cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community partners' responses to items assessing stakeholder engagement: Cognitive response testing in measure development.

Background Despite recognition of the importance of stakeholder input into research, there is a lack of validated measures to assess how well constituencies are engaged and their input integrated into research design. Measurement theory suggests that a community engagement measure should use clear and simple language and capture important components of underlying constructs, resulting in a valid measure that is accessible to a broad audience. Objective The primary objective of this study was to evaluate how community members understood and responded to a measure of community engagement developed to be reliable, valid, easily administered, and broadly usable. Method Cognitive response interviews were completed, during which participants described their reactions to items and how they processed them. Participants were asked to interpret item meaning, paraphrase items, and identify difficult or problematic terms and phrases, as well as provide any concerns with response options while responding to 16 of 32 survey items. Results The results of the cognitive response interviews of participants (N = 16) suggest concerns about plain language and literacy, clarity of question focus, and the lack of context clues to facilitate processing in response to items querying research experience. Minimal concerns were related to response options. Participants suggested changes in words and terms, as well as item structure. Conclusion Qualitative research can improve the validity and accessibility of measures that assess stakeholder experience of community-engaged research. The findings suggest wording and sentence structure changes that improve ability to assess implementation of community engagement and its impact on research outcomes.
Emerging Powers and the World Trading System: The Past and Future of International Economic Law

Victorious after World War II and the Cold War, the United States and its allies largely wrote the rules for international trade and investment. Yet, by 2020, it was the United States that became the great disrupter – disenchanted with the rules' constraints. Paradoxically, China, India, Brazil, and other emerging economies became stakeholders in and, at times, defenders of economic globalization and the rules regulating it. Emerging Powers and the World Trading System explains how this came to be and addresses the micropolitics of trade law – what has been developing under the surface of the business of trade through the practice of law, which has broad macro implications. This book provides a necessary complement to political and economic accounts for understanding why, at a time of hegemonic transition where economic security and geopolitics assume greater roles, the United States challenged, and emerging powers became defenders, of the legal order that the United States created.
Attitudes and the (dis)continuity between memory and imagination

The current dispute between causalists and simulationists in philosophy of memory has led to opposing attempts to characterize the relationship between memory and imagination. In a recent overview of this debate, Perrin and Michaelian (2017) have suggested that the dispute over the (dis)continuity between memory and imagination boils down to the question of whether a causal connection to a past event is necessary for remembering. By developing an argument based on an analogy to perception, I argue that this dispute should instead be viewed as a dispute about the nature of the attitudes involved in remembering and imagining. The focus on attitudes, rather than on causal connections, suggests a new way of conceiving of the relationship between memory and imagination that has been overlooked in recent philosophy of memory.
Detecting gravitational waves in data with non-stationary and non-Gaussian noise

Searches for gravitational waves crucially depend on exact signal processing of noisy strain data from gravitational wave detectors, which are known to exhibit significant nonstationary and non-Gaussian behavior. In this paper, we study two distinct effects in the LIGO/Virgo data that reduce the sensitivity of searches: first, variations in the noise power spectral density (PSD) on timescales of more than a few seconds; and second, loud and abrupt transient ``glitches'' of terrestrial or instrumental origin. We derive a simple procedure to correct, at first order, the effect of the variation in the PSD on the search background. Given the knowledge of the existence of localized glitches, in particular segments of data, we also develop a method to insulate statistical inference from these glitches, so as to cleanly excise them without affecting the search background in neighboring seconds. We show the importance of applying these methods on the publicly available LIGO data and estimate an increase in the detection volume of at least 15% from the PSD-drift correction alone, due to the improved background distribution.
A performance comparison between m-sequences and linear frequency-modulated sweeps for the estimation of travel-time with a moving source.

This manuscript discusses the utility of maximal period linear binary pseudorandom sequences [also referred to as m-sequences or maximum length sequences (MLSs)] and linear frequency-modulated (LFM) sweeps for the purpose of measuring travel-time in ocean-acoustic experiments involving moving sources. Signal design and waveform response to unknown Doppler (waveform dilation or scale factor) are reviewed. For this two-parameter estimation problem, the well-known wide-band ambiguity function indicates, and moving-source observations corroborate, a significant performance benefit from using MLS over LFM waveforms of similar time duration and bandwidth. The comparison is illustrated with a typical experimental setup of a source suspended aft of the R/V Sally Ride to a depth of∼10 m and towed at∼1 m/s speed. Accounting for constant source motion, the root mean square travel-time variability over a 30 min observation interval is 53 μs (MLS) and 141 μs (LFM). For these high signal-to-noise ratio channel impulse response data, LFM arrival-time fluctuations mostly appear random while MLS results exhibit structure believed to be consistent with source (i.e., towed transducer) dynamics. We conclude with a discussion on signal coherence with integration times up to 11 MLS waveform periods corresponding to ∼27 s.
The Relationship between Autoimmune Disease and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Wound Healing.

Objective To evaluate the role of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on wound healing outcomes of patients with autoimmune disease at our tertiary wound care center. Approach Retrospective review of patients presenting to our wound care center between 2014 and 2018 with both chronic wounds and a history of inflammatory disease. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and progression to complete wound healing were compared between those taking DMARDs or not at the time of wound onset. The study adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. Results 58 patients with a total of 296 wounds were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were taking at least one DMARD at wound onset in 217 (73.3%) of these wounds. The average number of DMARDs at wound onset was 1.5 (SD 1.2). 210 wounds progressed to heal (70.9%) with a median time to healing of 229.5 days (IQR 71.0-490.0). Of the 210 wounds that healed, patients taking at least one DMARD had a significantly shorter time to healing relative to patients who were not on any DMARDs (median 190.5 vs 340.0 days, p=0.0156). Innovation Characterizing wound healing outcomes at a tertiary hospital with a dedicated wound care center and analyzing the role of DMARDs in wound healing progression. Conclusions Chronic wounds are notoriously challenging to treat in the setting of autoimmune disease. The median time to healing in the studied cohort was 229.5 days, which is alarming when compared to patients with non-infected diabetic foot ulcers, who take a median time to heal of 30.8 days at our institution.10.
Lê Cycles and Numbers of Hypersurface Singularities

The Milnor number is the most important number associated to an isolated hypersurface singularity. It is an invariant of the ambient topological-type of the hypersurface, it is effectively algebraically calculable, it determines the homotopy-type of the Milnor fiber, and its constancy in a family implies that Thom’s \(A_f\) condition is satisfied and that the ambient topological-type of the hypersurface is constant (outside of possibly one dimension). In this survey, we will review results on the Le cycles and Le numbers—results which tell us the extent to which the Le numbers of a non-isolated hypersurface singularity are a good generalization of the Milnor number from the isolated case.
Oriole Furniture, Inc. (A)

This case first describes, in general terms, a fairly typical annual budgeting process for a division of a company. It then depicts, as of the end of May, the division's actual performance compared with where it should be. Based on where the division's results stand as of the end of May, students are asked to generate ideas regarding what to do during the remaining seven months in order to make budget.
Zero chirp asymmetric Fabry-Perot reflection electroabsorption modulator using coupled quantum well active region

Summary form only given. We discuss the experimental creation of asymmetric Fabry-Perot reflection modulators, which incorporate coupled quantum wells in the active region (cavity); yielding pure amplitude reflection modulators with a zero chirp parameter over the entire voltage swing (5 V bias). The asymmetric coupled quantum wells modulate absorption via the spatial separation of carriers [oscillator strength modulation (OSM)] which allows large changes in absorption with zero change in refractive index during switching.
Michael J. Manfredo, Jerry J. Vaske, Perry J. Brown, Daniel J. Decker, & Esther A. Duke. Wildlife and Society: The Science of Human Dimensions

Wildlife professionals tend to share a strong passion for conserving and protecting wildlife and their habitats. As a species, we show strong feelings for animals as pets and wildlife (Jacobs, 2009...
In Memoriam: Viktor Markovich Zhivov (1945-2013)

Этот выпуск журнала «Вивлиофика» является первым из серии выпусков, посвященных памяти и интеллектуальному влиянию Виктора Марковича Живова (1945-2013) на исследователей России 18 в. и русской культуры вообще. Среди авторов этого и последующих выпусков – коллеги, ученики, друзья, соавторы Виктора Марковича. Выпуск включает ряд статей, разрабатывающих разные аспекты изучения России 18 в., которые были близки и В.М. Живову, такие как карнавальная культура петровского времени (Б.А. Успенский), политическая идеология петровского двора и фигура Феофана Прокоповича (Б.П. Маслов), религия в творчестве Державина (И. Клейн), история лингвистической культуры людей 18 в. на примере «Vocabularia comparativa» (СПб., 1787-89). Этот номер журнала также включает оригинальный перевод одной из последних статей В.М. Живова, посвященной истории понятий, – «История понятий, история культуры, история общества», и наиболее полную на данный момент библиографию трудов В.М. Живова (Э.А. Зицер). This volume of Вивлiоѳика: E-Journal of Eighteenth-Century Russian Studies is the first of several anticipated issues dedicated to the memory and intellectual influence of the late Viktor Markovich Zhivov (1945-2013), particularly on the study of eighteenth-century Russian culture. The contributors to this and future commemorative issues include former collaborators, colleagues, students, and long-time professional associates. This issue includes articles on a number of aspects of Russian culture that were of interest to V. M. Zhivov, such as Petrine political ideology, both official (B. P. Maslov) and unofficial (B. A. Uspenskii); religious poetry (J. Klein); and the history of eighteenth-century Russian linguistic culture (H. Keipert). This issue also provides an original, English-language translation of one of Zhivov’s last essays (“История понятий, история культуры, история общества”), as well as the most complete bibliography to-date of V. M. Zhivov's publications (E. A. Zitser).
Feature space versus empirical kernel map and row kernel space in SVMs

In machine-learning technologies, the support vector machine (SV machine, SVM) is a brilliant invention with many merits, such as freedom from local minima, the widest possible margins separating different clusters, and a solid theoretical foundation. In this paper, we first explore the linear separability relationships between the high-dimensional feature space H and the empirical kernel map U as well as between H and the space of kernel outputs K. Second, we investigate the relations of the distances between separating hyperplanes and SVs in H and U, and derive an upper bound for the margin width in K. Third, as an application, we show experimentally that the separating hyperplane in H can be slightly adjusted through U. The experiments reveal that existing SVM training can linearly separate the data in H with considerable success. The results in this paper allow us to visualize the geometry of H by studying U and K.
Carbon-fiber micro-electrodes as substrates for mercury films

Abstract Conditions for mercury deposition at a cylindrical carbon-fiber micro-electrode are examined. A better construction of electrode body with a means of holding the fiber is described. Data obtained in thiocyanate and acetate buffer solutions suggest that in order to obtain linear dependence of the square-wave stripping peak on the mercury concentration, the deposit should not exceed a few monolayers. The surface inhomegeneity of the carbon fibers was confirmded by electron microscopy. The codeposition of lead(II) with mercury(II)_is described; the square-wave stripping peak increased linearly with lead concentration up to 4 μM. Cyclic staircase voltammograms showed enhanced response to lead(II) at a mercury-coated fiber.
HMGB1 induces human lung endothelial cell cytoskeletal rearrangement and barrier disruption

Acute lung injury (ALI) results from loss of alveolar-capillary barrier integrity and the evolution of high-permeability pulmonary edema resulting in alveolar flooding and significant morbidity and mortality. HMGB1 is a late mediator of sepsis which uniquely participates in the evolution of sepsis and sepsis-induced ALI. The molecular events by which HMGB1 contributes to ALI remain poorly characterized. We characterized the role of HMGB1 in endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeletal rearrangement and vascular permeability, events essential to paracellular gap formation and barrier dysfunction characteristic of ALI. Initial experiments demonstrated HMGB1-mediated dose-dependent (5-20 μg/ml) decreases in transendothelial cell electrical resistance (TER) in the human pulmonary artery EC, a reflection of loss of barrier integrity. Furthermore, HMGB1 produced dose-dependent increases in paracellular gap formation in concert with loss of peripheral organized actin fibers, dissociation of cell-cell junctional cadherins, and the development of central stress fibers, a phenotypic change associated with increased contractile activity and increased EC permeability. Using siRNA strategies directed against known HMGB1 receptors (RAGE, TLR2, TLR4), we systematically determined that the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is the primary receptor signaling HMGB1-induced TER decreases and paracellular gap formation via p38 MAP kinase activation and phosphorylation of the actin-binding protein, Hsp27. These studies add to the understanding of HMGB1-induced inflammatory events and vascular barrier disruption and offer the potential for clinical intervention in sepsis-induced ALI.
CFD Predictions of Film Cooling Adiabatic Effectiveness for Cylindrical Holes Embedded in Narrow and Wide Transverse Trenches

Recent studies have shown that film cooling adiabatic effectiveness can be significantly improved when holes are embedded in shallow, transverse trenches. In this study computational simulations were made using the commercial CFD code FLUENT to determine if the dramatic improvement in film cooling performance was predictable. Simulations were made of a baseline cylindrical hole configuration, and narrow and wide trench configurations. Simulations correctly predicted that the narrow trench outperformed the baseline row of cylindrical holes and the wide trench at all blowing ratios. Furthermore, the simulations showed that enhanced performance with the trench could be attributed to decreased separation of the coolant jets. The success of these predictions show that computational simulations can be used as a tool for studying and identifying promising film cooling configurations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Influence of two liquid crystalline polysiloxanes with different average molecular weight as new β -nucleator on crystallization structure of isotactic polypropylene

Two liquid crystalline polymers (LC-N1 and LC-N2) with different average molecular weight were designed and synthesized as a new β-nucleator in isotactic polypropylene (iPP). The main aim of this work was to investigate the influence of LC-N1 and LC-N2 on the crystallization structure and β nucleating activity of the iPP with wide angle X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy. The β nucleation activity not only depended on the nucleator content, mesogenic molecular structure, and thermal processing history, but also on average molecular weight of the liquid crystalline polymers. LC-N1 or LC-N2 has been found to be an effective β-nucleator for the iPP. The experimental results indicated the relative content of β-crystal first increased and then decreased with increasing the nucleator content or crystallization temperature. The addition of LC-N1 or LC-N2 could provide a large number of nuclei, enhance the crystallization rate, reduce the spherulite size, and lead to a more uniform morphology; moreover, the colorful β-crystal was also induced. In addition, LC-N2 with higher average molecular weight is more effective than LC-N1 in inducing β heterogeneous nucleation under same crystallization conditions.
Drunkenness, feeling the effects and 5+ measures.

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to compare changes in the definitions of drunkenness and feeling the effects of drinking between 1979 and 1995 in US surveys, and compare three measures of heavier drinking as predictors of negative consequences of heavier alcohol use. DESIGN: A trend analysis using the 1979 (N = 1772) and 1995 (N = 2178) US National Alcohol Surveys and a cross-sectional analysis using only the 1995 National Alcohol Survey. PARTICIPANTS: The analysis included only those respondents who reported consuming alcohol in the last year. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews. MEASUREMENTS: Three measures of heavier drinking were obtained in each survey: frequency of drunkenness, frequency of feeling the effects of alcohol and frequency drinking five or more drinks on one day. The three outcome measures were derived as indices of social consequences, alcohol dependence symptoms and alcohol-related harm. FINDINGS: Significantly higher proportions of respondents reported being drunk or feeling the effects of alcohol in 1995, and they also reported a lower number of drinks needed to become drunk (8.2 vs. 6.3 drinks) and to feel the effects (4.7 vs. 4.0 drinks). Frequency of drunkenness was found to be the best predictor of social consequences, alcohol dependence symptoms and alcohol-related harm. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to some of the cultural shifts that have occurred in the United States during this "drying" period and the importance of considering more subjective measures of heavier drinking to assess risk. Language: en
IMMUNOELECTROPHORETIC STUDIES OF RAT SOMATOMEDIN

Serum was collected from hypophysectomized rat (HyR) 30 min. after an I.V. injection of hGH. The serum was used to prepare an antiserum (AS) in a rabbit. AS was adsorbed with lyophilized HyR serum (5 mg/ml) and centrifuged to obtain adsorbed antiserum (AAS). Immunoelectrophoresis (pH 9.5) using AS produced a number of lines with normal, HyR serum and Hy + hormone-treated serum but no line with hGH or insulin. AAS did not react with HyR serum but produced a single identical line (at beta globulin) with normal or Hy + GH treated serum. This precipitin line which was also present when whole AS was used may correspond to somatomedin produced in response to hGH. A similar and identical precipitin line was obtained with HyR + bGH treated serum but not with normal human serum. These results suggest that (1) hGH and bGH produce immunologically similar somatomedin(s) in the rat, (2) human somatomedin is immunologically different from rat somatomedin. This laboratory has already shown differences in the kinetics of bGH and hGH uptake by human liver slices.
Evidence for HIV weakening over time.

Payne et al. (1) present evidence that HIV may be evolving into a less virulent form over time. Central to this evidence is a documented difference in the results from an in vitro assay measuring HIV replication capacity in the two populations studied (in Botswana and South Africa). Because there are significant cross-sectional correlations between the results of this assay and viral load and CD4 counts, Payne et al. (1) suggest that the significantly lower HIV replication capacity documented in study participants in Botswana can be equated to slower disease progression from HIV infection to AIDS and death.
MO‐A‐I‐618‐01: What the Medical Physicist Needs to Know and Do in Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Both diagnostic and therapeutic applications of stereotactic mammography will be discussed. An overview of the American College of Radiology's Breast Biopsy Accreditation Program will be presented along with the recommendations of the associated ACR Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Quality Control Manual. Patient dose issues will be covered, including manufacturer recommendations for image receptor exposure levels, guidance for establishing a technique chart for 512 and 1024 images, and advice on identification of over‐ and under‐exposed images, and the influence of kVp and mAs on dose and image quality. The application of stereotactic digital imaging to interstitial breast brachytherapy will be discussed. Educational Objectives: 1. Review ACR Accreditation recommendations for QC testing of stereotactic breast biopsy units. 2. Become familiar with recognizing proper exposure levels and with setting up technique charts for appropriate image quality. 3. Become familiar with the application of stereotactic digital image to interstitial breast brachytherapy.
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy alone or combined with sertraline in the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Background To examine the efficacy of sequential sertraline and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment relative to CBT with pill placebo over 18 weeks in children and adolescents with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods Forty-seven children and adolescents with OCD (Range = 7–17 years) were randomized to 18-weeks of treatment in one of three arms: 1) sertraline at standard dosing + CBT (RegSert + CBT); 2) sertraline titrated slowly but achieving at least 8 weeks on the maximally tolerated daily dose + CBT (SloSert + CBT); or 3) pill placebo + CBT (PBO + CBT). Assessments were conducted at screening, baseline, weeks 1–9, 13, and 17, and post-treatment. Raters and clinicians were blinded to sertraline (but not CBT) randomization status. Primary outcomes included the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale, and response and remission status. Secondary outcomes included the Child Obsessive Compulsive Impact Scale–Parent/Child, Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and Clinical-Global Impressions-Severity. Results All groups exhibited large within-group effects across outcomes. There was no group by time interaction across all outcomes suggesting that group changes over time were comparable. Conclusions Among youth with OCD, there was no evidence that sequentially provided sertraline with CBT differed from those receiving placebo with CBT. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00382291 .
The relations between race, family characteristics, and where students apply to college

Abstract This paper examines the impact of race, family background, and parental investments on a behavioral manifestation of educational expectations: where students apply to college. Submitting an application to colleges is an important step in the transition to college because the majority of four-year colleges require students to apply before enrolling. This paper documents the effects of social origins on the selectivity of where high school seniors applied, based on a national sample from the class of 2004. The results show general support for the contention that social background and parental investments influence where students apply to college. Minority students are more likely to apply to selective colleges than comparable white students. Parental education is positively associated with the selectivity of the college to which students apply. Family structure and sibship size, however, are not associated with applying to a selective college. Parental economic and interactional investments are also associated with where students apply to college. I further examine the interplay between family background and race and find that family background exerts a uniform influence on where students apply irrespective of race and ethnic origin.
U.S. Foreign Economic Policy and Illegal Immigration

It is often suggested that the most effective policy for the United States, if it wishes to curtail illegal immigration from nearby countries, is to manipulate foreign economic instruments to support their economic development. The Reagan administration's Caribbean Basin Initiative is responsive to this approach in its proposals for increased aid and trade and tax preferences for beneficiary countries. Analysis of U.S. trade, investment, and aid relations with migrant-sending countries leads to the conclusion that these preferences could have a marginal impact on job creation in these countries, but there is no assurance that a modest rise in economic opportunity will lead to a decrease in emigration in the foreseeable future. In addition, preferential trade and tax treatment for some countries involves a departure from U.S. policy and would lead to a clamor for equal treatment by other countries.
Okadaic acid interferes with lipoprotein-supported corticosterone production in adrenal cells.

Abstract Rat adrenocortical cells in culture respond to stimulation by ACTH alone (15 fold over basal) and to ACTH + added lipoproteins (as an exogeneous source of cholesterol), with an additional 25–30 fold rise in steroidogenesis. With the addition of okadaic acid (OKA, 100 nM), a potent protein phosphatase inhibitor, the lipoprotein-induced rise in steroidogenesis is blocked. If 20 α-hydroxycholesterol is provided instead of lipoprotein-cholesterol, OKA has no effect suggesting that OKA affects only actively transported cholesterol. Since the OKA block is preceded by specific morphological changes in the cell (i.e., the loss of Golgi-associated microtubules followed by the disruption of the Golgi apparatus itself), it is hypothesized that some OKA-sensitive phosphoprotein associated with the microtubule/Golgi network of adrenocortical cells is critical for lipoprotein-derived cholesterol uptake and/or transport during steroidogenesis.
The Value of Production Schedule Integration in Supply Chains

This study explores the value of integrated production schedules for reducing the negative effects of schedule revisions in supply chains involving buyer and supplier firms. A stochastic cost model is developed to evaluate the total supply chain cost with integrated purchasing and scheduling policies. The model minimizes the costs associated with assembly rate adjustment, safety stock, and schedule changes for all supply chain members. Through experimentation, the paper examines the impact of several environmental factors on the value of schedule integration. This study finds that schedule integration can lead to overall cost savings in a supply chain, but some firms may have to absorb costs in excess of those they would incur with independent scheduling. Environments with high inventory holding costs and long supplier lead times may not find it beneficial to adopt an integrated schedule. Forecast effectiveness plays a critical role in realizing the benefits of schedule integration. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
Parameter sensitivity of a model of viral epidemics simulated with Monte Carlo techniques. IV. Parametric ranges and optimization

A model is presented of the spread of influenza into and within a nursing home. To use this model for studies involving surveillance and vaccine efficacy, it is necessary to estimate optimal ranges of a group of parameters. Attempts to do so by manual methods proved unsatisfactory. Initial use of the methods presented in the previous three papers of this series led to points that were also unsatisfactory. However, by noting which parameters were placed at the outer surface of the chosen hypervolume, it was possible to choose new ranges and to select an optimal point in hyperspace that satisfied the epidemiologically preselected characteristics.
The use of limestone-filled basket samplers for collecting reservoir macroinvertebrates

Abstract Limestone-filled basket samplers were suspended in a southern Oklahoma reservoir to determine macroinvertebrate colonization potentials and optimum sampling depth for the collection of the greatest diversity of organisms. Duplicate samplers were placed near the surface, 4-ft and 8-ft depths at four separate sampling stations. The optimum sampling depth was found to be near the surface at all stations. Samples suspended side by side yielded results which were in agreement. Statistically significant differences in the relative abundance of macroinvertebrates that inhabited the samplers were found between the surface samples and the 4- and 8-ft samples.
The spatial extent of producer service markets: Hierarchical models of interaction revisited

The traditional view of interaction in spatial markets has been challenged by recent studies of producer service trade in the space economy. These studies find that although city-size and distance influence the direction and spatial extent of interaction, patterns of trade oftentimes counter expectations as trade flows up the urban hierarchy and across large distances. This paper seeks to determine whether the ownership structure of establishments contributes to deviations from the traditional model of hierarchical interaction. Using trade data obtained from surveys of 547 producer service establishments, patterns of trade originating from a five-tier urban hierarchy are examined empirically and evaluated using spatial survivor functions and logit models. The results indicate that the ownership structure of establishments contributes significantly to deviations from expected patterns of interaction. Independently owned establishments have smaller spatial markets and interact more often with smaller sized cities. Nonindependently owned establishments, in contrast, trade down and up the urban hierarchy in a manner much less sensitive to distance.
Monte carlo computation of turbulent premixed methane-air ignition

A one-dimensional time dependent monte Carlo numerical computation of sparkignited premixed flames propagating in isotropic turbulence is described. The Monte Carlo method is a statistical fluid particle tracking method for modeling turbulence. The presumed method uses the probability distribution function (PDF) method in order to avoid full solution of the flow equations. The model simulates flame propagation in a homogenous, turbulent environment by prescribing Gaussian distributions of the PDFs of fluctuating velocity and fuel concentration. The current model is unique in that it does not require the modeling of complex chemistry or sophisticated, and costly, flow solvers. Solutions have been obtained for the early phase spark ignition of a lean gaseous mixture of methane-air in a turbulent, spherically-symmetric environment. The simple, yet robust, Monte Carlo method correctly predicts such trends as the increase in turbulent flame propagation speed with increasing turbulence intensity. Turbulent flame speeds are in good agreement with experimental and numerical values reported in the literature. An expression correlating the turbulent flame speed and the rate of speed fluctuations compares well with correlations of other researchers.
Jejunal diverticulosis and a large polyp causing abdominal pain, weight loss initially diagnosed as bacterial overgrowth

Jejunal diverticulosis and a large polyp causing abdominal pain, weight loss initially diagnosed as bacterial overgrowth
The Consistency Argument for Ranking Functions

The paper provides an argument for the thesis that an agent’s degrees of disbelief should obey the ranking calculus. This Consistency Argument is based on the Consistency Theorem. The latter says that an agent’s belief set is and will always be consistent and deductively closed iff her degrees of entrenchment satisfy the ranking axioms and are updated according to the ranktheoretic update rules.
Torrefaction of woody biomass (Juniper and Mesquite) using inert and non-inert gases

Abstract Torrefaction has been shown to be a viable pre-treatment process for thermally upgrading biomass and making it better suited for use as a fuel. Results are presented here from the torrefaction of two different woody biomass (Mesquite and Juniper) using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Samples were torrefied in two different mediums (Nitrogen and Carbon-dioxide) to investigate the impact of inert and non-inert gases on the thermal degradation of the biomass, specifically mass loss as well as the breakdown of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. A wide range of torrefaction temperatures ranging from 200 to 300 °C was investigated at a single residence time. TGA thermograms showed increased amounts of weight loss when the biomass was torrefied in a Carbon-dioxide environment compared to inert environments, while derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTA) showed a drop in the peak rate of hemicellulose and cellulose weight loss when using Carbon-dioxide as the torrefaction medium. Fuel properties analysis of samples subjected to a mild torrefaction process (240 °C) showed increases in ash and fixed carbon content of the biomass, independent of torrefaction medium. Furthermore, comparison of the grindability of raw and torrefied samples showed torrefaction in a Carbon-dioxide environment further improved the grindability of the torrefied biomass. The effect of inert and non-inert torrefaction mediums on the volatile species (CO 2 , CO, CH 4 , and C 2 H 6 ) released from torrefied Mesquite during pyrolysis was further investigated via TGA–FTIR analysis.
Are emergency departments appropriately treating adolescent pelvic inflammatory disease

Of the almost 1 million annually diagnosed cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), 20% occur among adolescents.1 Because reproductive health complaints are the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits among adolescent females, it is critical that ED providers are knowledgeable about the diagnosis and treatment of PID. The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PID treatment guidelines among a nationally representative sample of adolescent ED PID visits.
EXTRA INTRACAVITY SQUEEZING OF A DEGENERATE OPTICAL PARAMETRIC OSCILLATOR COUPLING WITH N TWO-LEVEL ATOMS

Although an ideal degenerate optical parametric oscillator (DOPO) can generate perfect squeezing at the output of a one-sided optical cavity when operating just below threshold, its intracavity squeezing is limited to less than one-half (50%) of its perfect value. However, when two-level atoms are introduced into the DOPO cavity, the amount of intracavity squeezing can be enhanced, from its maximum value of 50%, to a maximum value of 75% in the good-cavity limit due to the strong interaction between the two-level atoms and the subharmonic field mode. This extra intracavity squeezing is significant in studying spectroscopy of atoms interacting with a squeezed field mode inside an optical cavity.
Fulbrights abroad in computer science

The Fulbright Scholar Program is the flagship academic exchange program of the U.S. Department of State; approximately 1,100 American scholars travel worldwide annually to lecture and conduct research. The program is open to all U.S. citizens with university teaching experience and a Ph.D. or equivalent professional/terminal degree. Opportunities for Computer Science educators to win Fulbright scholarships are many. The goal of this panel is to inform the community of computer science educators about the Fulbright program, including the application process, and to answer questions about the program. After an introduction to the program at large, the panelists will each give a 10-15 minute overview of their personal experience as a Fulbright scholar in 2011-2012, leaving ample time for questions from educators considering applying for a Fulbright scholarship. The panelists will offer diverse perspectives based on their experiences in India, Zambia, and Siberia.
A theoretical study of the electronic transition moment for the C2 Swan band system

Large-scale self-consistent-field plus configuration-interaction calculations have been performed for the a 3Pi u and d 3Pi g states of C2. The theoretical potential curves are in good agreement with those found by a Klein-Dunham analysis of measured molecular constants in terms of shape and excitation energy. The sum of the squares of the theoretical transition moments between the states at 2.44 bohr is 4.12 a.u. which agrees with the results of shock tube measurements. The variation in the sum of the squares of the theoretical moments with internuclear separation agrees with the values of Danylewych and Nicholls (1974). Based on the data for C2 and mother molecules, it is suggested that CI calculations using near Hartree-Fock quality Slater basis sets produce highly reliable transition moments.
Learning shared body plans

We cast the problem of recognizing related categories as a unified learning and structured prediction problem with shared body plans. When provided with detailed annotations of objects and their parts, these body plans model objects in terms of shared parts and layouts, simultaneously capturing a variety of categories in varied poses. We can use these body plans to jointly train many detectors in a shared framework with structured learning, leading to significant gains for each supervised task. Using our model, we can provide detailed predictions of objects and their parts for both familiar and unfamiliar categories.
Asynchronous and distributed process improvement: the role of collaborative technologies

The recent proliferation of low-cost computer networks has driven the development of a new type of organization, in which geographical and time con- straints to collaboration among process teams have been gradually removed. As these organizations have to cope with a fast pace of change, they rely increas- ingly on distributed and asynchronous process improvement (PI) groups to redesign their processes. Yet little is known about the effects of asynchronous group support systems (GSSs) on PI groups. We investigate the effects of asyn- chronous GSSs on PI groups through a two-stage action research study of 38 such groups in three organizations, one in Brazil and two in New Zealand, over 4 years and 4 months. Different PI groups voluntarily conducted all, part or none of their communication through an e-mail conferencing (EC) tool. The research sug- gests that EC support causes a decrease in the organizational costs associated with PI groups, which, combined with an increase in the number of possible simul- taneous PI groups, generates an increase in overall organizational PI efficiency. The research also suggests a neutral overall effect of EC support on PI group outcome quality. Two explanatory causal models summarizing these effects are developed, and implications for research and industry practice are discussed.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-a-Induced Lung Injury and Its Modulation by Synthetic Polynucleotide: A Physiologic-Morphometric Analysis

Poly:C, a potent interferon (IFN) inducer, protects the isolated perfused lung (IPL) against platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced injury. Because the release of PAF is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), this study was designed to measure the effects of polyhC on TNF-induced lung inflammation and injury. TNF (2.5 μg/kg) was administered to rabbits intravenously as continuous infusion over 2 h. Poly:C was given intraperitoneally 16 h before TNF infusion. The rabbits were then anesthetized and sacrificed, and the lungs were ventilated with 20% O2 + 5% CO2 and perfused with buffer for 60 min. hung weight gain was recorded continuously. After perfusion, lungs were inflation fixed for light and electron microscopy with morphometric analysis. Four groups of rabbit lungs were studied: (1) control; (2) poly:C; (3) TNF, and (4) poly:C + TNF. Lungs in the TNF group showed increased weight gain (15.4 ± 2.4 g/h vs. 7.1 ± 0.5 g/h in controls, p = .02) and increased volume of inflammatory cells (261% of cont...
Injection of recombinant human type VII collagen restores collagen function in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a family of inherited mechano-bullous disorders that are caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene and for which ex vivo gene therapy has been considered. To develop a simpler approach for treating DEB, we evaluated the feasibility of protein-based therapy by intradermally injecting human recombinant type VII collagen into mouse skin and a DEB human skin equivalent transplanted onto mice. The injected collagen localized to the basement membrane zone of both types of tissues, was organized into human anchoring fibril structures and reversed the features of DEB disease in the DEB skin equivalent.
A national survey of evolving management patterns for vascular injury.

Background The modern era has witnessed an increase in endovascular techniques used by physicians to treat vascular injury and age-related disease. As a consequence, the number of open vascular operations available for general surgical education has decreased dramatically. This changing paradigm threatens competence in vascular injury management achieved during surgical residency. The objective of this study is to sample perceptions on vascular injury treatment in the United States to highlight the need for planning for this important tenant of surgical education. Methods An electronic survey was extended to board-certified surgeons through 3 professional societies, the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society (PVSS), the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), and the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Results A total of 520 respondents were self-categorized as trauma (59%; n = 307), vascular (17%; n = 90), or general (19%; n = 99) surgeons. Respondents reported that general surgeons currently manage less than 10% of vascular injuries at their respective institutions. A 2.5-fold increase in endovascular treatment of vascular injury during the past decade was reported with interventional radiologists now involved in the management of up to 25% of injuries. Few general or trauma surgeons surveyed possessed a catheter-based skill set, although 38% of trauma surgeons expressed great interest in endovascular training. Additionally, a cadre of vascular surgeons (67%) affirmed a commitment to teaching vascular injury management. Conclusions The results of this study confirm a diminished role for non–fellowship-trained surgeons in managing vascular injury. Despite an increased acceptance of endovascular techniques to manage trauma, general and trauma surgeons do not possess the skill set. Collaboration between surgical communities will be especially important to maintain high standards in vascular injury management.
Effects of wind shear on pollution dispersion

Abstract Using an accurate numerical method for simulating the advection and diffusion of pollution puffs, it is demonstrated that point releases of pollution grow into a shape reflecting the vertical wind shear profile experienced by the puff within a time scale less than 4 h. For distances beyond several 10 s of kilometers from a release point, shear-related dispersion effects are probably the dominant mechanism affecting the area and magnitude of surface impacts. For assessing long-range pollutant dispersion, the common assumption that pollutants disperse as horizontally spherical “puffs” in the atmosphere is inherently inaccurate since shear-induced horizontal spreading of pollution is not a homogeneous “turbulent-like” diffusion process. A Lagrangian puff model can simulate an area impacted by a pollution puff only if larger shear-dependent horizontal puff dispersions are assumed. However, even if impacted areas are reasonably simulated, peak concentrations will be severely underestimated since atmospheric puffs influenced by even small amounts of wind shear are nonspherical. If horizontal dispersion coefficients in a Lagrangian puff model are adjusted so that peak concentrations are correctly simulated, then the calculated pollution impact area will be severely skewed. In shear environments, no choice of horizontal dispersion coefficients in a single-puff Lagrangian model will yield reasonable correlations with puffs that are skewed into nonspherical shapes by atmospheric wind shear.
Comparison of composite and amalgam in posterior teeth of children.

Abstract Composite resin has been approved as an acceptable alternative for amalgam particularly in primary teeth. In this study an experimental composite (H-120) and an amalgam (Sybralloy) were placed in 152 Class I and II preparations in primary molars and 183 Class I preparations in first permanent molars of 41 children. The restorations were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months using the USPHS system. Except for wear there was little difference in the clinical performance of the composite and amalgam at 24 months. Wear was greater in the composite than the amalgam, particularly in permanent tooth restorations. An equal number of failures (four) occurred with the 2 materials, but the composite failed in 2 permanent tooth restorations whereas the amalgam failed only in the primary teeth. The performance of H-120 was compared to a previous study of Ful-Fil in primary molars. Results were similar except H-120 matched the tooth better but Ful-Fil exhibited less wear. Because of excessive wear in permanent teeth, the results of this study suggest that H-120 can not be recommended as a restorative material in permanent posterior teeth of children.
On the inversion of eigenvalue problems.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to draw attention to an apparently forgotten paper ( 1 ) on the inverse scattering problem in quantum mechanics and to add some generalizations and explanations. In the enormous literature ( 2, 3 ) which in the course of 15 years has grown up around this problem, nobody appears to have taken advantage of the simple principles on which that paper was based. Several inconveniences and some weak points of current theories are pointed out.
Multiple calcium channels and neuronal function

Recent investigations have demonstrated that neurons have a number of different types of calcium channels, each with their own unique properties and pharmacology. These calcium channels may be important in the control of different aspects of nerve activity. Some of the possibilities can now be discussed.