cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Layered caching for heterogeneous storage

In modern data-centric wireless networks, caching alleviates severe capacity crunch at times of high network load. Recent results have shown that careful design of cache storage to leverage coded multicast file delivery over a shared link can achieve order-wise improvements in the storage-rate trade-off. In this work, we present a novel caching and delivery scheme for the case when users have heterogeneous cache sizes. The proposed scheme uses two new ingredients namely set partitioning and cache layering. The main challenge in designing caching schemes in presence of storage heterogeneity is that varying levels of storage across users can present a variety of caching and multicasting opportunities. Our framework of cache layering and set partitioning is a principled approach to utilize such opportunities, where each layer delivers a fraction of requested data to a specific set of users and layers operate independently of each other. We also derive an information-theoretic lower bound for the heterogeneous caching problem.
Predictors of biochemical recurrence after primary focal cryosurgery (hemiablation) for localized prostate cancer: A multi-institutional analytic comparison of Phoenix and Stuttgart criteria

Abstract Background The Phoenix definition (PD) and Stuttgart definition (SD) designed to determine biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with postradiotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound organ-confined prostate cancer are being applied to follow patients after cryosurgery. We sought to identify predictors of BCR using the PD and SD criteria in patients who underwent primary focal cryosurgery (PFC). Materials and methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent PFC (hemiablation) at 2 referral centers from 2000 to 2014. Patients were followed up with serial prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA levels, pre- and post-PFC biopsy, Gleason scores, number of positive cores, and BCR (PD = [PSA nadir+2 ng/ml]; SD = [PSA nadir+1.2 ng/ml]) were recorded. Patients who experienced BCR were biopsied, monitored carefully or treated at the discretion of the treating urologist. Cox regression and survival analyses were performed to assess time to BCR using PD and SD. Results A total of 163 patients were included with a median follow-up of 36.6 (interquartile range: 18.9–56.4) months. In all, 64 (39.5%) and 98 (60.5%) experienced BCR based on PD and SD, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression, the number of positive pre-PFC biopsy cores was an independent predictor of both PD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4, P = 0.001) and SD (HR = 1.3, P = 0.006) BCRs. Post-PFC PSA nadir was an independent predictor of BCR using the PD (HR = 2.2, P = 0.024) but not SD (HR = 1.4, P = 0.181). Survival analysis demonstrated a 3-year BCR-free survival rate of 56% and 36% for PD and SD, respectively. Of those biopsied after BCR, 14/26 (53.8%) using the PD and 18/35 (51.4%) using the SD were found to have residual/recurrent cancer. Of those with prostate cancer on post-PFC biopsy, 57.1% of those with BCR by the PD and 66.7% of those with BCR by the SD were found to have a Gleason score ≥7. Conclusion Both the PD and the SD may be used to determine BCR in post-PFC patients. However, the ideal definition of BCR after PFC remains to be elucidated.
Warm and Humidified Versus Cold and Dry CO2 Pneumoperitoneum in Minimally Invasive Colon Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction. Peritoneal insufflation with warm-humidified (WH) CO2 gas during minimally invasive surgical procedures is purported to prevent hypothermia and peritoneal desiccation and is associated with decreased postoperative IL-6 levels. This randomized study’s purpose was to determine the clinical impact of WH versus cold-dry (CD) CO2 in minimally invasive colon resection (MICR), and to assess perioperative plasma levels of IL-6, TIMP-1, sVEGF-R1, and HSP-70 after MICR. Methods. Operative and short-term clinical data plus perioperative blood samples were collected on MICR patients randomized to receive either WH (36.7°C, 95% humidity) or CD (room temperature, 0% humidity) CO2 perioperatively. Peritoneal biopsies were taken at the start and end of surgery. Outcomes tracked included core temperature, postoperative in-hospital pain levels, analgesia requirements, and standard recovery parameters. Preoperative and postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3 plasma protein levels were determined via ELISA. Results. ...
STUDIES OF THE SPECIFICITY OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEASE I. II. HYDROLYSIS OF OLIGONUCLEOTIDES CARRYING A MONOESTERIFIED PHOSPHATE ON CARBON 3

When the oligonucleotides obtained by the digestion of desoxyribonucleic acid by splenic desoxyribonuclease are subjected to digestion by pancreatic desoxyribonuclease, neither nucleosides nor mononucleotides are among the products, but mononucleoside 3', 5' -diphosphates are present. This suggests that monoesterified phosphate in position 3' labilizes the preceding internucleotide linkage while monoesterified phosphate or free hydroxyl in position 5' makes the following linkage resistant. The predominant products are dinucleotides and their derivatives, suggesting that they represent the ultimate product of the reaction. Increased hydrolysis can be achieved both by removal of products and increased enzyme concentration. (auth)
Diagnostic yield and accuracy of a new cytology brush design compared to standard brush cytology for evaluation of biliary strictures.

Background The sensitivity of brush cytology for biliary strictures has typically been low, usually 30%-60%. We compared the cellular yield and diagnostic accuracy using a new cytology brush (n = 16) versus standard biliary brushings (n = 16) in 32 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brushings for evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy. Methods We performed retrospective chart reviews of 16 consecutive ERCPs with brushings performed for the cytologic evaluation of a biliary stricture for malignancy using the new cytology brush between January 2016 and February 2017 at our institution. Our control cohort was 16 consecutive ERCP cases performed for the same indication directly preceding the availability of the new cytology brush. Results The biliary brushing cases performed using the new cytology brush demonstrated a significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative ×20 field compared with cases using the standard brush (mean 24.6 versus 14.4, P = .03). This trend continued when assessing large (>50 cells) clusters (mean 5.8 vs. 3.3, P = .02) and medium (6-49 cells) clusters (11.1 vs. 5.8, P = .03). Nonetheless, there were no statistically significant differences with regards to diagnostic accuracy for the new cytology brush versus standard biliary brushings. Conclusion We found that the Infinity brush significantly increased diagnostic yield with regards to total cell clusters, large (>50 cells) clusters, and medium (6-49 cells) clusters, however, this did not lead to increased diagnostic accuracy overall. Further studies of this and other brush designs are warranted to optimize biliary brushing specimens.
Private Higher Education in Africa: Old Realities and Emerging Trends

The growth of private higher education in Africa has been driven by factors such as burgeoning demand that could not be met by the public sector and policy inﬂuences as Structural Adjustment Programmes that promoted privatisation in the 1980s and beyond. In the past three decades, the continent’s private higher education institutions have exhibited diﬀerent growth trajectories. Variations are also evident in their policies and the quality of their oﬀerings. However, the variation and incremental growth of this sector is not adequately captured in the extant literature. This article investigates Africa’s private higher education sector based on past and emerging realities and argues that the sector exhibits nuances that have not received sufcient attention due to excessive stereotyping of PHE in Africa and elsewhere. Understanding these diﬀerences, which are sometimes described as ‘exceptions’, is a prerequisite for developing a comprehensive conceptualisation of current tapestries and future trends. The article begins by examining the major features of global private higher education and proceeds to Africa with its major focus on emerging trends within the continent. Des facteurs comme la demande croissante qui ne pouvait etre absorbee par le secteur public et les inﬂuences politiques des Programmes d’Ajustement Structurel qui ont promu la privatisation pendant les annees 80 et apres sont a l’origine de la croissance de l’enseignement superieur prive en Afrique. Pendant les trois dernieres decennies, les institutions privees d’enseignement superieur ont presente diﬀerentes trajectoires de croissance. Des diﬀerences sont aussi observables quant a leurs politiques et a la qualite de leur oﬀre. Cependant, la variete et la croissance progressive de ce secteur ne sont pas correctement reﬂetees dans la litterature existante. Cet article examine le secteur de l’enseignement superieur prive en Afrique a partir de realites anciennes et nouvelles et soutient que les nuances de ce secteur n’ont pas recu une attention sufsante a cause des stereotypes excessifs auxquels fait face l’enseignement superieur prive en Afrique et ailleurs. Comprendre ces diﬀerences, qui sont parfois categorisees comme des exceptions, est un prerequis pour pouvoir conceptualiser de maniere comprehensive le contexte actuel et les tendances futures. Cet article commence par analyser les caracteristiques principales de l’enseignement prive mondial avant de se focaliser sur l’Afrique avec une attention toute particuliere pour les tendances emergentes sur le continent.
Draft Genome Sequences of Megaplasmid-Bearing Streptomyces sp. Strains BF-3 and 4F, Isolated from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma.

ABSTRACT Draft genome sequences of megaplasmid-bearing Streptomyces sp. strains BF-3 and 4F, isolated from the Great Salt Plains of Oklahoma, showed genome sizes of 7,950,134 and 7,550,992 bp, respectively. Both genomes revealed the presence of genes involved in osmoregulation and stress response, potentially helping their survival in such an extreme environment.
Nuit Debout| Strange Speech: Structures of Listening in Nuit Debout, Occupy, and 15M

Practices and techniques of listening were at the core of recent social movements that explicitly espoused horizontal direct democracy: 15M, Occupy Wall Street, and Nuit Debout. These movements sought to imagine nonhierarchical structures through which large groups of strangers could speak and listen to each other, considering seriously the coconstruction of communicative form and political values. Drawing on participant observation; 23 long-form interviews with social movement actors in Paris, Madrid, and New York City; and texts such as video documentation and “best practices” literature, this article performs a comparative analysis of internal assembly communications—particularly bodily mediated methods of transmitting and perceiving spoken language—and their relationships to deliberation and decision making. All of these movements struggled to reconcile the mandate to listen with the material and infrastructural challenges of autonomous public space. Nuit Debout’s strong commitment to accommodating those who could not comfortably participate in an occupation (day laborers, sans-papiers , disabled, etc.) caused its internal communication practices to differ in its attempts to conserve time and to prioritize translation.
Initial operations experience and results from the Juno gravity experiment

Radio communications between the Juno spacecraft, in orbit around Jupiter, and the Earth-based observing stations of NASA's Deep Space Network enable measurements of the Doppler shift induced on the radio signals by Juno's motion in the Jovian environment. This measurement of the Doppler shift improves the knowledge of Jupiter's gravitational field. As a radio science instrument, Juno's gravity science instrument utilizes a ground component at the Deep Space Network's DSS-25 antenna, equipped with simultaneous dual X- and Ka-band transmitters and receivers, and a spacecraft component, which includes X- and Ka-band transponders to relay the transmitted signal back to Earth. Originally planned to be in 14-day orbits around Jupiter, a risk identified in the propulsion system led to the decision to stay in the 53-day orbit period. Rapid turnaround of observation planning led to successful near-term perijove passes. Although maintaining a 53-day orbit period provides a scientific benefit to the gravity science investigation, the longer orbit period further increases the large dynamic range in Doppler shift and pointing angles induced by the geometry of each perijove. Between entering orbit at Jupiter on July 5, 2016 and September 2017, the Juno spacecraft has executed eight closest approach periods every 53 days where science data was collected. The first five perijove passes were conducted in different telecom configurations, each presenting unique challenges in data collection and processing. Perijoves PJ-01, PJ-02, PJ-03, and PJ-06 utilized the high-gain antenna and various configurations of the X- and Ka-bands. Perijoves PJ-04 and PJ-05 utilized the medium-gain antenna at X-band only while the spacecraft was off-Earth point. Additional perijoves are planned every 53-days, with an additional five by March 2018. Lessons learned from operating and collecting data at each perijove are documented and will be utilized in future perijoves. Analysis of the first two gravity science perijoves has improved the precision of Jupiter's gravity field by a factor of five, providing crucial constraints on the interior structure of Jupiter.
Current Issues Concerning the Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging: A Perspective

The main tenet of the oxidative stress hypothesis of aging is that accrual of molecular oxidative damage is the principal causal factor in the senescence-related loss of ability to maintain homeostasis. This hypothesis has garnered a considerable amount of supportive correlational evidence, which is now being extended experimentally in transgenic Drosophila overexpressing antioxidative defense enzymes. Some of these studies have reported extensions of life span, while others have not. Interpretation of life spans in poikilotherms is complicated by a number of factors, including the interrelationship between metabolic rate and longevity. The life spans of poikilotherms can be extended multifold by reducing the metabolic rate but without affecting the metabolic potential, i.e., the total amount of energy expended during life. A hypometabolic state in poikilotherms also enhances stress resistance and activities of antioxidative enzymes. It is emphasized that extension of life span without simultaneously increasing metabolic potential is of questionable biological significance.
Extension to Higher Varieties

A problem entirely analogous to the extension of a one-dimensional integral beyond an isolated singularity arises for higher dimensional integrals. What is required is an analysis of the behavior of the k-cycles of the sections Hy of a vk+1 around the isolated singularity. (We write now y instead of the earlier z.) As it happens the performance concerned with an irreducible algebraic variety Ur in the space X × Y (“irreducible and “algebraic”) have their obvious meaning. However, the varieties y = const, will only play a minor role. To simplify matters we assume that the generic varieties (dimension p) have no singularities. Our purpose will be precisely to study the effect on certain algebraic integrals $$ J(\underline y ) = \int_{\Gamma } {R(\underline x ,\underline y )} \underline {dx} $$ of the eventual singularities in the x varieties Hy. Their singularities are characterized by a locus in the y space known as the Landau variety whose definition is fairly clear and need not be described explicitly. We designate it by the letter L. Historically, L has been introduced by the distinguished Moscow theoretical physicist Liov Davidovich Landau who died a couple of years ago, a victim of an automobile accident.
Combining skeletal pose with local motion for human activity recognition

Recent work in human activity recognition has focused on bottom-up approaches that rely on spatiotemporal features, both dense and sparse. In contrast, articulated motion, which naturally incorporates explicit human action information, has not been heavily studied; a fact likely due to the inherent challenge in modeling and inferring articulated human motion from video. However, recent developments in data-driven human pose estimation have made it plausible. In this paper, we extend these developments with a new middle-level representation called dynamic pose that couples the local motion information directly and independently with human skeletal pose, and present an appropriate distance function on the dynamic poses. We demonstrate the representative power of dynamic pose over raw skeletal pose in an activity recognition setting, using simple codebook matching and support vector machines as the classifier. Our results conclusively demonstrate that dynamic pose is a more powerful representation of human action than skeletal pose.
Impact of Virtual Reality Simulator in Training of Robotic Surgery

Virtual reality simulation is a cost-effective training tool for robotic surgery. With available platforms, users can develop basic, intermediate, and advanced surgical skills. Simulators provide users with objective scoring feedback to improve operating performance. Although there is no present gold standard curriculum for simulator training, we review available exercises and metrics suitable for curriculum design.
Rapid prototyping for therapeutic ultrasound transducers

Introduction: Piezoelectric materials are readily available from many suppliers at low cost. Finished ultrasound transducers, however, are significantly more expensive particularly for custom designs. Acoustics research often requires many iterations before a successful experiment design is achieved. This talk will present examples and what we’ve learned from ten years experience at the University of Michigan constructing transducers with rapid prototyping. Methods: Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, and Fused Deposition Modeling techniques were all tested for transducer construction. Acoustic properties (sound speed, absorption, and impedance) were measured for various materials in each category. Ageing and degradation due to water ingress were assessed as well. Results: Housings for electrical/water isolation were successfully constructed using each technology. Professional quality machines yielded sufficient precision to create focused array structures up to 5 MHz. A majority of stereolithography materials showed very poor water compatibility degrading with exposure over time. Most materials have too low acoustic impedance for good matching layers. Particle filled stereolithography resins have increased density and sound speed that raise the impedance to more suitable values. Acoustic lenses were successfully constructed from stereolithography materials allowing focused transducers to be constructed from low cost flat piezoelectric materials.
Writing Requirements for Molecular Programs

Molecular programming uses the computational power of DNA and other biomolecules to create useful nanoscale systems. Molecular program applications being developed include medical sensors that can be absorbed by the body after use, drug capsules that open only when they find diseased cells, and programmable nanoscale robots. This tutorial introduces the model-based language commonly used to write the requirements for molecular programs. This high-level modeling language is mathematically simple, very general, and well documented. Importantly, specifications written in it can be automatically compiled into implementable, detailed design descriptions. Participants will leave knowing how to write the requirements for some small molecular system components, where to go to learn more, and what are some open problems for writing the requirements of large molecular programs.
Treatment of HIV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma: A single-center experience with 25 patients.

8583 Background: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of B-cell lymphoma with a predominant occurrence in patients with HIV and other immune compromised states. It commonly...
Factors in the Hospital Experience Associated with Postpartum Breastfeeding Success

Abstract Introduction: Hospitals are in a unique position to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. However, the association between in-hospital events and breastfeeding success within popula...
Empirically Corrected Electronic Structure Calculations Applied to the Enthalpy of Combustion Physical Chemistry Laboratory

A method for using electronic structure calculations to predict the standard molar enthalpy of combustion for hydrocarbons is presented. In this approach, simple geometry optimizations can be used ...
Defend, stand by, or join in? The relative influence of moral identity, moral judgment, and social self-efficacy on adolescents' bystander behaviors in bullying situations

In bullying situations, adolescent bystanders may help bullied others, just stand by, or join in the antisocial behavior. Current studies have yet to fully examine the moral and social factors motivating these varied responses to bullying encounters. Extending from pertinent developmental theories, the present study investigated the relative contributions of moral identity (i.e., viewing moral qualities as central to the self), moral judgment, and social self-efficacy to adolescents’ bystander behaviors vis-a-vis bullies. Also investigated were the interactions among these variables. Three hundred and thirty-seven adolescents (M age = 13 years, 56.1% female) who self-identified as Caucasian (90.2%), Hispanic-American (2.1%), Asian–American (0.9%), African–American (3.9%), or Other/Unknown (2.9%) participated in the study. Students completed questionnaires assessing moral identity, moral judgment, social self-efficacy, and how they would respond if they observed a peer being bullied. Moral identity predicted more prosocial action, particularly for adolescents high in social self-efficacy. Moral identity related positively to moral judgment, and both predicted less antisocial (joining in) behavior. Interestingly, moral judgment maturity primarily diminished antisocial behavior when moral identity was relatively low. Social self-efficacy predicted less passive bystanding. Overall, moral identity strongly relates to defending behavior, and—as does moral judgment maturity—predicts less antisocial behavior among bystanders.
Teaching NeuroImages: Substantia nigra T2 hyperintensities in a man with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

A 29-year-old man with alcoholism presented with sudden progressive central visual loss in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/300 (right) and 20/20 (left). Other findings included right relative afferent pupillary defect and bilateral hyperemic nonedematous optic discs concerning for OD retrobulbar optic neuritis. MRI head and orbit revealed symmetric T2 hyperintensities in the substantia nigra, without optic nerve hyperintensities (figure). Subsequently he lost vision in his left eye. Given that his maternal uncle developed bilateral optic neuritis in his 20s, genetic testing for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy was performed, finding a point mutation (m.11778G>A) in mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 4. The unusual gray matter hyperintensities in this case favored a metabolic rather than demyelinating etiology.
``No'' versus ``Aniyo'': Back vowel diphthongization in heritage Korean

The effects of a second language on a speaker’s first language phonology are well documented (e.g., Chang, 2013), and much has been done work specifically for heritage language speakers (Polinsky and Kagan, 2007; Montrul, 2010, 2015), who may be bilingual to some degree but are dominant in the majority language. Bilingualism research has identified “separate but nonautonomous phonological systems” (Paradis, 2001) in bilingual children, but few studies address heritage speakers’ phonological systems in relation to ongoing sound change (Konopka and Pierrehumbert, 2010). The current study examines F1 and F2 of the back vowels /o/ and /u/ in samples of read Korean speech from a population of Korean American Californians who identified as natively bilingual and/or heritage speakers of Korean. Forty speakers read short conversational passages in Korean during a bilingual interview. Preliminary results indicate that the heritage speakers’ /u/ vowel shows influence from California English, with greater F2 on average than their central /a/ vowel. The /o/ vowel also has a much lower F1 than expected given Korean’s canonical five-vowel system. Ongoing analysis examines the trajectory of both vowels to determine the influence of California English diphthongized back vowels on Korean monophthongs, and accent perception of the speakers’ Korean.The effects of a second language on a speaker’s first language phonology are well documented (e.g., Chang, 2013), and much has been done work specifically for heritage language speakers (Polinsky and Kagan, 2007; Montrul, 2010, 2015), who may be bilingual to some degree but are dominant in the majority language. Bilingualism research has identified “separate but nonautonomous phonological systems” (Paradis, 2001) in bilingual children, but few studies address heritage speakers’ phonological systems in relation to ongoing sound change (Konopka and Pierrehumbert, 2010). The current study examines F1 and F2 of the back vowels /o/ and /u/ in samples of read Korean speech from a population of Korean American Californians who identified as natively bilingual and/or heritage speakers of Korean. Forty speakers read short conversational passages in Korean during a bilingual interview. Preliminary results indicate that the heritage speakers’ /u/ vowel shows influence from California English, with greater F2 on aver...
Moral Overconfidence: Immoral Actors’ Meta-Perceptions are Moderately Inaccurate and Overly Positive

Across two actor and four observer samples we assess actor-observer asymmetries and judgment accuracy in contexts of immoral behavior. We examine the motives immoral actors ascribe to their own beh...
Tobacco prevention education for middle school and high school educators

Objectives:In an attempt to reduce tobacco use among adolescents in the USA, some health educators have created school-based tobacco education programmes. However, none currently exist for middle a...
Misconceptions about weather and seasonality must not misguide COVID-19 response.

Weather may marginally affect COVID-19 dynamics, but misconceptions about the way that climate and weather drive exposure and transmission have adversely shaped risk perceptions for both policymakers and citizens. Future scientific work on this politically-fraught topic needs a more careful approach.
Relationship of raiding and emigration in the nearctic army antNeivamyrmex nigrescens Cresson

Field studies ofNeivamyrmex nigrescens were conducted to determine how recruitment to, location and amount of food affect emigration frequency, distance and direction. Observations of foraging showed that emigrations were usually preceded by raids, proceeded over a successful raid column, and terminated near raid sites. Recruitment to food was not a necessary prelude to emigration, however, nor did emigrations always move to an area of heavy raiding. The new nest was not usually formed in a raid site, and there was a short latency from the discovery of the nest site to the onset of the emigration. Direction, distance, and timing of emigrations were related more directly to discovery of nest sites than raid sites, suggesting separate recruitment mechanisms. Because both raids and emigrations were eliminated by overfeeding of colonies, these behaviors share a common motivating factor, namely, brood stimulation. The interplay between general arousal from the brood and recruitment to specific stimuli promotes efficient use of surface activity time and prevents unnecessary exposure of queen and brood. The tendency to emigrate into areas of heavy raids results from the discovery of a nest in that area; thus a colony generally follows its food supply. Emigrations interfere considerably with raiding, however, and probably evolved under ecological conditions very different from the present study.
Psychohistorical Reflections on Changing Body Images for Women

Bodies haven’t changed much in our evolutionary development, but body image probably has not been quite as stable. Certainly one might observe this to be the case in the last 200 years in the United States, as a representative of Western culture. Pictures of women today portray very different messages from those drawn or photographed in the past. In trying to understand the effects of psychophysical passages on women, it is appropriate to try to draw some observations about changes in body image.
Deep Neyman-Scott Processes

A Neyman-Scott process is a special case of a Cox process. The latent and observable stochastic processes are both Poisson processes. We consider a deep Neyman-Scott process in this paper, for which the building components of a network are all Poisson processes. We develop an efficient posterior sampling via Markov chain Monte Carlo and use it for likelihood-based inference. Our method opens up room for the inference in sophisticated hierarchical point processes. We show in the experiments that more hidden Poisson processes brings better performance for likelihood fitting and events types prediction. We also compare our method with state-of-the-art models for temporal real-world datasets and demonstrate competitive abilities for both data fitting and prediction, using far fewer parameters.
The Role of Accreditation Commissions in Higher Education: The Troublesome Case of Dana College

One of the standard results of modern economic theory is that it is far easier for consumers to obtain reliable information about goods than it is about services. The ordinary consumer of goods often buys fungible products in small quantities, which can typically be inspected before use. Even with respect to those attributes that are latent, experience with the initial purchase generates a lot of information about product characteristics that influences the willingness to make the next purchase. With most consumer goods, individuals can rely on some mixture of search and experience. They can rely on brand reputation, obtain free samples, review consumer reports, or rely on word-of-mouth endorsements from strangers and friends. Taken together, these multiple sources ensure that the information deficits for standard goods are relatively small, so that people know that once they purchase branded commodities they are confident of having uniform experiences from one case to the next. Services are often far more difficult to evaluate. To be sure, there are some services supplied by TV repairmen, plumbers, and
Modeling and Approximation of a Coupled 3-D Structural Acoustics Problem

A growing area of research in the structural acoustics community concerns the problem of reducing structure-borne noise levels within an acoustic cavity. A specific example of this is motivated by the development of a new class of turboprob and turbofan engines which are very fuel efficient but also very noisy. The low frequency high amplitude acoustic fields produced by these engines cause vibrations in the fuselage which in turn generate unwanted interior noise. The passive control techniques which were initially considered were in general undesirable since the increased weight offset the advantages gained through the use of the new engines and lighter airframe materials. This then led to the study of active control techniques for this problem both in a frequency domain setting and from a time domain approach (PDE approach).
Death Not the Mysterium Tremendum: A Summary Overview

It would need one of exceptional wisdom to reach a simple conclusion in summing up the many thoughtful interdisciplinary perspectives discussed in this book on Cancer, Stress, and Death. None would disagree that death is the great separator. The husband is forever parted from his wife, the father from the son, the mother from the child, the neighbor from the community. This separation may occur in isolation or as an element of death en masse. In our times, and in our days, we live under conditions in which virtually entire nations, entire societies, entire cities, may be suddenly destroyed. Death has many meanings, and they change with culture and society. And with this change has come a certain blunting of the once-held awe of death, a blunting of the supreme mysterium tremendum.
Specificity of antigliadin antibody in celiac disease

Abstract Celiac disease is activated in genetically susceptible individuals by the dietary ingestion of wheat gluten and similar proteins in other grains. Gliadins are a complex mixture of proteins that contain at least 40 different components in a single variety of wheat. We have purified the four major electrophoretic fractions of wheat gliadin and examined the specificity of antigliadin antibody for those fractions by radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with celiac disease and 30 matched controls. All patients had been on a gluten-free diet for more than 18 mo and were clinically asymptomatic at the time of study. Seventeen of 30 patients had increased antibody levels to one or more of the gliadin fractions. Twelve of 17 patients had elevated antibody to A or 6Dα-gliadin, 9 of 17 to β-gliadin, 10 of 17 to γ-gliadin, and 8 of 17 to ω-gliadin. Of the 17 subjects, 5 had increased antigliadin antibody levels to one gliadin fraction only, whereas 12 had increased levels to two or more fractions. Of the 17 patients with increased antibody titers, 16 had the G2m(n) immunoglobulin heavy chain allotype marker and 14 had the serologic HLA specificities -B8 or -DR3, or both. Definition of the wheat gliadin fractions and specific gliadin peptides that can activate celiac disease remains an open question. These data indicate that antigliadin antibody in the serum of asymptomatic patients with celiac disease who are maintained on a gluten-free diet can be directed against one or a multiple of gliadin fractions.
Aggregate Aware Caching for Multi-Dimensional Queries

To date, work on caching for OLAP workloads has focussed on using cached results from a previous query as the answer to another query. This strategy is effective when the query stream exhibits a high degree of locality. It unfortunately misses the dramatic performance improvements obtainable when the answer to a query, while not immediately available in the cache, can be computed from data in the cache. In this paper, we consider the common subcase of answering queries by aggregating data in the cache. In order to use aggregation in the cache, one must solve two subproblems: (1) determining when it is possible to answer a query by aggregating data in the cache, and (2) determining the fastest path for this aggregation, since there can be many.We present two strategies - a naive one and a Virtual Count based strategy. The virtual count based method finds if a query is computable from the cache almost instantaneously, with a small overhead of maintaining the summary state of the cache. The algorithm also maintains cost-based information that can be used to figure out the best possible option for computing a query result from the cache. Experiments with our implementation show that aggregation in the cache leads to substantial performance improvement. The virtual count based methods further improve the performance compared to the naive approaches, in terms of cache lookup and aggregation times.
Information technology planning in the 1990's: directions for practice and research

Although planning is a crucial information management issue, it must be seen as only one facet of an organization's complete program for information technology management. Attention in this article is first directed toward understanding the larger management context within which planning activities are likely to transpire. The paper then describes a vew of planning appropriate for the 1990's and identifies contributions form the information technology (IT) planning literature likely to facilitate IT planning efforts.
Critical stress intensity factor of epoxy mortar

Fracture behavior of epoxy mortar was investigated in Mode I fracture using single edge notched beams with varying notch depth and beam thickness. The beams were loaded in both 3-point and 4-point bending. Influence of polymer content and temperature on the fracture behavior of epoxy mortar was studied using uniform Ottawa 20–30 sand. The polymer content was varied between 10 percent and 18 percent of the total weight of the composite. The temperature was varied between 22°C and 120°C. The flexural strength of the polymer mortar increases with increase in polymer content while the flexural modulus goes through a maximum. The critical stress intensity factor (KIC) was determined by several methods including compliance method (based on crack mouth opening displacement) and finite element analysis. The KIC for epoxy mortar increases with increase in polymer content and epoxy mortar strength but decreases with increase in temperature. The critical stress intensity factor of epoxy mortar is represented in terms of polymer content and polymer strength or stiffness. Numerical tests based on random sampling and stratified sampling procedures were performed to substantiate the experimentally observed fracture toughness values of epoxy mortar.
Atmospheric Affect as a Tool for Creating Value and Gaining Share of Customer

Abstract Can the retail atmosphere be useful in developing long-lasting relationships with consumers? This research addresses this question by investigating the impact of positive and negative affect associated with ambient environmental conditions. A key dependent variable is conceptualized and validated and captures the proportion of business a customer spends in one location relative to a store's direct competitors. Structural equation results suggest that both positive affect and negative affect impact this measure, but the impact is facilitated through both feelings' relationship with hedonic and utilitarian shopping value.
An active-learning assignment requiring pharmacy students to write medicinal chemistry examination questions.

Objectives. To implement and assess the effectiveness of an assignment requiring doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students to write examination questions for the medicinal chemistry sections of a pharmacotherapeutics course. Design. Students were divided into groups of 5-6 and given detailed instructions and grading rubrics for writing multiple-choice examination questions on medicinal chemistry topics. The compiled student-written questions for each examination were provided to the entire class as a study aid. Approximately 5% of the student-written questions were used in course examinations. Assessment. Student appreciation of and performance in the medicinal chemistry portion of the course was significantly better than that of the previous year’s class. Also, students’ responses on a qualitative survey instrument indicated that the assignment provided students’ guidance on which concepts to focus on, helped them retain knowledge better, and fostered personal exploration of the content, which led to better performance on examinations. Conclusion. Adding an active-learning assignment in which students write examination questions for the medicinal chemistry portion of a pharmacotherapeutics course was an effective means of increasing students engagement in the class and knowledge of the course material.
Transforming growth factor beta-1 stimulates articular chondrocyte elaboration of matrix vesicles capable of greater calcium pyrophosphate precipitation

Abstract Objective To determine the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ) in early calcium pyrophosphate formation by measuring its effects on articular chondrocyte matrix vesicle (MV) formation, specific activity of the inorganic pyrophosphate(PPi)-generating enzyme nucleoside triphosphate pyrophospho-hydrolase (NTPPPH) and biomineralization capacity. Methods MV elaborated from mature porcine chondrocyte monolayers±TGFβ were compared for protein content, NTPPPH activity, and ATP-dependent biomineralization. Precipitation of calcium pyrophosphate mineral phases by MV was determined by a radiometric assay and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results MV from monolayers exposed to TGFβ were enriched in NTPPPH activity compared to MV from control monolayers ( P 0.01) and precipitated more calcium/mg MV protein than controls ( P≤ 0.01). FTIR spectra of mineral generated by monolayer-elaborated MV were consistent with poorly crystalline CPPD. Conclusions TGFβ is capable of increasing the capacity of articular chondrocyte-derived MV to generate PPi via NTPPPH and precipitate calcium in the form of CPPD mineral. These data support the concept that this growth factor plays a key role in cartilage matrix CPPD deposition.
BACTERIAL ANTIFERMENTS : STUDIES ON FERMENT ACTION. XVII.

1. Intact bacteria probably resist tryptic digestion because of the absence of an exposed protein substrate. 2. Dried organisms resist digestion in a degree proportional to their content of unsaturated lipoids. 3. Lipoidal extractives reduce the resistance to tryptic digestion. 4. The extracted lipoids (saponified) are antitryptic in a degree proportional to their unsaturation. 5. The inactivation of the antiferment in Gram-negative organisms is probably due to changes in the degree of lipoidal dispersion. 6. Bacteria adsorb lipoids from the serum when incubated at 37° C. Such organisms when dried are found to be more resistant to tryptic digestion than untreated organisms.
Paradigms, citations, and maps of science: a personal history

Can maps of science tell us anything about paradigms? The author reviews his earlier work on this question, including Kuhn's reaction to it. Kuhn's view of the role of bibliometrics differs substantially from the kinds of reinterpretations of paradigms that information scientists are currently advocating. But these reinterpretations are necessary if his theory will ever be empirically tested, and further progress is to be made in understanding the growth of scientific knowledge. A new Web tool is discussed that highlights rapidly changing specialties that may lead to new ways of monitoring revolutionary change in real time. It is suggested that revolutionary and normal science be seen as extremes on a continuum of rates of change rather than, as Kuhn originally asserted, as an all or none proposition.
Distribution of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in Floor Dust throughout Homes Following Homeowner and Commercial Lawn Applications: Quantitative Effects of Children, Pets, and Shoes

Transport of lawn-applied 2,4-D into 13 actual homes was measured following both homeowner and commercial application of this herbicide to residential lawns. Collection of floor dust in five rooms of each house, corresponding to an entryway, living room, dining room, kitchen, and a child's bedroom, both prior to and after application, indicated that turf residues are transported indoors and that the gradient in 2,4-D dust loading (μg/m2) through the house follows the traffic pattern from the entryway. Removal of shoes at the door and the activity level of the children and pets were the most significant factors affecting residue levels indoors after application. Spray drift and fine particle intrusion accounted for relatively little of the residues on floors. Prior to application, the median 2,4-D bulk floor dust loading was 0.5 μg/m2; one week after application, the median 2,4-D floor dust level in the living room was 6 μg/m2, with a range of 1−228 μg/m2 on all carpeted floors in occupied homes, and 0.5−2...
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Due to Noninvasive Pharyngitis

Serious infections due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) have been reported with increasing frequency in recent years. We report a case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to GABHS pharyngitis in an otherwise healthy 14-year-old boy. The organism was found to produce toxin A. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of streptococcal TSS associated with the production of toxin A that is not associated with an invasive disease and the first case associated with a documented rise in the level of antibody to the streptococcal toxin itself. Clinicians must be especially vigilant for this entity in patients who have streptococcal pharyngitis because early recognition and institution of aggressive supportive therapy can be lifesaving.
Socio-demographic Variations of Homeowners and Differential Effects of Parental Homeownership on Offspring's Housing Tenure

Previous research indicates a positive effect of parental homeownership on offspring's homeownership, but rarely tests whether the effect is due to self-selectivity. In the context of socio-demographic variations of American homeowners, this study extends previous research by examining the differential effects of parental ownership of a single-family home. The current study employs the Panel Studies of Income Dynamics data, using propensity score matching to address self-selection problems. The results suggest that the intergenerational effect of parental housing tenure has been differentiated by race, income and the housing tenure history of parents while reinforcing inequality. Even within the same housing tenure, offspring of socio-economically disadvantaged groups are less likely to take advantage of parental homeownership in attaining a single-family owner-occupied home.
A new and emerging technology: Laser-induced surface modification of polymers

Abstract Laser-induced polymer surface modification is an emerging technique for imparting functional species to polymer surfaces. Laser technology, the important criteria in selecting an appropriate laser system and the principle of laser-assisted polymer surface modification are briefly discussed. Laser treatments have several benefits over other surface modification methods and new applications are being explored. Recent technological advances in laser surface modification and current applications of this technique pertaining to commonly used food packaging polymers are presented with state-of-the-art examples. Finally, the future applications of laser surface modified polymers in food packaging are examined and additional research requirements identified.
Testing a Perceived Authenticity Index with Triangulation Research: The Case of Xcaret in Mexico

This research analyzed the multiple dimensions of perceived authenticity with qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used a large-scale special event of a cultural and eco-archeological park in the Mayan Riviera of Mexico called Xcaret. A focus group with 13 strategic communication professionals and institutional partners unveiled their identification, roles, and responsibilities with the organizational motivations and strategy and the event itself: an annual festival. A face-to-face intercept survey of 575 visitors allowed the operationalization and testing of an index and identification of two factors of perceived authenticity (i.e., overall experience and active engagement), as well as significant associations between the dimensions and participants' gender, national origin, and age. Implications for strategic communication theory and practice and the study's limitations are also included.