cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractile levels for non-stationary extreme response of linear structures

A new method is developed for computing fractile levels of non-stationary extreme response of linear structures subjected to stationary, Gaussian white noise. The technique relies on suitable approximation of the integral which gives the number of level crossing by the response process and on simplifications of the second-order response statistics. Two approaches are investigated for obtaining closed form expressions for the fractile levels based on the Poisson approximation of the extreme value distribution. The better of these techniques is then extended to provide fractile levels based on the Vanmarcke approximation of the extreme value distribution. The results from the closed form expressions show very good agreement with corresponding numerical solutions of the non-linear equations for the Poisson and Vanmarcke fractile levels.
Trade Openness, Economic Size, and Macroeconomic Volatility: Theory and Empirical Evidence

The effects of trade openness on macroeconomic volatility are theoretically ambiguous, so the issue must be resolved empirically. Most of the empirical evidence, however, has been mixed and inconclusive. This paper investigates the question using two data sets: one of 56 countries over 1951-1998, and another of 105 countries over 1960-1997. It is shown that, when their effects are jointly estimated, both economic size and trade openness have a sizable, negative, and generally statistically significant effect on the variability of output, consumption, investment, and the exchange rate. It is also found that depreciation rates are inversely related to both economic size and openness. These effects are robust across the two data sets and three different detrending methods.
Mapping Crime in Savannah

This article is an area study on the hypothesis that violent crime is linked to a subculture of violence, social disadvantage, or land uses such as rental, retail/office/commercial, or public/institutional property. Rates and types of reported violent crimes are related to neighborhood characteristics available through U.S. Census data and the county planning commission's geographical information office. The research design called for the geocoding of 26,467 violent reported crimes, which were aggregated by census block group. Variables in the analysis of these spatial units include frequency and characteristics of reported violent crimes, rates of violent crime, indicators of social disadvantage, housing types, housing values, and land use. Analysis employed multiple regression, with simple assault, aggravated assault, homicide, and robbery as the dependent variables. Variables helpful in the prediction of violent crime rates were also placed as map layers on data maps. Results indicate that assault in neighborhoods is associated with social disadvantage and the land uses of retail/office/commercial and public/institutional. Robbery is associated with recreational, retail/commercial/office, renter, and public/institutional land uses. Both percentage of renters and percentage of African Americans fail to predict violence when controlling for social disadvantage. Implications concern issues of theoretical criminology related to routine activities theory, the southern regional subculture of violence, and social disorganization theory. Land use planning and crime are also discussed.
The effect of developmental exposure to the fungicide triadimefon on behavioral sensitization to triadimefon during adulthood.

Abstract Triadimefon (TDF) is a triazole fungicide that acts as an indirect dopamine (DA) agonist by binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and increasing levels of synaptic DA. Studies in this laboratory have found that repeated dosing with TDF in adult mice leads to the development and robust expression of behavioral sensitization, a response mediated by dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems, and causing long-term changes in dopaminergic function. Few studies have focused on the potential for TDF to be a developmental neurotoxicant. As such, the objective of the present study was to determine whether postnatal exposure to TDF would permanently alter DA systems and thereby influence TDF-induced expression of behavioral sensitization during adulthood. Male C57BL/6 mice were dosed intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 25 mg/kg TDF (TDF25), or oil (veh) from postnatal day (PND) 8 to 21. At 8–9 weeks of age, mice were split into four groups and treated with 75 mg/kg TDF (TDF75) or vehicle twice a week for a total of seven injections, with locomotor activity measured immediately after each injection. After a 2-week withdrawal period, mice were further split into eight groups, and challenged with TDF75 or vehicle to test for the expression of behavioral sensitization. Postnatal TDF exposure attenuated both the induction and expression of TDF-induced vertical but not horizontal sensitization in adults. Postnatal TDF exposure also produced long-term decreases in basal striatal dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels and nucleus accumbens shell DAT binding. These results indicate for the first time that TDF may be considered an environmental risk factor for developmental dopaminergic neurotoxicity.
The Heisenberg exchange operator for ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems

Abstract The Heisenberg exchange operator has never been derived by methods which are applicable to the general case of arbitrary spin, although this operator has served as a starting postulate of theories of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. A derivation of the Heisenberg operator, valid for the interaction of ions or atoms of arbitrary spin in a crystalline environment, is given which is intended to meet the principal theoretical objections to earlier derivations. The “exchange integral” is shown to be a linear combination of two types of terms, ordinarily of opposite sign, arising respectively from the ordinary exchange integrals in the Hartree-Fock approximation and from a superchange effect which occurs in the first order of configuration interaction corrections to the Hartree-Fock approximation. The Heisenberg exchange operator, according to the present derivation, can represent the interaction between ions or atoms in a crystal only when an unfilled shell of orthogonalized atomic orbitals remain uncombined with orbitals on other atoms in the single determinant approximation at the equilibrium internuclear distance. The formula obtained for the “exchange integral” is used to calculate the transition temperatures of the antiferromagnetic oxides MnO, FeO, NiO, and CoO. The ratios between these temperatures are shown to depend primarily on spectroscopic data for the ions, and are found to be in reasonable agreement with experimental values.
Stem cells: Sex specificity in the blood.

Haematopoietic stem cells, from which blood cells originate, are shown to respond to oestrogen and divide more frequently in female mice than in males, probably preparing females for the increased demand for blood in pregnancy. See Letter p.555 The extent to which stem cells are regulated by long-range signals versus local signals within tissues is a fundamental question in stem-cell biology. Much recent research has focused on how the stem-cell niche responds to local signals within tissues. But in conditions such as starvation or pregnancy it is likely that systemic signals will modulate stem-cell function in multiple tissues, and this study demonstrates a long-range effect of oestrogen on haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in pregnant mice. Using a genetic approach, the authors show that HSC stimulation, which would help the mother to meet increased haematopoietic demands, is dependent on expression of the oestrogen receptor (ERα). Hormonal levels differ in males and females but so too do the HSC cells — stem cells in female mice divide significantly more frequently than those in male mice in response to oestrogen.
Variation in Anticoagulant Recommendations by the Guidelines and Decision Tools among Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Published atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines and decision tools offer oral anticoagulant (OAC) recommendations; however, they consider stroke and bleeding risk differently. The aims of our study are: (i) to compare the variation in OAC recommendations by the 2012 American College of Chest Physicians guidelines, the 2012 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, the 2014 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines and two published decision tools by Casciano and LaHaye; (ii) to compare the concordance with actual OAC use in the overall study population and the population stratified by stroke/bleed risk. A cross-sectional study using the 2001–2013 Lifelink claims data was used to contrast the treatment recommendations by these decision aids. CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED algorithms were used to stratify 15,129 AF patients into nine stroke/bleed risk groups to study the variation in treatment recommendations and concordance with actual OAC use/non-use. The AHA guidelines which were set to recommend OAC when CHA2DS2-VASc = 1 recommended OAC most often (86.30%) and the LaHaye tool recommended OAC the least often (14.91%). OAC treatment recommendations varied considerably when stroke risk was moderate or high (CHA2DS2-VASc > 0). Actual OAC use/non-use was highly discordant (>40%) with all of the guidelines or decision tools reflecting substantial opportunities to improve AF OAC decisions.
Inhibition of hypoxia-induced miR-155 radiosensitizes hypoxic lung cancer cells

miR-155 is a prominent microRNA (miRNA) that regulates genes involved in immunity and cancer-related pathways. miR-155 is overexpressed in lung cancer, which correlates with poor patient prognosis. It is unclear how miR-155 becomes increased in lung cancers and how this increase contributes to reduced patient survival. Here, we show that hypoxic conditions induce miR-155 expression in lung cancer cells and trigger a corresponding decrease in a validated target, FOXO3A. Furthermore, we find that increased levels of miR-155 radioprotects lung cancer cells, while inhibition of miR-155 radiosensitizes these cells. Moreover, we reveal a therapeutically important link between miR-155 expression, hypoxia, and irradiation by demonstrating that anti-miR-155 molecules also sensitize hypoxic lung cancer cells to irradiation. Our study helps explain how miR-155 becomes elevated in lung cancers, which contain extensive hypoxic microenvironments, and demonstrates that inhibition of miR-155 may have important therapeutic potential as a means to radiosensitize hypoxic lung cancer cells.
Regime Diversity and Electoral Systems in Post-Communism

Regime type has an impact on the design and reform of electoral systems, as revealed by a classification of the 28 former communist states as authoritarian, semi-authoritarian, and democratic regimes and a comparison of their electoral arrangements. From 1989 to the end of 2005, the selection of electoral rules in the post-communist polities conformed to the world-wide trend of more permissive electoral systems over time, although the different regime types embraced diverse electoral design strategies. Democratic and semi-authoritarian regimes adopted election rules in favour of inclusive PR, generous district magnitudes and assembly size. Authoritarian regimes made use of restrictive majoritarian formulas to constrain the political process. As in the rest of the world during the third wave of democratization, ‘electoral democracy’ emerged as an important legitimating criterion for the post-communist political systems, but the rules for contestation were devised in very different ways to facilitate or con...
Wheels within wheels

Abstract A simple means of representing the structure of all strongly connected directed graphs is developed and applied to a certain problem involving the construction of “toll booths”.
Cracks in the Granite Paternal Care, the Imperial Façade, and the Limits of Authority in the 1824 St. Petersburg Flood

This article explores the 1824 flood in St. Petersburg by focusing on the state response to the flood that presented it as a tragic and natural outcome of constructing a city in a harsh environment. Paternal care elicited support for the regime. However, conquest of nature was central to the autocratic authority and the flood challenged that authority. Granite embankments were the primary symbol of power over nature, yet they failed to stop rising waters in 1824. Engineers offered modern solutions to replace embankments, but granite was essential to the architectural facade even as the population lost faith in granite’s ability to protect the city. The urban and environmental perspective demonstrates the limits of autocratic authority. Tarnished by the flood, the state solicited modern solutions that remained unfulfilled. Ultimately, cost and alteration of the imperial facade proved too much of a price to bear to prevent flood.
Integrins play an essential role in somite adhesion to the embryonic axis.

Abstract Integrins are proteins that mediate cell adhesion, mainly to the extracellular matrix. One of the first integrins discovered belongs to the β1 class of avian integrins and is defined by a monoclonal antibody, CSAT. Using a whole-embryo culture system we injected nanoliter quantities of CSAT caudolateral to the last somite of early quail embryos. The CSAT antibodies, but not control antibodies, resulted in a striking lateral translocation of somites. Relatively higher doses or longer incubation times increased the severity of the effect. We conclude that somite segmentation per se is not influenced by CSAT, but that somite adhesion to axial structures requires integrin-mediated ECM adhesions.
Newer animal models of Aspergillus and Candida infections

Abstract Fungal infections are increasing due to the growing number of immunocompromised patients. Because in vitro antifungal testing has limitations, animal models remain the essential tool to understand virulence and to optimize antifungal therapies. There are numerous variations and recent changes in animal model design that allow investigators to study different attributes of infection. Here we review the very latest developments in animal model experimentation to study Aspergillus and Candida infections.
A cloudy-sky radiative transfer model suitable for calibration of satellite sensors

Abstract We present a radiative transfer model suitable for calibration of satellite instruments sensing in the solar spectrum. The model consists of two clear layers sandwiching a plane-parallel cloud layer. Clear-sky optical effects are treated with modified Beer's Law relationships and cloud optical effects are treated with the delta-Eddington method. We use a model inversion process to determine an effective cloud optical depth from surface measurements of global irradiance and then use the model to calculate the corresponding upward irradiance at the top of the atmosphere. Upward irradiances are converted into directional radiances using empirical bidirectional reflectance factors. The model radiances are then compared to simultaneous satellite measurements of radiances from the cloud tops over the surface site. We compare model results to observations of the GOES Visible and Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer. Results indicate that the VISSR band (0.55–0.75 μm) radiance is close to nominal (slope 0.9601 compared to the expected 1.0). Significant, approximately cubic-form nonlinearity of response is found (consistent with the amount of nonlinearity exhibited on prelaunch calibrations). Equivalent broad-band radiance also suffers from the same type of nonlinear response, with the best linear slope being about 80% of nominal, a result consistent with that anticipated for narrow-band to broad-band conversion. Observed root-mean-square errors for sensor calibration results are comparable to those found in direct comparison between uncalibrated and calibrated sensors on different satellites, indicating that the cloud-calibration approach has merit as a means of quantitative satellite sensor calibration.
Space erosion and cosmic ray exposure ages of stony meteorites

Abstract Space erosion from dust impacts may set upper limits on the cosmic ray exposure (CRE) ages of stony meteorites. A meteoroid orbiting within the asteroid belt is bombarded by both cosmic rays and interplanetary dust particles. Galactic cosmic rays penetrate only the first few meters of the meteoroid; deeper regions are shielded. The dust particle impacts create tiny craters on the meteoroid’s surface, eroding it away by abrasion at a particular rate. Hence a particular point inside a meteoroid accumulates cosmic ray products only until that point wears away, limiting CRE ages. The results would apply to other regolith-free surfaces in the Solar System as well, so that abrasion may set upper CRE age limits which depend on the dusty environment. Calculations based on N. Divine’s dust populations and on micrometeoroid cratering indicate that large stony meteoroids in circular ecliptic orbits at 2 AU will record 21 Ne CRE ages of ∼176 × 10 6 y if dust masses are in the range 10 −21 –10 −3 kg. This is in broad agreement with the maximum observed CRE ages of ∼100 × 10 6 y for stones. High erosion rates in the inner Solar System may limit the CRE ages of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) to ∼120 × 10 6 y. A characteristic of erosion is that the neon concentrations tend to rise as the surface of the meteorite is approached, rather than drop off as for meteorites with fixed radii. Pristine samples recovered from space may show the rise. If the abrasion rate for stones were a factor of ∼6 larger than found here, then the ages would drop into the 30 × 10 6 y range, so that abrasion alone might be able to explain many CRE ages. However, there is no strong evidence for higher abrasion rates, and in any case would probably not be fast enough to explain the youngest ages of 0.1–1 × 10 6 y. Further, space erosion is much too slow to explain the ∼600 × 10 6 y ages of iron meteorites.
Beyond striping: the bridge multiprocessor file system

High-performance parallel computers require high-performance file systems. Exotic I/O hardware will be of little use if file system software runs on a single processor of a many-processor machine. We believe that cost-effective I/O for large multiprocessors can best be obtained by spreading both data and file system computation over a large number of processors and disks. To assess the effectiveness of this approach, we have implemented a prototype system called Bridge, and have studied its performance on several data intensive applications, among them external sorting. A detailed analysis of our sorting algorithm indicates that Bridge can profitably be used on configurations in excess of one hundred processors with disks. Empirical results on a 32-processor implementation agree with the analysis, providing us with a high degree of confidence in this prediction. Based on our experience, we argue that file systems such as Bridge will satisfy the I/O needs of a wide range of parallel architectures and applications.
A knowledge-based decision support system for project management

Abstract A KBS is proposed in this paper to enable the incorporation of expertise into project management. This represents an alternative to traditional algorithmic approaches, and the structure and development of a prototype expert system for project management are described. The KBS enables the user to selectively modify and constrain single activities or the entire network by specified amounts, reconfigure the network, and recompute resource usage in each case. It therefore represents a potentially useful decision support tool for performing exploratory and sensitivity analyses in managing large projects and a training tool for less-experienced planners.
An indirect measure of perceived distance from oculomotor cues

The sensitivity of an indirect method of measuring perceived distance was compared in two experiments with the direct procedure of eliciting verbal reports of distance. Perceived distance was varied by varying the oculomotor cues to object distance. The indirect method, called the “adjustable pivot method,” uses an apparatus that physically moves the stimulus object laterally concomitantly with the lateral motion of the head. The magnitude and direction of this concomitant motion determines the distance of the point around which the direction of gaze to the object rotates (the pivot distance) as the head is moved. The pivot distance at which the object appears stationary with head movement measures the apparent distance of the object. Both types of measures were found to vary systematically with the oculomotor distance of the object for points of light (Experiment 1) and extended objects (Experiment 2). A previous study has shown that the adjustable pivot method avoids cognitive errors that can distort verbal reports of distance. The present study, by demonstrating the discriminative capability of this method under conditions in which differences in perceived distance were expected to occur, provides clear evidence that the adjustable pivot method is a sensitive and useful procedure for measuring perceived distance.
Quarkonium Spectral Functions

Abstract In this talk I summarize the progress achieved in recent years on the understanding of quarkonium properties at finite temperature. Theoretical studies from potential models, lattice QCD, and effective field theories are discussed. I also highlight a bridge from spectral functions to experiment.
Harnessing the crowds for smart city sensing

In this work we discuss the challenge of harnessing the crowd for smart city sensing. Within a city's context, such reports by citizen or city visitor eye witnesses may provide important information to city officials, additionally to more traditional data gathered by other means (e.g., through the city's control center, emergency services, sensors spread across the city, etc). We present an high-level overview of a novel crowd sensing system that we develop in IBM for the smart cities domain. As a proof of concept, we present some preliminary results using public safety as our example usecase.
Software technology and integration engineering

Perhaps the least appreciated area of modern software technology is top-down development. It is far more than a programming technique suitable for application to an individual work assignment: It is a rich and powerful technique for project implementation and for system integration. The characteristics of the top-down process (executable as a system and self-integrating) suggest that the process may be a foundation of integration engineering.
Performance of Galloping Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters With Square Bluff Body

In this paper, we investigate a galloping piezoelectric energy harvester (GPEH) with a square bluff body. Comprehensive wind tunnel tests are conducted and experimental data are used to validate our analytical approximate solutions, which are derived from a coupled aero-electro-mechanical model. In addition, the effects of impact disturbances using a bump are investigated. The goal is to improve the performance of baseline GPEH. We expect to collect physical insight to design an optimal nonlinear GPEH configuration by placing bumps accordingly. Lessons learnt from this study will be used to improve the performance of future nonlinear GPEHs and lead to a practical device.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Nonmonotonic power for tests of a mean shift in a time series

The null hypothesis-based statistics CUSUM and QS are widely used for testing parameter stability. We provide examples, extensive simulation studies and theoretical results showing that these statistics fail to detect obvious shifts in the mean of a time series. Moreover, the detection probability can decrease when the magnitude of the shift in mean increases. Estimation of nuisance parameters under the null is identified as an important cause of this counterintuitive behavior of the power function. Results indicate that tests designed for the specific alternative of a shift in mean of a time series should be preferred. §This paper was presented at the 2002 Winter Meetings of the Econometric Society in Atlanta, GA.
Bis(oxazoline) and Bis(oxazolinyl)pyridine Copper Complexes as Enantioselective Diels−Alder Catalysts: Reaction Scope and Synthetic Applications

The scope of the Diels−Alder reaction catalyzed by bis(oxazoline) copper complexes has been investigated. In particular, [Cu((S,S)-t-Bu-box)](SbF6)2 (1b) has been shown to catalyze the Diels−Alder reaction between 3-propenoyl-2-oxazolidinone (2) and a range of substituted dienes with high enantioselectivity. This cationic complex has also been employed in the catalysis of analogous intramolecular processes with good success. The total syntheses of ent-Δ1-tetrahydrocannabinol, ent-shikimic acid, and isopulo’upone, featuring the use of this chiral catalyst in more complex Diels−Alder processes, are described. Similarly, the cationic copper complex 9a, [Cu((S,S)-t-Bu-pybox)](SbF6)2, is effective in the Diels−Alder reactions of monodentate acrolein dienophiles while the closely related complex, 9d [Cu((S,S)-Bn-pybox)](SbF6)2, is the preferred Lewis acid catalyst for acrylate dienophiles in reactions with cyclopentadiene.
Constitutive Properties of Adult Mammalian Cardiac Muscle Cells

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in the constitutive properties of the cardiac muscle cell play a causative role in the development of diastolic dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiocytes from normal and pressure-hypertrophied cats were embedded in an agarose gel, placed on a stretching device, and subjected to a change in stress (sigma), and resultant changes in cell strain (epsilon) were measured. These measurements were used to examine the passive elastic spring, viscous damping, and myofilament activation. The passive elastic spring was assessed in protocol A by increasing the sigma on the agarose gel at a constant rate to define the cardiocyte sigma-versus-epsilon relationship. Viscous damping was assessed in protocol B from the loop area between the cardiocyte sigma-versus-epsilon relationship during an increase and then a decrease in sigma. In both protocols, myofilament activation was minimized by a reduction in [Ca2+]i. Myofilament activation effects were assessed in protocol C by defining cardiocyte sigma versus epsilon during an increase in sigma with physiological [Ca2+]i. In protocol A, the cardiocyte sigma-versus-epsilon relationship was similar in normal and hypertrophied cells. In protocol B, the loop area was greater in hypertrophied than normal cardiocytes. In protocol C, the sigma-versus-epsilon relation in hypertrophied cardiocytes was shifted to the left compared with normal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in viscous damping and myofilament activation in combination may cause pressure-hypertrophied cardiocytes to resist changes in shape during diastole and contribute to diastolic dysfunction.
Arrhythmogenic potential of dopexamine hydrochloride during halothane anaesthesia in dogs

Dopexamine hydrochloride (Dopacard®) is the novel synthetic catecholamine designed for use in the acute management of a low cardiac output status. In addition to dopaminergic receptor stimulation, dopexamine hydrochloride is a potent β2 adrenoreceptor agonist with negligible direct β1 and no alpha adrenergic effect. The objective of this study was to compare the arrhythmogenic effects of dopexamine hydrochloride and dopamine in dogs anaesthetized with halothane (1.2 MAC). The starting dose for dopexamine hydrochloride was 3.5 μg · kg−1 min−1 and for dopamine was 5 μg · kg−1 min−1. Concentrations of the drugs were increased until four or more premature ventricular contractions within 15 seconds were produced. All dogs developed ventricular tachycardia when dopamine was administered in concentrations ranging between 18–20 μg · kg−1 · min−1. Unlike dopamine, dopexamine hydrochloride even at concentrations as high as 50 μg · kg−1· min−1 did not induce any atrial or ventricular ectopic beats. Lack of β-1 and alpha adrenergic agonist effects is a likely explanation for low arrhythmogenicity of dopexamine hydrochloride. Both drugs increase cardiac output; dopexamine hydrochloride primarily by a dose-related increase in heart rate and increased aflerload. At the maximal concentration dopexamine hydrochloride increased heart rate from 114 to 150 beat · min−1, mean arterial pressure decreased from 81 mmHg to 45 mmHg and SVR decreased from 2418 to 962 dyne · sec−1cm−5. Myocardial contractility increased only moderately, as evaluated by dP/dt, which increased from 1290 to 1696 mmHg · sec−1. Dopamine had a more marked inotropic effect: the dP/dt increased, at the maximal concentration, from 1480 to 2570 mmHg · sec−1. Dopamine also produced vasoconstriction: SVR increased from 2325 to 2683 dyne · sec · cm−5 and mean arterial pressure from 86 mmHg to 110 mmHg. In conclusion, dopexamine hydrochloride is less arrhythmogenic than dopamine, has less of an inotropic effect, and a greater effect on aflerload.
A Way to Achieve National Health Insurance in the United States The Medicare Expansion Proposal

The current crisis in the health care system in the United States, including constantly escalating costs and ever more limited access, calls for fundamental reform. Current reform proposals, includ...
Solid matrix Christiansen filters

Christiansen filters (CFs) are scattering filters composed of two materials with dispersion curves (for refractive index) that intersect at one wavelength. These filters have been fabricated with solid host matrices by mixing finely ground optical glass powders with pellets of optical grade resins and injection molding the combination into planar filters of various sizes. These filters transmit unscattered light of the intersection wavelength and incoherently scatter light of other wavelengths. Unlike filters based on optical interference, the transmitted wavelength does not depend on the angle of incidence on the filter. This paper will review the concept of CFs, describe fabrication procedures for composite materials, and display the spectral transmission measurements of the most promising filters.
A Comment on “On Estimating Current-Customer Equity Using Company Summary Data”

Abstract In this article I explore firm and market conditions that are especially relevant for the modifications to customer equity measurement proposed by Pfeifer [Pfeifer, Phillip, “On Estimating Current-Customer Equity Using Company Summary Data,” Journal of Interactive Marketing , 2011]. I assess the implications of the proposed framework for financial markets and individual firms.
Quantization and compensation in sampled interleaved multi-channel systems

This paper considers the environment of interleaved, multi-channel measurements as arises for example in time-interleaved A/D converters and in distributed sensor networks. Such systems take the form of either uniform or recurrent nonuniform sampling, depending on the timing offset between the channels. Quantization in each channel results in an effective overall signal to noise ratio in the reconstructed output which is dependent on the quantizer step sizes, the timing offsets between the channels and the oversampling ratio. Appropriate choice of these parameters together with the design of appropriate compensation filtering is discussed.
Observation of finite-frequency scaling in the integer quantum hall effect

Abstract We present microwave measurements of the diagonal conductivity σxx, in the integer quantum Hall regime. Our frequencies f were between 0.2 and 14 GHz, and the temperature T was ≳ 50 mK. Broadband Re(σxx), was measured by a transmission line method. The widths ΔB of Re(σxx) peaks between IQHE minima increase with f roughly as (ΔB) α f0.41 for f ≳ 1 GHz. At lower f the peak width dependence on f saturates. We interpret the increase in ΔB with f as due to dynamic scaling. The exponent, together with existing estimates of the localization length exponent v, yields a dynamic exponent z ≈ 1.
Endothelial dysfunction in HIV infection.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has signi ficantly improved the prognosis of patients with HIV infection; however, the use of protease inhibitors has been associated with increased cardiovascular events and worsening of multiple coronary heart disease risk factors including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction may be caused by the infection itself, the immunologic responses due to the HIV virus, and also by the effects of HAART through their effects on both lipid and glucose metabolism. The study of endothelial function in HIV infection and its modifications by HAART is an exciting new field in clinical research, limited by multiple factors such as viral factors, immunologic conditions, and metabolic drug effects that could affect the interpretation of endothelial impairment. Further studies are still needed to understand the significance of endothelial dysfunction in the cardiovascular risk assessment of patients with HIV infection.
Incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections.

Abstract Background context The incidence of vascular penetration during contrast confirmed fluoroscopically guided transforaminal lumbosacral epidural injections has been reported as 8.9% to 21.3% depending on the level of injection. Recently, intermittent fluoroscopy was shown to miss more than half of the vascular injections observed under live fluoroscopy. The number of misses increased when epidural and vascular contrast flow appeared simultaneously, even if the fluoroscopic image was taken during contrast injection. To date, no studies have documented the incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular contrast injections. Also, most previous studies of vascular injections did not document use of live fluoroscopy during contrast injection, so the incidence of vascular injections may be higher than reported. Purpose To determine the incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular contrast injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections. Study design/setting A prospective, observational, in vivo, study. Patient sample Patients receiving lumbar transforaminal epidural injections at a university-based outpatient spine center. Outcome measures Incidence of epidural, vascular, and simultaneous epidural and vascular contrast patterns. Methods One interventional spine physician and three fellows under his direct supervision recorded contrast patterns observed during 191 fluoroscopically guided lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections with injection of contrast observed under live fluoroscopy. Results The incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection during lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections was 8.9%. The incidence of a vascular injection alone was 4.2%, for a total vascular injection incidence of 13.1%. Subjects with a simultaneous epidural and vascular injection who returned for repeat injection had a statistically significant chance of a repeat simultaneous epidural and vascular injection when the injection was done at the same location. Fluoroscopy time was significantly increased, an average of 8.8 seconds, when a vascular injection was identified. There was no statistically significant correlation between the incidence of simultaneous epidural and vascular injection with subjects' age, sex, level of injection, side of injection, needle gauge, or diagnosis. Conclusions Simultaneous epidural and vascular injection is twice as likely to occur as vascular injection alone. Use of intermittent fluoroscopy can miss the transient appearance of the vascular component of these injections, giving the false impression of successful contrast placement. In light of these results, live fluoroscopy is recommended during contrast injection for confirmation of lumbosacral transforaminal epidural injections.
The neurobiology of tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis: a model for regulation of GTP cyclohydrolase I gene transcription within nigrostriatal dopamine neurons.

Abstract Within the brain, the reduced pteridine cofactor 6R-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is absolutely required for the synthesis of the monoamine (MA) neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), norepinephrine, epinephrine (E), and serotonin (5-HT), the novel gaseous neurotransmitter nitric oxide and the production of yet to be identified 1-O-alkylglycerol-derived lipids. GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) catalyzes the first and limiting step in the BH4 biosynthetic pathway, which is now thought to involve up to eight different proteins supporting six alternate de novo and two alternate salvage pathways. Gene expression analysis across different regions of the human brain shows the abundance of transcripts coding for all eight of these proteins to be highly correlated with each other and to be enriched within human MA neurons. The potential for multiple routes for BH4 synthesis therefore exists within the human brain. GTPCH expression is particularly heterogeneous across different populations of human and rodent MA-containing neurons, with low expression levels and therefore BH4 being a characteristic of nigrostriatal DA (NSDA) neurons. Basic knowledge of how GCH1 gene transcription is controlled within NSDA neurons may explain the distinctive susceptibility of these neurons to human genetic mutations that result in BH4 deficiency. A model for cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent GCH1 transcription is described that involves a unique combination of DNA regulatory sequences and transcription factors. This model proposes that low levels of GCH1 transcription within NSDA neurons are driven by their distinctive physiology, suggesting that pharmacological manipulation of GCH1 gene transcription can be used to modify BH4 levels and therefore DA synthesis in the basal ganglia. © 2013 IUBMB Life 65(4):323–333, 2013.
Surface composition and surface cluster size distribution of Cu-Ni alloys via a monte carlo method

Abstract A Monte Carlo simulation of the Cu-Ni alloy surface was performed in order to determine surface composition and surface atom arrangement as a function of bulk composition, surface crystallographic orientation and temperature. The highly surface active nature of copper demonstrated in previous studies was confirmed, and surface nickel atom arrangement was shown to be a sensitive function of first-layer composition and of crystallographic orientation. Configurational energies were computed in a manner which accounted for the variation of atom-atom bond energies with coordination number. The effect of this method of computation on first-layer composition and composition profile was shown to be significant. Based upon the computed composition profile, an estimate of “surface” composition as it would be determined by Auger electron spectroscopy was made and was shown to be in reasonable agreement with published experimental results.
Getting out of our own way.

Abstract This paper, a follow-up from a 2009 panel discussion at ABCT's Annual Convention, focuses on the choices that women make (or don't make) that can affect their careers. Women are particularly prone to feeling guilty about their choices, and while a few decades ago there was a great deal of sexism in the workplace, at this point in time, I believe that we are more likely to make assumptions that impede our careers rather than face external barriers. The paper covers some “stuck points” that stop women from advocating for themselves or results in guilt regardless of their choice.
Transport of Suspended-Sediment-Bound Toxaphene in the Mississippi River

Suspended sediment samples from ∼30 locations along the Mississippi River and six of its major tributaries were collected during July and August 2002 and March 2003 to investigate the distribution and transport of toxaphene in the Mississippi River. The concentration of toxaphene was measured, and the load of toxaphene carried by the river at each site was calculated using water discharge and suspended sediment concentrations. Results indicate that toxaphene is widespread throughout the Mississippi River Basin with the highest concentrations and loads observed for samples collected in the Lower Mississippi River. Among the tributaries, the Yazoo River carried the largest load, amounting to ∼21% of the estimated load carried by the Mississippi River just below Vicksburg, MS. The majority of the contamination is most likely from nonpoint source runoff from agricultural lands. We also found evidence of a localized toxaphene source in the vicinity of Memphis, perhaps coming from the Wolf River. From our data ...
CAPITALISM IN THE CLASSICAL AND HIGH LIBERAL TRADITIONS

Liberalism generally holds that legitimate political power is limited and is to be impartially exercised, only for the public good. Liberals accordingly assign political priority to maintaining certain basic liberties and equality of opportunities; they advocate an essential role for markets in economic activity, and they recognize government's crucial role in correcting market breakdowns and providing public goods. Classical liberalism and what I call “the high liberal tradition” are two main branches of liberalism. Classical liberalism evolved from the works of Adam Smith and the classical utilitarian economists; its major 20th century representatives include Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. The high liberal tradition developed from John Stuart Mill's works, and its major philosophical representatives in the 20th century are John Dewey and, later, John Rawls. This paper discusses the main distinguishing features of the classical and the high liberal traditions and their respective positions regarding capitalism as an economic and social system. Classical liberals, unlike high liberals, regard economic liberties and rights of private property in productive resources to be nearly as important as basic liberties. They conceive of equality of opportunity in more formal terms, and regard capitalist markets and the price system as essential not only to the allocation of production resources, but also as the fundamental criterion for the just distribution of income, wealth, and economic powers. High liberals, by contrast, regard the economic liberties as subordinate to the exercise of personal and civic liberties. They are prepared to regulate and restrict economic liberties to achieve greater equality of opportunities, reduce inequalities of economic powers, and promote a broader conception of the public good. And while high liberals endorse markets and the price system as essential to allocation of productive resources, they do not regard markets as the fundamental criterion for assessing just distributions of income, wealth, and economic powers and positions of responsibility. The paper concludes with some reflections upon the essential role that dissimilar conceptions of persons and society play in grounding the different positions on economic justice that classical and high liberals advocate.
Effect of Chelation Chemistry of Sodium Polyaspartate on the Dissolution of Calcite

Polyaspartic acid (PASP) is an environmentally benign agent for the dissolution of calcium salt deposits. In this study, the chelating power of PASP with calcium is investigated by performing the potentiometric titration against PASP solutions. It was found that PASP is fully deprotonated at pH 7. The titration curves are successfully modeled by assuming that four aspartyl residues from an actual PASP molecule consist of a hypothetical molecule (denoted as H4L) that has four distinct acid moieties (four dissociation constants). The resulting dissociation constants and calcium-binding constants for PASP are critical to understanding the dissolution behavior of calcite in PASP solutions. The batch dissolution of calcite powder in PASP solution at four different initial pHs (10, 7, 5, and 3.5) are performed to explore the effect of PASP chelating chemistry on the dissolution behavior of calcite (CaCO3). The results show that PASP replaces interfacial water to react with calcite at high pH (≥7) and the dissol...
Parental Loss, Depression, and Suicidality

Summary.-In a sample of 87 undergraduate students, disruption of the biological farnly in the first 18 years of life was not associated with depression or suicidaliry. Lester (1989) found that experience of loss of a parent in childhood and adolescence was associated with later completed suicide in a sample of who committed suicide. To explore whether students whose biological family was disrupted through death or dtvorce, 87 students enrolled in a social science course (Ma,,= 19.0 yr., SD= 1.9; 29.9% male) were given the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck, Ward, Mendelson, Mock, & Erbaugh, 1961; M =7.1, SD= 6.01, a self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965; M = 49.8, SD= 8.6), and questions about with which parent(s) they had lived since birth. Experience of living with other than both biological parents in the first 18 years of Me was not associated with depression scores, self-esteem, current suicidal ideation or a history of suicidal ideation, threats or attempts at suicide (Pearson rs = .08, -.01, -.05, .06, -.05, and .12, respectively). Thus, dsruption of the biological family by death or divorce in childhood or adolescence was not associated with the measures of depression or suicidahty in this sample of undergraduates.
Sonication of Mouse Sperm Membranes Reveals Distinct Protein Domains

Molecular interactions between sperm and zona pellucida (ZP) during mammalian fertilization are not well characterized. To begin to characterize sperm components that are involved in sperm-ZP interactions, we isolated and density fractionated sperm membranes. The membrane fractions recovered from a density fractionation protocol were characterized, and sonication was compared with vortexing for preparation of sperm membranes by examining the distribution of proteins in the membrane fractions obtained from these 2 protocols. Biochemical and microscopic analyses were used to determine the composition of the sonicated membrane fractions, and immunoblotting was used to identify fractions containing some of the previously suggested ZP3 receptors. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that bands 1‐3 contained membrane vesicles and band 4 contained axonemal and midpiece fragments. SDS-PAGE revealed that bands 1 and 2 shared many proteins, but band 3 contained a number of unique proteins. Surface labeling with 125 I demonstrated that bands 1 and 2 contained the majority of the sperm surface protein markers, whereas band 3 contained minor amounts of surface markers. Lectin-binding characteristics of sperm membrane glycoproteins were used to compare the relative distribution of glycosylated proteins in vortexed or sonicated membrane preparations. These characterizations indicate that sonication enhanced the differential distribution of sperm membrane proteins among the density fractions and suggests that this method is preferable for preparation of membrane fractions to be used for identification of proteins that mediate sperm-egg interactions. acrosome reaction, fertilization, gamete biology, signal transduction, sperm