cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quasi‐Love phases between Tonga and Hawaii: Observations, simulations, and explanations

Seismograms of some shallow Tonga earthquakes observed at Hawaii contain SV-polarized phases in the Love wave time window, most prominently on the vertical component. Given the geometry of the observations (Δ ≈ 40–45°), such phases may be explained either as body waves or as mode-converted surface waves. Detailed synthetic seismogram modeling of representative events reveals several instances where the body wave explanation is inadequate, even when plausible uncertainties in the source mechanism are taken into account. The observed, SV-polarized phase can instead be generated through Love-Rayleigh scattering, which requires laterally varying seismic anisotropy along the Tonga-Hawaii path. Trial-and-error forward modeling with simple structures based on the transversely isotropic mid-Pacific velocity model PA5 of Gaherty et al [1996] obtains velocity structure that yields synthetic seismograms matching the observations. This model, while non unique, suggests first-order constraints on the lateral variation in anisotropic properties, and associated mantle flow, along the Tonga-Hawaii path. By examining trade-offs in model parameters, we conclude that robust features of the model are: (1) a transition from radial to mixed radial and azimuthal anisotropy 3°–5° from Hawaii; (2) the NW-SE alignment of the axis of azimuthal anisotropy; (3) higher degree of P anisotropy relative to S anisotropy; and (4) the presence of azimuthal anisotropy within upper 200–250 km of the mantle. Taken together, these features imply a disruption of mantle fabric by the processes forming Hawaii-Emperor volcanic system. A model with anisotropic gradients in both the lithospheric lid and shallow asthenosphere is the simplest extension of our starting model. However, an equivalent data fit can be obtained if the azimuthal-anisotropy gradients are restricted to line beneath the high-velocity “lid” of model PA5, so that mantle hot spot flow need not penetrate the lithospheric lid.
Comparison of a modified Kjeldahl and vacuum fusion techniques for determination of nitrogen in tantalum alloys

Comparison of nitrogen determination in tantalum alloys by Kjeldahl and vacuum fusion techniques
First Impressions of the Symbolic Meanings Connoted by Reception Area Design

A study was conducted in which 38 undergraduate students and 64 executives were shown photographs of eight dffferent companies' reception areas. Subjects responded to each photograph by completing 12 bipolar adjective scales indicating their impressions of these companies. Factor analyses of their responses revealed two dimensions underlying these judgments: consideration and control. ANOVAs revealed that subjects formed different impressions of consideration and control across the eight firms pictured. Design and conceptual implications are discussed.
The adoption of social networking technologies in cinema releases

Film marketing plays a growing role in movie release due to the high cost and financial risk of film production, with studios investing in expensive marketing campaigns to maximize revenue early in the release cycle. Marketing for films is a significant part of the budget, with Hollywood spending about $4 billion a year to buy TV and print advertising. Product cycles have accelerated, and studios are increasingly sensitive to criticism and market positioning. Because of its immediacy and ubiquity, Internet social networking is seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional promotion. The current research investigates the effectiveness of Internet social networking in film success through a novel application of event study methods based on Internet search engine datasets. I find that release directed Internet social networking activities increase film revenues 64% and increase search activity 48%. I also report that increased revenue and search continue after the release period during the time that films appear on DVD, streaming and subscription TV, with revenue 14% higher than it would have been without the social networking campaign. In addition, I observe increased viewer search of around 41% over what it would have been without the Internet social networking campaign. A marginal increase of Internet social networking activity is predicted to result in a threefold increase in search intensity related to a film. The analysis shows that both budgets and the level of Internet search activity are important factors in the revenue generation of films, and Internet social networking campaigns lead to higher revenues.
Altered Kinetics of IL-1α, IL-1β, and KGF-1 Gene Expression in Early Wounds of Restrained Mice

Inflammatory processes that occur after injury contribute to wound closure. Previous studies showed that wounds of restraint-stressed (RST) mice had a reduced number of inflammatory cells and healed more slowly compared to controls. To investigate the molecular mechanisms between stress and wound healing, we studied cutaneous gene expression of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and KGF-1. Female SKH-1 mice were restrained for 3 days before and for 5 days following placement of cutaneous wounds. Wounds were subjected to competitive RT-PCR. At day 1, RST mice had significantly lower IL-1 beta and KGF-1 mRNA than controls. At day 5, RST mice had significantly higher IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta mRNA than controls. Treatment of RST mice with the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 restored IL-1 beta mRNA expression at day 1. Our results suggest that stress induces alterations in the kinetics of cutaneous proinflammatory cytokine and growth factor gene expression which could impair the quality of healing tissues.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ATP BINDING AND HYDROLYSIS BY HSP90 IN FORMATION AND FUNCTION OF PROTEIN HETEROCOMPLEXES

The chaperone hsp90 is capable of binding and hydrolyzing ATP. Using information on a related ATPase, DNA gyrase B, we selected three conserved residues in hsp90's ATP-binding domain for mutation. Two of these mutations eliminate nucleotide binding, while the third retains nucleotide binding but is apparently deficient in ATP hydrolysis. We first analyzed how these mutations affect hsp90's binding to the co-chaperones p23 and Hop, and to the hydrophobic resin, phenyl-Sepharose. These experiments showed that ATP's effects, specifically, increased affinity for p23 and decreased affinity for Hop and phenyl-Sepharose, are brought on by ATP binding alone. We also tested the ability of hsp90 mutants to assist hsp70, hsp40, and Hop in the refolding of denatured firefly luciferase. While hsp90 is capable of participating in this process in a nucleotide-independent manner, the ability to hydrolyze ATP markedly potentiates hsp90's effect. Finally, we assembled progesterone receptor heterocomplexes with hsp70, hsp40, Hop, p23, and wild type or mutant hsp90. While neither ATP binding nor hydrolysis was necessary to bind hsp90 to the receptor, mature complexes containing p23 and capable of hormone binding were only obtained with wild type hsp90.
Production and Transportation Integration for a Make-to-Order Manufacturing Company with a Commit-to-Delivery Business Mode

When a make-to-order manufacturing company adopts a commit-to-delivery business mode, it commits a delivery due date for an order and is responsible for the shipping cost. Without loss of generality, we consider that transportation is done by a third-party logistics company, such as FedEx or UPS, which provides multiple shipping modes such as overnight, one-day, two-day delivery, and more. When the transportation time has to be short, clearly, shipping cost is more expensive than it could have been. How should a company schedule production for accepted orders so that the company can leave enough transportation time for orders to take slow shipping modes to reduce the shipping cost? We study this problem of integrating the production and transportation functions for a manufacturing company producing a variety of customized products in a make-to-order environment with a commit-to-delivery mode of business. Various realistic scenarios are investigated in increasing order of complexity. When partial delivery is allowed by customers, we provide both a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model and a minimum cost flow model. We show that nonpreemptive earliest due date (NEDD) production schedules are optimal when partial delivery is allowed and shipping cost is a decreasing convex function with transportation time. When partial delivery is not allowed, we develop an MIP model and prove that the problem is NP-hard. An efficient heuristic algorithm with polynomial computation time is provided for the NP-hard problem. It gives near-optimal production schedules, as shown via thousands of numerical experiments. We also provide models and analysis for other scenarios where shipping cost accounts for customer locations and quantity discounts.
Visuomotor training improves stroke-related ipsilesional upper extremity impairments.

Background. Unilateral middle cerebral artery infarction has been reported to impair bilateral hand grasp. Methods. Individuals (5 males and 5 females; age 33-86 years) with chronic unilateral midd...
Clinical and angiographic follow‐up after single long GFX coronary stent implantation

In order to identify predictors of late restenosis after GFX stent implantation, procedural and 6-month clinical and angiographic follow-up data of prospectively entered 141 consecutive lesions treated with a single long (24 or 30 mm) GFX stent were compared to 66 consecutive lesions requiring a single short (12 or 18 mm) stent. The initial clinical success rate of 97% and thrombosis rate of 1.4% with long stents were similar to 97% and 0% with short stents (P = NS). Their respective binary restenosis rates were 34.7% and 23.3% for long and short stents as a whole (P = NS), but being 10.0% for 12 mm, 26.0% for 18 mm, 31.3% for 24 mm, and 39.2% for 30 mm. When proximal and distal reference diameters at baseline were compared between the lesions with and without restenosis, proximal reference diameters were not statistically different (3.02 ± 0.42 mm vs. 3.18 ± 0.62 mm) and the restenosis group had significantly smaller distal reference diameters (2.15 ± 0.48 mm vs. 2.55 ± 0.53 mm, P < 0.0001). The treatment of long lesions with single long-stent implantation can be accomplished with high success and low complication rates. Single long-stent implantation may be effective, if the distal reference size of the long narrowing is big enough to accept the stent.
Upregulation of renal BSC1 and TSC in prenatally programmed hypertension.

Prenatal factors, especially intrauterine growth retardation, have been shown to correlate with the risk of essential hypertension in adult life, but the mechanisms are unknown. An experimental mod...
Tolerance to cadmium and cadmium-binding ligands in Great Salt Lake brine shrimp (Artemia salina).

Abstract Information on the accumulation of cadmium in cytosolic proteins of Great Salt Lake brine shrimp (Artemia salina) was obtained from animals collected directly from the lake and also from animals hatched and maintained in three sublethal concentrations of cadmium (0.5, 2.0, 5.0 ppm) in saltwater aquaria. Brine shrimp growth under these conditions was monitored by measuring body lengths during a 7-day exposure period. Heat-stable, cadmium-binding ligands were isolated and identified by Sephadex G-75 chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cadmium was found to be equally distributed between high and low molecular weight proteins in animals collected from the lake and the 0.5 ppm cadmium group. There was also a slight growth stimulation noted in the 0.5-ppm group. Higher cadmium incorporation was noted in low molecular weight fractions with increasing cadmium concentration in the exposure media. Low molecular weight fractions were also found to have high uv absorption characteristics at 250 nm and low absorption at 280 nm. Molecular weight of the cadmium-binding ligands was found to be 11,000 as estimated by the gel filtration method. De novo synthesis of this protein was increased as a function of cadmium concentration in the media. However, slow accumulation of cadmium in other protein fractions was also noticed in higher cadmium exposure groups, suggesting the existance of possible tolerance mechanisms in brine shrimp exposed to suspected acute cadmium concentrations.
A monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene polymorphism is associated with occult ischemia in a high-risk asymptomatic population

Abstract Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) recruits monocytes into atherosclerotic plaques. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the MCP-1 gene promoter (−2578A > G) results in greater production of MCP-1 protein. We examined the association of this polymorphism with occult coronary artery disease (CAD) and its interaction with CAD risk factor burden, as assessed by the Framingham risk score (FRS) for hard events. We genotyped 679 apparently healthy 24–59-year-old siblings (SIBS) of people with premature CAD, tested for occult ischemia with exercise treadmill tests and thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography, and assessed CAD risk factors to calculate the FRS. Occult ischemia occurred in 18% of SIBS and overall was somewhat more prevalent in those with the G allele (20.6%) compared to those without (15.6%), p = 0.095. In SIBS at higher risk (highest quartile of FRS, ≥6.8%), occult ischemia occurred significantly more frequently in those with the G allele (44.4% versus 26.1%, p = 0.017), while there was no significant difference in SIBS with lower FRS. After adjusting for individual risk factors included in the FRS, multivariate logistic regression modeling demonstrated that the G allele independently predicted occult ischemia in the entire study population (p = 0.014, OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.14–3.04). This study demonstrates for the first time that the MCP-1 gene −2578A > G polymorphism is associated with an excess risk of coronary atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic population and demonstrates an apparent interaction with CAD risk factor burden.
TVA's experience with the SUNYA lightning detection network

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has had access to real-time data on cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in its service area through the lightning detection network (LDN) operated by the State University of New York at Albany (SUNYA). The authors show that in the TVA service area most lightning outages do not occur where the most lightning is. Instead, factors such as structure footing resistance can play an important role. Lightning data are displayed in real time on personal computer workstations connected to SUNYA by satellite link and are recorded for later analysis. TVA is using these data to analyze transmission-line outages (real-time and historical), provide warning of approaching lightning to line crews, develop ground-flash density maps, and to learn more about lightning and its effect on TVA's transmission system. Lightning flashes that cause particular line outages have been identified and their current and multiplicity characteristics studied. >
Micro-Actuations and Location Sensitivity of Actuator Patches Laminated on Toroidal Shells

Toroidal shell structure has been proposed for components of inflatable space structures and telescope etc. Thus, distributed control of toroidal shells becomes a critical issue in precision maneuver, operation, and reliability. The converse effect of piezoelectric materials has made it one of the best candidates for distributed control actuators. The resultant control forces and micro-control actions induced by the distributed actuators depend on applied voltages, geometrical (e.g., spatial segmentation and shape) and material (i.e., various actuator materials) properties of the actuators. The purpose of this analysis is to study the location effects of actuator placement and to evaluate the micro-control actions imposed upon toroidal shell structures. Mathematical models and governing equations of the toroidal shells laminated with distributed actuator patches are presented first, followed by formulations of distributed control forces and micro-control actions including meridional/circumferential membrane and bending control components. Spatially distributed electromechanical microscopic actuation characteristics and control effects resulting from various meridional and circumferential actions are evaluated.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Nitric Oxide Inhibits Fas-induced Apoptosis

The Fas antigen (CD95, APO-1) is a transmembrane cell surface receptor that mediates apoptosis of many cell types when bound by Fas ligand or cross-linked by agonist antibody. The cellular factors regulating Fas-induced apoptosis have not been well defined. Here we show that basal nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) activity in human leukocytes inhibits Fas-induced apoptosis via a cGMP-independent mechanism. Further, NOS inhibits Fas-induced cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases. These data suggest that Fas activity is under the control of the NO signaling pathway. NOS regulating the function of this member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family suggests a new role for nitric oxide (or related molecules) in the human immune response.
Expression of lymphocyte homing and adhesion molecules during intramammary infection of cows with Serratia marcescens or Streptococcus uberis: Correlation with bacterial colonization and clinical signs

We wished to determine the expression of trafficking/adhesion molecules on the surface of lymphocytes isolated from infected mammary glands of cows challenged with either Serratia marcescens or Staphylococcus uberis. Healthy Holstein cows in mid lactation were infected by intramammary infusion with S. marcescens or S. uberis. Following infection, milk samples were collected at various time points. Body temperatures of the cows were taken, and milk was analyzed for colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria and somatic cell counts (SCC). Leukocytes were isolated from the milk and analyzed by flow cytometry. Percentages and types of lymphocytes were determined as well as expression of CD62L, CD11a, LPAM-1 and CD44 on these cells. We found that the percentage of lymphocytes expressing either CD62L or CD11a showed a marked increase 12 h post infection (PI) with S. marcescens that was not seen in cows infected with S. uberis. Conversely, the percentage of lymphocytes expressing CD44 increased in cows infected with S. uberis at 12 h PI, but the increase was not seen in cows infected with S. marcescens. Expression of LPAM-1 was low at all time points in both groups of cows. Body temperatures became elevated in both groups of cows, peaking at 24 h PI in S. marcescens-infected cows and dropping thereafter. In contrast, temperatures of S. uberis-infected cows continued to rise and were still elevated 96 h PI. CFU of bacteria isolated from mammary glands of S. marcescens-infected cows dropped precipitously 24 h PI but continued at high levels in S. uberis-infected cows. SCC began falling in S. marcescens-infected cows 48 h PI but continued to increase in S. uberis-infected cows. Thus, a greater percentage of lymphocytes in milk had a phenotype consistent with recruitment from the peripheral pool following infection with S. marcescens than was seen following infection with S. uberis. Concurrent with the increases seen in percentages of this lymphocyte phenotype, clinical signs lessened in the S. marcescens-infected cows.
The influence of habitat on the size distribution of groupers in the upper Florida Keys

The influence of habitat on the size distribution of groupers was examined at sites in the middle and upper Florida Keys. Transects were used to quantify the size distribution of groupers at study sites. There were significant differences in the size distribution of groupers within and among reef community types related to differences in species composition and patch reef size. Groupers with a ‘giant’ life-history style (Sullivan & de Garine 1994) were more abundant, but smaller, on inshore patch reefs than offshore reef community types. However, grouper species with a ‘dwarf’ life-history style (Sullivan & de Garine 1994) showed an opposite pattern with a lower abundance, but larger size, inshore than offshore. The length category of groupers constituting the majority of individuals observed on patch reefs was inversely related to reef size. Graysby Epinephelus cruentatus were shown to recruit to deeper (15–20 m), low-relief habitats offshore. Several factors influenced the size distribution of groupers in the study sites including habitat type, spear-fishing, competition, predation, and recruitment.
Pathology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and its complications

No abstract available. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jdp.v7i1.5591 Journal of Diagnostic Pathology 2012 (7); 1:6-23
The accumulation of three specific proteins related to glucose‐regulated proteins in a temperature‐sensitive hamster mutant cell line K12

A temperature-sensitive mutant K12 isolated from an established line of Chinese hamster fibroblasts has been identified as a cell-cycle mutant blocked in G1 (Roscoe et al., '73a,b). While characterizing the phenotype of K12 in more detail, we observed that K12 cells are highly sensitive to the concentration of glucose in the culture medium as well as the temperature of incubation. Although overall cellular metabolism remains intact for at least 24 hours after shifting the cells to the nonpermissive temperature (40.5 degrees C), the incorporation of 3H-leucine into three specific cellular proteins of molecular weights 94, 78, and 58 K daltons is greatly increased. We have analyzed the K12 proteins by two-dimensional, isoelectric focusing (IEF) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis and found that the set of proteins which is overproduced by K12 cells at 40.5 degrees C is the same as that produced at 35.0 degrees C in medium depleted of glucose or supplemented with 10 mM glucosamine. In addition, the increased synthesis of these proteins cannot be suppressed by the addition of N-acetylglucosamine to the medium. The relationship of these proteins to the glucose-regulated proteins in the chick embryo fibroblast system (Shiu et al., '77) is discussed.
Artifacts in spectral-spatial EPR images of portions of spectra

Abstract When spectral-spatial EPR imaging is performed with a spectral window that includes only a portion of a multiline EPR spectrum, useful images are obtained, although artifacts are observed. Artifacts in the image due to incomplete cancellation of contributions to the projections from peaks outside the spectral window can be decreased by increasing the number of projections. Discontinuities between experimental projections that include contributions from peaks outside the spectral window and estimated projections that do not include these contributions also give artifacts in the image. For a fixed maximum magnetic field gradient and desired spectral window, the use of incomplete sets of projections with iterative image reconstruction gives better spatial resolution than the use of a complete set of projections.
Categoricity theorems and conceptions of set

Two models of second-order ZFC need not be isomorphic to each other, but at least one is isomorphic to an initial segment of the other. The situation is subtler for impure set theory, but Vann McGee has recently proved a categoricity result for second-order ZFCU plus the axiom that the urelements form a set. Two models of this theory with the same universe of discourse need not be isomorphic to each other, but the pure sets of one are isomorphic to the pure sets of the other. This paper argues that similar results obtain for considerably weaker second-order axiomatizations of impure set theory that are in line with two different conceptions of set, the iterative conception and the limitation of size doctrine.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common diagnosis of dementia after Alzheimer disease (AD). The essential pathologic feature is the Lewy body, a neuronal inclusion containing α-synuclein, found in brainstem nuclei and the neocortex. Clinical features include early fluctuations in attention, hallucinations, and parkinsonism, with progression to a combined cortical and subcortical dementia. To distinguish it from Parkinson disease dementia, a time course of one year from cognitive changes to motor feature onset has been established. There is more severe impairment of verbal fluency, executive function, and visuospatial abilities in DLB patients. Both rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and neuroleptic sensitivity are notable in this patient group. Treatment is aimed at symptom management. Cholinesterase inhibitors can be beneficial for behavioral and cognitive issues, whereas dopaminergic agents may help motor symptoms. Survival is equivalent to AD when measured from symptom onset, though diagnosis in DLB may be delayed.
Isolation rearing as a preclinical model of attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract Rats raised in an isolated condition (IC) are impulsive and hyperactive compared to rats raised in an enriched condition (EC), suggesting that isolation rearing may be a preclinical model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study determined if administration of methylphenidate (MPH), a dopamine transporter (DAT) blocker used in the treatment of ADHD, reduces the hyperactivity observed in IC rats toward levels observed in EC rats. Another goal was to determine if chronic MPH treatment differentially alters DAT function in EC and IC rats in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). IC and EC rats were treated with either MPH (1.5 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle from postnatal days (PND) 28–51. On PND 28 and 51, rats were evaluated for MPH-induced locomotor activity. On PND 55–63, in vitro [3H]DA uptake assays were performed in mPFC and OFC. At both PND 28 and 51, IC rats were hyperactive compared to EC rats. At PND 28, MPH increased activity in EC rats only. At PND 51, MPH did not alter locomotor activity in IC or EC rats. Beginning at PND 55, basal uptake of [3H]dopamine in IC rats was higher in mPFC and lower in OFC compared to EC rats. The basal differences in DAT function were normalized by MPH treatment in mPFC, but not in OFC. These findings suggest that isolation rearing may not represent a valid predictive model for screening effective medications in the treatment of hyperactivity associated with ADHD.
Transient kinetics of the interaction of actin with myosin subfragment-1 in the absence of nucleotide

The kinetics of the association of actin with myosin subfragment-1 (S1) has been studied by using S1 labeled at the sulfhydryl group SH1 with 5-(iodoacetamido)fluorescein (S1-AF). Upon rapid mixing in a stopped-flow apparatus, the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescein moiety increased by 50%, followed by a slower increase that was well resolved. This slow phase of the fluorescence change could not be fitted to either a monoexponential or a biexponential function, but it could be fitted to a sum of three exponential terms yielding three observed first-order rate constants (lambda i). The dissociation of acto.-(S1-AF) was studied by displacement of S1-AF from the complex with native S1. The dissociation kinetics was characterized by a single rate constant (approximately 0.012 s-1 at 20 degrees C), and this constant was independent of S1 concentration. Together with previous equilibrium data that were obtained under identified conditions for formation of acto-subfragment-1 (Lin, S.-H., and H. C. Cheung. 1991. Biochemistry. 30:4317–4323), a six-state two-pathway model is proposed as a minimum kinetic scheme for formation of rigor acto.S1. In this model, unbound subfragment-1 exists in two conformational states (S1' and S1) which are in equilibrium with each other, one corresponding to the previously established low-temperature state and the other to the high-temperature state. Each subfragment-1 state can interact with actin to form a collision complex, followed by two isomerizations to form two acto-subfragment-1 states (A.S1' and A.S1). Both isomerizations were visible in stopped-flow experiments. Two special cases of the model were considered: 1) a rapid pre-equilibration of the initial collision complex with actin and S1, and 2) trace accumulation of the collision complex. The first case required that the three combinations of the three observed rate constants be independent of actin concentration. The data were incompatible with this approximation. The other special case required that the sum of the lambda i vary linearly with actin concentration and the other two combinations of lambda i vary with actin concentration in a quadratic fashion. The present data were in agreement with the second case. At 20 degrees C and in 60 mM KCl, 2 mM MgCl2, 30 mM 2-([-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]amino)ethanesulfonic acid, and pH 7.5, the biomolecular association rate constants for the interaction of actin with S1' and S1 were 8.58 x 10(5) and 1.11 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, respectively.
Mapping degenerate perturbations in atoms onto an asymmetric rotor.

Several problems in atomic physics, such as diamagnetism in high Rydberg states, or the electron-electron interaction in high doubly excited states, and analogous problems at high excitation in nuclear physics or in other branches of physics, display certain characteristic and common features. Among these are the existence of classes of sharply localized states formed through large superpositions of basis states that are degenerate in the absence of the interaction. The asymmetric rotor at high angular momentum J displays these same features: In particular, most of its eigenstates divide into two groups with different localizations (along the directions of minimum and maximum moments of inertia). A few states lie in a ``separatrix'' region in between, corresponding to localization along the axis with an intermediate moment of inertia. A 1:1 mapping is made from the atomic and nuclear problems into the asymmetric rotor, wherein the principal quantum number n and orbital angular momentum l of the former are put in correspondence, respectively, with J and M, the azimuthal projection of the rotor's angular momentum. For each given problem, the ``asymmetry parameter'' of the corresponding rotor is identified, and eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are presented. The concept of a conjugate rotor is also introduced. The key, common feature that underlies localization is the vanishing as l\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n of the off-diagonal coupling between the states in a degenerate manifold {nl} just as in the asymmetric rotor where the matrix elements of the step-up and step-down operators in the \ensuremath{\Vert}JM〉 basis vanish when M\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}J.
Preliminary general surgery residents: indentured servitude or golden opportunity?

Background One-year, preliminary general surgery (GS) positions are viewed by medical student applicants as among the least desirable positions offered through the match. Hundreds of preliminary GS positions go unfilled each year, and international medical graduates (IMGs) fill a substantial portion of the spots filled. “Prelims” foster diversity and add manpower to surgical training programs, but do trainees eventually benefit from this 1-year effort? Methods Nondesignated (ND) preliminary GS residents at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were identified from 1993 to 2003. Trainees were followed (telephone, e-mail, Internet registries) looking at subsequent training, specialty choice, and eventual practice location. Results From 118 ND preliminary GS residents, the current data of 105 (46 U.S. medical graduates, 59 IMGs) trainees are known. Thirteen trainees (11%) progressed on to a second year of training (location: United States = 10, international = 3), but they could not be located thereafter. Two additional prelims chose another profession. Seventy one of the remaining 103 prelims (70%) advanced to other non-Mayo residency programs to continue or finish their training in general surgery (n = 22), a surgical subspecialty (n = 26), or some other field (n = 23). Thirty-two prelims remained at Mayo Clinic-Rochester in GS (n = 16), a surgical subspecialty (n = 12), or a nonsurgical field (n = 4). From the 59 IMGs, 52 remained in the United States, whereas 7 left for another country to practice medicine. Conclusion Most of our ND preliminary GS residents progress toward completion of surgical or medicine residencies. Although initially described as a finite period of training, the 1-year preliminary GS residency offers both U.S. and international students opportunity for career advancement.
Depression and Prescription Opioid Misuse Among Chronic Opioid Therapy Recipients With No History of Substance Abuse

PURPOSE Opioid misuse in the context of chronic opioid therapy (COT) is a grow- ing concern. Depression may be a risk factor for opioid misuse, but it has been diffi cult to tease out the contribution of co-occurring substance abuse. This study aims to examine whether there is an association between depression and opioid misuse in patients receiving COT who have no history of substance abuse. METHODS A telephone survey was conducted at Group Health Cooperative and Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. We interviewed 1,334 patients on COT for noncancer pain who had no history of substance abuse. Patients were asked about 3 forms of opioid misuse: (1) self-medicating for symptoms other than pain, (2) self-increasing doses, and (3) giving to or getting opioids from others. Depression was evaluated by the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). RESULTS Compared with patients who were not depressed (PHQ-8 score 0 to 4), patients with moderate depression (PHQ-8 score 10 to 14) and severe depres- sion (PHQ-8 score 15 or higher) were 1.8 and 2.4 times more likely, respectively, to misuse their opioid medications for non-pain symptoms. Patients with mild (PHQ-8 score 5 to 9), moderate, and severe depression were 1.9, 2.9, and 3.1 times more likely, respectively, to misuse their opioid medications by self-increas- ing their dose. There was no statistically signifi cant association between depres- sion and giving opioids to or getting them from others. CONCLUSION In patients with no substance abuse history, depressive symptoms are associated with increased rates of some forms of self-reported opioid misuse. Clini- cians should be alert to the risk of patients with depressive symptoms using opioids to relieve these symptoms and thereby using more opioids than prescribed.
CONDITIONAL CHOICE PROBABILITY ESTIMATION OF DYNAMIC DISCRETE CHOICE MODELS WITH UNOBSERVED HETEROGENEITY

We adapt the expectation–maximization algorithm to incorporate unobserved heterogeneity into conditional choice probability (CCP) estimators of dynamic discrete choice problems. The unobserved heterogeneity can be time-invariant or follow a Markov chain. By developing a class of problems where the difference in future value terms depends on a few conditional choice probabilities, we extend the class of dynamic optimization problems where CCP estimators provide a computationally cheap alternative to full solution methods. Monte Carlo results confirm that our algorithms perform quite well, both in terms of computational time and in the precision of the parameter estimates.
An Investigation of Climate Loads on Building Façades for Selected Locations in the United States

The ability of a wall assembly to manage rainwater and control rain penetration depends on the assembly configuration, including interface details for penetrations, and on the rain loads to which the wall is subjected. There are a variety different protocols for evaluating the ability wall systems to resist water intrusion. Generally they involve spraying varying amounts of water while maintaining a pressure difference across the specimen. Across the conterminous United States hourly weather data for extended periods (climatic data) is available for many locations. From this climatic data estimates of wind-driven rain loads can be determined. We answer the question of how often these combinations of rainfall intensities and pressure are likely to present a problem with respect to moisture management of the assembly and how often these are likely to occur over the expected life of the wall assembly. Climate information related to rainfall and wind-driven rain for Boston, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Seattle are provided. A methodology for generating rates of water spray impinging on and pressure differences acting across the wall assembly is also developed. Although the methodology was primarily developed to select the proper testing criteria and test conditions to mimic real events, it can also be used by designers and practitioners to: (i) determine the response of the wall assembly to the effects of wind-driven rain; (ii) estimate design loads below which adverse effects on the assembly are minimized; (iii) assess the likelihood and degree of damage to the assembly when design loads are exceeded; (iv) estimate the long-term performance of the wall assembly based on watertightness and moisture management the wall assembly.
PANAMÁ 2007: CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO, COMBUSTIÓN SOCIAL Y CATALEPSIA INSTITUCIONAL

Estimulado por la demanda internacional por bienes y servicios, en 2007 la economia panamena crecio en 9,5%, la tasa mas alta de la region. El auge economico, sin embargo, ocurre en medio de una delicada situacion social, que el sistema politico heredado de la dictadura militar no parece capaz de enfrentar. El gobierno del presidente Martin Torrijos se ha manejado exitosamente de acuerdo con las normas formales e informales de ese sistema, incluyendo el clientelismo y la centralizacion de facultades en el Ejecutivo, en detrimento de la rendicion de cuentas. Su incapacidad para atender la deuda social, sin embargo, podria contribuir a producirle serios problemas al pais en un futuro no muy lejano.
Noise generators for the simulation of digital communication systems

The generation of random numbers, having uniform and Gaussian distributions, with application to the time-domain simulation of communication systems is considered. The specific goal is to identify appropriate noise generation algorithms for use in system simulations for the determination of the symbol error probability of a digital communication system. Several methods of generating both uniform and Gaussian random numbers are examined. The algorithms considered were taken from those discussed in recent literature that appeared most appropriate for the authors' problem. The algorithms were programmed in FORTRAN for use on a PC with math-coprocessor. Tests to evaluate the statistical properties of the generators were performed and the results are presented. >
Measurement and Process Control in Precision Hot Embossing

Microfluidic technologies hold a great deal of promise in advancing the medical field, but transitioning them from research to commercial production has proven problematic. We propose precision hot embossing as a process to produce high volumes of devices with low capital cost and a high degree of flexibility. Hot embossing has not been widely applied to precision forming of hard polymers at viable production rates. To this end we have developed experimental equipment capable of maintaining the necessary precision in forming parameters while minimizing cycle time. In addition, since equipment precision alone does not guarantee consistent product quality, our work also focuses on real-time sensing and diagnosis of the process.This paper covers both the basic details for a novel embossing machine, and the utilization of the force and displacement data acquired during the embossing cycle to diagnose the state of the material and process. The precision necessary in both the forming machine and the instrumentation will be covered in detail. It will be shown that variation in the material properties (e.g. thickness, glass transition temperature) as well as the degree of bulk deformation of the substrate can be detected from these measurements. If these data are correlated with subsequent downstream functional tests, a total measure of quality may be determined and used to apply closed-loop cycle-to-cycle control to the entire process. By incorporating automation and specialized precision equipment into a tabletop “microfactory” setting, we aim to demonstrate a high degree of process control and disturbance rejection for the process of hot embossing as applied at the micron scale.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Mediation of Neuronal Apoptosis by Kv2.1-Encoded Potassium Channels

Cellular K+ efflux is a requisite event in the unfolding of apoptosis programs across many types of cells and death-inducing stimuli; however, the molecular identities of the ion channels mediating this key event have remained undefined. Here, we show that Kv2.1-encoded K+ channels are responsible for the expression of apoptosis in cortical neurons in vitro. Transient expression of two different dominant-negative forms of this subunit in neurons completely eliminated the enhancement of K+ currents that normally accompanies the cell death process. Importantly, neurons deficient in functional Kv2.1-encoded K+ channels were protected from oxidant and staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Finally, Chinese hamster ovary cells, which do not express endogenous voltage-gated K+ channels, became substantially more sensitive to apoptosis after transient expression of wild-type Kv2.1. These results suggest that Kv2.1-encoded K+ channels are necessary for the apoptotic signaling cascade in mammalian cortical neurons in culture and are sufficient for increasing the susceptibility to apoptogens in a nonexcitable cell.
A Summary of Important Documents in the Field of Research Ethics

Today's researchers are obligated to conduct their studies ethically. However, it often seems a daunting task to become familiar with the important ethical codes required to do so. The purpose of this article is to examine the content of those ethical documents most relevant to the biomedical researcher. Documents examined include the Nuremberg Code, the Declaration of Helsinki, Henry Beecher's landmark paper, the Belmont Report, the U.S. Common Rule, the Guideline for Good Clinical Practice, and the National Bioethics Advisory Commission's report on research protections for the mentally ill.
An empirical approach to performance criteria for manipulation

Empirical performance criteria based on geometric and physical properties are commonly used for real-time decision-making (and design) of redundant anthropomorphic manipulators (serial) or workcells (parallel) performing high level tasks while avoiding obstacles, providing safety, and responding to human commands. This requires configuration management of these complex systems by prioritizing candidate configurations relative to quantifiable secondary objectives with clear physical meanings. Clarity is addressed by using position, inertial, kinetic, and potential energy (gravity and deformation) based metrics that are crisply defined from system and input parameters. Scaling differences among derived performance metrics require normalization to determine their relative import and inclusion in multicriteria decision-making techniques. Large dimensional spaces mean statistically reduced representations are necessary to decipher their relative import and allow an operator without extensive robotic knowledge to use them effectively and independent of a redundancy resolution technique (RRT). We propose two global norms: the unit norm and the average norm for a broad set of performance criteria that quantify these systems' unique constraint, transmission, and energy characteristics. These norms are then used to select relevant criteria for operational decision-making based on intuitive operator commands instead of abstract mathematical notions. Additionally, a modified RRT is presented that is more robust with respect to changes during operation in the secondary objectives, which allows for greater flexibility when formulating new criteria. Results are illustrated using a variety of new and existing criteria on an anthropomorphic dual-arm system.
QoEScope: Adaptive IP service management for heterogeneous enterprise networks

In the recent years, a progressively growing number of computing and communication services have undertaken the migration from their conventional media to the new unified platform, IP networks. As a consequence, business success of service providers becomes largely determined by the effectiveness of their service management schemes, which require rapid identification of problems and resolution of network-related anomalies. However, this is a non-trivial task in heterogeneous enterprise networks due to service providers' invisibility of the health and performance of the underlying carrier network. In addition, the gap between quality of service (QoS) measurements reflecting network performance and quality of experience (QoE) metrics indicating user-perceived service quality further makes effective service management more challenging. In this paper, we present a unified service management system called QoEScope, which combines scalable end-to-end probing, accurate topology inference in the presence of implicit routers, adaptive bridging between QoS measurement and QoE metrics, and intelligent root cause analysis. Extensive testbed emulations and Internet experiments demonstrate that QoEScope is a highly practical and effective IP service management solution for heterogeneous enterprise networks.
CityCorps Editorial Introduction

This theme section of Space and Culture, titled “CityCorps,” stages an encounter between performance studies and urban studies with an eye toward opening new axes of collaboration between these dom...
The 5-Strand Hamstring Graft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

The use of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the pediatric and adolescent population has been increasing in recent years. Autograft hamstring graft is favored in this population, but these patients often have smaller hamstring tendons that yield smaller final graft constructs. These smaller grafts are associated with an increased need for revision surgery. We describe a technique for obtaining a larger-diameter anterior cruciate ligament graft construct from autologous hamstring graft without allograft supplementation.
Epistemic Injustice and Nurse Moral Distress Perspective for Policy Development

The focus of this article is epistemic injustice as an underlying explanation for the lack of communication associated with moral distress in frontline nurses who provide end-of-life care. Improvements in interprofessional collaboration and communication in this challenging area of practice are needed, as supported by research on moral distress and related studies. Policy development that addresses interprofessional practice inclusive of all healthcare providers, particularly frontline nurses, in deliberations about end-of-life treatment deliberations and decisions is proposed.
Multiresolution in Multiscale: A New Role for Wavelets

In the emerging field of multiscale systems, many practical problems in the physical and biological sciences require the simulation of signals at the molecular level or the merging of signals generated over large and different spatial and time scales. Computationally, the former is intractable for large-sized systems (hundreds of millions of atoms) over large time scales (micro to miliseconds) while the compounding of information over different scales presents unique challenges and opportunities for wavelet-based as also other techniques. While the multiresolution aspect of wavelets has been explored in this context, the generation of a formal, rigorous methodology that would govern their use in the understanding of interscale phenomena still exists as an open problem. The purpose here is to provide a brief elementary introduction to the multiscale problem, to introduce the role that wavelets and in particular the Compound Wavelet Matrix have played in the bridging of information across scales, and to suggest related areas for exploration. A few simple illustrative multiscale simulation examples where wavelets are used to bridge scales are shown.