cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Design Of Choropleth Shadings For Maps On 2-And 4-Bit Color Graphics Monitors

Guidelines for the design of shading sequences for quantitative choropleth maps are fairly well established, having been the subject of a number of empirical studies. The most effective designs comprise monochrome shadings which vary in value from light to dark and part-spectral combinations which also incorporate a gradient of values. Neither of these alternatives are available on most moderately-priced microcomputer systems due to the very limited range of hues and brightnesses available on 2- and 4-bit CRTS. A study is reported here which evaluated three sets of choropleth shadings that would be available with such monitors. The sets consisted of two or three solid hues and tile patterns made up of the same hues. Subjects were asked to identify regions on choropleth maps where the mapped phenomenon was concentrated, and the accuracy and time required for them to answer was analyzed. Two of the shading methods proved to be acceptable, but the third was not.
Ten year longitudinal study of neuropsychological functioning subsequent to a first episode of schizophrenia

We previously reported relative stability in neuropsychological functions over a 4- to 5-year period after the onset of a first episode of schizophrenia, with patients demonstrating less improvement than controls on some functions [Hoff, A.L., Sakuma, M., Wieneke, M., Horon, R., Kushner, M., DeLisi, L.E., 1999. A longitudinal follow-up study of neuropsychological functioning subsequent to a first-episode of schizophrenia. American Journal of Psychiatry 156, 1336-1341.]. The current study was conducted to extend follow-up evaluations through 10 years of illness to determine whether neuropsychological functions remain stable or deteriorate over a longer time period. Twenty-one first episode patients and 8 controls were re-evaluated 10 years after an initial evaluation on neuropsychological and clinical measures. Repeated measures analyses demonstrated no differences between patients and controls in degree of change over this time period nor was change in symptoms reliably associated with improvement or deterioration in cognitive abilities. However, baseline level of cognitive functioning was correlated with the degree of change. Thus, when the baseline level of functioning was controlled for in the analyses, less or lack of improvement was seen in the patients compared with controls in verbal intellectual functioning, delayed verbal and nonverbal recall, and cognitive inhibition (Stroop Color Word Test). In no test did patients deteriorate significantly more than controls. We conclude that most first episode patients have had considerable cognitive decline by the time of their first hospitalization and that it remains relatively stable through at least 10 years of illness. Most cognitive change takes place early in this illness, prior to the first hospitalization, but its exact timing still remains unknown.
Biological activities of recent preparations of pituitary hormones produced under the programs of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases.

IN 1973, we reported (1) a summary of the biological activities of the various lots of ovine, bovine, and porcine pituitary hormones produced under programs of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases. With the termination of the research grant under which this work was done, and the transfer of the inventory of finished and semifinished products to the National Pituitary Agency, we now present a final report on the lots of the hormones prepared and distributed since the original summary was prepared. As before, detailed specifications were prepared and issued with each new lot of each hormone, giving estimates of potency relative to a chosen standard as well as estimates of certain contaminating activities. For those desiring this detailed information, copies of the specifications are available on request to the Hormone Distribution Officer, Office of the Director, National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, Bethesda, Md. 20014. All inquiries about a...
Plant regeneration of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) from leaf explants in vitro using a two-stage protocol

Abstract Leaf explants of sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with varying levels (0.2–1 mg l −1 ) of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; stage I) and transferred to a medium with zeatin riboside (0.2–0.4 mg l −1 ; stage II). The highest frequency (over 80%) shoot regeneration occurred in the genotype PI 318846-3 cultured on MS + 2,4-D (0.2 mg l −1 ) for 3 days and then transferred to MS + zeatin riboside (0.2 mg l −1 ). Addition of zeatin riboside in the first medium reduced the frequency of shoot regeneration. Of the 27 genotypes, 19 exhibited high frequency shoot regeneration, and eight were completely recalcitrant. The developmental stage of the leaf was critical, as young leaves from the apical portions of the stem were the most regenerative. Regenerated shoots rooted readily and the plants transferred to soil in the greenhouse appeared normal.
Measurement of Reactor ν¯e Oscillation with KamLAND

KamLAND is a unique 1 kton underground detector positioned in Kamioka mine in Japan. Search for the reactor ν ¯ e disappearance using ν ¯ e + p → e + + n reaction is the primary goal of experiment. Recently KamLAND collaboration announced a new result based on 766.3 ton-year exposure. The spectral distortion observed in the ν ¯ e spectrum gives direct evidence of an oscillation effect. The KamLAND only data yields a best fit point at Δ m 2 = 7.9 −0.5 +0.6 × 10 −5 eV 2 and tan 2 θ = 0.46 .
TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β1 INDUCED MYOFIBROBLASTS REGULATE LNCaP CELL DEATH

ABSTRACTPurpose: Reactive stroma represents a generic wound response phenomenon, which has been identified in areas of tissue injury and carcinogenesis. To determine whether reactive stroma influences prostate tumor cell growth 3 primary prostate stromal cell lines were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to induce the reactive stroma phenotype and then co-cultured with LNCaP cells.Materials and Methods: Flow cytometry was performed in LNCaP cells that had been co-cultured with induced reactive stroma or control stroma and an index of cell death and proliferation was obtained. Using the previously described 3 way differential reactive stroma xenograft tumor model consisting of LNCaP cells, stromal cells and Matrigel (Collaborative Research, Bedford, Massachusetts) LNCaP cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining in a background of varying degrees of reactive stroma.Results: Flow cytometric analysis revealed that LNCaP cells co-cultured with TGF-β1 induced stromal cells demonstrated ...
Time and the future sense

The concept of time is woven into our earliest social and cultural beginnings. All peoples have an awareness of its passing and have explored possibilities of predicting and controlling events in future time. In the larger sense, though we speak of past, present and future as a continuous succession in time, these divisions are neither wholly linear nor successive. Time, both as collective history and as subjectively experienced, seems a more fluid continuum. What is past, what is now present and what is to come are all complexly interrelated. This may be expressed succinctly as follows:
Patient Non-adherence and Cancellations Are Higher for Screening Colonoscopy Compared with Surveillance Colonoscopy.

A significant proportion of the eligible population is non-adherent to colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. To define the demographic and clinical variables associated with non-adherence and multiple cancellations to scheduled colonoscopy within 1 year in a CRC screening and adenomatous polyp surveillance population. This was an observational cohort study of 617 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo colonoscopy at an outpatient academic tertiary care center for CRC screening or adenomatous polyp surveillance from January 2012 to September 2012. Overall, 551 patients (89.3 %) were adherent and 66 (10.7 %) were non-adherent to scheduled colonoscopy at 1 year. The relative risk for non-adherence was 5.42 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.74–10.75] in patients undergoing colonoscopy for screening compared to those for surveillance (16.7 vs. 3.5 % non-adherence, respectively, P < 0.001). An indication of screening in comparison with surveillance was associated with non-adherence [odds ratio (OR) 12.69, 95 % CI 4.18–38.51] and multiple cancellations (OR 2.33, 95 % CI 1.27–4.31) by multiple regression analysis. Patients undergoing colonoscopy for CRC screening are significantly less likely to attend their scheduled procedure within a year and have more procedure cancellations than those undergoing surveillance colonoscopy.
Company on the Couch: Unveiling Toxic Behavior in Dysfunctional Organizations

In positioning the “Company on the Couch,” management consultants have increasingly called attention to toxic behavior in dysfunctional organizations. This article addresses how the mismanagement and failure to accurately and timely identify people problems in organizations is in itself a form of toxic leadership. Via two consultations presented in the form of case studies, this article illustrates how complex webs of organizational dysfunction are frequently an outgrowth of mild, unchecked toxicity in the workplace. Recommendations and initiatives are provided to better prepare managers for timely and accurate toxin detection and handling.
Differences in the accumulation of lithium in human neuroblastoma and glioma cells in tissue culture

A human neuronal and a human glioma line were used to study lithium (Li) transport mechanisms and kinetics of influx. We demonstrated that, unlike the human erythrocyte or clonal neuroblastoma cell SY5Y, the cloned glioma cell line A1B1 had neither a ouabain or phloretin-sensitive component of Li influx. Furthermore, glioma cells were shown to accumulate significantly more (4 fold) Li and at an apparently faster rate when compared to the neuroblastoma cell, SY5Y, over the same time period. Thus, these two clones may be better in vitro model system for the study of Li transport components native to the human central nervous system as compared to erythrocytes. This study also suggests that glial tissue may preferentially accumulate Li and in this way control the levels of extracellular Li surrounding some neurons.
Electron tomography analysis of envelope glycoprotein trimers on HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus virions.

We used electron tomography to directly visualize trilobed presumptive envelope (env) glycoprotein structures on the surface of negatively stained HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) virions. Wild–type HIV-1 and SIV virions had an average of 8–10 trimers per virion, consistent with predictions based on biochemical evidence. Mutant SIVs, biochemically demonstrated to contain high levels of the viral env proteins, averaged 70–79 trimers per virion in tomograms. These correlations strongly indicate that the visualized trimers represent env spikes. The env trimers were without obvious geometric distribution pattern or preferred rotational orientation. Combined with biochemical analysis of gag/env ratios in virions, these trimer counts allow calculation of the number of gag molecules per virion, yielding an average value of ≈1,400. Virion and env dimensions were also determined. Image-averaging analysis of SIV env trimers revealed a distinct chirality and strong concordance with recent molecular models. The results directly demonstrate the presence of env trimers on the surface of AIDS virus virions, albeit at numbers much lower than generally appreciated, and have important implications for understanding virion formation, virus interactions with host cells, and virus neutralization.
Modulation of Synaptic Function in Retinal Amacrine Cells

Information processing in the visual system begins with the arrival of photons and the initiation of a retinal signal that is ultimately exported to other visual centers in the brain. Between the input side of the retina, the photoreceptors, and the output side of the retina, the ganglion cells, there are multiple classes of interneurons. The activities of these interneurons shape the retinal signal in diverse, and in many cases, unidentified ways. Amacrine cells form a multifunctional group of retinal interneurons that make synapses in the second synaptic layer of the retina, the inner plexiform layer (IPL). In the IPL, amacrine cells receive excitatory glutamatergic input from bipolar cells and primarily inhibitory input from other amacrine cells. Amacrine cells make synapses back onto bipolar cells, onto other amacrine cells and onto ganglion cells. Although our understanding of the function of amacrine cell synaptic circuitry is incomplete, it is clear that the synaptic interactions in which these cells participate are complex (Dowling and Boycott, 1965; Dubin, 1970; Marc and Liu, 2000). An additional layer of complexity is likely to be
The Effect of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein, Multidrug Resistant Protein 1, and Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 1B3 on the Antitumor Efficacy of the Lipophilic Camptothecin 7-t-Butyldimethylsilyl-10-Hydroxycamptothecin (AR-67) In Vitro

AR-67 (7-t-butyldimethylsilyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) is a lipophilic camptothecin analog, currently under early stage clinical trials. Transporters are known to have an impact on the disposition of camptothecins and on the response to chemotherapeutics in general due to their expression in tumor tissues. Therefore, we investigated the interplay between the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), multidrug resistant protein 1 (MDR1), and organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1/1B3 transporters and AR-67 and their impact on the toxicity profile of AR-67. Using cell lines expressing the aforementioned transporters, we showed that the lipophilic AR-67 lactone form is a substrate for efflux transporters BCRP and MDR1. Additionally, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 facilitated the uptake of AR-67 carboxylate in SLCO1B1- and SLCO1B3-transfected cell systems compared with the mock-transfected ones. Notably, both BCRP and MDR1 conferred resistance to AR-67 lactone. Prompted by recent studies showing increased OATP1B3 expression in certain cancer types, we investigated the effect of OATP1B3 expression on cell viability after exposure to AR-67 carboxylate. OATP1B3-expressing cells had increased carboxylate uptake as compared with mock-transfected cells but were not sensitized because the intracellular amount of lactone was 50-fold higher than that of carboxylate and comparable between OATP1B3-expressing and OATP1B3-nonexpressing cells. In conclusion, BCRP- and MDR1-mediated efflux of AR-67 lactone confers resistance to AR-67, but OATP1B3-mediated uptake of the AR-67 carboxylate does not sensitize OATP1B3-expressing tumor cells.
Leptin ,neuropeptide Y ,β-endorphin ,gonadotropin ,and estradiol levels in girls before menarche

More than two decades of clinical studies have provided us with the opportunity to develop and implement criteria that distinguish three phases during pre-menarche ,paralleling rising levels of estrogens, namely 'pre-estrogenization' ,'onset of estrogenization' and 'full estrogenization'. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between somatic features and levels of leptin ,neuropeptide Y (NPY) ,β-endorphin ,gonadotropin and estradiol in pubertal girls before menarche. Weight ,height ,body mass index (BMI) ,tertiary sex features ,estrogen-related changes in hymen ,fat and lean body mass were studied on a quarterly basis in 45 girls. At the same time ,ovarian and uterine dimensions were established sonographically and serum was obtained for the determination of leptin ,NPY ,β-endorphin, gonadotropin ,and estradiol levels. Onset of estrogenization in girls was marked by weight loss ,followed by an increase in total ,fat and lean body mass ,and pubertal acceleration of growth. At the time of f...
Lattice-based optimization of sequence classification criteria for neural-network acoustic modeling

Acoustic models used in hidden Markov model/neural-network (HMM/NN) speech recognition systems are usually trained with a frame-based cross-entropy error criterion. In contrast, Gaussian mixture HMM systems are discriminatively trained using sequence-based criteria, such as minimum phone error or maximum mutual information, that are more directly related to speech recognition accuracy. This paper demonstrates that neural-network acoustic models can be trained with sequence classification criteria using exactly the same lattice-based methods that have been developed for Gaussian mixture HMMs, and that using a sequence classification criterion in training leads to considerably better performance. A neural network acoustic model with 153K weights trained on 50 hours of broadcast news has a word error rate of 34.0% on the rt04 English broadcast news test set. When this model is trained with the state-level minimum Bayes risk criterion, the rt04 word error rate is 27.7%.
Little Ice Age recorded in summer temperature reconstruction from vared sediments of Donard Lake, Baffin Island, Canada

Clastic varved sediments from Donard Lake, in the Cape Dyer region of Baffin Island, provide a 1250 yr record of decadal-to-centennial scale climate variability. Donard Lake experiences strong seasonal fluctuations in runoff and sediment fluxes due to the summer melting of the Caribou Glacier, which presently dominates its catchment. The seasonal variation in sediment supply results in the annual deposition of laminae couplets. A radiocarbon date measured on moss fragments, with a calibrated age of 860 ± 80 yrs before present (BP), is in close agreement with the age based on paired-layer counts. Together with the fabric of the laminae determined from microscope analysis, the age agreement demonstrates that the laminae couplets are annually deposited varves. Comparisons of varve thickness and average summer temperature from nearby Cape Dyer show a significant positive correlation (r= 0.57 for annual records, r = 0.82 for 3-yr averages), indicating that varve thickness reflects changes in average summer temperature. Varve thickness was used to reconstruct average summer temperatures for the past 1250 yrs, and shows abrupt shifts and large amplitude decadal-to-centennial scale variability throughout the record. The most prominent feature of the record is a period of elevated summer temperatures from 1200-1375 AD, followed by cooler conditions from 1375-1820 AD, coincident with the Little Ice Age.
Effect of NPM1 and FLT3 Mutations on the Outcomes of Elderly Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Standard Chemotherapy

Abstract Background The effect of prognostically important gene mutations (MUTs), nucleophosmin (nucleolar phosphoprotein B23, numatrin) (NPM1) and fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not well defined. Patients and Methods We analyzed 557 patients, 65 years of age or older with newly diagnosed AML, treated at our institution between 2000 and 2010 with cytotoxic chemotherapy. NPM1 and FLT3 analysis were available in 146 patients (26%) and 388 patients (70%), respectively. Results NPM1 and FLT3 MUTs occurred in 16% and 12% of patients, respectively. No difference in median overall survival was observed between FLT3-MUT and NPM1-MUT patients who received cytotoxic chemotherapy. Outcome was significantly better among patients with NPM1-MUT/FLT3-wild type (WT) genotype (n = 14) compared with patients carrying FLT3/NPM1 genotypes other than NPM1-MUT/FLT3-WT (n = 125). The complete remission rates were 71% and 49%, respectively ( P = .11). The median survival was 21.5 months vs. 9.0 months and estimated 2-year survival rates were 51% vs. 38%, respectively ( P = .003). NPM1 and FLT3 MUTs appear to occur less frequently in elderly AML patients. The prognostic effect of isolated NPM1- or isolated FLT3-MUT is minimal. Conclusion Elderly AML patients with NPM1-MUT/FLT3-WT genotype have significantly improved outcomes compared with patients with other NPM1/FLT3 genotypes when treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy.
The d-Xylose-Binding Protein, XylF, from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus 39E: Cloning, Molecular Analysis, and Expression of the Structural Gene

Immediately downstream from the Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus xylAB operon, comprising genes that encode d-xylose isomerase and d-xylulose kinase, lies a 1,101-bp open reading frame that exhibits 61% amino acid sequence identity to the Escherichia coli d-xylose binding periplasmic receptor, XylF, a component of the high-affinity binding-protein-dependent d-xylose transport. The 25-residue N-terminal fragment of the deduced T. ethanolicus XylF has typical features of bacterial leader peptides. The C-terminal portion of this leader sequence matches the cleavage consensus for lipoproteins and is followed by a 22-residue putative linker sequence rich in serine, threonine, and asparagine. The putative mature 341-amino-acid-residue XylF (calculated molecular mass of 37,069 Da) appears to be a lipoprotein attached to the cell membrane via a lipid anchor covalently linked to the N-terminal cysteine, as demonstrated by metabolic labelling of the recombinant XylF with [14C]palmitate. The induced E. coli avidly bound d-[14C]xylose, yielding additional evidence that T. ethanolicus XylF is the d-xylose-binding protein. On the basis of sequence comparison of XylFs to other monosaccharide-binding proteins, we propose that the sequence signature of binding proteins specific for hexoses and pentoses be refined as (KDQ)(LIVFAG)3IX3(DN)(SGP)X3(GS)X(LIVA)2X2A. Transcription of the monocistronic 1.3-kb xylF mRNA is inducible by xylose and unaffected by glucose. Primer extension analysis indicated that xylF transcription initiates from two +1 sites, both situated within the xylAB operon. Unlike in similar transport systems in other bacteria, the genes specifying the membrane components (e.g., ATP-binding protein and permease) of the high-affinity d-xylose uptake system are not located in the vicinity of xylF in T. ethanolicus. This is the first report of a gene encoding a xylose-binding protein in a gram-positive or thermophilic bacterium.
The psychophysiology of sensation seeking

This article summarizes studies relating the trait of sensation seeking to electrodermal and heart-rate responses and cortical evoked potential arousal. Stimulus factors of novelty, intensity, and stimulus significance are important. High sensation seekers tend to give stronger physiological orienting responses than lows to novel stimuli of moderate intensity, particularly when such stimuli are of specific interest. Lows tend to show defensive responses as defined by heart-rate acceleration. The cortical reaction of the highs tends to be augmented by intense visual or auditory stimuli, while that of the lows tends to be reduced or unresponsive to variations in stimulus intensity. Differences between psychophysiological responses of high and low sensation seekers are interpreted as reflective of different evolved biological strategies for processing novel or intense stimulation.
Interpretation of confidence intervals for median effective dose estimates

Philosophical considerations in the interpretation of probability can confuse the meaning of interval estimates. Most techniques for calculating interval estimates for the median effective dose (LC50) have been developed under a Neyman-Pearson probability structure, which requires interpretation in terms of asymptotic mathematics. Fiducial probability, designed to allow the inductive use of a single experiment, fails to resolve this major difficulty in interpretation. In the evaluation of LC50 estimators, care should be exercised to ensure correct identification of random variables, consistent partitioning of sources of variability and proper choice of criteria for comparing estimators. Despite the difficulties raised by these issues, the calculation of interval estimates in short-term toxicity testing remains an important benchmark in assessing the potentially harmful effects of chemical compounds in the environment.
Satyam Fraud: A Case Study of India's Enron

ABSTRACT: This case provides students a unique opportunity to examine and reflect on the challenges of auditing in today's global environment. Students examine a real-world billion dollar plus embezzlement and fraud at Satyam Corporation, an international company based in India and previously trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The case focuses on auditors' responsibilities related to obtaining and evaluating audit evidence, particularly as it relates to confirming cash and receivables. It also explores the quality control responsibilities related to audit procedures performed by foreign affiliates of a large international audit firm. The case illustrates the role of culture in performing an audit in accordance with auditing standards issued by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Additionally, case details provide opportunities for class discussions and foster students' critical thinking skills on other auditing topics such as audit risk and planning, related party transactions, tone-a...
Developmental toxicity of hydroxylamine: an example of a maternally mediated effect.

Hydroxylamine (HA) is an important reducing agent that is used in several industries. HA is a moderate irritant and a powerful inducer of methemoglobinemia. HA has been shown to react readily with DNA in vitro. Several chemical derivatives of HA are potent developmental toxicants, whereas HA has been reported to cause no developmentally toxic effects. Since HA and its developmentally toxic derivatives share the presence of a terminal hydroxylamine functional group (-NHOH), and since that functional group has been proposed to be the biologically active portion of the molecule, it was deemed appropriate to re-examine the possible developmental toxicity of HA. Subcutaneous or intravenous injection of pregnant rabbits with 50-650 mg HA.HCl/kg on gestational day 12 caused the death or sacrifice of all rabbits within 30 hours. All maternally injected rabbits exhibited severe cyanosis, presumably due to methemoglobinemia. Histological examination of embryos revealed alterations of the cardiovascular system at 5 hours, but an absence of cell death in limb buds. At 8 hours, all embryos were dead. These effects appear to be secondary to the observed cyanosis in the maternal animals. In order to circumvent the powerful methemoglobinemia-inducing properties of HA, intracoelomic injections of 25-200 micrograms HA.HCl in 5-40 microliters of saline were made directly into the chorionic cavity of developing rabbit embryos, thereby bypassing the maternal system. Controls received similar volumes of saline. At doses of greater than or equal to 75 micrograms, HA.HCl killed 91 percent of injected embryos; among survivors, all exhibited reduced birth weights and 2/5 exhibited malformations in the craniofacial region and sternum. At doses of 25-50 micrograms, HA.HCl caused increased resorptions compared with controls; however, surviving fetuses displayed neither malformations nor reduced birth weights. Histological analysis at 4 hours after injection revealed cellular debris in the limb buds; when the antioxidant propyl gallate was co-administered with HA, cellular debris was absent at 4 hours. It is concluded that although HA is a directly acting developmental toxicant if it reaches the embryo, the observed embryolethality seen after subcutaneous injection of pregnant animals is a consequence of the powerful maternal toxicity of HA.
Design of high-Q photonic crystal optical cavities through group-theoretical and Fourier space analyses

Group-theoretical and Fourier space analyses are used to design low loss photonic crystal cavities. Experimental results verifying the group theory predictions are presented, along with finite-difference time-domain calculations of recent designs with predicted quality factors exceeding 1/sup 5/5.
An Evaluation of Sustainable Seafood Guides: Implications for Environmental Groups and the Seafood Industry

Cathy A. Roheim is a professor in the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881 USA (email: crw@uri.edu). The author acknowledges funding from King’s Seafood Company and Rhode Island Sea Grant and assistance from Michelle Armsby, graduate research assistant and URI Sustainable Seafood Fellow, in the completion of this research. Thalassorama
Measurements of very low bit-error rates for an optical packet switching node

An improvement in the accuracy of the sinusoidal interference method used to extract bit-error rates (BERs) that cannot be easily measured with conventional laboratory equipment is proposed. This technique is then used to estimate the very low BER performance of a multiple-wavelength photonic switching node for a 16-wavelength packet payload. The switching node contribution to the estimated BER is determined to be no worse than 4/spl times/10/sup -18/ from an extrapolated q-factor of 8.6.
A self-triggering silicon strip detector system for coincidence detection of low energy recoils

A detector system has been developed for the purpose of detecting low energy recoil particles in coincidence. The system comprises four silicon double-sided strip detectors (DSSDs) employing ASIC-based readout. The readout scheme is self-triggering, and the use of programmable lookup units (PLUs) makes it possible to trigger on two-particle coincidences, even if the two particles are incident on the same detector. This detector system is the key component of the tagged neutron facility under development at the Indiana Cooler.
University of Iowa Department of Statistics

The history of Statistics at the University of Iowa is recounted, from the hiring of Henry Rietz in 1918, to the formation of the Department of Statistics in 1965, to the present day. The key contributions of Rietz, Allen Craig, and Robert Hogg are described. The prominent role of actuarial science in the development of the department is noted.
hyp: A Toolkit for Representing, Manipulating, and Optimizing Hypergraphs

We present hyp, an open-source toolkit for the representation, manipulation, and optimization of weighted directed hypergraphs. hyp provides compose, project, invert functionality, k-best path algorithms, the inside and outside algorithms, and more. Finite-state machines are modeled as a special case of directed hypergraphs. hyp consists of a C++ API, as well as a command line tool, and is available for download at github.com/sdl-research/hyp.
Correlation between ultrasonographic and pathologic diagnoses of hepatitis B and C virus-related cirrhosis.

We aimed to evaluate the validity of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: A total of 210 patients, 67 with chronic HBV and 143 with HCV infection, were evaluated for the cirrhotic status of liver by both needle biopsy and US. According to the pathological findings, a fibrosis score 4 on the histology activity index was the gold standard for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. A US scoring system consisting of liver surface, parenchyma, vascular structure, and splenic size was used to describe the severity of hepatic parenchymal damage. Results: Cirrhosis was found in 27 (40%) of the 67 HBV patients and in 51 (36%) of the 143 HCV patients pathologically. The mean fibrosis scores were 0.95, 1.24, 2.35, 2.95, 3.8 and 3.7 in patients with US scores of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 or more, respectively. The US scores were significantly correlated with the hepatic fibrosis scores (P < 0.05). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a US score of 7 was the best cutoff point for the prediction of HBV-related cirrhosis, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 77.8%, 92.5%, 87.5%, 86.0%, and 86.6%, respectively. In HCV-related cirrhosis, a US score of 6 provided results of 82.4%, 70.7%, 60.9%, 87.8%, and 74.8%, respectively. The specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy were significantly higher in patients with HBV than in those with HCV infection (P = 0.012, P = 0.032, and P = 0.079, respectively). Conclusions: Cirrhosis can be predicted well by US, especially in patients with HBV infection.
Genetic Differentiation Among Populations of House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) Breeding at a Multiple-Barn, Egg-Laying Facility in Central Minnesota

Mitochondrial gene diversity was used in house fly, Musca domestica L., populations to examine gene flow within and among 16 sealed barns in a large egg-laying facility in Renville, MN. Haplotypes in poultry barns were compared with those in outdoor house fly populations nearby and in St. Paul, MN. Haplotype diversities were greater in the closed than in the open populations. There was significant gene flow among poultry barns, and export of flies from barns was observed. Nevertheless, of three haplotypes detected in the closed populations, one was undetected in the open populations. A significant change in haplotype frequencies within poultry barns between years is attributed to genetic drift. The geographical origin of one haplotype is obscure.
Responsive Teaching from the Inside Out: Teaching Base Ten to Young Children.

Decision making during instruction that is responsive to children’s mathematical thinking is examined reflexively by the researcher in the context of teaching second graders. Focus is on exploring ...
Acute Medical and Surgical Management of Severely III Aneurysm Patients: a Review

Perhaps no area of neurosurgery has undergone more rapid change than the management of patients with ruptured aneurysms. Only 10 years ago, early surgery was considered controversial; antifibrinolytic agents were used routinely at most major institutions; and the first publications emphasizing the importance of hypervolemichypertensive therapy were being published.
Research on the Simulation Experiment of the Character of Extinguishing in Single-Phase Earth Fault of 35 kV Power Network

This paper proposes the run-lines to simulate the fault of single-phase earth of 35 kV power network in network test station.There are two connection modes,including neutral insulation and neutral earth with an arc suppression coil.The auto-reclosing current is capacitive and inductive separately.Some desired results are achieved through more than 100 research trials,which can provide practical value data for the normal and reliable operation of 35 kV power network.
A Comprehensive Initiative to Prevent Falls Among Newborns

Our hospital experienced seven instances of newborns falling over a 7-month period. Until that time, there had been no reported newborn falls. We formed a committee to study the situation and make recommendations for change. Common factors observed were early morning hours and an exhausted parent, usually the mother, falling asleep while feeding the newborn. The committee developed a policy and procedure addressing falls among newborns, created staff education and tools, and posted signage in mothers' rooms. We also updated crib cards to include information about falls and safe sleep, and we revised newborn admission education for parents with additional information about falls. The incidence of newborns falling has decreased since we implemented these changes.
Mitochondrial Electron Transport: The Random Collision Model

Data are presented which represent the experimental basis for the random collision model of mitochondrial electron transport. The random collision model rejects the notion that permanent assemblies or transient aggregates of redox components are necessary to account for the sequence or rate of electron transport in the inner membrane. The five fundamental postulates upon which the random collision model is founded are presented: (1) All redox components are independent lateral diffusants; (2) Cytochrome c diffuses primarily in three dimensions; (3) Electron transport is a diffusion-coupled kinetic process; (4) Electron transport is a multicollisional, obstructed, long-range diffusional process; (5) The rates of diffusion of the redox components have a direct influence on the overall kinetic process of electron transport and can be rate limiting, as in diffusion control. The experimental results obtained in testing each of the five postulates of the random collision model are presented. It is concluded that mitochondrial electron transport is a diffusion-based random collision process and that diffusion has an integral and controlling effect on electron transport.
Teaching Ethics in Business Schools: A Conversation on Disciplinary Differences, Academic Provincialism, and the Case for Integrated Pedagogy

In this interview-based article, a panel of business ethicists explores the relationship between behavioral and normative approaches to business ethics. Spurred by the meteoric rise of behavioral e...
The Limits of Judicial Independence: A Political History of Court-Curbing

To best understand the nature of conflict between the legislative and judicial branches, we begin with a political history of confrontations between Congress and the Court. In this chapter, I present a historical overview of the introduction of Court-curbing legislation. As I noted in the preceding chapter, Court-curbing refers to legislative attempts to limit or remove the Supreme Court's power (Stumpf 1965). Here I provide a detailed overview of the frequency with which Congress has engaged in Court-curbing, the types of legislation that have been proposed, and the partisan and ideological forces behind Court-curbing over time. I also identify several periods during which Court-curbing was particularly forceful and briefly describe the substantive disputes at issue. With this background in hand, subsequent chapters in this book develop a theoretical framework for understanding the causes and consequences of these periods of conflict. THE POLITICS OF COURT-CURBING Scholarship on the relationship between Congress, public opinion, and the Supreme Court suggests a connection between major political developments, shifts in public opinion, and judicial decision making. This work has focused most directly on the ability of governing coalitions to affect appointments to and the political leanings of the Court (Dahl 1957). For example, Adamany (1973) notes that major realigning elections – elections that have left the Court and the “lawmaking majority” out of step with each other – have historically been followed by periods of particular tension between the Court and Congress.
Ictal Epileptic Headache with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Neurologists at the University of Rome, Italy report a 37-year-old woman with drug-resistant generalized epilepsy and headache who had a sudden headache during a 24-h EEG that displayed epileptic activity.
The Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability of the Sanders Classification Versus the Risser Stage

Background Estimation of skeletal maturity, classically performed using Risser sign, plays a crucial role in the treatment of AIS. Recent data, however, has shown the simplified Tanner-Whitehouse (Sanders) classification, based on an anteriorposterior (AP) hand radiographs, to correlate more closely to the rapid growth phase and thus curve progression. This study evaluated the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Sanders and Risser classifications among clinicians at different levels of training. Methods Twenty AP scoliosis radiographs and 20 AP hand radiographs were randomized and distributed to 11 graders. The graders consisted of 3 orthopaedic residents, 3 spine fellows, 3 spine surgeons, and 1 radiologist. The graders were then asked to classify the radiographs according to the Sanders and Risser classifications. There were 3 rounds of grading, each done 3 weeks apart. The overall κ coefficient was then calculated for each system to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Results For all graders the average κ coefficient for the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Sanders classification was 0.54 and 0.62, respectively, and 0.46 and 0.49 for the Risser classification. With respect to spine attendings alone, the average κ coefficient for the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of Sanders classification was 0.72 and 0.77, respectively, and 0.46 and 0.67 for the Risser classification. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the Sanders classification had moderate reliability with respect to physicians at various levels of training and had good reliability with respect to attending spine surgeons. Interestingly, the Risser staging was found to have less interobserver and intraobserver reliability overall. The Sanders classification is a reliable and reproducible system and should be in the armamentarium of surgeons who treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Level of evidence Level III.
Evaluation of Four ONPG Tests for Enterobacteriaceae from Human, Animal and Selected Food Sources

An ortho-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) test was done on 250 Enterobacteriaceae from human, poultry, and selected food sources by use of four commercially available miniaturized systems and by the conventional test for ONPG. For the 102 cultures from human and poultry sources, all four systems agreed with the conventional test as follows: API (98%), Difco (94.1%) Minitek (98%), and Pathotec (98%). For the 148 food isolates, the percent agreement between the conventional and these four systems was significantly lower, API (87.2%), Difco (85.8%), Minitek (88.5%), and Pathotec (85.8%).
On model reference adaptive control for uncertain dynamical systems with unmodeled dynamics

On model reference adaptive control for uncertain dynamical systems, it is well know that there exists a fundamental stability limit, where the closed-loop dynamical system subject to this class of control laws remains stable either if there does not exist significant unmodeled dynamics or the effect of system uncertainties is negligible. Specifically, this implies that model reference adaptive controllers cannot tolerate large system uncertainties even when unmodeled dynamics satisfy a set of conditions. Motivated from this standpoint, this paper proposes a model reference adaptive control approach to relax this fundamental stability limit, where an adaptive control signal is augmented with an adaptive robustifying term. The key feature of our framework allows the closed-loop dynamical system to remain stable in the presence of large system uncertainties when the unmodeled dynamics satisfy a set of conditions. An illustrative numerical example is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Errors in the Administration Technique of Insulin Pen Devices: A Result of Insufficient Education

Insulin is a high-alert medication in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Insulin can cause significant harm when administered in error. Despite advancements in insulin pen technology, errors in the administration technique remain an issue. Although various factors can contribute to administration errors, lack of education on how to operate these devices is one of the most common reasons they occur. As such, the mechanical technique used by the patient needs to be continually assessed in order to reinforce education where needed. We describe three unique patient cases that depict incorrect administration techniques when using pen devices and the consequences that could have resulted from these errors. These cases involve the use of a syringe instead of a pen needle, injecting without removing the inner cap, and dialing the pen back down instead of pushing the plunger. Although pen devices are relatively simple to use, this article reinforces the need for continual assessment of and education about insulin administration. The teach-back method is an approach that can be used to assess a patient’s technique and re-educate them at every available opportunity to reduce the risk of administration errors, which can result in complications and hospitalizations.
Trapped imbalanced fermionic superfluids in one dimension: A variational approach

We propose and analyze a variational wave function for a population-imbalanced one-dimensional Fermi gas that allows for Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) type pairing correlations among the two fermion species, while also accounting for the harmonic confining potential. In the strongly interacting regime, we find large spatial oscillations of the order parameter, indicative of an FFLO state. The obtained density profiles versus imbalance are consistent with recent experimental results as well as with theoretical calculations based on combining Bethe ansatz with the local density approximation. Our variational wave function displays no signature of the FFLO state in the densities of the two fermion species. Nonetheless, the oscillations of the order parameter appear in density-density correlations, both in situ and after free expansion. Furthermore, above a critical polarization, the value of which depends on the interaction, we find the unpaired Fermi-gas state to be energetically more favorable.
Evaluating the Toxicity of Candidate Organic and Conventional Insecticides on Western Grape Leafhopper and Virginia Creeper Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) under Vineyard and Laboratory Conditions

Abstract The western grape leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula Osborn) and the Virginia creeper leafhopper (Erythroneura ziczac Walsh) are the two leafhopper pests frequently observed in Washington State vineyards. Organic viticulturists have difficulties controlling these leafhopper pests, and outbreaks can result in economic loss. We vineyard-tested the efficacy of several candidate bioinsecticides and conventional insecticides against the western grape leafhopper and the Virginia creeper leafhopper. This study included the initial testing of several alternative candidate insecticides for leafhopper control. Controlled laboratory bioassays also were completed, and the 50% and 90% lethal concentrations were calculated for the nonsystemic insecticides tested. Of the bioinsecticides tested, pyrethrum (PyganicTM, Valent Bioscience Corporation, Libertyville, IL) was the only product that provided effective control of leafhoppers in both the vineyard and laboratory components of this study. In vineyard effic...
Making Library Research Real in the Digital Classroom: A Professor–Librarian Partnership

Recent studies have described collaborations between librarians and professors in learning management systems, yet less has been written about the process of scaffolding information literacy instruction into the writing assignments of online courses. An English professor and a teaching librarian describe an ongoing project that pairs research instruction with essay assignments in a community college’s online English course. The discussion of benefits of frequent, targeted library instruction modules delivered throughout the semester with the active support of a librarian is backed up by recent assessments. The program was designed to help students understand the importance of research in good writing.
Comparing Care for Dual-Eligibles Across Coverage Models: Empirical Evidence From Oregon:

Dual-eligible beneficiaries or "duals" are individuals enrolled in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. For both Medicare and Medicaid, they may be enrolled in fee-for-service or managed care, creating a mix of possible coverage models. Understanding these different models is essential to improving care for duals. Using All-Payer All-Claims data, we empirically described health service use and quality of care for Oregon duals across five coverage models with different combinations of fee-for-service, managed care, and plan alignment status across Medicare and Medicaid. We found substantial heterogeneity in care across these five coverage models. We also found that duals in plans with aligned financial incentives for Medicare and Medicaid experienced more improvement in their care relative to those with nonaligned Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans. These results highlight the importance of developing policies that account for the heterogeneity of the dual population and their coverage options.