cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An integrated system for end-to-end traceability and requirements test coverage

An important aspect of requirement management is ensuring the traceability of requirements. Traceability among requirements helps to manage dependencies, whereas traceability between requirements and test cases enable measurement of test coverage. The ability to measure test coverage is critical to ensure delivery of products that meet customers' expectations. In addition, traceability allows quick assessment of impact when a change occurs. In a large and complex system, where solution is built using a hierarchy of several interconnected components and sharing of requirements, requirements reuse becomes another important factor. This first part of the paper presents the concept of designing traceability schemes to enable test coverage measurement and requirements reuse. The second half of the paper describes a solution, which integrates both requirement and test management tools to achieve end-to-end traceability.
The role of Smith-form decomposition of integer-matrices, in multidimensional multirate systems

Multirate topics such as decimation, interpolation, polyphase decomposition, and filter bank theory have been extended in the past for the case of multidimensional systems. It is pointed out that the decimation matrix plays a crucial role in these extensions. Unless the matrix is diagonal, separable techniques cannot be used either for theoretical derivations or practical implementations. In this context, the author introduces a diagonalization technique for the decimation matrix, which brings the results closer to the separable (hence one-dimensional) case. >
Analysis of a laterally loaded ring with a hinged cross section.

A ring assembly constructed by lacing together three elements into a basic channel cross section is analyzed. The ring is supported at three equidistant points and loaded by a uniform distribution of radial and transverse loads. Bulkheads may be introduced at discrete cross sections to prevent distortion. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the behavior of the deflection as the number and location of the bulkheads and the degree of rigidity of the supports are varied. The method of analysis is an application of the Principle of Virtual Work within the framework of small displacement theory. Numerical results are presented for the geometrical parameters of a model. An important result is the observation that bulkheads have virtually no effect on the deflections of the web.
Antihypertensive therapy: Basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles as applied to infants and children

Increased attention has been paid to the study of antihypertensive agents in children following the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act. Many short-term studies of drug effectiveness and safety are underway or recently completed. Defining the disposition of antihypertensive agents in the pediatric population has become an important part of ongoing efforts to label antihypertensive agents for use in children. In comparison with larger trials done in the adult population, relatively few pediatric subjects will be studied. Hence, it is important to gather as much information as possible for each agent during pediatric trials. Appropriate study design is dependent not only on a working knowledge of the unique features of hypertension in children, but also on a practical assessment of factors that affect drug disposition in children. Basic principles of pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and PK-PD modeling as applied to pediatric antihypertensive therapy are briefly considered.
Animating Nested Taylor Polynomials to Approximate a Function

SummaryThe way that Taylor polynomials approximate functions can be demonstrated by moving the center point while keeping the degree fixed. These animations are particularly nice when the Taylor polynomials do not intersect and form a nested family. We prove a result that shows when this nesting occurs. The animations can be shown in class or incorporated into computer labs.
A STUDY ON REAL-TIME OPTIMIZATION OF A FEDBATCH RECOMBINANT ESCHERICHIA COLI FERMENTATION

Abstract This work studied the real time optimization of ethanol production from xylose by a recombinant Escherichia coli. Computer controlled fed-batch fermentations were carried out. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle was used to determine optimal feeding schemes. The feedrates were adjusted based on the states of the system determined by Extended Kalman Filtering technique. The proposed methodology increased ethanol productivity significantly.
Impurity and Lattice Scattering Parameters as Determined from Hall and Mobility Analysis in n-Type Silicon

The carrier concentration and mobility, as determined from the Hall effect, have been analyzed using a computer for a series of $n$-type silicon samples doped with Sb, P, and As. Mobility calculations, performed numerically, were based on the general treatment given by Herring and Vogt. Ionized-impurity scattering was calculated from two theories and compared with experiment. Lattice-scattering parameters for intervalley and accoustic modes were determined from a comparison of the results between theory and experiment, using as many as four intervalley phonons. The conclusions support the earlier work of Long, and a partial explanation of the disagreement with parameters determined from other measurements is suggested. Scattering by neutral impurities is found to be temperature dependent, unlike the theoretical model of Erginsoy.
In vivo 1H chemical shift imaging of silicone implants

In order to study the aging process (i.e., silicone migration, fat infiltration) of silicone (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) based biomaterials in living subjects by NMR imaging, a hybrid 1H selective excitation and saturation chemical shift imaging technique (IR/CHESS-CSSE) has been developed. This sequence allows selective mapping of the distribution of silicone protons in vivo, while suppressing the contributions of fat and water. Our results indicate that a combined inversion recovery and CHESS pulse, followed by a spoiler gradient, must be applied to suppress all contributions of fat protons to the NMR signal. The sensitivity of our experiments allows the detection of a chemically unchanged silicone concentration of 5% in a voxel of 0.9 mm3 at a signal/noise ratio of 2.
THERMAL NEUTRON CAPTURE CROSS SECTION AND RESONANCE CAPTURE INTEGRAL OF Ce- 144

The thermal cross section, σth, and the resonance capture integral, I0, of Ce144 have been measured by an activation method. The values are: σth = 1.00 ± 0.10, and I0 = 2.60 ±0.26 barns, respectively.
A technique for the automated analysis of cardiac muscle function.

Abstract The mechanical performance of isolated cardiac muscle usually has been examined with a simple lever system for the analysis of the effects of alterations in muscle length and loading on cardiac muscle function. The system described in this report utilizes a hybrid computer and closed-loop servo system to control muscle length and load. Muscle length is monitored by a photo-diode and tension by a strain gauge transducer. These signals are amplified, scaled and transmitted to an analog computer. Error signals are determined for control of muscle length or tension for isotonic and isometric modes of contraction. The error signal and a power amplified provides a current through wire wound about a pendulum positioned in a magnetic field perpendicular to the current direction. A horizontally oriented papillary muscle is attached to the base of the pendulum. The major strengths of the current system are its versatility and the ease with which changes in experimental protocol and data retrieval can be carried out.
Effects of mycorrhizae on growth and demography of tallgrass prairie forbs

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis on ramet and genet densities, vegetative growth rates, and flowering of three forb species were studied in native tallgrass prairie in northeastern Kansas. Mycorrhizal activity was experimentally suppressed for six growing seasons on replicate plots in an annually burned and an infrequently burned watershed with the fungicide benomyl. Benomyl reduced mycorrhizal root colonization to an average of 4.2%, approximately a two-thirds reduction relative to controls (13.7% colonization). Mycorrhizae influenced the population structure of these forbs. Although mycorrhizal suppression had no long-term effect on genet densities and no effect on ramet survivorship throughout the growing season, the number of ramets per individual was significantly increased such that ramet densities of all three species were approximately doubled in response to long-term mycorrhizal suppression. Effects of mycorrhizae on ramet growth and reproduction varied among species. Ramet growth rates, biomass, and flowering of Salvia azurea were greater in plots with active mycorrhizal symbiosis, whereas mycorrhizae reduced ramet growth rates and biomass of Artemesia ludoviciana. Aster sericeus ramet growth rates and biomass were unaffected by the fungicide applications, but its flowering was reduced. The pattern of responses of these three species to mycorrhizae differed considerably between the two sites of contrasting fire regime, indicating that the interaction of fire-induced shifts in resource availability and mycorrhizal symbiosis together modulates plant responses and the intensity and patterns of interspecific competition between and among tallgrass prairie grass and forb species. Further, the results indicate that effects of mycorrhizae on community structure are a result of interspecific differences in the balance between direct positive effects of the symbiosis on host plant performance and indirect negative effects mediated through altered competitive interactions.
Differential preservation in the geologic record of intraoceanic arc sedimentary and tectonic processes

Abstract Records of ancient intraoceanic arc activity, now preserved in continental suture zones, are commonly used to reconstruct paleogeography and plate motion, and to understand how continental crust is formed, recycled, and maintained through time. However, interpreting tectonic and sedimentary records from ancient terranes after arc–continent collision is complicated by preferential preservation of evidence for some arc processes and loss of evidence for others. In this synthesis we examine what is lost, and what is preserved, in the translation from modern processes to the ancient record of intraoceanic arcs. Composition of accreted arc terranes differs as a function of arc–continent collision geometry. ‘Forward-facing’ collision can accrete an oceanic arc on to either a passive or an active continental margin, with the arc facing the continent and colliding trench- and forearc-side first. In a ‘backward-facing’ collision, involving two subduction zones with similar polarity, the arc collides backarc-first with an active continental margin. The preservation of evidence for contemporary sedimentary and tectonic arc processes in the geologic record depends greatly on how well the various parts of the arc survive collision and orogeny in each case. Preservation of arc terranes likely is biased towards those that were in a state of tectonic accretion for tens of millions of years before collision, rather than tectonic erosion. The prevalence of tectonic erosion in modern intraoceanic arcs implies that valuable records of arc processes are commonly destroyed even before the arc collides with a continent. Arc systems are most likely to undergo tectonic accretion shortly before forward-facing collision with a continent, and thus most forearc and accretionary-prism material in ancient arc terranes likely is temporally biased toward the final stages of arc activity, when sediment flux to the trench was greatest and tectonic accretion prevailed. Collision geometry and tectonic erosion vs. accretion are important controls on the ultimate survival of material from the trench, forearc, arc massif, intra-arc basins, and backarc basins, and thus on how well an ancient arc terrane preserves evidence for tectonic processes such as subduction of aseismic ridges and seamounts, oblique plate convergence, and arc rifting. Forward-facing collision involves substantial recycling, melting, and fractionation of continent-derived material during and after collision, and so produces melts rich in silica and incompatible trace elements. As a result, forward-facing collision can drive the composition of accreted arc crust toward that of average continental crust.
Ceftazidime resistance among selected nosocomial gram-negative bacilli in the United States. National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System.

To examine temporal trends in ceftazidime resistance, susceptibility data reported to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system during 1987-1991 were analyzed among nosocomial Enterobacter species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Linear increases in resistance were observed for Enterobacter species and K. pneumoniae. One hospital experienced a dramatic rise from 1.0% in 1987-1989 to 40% in 1990-1991 (P < .001) in ceftazidime resistance among K. pneumoniae isolates. No increase was observed during this period for P. aeruginosa. Logistic regression analysis confirmed these trends (or the lack thereof) for Enterobacter species and P. aeruginosa; for K. pneumoniae, ceftazidime resistance was found to be increasing among isolates from teaching hospitals and intensive care units. Ceftazidime resistance is an emerging problem that has the potential for dramatic increases. Selective pressures for the development of ceftazidime resistance need to be identified and addressed.
Modeling, analysis and continuous improvement of food production systems: A case study at a meat shaving and packaging line

Abstract In this paper, we introduce a case study at a meat production company to analyze and improve the throughput of a meat shaving and packaging line. An analytical model has been developed and validated by the data collected on the factory floor. The method is based on an iteration procedure using aggregations. It is shown that the model provides an accurate estimation of line throughput comparing with actual production, with difference around 2%. Then, a bottleneck indicator based on probabilities of blockage and starvation has been used to identify and mitigate the bottleneck machine, which is referred to as the machine that impedes system performance in the strongest manner. The MVAC bubble sealer station is the bottleneck of the system, and reduction of its downtime, in particular, the downtime related to film and zipper changes, can lead to a significant improvement of line throughput. Recommendations are provided to the plant management to implement the changes.
A solid-state deuterium NMR study of internal rotation in p-nitroaniline

Abstract Deuterium quadrupole echo spectra have been obtained at 55.3 MHz and several temperatures between 26 and 133°C for samples of solid p-nitroaniline, deuterated either in the amino group or in the 2,6 positions of the aromatic ring. At all temperatures, the aromatic deuterons exhibit a simple rigid lattice powder pattern which is accurately simulated using a quadrupole coupling constant of 174 ± 1 kHz and asymmetry parameter 0.06 ± 0.02. Quadrupole echo spectra for the amino deuterons show features characteristic of 180° flips about the D-N-D bisector, and the activation energy for this motion is found to be 49 ± 6 kJ/mol, with a rate k = (5.2 ± 0.3) × 105 s−1 at 133°C. For the amino deuterons, the dependence of echo amplitude and spectral lineshape on pulse spacing includes contributions from heteronuclear dipolar coupling as well as from internal rotation. This makes the extraction of accurate rates difficult, unless the lineshape data are supplemented by independent information. The spin-lattice relaxation rate, which is dominated by the flipping motion at high temperature, is very useful in this regard.
How I do it: occipital artery to posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass

Aneurysms located at the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) may need to be addressed by trapping and concomitant bypass. An anastomosis of the Occipital Artery (OA) to PICA is one bypass option in these cases. This bypass is highly challenging and its technical description is seldom cited in the literature. We describe the technical nuances of an OA-PICA end-to-side bypass in a 63-year-old man with a dissecting ruptured aneurysm of the third segment (tonsilomedullary) of the PICA. OA-PICA bypass option should remain as a treatment modality in the armamentarium of neurovascular surgeons.
A formalism for visual security protocol modeling

Existing visual modeling paradigms do not adequately cover the visual modeling of security protocols: sequences of interactions between principals in a security system. A visual formalism for security protocol modeling should not only be well-defined but also satisfy certain pragmatic criteria: support for compositional, comprehensive, laconic, and lucid models. Candidate techniques from the OMG's Model Driven Architecture, based largely on UML 2.0, lack a formal syntax and semantics. Well-defined visual formalisms outside of UML have shortcomings with respect to one or more of the pragmatic criteria. We present the GSPML visual formalism as a solution that satisfies all of the pragmatic criteria. We show that GSPML is well-defined with structural operational semantics and a hypergraph grammar syntax.
Metabolically blocked analogs of housefly sex pheromone: II. Metabolism studies.

Analogs of (Z)-9-tricosene (Z9–23: Hy) bearing methyl substituents, cyclopropyl groups, fluorine substituents, and additional double bonds were used to probe the substrate requirements for the monooxygenase system that converts Z9–23: Hy to the corresponding epoxide and ketone. Three of the seven analogs tested, 10-fluoro-(Z)-14-tricosene, 10,10-difluoro-(Z)-14-tricosene, and 14-methyl-(Z)-9-tricosene, were metabolized to the corresponding epoxide. Compounds with two methyl groups, a cyclopropane group, a hydroxy group, or an additional double bond at the 14 position were not epoxidized at the 9,10 position. This suggests that only minimal structural change at the 14-position of Z9–23: Hy is allowed with retention of metabolic activity. None of the analogs tested were hydroxylated at the position equivalent to the 14 position of Z9–23:Hy. Of the 13 analogs tested as inhibitors of Z9–23:Hy metabolism, the two compounds that were the most effective inhibitors in both male and female houseflies were (Z)-14-tricosen-10-one and 1-nonyl-1-[(Z)-4-tetradecen-1-yl]-cyclopropane. These data show that the poly substrate monooxy genase that metabolizes Z9–23: Hy in the housefly has very strict structural requirements for the substrate.
Modeling the Transient and Steady-State Flow Over a Stationary Cylinder

A reduced-order model for the two-dimensional flow over a stationary circular cylinder is examined. The lift is modeled with the van der Pol equation with three parameters; it models self-excited self-limiting systems. The drag is modeled as the sum of a mean term and a time-varying term proportional to the product of the lift and its time derivative. The transient and steady-state flows are calculated using a CFD code based on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The steady-state lift and drag CFD results are used to identify the three parameters in the lift model using a combination of higher-order spectral techniques and perturbation methods. The model is validated using steady-state numerical simulations for three cases describing low, moderate, and high Reynolds number flows. Then, the model is shown to reproduce the transient lift and drag calculated with the CFD code.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Risk factors for glaucoma filtering bleb infections.

Objective To determine risk factors for bleb-related ocular infection after glaucoma filtering surgery. Methods A case-control study comparing all consecutive cases of glaucoma filtering bleb–related infections (55 eyes of 55 patients) with matched control eyes between January 1, 1990, and June 30, 1998, was performed. Bleb-related infection was classified as blebitis when a mucopurulent infiltrate was identified within the bleb and associated with mild to moderate anterior segment inflammation. Eyes with endophthalmitis had hypopyon, cells in the anterior vitreous cavity, or a positive vitreous biopsy sampling result. A control was selected for each case based on matching of the surgeon, date and type of glaucoma surgery, and type of antifibrotic agent used. Multivariate, matched, case-control logistic regression analysis was performed using age, race, sex, diagnosis, number of previous incisional operations, filtering bleb location, and presence of bleb leak to determine which variables were associated with bleb-related infection. Results The odds of an eye with a bleb-related infection being seen with a concomitant late-onset bleb leak are 25.8 times the odds of a noninfected eye having a late-onset bleb leak at any time in the postoperative period ( P P =.05), black race ( P =.03), diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma ( P =.03), and inferior location of the filtering bleb ( P =.04). Conclusions Late-onset bleb leakage is a significant risk factor for bleb-related infection. The risk of infection may warrant closure of late-onset bleb leaks in selected eyes.
Methodological naturalism under attack

Methodological naturalism is the assumption or working hypothesis that understanding nature (the physical world including humans and their thoughts and actions) can be understood in terms of unguided laws. There is no need to suppose interventions (miracles) from outside. It does not commit one to metaphysical naturalism, the belief that there is nothing other than nature as we can see and observe it (in other words, that atheism is the right theology for the sound thinker). Recently the Intelligent Design movement has been arguing against methodological naturalism, and in this project they have been joined by the Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga. In this paper I examine Plantinga\'s arguments and conclude not only that they are not well taken, but that he does no good service to his religion either. S. Afr. J. Philos. Vol.24(1) 2005: 44-60
Comparison of pregnancy rates from transfer of fresh versus cooled, transported equine embryos.

Abstract Donor mares of mixed, light-horse breeds, maintained at Colorado State University, provided 104 embryos for immediate transfer (fresh embryos). One hundred and thirty-six additional embryos were collected on various breeding farms in the United States and were shipped to Colorado State University via commercial airlines (cooled embryos). Embryos were harvested 7 d after ovulation, graded, and either transferred into a mare immediately ( 0.05) by treatment (fresh or cooled) nor by age of the donor mare (P>0.05), but embryonic losses between 12 and 35 d were greater (P 12 h (25%) versus those stored for 12 h) of cooled embryos did not alter pregnancy rates at 12 d (P>0.05). Age of donor mare had no effect (P>0.05) upon pregnancy rates of cooled or fresh embryos transferred nor on embryo quality. In summary, equine embryos can be cooled to 5°C and maintained in storage for up to 24 h without decreased fertility, compared with those of embryos transferred in
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in septorhinoplasty†

Objectives: Review the literature on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection following septorhinoplasty, identify patient groups at risk for MRSA complications following septorhinoplasty, and evaluate the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in these patients. Discussion: Patients who are susceptible to MRSA infections may also be at higher risk for nasal colonization, and this includes elderly patients, patients recently hospitalized or treated in a rehabilitation center, and healthcare workers. Few cases of MRSA infection following septorhinoplasty have been reported in the literature. Prevention of nosocomial and postsurgical MRSA infections has been well studied, and it seems that elimination of nasal colonization is a major step in preventing these infections. Conclusions: Patients at increased risk for MRSA colonization should be screened prior to septorhinoplasty and if positive treated with antibiotic prophylaxis consisting of elimination of nasal carriage prior to surgery. Perioperative systemic antibiotic use should be considered, especially in revision cases. Laryngoscope, 2010
Role of rat intestinal glucoamylase in glucose polymer hydrolysis and absorption.

ABSTRACT: Rice starch is a main source of energy in many lesser developed countries. We studied different chain-lengths of rice glucose polymers (GP) to evaluate their possible use in feeding infants in developing countries. The initial GP of rice (G1 = 4.6, G2 = 4.5, G3 = 15.4, G4 = 7.3, G5 = 17.4, G6-G9 = 9.61 and >G9 = 31.3%) was analyzed by HPLC and then separated in a Bio-Gel P-2 column and compared to its short-chain GP of rice (G2 = 22.7, G3 = 28.2, G4 = 14.0, G5 = 16.6, G6 = 11.6, G7-G9 = 6.9%), long-chain GP of rice (>G9 = 100%), and d-glucose. Intraduodenal bolus infusion of 10% solution of short-chain rice GP when compared with long-chain rice GP, the initial rice GP, or d-glucose showed significantly higher values at peak absorption time (0 to 30 min) in the portal venous blood glucose response. The portal venous glycemic response of short-chain rice GP compared with d-glucose was as follows: 2.5 ± 0.1 versus 2.0 ± 0.2 cm2, area under the portal blood glucose curve at 0-30 min (p < 0.01). Glucoamylase, the key enzyme for brush-border hydrolysis of short-chain GP, was assessed with a newly modified glucoamylase assay using GP G5-G8 as substrate. Our finding of faster glucose absorption with short-chain rice GP compared with isocaloric d-glucose might have important physiologic implications for carbohydrate absorption. The osmolality of short-chain rice GP is nearly one-fourth that of glucose. This might have important bearing in the design of infant feeding where increased caloric density with low osmolality is desirable.
Optimal fuzzy controller for backing up a truck using simulated annealing algorithm

Design of a fuzzy controller requires specification of both membership functions and decision rules. Specification of membership function for a fuzzy logic controller has been an important issue. The traditional way of selecting membership functions has been, in most cases, an adhoc procedure. In this paper, an optimization algorithm based on simulated annealing for designing fuzzy membership functions for fuzzy controllers is introduced. An optimization algorithm for designing the membership functions and fuzzy rule base for a fuzzy controller is presented. An optimal fuzzy controller using proposed technique for backing up a truck problem is designed and implemented, in which optimal fuzzy membership functions and fuzzy rules are designed. Also, a neural network controller for the same truck problem is designed to compare our results.
Population and development: assessment before the 1994 conference.

This article reviews the research in population and development since the mid-1980s. The effects of rapid population growth are examined under the neo-classical tradition of looking at the sources of growth: accumulation of physical capital i.e. savings and investment; labor force growth and absorption including the distribution of labor between low- and high-productivity sectors; the quality of human resources which is closely related to the accumulation of human capital; economies of scale and technical and institutional change. Other sections look at research on external diseconomies arising from household fertility decisions and the effects of population growth on income distribution and poverty and on natural resources and the environment including food and agriculture. A final section reviews the results of recent correlation studies and modelling exercises. The economics of population and development have two main currents of post-war thought. In the neo-classical tradition market mechanisms are seen as functioning fairly well to accommodate population growth. In the 1984 World Development Report and the 1971 US National Academy of Sciences Report markets are seen as working rather poorly. The latter forms of policy-research mainstream which might be termed moderate Malthusianism. Indeed an inverse association has been evidenced between household size and human-resources quality. On the other hand recent research has discounted the assertion that rapid population growth inhibits capital saving and investment and concern has shifted from burdening the sectors of health and education to the misallocation of existing resources between segments of the population. The economists view of the effect of population growth on economic development is far less pessimistic than might be elicited from the growing consensus among policy makers concerning population and development.
When Push Came to Shove: A Behavior Management Case

(1998). When Push Came to Shove: A Behavior Management Case. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 69, No. 7, pp. 53-55.
Nematic—isotropic solution thermodynamics in di(p-methoxyphenyl)-trans-cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate

Abstract Solution thermodynamic parameters of selected non-polar solutes have been determined in the nematic and isotropic fluid states of di(p-methoxyphenyl)-trans-cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate. These states have been reported to exert no measurable differential in kinetic medium effects on the Claisen rearrangement1. Partial molar enthalpies Δ H soln2 and entropies Δ S soln2 of solution of a series of substituted benzenes in the nematogenic solvent, determined by the gas—liquid chromatographic method of Martire, 2–4, are reported. Changes in solute excess Gibbs free energy Δ G E2 over the nematic—isotropic transition of the solvent, corresponding to the changes in free energy of solution ΔΔ G soln2, have been calculated for the series. The results show the nematic and isotropic states of the medium to exhibit distinctly different solvent characteristics and suggest that Claisen reaction kinetics in the nematogenic solvent reflect compensating medium effects on the reactant and its activated state.
Evaluating apples and oranges

Orbitofrontal cortex damage impairs decision making. A recent article in Nature shows that this brain region is critical for computing the subjective value of an outcome and using this value signal to make choices
Experimental studies of monopole, dipole, and quadrupole acoustic logging while drilling (LWD) with scaled borehole models

We develop a 1:12 scale model logging-while-drilling (LWD) acoustic tool for laboratory measurements in borehole models to investigate the effects of tool wave modes on our ability to determine formation velocities in acoustic LWD. The scaled tool is comprised of three sections: (1) the source section, consisting of four transducers mounted on the tool body that can generate monopole, dipole, and quadrupole waves; (2) the receiver section, consisting of six sets of receivers, each containing two transducers mounted on opposite sides of the tool center line; and (3) the connector section, a threaded steel cylinder that connects the source and receiver sections tightly to simulate an LWD tool. We use four borehole models to simulate fast and slow isotropic and anisotropic formations. The slow-formation models are constructed of synthetic material ( Lucite® for the isotropic case and Phenolite® for the anisotropic case). The fast-formation models are made from natural rock samples (sandstone for the isotropi...
The status of small group research

(1970). The status of small group research. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 56, No. 3, pp. 304-309.
Taming Growth and Articulating a Sustainable Future: The Way Forward for Environmental Ethics

The overarching goal of environmentalism as a political movement is the creation of sustainable societies that share resources fairly among people, and among people and other species. The core objectives of environmental philosophy should include articulating the ideals and principles of such just and generous sustainability, arguing for them among academics and in the public sphere, and working out their implications in particular areas of our environmental decision-making. That means challenging the goodness of endless economic growth and helping other environmental thinkers specify plausible and appealing alternatives to the economic status quo. It means ending our failure to honestly address population issues. It means committing to living according to our own environmental ideals. Interestingly, the mainstream philosophical tradition has some important, underutilized resources that, combined with new and creative thinking, can help us achieve these goals and keep ethical philosophy relevant to meeting the challenges of the 21 st century.
Morning and Evening Oscillators Cooperate to Reset Circadian Behavior in Response to Light Input

Light is a crucial input for circadian clocks. In Drosophila, short light exposure can robustly shift the phase of circadian behavior. The model for this resetting posits that circadian photoreception is cell autonomous: CRYPTOCHROME senses light, binds to TIMELESS (TIM), and promotes its degradation, which is mediated by JETLAG (JET). However, it was recently proposed that interactions between circadian neurons are also required for phase resetting. We identify two groups of neurons critical for circadian photoreception: the morning (M) and the evening (E) oscillators. These neurons work synergistically to reset rhythmic behavior. JET promotes acute TIM degradation cell autonomously in M and E oscillators but also nonautonomously in E oscillators when expressed in M oscillators. Thus, upon light exposure, the M oscillators communicate with the E oscillators. Because the M oscillators drive circadian behavior, they must also receive inputs from the E oscillators. Hence, although photic TIM degradation is largely cell autonomous, neural cooperation between M and E oscillators is critical for circadian behavioral photoresponses.
Efficiency of the human observer detecting random signals in random backgrounds

The efficiencies of the human observer and the channelized-Hotelling observer relative to the ideal observer for signal-detection tasks are discussed. Both signal-known-exactly (SKE) tasks and signal-known-statistically (SKS) tasks are considered. Signal location is uncertain for the SKS tasks, and lumpy backgrounds are used for background uncertainty in both cases. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are employed to determine ideal-observer performance on the detection tasks. Psychophysical studies are conducted to compute human-observer performance on the same tasks. Efficiency is computed as the squared ratio of the detectabilities of the observer of interest to the ideal observer. Human efficiencies are approximately 2.1% and 24%, respectively, for the SKE and SKS tasks. The results imply that human observers are not affected as much as the ideal observer by signal-location uncertainty even though the ideal observer outperforms the human observer for both tasks. Three different simplified pinhole imaging systems are simulated, and the humans and the model observers rank the systems in the same order for both the SKE and the SKS tasks.
Voting when the economy goes bad, everyone is in charge, and no one is to blame: The case of the 2009 German election

The economy was a major issue in Germany’s 2009 election. The global economic crisis did not spare Germany, whose economy is tightly integrated into the global economy. So when the German economy experienced a historical shock, did voters connect their views of the economy with their vote choice? Or did they, as some research has suggested, recognize Germany’s dependence on global markets and cut the government slack, especially when the government consists of the country’s two major parties? Using pre- and post-election panel surveys from the German Longitudinal Election Study (GLES), we investigate the weight that voters gave to the economy, relative to other considerations, when casting their ballot and whether governing parties were disproportionately judged based on the state of the economy.
Mindfulness as a moderator of neuroticism–outcome relations: A self-regulation perspective

Abstract Neuroticism’s prediction of negative emotional outcomes has been linked to negative reactivity tendencies. Dispositional mindfulness, defined in terms of being attentive and aware (versus not) of present-moment reality, appears to mitigate negative reactivity tendencies. The present two studies, involving 289 undergraduate participants, sought to integrate these two personality-processing perspectives. Neuroticism was an inverse predictor of mindfulness and both neuroticism and mindfulness independently predicted trait anger (Study 1) and depressive symptoms (Study 2). Of more importance, neuroticism–outcome relations were stronger (weaker) among individuals low (high) in mindfulness. The results document the role that dispositional mindfulness appears to play in moderating neuroticism’s pernicious correlates. Results are discussed from personality, cognitive, emotional, social, and clinical perspectives.
Simulating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation emergencies to improve human performance. Part II: assessment of technical and behavioral skills.

Background Healthcare professionals are expected to make rapid, correct decisions in critical situations despite what may be a lack of real practical experience in a particular crisis situation. Successful resolution of a medical crisis depends upon demonstration not only of appropriate technical skills but also of key behavioral skills (eg, leadership, communication, and teamwork). We have developed a hands-on, high fidelity, simulation-based training program (ECMO Sim) to provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to learn and practice the technical and behavioral skills necessary to manage ECMO emergencies. Methods Nine ECMO nurse specialists participated in two sequential randomly assigned simulated ECMO emergencies. The simulated emergencies were captured on videotape and reviewed with the subjects during facilitated debriefings that occurred immediately following each scenario. All videotapes were scored for key technical and behavioral skills by reviewers blinded to the sequence of the scenarios. The ratings of the subjects' technical and behavioral skills in each scenario were compared. Results Subjects performed key technical skills correctly more often in the second simulated ECMO emergency. In addition, their response times for three out of five specific technical tasks improved from the first to the second simulated emergency by an average of 27 seconds. Subjects' behavioral skills were rated more highly by masked reviewers in the second simulated ECMO emergency. The improvement in comprehensive behavioral scores from the first to the second scenario reached statistical significance in eight of nine subjects. Conclusion After exposure to high-fidelity simulated ECMO emergencies, subjects demonstrated significant improvements in their technical and behavioral skills. ECMO Sim creates a learning environment that readily supports the acquisition of the technical and behavioral skills that are important in solving clinically significant, potentially life-threatening problems that can occur when patients are on ECMO.
Molecular mechanism of gonadotropin releasing hormone action. II. The effector system.

I. Introduction GONADOTROPIN-releasing hormone (GnRH)1 is a decapeptide which is synthesized and stored in neurosecretory cells of the medial basal hypothalamus. The releasing hormone is released in a pulsatile manner into the hypophysial portal circulation and is transported to the anterior pituitary; here it regulates the secretion of the gonadotropins, LH and FSH, into the systemic circulation. Thus, GnRH is a humoral link between the neural and endocrine components of reproductive function (1). The preceding article dealt with the initial interaction of GnRH with the plasma membrane receptor for the releasing hormone. In this article the means by which occupancy of the receptor by an agonist is transduced into cellular responses is reviewed. II. Calcium-Dependent Actions of GnRH GnRH is one of a family of hormones and neurotransmitters which require Ca2+ for their biological actions. The observation that omission or chelation of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium blocks depolarization- or hypothalamic e...
Climate, lightning ignitions, and fire severity in Yosemite National Park, California, USA.

Continental-scale studies of western North America have attributed recent increases in annual area burned and fire size to a warming climate, but these studies have focussed on large fires and have left the issues of fire severity and ignition frequency unaddressed. Lightning ignitions, any of which could burn a large area given appropriate conditions for fire spread, could be the first indication of more frequent fire. We examined the relationship between snowpack and the ignition and size of fires that occurred in Yosemite National Park, California (area 3027 km2), between 1984 and 2005. During this period, 1870 fires burned 77 718 ha. Decreased spring snowpack exponentially increased the number of lightning-ignited fires. Snowpack mediated lightning-ignited fires by decreasing the proportion of lightning strikes that caused lightning-ignited fires and through fewer lightning strikes in years with deep snowpack. We also quantified fire severity for the 103 fires >40 ha with satellite fire-severity indices using 23 years of Landsat Thematic Mapper data. The proportion of the landscape that burned at higher severities and the complexity of higher-severity burn patches increased with the log10 of annual area burned. Using one snowpack forecast, we project that the number of lightning-ignited fires will increase 19.1% by 2020 to 2049 and the annual area burned at high severity will increase 21.9%. Climate-induced decreases in snowpack and the concomitant increase in fire severity suggest that existing assumptions may be understated – fires may become more frequent and more severe.
Modulation and experience of external stimuli: toward a science of experience and interoception.

The concept of interoception can be found in various writing over the past 100 or more years dating back to Sherrington, James and Lange. Professor Gyorgy Adam that made American scientists increasingly aware of the importance of interoception with his 1967 book Interoception and Behavior. In this article we want to discuss two areas of research from out laboratory that have been influenced from this perspective. First, we will focus on electrocortical correlates of error detection during visuo-motor task and examine the manner in which an individual becomes aware of making an error as well as the way in which this awareness directs behavior on an ongoing basis. Second, we will examine hypnotic modulation of the pain experience and describe the manner in which electrocortical processes reflect the modulation and experience of pain. In this discussion, we suggest the importance of the anterior cingulate in not only modulating these processes in particular but also in its more general role as an interface between the limbic system and the neocortex and the integration of cognitive with emotional stimuli.
Aberrant expression of monoclonal antibody-defined colonic mucosal antigens in inflammatory bowel disease

Human proximal colon from patients with inflammatory bowel disease and from controls was studied by two techniques to detect tumor-associated antigen expression. A panel of four murine monoclonal antibodies that recognize tumor-associated antigens was used to test purified colonic mucins for epitope expression by radioimmunoassay and to test formalin-fixed, deparaffinized sections of colon by the immunoperoxidase technique. The panel included monoclonal antibodies 19-9, B72.3, DU-PAN-2, and CSLEX1. Colonic mucins were purified from uninvolved surgical specimens by gel filtration with Sepharose 4B and cesium chloride-guanidine hydrochloride density gradient ultracentrifugation. Purified mucins from uninvolved colonic mucosal specimens from 4 of 7 patients with ulcerative colitis expressed one or more of these epitopes by radioimmunoassay, whereas mucins from 6 disease controls did not. Reactivity patterns were heterogeneous. Immunoperoxidase testing demonstrated staining with two or more antibodies in 14 of 18 involved inflammatory bowel disease segments, whereas control sections rarely stained with these antibodies, with the exception of 19-9. Sections of uninvolved mucosa from 4 of 9 patients with ulcerative colitis stained with two or more antibodies. Staining patterns were heterogeneous. The results demonstrate that colonic expression of tumor-associated epitopes occurs frequently in involved segments from both patients with ulcerative colitis and with Crohn's disease, whereas only patients with ulcerative colitis frequently expressed these epitopes in uninvolved segments.
Ocular effects of organophosphates: a historical perspective of Saku disease.

Many publications, primarily of work performed in Japan, report findings in human populations of an increased incidence of myopia and of a more advanced visual disease syndrome (Saku disease), which reportedly correlated with increasing use of organophosphate pesticides in agriculture. Follow-up studies in animals performed in Japan using such agents as ethylthiometon, fenthion and fenitrothion demonstrate adverse effects of organophosphates on the visual system. The several ocular effects in question are dose dependent, ranging in severity from lenticular and electro-retinographic changes to the seemingly more serious histophysiological changes in such tissues as the ciliary body and retina. An important question arising from this work is that of the role of cholinesterase inhibition in the etiology of the effects. Studies currently in progress on particular organophosphates being conducted at EPA's research facility and by certain registrants of pesticides, which are in various stages of completion, appear to be substantiating much that has been reported in Japan. While animal studies clearly show that some organophosphates elicit ocular toxicity, there are many knowledge gaps with regard to effects in humans and the ocular toxicity in general, e.g. time and dose dependency, cholinesterase inhibition vs ocular effects and effects of routes of exposure. Consequently, the office is unable at this time to incorporate hazard assessment data with exposure assessment data or to perform risk assessments on organophosphates based on the ocular toxicity potential of this class of chemicals.
Managerial Ties and Firm Performance in a Transition Economy: The Nature of a Micro-Macro Link

Using survey data from China, we demonstrate that managers' micro interpersonal ties with top executives at other firms and with government officials help improve macro organizational performance. This micro-macro link differs among firms with different (1) ownership types, (2) business sectors, (3) sizes, and (4) industry growth rates. In addition, managerial ties were found to be necessary but insufficient for good performance; a number of traditional strategy variables also drive performance. Theoretically, the findings point to the importance of the social context in which managerial ties are embedded. Empirically, this study provides the first set of quantitative data demonstrating both the extent and limits to which managerial ties are beneficial in a transition economy.