cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopically assisted elbow interposition arthroplasty without hinged external fixation: surgical technique and patient outcomes.

Background Total elbow arthroplasty is successful in older, lower demand patients but not in the younger, more active individual with severe elbow arthritis. Interposition arthroplasty is an alternative for younger patients who hope to minimize the degree to which arm use is restricted. Interposition arthroplasty traditionally involves release of all ligaments and capsule. As a result, the postoperative care included the use of a hinged external fixator of the elbow to apply distraction and to permit motion during the early phases of healing. We describe a novel surgical technique without a hinged external fixator that allows secure fixation of the interposition graft through arthroscopic assistance and maintains the integrity of the medial collateral ligament with only a takedown and repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to analyze 4 patients with an average age of 57 years who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2011. The patients were also contacted to assess elbow-specific American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Results The average follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 2.5-6 years), and 1 patient was converted to a total elbow arthroplasty after 2.5 years because of persistent pain. The remaining 3 patients have done well with regard to pain control, stability, and functional use of the operative extremity. There were no postoperative complications. Discussion On the basis of our small series of patients, an arthroscopically assisted elbow interposition arthroplasty without hinged external fixation can provide satisfactory medium-term outcomes as a salvage procedure for a difficult condition with limited options.
Recent Performance Improvements on FXR

The FXR machine is a nominal 4 kA, 20 MeV, linear induction, electron accelerator for flash radiography at LLNL. The machine met its baseline requirements in March 1982. Since then, the performance has been greatly improved. We have achieved stable and repeatable beam acceleration and transport, with over 80% transmission to the tungsten bremsstrahlung target located some 35 m downstream. For best stability, external beam steering has been eliminated almost entirely. We regularly produce over 500 Roentgen at 1 m from the target (TLD measurement), with a radiographic spot size of 3-5 mm. Present efforts are directed towards the development of a 4 kA tune, working interactively with particle-field and beam transport code models. A remaining uncertainty is the possible onset of RF instabilities at the higher current levels.
The Production of “Official Memory” in East Germany: Old Communists and the Dilemmas of Memoir-Writing

In East Germany, official memory was reputedly embodied in Old Communists, those men and women who had joined the German Communist Party (KPD) before Hitler's rise to power in 1933. After 1945, the Socialist Unity Party (SED), East Germany's ruling party, exploited the tragic experiences of Old Communists during the Third Reich—exile, resistance, and concentration–camp incarceration—to foster a triumphant official memory of heroic, Communist-led antifascist struggle. Intended to legitimate the SED regime, this official memory was rehearsed in countless “ lieux de memoire ,” including films, novels, school textbooks, museum exhibitions, and commemorative rituals. Concurrently, party authorities encouraged Old Communists to share their past lives with younger East Germans; in particular, they urged Old Communists to write memoirs of their participation in the antifascist struggle against Hitler.
On Rationalizability in Extensive Games

Abstract This paper analyzes Pearce's notion of extensive form rationalizability (EFR). Although EFR was originally defined as a reduction procedure, this paper shows that it can be characterized in terms of restrictions on players' updating systems. These restrictions correspond to a common hierarchy of nested hypotheses. Next the relationship of EFR to more familiar reduction procedures is examined. In generic games of perfect information, EFR is realization-equivalent to iterated weak dominance and backward induction. Equivalence with iterated weak dominance is complete in the subset of games with “iterated perfect information.”Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Number: C72.
Prism-induced negative aftereffects without food-reinforced feedback in newly hatched chicks

Newly hatched chicks wearing hoods containing 8.5-deg prisms were force-fed a diet of liquified seeds. On the seventh day, the prism hoods were changed to 0-deg control hoods, and those chicks that pecked demonstrated significant negative aftereffects. Since the majority of the group did not peck at seed targets, a subgroup was given 3 additional days of exposure to solid seeds while wearing 8.5-deg prisms. This sample also demonstrated significant negative aftereffects. It was argued that, while passive feeding leads to later failure to recognize or prefer solid-food targets, it did not interfere with negative aftereffect development.
Motion-specific internal target volumes for FDG-avid mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.

Abstract Background and purpose To quantify the benefit of motion-specific internal target volumes for FDG-avid mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes generated using 4D-PET, vs. conventional internal target volumes generated using non-respiratory gated PET and 4D-CT scans. Materials and methods Five patients with FDG-avid tumors metastatic to 11 hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes were imaged with respiratory-correlated FDG-PET (4D-PET) and 4D-CT. FDG-avid nodes were contoured by a radiation oncologist in two ways. Standard-of-care volumes were contoured using conventional un-gated PET, 4D-CT, and breath-hold CT. A second, motion-specific, set of volumes were contoured using 4D-PET.Contours based on 4D-PET corresponded directly to an internal target volume (ITV 4D ), whereas contours based on un-gated PET were expanded by a series of exploratory isotropic margins (from 5 to 13mm) based on literature recommendations on lymph node motion to form internal target volumes (ITV 3D ). Results A 13mm expansion of the un-gated PET nodal volume was needed to cover the ITV 4D for 10 of 11 nodes studied. The ITV 3D based on a 13mm expansion included on average 45cm 3 of tissue that was not included in the ITV 4D . Conclusions Motion-specific lymph-node internal target volumes generated from 4D-PET imaging could be used to improve accuracy and/or reduce normal-tissue irradiation compared to the standard-of-care un-gated PET based internal target volumes.
A Predictive Model for Visual Recovery Following Retinal Detachment Surgery

Summary By multiple regression analysis we have identified 26 out of 200 observations which significantly affect the visual acuity following retinal detachment surgery. In addition, we have developed a highly significant mathematical model, which is able to predict in rather broad ranges of visual acuity to approximately 67% accuracy. There is still a large percentage of patients for whom we cannot account for the variability in final vision, a problem requiring future investigation. Potentially important factors which were not analyzed in this study include duration of macular detachment, afferent pupil defect, drainage of subretinal fluid, extent of the scleral-buckling procedure, and postoperative follow-up longer than six months. While most of the variables are fixed and cannot be altered, such as age, senile cataract, and refractive error, improved knowledge of influential factors may allow us to manipulate some of them and provide mechanisms for improving results in recovery or maintenance of macular function after retinal detachment surgery.
The use of computer networks in data gathering and data analysis

In our research, the data are gathered in the laboratory on a DEC PDP-11/24 minicomputer. Once the data are gathered, they are analog-to-digital (A/D) converted and sent by the PDP to an IBM 370-3031. The data are submitted to a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the IBM computer. Once the FFT is completed, the data are accessed by an IBM PC-XT that is equipped with an IRMA system. The PC is used in its emulation mode to access the data in the mainframe. In the mainframe, SPSS or SAS is used to do the initial statistical analyses. When necessary, subsets of the data are transferred to the PC, where other computer programs are used to analyze the data. In many instances, they are returned to the mainframe from the PC, where they are submitted to multivariate statistical analysis. Finally, all of the data are stored on floppy disks, which are prepared on the PC.
Static inverters for essential loads

Static inverters of up to 100 kva have been built and units up to 800 kva are being designed. These devices — generally in smaller sizes — are suitable for converting direct current from batteries to alternating current for emergency loads or for continuous power sources for essential a-c loads. Typical applications, battery considerations, application problems, and available units are discussed
Basic Diagnosis and Prediction of Persistent Contrail Occurrence Using High-Resolution Numerical Weather Analyses/Forecasts and Logistic Regression. Part II: Evaluation of Sample Models

Abstract A probabilistic forecast to accurately predict contrail formation over the conterminous United States (CONUS) is created by using meteorological data based on hourly meteorological analyses from the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) and the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) combined with surface and satellite observations of contrails. Two groups of logistic models were created. The first group of models (SURFACE models) is based on surface-based contrail observations supplemented with satellite observations of contrail occurrence. The most common predictors selected for the SURFACE models tend to be related to temperature, relative humidity, and wind direction when the models are generated using RUC or ARPS analyses. The second group of models (OUTBREAK models) is derived from a selected subgroup of satellite-based observations of widespread persistent contrails. The most common predictors for the OUTBREAK models tend to be wind direction, atmospheric lapse rate, temperature, relative humidity, ...
Class V Myosins in Budding Yeast: Theme and Variations

A prominent feature of most class V myosins is their ability to take multiple steps on actin without dissociating, known as processivity. Recent evidence showed that there are also non-processive class V myosins, both in humans and lower organisms. These motors need to work in ensembles to ensure continuous, unidirectional movement. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two class V myosins, both of which are non-processive, but for different reasons. Myo2p is a dimeric motor with a low duty cycle, meaning that it spends a small portion of its cycle time strongly attached to actin. Myo4p has a high duty cycle motor, but is single-headed and thus cannot move processively as a single molecule. We propose that the association of Myo4p with its adapter protein She3p accounts for why it is single-headed. She3p is required for transport of all cargo of Myo4p (mRNA and cortical ER), and thus it has become a subunit of the motor. Myo2p, in contrast, moves many different cargoes (e.g. organelles and secretory vesicles), each with a unique adapter protein. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo techniques, we probe how the features of each motor are uniquely suited for its particular cellular role. The involvement of other proteins that act as “processivity factors” will also be discussed.
Recognition across visual fields with mirror-image stimuli.

If transfer across the cor us callosum were achieved by point-for-point connections, as suggested by Noble ( 1 9 6 6 , the stimulus would be represented in the contralateral hemisphere as a mirror-image reversal of that originally viewed. Hence, recognition of a nonsymmetrical stimulus would be more difficult as it would involve comparison of a trace with its mirror image. Ten men and 1 6 women monocularly viewed for 8 learning trials 16 24-point random s h a ~ e s of moderate association value. Each stimulus was presented individually for 150 msec., 8 to the right visual field and 8 to the left. ~ d & l u s materials and method of presentation comparable to that employed here have been described in detail elsewhere (Storandt, 1972) . Approximately 2 min. following the training phase, S was presented w ~ t h 32 stimuli (one at a t ime), 16 of which had been presented for learning and 16 of which were controls. O n the recognition trial the 16 stimuli previously viewed were equally divided into the first four conditions shown i n Table 1. W i t h respect to the control stimuli, half were presented to the right visual field and half to the left.
Retardation of β-hydrogen elimination in PNP Pincer complexes of Pd

A series of new alkyl and alkoxide (FPNP)Pd complexes have been synthesized. The alkyls and alkoxides containing β-hydrogens display remarkable thermal stability. Thermal decomposition of (FPNP)PdOEt is very slow in pure C6D6 but is accelerated by the addition of EtOH co-solvent. It is proposed that the β-hydrogen elimination from (FPNP)Pd–OCH2R occurs via dissociation of the alkoxide anion.
Lifestyle and Mental Health.

Mental health professionals have significantly underestimated the importance of lifestyle factors (a) as contributors to and treatments for multiple psychopathologies, (b) for fostering individual and social well-being, and (c) for preserving and optimizing cognitive function. Consequently, therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) are underutilized despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness in both clinical and normal populations. TLCs are sometimes as effective as either psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy and can offer significant therapeutic advantages. Important TLCs include exercise, nutrition and diet, time in nature, relationships, recreation, relaxation and stress management, religious or spiritual involvement, and service to others. This article reviews research on their effects and effectiveness; the principles, advantages, and challenges involved in implementing them; and the forces (economic, institutional, and professional) hindering their use. Where possible, therapeutic recommendations are distilled into easily communicable principles, because such ease of communication strongly influences whether therapists recommend and patients adopt interventions. Finally, the article explores the many implications of contemporary lifestyles and TLCs for individuals, society, and health professionals. In the 21st century, therapeutic lifestyles may need to be a central focus of mental, medical, and public health.
Corn or sorghum wet distillers grains with solubles in combination with steam-flaked corn: in vitro fermentation and hydrogen sulfide production.

The effects of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDG) on in vitro rate of gas production, IVDMD, H(2)S production, and VFA were evaluated. Five substrate treatments that were balanced for ether extract content were arranged in a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial. Factors were concentration (15 or 30%; DM basis) and source of WDG (corn or sorghum WDG; CDG and SDG, respectively) plus a 0% WDG control in substrates with steam-flaked corn as the basal grain. Control substrates had greater (P or = 0.10) among treatments in proportions of major VFA, acetate:propionate ratio, and total VFA concentration. These results suggest that including WDG in the substrate decreased IVDMD and gas production, which was particularly evident as WDG increased from 15 to 30% of substrate DM. In addition, CDG seemed to be more digestible than SDG. Hydrogen sulfide production increased with increasing WDG in the substrate, reflecting greater S concentrations in WDG, but in vitro VFA profiles were not affected by WDG concentration or source.
Characterization of an Anion Channel on the Inner Membrane of Heart Mitochondria

Preconditioning is a powerful form of cardioprotection whereby a brief ischemic episode, or a brief exposure to drugs such as volatile anesthetics, can protect the myocardium from a subsequent prolonged ischemia. It triggers an intracellular signaling cascade that leads to the delay in the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Depolarization of the inner membrane of mitochondria (IMM) can delay mPTP opening. Ion channels have been identified on the IMM that may play key roles in this depolarization. Yet their molecular identities and detailed electrophysiological characterizations have been elusive. In the present study, we recorded ion channel activities on the IMM isolated from guinea pig hearts. Mitoplasts (mitochondria sans the outer membrane) were formed by incubating mitochondria in a hypotonic buffer. The inside-out configuration of the patch clamp technique was utilized. We have identified a channel with a primary conductance of 109 ± 5 pS (n=9) in equimolar 150 mM KCl. The channel exhibited voltage-dependent behavior, with activity being more prominent at positive membrane potentials. When the 150 mM KCl bath solution that corresponded to the mitochondrial matrix side was replaced with 150 mM K-glutamate, channel activity was abolished. When TEA-Cl substituted for KCl, channel activity was not significantly affected. These results suggested an anion channel permeable to chloride. This was confirmed by DIDS (100 μM), a chloride channel blocker, which abolished channel activity. However, bongkrekic acid (100 nM), a specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase, failed to inhibit channel activity. In addition, the presence of 2 mM Mg2+ in the buffer solution, a concentration that blocks IMAC, the inner membrane anion channel, did not prevent channel opening. Experiments are currently underway to further characterize and identify this anion channel on the IMM.
Children's thinking about family characteristics and parent attributes

Abstract Children (N = 61; 31 boys. 30 girls) from prcschools, first grades, and fourth grades were interviewed on their thinking about family and parental roles. Older children were more likely than younger children to recognize the multiple roles of parents and the multiple functions of a family, as well as the interrelationships between these factors. Qualitative analyses of the children's responses clarify some of the assumed developmental differences in children's thinking on family and parental concepts.
Actinomycotic Infection of the Abdominal Wall Mimicking a Malignant Neoplasm

ABSTRACT Background: Actinomyces infections can create diagnostic dilemmas and be mistaken for malignant tumors. Methods: Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature. Result...
A Photometric Method for Avian Liver Xanthine Dehydrogenase

A PHOTOMETRIC method for chicken liver xanthine dehydrogenase based on the colorimetric determination of substrate disappearance1 has been developed. It has been demonstrated to be very sensitive by comparative measurements of liver xanthine dehydrogenase using the manometric technique2 during protein depletion and repletion.
Assembly FMEA: A Simplified Method for Identifying Assembly Errors

Manual assembly errors are a significant source of manufacturing defects. Therefore, an efficient method is needed to identify and alleviate potential assembly defects. Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (Process FMEA) is one technique used to anticipate, evaluate, and resolve potential manufacturing and assembly issues. However, performing FMEA is widely considered to be tedious and time-consuming, and not always worth the effort. In response, many researchers have attempted to automate FMEA using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make it less arduous. Unfortunately, automated techniques are limited to systems with predictable behaviors (e.g., electronic circuits) and are rarely used on unpredictable processes such as manual assembly. “Assembly FMEA” is a novel technique developed specifically to identify manual assembly errors. Assembly defect levels are related to assembly complexity, which can be estimated using “Design for Assembly” (DFA) time penalties. Hence, Assembly FMEA uses a series of DFA-related questions to elicit potential assembly defects. The questions help to focus, standardize, and expedite the FMEA process. Assembly FMEA quickly identifies a large number of assembly errors with significantly less effort than conventional FMEA. This paper describes the Assembly FMEA procedure and illustrates its use on a conceptual design and on an existing product.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Plasma Science and Innovation Center (PSI-Center)

Summary form only given. The plasma science and innovation center (PSI-center) has recently formed and received funding. A principal goal of the PSI-center is the refinement of overlapping computational tools with sufficient physics, boundary conditions, and geometry to be calibrated with experiments, so that we can achieve significantly improved predictive capabilities. This will be accomplished through the development of an improved computational capability for ICC experiments, with a concentration on EC experiments. Thus a special emphasis will be placed on physics effects that may extend beyond the standard analysis applied to the mainline programs. The PSI-center will initially concentrate on five focus areas that have been identified as being very important for various EC experiments. The key physics issues that have been identified are: 1) two fluid/Hall physics, 2) kinetic and FLR effects, 3) reconnection and relaxation physics, 4) transport, atomic physics and radiation, and 5) boundary conditions and geometry. All of these effects are also important in mainline fusion devices, but one or more tend to dominate in particular EC configurations. There are numerical simulation codes having some subset of these important features, but no existing code covers all of the special needs of innovative/emerging concepts. We plan to develop the needed features within existing codes to avoid the resource requirements and delays associated with developing completely new models. We will start with two codes: 1) NIMROD which is a 3D code that is pseudo-spectral (and thus periodic) in one dimension and employs finite elements in the other two dimensions; and 2) MH4D which employs a full 3D unstructured mesh. While the entire EC community is invited to participate in this center, nine experimental programs will provide the initial database and test bed for the theoretical and computational efforts of the PSI-center. These nine experiments are: 1) Caltech reconnection experiments, 2) FRX-L, 3) HIT-SI, 4) MBX, 5) PHD, 6) SSPX, 7) SSX, 8) TCS, and 9) ZAP. This set of experiments has many overlapping areas of physics that complement the PSI-center's focus
Novel Therapies for Microvascular Permeability in Sepsis

Sepsis is characterized physiologically by an aberrant systemic inflammatory response and microvascular dysfunction. While appropriate antibiotics and supportive care are essential in the management of the septic patient, therapies targeting specific aspects of the pathophysiology could have a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality associated with both sepsis and its sequlea, including acute lung injury (ALI). We have characterized several mediators of endothelial cell (EC) barrier function that may serve as novel therapies for sepsis-induced microvascular dysfunction including simvastatin, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and activated protein C (APC). Notably, APC is already available for the treatment of severe sepsis, however, to date its mechanism of action has been unclear. While distinct in many ways, we have found that these agonists have in common the ability to induce dynamic rearrangement of the EC actin cytoskeleton that corresponds to barrier protection. In addition, we have extended our in vitro findings to relevant animal models of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury and have confirmed beneficial effects of both simvastatin and S1P which are associated with evidence of decreased vascular permeability in this setting. Moreover, our data also indicate that APC effects in sepsis may be largely due to augmentation of EC barrier function affecting decreased microvascular permeability. We speculate that the administration of direct modulators of EC barrier function and microvascular permeability, such as those described here, may ultimately become the standard of care for the septic patient.
Electromechanical properties of articular cartilage during compression and stress relaxation.

THE main physiological function of articular cartilage is to act as a bearing material. It consists of an organic matrix made of collagen, proteoglycans, non-collagenous proteins, lipids and cells that are swollen with water1,2. Its net fixed charge is negative and directly proportional in magnitude to its hexos-amine content at each depth3. When cartilage is compressed, interstitial fluid is exuded. This flow of fluid with respect to the solid matrix plays an important part in controlling various rheological properties of the tissue, such as its creep deformation under load4–11. Also, we have observed that measurable electrical potential differences are induced between the surface and deepest regions of cartilage when it is compressed. We report here our studies of this phenomenon to quantitatively relate the magnitude, sign and time dependence of the electrical potentials to the known features of cartilage mechanics and fluid flow11, that is, in terms of tissue structure, function and composition. Our results suggest that an electrokinetic mechanism is primarily responsible for the mechanical-to-electrical transduction response.
External audits and the impact of loss of reputation on agency costs: an empirical investigation

Refers to previous research on the effects of poor external audits on agency costs to shareholders and takes the 1991 disciplinary action by the US Securities and Exchange Commission against Ernst and Young (re the Republic Bank) as an example to examine the effect on its other audit clients and on financial institutions. Uses event study methods to show that there were no statistically abnormal returns for financial institutions or for Ernst and Young’s audit clients; but significant negative returns for firms audited by non‐big six auditors.
Risk factors for fractures among Japanese-American men: The Honolulu Heart Program and Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

Summary Baseline risk factors were associated with fractures that developed after 29–31 years among Japanese-American men. Hip fracture risk increased with increasing BMI (28% increase for 1 U increase), physical activity (7% increase for 1 U increase), and was decreased with increasing arm girth (27% decrease for 1 U increase).
Overactive Bladder and Incontinence in the Absence of the BK Large Conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channel

BK large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels respond to elevations in intracellular calcium and membrane potential depolarization, braking excitability of smooth muscle. BK channels are thought to have a particularly prominent role in urinary bladder smooth muscle function and therefore are candidate targets for overactive bladder therapy. To address the role of the BK channel in urinary bladder function, the gene mSlo1 for the pore-forming subunit of the BK channel was deleted. Slo(-/-) mice were viable but exhibited moderate ataxia. Urinary bladder smooth muscle cells of Slo(-/-) mice lacked calcium- and voltage-activated BK currents, whereas local calcium transients ("calcium sparks") and voltage-dependent potassium currents were unaffected. In the absence of BK channels, urinary bladder spontaneous and nerve-evoked contractions were greatly enhanced. Consistent with increased urinary bladder contractility caused by the absence of BK currents, Slo(-/-) mice demonstrate a marked elevation in urination frequency. These results reveal a central role for BK channels in urinary bladder function and indicate that BK channel dysfunction leads to overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Hydrolysis of glycerolphosphatides by plastid phosphatidase C.

Studies of the influence of structural variation in the glycerolphosphatide molecule on the hydrolysis of this class of compounds by plastid phosphatidase C showed that the presence of both fatty a...
Detection of alcohol problems in a hospital setting

Three hundred and six adult medical and family practice inpatients at a university-affiliated teaching hospital were assessed for problem drinking using: (1) a short questionnaire containing the CAGE (a 4-question, self-report screening measure), and (2) a standardized review of medical records (an examination of specific blood chemistries and the physicians' and nurses' notes). Each patient completed one of two randomly assigned questionnaires containing the CAGE within the first 48 h of admission: a "Health Habits Questionnaire" or an "Alcohol Questionnaire." No significant differences were found between the two questionnaires with regard to the number of CAGE items endorsed. Overall, 16.9% of the subjects endorsed two or more CAGE items. Using the chart screening method, 11.4% of the total subjects were considered "probable" or "definite" problem drinkers. The screener's reading of the physicians' notes was the variable most important in determining overall chart screening assessment. The correlation between the two screening measures was relatively low (r = .38, p less than .001), suggesting that the two measures identify different populations of problem drinkers.
The Implicit Domain in Couples and Couple Therapy

At this point in the evolution of our field, developments in psychoanalysis and family systems, as well as findings from cognitive neuroscience and research in infant development are pointing to convergences in our understanding of the human experience. One central point of convergence has been the understanding of implicit modes of experience, particularly as this relates to affective communication. Through the lens of couples and couple therapy, this paper examines the ways in which the patterning of couple and family relationships takes place in the enactive domain through nonconscious, implicit communication processes. With the understanding that it is in the nature of implicit experience that it must be enacted to be accessed, this paper argues that some of that which is stored in the implicit domain remains embedded and enacted in one's most intimate relationships and therefore can only be accessed within the context of those relationships. This paper then explores some of the implications of implic...
Auditor Independence: A Focus on the SEC Independence Rules

Auditor independence is an important underpinning of the federal securities laws. These laws require that registrants' financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) be audited by independent public accountants. The focus on independence for public company auditors was increased in light of the requirements of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 to strengthen auditor independence. These instructional resources provide background information on the current SEC auditor independence rules. After becoming familiar with these rules, you will have the opportunity to complete several case scenarios that address: (1) hypothetical settings that may represent violations of the SEC independence rules, (2) possible actions that an audit committee might take when it determines that the SEC independence rules may have been violated, and (3) possible alternatives to the current SEC independence rules that could achieve the desired public policy goals of objective audits and investor confidence.
A cake for Cournot

A cake division mechanism is presented that is equivalent in terms of the size of the pieces of the cake n players’ receive in equilibrium to the quantities that n firms in a Cournot oligopoly supply in equilibrium. This mechanism extends to equivalence between cake division and Nash’s ‘divide the dollar’ game.
Comparison of myocardial mechanical properties in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with and without acute heart failure

Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by impaired myocardial contractile function and/or diastolic relaxation in the setting of dilated left or both ventricles that ultimately leads to heart failure (HF). In this study, we aim to compare myocardial mechanical properties in DCM patients with and without acute HF. Methods We prospectively enrolled 20 patients with DCM and 8 normal controls. Of the 20 patients with DCM, 10 patients had acute HF, defined as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) greater than 400 pg/ml, and the remaining 10 patients were determined to have no acute HF with BNP predominantly < 100 pg/ml. All subjects underwent cardiac MRI using 1.5-T scanner. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was assessed noninvasively using mean left atrial circulation transit time normalized by RR-interval during the first pass perfusion imaging. LV circumferential strain (CST) and strain rate (CSR) of mid LV in short axis plane and longitudinal strain (LST) and strain rate (LSR) in 4-chamber view
Examining the sources of self-efficacy for physical activity within the sport and exercise domains

Self-efficacy theory is the most prominent sub-theory stemming from Bandura's social cognitive theory (1986). The theory posits that people will be more likely to engage in behaviors they believe they can successfully perform and avoid behaviors in which they feel they will be unsuccessful. Self-efficacy perceptions help to shape individuals’ efforts, affective experiences, and enjoyment of physical activities, particularly at higher intensities. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize the current literature on self-efficacy for physical activity within the sport and exercise domains, focusing on the mechanisms through which self-efficacy perceptions are derived and concluding with a summary of positive and negative aspects of the literature and suggestions for avenues of further investigation.
1.1.1 Development of Patrolling Schemes for Improved Border Security Performance through an Evolutionary Approach

The potential danger of unauthorized cross-border activities is a considerable national and trasnational security threat that has raised international concern over enhanced border control. In many cases, the vast size and geographical diversity of international borders increase the complexity of border security missions. Such situations require an optimal surveillance strategy to help prevent and deter suspicious activities along borders. This paper focuses on developing patrolling schemes that deploy personnel to patrol designated areas previously suspected for having unauthorized cross-border attempts. A multi-objective optimization model is proposed to design patrolling schemes that minimize vulnerability and cost. An evolutionary algorithm is used to generate a Pareto set of optimal solutions, which are characterized by the routes of patrol units. Illustrative examples are provided to discuss the effectiveness of the model.
Silica nanoparticles carrying boron-containing polymer brushes

A new class of surface-modified silica nanoparticles has been developed for potential applications in boron neutron capture therapy. Sub-50 nm silica particles were synthesized using a modified Stober method and used in surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of two biocompatible polymers, poly(2-(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate) and poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl succinate). The carboxylic acid and hydroxyl functionalities of the polymeric side chains were functionalized with carboranyl clusters in high yields. The resulting particles were characterized using DLS, TEM, solution 1H NMR, solid state 11B NMR and thermogravimetric analysis. The particles contain between 13 and 18 % of boron atoms by weight, which would provide a high amount of 10B nuclides for BNCT, while the polymer chains are suitable for further modification with cell targeting ligands.
On the effect of adding frequency-response-constrained input channels on the achievable performance of discrete-time control systems

This paper deals with the effect on the control performance, of adding frequency-response-constrained control channels to a stable, discrete-time and linear time-invariant (LTI) MIMO plant. We focus on the control tracking problem with step references, in which a 2-norm based performance index is considered. In order to introduce the frequency-response limitations of the additional channels, we assume that the constraint is on the energy of the stationary deviations of the additional input signals filtered by a previously selected filter. The main result of this work is a closed form expression that quantifies the benefits on the control performance of square MIMO plants when adding input channels with those limitations.
Gender and NAS: does sex matter?

Abstract Background Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a constellation of symptoms resulting from in utero exposure to opioids that appears in 30–80% of opioid exposed infants. Variability in NAS symtomatology is not well understood, and recently it has been suggested that the sex of the infant may play a role in predicting NAS severity. The current study examines the relationship of sex to need for NAS treatment, length of NAS treatment, and peak dose of medication required to treat NAS symptoms. Methods Retrospective chart review of 308 infants was conducted to determine whether significant differences exist between male and female neonates in need for NAS treatment, length of treatment and peak dose of medication required. Chi-square, multiple ordinary least squares regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses were conducted. Results No significant differences were found in need for NAS treatment, length of treatment or peak dose of medication required between male and female neonates. Conclusions Results suggest that no significant differences exist in NAS severity between male and female infants.
Radium in Wisconsin drinking water: an analysis of osteosarcoma risk.

Abstract Epidemiological studies of radium dial painters have found an association between exposure to high-dose radium and bone cancers. However, only limited data exist on the relationship between low doses of radium, as are found in some drinking water sources, and osteosarcoma. The authors conducted a population-based case-control study to examine the association between exposure to radium in drinking water and the occurrence of osteosarcoma. Estimates of radium exposure and covariates used were based on subjects' residential ZIP codes. The median radium level was not significantly associated with osteosarcoma (odds ratio = .98; 95% confidence interval = .93,1.04; p = .56). The authors found no evidence that radium, at current levels in Wisconsin drinking water, resulted in excess cases of osteosarcoma.
Blistering in carbon‐fiber‐filled fluorinated polyimide

A blistering study was performed on a fluorinated polyimide resin and its carbon-fiber composite in an effort to determine the blister-formation temperature and the influence of blisters on composite performance. The fluorinated resin and carbon-fiber composite exhibit higher glass-transition (435–455°C) and decomposition temperatures (above 520°C) than similar polyimide resins and their carbon-fiber composites currently used. Two techniques were used to determine moisture-induced blister formation. A transverse extensometer with quartz lamps as a heating source measured thickness expansion, as did a thermomechanical analyzer as a function of temperature. Both methods successfully measured the onset of blister formation with varying amounts of absorbed moisture (up to 3 wt%) in the samples. The polyimide resin exhibited blister temperatures ranging from 225 to 362°C, with 1.7–3.0 wt% absorbed moisture, and the polyimide composite had blister temperatures from 246 to 294°C with 0.5–1.5 wt% moisture. The blistering effects of the polyimide composites were found to have little correlation with modulus. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multistage point relascope and randomized branch sampling for downed coarse woody debris estimation

New sampling methods have recently been introduced that allow estimation of downed coarse woody debris using an angle gauge, or relascope. The theory behind these methods is based on sampling straight pieces of downed coarse woody debris. When pieces deviate from this ideal situation, auxillary methods must be employed. We describe a two-stage procedure where the relascope is used to select pieces of downed coarse woody debris in the first stage. If the pieces so chosen on the first stage have multiple branches and detailed estimates are required for the entire piece, then a second stage sample is advocated using the randomized branch technique. Both techniques are reviewed and an example is given examining possible surrogate variables for the second stage.
A solid state attitude heading reference system for general aviation

An Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) is presented which has been developed for use in general aviation aircraft. The AHRS is contained in a 4.5"/spl times/4.0"/spl times/4.5" aluminum box, weighing 2.2 lb., with integral mounting flanges. Two connectors are provided, one for power and data out and another for a remote flux gate compass input. The AHRS is being marketed as part of an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) for use in experimental aircraft. Work is underway to certify the AHRS to enable its use in any aircraft as part of an Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI) and Electronic Air Data Indicator (EADI). The advantages of this system are low power usage, ease of interfacing the device to other aircraft systems and the durability and longevity of the solid state components. The internal architecture of the AHRS is presented along with the considerations used in the design process. The use of relatively inexpensive solid state piezo-electric rate gyros to determine instantaneous rotations about the three axes of the plane present unique problems due to the inherent drift characteristics of the rate gyros. Solid state G-cell accelerometers, with integral self-testing, are used as long term inertial reference devices to stabilize the gyros.
Customer-Directed Selling Behaviors and Performance: A Comparison of Existing Perspectives

Sales researchers have spent decades developing and empirically testing various scales that reflect distinct theoretical perspectives of salesperson behavior and job functioning. Despite extensive research in this area, little comparative work has been done to assess the relative effectiveness of these different scales in explaining salesperson performance or to explicate whether or not they are best considered in isolation or as working together—even potentially interacting—to influence sales success. We examine four established scales related to customer-directed salesperson job functioning, and look at how well they relate to both self-reported and objective job performance measures. Our analyses are based on responses from 524 salespeople drawn from three different firms. The results show that two scales (ADAPTS, Selling Skills) outperform the others. Furthermore, we find an important interaction between ADAPTS and Selling Skills that helps to predict superior objective performance.
An Application of the Competency Model to Group-Specialty Practice

Professional psychology has entered a new era of assessing education and training, practice standards and guidelines based on measuring professional competencies using benchmark documents and graphic three-dimensional cubes, which aspire to cover education at all developmental levels—undergraduate through advanced credentialing. Specialties in psychology, such as clinical health, forensic, or clinical child, are developing within this endeavor. Over one hundred years of history, research and practice inform one of those specialties: group. This paper identifies the group-specialty practice within both the competency and specialty movements by delineating competencies unique to group practice, as well as competencies common across all professional psychology foundational and functional domains appropriate for entry-level psychologists.
Microcellular communication systems with hierarchical macrocell overlays: traffic performance models and analysis

A hierarchical overlaid scheme suitable for high-capacity microcellular communications systems is considered as a strategy to achieve high system performance and broad coverage. High-teletraffic areas are covered by microcells while overlaying macrocells cover low-teletraffic areas and provide overflow groups of channels for clusters of microcells. New calls and handoff calls enter at both the microcell and macrocell levels. Handoff calls are given priority access to channels at each level. The layout has inherent load-balancing capability, so spatial teletraffic variations are accommodated without the need for elaborate coordination of base stations (wireless gateways). An analytical model for teletraffic performance (including handoff) is developed. Theoretical performance characteristics that show carried traffic as well as blocking, handoff failure, and forced termination probabilities are derived. Effects of nonuniform teletraffic demand and channel allocation strategies on system performance are discussed. >
Load Modeling of Power System Based on Rough Cloud Generator

Based on the knowledge representation of cloud theory and rough sets, a rough-cloud model is put forward, which bridges the gap between quantitative knowledge and qualitative knowledge. In relation to classical rough sets, the rough-cloud model can deal with the uncertainty of the attribute and make a soft discretization for continuous ones. A novel approach, including discretization, attribute reduction, value reduction and data complement, is presented. With the origin data rough reduction, a combination cloud generator is put forward, which combines forward cloud generator and backward cloud generator to a close-loop structure. The generator is used to load model for power system to solve the load origin data shortage of distribution system. Considering of the distribution system load data characteristic, the restriction equations and system data complement unit are joined to combination cloud generator, which ensure that the created load data cover most of the system situation without impossible data. The cloud drop reflects the fuzziness and randomness of the load data. The loads are identified by T-S fuzzy model based on the generation cloud drop. The identification result implies the effectiveness and usefulness of the approach by the contrast with some kinds of universal load model.
Competence‐Based Certification of Foreign Language Teachers: The Bellevue‐ Western Experience

ting response. She reappropriates the child's erroneous utterance, paraphrases it, and elaborates upon it. This kind of sophisticated correction is found in second language learning situations but seldom. The reason for it may be that in a typical classroom there is no real parent, no real Dad and no real Mother, no real office and no real dinner, so paraphrase can hardly function at all. In order for the child to make the connection between his error and the