cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New single-switch three-phase high power factor rectifiers using multi-resonant zero current switching

New single-switch three-phase high power factor rectifiers are introduced which have continuous input and output currents. By the use of a multi-resonant scheme, the transistor operates with zero current switching and the diodes operate with zero voltage switching. These multi-resonant rectifiers with a single transistor are capable of drawing a higher quality input current waveform at nearly unity power factor and lower stress than the quasi-resonant rectifiers. Buck-type converters are used for the power stage, and hence the output voltage is lower than the input voltage. Moreover, these rectifiers have a wide load range and low stress on semiconductor devices. Simulation and experimental results are presented. >
A Statistical Consideration Regarding the Threshold of the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised.

ABSTRACTThe Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL–R; Hare, 2003) is one of the most commonly used measures of psychopathy. Scores range from 0 to 40, and legal and mental health professionals sometimes rely on a cut score or threshold to classify individuals as psychopaths. This practice, among other things, assumes that all items contribute equally to the overall raw score. Results from an item response theory analysis (Bolt, Hare, Vitale, & Newman, 2004), however, indicate that PCL–R items differ in the amount of information they can provide about psychopathy. We examined the consequences of these item differences for using a cut score, detailing the consequences for a previously applied cut score of 30 as an example. Results indicated that there were more than 8.5 million different response combinations that equaled 30 and more than 14.2 million that equaled 30 or more. This raw score, like others, corresponded to a broad range of PCL–R-defined psychopathy, indicating that applying cut scores on this meas...
Heart disease in the South: II. A statistical survey of one hundred seventeen deaths due to rheumatic heart disease

Abstract In a series of 8,313 patients who were necropsied, death was found to have been the result of heart disease in 1,045 patients. In 117, rheumatic heart disease was present. This series of 117 subjects whose deaths were due to rheumatic heart disease has been analyzed according to sex, age, and racial incidence, and the type of valvular involvement.
Superconductivity in Zr x Nb 1-2x Mo x alloys: Possible dominance of a soft phonon mode

Normal-state specific heat and superconducting transition temperature measurements were performed on pure polycrystalline Nb and isoelectronic bcc ZrxNb1−2xMox alloys (x = 0.02, 0.05, and 0.10). Measured T c, γ and θ D all decline nearly linearly from the pure Nb values with increasing x. The changes are 15, 10, and 6%, respectively, for x = 0.1. T cH calculated by Hopfield's theory, using data and linearly interpolated values of η and θ D /〈θ2〉linear 1/2, increases with x by 28% for x = 0.1. By relaxing the linear interpolation of θD/〈θ2〉1/2, Hopfield's theory can be used to evaluate an average phonon frequency 〈θ2〉emp 1/2 from data. It is found to be nearly constant at about 229 K, in contrast to 〈θ2〉linear 1/2, which declines by 8% at x = 0.1. We suggest that one possible explanation for this behavior is the dominance of incipient soft-phonon longitudinal modes which occur in Nb and presumably in the alloys. Miedema's method has been used to calculate the variation of both γ and T c with alloying. The calculated γ is nearly constant, while the calculated T c declines more quickly than the measured variation. The band-structure electron density of states calculated with the aid of McMillan's equation for these isoelectronic alloys is found to decline by 8% at x = 0.1, in contrast to the prediction of the rigid band model. Normal-state low-temperature specific heat measurements on a pure annealed polycrystalline sample of Nb yield γ = 7.80 ± 0.02 mJ mole−1 K−2 and θD = 276 ± 2 K, in excellent agreement with previous measurements. The break in slope of C p/T vs. T 2 at 3.2 K is discussed.
The price of persecution: The long-term effects of the Anti-Rightist Campaign on economic performance in post-Mao China

Abstract What are the long-run effects of mass political repression on economic performance? Using an original county-level dataset from Maoist China, we demonstrate a strong and robust negative relationship exists between the scale of repression of intellectuals in the Anti-Rightist Campaign (ARC) in 1957–58 and economic productivity decades later. This fall in economic output is caused by the loss of already scarce human capital resulting from the violent political campaign. Until at least 2000, significant and robust negative correlations exist between the percentage of victims in a county and its populations’ level of educational achievement and economic performance. By demonstrating the negative relationship between the state’s purposeful destruction of human capital for political reasons and long-run economic growth, we are able to add China to a growing body of research on the long-run deleterious effects of state-sponsored political repression against intellectuals. Using China’s ARC as an example, this study is the first to use quantitative methods to demonstrate the often-overlooked long-term negative economic effects of political repression under authoritarian regimes.
Post-General Anesthesia Ultrasound-Guided Venous Mapping Increases Autogenous Access Placement Rates

Background This study investigates the impact of introducing a post-general anesthesia ultrasound (PAUS) mapping on the type of vascular access chosen for hemodialysis in patients without previous accesses. Methods Two hundred three of 297 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Within-subjects analysis was performed on patients with both an outpatient ultrasound-guided vein mapping and a PAUS using sign tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Furthermore, a between-subjects analysis added patients with only the outpatient vein mapping; demographic and comorbidity data were analyzed using t-tests and chi-squared tests. An ordinal logit regression was run for the type of access placed, while a bivariate logit regression was used to compare rates of autogenous access maturation. Results One hundred sixty-five (81%) patients received both a standard outpatient vein mapping and a PAUS. At the outpatient vein mapping, 130 (79%) patients had suitable veins for an autogenous access, whereas 35 (21%) patients did not have suitable veins for an autogenous access and were planned for a prosthetic access. During PAUS, all 165 (100%) patients were found to have suitable veins for autogenous access formation (P Conclusions Introducing a postanesthesia ultrasound mapping to guide vein-finding significantly increases the quality and quantity of suitable veins found, subsequently leading to increased proportions preferred access placement (autogenous versus prosthetic and forearm versus upper extremity).
La schizophrénie des théories éthiques contemporaines

Parution originale sous le titre « The Schizophrenia of Modern Ethical Theories », The Journal of Philosohy, vol. 73, no 14, On Motives and Morals. (August 12, 1976), pp. 453-456. Traduit par Julien Corriveau, revise par Christine Tappolet. Nous aimerions remercier Michael Stocker pour avoir relu cette traduction.
Monoclonal antibody to a protein of the nucleus and mitotic spindle of mammalian cells Localization and synthesis throughout the cell cycle

We report here the isolation of a monoclonal antibody, J17, that reacts with a conserved vertebrate protein antigen that is present in the spindle apparatus during mitosis but found within the nucleus during interphase. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrates that the J17 antigen is found in numerous punctate regions that are distinct from nucleoli. Furthermore, this antigen is not directly associated with kinetochores, the nuclear envelope, or with metaphase chromosomes. — Antibody J17 immunoprecipitates a single polypeptide of very high molecular weight (over 250000) from K562 human erythroleukemia cells pulse-labeled with 14C-leucine. This polypeptide is converted quantitatively to a stable 220-kilodalton product within one cellular generation. We discuss the possible relevance of this processing event for transport into the nucleus. The J17 antigen is synthesized throughout the cell cycle in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
The role of p38 activation in suppressing ovarian cancer metastatic colonization

1617 Introduction: Our lab has identified JNKK1/MKK4, hereafter referred to as MKK4, as a metastasis suppressor of ovarian cancer metastasis. Ectopic expression of MKK4 in human ovarian carcinoma SKOv3ip.1 cells reduces the number of intraperitoneal (i.p.) metastases at 30 days post injection (dpi) by 87% [Can Res (2006) 66(4):2264-70] and prolongs animal survival by 70% [Can Res (2002) 62:6717-23]. Subsequent studies support a model in which p38 signaling is associated with decreased proliferation and upregulation of p21 in disseminated cells in vivo. In this study we proposed (1) to investigate the activation of and requirement for p38 signaling in metastasis suppression, and (2) to determine the molecular mechanisms by which MKK4 induces a growth arrest of disseminated cells. Methods: In control and HA-MKK4-expressing SKOv3ip.1 cells, p38 activity was inhibited using the specific chemical inhibitor SB 203580, dominant negative p38 isoforms, and stable siRNA expression. Experimental metastasis assays were conducted in female nude mice by injecting SKOV3ip.1 cells i.p., sacrificing at 30 dpi, and counting metastases. Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate RNA and analyze changes in gene expression in MKK4-expressing cells isolated from omental metastases harvested from 30 animals at 3 dpi, 14 dpi, and from overt metastases. RNA from 5000 cells was collected from each specimen by LCM, amplified, and hybridized onto Affymetrix U133A/B microarrays. Results and Discussion: Inhibition of p38 activity decreased the ability of MKK4 to suppress metastasis nearly 2 fold, consistent with a role for p38 in regulating metastatic colonization. Activation of p38 was detected after detachment of cells from a solid surface. LCM of specimen from 14 dpi animals indicates collecting 5000 cells is technically feasible, and analysis of RNA quality demonstrates that intact RNA can be obtained following the sectioning, staining, and preservation protocol used in this study. Microarray analysis of RNA obtained by this method will further investigate how transcriptional regulation by MKK4-p38 signaling modulates the growth arrest observed during metastatic colonization. Because MKK4 is upstream of AP-1 transcription factors, we hypothesize that many target genes associated with AP-1-transcription and involved in cell cycle progression, such as Cyclin D1, p21, p27, and Cyclin B, will be differentially regulated by HA-MKK4. The role of these genes in metastasis suppression will subsequently be investigated in our robust functional in vivo assay. The molecular mechanisms of how p38 signaling regulates a delay in proliferation will be an important contribution to the understanding of stress signaling and may provide insight into therapeutically targetable signaling events.
Prophet Inequalities on the Intersection of a Matroid and a Graph

We consider prophet inequalities in a setting where agents correspond to both elements in a matroid and vertices in a graph. A set of agents is feasible if they form both an independent set in the matroid and an independent set in the graph. Our main result is an ex-ante 1/(2d+2)-prophet inequality, where d is a graph parameter upper-bounded by the maximum size of an independent set in the neighborhood of any vertex. We establish this result through a framework that sets both dynamic prices for elements in the matroid (using the method of balanced thresholds), and static but discriminatory prices for vertices in the graph (motivated by recent developments in approximate dynamic programming). The threshold for accepting an agent is then the sum of these two prices. We show that for graphs induced by a certain family of interval-scheduling constraints, the value of d is 1. Our framework thus provides the first constant-factor prophet inequality when there are both matroid-independence constraints and interval-scheduling constraints. It also unifies and improves several results from the literature, leading to a 1/2-prophet inequality when agents have XOS valuation functions over a set of items and use them for a finite interval duration, and more generally, a 1/(d+1)-prophet inequality when these items each require a bundle of d resources to procure.
Relative validity of food frequency questionnaire for estimating dietary nutrients intake

Objective To assess the relative validity of food frequency questionnaire( FFQ) for estimating dietary nutrients and food intakes. Methods Using random sampling methods to select 200 people from Minhang District and Jinshan District. Dietary intakes were estimated by weighed dietary records combining with 24 h dietary recalls( as reference method) and food frequency questionnaire. Relative validity were examined by T-test, Wilcoxon rank test and correlation analysis. Results The foods groups were the same in FFQ and 24 h dietary recalls. Correlated with daily intake of grains, beans and products, vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, meat and poultry, aquatic product, milk and products in two methods( Correlation coefficients: 0. 248- 1. 000). The daily food of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, cholesterol had significantly positive correlation in FFQ and 24 h dietary recalls( Correlation coefficients: 0. 209- 0. 340). No statistical difference in energy and fat. The daily food of Mg, K, P, Mn, I, Ca, Se had significantly positive correlation in two methods( Correlation coefficients: 0. 204-0. 419). No statistical difference in Mg, K, P, Mn, I. The daily food of vitamin B1、B2、C、niacin had significantly positive correlation in two methods( Correlation coefficients:0. 170- 0. 305). No statistical difference in vitamin B1、B2. Conclusion Food frequency questionnaire can be used to evaluate dietary intakes of I, cruciferous vegetables, soy isoflavones, energy, fat, Mg, K, P, Mn, vitamin B1 and vitamin B2.
Therapeutic Reversal of Chemically Induced Parkinson Disease by Converting Astrocytes into Nigral Neurons

Parkinson disease is characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. As with other neurodegenerative diseases, no disease modifying treatments exist. While most treatment objectives aim to prevent neuronal loss or protect vulnerable neuronal circuits, an important alternative is to replace lost neurons to reconstruct disrupted circuits. Herein we report an efficient single-step conversion of isolated mouse and human astrocytes into functional neurons by depleting the RNA binding protein PTB. Applying this approach to mice with a chemically induced Parkinson phenotype, we provide evidence that disease manifestations can be potently reversed through converting astrocytes into new substantia nigral neurons, effectively restoring dopamine levels via reestablishing the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway. We further demonstrate similar disease reversal with a therapeutically feasible approach using antisense oligonucleotides to transiently suppress PTB. These findings identify a generalizable therapeutic strategy for treating neurodegenerative disorders through replacing lost neurons in the brain.
Persistence of Escherichia coli in the microbiomes of red Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Outredgeous’) and mizuna mustard (Brassica rapa var. japonica) - does seed sanitization matter?

BACKGROUND Seed sanitization via chemical processes removes/reduces microbes from the external surfaces of the seed and thereby could have an impact on the plants' health or productivity. To determine the impact of seed sanitization on the plants' microbiome and pathogen persistence, sanitized and unsanitized seeds from two leafy green crops, red Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. 'Outredgeous') and mizuna mustard (Brassica rapa var. japonica) were exposed to Escherichia coli and grown in controlled environment growth chambers simulating environmental conditions aboard the International Space Station. Plants were harvested at four intervals from 7 days post-germination to maturity. The bacterial communities of leaf and root were investigated using the 16S rRNA sequencing while quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and heterotrophic plate counts were used to reveal the persistence of E. coli. RESULT E. coli was detectable for longer periods of time in plants from sanitized versus unsanitized seeds and was identified in root tissue more frequently than in leaf tissue. 16S rRNA sequencing showed dynamic changes in the abundance of members of the phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes in leaf and root samples of both leafy crops. We observed minimal changes in the microbial diversity of lettuce or mizuna leaf tissue with time or between sanitized and unsanitized seeds. Beta-diversity showed that time had more of an influence on all samples versus the E. coli treatment. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the seed surface sanitization, a current requirement for sending seeds to space, could influence the microbiome. Insight into the changes in the crop microbiomes could lead to healthier plants and safer food supplementation.
Comprehensive and Superficial Data Users: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study of Teachers’ Practice of Interim Assessment Data Use:

Background/ContextTeachers’ practice of interim assessment data use is subject to an array of individual, social, and organizational contextual factors. While contemporary research situates interim...
Impact of In-class Patient and Integrated Clinical Experiences on Physical Therapist Students’ Clinical Performance

Rationale: A variety of clinical education (CE) exist. Models emphasizing full-time clinical experiences (FTCE) have higher number of full-time hours (high-hours) with less prior didactic preparation and integration with the curriculum. Models including integrated clinical experiences (ICE), part-time ICE (PTICE), and in-class patient experiences (IcPE) integrate experiences with didactic content but include a lower number of full-time hours (low-hours). The purpose of this study is to determine if a re-designed CE curricular model that emphasized IcPEs and ICE with low-hours better prepares students than a version that emphasized FTCEs with high-hours as measured by scores on the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a data set of 183 Doctor of Physical Therapy students who participated in an initial and final terminal CE experience. Data included student pre-admission data, demographics, and evaluation type, period, and rating for all 18 CPI criteria for the initial and final terminal CE experiences. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between cohorts for the initial terminal CE experience midterm assessment. One CPI factor was significant on the initial terminal CE experience final assessment and the final terminal CE experience midterm assessment (p < .05). Within cohort analysis for all three CPI factors at all assessment periods were statistically significant. Conclusion: All students significantly improved from midterm to final assessment periods of the initial and final terminal CE experiences. Therefore, IcPE, allowing faculty to mentor and provide feedback to students should be considered an alternative to FTCE prior to students’ initial terminal CE experience. MeSH Terms: curriculum, education, students
A Conversation about Collins

People wlho wish to apply probability, statistics, and mathematics to legal work find careful analyses of the facts in specific cases rewarding. People v. Collins' is a particularly good case for such study, because the prosecution used a probabilistic argument to try to establish an identification. Unfortunately, students tend to point out an initial difficulty in the prosecutor's argument and then dismiss the case. As the court recognized, however, the issues involved are deeper and deserve far more attention. Professor Hans Zeisel is famed for his ability to give clear explanations of very difficult statistical ideas. In his honor, we shall try to emulate him by discussing some of the issues raised by this case in a dialogue between a lawyer and a statistician. Neither of the participants presumes the other to have a specialist's knowledge of his field.2 The dialogue is intended to discuss three points. First, it considers the question of whether dependent or independent probabilities were the basis for the prosecutor's argument in Collins and offers an interpretation more favorable to the prosecution than that usually given. Next, it suggests that data could have been assembled to make a reasonable estimate of the order of magnitude of the probability. The prosecution, however, did not provide any such evidence, and the court considered the consequences of accepting the prosecution's unsupported numbers. The court, in an appendix to its opinion, developed a prob-
Harvey O'Higgins and “The Daily German Lie”

Abstract Journalist Harvey O'Higgins, associate chairman of the Committee on Public Information during World War I, wrote and distributed “The Daily German Lie,” a series of press releases, from August to November 1918. This article provides the first scholarly examination of the content and impact of O'Higgins's column. “The Daily German Lie” provided newspapers and magazines with wartime rumors that the federal government deemed anti-American or pro-German, along with responses from military and government authorities. Attempting to kill destructive rumors and shape public opinion, the column supported key themes in the CPI's propaganda campaigns. The column demonstrated O'Higgins's skills as a propagandist as well as his pragmatic, low-key relationship with the American press in contrast with CPI Chairman George Creel's aggressive and antagonistic approach. Significantly, “The Daily German Lie” sought to silence questions about the authenticity of the so-called Bryce Report, which alleged widespread Ge...
Privacy Protection in an Era of Data Mining and Record Keeping

The computerization of the world is changing the nature and degree of privacy protection, and even the very definition of privacy. The topic is rife with compromises, inconsistencies and paradoxes. Concern about privacy engenders “classical” trade-offs between individual risk and social benefit, which are understood in only some contexts. Corporations and educational institutions hold immense amounts of information about individuals, most of which was provided willingly, but is subject to misuse. People fear identity theft, but employ their usernames as computer passwords. This article lays out a way to think about the issues, and summarizes history, current concerns, and possible futures. Keywords: privacy; information; computerized database
Deliberation, Storytelling, and Dialogic Moments

Dialogue theory promotes communication practices that help groups understand and productively manage their differences. Yet, by conceptualizing dialogue as a distinct way of communicating, scholars tend to overlook how dialogue can co-occur with other ways groups deal with difference. This conceptual separation can also limit groups’ abilities to see the potential for dialogue while they are engaged in discussion. This essay argues that personal storytelling can be a bridge between dialogue and discussion by inviting group members to experience dialogic moments in the midst of deliberative conversation. Stories invite dialogic moments because they help group members negotiate the tension of self–other. This negotiation occurs because through telling and responding to personal stories, group members craft their identities and take on others’ perspectives. This argument is illustrated through the analysis of a storytelling interaction that occurred in an online deliberative group discussing how to rebuild the former World Trade Center site after its destruction on September 11, 2001. Conceptualizing storytelling as an invitation for dialogic moments has implications for dialogue theory, research, and practice.
Near-frictionless carbon coatings for use in fuel injectors and pump systems operating with low-sulfur diesel fuels

While sulfur in diesel fuels helps reduce friction and prevents wear and galling in fuel pump and injector systems, it also creates environmental pollution in the form of hazardous particulates and SO{sub 2} emissions. The environmental concern is the driving force behind industry's efforts to come up with new alternative approaches to this problem. One such approach is to replace sulfur in diesel fuels with other chemicals that would maintain the antifriction and antiwear properties provided by sulfur in diesel fuels while at the same time reducing particulate emissions. A second alternative might be to surface-treat fuel injection parts (i.e., nitriding, carburizing, or coating the surfaces) to reduce or eliminate failures associated with the use of low-sulfur diesel fuels. This research explores the potential usefulness of a near-frictionless carbon (NFC) film developed at Argonne National Laboratory in alleviating the aforementioned problems. The lubricity of various diesel fuels (i.e., high-sulfur, 500 ppm; low sulfur, 140 ppm; ultra-clean, 3 ppm; and synthetic diesel or Fischer-Tropsch, zero sulfur) were tested by using both uncoated and NFC-coated 52100 steel specimens in a ball-on-three-disks and a high-frequency reciprocating wear-test rig. The test program was expanded to include some gasoline fuels as well (i.e., regular gasoline and indolene) to further substantiate the usefulness of the NFC coatings in low-sulfur gasoline environments. The results showed that the NFC coating was extremely effective in reducing wear and providing lubricity in low-sulfur or sulfur-free diesel and gasoline fuels. Specifically, depending on the wear test rig, test pair, and test media, the NFC films were able to reduce wear rates of balls and flats by factors of 8 to 83. These remarkable reductions in wear rates raise the prospect for using the ultra slick carbon coatings to alleviate problems that will be caused by the use of low sulfur diesel and gasoline fuels. Surfaces of the wear scars and tracks were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and by Raman spectroscopy.
Synaptic Modulation by Neurotrophic Factors: Differential and Synergistic Effects of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor

Extracellular application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to developing neuromuscular junctions in Xenopus nerve–muscle cultures resulted in an increase in the frequency of spontaneous synaptic currents (SSCs) and in the amplitude of nerve-evoked synaptic currents. Analyses of the amplitude and time course of the SSCs suggest that these effects are attributable to elevation of presynaptic transmitter release. The actions of these two factors on the transmitter secretion process, however, are distinctly different. Fura-2 Ca2+ imaging showed that an increase in presynaptic cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) accompanied the synaptic potentiation by BDNF, whereas no change in [Ca2+]i was observed during synaptic potentiation by CNTF. Removing external Ca2+ also abolished the potentiating effect of BDNF but did not influence the CNTF effect. Moreover, the two factors exerted different effects on the short-term synaptic plasticity. Paired-pulse facilitation normally found at these synapses was reduced by BDNF but unaffected by CNTF; CNTF, but not BDNF, reduced the extent of synaptic depression during high-frequency tetanic stimulation. Finally, the potentiation effect of BDNF and CNTF on spontaneous transmitter release was additive when both factors were applied together to the synapse at saturating concentrations (100 ng/ml) and was highly synergistic when low doses (1 and 10 ng/ml) of both factors were used. These results suggest that because of their differential effects on the secretory machinery, BDNF and CNTF may act cooperatively in modulating the development and functioning of synapses.
Clonazepam and 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced myoclonic stereotypy.

Abstract The effect of clonazepam on a behavioral model of increased whole brain serotonin activity was investigated. While clonazepam induces a moderate elevation of whole brain serotonin, the drug fails to potentiate or inhibit 5-hydroxytryptophan-induced stereotypy in young guinea pigs. These results suggest that despite drug induced alterations in serotonin concentration clonazepam does not have an effect on the physiologic activity of serotonin and may not exert its pharmacologic activity by influencing serotonin within the brain.
Real-Time Transrectal Ultrasound Guidance During Nerve Sparing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Pictorial Essay

Purpose: We report that real-time TRUS can visualize prostate/periprostatic anatomy and provide intraoperative navigation during nerve sparing LRP. Real-time TRUS navigation during radical prostatectomy, whether open or laparoscopic, is a novel application about which little is known.Materials and Methods: Transperitoneal LRP with TRUS guidance has been performed in 77 consecutive men since March 2003. Gray-scale ultrasound (7.5 MHz) and power Doppler ultrasound were used. Real-time TRUS monitoring was performed preoperatively, intraoperatively and immediately postoperatively. Emphasis was placed on identifying the neurovascular bundles, defining the prostate apex contour and evaluating the location and extent of any hypoechoic cancer nodules.Results: Intraoperative TRUS navigation appeared to be helpful for certain specific technical aspects of LRP, including 1) the identification of hypoechoic prostate cancer nodules, 2) precision during lateral pedicle transection and neurovascular bundle release, 3) c...
Room temperature sub-wavelength plasmon laser

We report plasmon lasers with optical confinement of 1/20th wavelength operating at room temperature. The strong confinement and efficient feedback arising from plasmonic total internal reflection enhance the spontaneous emission rate up to 20 times.
In Defense of Bunkering

Jon Tilburt (2014) is right to claim that there is a tension between the physician's devotion to the interests of her patients and considerations of social justice. At the same time, we think that ...
Who Is Retweeted in Times of Political Protest? An Analysis of Characteristics of Top Tweeters and Top Retweeted Users During the 2011 Egyptian Revolution

As the number of microblogging tools and social media users rapidly increases, it is important to understand who and what is being disseminated. One emerging area of research is the use of Twitter as a means for the masses to voice dissent and mobilize action. This study analyzed the features of the top 30 tweeters and top 30 retweeted users during the 2011 protests in Egypt. By conducting a content analysis of tweets from the #jan25 data set (N = 600), we found that the characteristics of the source including location, media affiliation, longer account duration, and number of followers positively impacted retweetability. Power users or those tweeters sending the most messages were more likely to be based in Egypt than in other areas. Users who retweet messages seem to constitute a different group with more passive characteristics. The content of messages such as language intensity, information or URL sharing, and call to action were not significant predictors of retweetability. Because tweets had the sam...
Dynamic models for insect mortality due to exposure to insecticides

Ordinary differential equation models for insecticide induced sublethal damage and delayed death in insect populations are considered. It is shown that such models with time-varying mortality rates provide excellent fits to experimental data for populations subjected to numerous levels of insecticide exposure. The effects on fecundity rates are also examined.
On the Variation of a Functional when the Boundary of the Domain is not Fixed

The formula for the variation of a functional is obtained where the integrand depends on several independent variables xj, several functions of these variables uk and a finite number of partial derivatives of any order of the functions uk with respect to xj. Besides the functions uk, the boundary of the domain can also move. The formula generalizes the well-known case when only first-order partial derivatives are admitted.
Affect intensity and alexithymia differentially influence the relationship between neuroticism and depressive symptomatology among college students

Abstract Recently, there has been much interest in explaining the robust relationship between neuroticism and depression among the college population. The present study adds to this literature by examining the role of emotionality in this link. Specifically, two facets of affect intensity and three facets of alexithymia were examined as possible mediators among a sample of 246 college students. The results revealed that the Difficulty Identifying Feelings facet of alexithymia partially explained the depression that neurotic college students experienced. This finding is discussed within the framework of emotional development and a self-awareness theory of depression.
Erosion and strength degradation in alumina

Abstract The effect of multiparticle impact at 23 700 and 1000 °C on the erosion and strength degradation of sintered alumina was determined. Impact damage at normal incidence was characterized by numerous small pits consistent with grain boundary cracking. Neither erosion rate nor strength degradation for normal impingement depended strongly on temperature. Although erosion rate increased with increasing kinetic energy of the impacting particle, strength degradation leveled off at high kinetic energies, contrary to predictions based on elastic-plastic fracture. An alternative theory was developed on the basis of the observed damage morphology. This theory assumes that the kinetic energy of the impacting particle goes into grain boundary cracking and the subsequent grain fallout creates a hemispherical pit with an annular crack. This model correctly predicts the dependence of both erosion rate and strength degradation on the kinetic energy of the impacting particle. For impingement at low angles, impact damage was primarily by a ductile ploughing process. This caused erosion rates to be greater than that predicted on the basis of the brittle chipping mode of erosion, but strength degradation was less because the shallow elongated flaws are less severe than the pits produced by normal impact.
The electrical breakdown of liquid dielectrics

Abstract Throughout this paper data have been presented showing that the apparent inconsistency of the reported dielectric strength behavior of insulating liquids can be satisfactorily correlated if proper consideration be given to the state of the “purity” of the liquid itself. As a result it is suggested that insulating liquids should be classified as (a) “pure,” indicating those liquids free from dissolved gases as primary “impurities”; and (b) “impure,” including those liquids which contain dissolved gas. The breakdown mechanism depends on the distinctive behavior of these two general classes. “Pure” liquid breakdown is a function of charged particle formation. In part, this may be caused by the assumption of a charge by molecular aggregates, colloidal-like in nature. In part, the charge may arise from molecular ionization by collision. The latter occurs chiefly in the voltage range immediately preceding electrical rupture and is the chief cause of “pure” liquid insulation failure. The presence of the first type of charge—that is, the existence of a difference of potential between molecular aggregates and the liquid—is chiefly responsible for the variation in the time factor to breakdown. The breakdown of “impure” liquids is a function of dissolved gas elimination. This dissolved gas is eliminated as a result of changing solubility produced (a) by electro-striction effects, or (b) by changing pressure or temperature. The presence of secondary impurities such as dust particles and fibers, acts chiefly through the effect on increasing gassing tendencies. It is suggested further that the localization of dielectric breakdown in liquids, irrespective of the type or degree of “purity,” is chiefly in the “neutral membrane” located near the electrodes and formed by the discharge of particles. Such a “neutral membrane” results in a space charge effect giving marked drop in potential and as a result promoting ionization by collision effects in “pure” liquids and electro-striction effects in “impure” liquids.
Carbon dioxide laser absorption spectra and low ppb photoacoustic detection of hydrazine fuels

Absorption cross-section data are reported for the toxic rocket fuels hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), as well as for their selected air oxidation products dimethylamine, trimethylamine, and methanol at up to seventy-eight CO(2) laser wavelengths each. These data are important for the assessment of the capability of CO(2) laser-based spectroscopic techniques for monitoring low levels of hydrazine-fuel vapors in the ambient air. Interference-free detection sensitivities of <30 ppb have been demonstrated for UDMH using a laboratory photoacoustic detection system.
Acute myocardial infarction due to chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Myocardial infiltration by leukemic granulocytes in association with a myeloproliferative malignancy is common. For reasons not clearly understood, clinical manifestations are unusual and myocardial infarction is rare. A patient is described in whom acute myocardial infarction is associated with myocardial granulocytic and myeloblastic infiltration and normal coronary arteries. The diagnosis of infarction in this clinical setting was supported by appropriate ECG and enzyme changes, as well as histologic examination of the myocardium and pathologic study of the coronary arteries. The findings in this patient may have been caused by extensive ventricular leukemic infiltration and small vessel distortion resulting in necrosis. With the advent of new therapeutic regimens, a diagnosis of this condition may be made with increasing frequency.
Uncooking the books from toxic paper sub-prime mortgages CDS and CSOs material misstatements of the financial services industry: crisis challenges and counterparty surveillance of collateralised debt obligations

This paper studies the sub-prime mortgages, credit default swaps (CDS) and collateralised synthetic obligations (CSOs) cooking the books of the financial services industries at a global level. The paper uses the case of the Bank of Barclays to develop a methodology of uncooking the books from material misstatements of the financial industry. This research is about the current sub-prime markets crisis and shows how sub-prime mortgages, CDS and CSOs overstated the revenues of the financial services industries leading to the stock markets meltdown of October 2008. The paper attempts to develop regression models and software that detect fraud involved in the mortgages crisis and a method for fraud 'finger print' definition. This paper provides the readers with fundamental information about firms and auditors' misconduct. While this study researches primarily in the area of international economics and accounting, it also deals with computer information systems automation and specifically forensic accounting, expert witness testimony and computer litigation support.
A patch in nine saves time

A fundamental fact in computer and network security is the impossibility of 100 percent assurance that a computer system is trusted. By trusted, we mean that the system always operates as expected by design and policy. For more than 25 years, the security community has focused on technology to solve these problems, yet information systems remain as vulnerable. Given the difficulties of developing software without potential vulnerabilities, we must develop best practices for "penetrate and patch" cycles and configuration management procedures.
Looking into it

The Fifth Essence: The Search for Dark Matter in the Universe. ByLawrence M. Krauss Basic Books: 1989. 342 pp.$19.95. Distributed in Britain by Hutchinson/Radius,£14.95.Invisible Matter and the Fate of the Universe. ByBarry Parker. Plenum: 1989. 297pp.$28.20, £17.63.
Amplitude patterns of aperture antennas mounted on circular and square ground planes

The analysis for the far-zone amplitude radiation patterns in E and H planes of a TE11-mode circular aperture antenna mounted on finite circular and square ground planes is presented. The pattern is constructed from the superposition of a wave radiated directly from the circular aperture (in the presence of an infinite ground plane) and a wave diffracted from the edge of the finite ground planes. These patterns are verified with experimental results and those simulated by Ansoft's High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). Excellent agreement is observed for all cases considered.
Perioperative visual loss and anesthetic management.

Purpose of reviewPerioperative visual loss (POVL) is an uncommon complication primarily associated with cardiac, spine, and head and neck surgery that can have a potentially severe impact on quality of life. The largest multicenter case control study to date on POVL recently identified risk factors
Forcing a planar jet flow using MEMS

We present the results of an experimental study in which a planar laminar jet of air was forced by an array of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) micro-actuators. In the absence of forcing, the velocity profile of the experimental jet matched the classic analytic solution. Driving actuators on either side of the jet in-phase or anti-phase, respectively, excited the symmetric or anti-symmetric mode of instability of the jet. Asymmetric forcing, using MEMS actuators on only one side of the jet, was also investigated.
Using the WPPSI-R with Bilingual Children: Implications for Practice

The purpose of this study was to compare the underlying factor structure of the WPPSI-R for young, nonreferred children across two language groups, bilingual and monolingual. Subjects for the study were children identified according to language background from the WPPSI-R standardization group. A series of LISREL maximum likelihood confirmatory analyses was performed. A best-fitting model was determined for the entire standardization sample (N = 1700) and then tested for invariance across the two language groups. The same model was tested across two smaller language subgroups, matched on the variable of socioeconomic status. Results revealed highly similar factor structures in the two groups, but the proportion of variance accounted for by a general factor was significantly higher for the monolingual children (49.20%) than for the bilingual children (19.85%). These findings indicate that the WPPSI-R is not measuring the same verbal or general factor constructs in bilingual children as in monolinguals. Results also lend support to the recommended practice of reporting Performance scores as the only valid index of cognitive ability for bilingual children.
Vibroacoustic Tailoring of a Rod-Stiffened Composite Fuselage Panel with Multidisciplinary Considerations

An efficient multi-objective design tailoring procedure seeking to improve the vibroacoustic performance of a fuselage panel while maintaining or reducing weight is presented. The structure considered is the pultruded rod stitched efficient unitized structure, a highly integrated composite structure concept designed for a noncylindrical, next-generation flight vehicle fuselage. Modifications to a baseline design are evaluated within a six-parameter design space including spacing, flange width, and web height for both frame and stringer substructure components. The change in sound power radiation attributed to a design change is predicted using finite-element models sized and meshed for analyses in the 500 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz octave bands. Three design studies are carried out in parallel while considering a diffuse acoustic field excitation and two types of turbulent boundary-layer excitation. Kriging surrogate models are used to reduce the computational costs of resolving the vibroacoustic and weight objective Pareto fronts. The resulting Pareto optimal designs are then evaluated under a static pressurization ultimate load to assess structural strength and stability. Results suggest that choosing alternative configurations within the considered design space can reduce weight and improve vibroacoustic performance without compromising strength and stability of the structure under the static load condition considered, but the tradeoffs are significantly influenced by the spatial characteristics of the assumed excitation field.
Feedback regulation of nodule formation in alfalfa.

When high dosages of wild-type Rhizobium meliloti RCR2011 were inoculated at two different times, 24 h apart, onto either the primary roots of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedlings or onto lateral roots on opposite sides of a split-root system, the number of nodules generated by the second inoculum was much smaller than the number generated by the first inoculum. These results provide evidence that alfalfa has an active, systemic mechanism for feedback control of nodulation. Non-nodulating mutants and delayed, weakly nodulating mutants did not elicit a discernable suppression of nodulation by subsequently inoculated wild-type cells. An appreciable number of Rhizobium infections thus seem required to elicit the suppressive response. Mutants in nodulation regions IIb and IIa nodulated extensively in the initially susceptible region of the root, but nodule initiation by these mutants was 100–1000 times less efficient, respectively, than the parent. Nodules formed by these mutants emerged 1 d later than normal. The IIb mutants elicited a relatively strong suppression of nodulation in younger parts of the root, but region-IIa mutants elicited only a weak response. These results indicate that elicitation of the regulatory response need not be proportional to nodule formation and imply that genes in region IIa play an important role in elicitation. At high dosages, the region-II mutants induced the development of thick, short roots in a considerably higher percentage of plants than the wild-type bacteria. Nodules generated by wild-type isolates and region-II mutants did not emerge in strict acropetal sequence, probably because some infections developed more slowly than others. Prior exposure of the root to non-nodulating mutants resulted in nodulation by the parent in regions of the root otherwise too mature to be susceptible, indicating that exposure to these mutants may affect the sequence of root development.
EFFECTS OF STEM AND LIKERT RESPONSE OPTION REVERSALS ON SURVEY INTERNAL CONSISTENCY: IF YOU FEEL THE NEED, THERE IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO USING THOSE NEGATIVELY WORDED STEMS

The controversy with regard to using reverse or negatively worded survey stems has been around for several decades; it is a practice of questionable utility intended to guard against acquiescence or response set behaviors. A 2 × 3 design in which item stem direction and item response pattern direction were crossed was used to determine effects on internal consistency reliability as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The condition having the highest alpha was when all directly worded stems were used with bidirectional response options. Alpha was higher and accounted for at least 10%, and in one case 20%, higher internal consistency as compared with any of the three conditions in which negatively worded stems were used. This would indicate that the use of all directly worded stems and half of the response options going in one direction and half going in the other direction may be a better way of guarding against acquiescence and response set behaviors than the use of items with negatively worded stems.