cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher-order small time asymptotic expansion of Itô semimartingale characteristic function with application to estimation of leverage from options

Abstract In this paper, we derive a higher-order asymptotic expansion of characteristic functions of an Ito semimartingale over asymptotically shrinking time intervals. The leading term in the expansion is determined by the value of the diffusive coefficient at the beginning of the interval. The higher-order terms are determined by the jump compensator as well as the coefficients appearing in the diffusion dynamics. The result is applied to develop a nearly rate-efficient estimator of the leverage coefficient of an asset price, i.e., the coefficient in its volatility dynamics that appears in front of the Brownian motion that drives also the asset price.
Referential Indeterminacy: A Response to Professor Putnam

Professor Putnam’s paper is divided into two parts, in one of which (the latter, as it happens) he attacks what he identifies as Positivistic Theory of Science, and in the other of which (the first half) he sketches elements of an alternative theory of his own. I shall comment only on Putnam’s theory, ignoring his attack on positivism. In thus taking advantage of the fact that philosophical positions tend to be relatively hard to defend and relatively easy to attack, I shall be attempting to make things relatively easy for myself and hard for Professor Putnam. First, let me outline briefly what I take to be the main tenets of Putnam’s position.
PROGRESS IN DOCUMENTATION: PERCEPTION OF THE NEEDS FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION IN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

The purpose of this paper is to survey and analyse the literature emanating from less developed countries (LDCs) and international agencies and dealing with their perception of the needs of LDCs for scientific and technical information (STI) in relation to social and economic development.
Improved Prognostication of Renal Cell Carcinoma Using an Integrated Staging System

PURPOSE: To integrate stage, grade, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) into a clinically useful tool capable of stratifying the survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 661 patients undergoing nephrectomy at University of California Los Angeles between 1989 and 1999 were evaluated. Median age was 61 years, male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1, and median follow-up was 37 months. Survival time was the primary end point assessed. Sixty-four possible combinations of stage, grade, and ECOG PS were analyzed and collapsed into distinct groups. The internal validity of the categoriesd was challenged by a univariate analysis and a multivariate analysis testing for the accountability of each UCLA Integrated Staging System (UISS) category against independent variables shown to have impact on survival. RESULTS: Combining and stratifying 1997 tumor-node-metastasis stage, Fuhrman’s grade and ECOG PS resulted in five survival stratificati...
BANKING STRUCTURE AND COSTS: A STATISTICAL STUDY OF THE COST-OUTPUT RELATIONSHIP IN COMMERCIAL BANKING†

THIS THESIS STUDIED commercial bank cost functions in both unitand branch-bank settings using cross-sectional data. The samples included 745 member commercial banks in the Tenth (Kansas City) Federal Reserve District, where unit banking is predominant, and 413 member commercial banks in -the Fifth (Richmond) Federal Reserve District where branch banking is widespread. Earnings and expense data were obtained from individual bank Income and Dividend Reports for 1961, and asset data came from 1961 Reports of Condition for individual banks. The present work differs most notably from earlier bank cost studies in its definition of bank output. Conceptual shortcomings of the measures of output used or suggested in earlier studies-total assets, earning assets, total deposits, and current operating revenue-suggested the need, and provided guidelines, for a new approach to bank output definition. The new measure initially divides output into two components: lending and all other. Lending output was defined as the yield-weighted sum of the diverse earning assets in each bank's portfolio. Yield-weights were obtained by experimenting with linear least-squares regression equations of *the following general form:
Developing standards for computerized psychological testing

Abstract The growth of computerized psychological testing (CPT) requires that we analyze its ethical and legal ramifications. The response of the legal community and the profession of psychology is reviewed. There are potential problems with the administration of tests by computer, especially the interpretation of computer-administered tests with norms and validity data from paper-and-pencil administrations, and the impact of computerization on certain test-taker groups and item types. Criteria for assessing the adequacy of classification systems used to assign people to interpretive statements, and the validity of computer-generated reports, are analyzed. CPT users should review reports and developers should disclose the rationale underlying interpretations. Not only the scientific merit, but also the fairness and efficiency of CPT will determine whether its potential is fully realized.
Love, sex, and power. Considering women's realities in HIV prevention.

The rates of HIV infection and AIDS cases among women in the United States have increased significantly in the last decade. Thanks in large part to the work of advocacy groups and to action by the U.S. Congress, there has been some progress in making HIV/AIDS research and services more responsive to women's needs (e.g., including women in clinical drug trials and revising the Centers for Disease Control definition of AIDS to include infections typical in women). However, little progress has been made in addressing the need for prevention of HIV infection among women. This article examines how researchers using behavioral approaches to HIV prevention have largely ignored how gender, women's social status, and women's roles affect sexual risk behaviors and the ability to take steps to reduce risk of infection. Additional factors to be considered in theories that guide future HIV/AIDS prevention programs are examined.
Flow cytometric evaluation of canine bone marrow based on intracytoplasmic complexity and CD45 expression.

Background: Because of the complexity, subjectivity, time, and technical skill required for determination of manual bone marrow differential cell counts, an alternative method is needed. Several flow cytometric methods have been described, but all have limitations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a technique for bone marrow differential cell counting based on flow cytometric evaluation of CD45 expression and intracellular complexity (CD45 scatter plots). Methods: Bone marrow was obtained from 15 dogs that were being evaluated for hematologic disorders. In preliminary studies, the location of bone marrow subpopulations in the CD45 scatter plots was evaluated by labeling bone marrow with lineage-specific markers. A template was developed to identify these cell populations. Gates were set to identify granulocytes, myeloblasts, monocyte/macrophages, lymphocytes, and nucleated erythroid populations. Results: The CD45 labeling technique accurately quantified granulocytes, myeloblasts, erythroid precursors, and lymphocytes in canine bone marrow. Correlation coefficients with manual counts for granulocytes, myeloblasts, erythroid cells, lymphocytes, and monocyte/macrophages were 0.90, 0.89, 0.96, 0.91, and 0.54, respectively. Conclusions: The capacity of the CD45 scatter-plot technique to quantify lymphocytes and myeloblasts is an advantage over previously described techniques. The simplicity of the CD45 labeling method and the ease with which batches of samples can be analyzed makes the technique potentially applicable as a routine test in clinical and research laboratories.
Alterations in the surface properties of cells responsive to nerve growth factor.

An initial effect of nerve growth factor on a responsive nerve cell line is to increase intracellular cyclic AMP, which in turn leads to a mobilisation of calcium ions. These events are correlated with structural changes in the plasma membrane, increased cell–substratum adhesion, and neurite outgrowth.
Surface temperature transients from pulsed laser heating of UO2

Abstract Surface heating of UO2 by a pulsed laser was investigated theoretically and experimentally. Targets of solid uranium dioxide in vacuum were rapidly heated to peak temperatures of 3700 K, as measured by a fast-response automatic optical pyrometer. The measured target surface temperatures were compared with a one-dimensional heat transport model that accounts for conduction and melting in the solid and ablation and radiation from the surface. Congruent vaporization of UO2 was assumed. The measured temporal and spatial characteristics of the laser beam as well as temperature-dependent physical and thermodynamic properties of UO2 are used as input to the calculations. Agreement of the theory with the measurements was further validated by post-irradiation microscopic examination of the target surface. Additional tests were performed to assess qualitatively the attenuation of laser light and thermal radiation from the surface by the vapor blow-off from the target. This effect was found to be insignificant.
The coming of age of radiation-induced hyperparathyroidism: evolving patterns of thyroid and parathyroid disease after head and neck irradiation.

Background This study investigates the association of thyroid and parathyroid disease in radiation-exposed patients and tests the hypothesis that hyperparathyroidism (HPT) occurs after a longer latency period. Methods Routine questioning identified 40 patients in the endocrine surgery clinic with a history of radiation exposure. Patients with thyroid disease were screened for HPT and vice versa. Results The known diagnosis at initial referral was thyroid disease alone in 26 of 40 patients, HPT alone in 9 of 40 patients, and both in 5 of 40 patients. After screening was completed, a total of 18 of 40 patients were found to have both thyroid disease and HPT. HPT manifested an average of 17 years later than thyroid disease (52.6 ± 10.0 years vs 35.5 ± 13.8 years after radiation therapy [P Conclusion As the widespread use of x-ray therapy for benign childhood conditions becomes more remote, practitioners should expect a decreasing number of patients with radiation-associated thyroid disease, with an increase in HPT. Patients with radiation exposure and thyroid disease should be evaluated carefully and followed for HPT. Those patients who undergo surgical procedures should have close inspection of the parathyroid glands, with biopsy and excision when appropriate.
Ovarian steroid regulation of monoamine oxidase-A and -B mRNAs in the macaque dorsal raphe and hypothalamic nuclei.

Rationale: The serotonin neural system plays a pivotal role in mood, affective regulation and integrative cognition, as well as numerous autonomic functions. We have shown that ovarian steroids alter the expression of several genes in the dorsal raphe of macaques, which may increase serotonin synthesis and decrease serotonin autoinhibition. Another control point in aminergic neurotransmission involves degradation by MAO. This enzyme occurs in two isoforms, A and B, which have different substrate preferences. Objectives: We questioned the effect of ovarian steroid hormones on MAO-A and MAO-B mRNA expression in the dorsal raphe nucleus and hypothalamus using in situ hybridization in non-human primates. Methods: Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta; n=5/group) were spayed and either placebo treated (controls), estrogen (E) treated (28 days), progesterone (P) treated (14 days placebo+14 days P), or E+P treated (14 days E+14 days E+P). Perfusion-fixed sections (25 µm) were hybridized with a 233 bp MAO-A, or a 373 bp MAO-B, radiolabeled-antisense monkey specific probes. Autoradiographic films were analyzed by densitometry, which was performed with NIH Image Software. Results: MAO-A and -B mRNAs were detected in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), preoptic area (POA), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON), lateral hypothalamus (LH) and ventromedial nucleus (VMN). MAO-A mRNA optical density was significantly decreased by E, P, and E+P in the DRN and in the hypothalamic PVN, LH and VMN. Ovarian hormones had no effect on MAO-B mRNA expression in the DRN. However, there was a significant decrease in MAO-B optical density in the hypothalamic POA, LH and VMN with E, P or E+P treatment. Pixel area generally reflected optical density. Conclusions: Ovarian steroids decreased MAO-A, but not B, in the raphe nucleus. However, both MAO-A and B were decreased in discrete hypothalamic nuclei by hormone replacement. These data suggest that the transcriptional regulation of MAO by ovarian steroids may play a role in serotonin or catecholamine neurotransmission and hence, mood, affect or cognition in humans.
Open-faced Z-shaped channel cut x-ray monochromator.

ABSTRACT Channel-cut monochromators can be easily incorporated in high-resolution image techniques. However, polishing on the inner diffracting surfaces is difficult because of blockage by the opposite face. To address this difficulty, an open-faced monolithic monochromator has been designed, produced and tested using x-rays at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The open-faced channel cut has a Z-shape geometry with a ho le in the mid section to allow passage of the diffracted beam. The open geometry allowed chemical mechanical polis hing so that an optically smooth finish on both surfaces was achieved. The high-resolution x-ray imaging and topography measurements revealed that the new design introduces significantly less distortions in the phase-contrast images compared with conventional channel-cut monochromators produced using etching alone. Keywords: polished channel-cut monochromator, silicon, high-resolution x-ray topography. 1. INTRODUCTION Fabrication of a channel-cut x-ray monochromator with polis hed diffracting surfaces has been requested by APS users. The concept and design of an open-faced Z-shaped channel-cu t x-ray monochromator has been presented previously [1]. The actual monochromator is a modification of a two-bounce classic channel-cut crystal with totally open diffracting surfaces, which makes it easier to polish them. To achieve highly polished [better than 30 nm peak-to-valley (P-V) flatness, and 1-2 A root mean square (rms) roughness] diffracting surfaces with conventional polishing techniques still remains a challenge, but should be explored before applying expansive technologies such as ion-beam figuring (IBF) [2]. In this paper we will present characteristics of polished diffracting surfaces of a Z-monochromator made of silicon single crystal by conventional polishing methods, dependence of background patterns of high-resolution x-ray topography measurements on polishing quality, and will discuss possible ways to enhance the performance of the monochromator.
Tarka in the Nyāya theory of inference

As Western scholars have interpreted the writings of the Nyaya school of Indian philosophy we find the Naiyâyikas espousing a doctrine which is false. The position we read into their writing involves a basic error in logic and, since the specialty of the Naiyâyikas was logic, their commission of such an error would be puzzling. The purpose of this paper is to explain the interpretation which has led to difficulty, discuss the nature of the Naiyâyikas' position, and propose a way of interpreting the texts according to which there is nothing logically objectionable in what the Naiyâyikas say.
Isolation of vitamin K from animal tissue.

Abstract The isolation of phylloquinone from beef liver has been attempted. Development and use of a biological assay system has demonstrated that beef liver, beef liver lipid extracts, beef liver mitochondria, and the beef liver mitochondrial lipid extracts contain some compound that can alleviate elevated prothrombin times produced in chicks by a vitamin K-deficient diet. All attempts to isolate and identify this activity have been unsuccessful. The adoption of a modification of an isolation method developed by Fieser [ J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 61 , 3467 (1939)] facilitated the separation of two compounds from rabbit, chicken, and swine liver, one of which has been tentatively identified as a phylloquinone. The highest concentration was observed in rabbit liver (5 μg/gm lipid extract), and chicken liver contained a lower concentration (3.33 μg/gm lipid extract). Although absolute proof of the structure must await further work, the evidence thus far suggests that the compound may be 2-methyl-3-Δ 6 -dehydrophytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. The data obtained on the second compound isolated from rabbit, chicken, and swine liver do not permit any conclusion to be reached at present, but its spectral properties appear to be identical with those of α-tocopherolquinone.
Multi-Cycle THz Pulse Generation and Manipulation in Poled Lithium Niobate

We have developed novel schemes to generate and manipulate multi-cycle THz pulses via optical rectification in orientation inverted nonlinear crystals such as poled lithium niobate. Exploiting the methods, we have demonstrated generation of tunable narrow-band THz pulses, adaptive THz pulse shaping, and arbitrary control of THz ellipticity.
You've Got to Suffer If You Want to Sing the Blues: Psychoanalytic Reflections on Guilt and Self-Pity

The experience of self is partially a narrative of one's history; without memory, there is no self. Central to personal histories are accounts of significant relationships and their successes and failures. Accounts of failed relationships tend to gravitate toward two narrative themes: selfpity and guilt. This essay explores some aspects of the nature of guilt and self-pity, the different forms in which they surface, and their relationship to each other.
Urethane-lined silicone facial prostheses.

Abstract After testing a variety of materials to line the tissue fitting surface of silicone prostheses in an attempt to render them adheophilic, tear-resistant, wettable, smooth, and resistant to fungal growth, a vacuum adaptable thermoplastic prefabricated thin urethane film was found to be most effective. A technique is described for fabricating a silicone prosthesis with such a lining.
Homologues of bacterial TnpB_IS605 are widespread in diverse eukaryotic transposable elements

Bacterial insertion sequences (IS) of IS200/IS605 and IS607 family often encode a transposase (TnpA) and a protein of unknown function, TnpB. Here we report two groups of TnpB-like proteins (Fanzor1 and Fanzor2) that are widespread in diverse eukaryotic transposable elements (TEs), and in large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses infecting eukaryotes. Fanzor and TnpB proteins share the same conserved amino acid motif in their C-terminal half regions: D-X(125, 275)-[TS]-[TS]-X-X-[C4 zinc finger]-X(5,50)-RD, but are highly variable in their N-terminal regions. Fanzor1 proteins are frequently captured by DNA transposons from different superfamilies including Helitron, Mariner, IS4-like, Sola and MuDr. In contrast, Fanzor2 proteins appear only in some IS607-type elements. We also analyze a new Helitron2 group from the Helitron superfamily, which contains elements with hairpin structures on both ends. Non-autonomous Helitron2 elements (CRe-1, 2, 3) in the genome of green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are flanked by target site duplications (TSDs) of variable length (approximately 7 to 19 bp). The phylogeny and distribution of the TnpB/Fanzor proteins indicate that they may be disseminated among eukaryotic species by viruses. We hypothesize that TnpB/Fanzor proteins may act as methyltransferases.
Importance of the perpendicular transition leading to ground state atoms in the photodissociation of NaI

Abstract Measurements of the angular distribution of the alkali photofragment from photodissociation of a molecular beam of sodium iodide using linearly polarized light of wavelength 347.1 nm shows that a perpendicular transition from the 1 Σ + ionic ground state to the Ω = 1 covalent excited state accounts for 80 ± 9% of the absorption leading to ground state neutral atoms at that energy.
X-RAY TOPOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF THE ABSENCE OF LATERAL STRAINS IN ION- IMPLANTED SILICON.

The lattice‐to‐amorphous transformation of Si caused by implantation of silicon ions results in volumetric expansion. The expansion is primarily in a direction normal to the substrate surface. We infer this from x‐ray topographic analysis where no evidence of plastic flow in the region bounding the implanted volume was detected. By measuring the unidirectional expansion, the average density of the amorphous Si layer is found to be 3.8 to 5.6% smaller than that of crystalline Si.
Transport of monomer surfactant molecules and hindered diffusion of micelles through porous membranes

Abstract Diffusion of Triton X-100 through Celgard 2500 membranes was examined. The pore permeability for monomers was 5.0 × 10 −6 cm 2 /sec and it was measured for upstream concentrations below the CMC value of 2.29 × 10 −4 M at 30°C. This value is close to the monomer diffusion coefficient in bulk suggesting that the monomers do not experience significant hindrance due to the pore walls. The permeability of the surfactant drops abruptly within a narrow range of reservoir solution concentrations in the vicinity of the CMC. At concentrations 10 × CMC, the permeability coefficient becomes constant and equal to 3.9 × 10 −7 cm 2 /sec which is the pore permeability for the Triton X-100 micelles. Compared to the diffusion coefficient of micelles in bulk water, the transport of micelles is hindered by the pore walls. In a 10-fold concentration range the micellar pore permeability is practically constant indicating no large change in micelle size. The chemical equilibrium model applied to surfactant diffusion in pores shows reasonable agreement over the entire range of the experimental data for reservoir concentrations from one-fifth times the CMC to 100 times the CMC.
Fermions and stability in quantum Kaluza-Klein theories

Abstract The effective action for spinor fields propagating in a time-dependent Kaluza-Klein background geometry is calculated explicitly to one-loop order in an adiabatic approximation. This result is used in a stability analysis of the Candelas-Weinberg model. It is found that the “internal” space (which we choose to be an odd-dimensional sphere S N ) is stable against small, uniform oscillations only if the ratio of the number of scalar fields to the number of spinor fields is greater than a certain minimum value. It is also shown that oscillations of the internal space produce conformal gravity waves in the four-dimensional space.
Nontraditional Computation Using Beyond-CMOS Tunneling Devices

Amongst potential post-CMOS technologies, tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) are attractive for low-power systems. While TFETs are functionally somewhat similar to MOSFETs, the newly proposed tunneling transistors such as SymFETs and BiSFETs demonstrate more “exotic” characteristics that are significantly different from MOSFETs. We look at the possible applications of TFETs and SymFETs for unconventional signal processing by employing their signature behaviors. We focus on networks of interconnected nonlinear elements which can process data coming from a large number of inputs (e.g., sensors) in an analog fashion. Specifically, we investigate several applications of TFET and SymFET in directional and anisotropic diffusion, estimating Gaussian distance of different patterns in analog associative memories, and estimating minimum/maximum or variance of analog data. We show that such circuits have reduced complexity and/or enhanced power efficiency.
Usefulness of Checking Platelet Count Before Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke is strikingly time sensitive. Current guidelines require confirmation of a platelet count ≥100 000 before thrombolysis; however, obtaining this laboratory test may delay treatment. Methods— We queried our hospital database to identify patients with ICD-9 codes consistent with acute ischemic stroke from 2000 to 2005 and to determine platelet counts in these patients. Medical charts of patients with platelet counts <100 000 were reviewed to determine whether the patient had a known history of thrombocytopenia or conditions associated with thrombocytopenia. Results— A total of 1752 patients were identified, and 82 (4.7%) had a platelet count <100 000 at stroke onset. Only 6/1752 (0.3%) had a platelet count <100 000 which was not suspected based on initial history. All of these 6 patients had only mildly decreased platelet counts. Conclusions— An unsuspected platelet count <100 000 was found in 0.3% of patients at stroke presentation. In patients ...
Cosmic-Ray Neutrons in Water at an Altitude of 10 600 Feet

The neutron component of the cosmic radiation in the first 50-cm layer of water adjacent to the surface of a mountain lake, located at an altitude of 10 600 feet, was studied with the aid of a tray of ten enriched boron trifluoride filled counters connected in parallel. A measure of the thermal neutron intensity was obtained by alternately shielding the tray of counters with tin and cadmium of equal g ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. A transition region was found to exist between the surface and the 30-cm level wherein the thermal neutron intensity decreased rapidly with depth. Below the 30-cm level, the thermal neutron intensity was found to be almost constant over an interval of 20 cm. The neutron production rate and thermal neutron flux, just below the transition region, were found to be 4.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ neutrons ${\mathrm{g}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and about 4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ thermal neutrons ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively.
Summary of efficacy and safety of flecainide for supraventricular arrhythmias

This report provides an overview of the safety and efficacy of flecainide for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) based on a review of the world literature. This review provided 107 entries, but 5 were review articles and 22 were articles not translated into English. The remaining 80 articles or published abstracts form the basis for this report. A total of 1,371 courses of therapy with intravenous or oral flecainide, or both, were represented. Efficacy was defined by each investigator. Intravenous flecainide was successful in terminating ongoing tachycardias in 81% of reported cases of atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardias, 88% of AV reentrant tachycardias and 100% of atrial tachycardias. Atrial fibrillation or flutter was terminated by intravenous flecainide in 62% of cases and arrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in 73%. Oral flecainide was successful in longer-term management of arrhythmia in 74 and 81% of patients with AV nodal and AV reentrant tachycardia, respectively, and in 83% with atrial tachycardia. Atrial flutter or fibrillation responded to oral drug in 61% of cases and arrhythmias related to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in 61%. Adverse experiences were reported in studies totaling 695 patients (designated "at-risk patients"). They were not commented on in studies with the remaining 594 patients. Overall, a total of 6.9% of at-risk patients (3.7% of total patients) reported cardiac adverse experiences; 19% of at-risk patients (10% of total patients) reported at least 1 noncardiac adverse effect. Cardiac adverse events included worsened arrhythmias in 28, conduction disturbances in 15 and congestive heart failure in 5. The most frequent noncardiac adverse experiences were paresthesia and visual disturbance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Signature based Boolean matching in the presence of don't cares

Boolean matching is to determine whether two functions are equivalent under input permutation and input/output phase assignment. This paper will address the Boolean Matching problem for incompletely specified functions. Signatures have previously been used for Boolean matching of completely specified functions. In this paper for the first time we use signatures to determine the equivalency of incompletely specified functions.
Inter‐ and intra‐sexual variation in immune defence in the cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

1. Immune defence imposes fitness costs as well as benefits, so organisms are expected to optimise, not maximise, their immune responses. This should result in variation in immune responses under varying environmental conditions. 2. Males and females are expected to exhibit different immune responses because life-history differences between the sexes affect optimal immune response. These life-history differences should usually result in a greater female, than male, immune defence. In this study, intra- and inter-sexual variation in one component of immune defence, the encapsulation response, in cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae L.), was examined. 3. Encapsulation decreased with increasing age and in response to reduced diet quality. 4. Contrary to predictions, males generally had greater immune responses than females, although this pattern varied with age. 5. These patterns of inter- and intra-sexual variation in encapsulation may result from resource-based trade-offs with components of reproductive effort and/or because of sexual dimorphism in melanin-based wing patterns.
Hospital Evaluations by Social Media: A Comparative Analysis of Facebook Ratings among Performance Outliers

An increasing number of hospitals and health systems utilize social media to allow users to provide feedback and ratings. The correlation between ratings on social media and more conventional hospital quality metrics remains largely unclear, raising concern that healthcare consumers may make decisions on inaccurate or inappropriate information regarding quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which hospitals utilize social media and whether user-generated metrics on Facebook® correlate with a Hospital Compare® metric, specifically 30-day all cause unplanned hospital readmission rates. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among all U.S. hospitals performing outside the confidence interval for the national average on 30-day hospital readmission rates as reported on Hospital Compare. Participants were 315 hospitals performing better than U.S. national rate on 30-day readmissions and 364 hospitals performing worse than the U.S. national rate. The study analyzed ratings of hospitals on Facebook’s five-star rating scale, 30-day readmission rates, and hospital characteristics including beds, teaching status, urban vs. rural location, and ownership type. Hospitals performing better than the national average on 30-day readmissions were more likely to use Facebook than lower-performing hospitals (93.3 % vs. 83.5 %; p < 0.01). The average rating for hospitals with low readmission rates (4.15 ± 0.31) was higher than that for hospitals with higher readmission rates (4.05 ± 0.41, p < 0.01). Major teaching hospitals were 14.3 times more likely to be in the high readmission rate group. A one-star increase in Facebook rating was associated with increased odds of the hospital belonging to the low readmission rate group by a factor of 5.0 (CI: 2.6–10.3, p < 0.01), when controlling for hospital characteristics and Facebook-related variables. Hospitals with lower rates of 30-day hospital-wide unplanned readmissions have higher ratings on Facebook than hospitals with higher readmission rates. These findings add strength to the concept that aggregate measures of patient satisfaction on social media correlate with more traditionally accepted measures of hospital quality.
Mechanical properties of human dental enamel on the nanometre scale

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) combined with a nano-indentation technique was used to reveal the structure and to perform site-specific mechanical testing of the enamel of third molars. Nano-indentations (size<500 nm) were made in the cusp area to measure the mechanical properties of single enamel rods at different orientations. The influence of etching on the physical properties was studied and etching conditions that did not significantly alter the plastic-elastic response of enamel were defined. Elasticity and hardness were found to be a function of the microstructural texture. Mean Young's moduli of 87.5 (+/-2.2) and 72.2 (+/-4.5) GPa and mean hardness of 3.9+/-0.3 and 3.3+/-0.3 GPa were measured in directions parallel and perpendicular to the enamel rods, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that the differences were significant. The observed anisotropy of enamel is related to the alignment of fibre-like apatite crystals and the composite nature of enamel rods. Mechanical properties were also studied at different locations on single enamel rods. Compared to those in the head area of the rods, Young's moduli and hardness were lower in the tail area and in the inter-rod enamel, which can be attributed to changes in crystal orientation and the higher content of soft organic tissue in these areas.
Recognition of Granzyme B‐generated autoantigen fragments in scleroderma patients with ischemic digital loss

Objective To examine whether autoantibodies recognizing granzyme B (GB)-cleaved autoantigens are associated with ischemic digital loss (IDL) in limited systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Fifteen of 19 patients with limited SSc and IDL were matched by age, sex, race, and duration of disease to controls with limited SSc but without IDL. The sera were used to immunoblot HeLa cell lysates and chromosome preparations that had been incubated in vitro in the absence or presence of GB. Anticentromere antibodies (ACAs) were assayed by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation of in vitro-translated centromere proteins (CENP-B and CENP-C). Immunoprecipitation of GB-cleaved CENPs was also performed. Results GB-cleaved autoantigens were immunoblotted by 16 of 19 IDL sera (84.2%) compared with 6 of 15 non-IDL sera (40.0%) (odds ratio 8.0, 95% confidence interval 1.6–40.0). This association persisted after adjustment for ACA status. Furthermore, the presence of antibodies to centromere proteins as well as to GB-cleaved antigens was highly specific for IDL, occurring in 12 of 19 IDL patients (63.2%) and in none of 15 controls (P < 0.0001). An identical 60-kd GB-generated fragment was recognized by 5 of 16 IDL sera (31.3%) and was demonstrated to arise through GB-mediated cleavage of CENP-C. GB-cleaved CENP-C fragments were recognized preferentially over the intact CENP-C molecule by antibodies from patients with IDL. Conclusion The striking recognition of GB-generated autoantigen fragments by sera from patients with limited SSc and IDL constitutes the first in vivo evidence that antibodies against GB-generated centromeric peptide fragments identify a distinct clinical subset.
Strongly adequate sets and adding a club with finite conditions

We continue the study of adequate sets which we began in (Krueger in Forcing with adequate sets of models as side conditions) by introducing the idea of a strongly adequate set, which has an additional requirement on the overlap of two models past their comparison point. We present a forcing poset for adding a club to a fat stationary subset of ? 2 with finite conditions, thereby showing that a version of the forcing posets of Friedman (Set theory: Centre de Recerca Matematica, Barcelona, 2003---2004, Trends in Mathematics. Birkhauser Verlag, 2006) and Mitchell (Trans Am Math Soc 361(2):561601, 2009) for adding a club on ? 2 can be developed in the context of adequate sets.
GUEST EDITORIAL: WRITING IN THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY

Writing in the computer industry most likely provides the greatest challenges for technical communicators. The technology changes rapidly, and there are few established models of how communication products should be written. There are even fewer established models of how communication departments should be run. This article looks at the frustrations, challenges, and rewards of writing in such an environment.
The Use of Enoxaparin and Insuflon™ Catheter to Direct Treatment of CVL Thrombosis

Abstract Neonates are surviving at younger gestational ages and with more significant congenital anomalies. In addition, the clinical interventions required to care for them are also becoming more complex and technical, which, in turn, increases the risk of complications related to these interventions. Included in these risks is the potential for central venous line (CVL)-associated thrombus or, for the purposes of this paper, venous thromboembolism (VTE). Though the true incidence of VTE is not known, CVLs remain the most common cause of VTE in the neonate. Treatment consists of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) followed by LMWH for a period of 6 weeks to 3 months. The Insuflon™ Subcutaneous Catheter is a safe and effective option for anticoagulation administration for those infants diagnosed with VTEs.
Determination of cellular oncogene rearrangement or amplification in ovarian adenocarcinomas

Four cellular oncogenes, fos, myc, Ha-ras, and Ki-ras, are routinely expressed in ovarian adenocarcinomas. To determine whether the molecular lesion in ovarian carcinoma was a genetic rearrangement or amplification of expressed oncogenes, we examined the myc, Ha-ras, Ki-ras, and fos oncogenes in 14 serous adenocarcinomas of the ovary using molecular hybridization techniques. Using a series of diagnostic restriction endonucleases and gene-specific deoxyribonucleic acid probes, we found no evidence of rearrangement of these genes. In addition, we found no evidence of amplification of the cellular oncogenes analyzed in this series of ovarian tumors. Therefore genetic rearrangement or amplification of these cellular oncogenes is not the primary molecular lesion leading to their expression in ovarian carcinomas.
Chilocorine: heptacyclic alkaloid from a coccinellid beetle

Abstract A novel heptacyclic alkaloid, for which we coin the name chilocorine , was isolated from a ladybird beetle, Chilocorus cacti . It has a unique structure made up of two tricyclic substructures, 2-methylperhydro- 9b -azaphenalene and 3,4-dimethyloctahydro- 8b -azaacenaphthylene. The proposed structure is based on mass spectrometric, ultraviolet spectroscopic, and NMR evidence.
Student Response Systems: Keeping the Students Engaged

It can be a struggle to generate active student participation in library instruction. It is often the first and only time that the instructor will meet with the students, students have a wide range...
Mixing of argon-ion and carbon dioxide laser radiation in uniaxial rubidium chlorate crystals

Mixing in uniaxial RbCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ of visible and infrared photons emitted, respectively, by an argon-ion and C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ laser has been examined at room temperature under conditions in which the two laser beams propagate collinearly in the single crystal. The intensity dependence of the Stokes (down-converted) and anti-Stokes (up-converted) mixed-phonon signals has been measured as a function of the propagation direction of the collinear C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and argon-ion laser beams and has been found to vary by three orders of magnitude as $\ensuremath{\theta}$, the angle between the wave vector of the visible (or infrared) laser beam and the crystal $c$ axis varies from 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The mixed-photon signal intensity achieves its maximum value at a critical propagation angle ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{c}$ at which phase matching is achieved. The functional dependence of ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{c}$ on the C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$-laser wavelength has been calculated and measured. The excellent agreement between experiment and theory provides an additional, yet independent, check of the dielectric functions of RbCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ which have been determined previously from Raman scattering measurements. The polarization relationships between the mixed photons and the incident photons have been studied carefully and analyzed through both the second-order nonlinear susceptibility tensor and the Raman tensors. Group-theoretically-derived polarization selection rules are rigorously obeyed as evidenced by experimental depolarization factors in excess of 1000. Consistent with wave-vector selection rules, the mixed photons that emerge from the RbCl${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ crystal are highly collimated along a specified direction. The mixing process, in addition to being viewed as a second-order nonlinear interaction, is treated as Raman scattering from angular-tunable optically pumped hot phonons and polaritons. Nonequilibrium steady-state pumped-polariton gains in excess of ${10}^{8}$ corresponding to equilibrium sample temperatures of the order of ${10}^{11}$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K have beem measured and calculated. An extensive search was made for first-and second-order Raman scattering from the hot-polariton decay and scattering products. No such damping products were observed for reasons related principally to limitations in the minimum achievable measurement temperature.
Extracutaneous origin of lymphomatoid papulosis

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a cutaneous clonal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder that manifests as papulonodular lesions that regress spontaneously, only to reappear at the same or other sites. Despite the usual benign clinical course, 10% to 20% of LyP patients develop a systemic malignant
Enhanced excitatory synaptic network activity following transient group I metabotropic glutamate activation

Prolonged activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) using the agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) produces long-lasting changes in the CA3 region of the hippocampal slice. Changes in CA3 pyramidal neuron excitability that follow DHPG exposure result in abnormal network activity manifest by epileptiform activity that consists of interictal and longer lasting ictal epileptiform discharges. In this study we evaluated changes in synaptic activity of CA3 neurons in rat hippocampal slices that occurred after exposure to DHPG. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were made from visually identified CA3 neurons in control artificial cerebrospinal fluid at times greater than 1h after DHPG exposure. Compared to control slices, neurons from slices exposed to DHPG showed enhanced amplitude and frequency of spontaneously occurring excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) without a concurrent change in inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) amplitude or frequency. Miniature EPSCs were not affected by DHPG exposure but mIPSCs occurred less frequently and were of reduced amplitude. IPSCs recorded in the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor blockade occurred less frequently in neurons that had been exposed to DHPG. Monosynaptic-evoked IPSPs were also reduced in amplitude in neurons that had been exposed to DHPG. Taken together, these findings demonstrated an enhanced network excitability of the CA3 region and failure of compensatory synaptic inhibition. We propose that prolonged activation of group I mGluR that may occur under conditions of pathological glutamate release results in long-lasting changes in CA3 synaptic network activity and epileptiform activity driven by excessive synaptic excitation.
On the Validity of Hypotheses Derived from the Rorschach: V. The Relationship between Form Level and Ego Strength:

Summary.-Although Rorschach interpreted form level as a perceptual and conceptual aspect of intelligence, Beck and the more current meaning assigned to form level relates these functions to ego strength. F+ %, therefore, has come to be regarded as a measure of ego strength. The research examining the validity of this assumption was reviewed and Be&s hypothesis was seen to be supported. The research supports the clinical use of F+% as a measure of ego strength, but further research might help clarify what actual psychological processes are involved in the creation of responses of good form.
A nonparametric mixture model for topic modeling over time

A single, stationary topic model such as latent Dirichlet allocation is inappropriate for modeling corpora that span long time periods, as the popularity of topics is likely to change over time. A number of models that incorporate time have been proposed, but in general they either exhibit limited forms of temporal variation, or require computationally expensive inference methods. In this paper we propose nonparametric Topics over Time (npTOT), a model for time-varying topics that allows an unbounded number of topics and flexible distribution over the temporal variations in those topics’ popularity. We develop a collapsed Gibbs sampler for the proposed model and compare against existing models on synthetic and real document sets.
Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine Pre- and Post-Liver Transplantation

Cyclosporine (CyA) is an immunosuppressant metabolized primarily by the liver and small intestine. The pharmacokinetics (PK) of CyA-were studied in 6 patients prior to and 1 to 3 months after liver transplantation (tx). Sixteen blood samples were collected over 24 hours following a 2-3 mg/kg intravenous dose of CyA. PK parameters, presented as mean +/- SD, were estimated using noncompartmental techniques. Pre-tx AUCs (14,540 +/- 5200 micrograms.h/L) were found to be significantly higher than during the post-tx phase (8120 +/- 2870 micrograms.h/L, p = 0.04). CyA clearance values were lower pre-tx as compared to post-tx (0.21 +/- 0.06 L/h/kg vs. 0.38 +/- 0.14 L/h/kg, respectively). There was no change in volume of distribution. End-stage liver disease can markedly decrease hepatic clearance of CyA relative to patients with stable hepatic function post-liver tx. The degree of impairment in clearance is not consistent or predictable based on liver function tests.