cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrence analysis on prostate cancer patients with Gleason score 7 using integrated histopathology whole-slide images and genomic data through deep neural networks.

Prostate cancer is the most common nonskin-related cancer, affecting one in seven men in the United States. Gleason score, a sum of the primary and secondary Gleason patterns, is one of the best predictors of prostate cancer outcomes. Recently, significant progress has been made in molecular subtyping prostate cancer through the use of genomic sequencing. It has been established that prostate cancer patients presented with a Gleason score 7 show heterogeneity in both disease recurrence and survival. We built a unified system using publicly available whole-slide images and genomic data of histopathology specimens through deep neural networks to identify a set of computational biomarkers. Using a survival model, the experimental results on the public prostate dataset showed that the computational biomarkers extracted by our approach had hazard ratio as 5.73 and C-index as 0.74, which were higher than standard clinical prognostic factors and other engineered image texture features. Collectively, the results of this study highlight the important role of neural network analysis of prostate cancer and the potential of such approaches in other precision medicine applications.
AI-based AMD Analysis: A Review of Recent Progress

Since 2016 much progress has been made in the automatic analysis of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Much of it was dedicated to the classification of referable vs. non-referable AMD, fine-grained AMD severity classification, and assessing the five-year risk of progression to the severe form of AMD. Here we review these developments, the main tasks that were addressed, and the main methods that were carried out.
Does group velocity always reflect elastic modulus in shear wave elastography

Dynamic elastography is an attractive method to evaluate tissue biomechanical properties. Recently, it was extended from US- and MR-based modalities to optical ones, such as optical coherence tomography for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging of propagating mechanical waves in subsurface regions of soft tissues, such as the eye. The measured group velocity is often used to convert wave speed maps into 3-D images of the elastic modulus distribution based on the assumption of bulk shear waves. However, the specific geometry of OCE measurements in bounded materials such as the cornea and skin calls into question elasticity reconstruction assuming a simple relationship between group velocity and shear modulus. We show that in layered media the bulk shear wave assumption results in highly underestimated shear modulus reconstructions and significant structural artifacts in modulus images. We urge the OCE community to be careful in using the group velocity to evaluate tissue elasticity and to focus on developing robust reconstruction methods to accurately reconstruct images of the shear elastic modulus in bounded media.
Conclusion: Participatory User Localization

The concluding chapter presents the broader implications of the empirical study of Ghana’s use of biometric in elections. The author further develops the framework of participatory user localization with a discussion of interview findings and analysis of genres accompanying the biometric technology. He also discusses future directions for the research and practice of user localization strategies in a globalized era. Focusing on a decolonial approach, the chapter analyzes what the design community could learn from the user localization strategies advanced to design for, involve, nurture, pay attention to, and sustain technology designs which are sensitive to user knowledge and local logics.
Host-Immune Interactions in JC Virus Reactivation and Development of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

With the advent of immunomodulatory therapies and the HIV epidemic, the impact of JC Virus (JCV) on the public health system has grown significantly due to the increased incidence of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). Currently, there are no pharmaceutical agents targeting JCV infection for the treatment and the prevention of viral reactivation leading to the development of PML. As JCV primarily reactivates in immunocompromised patients, it is proposed that the immune system (mainly the cellular-immunity component) plays a key role in the regulation of JCV to prevent productive infection and PML development. However, the exact mechanism of JCV immune regulation and reactivation is not well understood. Likewise, the impact of host factors on JCV regulation and reactivation is another understudied area. Here we discuss the current literature on host factor-mediated and immune factor-mediated regulation of JCV gene expression with the purpose of developing a model of the factors that are bypassed during JCV reactivation, and thus are potential targets for the development of therapeutic interventions to suppress PML initiation. Graphical Abstract.
Reducing synchronization error in wireless sensor nodes by using previous timing information as training data: poster abstract

Many wireless sensor networks benefit from one type of time synchronization protocols. However, due to different crystal oscillators and clock sources in the nodes, even with drift-management techniques, synchronization error starts increasing fast after a few to tens of seconds. To keep the error low in minute-long sessions, typically the master transmits packets periodically to reset the error. These extra packets increase power consumption of all nodes especially in long sessions. Here, we propose AdaptSync that uses the timing/error information of a short period of time at the beginning of a session to reduce the error in the rest of the session independent of the master. Implementation steps are discussed and tested on sensor nodes that use Bluetooth as the wireless link. Experimental results show that in 10-minute long sessions, average synchronization error is reduced 7x compared to normal synchronization.
Common Bile Duct Exploration

Surgical management of the biliary system is a valuable and necessary skill set for the practicing general surgeon. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a technique that allows for concomitant management of both the gallbladder and stones within the biliary ductal system. This approach offers the potential benefits of fewer procedures, decreased cost, and short hospital stays. This chapter provides an in-depth discussion of LCBDE including patient selection, operating room setup, technical aspects of both transcystic and transcholedocal approaches, and outcomes.
Implications of climate model selection for projections of decision-relevant metrics: A case study of chill hours in California

Abstract Decision-makers today have relatively easy web-based access to climate projections from several different models and downscaled datasets. Yet, there is minimal guidance on the credibility and appropriate use of such models and projections for specific adaptation contexts. The few studies that provide recommendations on model choice are often based on evaluations of broad physical climate metrics (such as temperature averages or extremes) at regional scales, without additional examination of local-scale decision-relevant climatic metrics (such as growing degree days or chill hours) that underpin the adaptation action. While such broad regional skill may be considered necessary for the overall credibility of models, it is not clear whether it is sufficient to ensure good skill for decision applications. This paper evaluates the skill of different Global Circulation Models (GCMs) in predicting the decision-relevant metric of chill hours in Fresno, California, and examines how model selection impacts future projections. We find that good skill in predicting broader physical climate metrics in California does not guarantee skill in prediction of chill hours in Fresno. In fact, the models with good regional climatic skill were mutually exclusive of the ones with good skill for chill hours, which leads to some counterintuitive results for this unique metric. Since many decision-relevant metrics are non-linear derivations of primary physical quantities (like the chill hour metric), more such decision-relevant model evaluations are needed to provide better insights on model credibility and choice for adaptation decisions.
Chapter 10 – Wrapping Up

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the four growth strategies that organizations can employ to grow the top line as yellow, red, blue, and green. Each of the four categories has its virtues and its negative zones too. If an organization does not have enough yellow in its culture, it will die a slow death. But if it has too much, it will go into the negative zone and be like a country club: a lot of fun but not much getting done. If an organization does not have enough green, it will get stagnate. But if it has too much, it will be like a chaotic research lab. If an organization does not have enough blue, it becomes uncompetitive, irrelevant, and doomed to extinction. If an organization has insufficient red, it can experience catastrophic failure. But too much red can make it a stifling bureaucracy.
After the project is over: Measuring longer-term impacts of a food safety intervention in Senegal

We followed up with about 2,000 smallholder households in Senegal, two years after these households participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at reducing levels of aflatoxins in smallholders’ stored maize. In the initial intervention, treated households were provided with training on proper post-harvest practices, low-cost moisture meters for testing if maize was sufficiently dry to store, plastic tarps for drying maize of the ground, and hermetic (airtight) storage bags to mitigate aflatoxin development in stored maize. Using cross-sectional follow up data on aflatoxins levels and drying and storage practices from 2019 along with baseline demographic data from 2016, we estimate both the longer-term intention-to-treat (ITT) effects and the treatment on the treated (TOT) effects that the four inputs provided on households’ aflatoxins levels in stored maize. The ITT analyses estimate the intervention’s average effect by treatment group, but this may underestimate the true impact for households who complied with recommended post-harvest practices and adopted the recommended technologies. The TOT analyses estimate the local average treatment effects (LATE) of the intervention, that is its impacts on those who were driven by the intervention to follow best practices or use a given technology. Since the decision to follow these practices or adopt a technology was not random, we instrumented the usage decision with the exogenous, random treatment group assignment to get an unbiased estimate. Outside of our main models, we conducted a heterogeneity analysis to test if households with different characteristics benefit differently from the intervention. We interacted each treatment assignment with various household characteristics, including the woman’s level of involvement in the intervention. Additionally, we estimate the cost-effectiveness of providing training and a tarp, according to WHO guidelines for public health interventions.
Deep glassy state dynamic data challenge glass models: Configurational entropy models

ABSTRACT There is accumulating evidence that the dynamics of glass-forming systems below the conventional glass transition temperature T g do not diverge at a finite temperature as conventional extrapolations of the temperature dependence of the dynamics suggest. Here we explore the possibility that theories often interpreted to support this extrapolation may be able to account for the experimentally observed apparent turn-over to a more physically acceptable divergence at zero Kelvin. We examine three different entropy-based glass transition models: the generalized entropy theory (GET), the random first order transition theory (RFOT), and the DiMarzio and Yang model. These are evaluated and compared with the non-diverging deep glassy state dynamic data reported for a 20-million-year-old amber and a vapor deposited ultra-stable amorphous Teflon obtained previously in our laboratories. We make different assumptions about the temperature dependences for configurational entropy for the model evaluations. We find that all configurational entropy models can give non-divergent dynamics with an appropriate configurational entropy and can, then, qualitatively agree with the deep glassy state dynamic data for the ancient amber and the amorphous Teflon. However, all the models still predict somewhat higher relaxation times than the experimentally reported values, which were upper bounds to the equilibrium response.
A fiscal perspective on nominal GDP targeting

This paper studies fiscal policy in a model with nominal gross domestic product (GDP) targeting. We find that, with wage rigidity, nominal GDP targeting generates lower welfare losses than inflation targeting and a Taylor rule. On the other hand, adopting this regime makes standard fiscal policy rules, whereby distortionary tax rates are designed to respond to economic activity, dependent on the behavior of inflation instead. We also find that the fiscal multipliers with nominal GDP targeting are smaller than the multipliers under inflation targeting and the Taylor rule. Therefore, nominal GDP targeting does not necessarily outperform other monetary policy rules.
Predicting 1-Year Mortality on Admission Using the Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Admission Risk Score

Abstract Objective To determine whether the Mayo Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) Admission Risk Score (M-CARS) accurately predicts 1-year mortality. Methods We retrospectively reviewed adult CICU patients admitted from January 1, 2007, through April 30, 2018, and calculated M-CARS using admission data. We examined the association between admission M-CARS, as continuous and categorical variables, and 1-year mortality. Results This study included 12,428 unique patients with a mean age of 67.6±15.2 years (4686 [37.7%] female). A total of 2839 patients (22.8%) died within 1 year of admission, including 1149 (9.2%) hospital deaths and 1690 (15.0%) of the 11,279 hospital survivors. The 1-year survival decreased incrementally as a function of increasing M-CARS (P Conclusion M-CARS predicted 1-year mortality among CICU admissions, with a plateau effect at high M-CARS of 3 or more for hospital survivors. Significant added predictors of 1-year mortality among hospital survivors included markers of frailty and chronic illness.
Implicit Filtering and Optimal Design Problems

Implicit filtering is a form of the gradient projection method of Bertsekas in which the stepsize in a difference approximation of the gradient is changed as the iteration progresses. In this way the algorithm is able to avoid certain types of local minima and in some cases find accurate approximations to the global minimum. The algorithm is particularly effective in avoiding local minima that are caused by high-frequency low-amplitude terms in the objective function. In this report we will discuss the algorithm and its theoretical properties. We will also present applications for modeling of subsurface contaminant transport and high-field magnet design.
Counseling Hispanics Through Loss, Grief, and Bereavement: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals, by L. M. Houben

Ligia Houben's book is first a depiction of how culture and religion mediate Latinos' navigation through loss, grief, and bereavement. Further, and what makes this book more valuable, Houben: outli...
In-Use Performance Comparison of Hybrid Electric, CNG, and Diesel Buses at New York City Transit

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) evaluated the performance of diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hybrid electric (equipped with BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion system) transit buses at New York City Transit (NYCT). CNG, Gen I and Gen II hybrid electric propulsion systems were compared on fuel economy, maintenance and operating costs per mile, and reliability. These comparisons are based upon comparable service years; the second year in service for CNG and Gen II hybrids, and the second and third years in service for the Gen I hybrids. Conventional diesel buses provided a baseline comparison for fuel economy. Both the CNG and hybrid propulsion systems are alternatives to standard diesel buses and allow for reductions in petroleum use and emissions (usually focused on reductions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen). The Gen I hybrid buses exhibited 88% and 37% higher fuel economy than CNG and conventional diesel buses, respectively. The average fuel economy for the Gen II hybrid buses was 5.9% lower than the Gen I hybrid buses. Fuel economy decreased for all bus groups during summer operation due to air conditioning load. However, the hybrids exhibited the most dramatic seasonal fluctuation. The average total maintenance cost per mile for the Gen II hybrid buses was 39% lower than the Gen I hybrid buses, while the CNG buses’ average was 5% higher than the Gen I hybrid buses. Total propulsion-related systems maintenance costs per mile were 55% lower for the Gen II hybrid buses than the Gen I hybrid buses, while the CNG buses were 5% lower than the Gen I hybrid buses. The Gen I hybrids experienced a 4.8% traction battery failure rate per year during evaluation year 1, and a 3.3% failure rate per year during evaluation year 2. BAE Systems utilizes lead-acid chemistry Hawker batteries. Hybrid buses are expected to have reduced brake reline frequency because they use regenerative braking. The Gen I hybrid buses accumulated more than two times the mileage of the CNG buses before requiring their first brake reline.
Identifying and Comparing Characteristics of Successful Minority and Majority Businesses

This paper situates its analysis in a case study of the three watershed moments arising from the sixteenyear history of the Boise Pride Celebration. These moments reveal the impact that the tension between assimilation and liberation strategies have had in the birthing, changing, and shaping of both the Boise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community’s struggles and its successes in becoming increasingly visible. Interviews and archival research demonstrate that the Pride Celebration originated in, grew and essentially thrived from this tension proving it necessary to transform the Boise LGBT community from a fearful, invisible minority functioning despite a conservative climate, into an increasingly visible, viable community and constituency. The balance between assimilation and liberation strategy, as evidenced by this case study, was and remains crucial to liberate and protect LGBT people from the threat and reality of legal discrimination and the de-humanizing stereotypes used to deny them their civil and human rights.
The thermal conductivity of seasonal snow

Twenty-seven studies on the thermal conductivity of snow (k eff ) have been published since 1886. Combined, they comprise 354 values of k eff , and have been used to derive over 13 regression equations predicting k eff vs density. Due to large (and largely undocumented) differences in measurement methods and accuracy, sample temperature and snow type, it is not possible to know what part of the variability in this data set is the result of snow microstructure. We present a new data set containing 488 measurements for which the temperature, type and measurement accuracy are known. A quadratic equation, k eff = 0.138 - 1.01ρ + 3.233ρ 2 {0.156 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.6} k eff = 0.023 + 0.234ρ {ρ < 0.156}, where ρ is in g cm -3 and k eff is in W m -1 K -1 , can be fit to the new data (R 2 =0.79). A logarithmic expression, k eff = 10 (2.650ρ-1.652) {ρ ≤ 0.6}, can also be used. The first regression is better when estimating values beyond the limits of the data; the second when estimating values for low-density snow. Within the data set, snow types resulting from kinetic growth show density-independent behavior. Rounded-grain and wind-blown snow show strong density dependence. The new data set has a higher mean value of density but a lower mean value of thermal conductivity than the old set. This shift is attributed to differences in snow types and sample temperatures in the sets. Using both data sets, we show that there are well-defined limits to the geometric configurations that natural seasonal snow can take.
Circular permutation of RNase T1 through PCR based site-directed mutagenesis

Publisher Summary Current methods for creating circularly permuted variants through alterations in the genetic sequence of a protein are laborious and involve a large number of recombinant DNA manipulations. This chapter discusses the utility of a general PCR approach for the creation of circularly permuted proteins through the initial characterization of cp35SL, and discusses the construction of a circularly permuted variant of ribonuclease Tl (RNase Tl). The native RNase Tl, (C2A, ClOA), and cp35Sl proteins are characterized by specific activity, polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS and native), thermodynamic stability, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, and amino-terminal sequencing. The specific activity and thermodynamic stability of the (C2A, ClOA) mutant confirm that the Cys-2 to Cys-10 disulfide bond imparts thermodynamic stability but has little effect on catalytic activity. Hence this mutant was selected as the starting point for constructing a circularly permuted form of RNase-Tl, such that as short a linker as possible could be used to bridge the original N- and C-termini. The activity and stability of the circularly permuted variant indicate that, it adopts an overall tertiary fold very similar to that of the native protein. However, the real effect, however, may be more evident in the kinetics of the specific folding pathway.
Assessment of engineering/engineering technology students

Summary form only given. Assessment of a student can be a difficult task. How do we measure the student's knowledge of the subject? Do we compare the individual performance to the group's performance? Or do we examine the individuals performance against itself? As one assesses the student's knowledge, the assessment tool, or test, becomes an important part of the process. The type of test and follow-on interpretation of results varies with the type of assessment method, so the development of the test plays a critical role. A test should be developed well before it is to be given. The questions should measure the student's knowledge of the course material, and the questions should be reviewed for any ambiguity. Only through this method can one have confidence that the test measures the student's knowledge. Engineering is a performance-based discipline. Projects are evaluated by how well they function or perform. Students should be prepared for this type of work once they graduate. The criterion-based method provides a step in that direction. The test is prepared to measure the desired learning outcomes while measuring the student's knowledge of the course subject. This allows both the instructor and student to see the student's progress; and then provide the adequate review if necessary. This paper presents information from the Instructional Science field on assessment of engineering/engineering technology students and then how those ideas can be incorporated into test development for engineering courses. The main focus is on the criterion-based method, as it provides a more defined measure of the student's knowledge.
The Ras-MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway

This resource provides and describes two animated lessons that illustrate the Ras-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signal transduction pathway. They are designed for any collegiate-level course that presents the basic steps of the prototypical pathway. Courses that might employ these animations include Introductory Biology, Cell Biology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Pharmacology.
Teaching due process: A workable method of teaching the ethical and legal aspects

Due process is one of the “great ideas” of the Western world. An enormous amount of literature explains the concept of due process and its history; yet little exists to explain how to teach the legal and ethical aspects. This article suggests a structure, along with some techniques and anecdotes, for an introductory lecture that outlines the contours of due process. Without this introduction to the structure, many students will be lost, as I was, unable to comprehend the entire concept or to appreciate the many aspects of due process. With an understanding of the structure, students will be better prepared to read and understand due process cases that delve into the many details of the different aspects. My final goal is that students also discover the ethical dimensions of fair process and apply them to the informal justice systems of their families, schools, and workplaces.
Adaptive ranging for optical coherence tomography

At present, optical coherence tomography systems have a limited imaging depth or axial scan range, making diagnosis of large diameter arterial vessels and hollow organs difficult. Adaptive ranging is a feedback technique where image data is utilized to adjust the coherence gate offset and range. In this paper, we demonstrate an adaptive optical coherence tomography system with a 7.0 mm range. By matching the imaging depth to the approximately 1.5 mm penetration depth in tissue, a 3 dB sensitivity improvement over conventional imaging systems with a 3.0 mm imaging depth was realized.
THE PLANETARY FOOD POTENTIAL

“A knowledge of what nature produces when she is left to herself is one of the indispensable requisites of wise exploitation.” “Whether the earth was created for mansor with man, they are inter-dependent correlated expressions of life, and it is either man's God-given or man's inevitable responsibility to explore, develop and distribute the earth's material natural resources for the benefit rather than the ultimate impoverishment o f himself and his fellow-men.”
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR COURSES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: VIEWS FROM THE TOWER AND BATTLEFIELD

A list of 56 topics usually included in Organizational Behavior courses in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs was prepared through the content analysis of 195 syllabi provided by ...
Recurrent mutations at codon 625 of the splicing factor SF3B1 in uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye and often results in fatal metastasis. Here, we describe mutations occurring exclusively at codon 625 of the SF3B1 gene, encoding splicing factor 3B subunit 1, in low-grade uveal melanomas with good prognosis. Thus, uveal melanoma is among a small group of cancers associated with SF3B1 mutations, and these mutations denote a distinct molecular subset of uveal melanomas.
Capital structure, asset structure and equity takeover premiums in cash tender offers

Abstract A model of the equity takeover premium is developed that demonstrates a direct link between the percentage premium paid to target shareholders and the target firm's capital structure and asset structure. We test the model using a sample of 145 cash tender offers and find that target abnormal returns increase with the target's liability to equity ratio and decrease with the target's financial asset to equity ratio. The addition of these variables dramatically improves the explanatory power of regressions explaining percentage takeover premiums paid to target shareholders.
The Gradient Magneto-Telluric Method at the Sea Floor

The magneto-telluric method is a technique used to estimate earth resistivity profiles and can theoretically be implemented either by measuring electric and magnetic field components or by measuring magnetic gradients and magnetic field components. The gradient method, although theoretically possible, is impractical at the atmosphere-earth interface because the magnetic gradients associated with the naturally occurring ULF magnetic field fluctuations are very weak (on the order of 10-10 pT/m). In this paper, the gradient method is analyzed at the sea-seafloor interface and is shown it is practical because the vertical gradients are much stronger (on the order of 10 pT/m) so they can be detected with sensitive magnetic gradiometers such as superconducting gradiometers. If successfully developed, this technique will provide a practical approach to the determination of seafloor resistivity with compact, i.e., local field sensing, instrument packages.
Dynamic compressibility of poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(methyl methacrylate): effects of molecular weight

Abstract The complex dynamic compressibility of poly(vinyl acetate) samples L, M, H, having number-average molecular weights M n = 52 700, 63 600, and 89 900 was measured from 0° to 56°C, at pressures of 12 and 81 atm. We used a computer controlled version of the apparatus of McKinney, Edelman, and Marvin, which involves two piezoelectric transducers in a thick-walled chamber. Test frequencies were 0.25 to 1.0 kHz. The 1 kHz loss maximum at 12 atm is near 52°C, within 1° of an earlier result of McKinney and Belcher. Using a numerical procedure for superposition of curves, we found that the loss peak for M is 0.4° lower than that for H, and the peak for L is 0.8° lower than that for H. These shifts agree with the known dependence of the glass temperature on 1 M n . Two samples of poly(methyl methacrylate) show no effect of molecular weight on dynamic compressibility. This is expected because in this case the test range is in the glassy region.
Low resolution three dimensional reconstruction of CMEs using solar mass ejection imager (SMEI) data

White-light Thomson scattering observations from the Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) have recorded the inner heliospheric response to many CMEs. Here we detail how we determine the extent of several CME events in SMEI observations (including those of 28 May 28 and 28 October, 2003). We show how we are able to measure these events from their first observations as close as 20° from the solar disk until they fade away in the SMEI 180° field of view. We employ a 3D reconstruction technique that provides perspective views from outward-flowing solar wind as observed at Earth. This is accomplished by iteratively fitting the parameters of a kinematic solar wind density model to the SMEI white light observations and to Solar-Terrestrial Environment Laboratory (STELab), interplanetary scintillation (IPS) velocity data. This 3D modeling technique enables separating the true heliospheric response in SMEI from background noise, and reconstructing the 3D heliospheric structure as a function of time. These reconstructions allow both separation of the 28 October CME from other nearby heliospheric structure and a determination of its mass. Comparisons with LASCO for individual CMEs or portions of them allow a detailed view of changes to the CME shape and mass as they propagate outward.
A performance analysis of a discrete-time priority queueing system with correlated arrivals

We present performance analysis of a discrete-time system with two priority queues and correlated arrivals. The arrival process to each priority queue consists of the superposition of the traffic generated by independent binary Markov sources with the arrivals to the two queues being independent of one another. The first step is the determination of the busy period of a queue with correlated arrivals. Next, the joint probability generating function of the two queue lengths is derived and the unknown boundary function is determined using the busy period of the high-priority queue. The next step is to determine closed form expressions for the mean and variance of the queue lengths. Finally, the results are extended to multiple priority queueing systems with multiple types of traffic sources. Numerical results that demonstrate the impact of the correlated arrival process in the system are presented.
Influence of l-Thyroxine on the Respiration of Baker's Yeast

The influence of l-thyroxine on the oxidation of glucose by resting cells of baker's yeast was investigated, using manometric techniques. The hormone was found to accelerate the oxygen consumption by maintaining the initial respiration rate. In the absence of the hormone, the rate declined gradually. The influences of preincubation of l-thyroxine and glucose with the cells and of varying the pH of the incubation medium were studied. The response of different lots of yeast was found to vary significantly.
The effects of central adiposity on growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hormone-arginine stimulation testing in men.

Context: The relative contribution of central adiposity vs. weight on GH response to stimulation testing in obesity is not known. Objective: We aimed to assess the contribution of weight and specific measures of central and peripheral adiposity to GH response to GHRH-arginine testing in lean, overweight, and obese men. Design: A total of 75 men [mean age, 44.3 ± 1.1 yr; body mass index (BMI), 28.8 ± 0.7 kg/m2] were investigated. Subjects were classified as lean (BMI < 25 kg/m2; n = 23), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 and <30 kg/m2; n = 28), or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; n = 24). Subjects were also stratified by waist circumference (WC) (<102 cm, n = 47; ≥102 cm, n = 28). Body composition and regional adiposity were assessed by anthropometrics, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: Peak stimulated GH was 36.4 ± 5.4, 16.6 ± 2.9, and 7.6 ± 0.9 μg/liter among lean, overweight, and obese subjects, respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Peak stimulated GH was 2...
A Program for Teaching French in Grades 3‐5

The foreign language teacher in an elementary school is faced with such problems as scheduling difficulties, short class periods, few specific materials, and a lack of clear-cut curriculum goals. Ranking these problems often means that the solution of the first can lead to resolution of the others. In planning the curriculum objectives for several elementary grades, continuity is important, but excessive repetition should be avoided. Specific curriculum goals are suggested for grades 3-5. Several classroom games are presented which can be effective in motivating students and encouraging them to use new structures and vocabulary. Since most traditional testing methods are inappropriate at this age level, five evaluation techniques are presented which relate more directly to the abilities of the students and the skills taught at this level. A number of activities for each grade level are discussed, showing how such a variety can provide exposure to different skills and enhance language study. Imagination and the inclusion of enjoyable activities can help to increase motivation in elementary language programs and enrollments in upper-level courses.
Star sensor/mapper for the Small Astronomy Satellites.

As a requirement for the Small Astronomy Satellite-B (SAS-B), a star sensor was designed to provide satellite positional data to an accuracy of 3 arc minutes for satellite spin rates of 1/12 rpm and 1 rpm. The star sensor is required to detect stars having a +4 visual magnitude during the sunlit portion of the orbit. The spacecraft orientation can be anything achievable in its near equatorial 500-km orbit. The design of the star sensor resulted in an instrument which weighs 6.5 lbs., consumes 0.4 W and operates at spin rates ranging from 1/12 rpm to 3 rpm. The instrument design incorporates optical features providing excellent uniformity of response across the 5 by 10 deg field of view.
Comparison of potential models through heavy quark effective theory

I calculate heavy-light decay constants in a nonrelativistic potential model. The resulting estimate of heavy quark symmetry breaking conflicts with similar estimates from lattice QCD. I show that a semirelativistic potential model eliminates the conflict. Using the results of heavy quark effective theory allows me to identify and compensate for shortcomings in the model calculations in addition to isolating the source of the differences in the two models. The results lead to a rule as to where the nonrelativistic quark model gives misleading predictions.
Some relationships between Green's functions and invariant imbedding

The method of invariant imbedding has been used to resolve the solution of linear two-point boundary-value problems into contributions associated with the homogeneous equation with homogeneous boundary conditions, with inhomogeneous boundary conditions, and with an inhomogeneous source term in the equation. The relationship between the Green's function and the invariant imbedding equations is described, and it is shown that the Green's function can be determined from an initial-value problem. Several numerical examples are given which illustrate the efficacy of the initial-value algorithm.
Glutathione specifically labeled with isotopes

A procedure for synthesis of glutathione selectivity labeled with isotopes is described. A strain of Escherichia coli enriched in its content of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione synthetase by recombinant DNA techniques is immobilized in a carrageenan matrix and treated with toluene to render the cells more permeable to the substrates. The immobilized cell matrix is incubated with a mixture containing the appropriately labeled amino acid, the other amino acid constituents of glutathione, ATP, and acetylphosphate. The radiolabeled product is isolated by column chromatography.
Bundling new products with old to signal quality, with application to the sequencing of new products

Abstract This paper provides a new rationale for bundling based on informational leverage. Bundling a product of established quality to one of unknown quality can mitigate the problem of asymmetric information encountered in the latter market. Leveraging reputation in one market into another has implications for the timing of new product introductions. Bundling motivated by informational leverage enhances efficiency by increasing consumer’s access to costly information. When the possibility of endogenous timing of product introduction is considered, however, the welfare consequences of bundling are ambiguous. The positive effect of market creation must be weighed against the negative effect of market delay.
The Spheres of Inequality in a Centrally Planned Economy: The Case of Poland

Analysis of selected segments of the Polish economy reveals several spheres of inequality. Some of them, such as inequalities in wages or household assets, are found in every type of economy. However, some inequalities are specific to a centrally planned economy, for example, those in the sphere of decision making and those resulting from a twofold attitude towards various forms of ownership.
Determinants of vancomycin clearance by continuous venovenous hemofiltration and continuous venovenous hemodialysis

The clearance of vancomycin is significantly reduced in patients with acute, as well as, chronic renal failure. Although multiple-dosage regimen adjustment techniques have been proposed for these patients, there is little quantitative data to guide the individualization of vancomycin therapy in acute renal failure patients who are receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). To determine appropriate vancomycin dosing strategies for patients receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD), we performed controlled clearance studies in five stable hemodialysis patients with three hemofilters: an acrylonitrile copolymer 0.6 m2 (AN69), polymethylmethacrylate 2.1 m2 (PMMA), and polysulfone 0.65 m2 (PS). Patients received 500 mg of vancomycin intravenously at least 12 hours before the start of the clearance study. The concentration of vancomycin in multiple plasma and dialysate/ultrafiltrate samples was determined by EMIT (Syva, Palo Alto, CA). The diffusional clearance and sieving coefficient (SC) of vancomycin were compared by a mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with filter and blood (Q(B)), dialysate inflow (Q(DI)), or ultrafiltration rate (Q(UF)) as the main effects and patient as a random effect. Vancomycin was moderately protein bound in these patients; free fraction ranged from 49% to 83%. The SCs of the three filters were similar and significantly correlated with the free fraction of vancomycin (P = 0.01; r2 = 0.465). Significant linear relationships were observed between the diffusional clearance of vancomycin and Q(DI) for all three filters: AN69 (slope = 0.482; r2 = 0.880); PMMA (slope = 0.853; r2 = 0.966); and PS (slope = 0.658; r2 = 0.887). The slope of this relationship for the PMMA filter was significantly greater than that of the AN69 and PS filters. The clearance of vancomycin, urea, and creatinine, however, was essentially constant at all Q(B)s for all three filters. Thus, the clearance of vancomycin was not membrane dependent during CVVH. However, during CVVHD, membrane dependence of vancomycin clearance was noted at a Q(DI) greater than 16.7 mL/min; vancomycin clearance with PMMA at a Q(DI) of 25 mL/min was 66% and 43% greater than that with the AN69 and PS filters, respectively. CVVH (62% to 262%) and CVVHD (90% to 540%) can significantly augment the clearance of vancomycin in acute renal failure patients. Dosing strategies for individualization of vancomycin therapy in patients receiving CVVH and CVVHD are proposed.
Theory of cylindrical tubules and helical ribbons of chiral lipid membranes

We present a general theory for the equilibrium structure of cylindrical tubules and helical ribbons of chiral lipid membranes. This theory is based on a continuum elastic free energy that permits variations in the direction of molecular tilt and in the curvature of the membrane. The theory shows that the formation of tubules and helical ribbons is driven by the chirality of the membrane. Tubules have a first-order transition from a uniform state to a helically modulated state, with periodic stripes in the tilt direction and ripples in the curvature. Helical ribbons can be stable structures, or they can be unstable intermediate states in the formation of tubules.
The Values and Varieties of Humility

This paper pursues a value-based evaluation of a variety of character traits which philosophers have identified with humility, and it proposes a novel account of a character trait not implausibly identified with humility which has a unique kind of value. I begin by explaining why a value-based evaluation of various traits identified with virtues is preferable to the more common contemporary counterexample-based evaluation of these traits. I then undertake a value-based evaluation of various traits which have been identified with humility, showing that thus far none of these traits have a particular kind of value that humility might reasonably be thought to have—a nonameliorative value not based in epistemic, affective, or behavioral accuracy. I conclude by developing an account of a character trait not implausibly identified with humility which does have this kind of value. The trait in question is a disposition to prefer promoting the good of others to one’s own good when these goods are equal or incommensurable.
Computer-Assisted Photo Interpretation Research At United States Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories (USAETL)

A program in computer-assisted photo interpretation research (CAPIR) has been initiated at the U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratories. In a new laboratory, a photo interpreter (PI) analyzing high-resolution, aerial photography interfaces directly to a digital computer and geographic information system (GIS). A modified analytical plotter enables the PI to transmit encoded three-dimensional spatial data from the stereomodel to the computer. Computer-generated graphics are displayed in the stereomodel for direct feedback of digital spatial data to the PI. Initial CAPIR capabilities include point positioning, mensuration, stereoscopic area search, GIS creation and playback, and elevation data extraction. New capabilities under development include stereo graphic superposition, a digital image workstation, and integration of panoramic Optical Bar Camera photography as a primary GIS data source. This project has been conceived as an evolutionary approach to the digital cartographic feature extraction problem. As a working feature extraction system, the CAPIR laboratory can serve as a testbed for new concepts emerging from image understanding and knowledge-based systems research.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparative genetics of hamster amylases.

Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus) and Chinese (Cricetulus griseus) hamsters were phenotyped by electrophoresis for salivary and pancreatic amylases. Syrian hamsters possess two salivary amylase electromorphs, the more anodal (fast) being invariant in 250 outbred and 17 representatives of 5 highly inbred lines. The slow electromorph had activity equal to that of the fast amylase (heavy), or had distinctly less activity (light), or was absent (null). The slow electromorph is inherited as an autosomal semidominant trait with two alleles, Amy s and Amy o . Amy s homozygotes produce heavy, Amy o homozygotes null, and heterozygotes light phenotypes, respectively. Five inbred strains of hamsters were homozygous Amy o . Pancreatic amylase was monomorphic. Eight outbred Chinese hamsters showed no salivary amylase activity with electrophoresis, but slight activity with long incubation on starch-agar plates. However, pancreatic amylase activity in the Chinese hamster exceeded that in Syrian hamsters. Site duplication and apparent “null” alleles for amylase genes occur in muroid rodents. The evolutionary implications are discussed.
Government Policy and the Export Performance of the Mexican Automobile Industry

This paper presents a historical perspective of growth of the Mexican automobile industry, focusing on the changing position of Third-World producers within the global motor vehicle industry. Both the impact of Mexican government policies directed toward increasing international competitiveness and that of adjustments made by transnational corporations to changes in technology and production methods are reviewed. Finally, a demand function that relates the proportion of the industry output that is exported to relative producer prices, Mexican and U.S. income, and government policy variables is estimated. The results of that analysis are consistent with the hypotheses that Mexican automotive sector exports are significantly related to (1) relative Mexico/U.S. producer prices, (2) income in the United States, and (3) changes in Mexican government export promotion policies initiated in 1983. These specific results, coupled with the global changes taking place in the industry, lead to the conclusion that Mexico can be expected to continue on its course toward fuller integration into the world motor vehicle industry as a producer of both finished vehicles and parts. While this would be a probable scenario even in the absence of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Agreement is likely to accelerate the growth of internationally competitive automotive sector production in Mexico.
Rhodium(I) catalyzed cooligomerization of carbon monoxide with ethylene. direct evidence for a single mode of stepwise chain growth

Abstract Rhodium(I) compounds such as HRh(CO)(PPh 3 ) 3 and ClRh(CO)(PPh 3 ) 2 , when dissolved in a ROH/HOAc mixture (ROH = MeOH, EtOH), were found to catalyze the cooligomerization of C 2 H 4 and CO to a mixture of H(CH 2 CH 2 CO) n OR and H(CH 2 CH 2 CO) n CH 2 CH 3 ( n = 1–4). This reaction was found to proceed through a single mode of chain growth involving alternate insertions of CO and C 2 H 4 with concomitant alcoholysis and hydrogenolysis of the resulting metal acyls and metal alkyls respectively. The cooligomerization of C 2 H 4 and CO was also observed when Me 2 CO/H 2 O or Me 3 COH/H 2 O was used as solvent, the exclusive products being the ketones, H(CH 2 CH 2 CO) n CH 2 CH 3 ( n = 1–4). No reaction was observed in the absence of H 2 O.