs of cathinone’s molecular structure can yield novel psychoactive compounds with greater potency, toxicity, and abuse liability than the parent compound. These synthetic cathinone drugs, including 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), are manufactured in clandestine laboratories with intent for recreational use and have been the subject of intensive research on basic and preclinical levels over the past decade. For years, synthetic cathinone drugs avoided legal persecution by vending formulations in packages marked “not for human consumption.” Even after scheduling by the Drug Enforcement Agency, novel formulations of synthetic cathinone drugs continue to be seized across the United States and internationally with emergency room visits and postmortem toxicology reports supporting this drug class as a persisting public health concern. This chapter will provide evaluation of studies that examine the behavioral effects following synthetic cathinone use as well as provide discussion of the transmitters and circuits that underlie these effects. Similarly to cocaine, amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), synthetic cathinone drugs work by elevating extracellular levels of monoamines by augmenting release or by blocking presynaptic uptake. In animal models, synthetic cathinone drugs produce place preference, acutely prime brain reward thresholds and are readily self-administered. Available evidence supports that the potently rewarding and reinforcing effects of certain synthetic cathinone drugs are likely mediated by preferential action at dopaminergic and noradrenergic transporters, while empathogenic effects more strongly align with augmentation of serotonin transmission. As additional compounds are designed throughout the United States and elsewhere, understanding the sites of action and behavioral effects remains the goals of our laboratory and others in ultimate effort to intervene and suppress addiction propensity of harmful cathinone-derived psychostimulant drugs.
Body Fuel Metabolism

Fuel homeostasis in normal man involves the assimilation, storage, and utilization primarily of glucose, fat (triglyceride, free fatty acids, and glycerol), and protein (amino acids and peptides). Body fuel metabolism is of particular importance in such conditions as starvation and exercise and in disease states such as diabetes. This review will focus primarily on normal physiology, with some discussion of the abnormalities observed in diabetes.
Isentropic Gas Dynamics with Large Data

We consider the equations of isentropic gas dynamics in a Lagrangian frame, also known as the p-system $$ {{\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} v \hfill \\ u \hfill \\ \end{array} } \right)}_{t}} + {{\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} { - u} \\ {p(v)} \\ \end{array} } \right)}_{x}} = 0, $$ (1) where v, u and p are the specific volume, velocity and pressure, respectively.
Problem-based learning meets case-based reasoning

The modern education community agrees that deep and effective learning is best promoted by situating learning in authentic activity. Many in the education community have put in place constructivist classroom practices that put students into situations where they must make hypotheses, collect data, and determine which data to use in the process of solving a problem or participating in some kind of realistic analysis or investigation. Research in case-based reasoning (CBR), which provides a plausible model of learning from problem solving situations, makes suggestions about education that are consistent with these educational theories and methodologies and which can provide added concreteness and detail. In this paper, we show how CBR's suggestions can enhance problem-based learning (PBL), which is already a well-worked-out and successful approach to education. The computational accounts CBR provides of reasoning activities, especially of knowledge access, access to old experiences (cases), and use of old experiences in reasoning, suggest guidelines about materials that should be made available as resources, the kinds of reflection that will promote transfer, qualities of good problems, qualities of the environment in which problems are solved (e.g., affordances for feedback), and sequencing a curriculum. The two approaches complement each other well, and together, we believe they provide a powerful foundation for educational practice in the constructivist tradition, one that at once combines lessons learned from classroom practice with sound cognitive theory.
Interpolations in the Text

The manuscript mentions only one author of the Completion, namely Ibn al-Haytham, and the presentation of the text as a homogeneous whole seems to confirm the suggestion that Ibn al-Haytham is the author of the entire text we have. However, there are strong reasons for believing that a number of passages were not written by Ibn al-Haytham, but added (or revised) by one or more later and less competent commentators.
Using Audience Response Systems for Real-Time Learning Assessments During Surgical Morbidity and Mortality Conference.

OBJECTIVE Morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference is a mainstay of surgical education. However, its effectiveness is poorly described. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a real-time audience response system for learner assessment during M&M. DESIGN We integrated a web-based audience response system into weekly M&M conference. First, this platform collected qualitative responses about the role of M&M. Then, we used the platform to direct questions to attendees in real time. Questions focused on surgical risk estimation and classifying root causes. Responses were grouped by training and compared to a validated risk tool's prediction. Root cause assignment concordance was statistically compared using Cohen's kappa between the pluralities of faculty responses to that of trainees. SETTING General surgical residency program based at a tertiary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS Affiliated categorical residents, preliminary residents, and clinical fellows. RESULTS We enrolled 110 participants (38 faculty, 31 senior trainees, and 41 trainees). The majority of respondents (75.9%) cited education as the purpose of M&M, and all of respondents stated education as their personal motivation. Audience response questions were integrated into 34 unique case presentations. Mean absolute differences between predicted complication rates and attendees’ predictions were highest for faculty (−9.4%, p = 0.009) and lowest for junior residents (−1.8%, p = 0.385). When assigning root cause of each morbidity, concordance between faculty and trainees was low to moderate (K = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS Assessment of learning during M&M can be performed in real time with discrimination observed by learner experience level. These data support development of this response platform to trend learner performance over time and to monitor targeted educational interventions at future M&Ms.
Annotation technology

Annotation Technology is a systematized set of recommendations for design of successful advanced annotation software covering the architectural, functional and user-interface aspects. It is grounded in a careful examination of 17 existing systems accompanied by our own empirical study of annotation types, applications and desired functionality. To validate the recommendations of Annotation Technology, we have also developed Annotator, a system for making on-line annotations on arbitrary hypertext documents. Annotator offers some capabilities unavailable in existing systems. It has a proxy-based architecture for annotating documents over the web and sorting the comments in an annotation database.
A structural MRI study of differential neuromorphometric characteristics of binge and heavy drinking.

Abstract Background Alcohol misuse often manifests in two different patterns of drinking; Binge Drinking (BD; ≥4 (women) or ≥ 5 (men) drinks/day, ≤12 days/month) or Heavy Drinking (HD; ≥3 (women) or ≥4 (men) drinks/day, ≥16 days/month). Although direct comparisons have not been made, structural MRI studies indicate that the two types of drinking behaviors might be associated with different neuromorphometric characteristics. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design to compare brain structure (using MRI derived subcortical volume and cortical thickness measures) between participants with histories of BD (N = 16), HD (N = 15), and Healthy Controls (HC; N = 21). Whole-brain analyses were used to quantify group differences in subcortical volume and cortical thickness. Resulting cortical thickness clusters were quantified for their areas of overlap with resting-state network parcellations. Results BD was associated with decreased volumes of the bilateral global pallidus and decreased cortical thickness within the left superior-parietal cluster (p Conclusions These data indicate that histories of BD and HD patterns are associated with distinct neuromorphometric characteristics. BD was associated with changes within the executive control networks and the globus pallidus. HD was associated with widespread changes, that are primarily localized within the visual network.
Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Young Typically Developing Children and Children With Developmental Language Disorder I: The Benefits of Repeated Retrieval

Purpose Scholars have long noted that retention improves significantly when learners frequently test themselves on the new material rather than engage in continuous study with no intermittent testi...
321 HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF SHELTERED EVACUEES.

Purpose Almost no data exist on how best to respond to the medical needs of civilians displaced by natural disasters. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Gulf Coast and seriously damaged the infrastructure of Jackson, Mississippi, in August of 2005, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) was challenged with serving a large group of evacuees at a major Red Cross evacuation shelter near our campus. As a part of this experience, we developed a shelter clinic organizational structure that may be useful in future disasters. Methods Retrospective review of administrative and clinical records for patients served by a medical clinic established emergently after Hurricane Katrina. Results Faced with numerous evacuees seeking medical assistance, UMMC established an ambulatory clinic at the fairgrounds, where a large American Red Cross shelter was located in Jackson, Mississippi. To facilitate the operation of this clinic, policies and procedures were developed. These include a functional clinic floor plan, medical record data system, job descriptions, and operational agreements for medical, psychiatric, pharmacy, and related services. These policies and procedures facilitated care for almost 2,500 evacuees during 17 days of clinic operation. For instance, the simple floor plan developed allowed triage of patients with referral for adult and pediatric medical and psychiatric care and specialty services, including asthma treatment, within 3,447 square feet. The medical data form allowed rapid accumulation of clinical information necessary for documentation of care and planning of subsequent health care services. An organizational chart with job descriptions was essential. Conclusion Although medical facilities have emergency response plans for epidemics and mass trauma, little attention has focused on plans for care of evacuated populations. Academic health centers and other medical facilities along evacuation routes should be prepared to provide medical services to evacuees in time of disaster as the American Red Cross provides only first aid to sheltered populations. Our experience has allowed us to develop policies and procedures that should be useful to other caregivers who might be called on in future disasters.
Redox Tuning via Ligand-Induced Geometric Distortions at a YMn3O4 Cubane Model of the Biological Oxygen Evolving Complex.

The function of proteins involved in electron transfer is dependent on cofactors attaining the necessary reduction potentials. We establish a mode of cluster redox tuning through steric pressure on a synthetic model related to Photosystem II. Resembling the cuboidal [CaMn3O4] subsite of the biological oxygen evolving complex (OEC), [Mn4O4] and [YMn3O4] complexes featuring ligands of different basicity and chelating properties were characterized by cyclic voltammetry. In the absence of ligand-induced distortions, increasing the basicity of the ligands results in a decrease of cluster reduction potential. Contraction of Y-oxo/Y–Mn distances by 0.1/0.15 A enforced by a chelating ligand results in an increase of cluster reduction potential even in the presence of strongly basic donors. Related protein-induced changes in Ca-oxo/Ca–Mn distances may have similar effects in tuning the redox potential of the OEC through entatic states and may explain the cation size dependence on the progression of the S-state cycle.
From “thank god for helping this person” to “libtards really jumped the shark”: Opinion leaders and (in)civility in the wake of school shootings:

Drawing on a qualitative analysis of 5996 tweets and 480 mainstream news stories about the Florida State University (FSU) and the Ohio State University (OSU) shootings, we examine who emerges as op...
“HE’S NOT TOO YOUNG”: EMPOWERING PARENTS IN CHILD LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH UPWORDS, A PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAM

Background: Children of low socioeconomic status (SES) families have higher risk of language delays and poor school readiness compared to children of higher SES; 41% of US children are from low-income homes. The disparity may begin with the home language environment and persists past school entry, leading to higher risk of poor health. Community-based early language programs may improve the home language environment of low SES homes. Still, the literature on parents’ perspective of these programs is limited. Objective: …
Comparison of professional medical society guidelines for appropriate use of coronary computed tomography angiography

Abstract Background Multiple appropriate use criteria (AUC) exist for the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD), but there is little data on the agreement between AUC from different professional medical societies. The aim of this study is to compare the appropriateness of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) exams assessed using multimodality AUC from the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) versus the American College of Radiology (ACR). Methods In a single-center prospective cohort study from June 2014 to 2016, 1005 consecutive subjects referred for evaluation of known or suspected CAD received a contrast-enhanced CCTA. The primary outcome was the agreement of appropriateness ratings using ACCF and ACR guidelines, measured by the kappa statistic. A secondary outcome was the rate of obstructive CAD by appropriateness rating. Results Among 1005 subjects, the median (5–95th percentile) age was 59 (37–76) years with 59.0% male. The ACCF criteria classified 39.6% (n = 398) appropriate, 24.2% (n = 243) maybe appropriate, and 36.2% (n = 364) rarely appropriate. The ACR guidelines classified 72.3% (n = 727) appropriate, 2.6% (n = 26) maybe appropriate, and 25.1% (n = 252) rarely appropriate. ACCF and ACR appropriateness ratings were in agreement for 55.0% (n = 553). Overall, there was poor agreement (kappa 0.27 [95% confidence interval 0.23–0.31]). By both AUC methods, a low rate of obstructive CAD was observed in the rarely appropriate exams (ACCF 7.1% [n = 26 of 364] and ACR 13.5% [n = 34 of 252]). Conclusions Compared to ACCF criteria, the ACR guidelines of appropriateness were broader and classified significantly more CCTA exams as appropriate. The poor agreement between appropriateness ratings from the ACCF and ACR AUC guidelines evokes implications for reimbursement and future test utilization.
Dreaming Differently About Freedom: Malcolm X and Muhammad Speaks

This essay traces the emancipatory imagination of Malcolm X and the newspaper Muhammad Speaks. As a minister in the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X laid the foundation for the newspaper’s style, content, and grassroots approach. Even after Malcolm X’s break with the Nation of Islam, the widely read Muhammad Speaks produced news and commentary that fastidiously paralleled key features of Malcolm X’s evolving vision of Black liberation.
Lipoproteins: A Source of Cardiac Lipids

Lipids are the major substrate for cardiac ATP production and they are derived from adipose tissue or lipoprotein triglycerides. Lipoproteins are synthesized in the liver and they obtain their mature form following interaction with enzymes that are present in the circulation. Lipoprotein-derived fatty acids are released by lipoprotein lipase and are then taken up by cardiomyocytes either passively or via fatty acid receptors, such as CD36. Uptake of remnant lipoproteins via cardiomyocyte lipoprotein receptors is also possible. Besides fatty acids, other hydrophobic molecules such as cholesteryl esters, retinyl esters and vitamins are delivered by lipoproteins to the heart. While lipids are important for normal cardiac function, excessive lipid uptake, also known as lipotoxicity, may lead to cardiac abnormalities. This chapter focuses on the role of lipoproteins in providing fatty acids and other essential lipids to the heart in healthy conditions as well as in cardiac disease.
Site-1 Protease-Derived Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor Contributes to Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension in Mice

Activation of PRR ([pro]renin receptor) contributes to enhancement of intrarenal RAS and renal medullary α-ENaC and thus elevated blood pressure during Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion. The goal of the present study was to test whether such action of PRR was mediated by sPRR (soluble PRR), generated by S1P (site-1 protease), a newly identified PRR cleavage protease. F1 B6129SF1/J mice were infused for 6 days with control or Ang II at 300 ng/kg per day alone or in combination with S1P inhibitor PF-429242 (PF), and blood pressure was monitored by radiotelemetry. S1P inhibition significantly attenuated Ang II-induced hypertension accompanied with suppressed urinary and renal medullary renin levels and expression of renal medullary but not renal cortical α-ENaC expression. The effects of S1P inhibition were all reversed by supplement with histidine-tagged sPRR termed as sPRR-His. Ussing chamber technique was performed to determine amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current, an index of ENaC activity in confluent mouse cortical collecting duct cell line cells exposed for 24 hours to Ang II, Ang II + PF, or Ang II + PF + sPRR-His. Ang II-induced ENaC activity was blocked by PF, which was reversed by sPRR-His. Together, these results support that S1P-derived sPRR mediates Ang II-induced hypertension through enhancement of intrarenal renin level and activation of ENaC.
Structured Liquid Batteries

Here we describe structured liquid batteries, whose membranes self-form via coacervation of polyelectrolytes. The membrane serves as an ion conductor, a physical barrier, and a structural support. Complexation of redox-active small molecules with their complementary polyelectrolyte also mitigates the crossover. The reconfigurability of liquids allows the cell to conform to prescribed patterns and the cells are rechargeable for hundreds of hours.
Novel Methodology to Assess RF Performance of Co-located MIMO Radar Systems Transmitting Binary Phased Coded Waveforms

In this work an experimental radar testbed and dual directional couplers (DDC) are used to collect measurements of the forward and reverse waves at each element, its mutual coupling, and beam-patterns. The collected measured data is used to validate a methodology for assessing radio frequency (RF) performance of a co-located multiple-input multipleoutput (MIMO) radar system transmitting binary phased coded (BP) waveforms. The estimated and measured active reflection coefficient (ARC) and beam-patterns are presented. The effect of different excitations and mutual coupling on the radiated fields is also presented.
Geriatrics and palliative medicine leadership is needed now more than ever: What are the training gaps?

BACKGROUND Geriatrics and palliative medicine specialists are uniquely trained to provide expert coordinated care for older adults and seriously ill and complex patients. Health system leadership geared towards this patient population is critically important as society ages. Currently, there is no standardized approach to teaching core leadership skills. To assess the leadership training needs of geriatrics and palliative medicine fellowship graduates, we conducted a needs assessment to identify (1) early career leadership trajectories and challenges and (2) knowledge and skills deemed essential for effective leadership. METHODS Individuals identified as leaders in geriatrics and/or palliative medicine completed an electronic survey and a semi-structured qualitative interview. These leaders were divided into two categories: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) trained leaders or non-ISMMS trained leaders. The semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Within 1 year of fellowship graduation, 50% of ISMMS trained leaders had leadership positions; within 6 years, 100% had a leadership role. Based on qualitative interviews, both ISMMS trained leaders and non-ISMMS trained leaders perceived leadership training gaps in two domains: (1) knowledge and (2) skills. Knowledge and skill gap themes included communication and management, mentorship and negotiation, program development, knowledge, and apprenticeship. CONCLUSION Geriatrics and palliative medicine physicians obtained leadership roles quickly after fellowship. Both ISMMS trained leaders and non-ISMMS trained leaders often felt unprepared, learned "on the job," and sought out additional leadership training. Early leadership training is needed to prepare fellowship graduates for the pressing demands of accelerated leadership.
Synaptic transmission mediated by single club endings on the goldfish Mauthner cell. I. Characteristics of electrotonic and chemical postsynaptic potentials

Simultaneous pre- and postsynaptic intracellular recordings, combined with HRP injections, were used to study the properties of junctional transmission between club endings of saccular nerve afferents and the Mauthner (M-) cell in goldfish. All endings were electrotonically coupled to the M-cell, but impulses in less than 20% of the afferents produced chemically mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials as well. There were no differences between the coupling potentials of those endings that mediated chemical transmission and those that did not, and presynaptic injections of HRP confirmed that in both cases the studied fibers terminated on the M-cell as single club endings. Since electron microscopic studies (Nakajima, 1974; Kohno and Noguchi, 1986; Tuttle et al., 1986) have consistently revealed structural correlates of chemical synapses in all the endings, we propose that the chemical synapses in the majority of the club endings are functionally silent. The electrotonic coupling at these junctions was characterized on the basis of coupling coefficients and DC transfer resistances. Coupling coefficients for anti- and orthodromic action potentials averaged 0.076 and 0.011, respectively. The transfer resistances measured with injections of constant-current pulses were the same in both directions (approximately 18.6 k omega), indicating the junctions do not rectify. Two separate calculations of the gap junctional resistance indicated that it is in the range of 6.7-35.8 M omega, with a mean value of 15.5 M omega. This calculated junctional resistance corresponds to 670 open gap junction channels, assuming a single-channel conductance of 100 pS. As that estimate is about 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the number of the presumed morphological correlates of the channels, i.e., intramembranous particles observed with the technique of freeze-fracture (Kohno and Noguchi, 1986; Tuttle et al., 1986), we conclude that only a small fraction of the morphologically observed channels are open at any time. The characteristics of the chemically mediated EPSPs were as follows: amplitude, 0.139 +/- 0.075 mV (mean +/- SD; n = 16); latency from onset of the coupling potential, 636 +/- 26 mu sec (n = 24); 10-90% rise time, 244 +/- 33 mu sec (n = 14); and decay time constant, 1.32 +/- 0.51 msec (n = 6). The decay phase was fit by a single exponential, and its time constant presumably is the same as that of the underlying conductance change since the M-cell's membrane time constant is significantly faster, 0.3-0.4 msec.
An Integrated Modelling Framework for Asset-Wide Lifecycle Modelling

Abstract This century is bringing new challenges to the engineering community, compelling it to undergo rapid change. The lines between traditional engineering disciplines are beginning to blur, requiring cross-functional knowledge and expertise across process, design, project management, environmental, mechanical, operations, maintenance, planing, scheduling, cost estimation, supply chain, process control and other disciplines. This paper presents the Open Simulation Environment ™ (OSE) that will meet the challenges presented by the changing industry and technology landscape. The Open Simulation Environment is a critical component by which the engineer of the 21st century will provide greater value-added, utilizing any of the technical modelling tools required to perform his/her job.
Cogwheels of the Mind: The Story of Venn Diagrams

Used today in spheres of life as diverse as business strategy, creative writing, medicine, computer science, and theoretical physics, Venn diagrams possess fascinating properties. The basic Venn diagram is both elegantly simple-three overlapping circles that intersect to create eight distinct areas-and conceptually innovative. Devised by English logician John Venn (1834-1923) to visually represent complex logical propositions and algebraic statements, the diagrams drew the excited interest of both scholars and the general public. In Cogwheels of the Mind, statistician and geneticist A. W. F. Edwards provides an accessible and engaging history of the Venn diagram, its reception and evolution, and its presence in such objects and images as Christian iconography, tennis balls, and flags which provide a rich source of Venn diagrams for Edwards, including those of Switzerland, Poland, and Japan (all one-set Venn diagrams), Greenland (a two-set Venn diagram), and Maryland (a three-set device). Edwards begins with a sketch of Venn's life, his discovery of the three-circle design while developing a series of lectures on symbolic logic at Cambridge University, and the publication of his find in an 1880 paper, and, more influentially, his 1881 book, Symbolic Logic. Edwards discusses the rival diagrammatic scheme invented by Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, who also developed a board game based on his design. The author also recreates famous Venn diagrams from history, including Winston Churchill's of 1948 depicting the mutual interests of the British Empire, a united Europe, and the English-speaking world, with the United Kingdom located at the intersection. Edwards goes on to show how different shapes can be linked together to form artistically beautiful and mathematically important, multi-set Venn diagrams, including the author's own influential Adelaide variation. And he delineates the possibilities for expanding the analytic power of these diagrams far beyond those first appreciated by Venn. Edwards even tells readers how to draw complex Venn diagrams on a spherical surface to create "Vennis balls." For anyone interested in mathematics or its history, Cogwheels of the Mind is invaluable and compelling reading.
Applications of Integration

The purpose of Integration is to “add up” small quantities. In this chapter we apply Integration to a variety of situations. First we introduce differentials, which are intuitive and a big help in setting up problems. They are the quantities that appear under the integral sign, like F(x)dx. If we have two variables x and y related by a function y = F(x), then we write dy = F’(x)dx. Because of the chain rule, differentials have an inner consistency. For instance, suppose $$ z = F\left( y \right)\;and\;y = G\left( x \right)\;so\;z = F\left[ {G\left( x \right)} \right] = H\left( x \right) $$ where H = F ○ G. Then we have two expressions for dz: $$ dz = F'\left( y \right)dy\;and\;dz = H'\left( x \right)dx $$ These expressions are equivalent because $$ dy = G'\left( x \right)dx\quad dz = F'\left( y \right)\left[ {G'\left( x \right)dx} \right] = \left[ {F'\left( y \right)G'\left( x \right)} \right]dx = H'\left( x \right)dx $$ by the chain rule.
Effects of early bond refundings

Abstract This paper examines bond-for-bond refundings and their effects on stock returns. Refundings can affect the reported income, cash flows (including taxes), dividend constraints and financial ratios of firms. For a sample of 36 NYSE and ASE firms that performed refundings between 1971 and 1980, stock returns were significantly higher than predicted (only) around the release of the quarterly earnings announcement that included the refunding's effects. While the refundings were found to have many characteristics that were hypothesized to benefit shareholders, only the change in earnings per share was found to be associated with the prediction errors. Further, there appears to be no refunding-related information released in the quarterly earnings announcement, except for the refunding gain. These results imply that a portfolio of refunding firms can be created in advance of the quarterly earnings announcement that will generate abnormal returns around the earnings announcement. Because trading rules are inconsistent with the concept of an efficient capital market, these results constitute an anomaly.
Telecommuting and Telework

Academic and commercial researchers, freelance writers, and business telework over the final three decades of the 20th century. Despite the extensive research and publicity, telecommuting has not attained anywhere near the usage levels that some experts forecasted for the start of the new millennium. Although much of the published material includes extravagant claims about productivity gains from telecommuting, most of these claims are based on subjective data collected from telecommuters. This data typically of results. This chapter defines the various forms of telecommuting and telework and covers the history of the concept. In addition, it analyzes the claims about productivity gains and societal benefits resulting from telecommuting. Based on a realistic view of these considerations, the author projects moderate increases in telecommuting usage, facilitated by increasing use of low-cost, high-bandwidth Internet technologies. Keywords: home workers; mobile worker; telecommuting; telework; virtual office; virtual organization
Interleukin 1β inhibits gastric emptying in rats: Mediation through prostaglandin and corticotropin-releasing factor

Abstract Background/Aims: Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) increases the release of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the brain through prostaglandin pathways. Because central CRF inhibits gastric motor function, the influence and mechanism of action of intracisternal injection of IL-1β on gastric emptying were investigated. Methods: The 20-minute rate of gastric emptying of a nonnutrient test meal was assessed by the phenol red methylcellulose method 30 minutes after injection of human recombinant IL-1β in conscious rats. Results: IL-1β injected intracisternally (0.01–1 ng) or intravenously (0.01–10 ng) dose-dependently decreased gastric emptying by 10%–82% and 0%–89%, respectively. The median effective dose (ED 50 ) was 30-fold lower when IL-1β was injected intracisternally (0.1 ng) than intravenously (3 ng). The inhibitory effect of intracisternal IL-1β had a rapid onset (within 20 minutes) and was long-lasting (6 hours). Indomethacin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) completely prevented the 61% inhibition induced by intracisternal IL-1β (0.1 ng) but had no effect on CRF-induced (600 ng) 72% inhibition of gastric emptying. The intracisternal injection of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (100 ng) or the CRF antagonist [DPhe 12 , Nle 21,38 ,C α MeLeu 37 ]CRF 12–41 (20 μg) prevented by 100% and 52%, respectively, the inhibition of gastric emptying evoked by intracisternal IL-1β (0.1 ng). The antagonists alone had no effect on basal gastric emptying. Conclusions: IL-1β acts in the brain to induce a long-lasting inhibition of gastric emptying; IL-1β action is mediated through central IL-1 receptors and prostaglandin- and CRF-dependent mechanisms.
Ordered spanning sets for vertex operator algebras and their modules 1

Moonshine relates three fundamental mathematical objects: the Monster sporadic simple group, the modular function j(�), and the moonshine module vertex operator algebra V ♮ . Examining the relationship between modular functions and the representation theory of vertex operator algebras reveals rich structure. In particular, C2-cofiniteness (also called Zhu’s finiteness condition) implies the existence
O 16 ( γ , n ) O 15 * and O 16 ( γ , p ) N 15 * Reactions and the Electromagnetic Decay of O 1 5 * and N 15

$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays resulting from the decay of excited states in ${\mathrm{O}}^{15}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ have been observed when these states were produced from ($\ensuremath{\gamma},n$) and ($\ensuremath{\gamma},\mathrm{p}$) reactions on ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. Bremsstrahlung from the Naval Research Laboratory's 60-MeV Electron Linac was used as a source of x rays to produce the photonuclear reactions leading to ${\mathrm{N}}^{15*}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{15*}$. The 5-MeV positive-parity quadruplet resulting from the above-described reactions was resolved into its four separate components and the width of each component was observed. Limits on lifetimes for all of the observed transitions were determined from the Doppler broadening of these lines. The ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ states at 5.240 MeV in ${\mathrm{O}}^{15}$ and at 5.270 MeV in ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ were observed to have lifetimes considerably greater than ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ sec. All other observed transitions showed lifetimes short compared to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ sec. It was also observed that the branching ratio of the 9.223-MeV level in ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ to the ${\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}^{+}$ state at 5.299 MeV could not be greater than \ensuremath{\sim}50%.
Retail Environment, Self-Congruity, and Retail Patronage

Abstract An integrative model of retail environment, self-congruity, and retail patronage is described in this article. The model develops theoretical propositions for future research to further develop the research in the area of self-image congruence in retailing. In particular, the model postulates relationships among store environment (including store atmospherics), store patron image, shoppers' self-concept, self-congruity, functional congruity, and retail patronage. The model describes the interrelationships among these constructs and proposes certain moderating and mediating effects. Finally, the article describes past and recent efforts in measuring self-congruity and how better measures of self-congruity can be developed and applied in retailing.
Long-term evaluation of the operational performance of fixed time ramp metering control strategy: a freeway corridor study

Ramp metering is one of the successful active traffic control strategies to control traffic flow at entry points to freeways. This study evaluates the effectiveness of fixed-time ramp metering control strategy on the day-to-day operation of traffic over two segments (easternmost and westernmost) of the I-12 corridor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Detector speeds and volumes were collected over 11 months and used to generate three performance measures, speed, travel time, and level of service to compare traffic conditions before and after the deployment of ramp meters. Comparative analysis, comprising statistical analysis, analysis of travel time savings, and level of service were then undertaken for traffic conditions before and after ramp meters installation. Overall, the results show some improvements in traffic conditions in the eastbound direction of the westernmost segment; however, the conditions slightly deteriorated on the westbound of the same segment. For the easternmost segment of I-12, no improvem...
Amino aciduria of E-avitaminosis, exceptional role of glycine.

Summary1. That excretion of free amino nitrogen in urine is elevated in dystrophic state of rabbits on Vit. E-free diet has been confirmed. 2. Glycine shows an exceptional behavior insofar as increased amino nitrogen excretion is not paralleled by increased glycine excretion.
Porphyrins XXV. Extended Hückel calculations on location and spectral effects of free base protons

Extended Huckel calculations for the free bases of porphin, phthalocyanine, tetrabenzporphin, and tetrazaporphin show: (i) A marked effect of carbon-nitrogen skeletal distortions is expected on the Qx - Qy (i.e. visible) band splitting that may account for observed environment effects; (ii) bridged structures will show very little splitting without either incipient bond formation between central hydrogen and bridge nitrogen or considerable skeletal distortion; (iii) while solution phthalocyanine may be bridged, the vapor is not; (iv) n - π* transitions introduced by the bridge aza nitrogens may be the cause of Soret band broadening of phthalocyanine and tetrazaporphin. Band polarizations with respect to the skeleton are discussed.
Simulation of epiphytic bacterial growth under field conditions

A model of the growth of bacteria on leaf surfaces was developed using a combined continuous and discrete simulation ap proach. It is important to understand the population dynamics of these bacteria under field conditions because of their role in causing disease and frost damage to plants, and their potential as biological control agents and enhancers of precipitation. The model incorporates many of the necessary field variables, and is designed to be part of a larger ecological model involving arrivals and departures, inimical organisms, and involvement in atmospheric processes. Historical validation indicates a reasonable correlation between predicted and observed population levels in the field. Analysis of simulation results suggests an explanation for the observed lognormal distribution of bacteria in the simuland.
Nucleation of the isothermal martensitic transformation

Abstract By means of quantitative metallography and electrical-resistivity measurements, the initial nucleation rates of the isothermal martensitic transformation were determined in a series of three iron, 23–25 wt.% nickel, 2–3 wt. % manganese alloys as a function of austenitic grain size and reaction temperature, taking autocatalytic effects into account. Typical C-curve kinetics are observed, with the temperature of maximum nucleation rate occurring at—125°C. The conventional initial nucleation rate (averaged up to 0.2% transformation, which is the first reliably detectable amount of marteusite), decreases with decreasing austenitic grain size; this trend arises because the smaller the martensitic plate size, the larger is the number of nucleation events required to generate a given amount of martensite. Thus, for a fine-grained austenite, a much larger fraction of the pre-existing embryos has to be activated to produce 0.2% martensite than in the case of a coarse-grained austenite. When this difference is taken into account, the true initial rate of nucleation is found to be independent of the grain size and austenitizing temperature within the limits studied, thereby indicating that grain boundaries are not dominant nucleation sites for the martensitic transformation in these alloys. The resulting activation energies for nucleation vary with reaction temperature in a manner predicted by the Kaufman—Cohen model, and the agreement becomes quantitative if an effective embryo radius of 180–200 A is assumed. The conditions leading to athermal nucleation are also rationalized. Self-consistent results are obtained when the number of pre-existing embryos is taken to be 10 7 /cm 3 . The probability of encountering such embryos in transmission electron microscopy is extremely small, even though they may be large enough to be resolved.
Return of Human Corneal Sensitivity After Penetrating Keratoplasty

• To evaluate the reinnervation of corneal grafts, we studied 91 eyes of 79 patients for the return of sensitivity one month to ten years following penetrating keratoplasty for various corneal disorders including keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, herpes simplex keratitis, aphakic and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, glaucoma, trauma, and interstitial keratitis. Using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, a sensation was recorded in the center of the graft no earlier than 18 months. We found a progressive return of sensitivity from the periphery toward the center of the graft. Regression analysis indicated a rate of return of sensitivity that averaged 0.029 mm/mo for each diagnostic category except herpes simplex keratitis. The slope of the return of sensitivity in the group with herpes simplex keratitis was essentially flat, showing no central progression. None of the eight patients with herpes simplex keratitis had a sensation recorded further than 0.5 mm from the wound margin.
High Cycle Vibration Testing of BGA Packages

The objective of this work is to develop an experimental apparatus, which will facilitate visual monitoring of the solder joint interconnects in a plastic ball grid array (PBGA) package during cyclic testing. The apparatus has been used to determine crack initiation, crack propagation speed, and joint failure. The experiments are complemented by nonlinear finite element modeling and static strain measurements using moire interferometry. A representative test is described and the result compared to two model descriptions found in the literature.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Origin of Olympus Mons Escarpment by erosion of pre-volcano substrate

OF all the large shield volcanoes of Mars, Olympus Mons is unique in being fringed by a nearly continuous scarp rising 1–4 km above the surrounding terrain1,2 (Fig. 1). We present evidence that the scarp was caused by preferential erosion of fragmental cratered terrain material previously adjacent to, and at present underlying the shield volcano. Removal of this material caused undercutting and collapse of the shield flanks, producing the observed terraces and scarps.
Alewife, rainbow smelt and native fishes in Lake Michigan: competition or predation?

Several native fish species in Lake Michigan became rare or locally extinct during the increase of rainbow smelt (1930s) and alewife (1950s–1960s). These particular native species have pelagic eggs or larvae which were large relative to the zooplankton and which co-occurred with feeding alewife, smelt or both. Alewife, smelt and most of the other planktivores in the lake probably consumed eggs, and at least alewife and smelt are known to consume larvae. For each species, I comment on the probable role of predation on early life history stages in their decline. Several species which currently co-exist with alewife and smelt have shown large scale declines during the increase of the exotics. Recruitment declines were often dramatic and the probability of predation on these species during their early life history is evaluated.
High-temperature carbonate minerals in the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA

High-temperature carbonate minerals have been observed in association with sulfide minerals below the platiniferous Johns-Manville (J-M) reef of the Stillwater Complex in a stratigraphic section that has been previously shown to be characterized by unusually Cl-rich apatite. The carbonate assemblage consists of dolomite with exsolved calcite in contact with sulfide minerals: chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite in the Peridotite Zone; and pyrrhotite with pentlandite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in Gabbronorite Zone I of the Lower Banded Series. A reaction rim surrounds the carbonate–sulfide assemblages, showing an alteration of the host orthopyroxene to a more calcium-enriched, Fe-depleted pyroxene. The calcite–dolomite geothermometer yields a minimum formation temperature as high as 950 °C for the unmixed assemblages. Iron and manganese concentrations exceed the range seen in carbonatite and mantle xenolith carbonates and are distinctly different from the nearly pure end-member carbonates associated with greenschist-grade (and lower) assemblages (e.g., carbonate veins in serpentinite) that occur locally throughout the complex. The association of high-temperature carbonates with sulfides beneath the J-M reef supports the hydromagmatic theory which involves a late-stage chloride–carbonate fluid percolating upwards, dissolving PGE and sulfides and redepositing them at a higher stratigraphic level. Characterization of the processes which form strategically important metal deposits, such as the J-M reef of the Stillwater Complex and the analogous Merensky reef of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, could potentially lead to better exploration models and, more broadly, a deeper understanding of the cooling and compositional evolution of large bodies of ultramafic and mafic magma and of carbonatites, on both a local and a regional scale.
Understanding Student Loan Decisions: A Literature Review

Because of the continuing increase in college costs and the need for a college education, the use of student loans has affected many individuals and households in the United States. Researchers and policy-makers need a comprehensive review of literature to understand the determinants and consequences of student loans. This article provides information on the current trends in student loans, reviews the effect of education loans on college enrollment and career decisions, as well as the effects on personal life decisions. Implications for future research related to methodology, information, and the decision-making process for an at-risk population are offered.
Are microcomputers replacing mainframes in marketing research firms

Recent research, on the computerization of marketing has emphasized the advantages, adoption, and diffusion of microcomputers, largely as compared to mainframe computers. This note compares microcomputer and mainframe usage in marketing research over several activities and suggests that microcomputers have not replaced mainframes to the extent implied by previous articles. In a study of marketing research firms, high microcomputer ownership and increased usage is revealed, not only for word-processing types of activities, but also for data analysis. While a smaller proportion of research firms use mainframes, larger firms are continuing and predominantly increasing their use of mainframes. Further, relatively high rates of mainframe usage are reported for data analysis, data collection, and data base management by firms with access to both types of computers.