cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of message segmentation in tandem-node computer networks

Abstract The effects of message segmentation in tandem-node packet switching computer networks becomes significant only at high traffic intensities. A performance evaluation was conducted on five tandem nodes using both analytical and simulation techniques. The average total packet delay results from these two approaches indicate that the well celebrated Independence Assumption [6] has limitations. Probability density functions of packet interarrival times at the intermediate nodes help explain why. Probability density functions of total packet delay highlight the effects of message segmentation.
The putative dopamine D3 receptor agonist 7-OH-DPAT: lack of mesolimbic selectivity

Abstract 7-Hydroxy- N , N -di- n -propyl-2-aminotetralin (7-OH-DPAT), an agonist with relative selectivity for the dopamine D 3 receptor, was examined in several electrophysiological assays to determine whether it exhibits preferential effects in the mesolimbic versus nigrostriatal dopamine systems. Extracellular single unit activities of substantia nigra pars compacta (A9) and ventral tegmental area (A10) dopamine neurons, and caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens neurons, were recorded in male rats anesthetized with chloral hydrate. Intravenous (±)-7-OH-DPAT potently and completely inhibited the firing of both A9 and A10 dopamine neurons (ED 50 ′s: 3.5 ± 0.7 μ g/kg and 3.9 ± 0.9 μ g/kg, respectively). The active enantiomer, (+)-7-OH-DPAT, was 2 to 3 times more potent than the racemic drug (ED 50 ′s: 1.2 ± 0.3 μ g/kg and 1.7 ± 0.4 μ g/kg for A9 and A10 cells, respectively). There were no significant differences in potency for either form in inhibiting A9 and A10 dopamine neurons. In other studies, iontophoretically applied (+)-7-OH-DPAT caused current-dependent inhibitions of spontaneously active or glutamate-driven caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens neurons (I 50 values, 6.5 and 7.9 nA, respectively). Again, no difference in potency between cell populations was noted. Finally, in cell-attached patch-clamp recordings from freshly dissociated rat caudate-putamen neurons, an 85 pS K + channel known to be activated by dopamine and the “D 2 -like” agonist quinpirole was also observed with (±)-7-OH-DPAT (0.2–1 μM) applied in the patch pipette. Although dopamine D 3 receptors have been thought to play an important role in limbic areas, these result suggest that 7-OH-DPAT behaves similarly to dopamine D 2 agonists and does not discriminate between nigrostriatal and mesolimbic systems.
An Ontology Mapping Application Using a Shared Ontology Approach and a Bridge Ontology

This paper presents our continuing work to develop methods to exchange product knowledge in the semantic level in the CAD/CAE domains. We present an approach based on a shared ontology, in which a higher level of ontologies are shared among lower levels of ontologies. Key mapping strategies, such as Equivalency, Attribute Similarity, Composition Similarity, and Inheritance Similarity are defined to map concepts and properties defined in a product design domain and an assembly simulation domain. In addition, a Bridge Ontology is designed to store information obtained from mapping processes and construct a link between different knowledge repositories. An Ontology Mapping Application (OMA) which brings together all these elements has been designed and implemented. It is a Java-based application that allows the user to load source and target ontologies, calculate concept and property similarities between them, display the mapping results, and output a corresponding Bridge Ontology.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Propagation of a generalized radiance in paraxial optical systems

It is demonstrated that the symmetric form of the generalized radiance remains invariant on propagation along rays through lossless paraxial optical systems described by their ABCD matrices. This result is derived directly on the basis of the cascaded Huygens-Fresnel integral, and it holds for all states of the field coherence. When combined with quasihomogeneous sources the result leads to a fully consistent wave theory of radiometry with partially coherent light.
Limitations of Coefficient Alpha as an Index of Test Unidimensionality1

Confusion in the literature between the concepts of internal consistency and homogeneity has led to a misuse of coefficient alpha as an index of item homogeneity. Coefficient alpha is actually a complexly determined test statistic, item homogeneity only being one influence on its magnitude. The related statistic, the average intercorrelation, has similar difficulties. Several indices of item homogeneity derived from the model of common factor analysis are offered as alternatives.
Minimizing salt in drain water by irrigation management — Leaching studies with alfalfa

Abstract An alfalfa experiment was conducted in the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District of Southwest Arizona to determine the potential for minimizing the salt load in irrigation return flow by decreased leaching. Three leaching treatments of 5, 10, and 20%, replicated five times, were imposed on a 2-ha field. The crop was irrigated with Colorado River water (electrical conductivity of 1.3 dS m −1 ) through a lateral-move, spray-type irrigation system. Results were compared with those of an adjacent area irrigated with level basin flooding. The average annual evapotranspiration during the 4-year study was 1930 mm. Several indirect measures of the leaching fractions attained gave average values of 6.4, 9.3, and 13.1% for the three leaching treatments. Mean annual yields were 21.5 and 22.9 Mg ha −1 for 1977 and 1978 in the experimental plots, with no significant differences among leaching treatments, and 25.7 and 20.8 Mg ha −1 in the adjacent flooded check. The results suggest that full yields could be attained with as little as 5% leaching. Estimates based on average on-farm irrigation efficiency for alfalfa in the District in 1979, indicate that 5% leaching, if attainable, would reduce the salt load in the irrigation return flow by 39 000 Mg year −1 on 8 000 ha of alfalfa.
Historical notes: The road to peroral endoscopic myotomy

Abstract Submucosal endoscopy with saftey valve mucosal flap was developed in the animal laboratory of the Mayo Clinic Developmental Endoscopy Unit. This concept, and ultimately clinical technique, was an outgrowth of earlier efforts to improve endoscopic excision of mucosal disease by manipulating the submucosa. The ability of the mucosa to readily separate from the submucosa (delaminate) was the critical observation that was refined into a method transforming the submucosa into a working space while allowing the overlying mucosal flap to serve as a protective barrier.
Conceptualizing and researching employer branding

Employer branding represents a firm's efforts to promote, both within and outside the firm, a clear view of what makes it different and desirable as an employer. In recent years employer branding has gained popularity among practicing managers. Given this managerial interest, this article presents a framework to initiate the scholarly study of employer branding. Combining a resource‐based view with brand equity theory, a framework is used to develop testable propositions. The article discusses the relationship between employer branding and organizational career management. Finally, it outlines research issues that need to be addressed to develop employer branding as a useful organizing framework for strategic human resource management.
Comparison of patterns of prolactin release in GH4C1 cells and primary pituitary cultures.

Abstract The effects of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, an activator of C-kinase), the cation ionophore A23187, forskolin (an activator of adenylate cyclase) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on prolactin release from anterior pituitary cells in primary culture were investigated and compared to the effects of these same agents on prolactin release from GH 4 C 1 cells. In both GH 4 C 1 cells and primary pituitary cultures, 100 nM TRH increased prolactin release 3- to 5-fold within 4 min after the stimulation started. This peak response was followed by a fall to a sustained increased rate of release approximately 1.5-fold above the basal rate. The decline after the early peak was slower in primary cultures than in GH 4 C 1 cells. Addition of 20 μM A23187 to primary cultures caused a rapid 2- to 4-fold increase in release that fell to basal values within 12 min after the stimulation started. In GH 4 C 1 cells, A23187 caused a rise in prolactin release of less than 2-fold that was sustained longer than the rise seen in primary cultures. Perifusion of either type of cells with 50 nM TPA caused a rapid 2- to 2.5-fold increase in release that also was sustained for 30 min or more in both types of cells. Perifusion with combined TPA and A23187 caused a 3- to 5-fold increase in rate of release from each cell type that declined rapidly to a 2-fold sustained release in primary cultures, and that declined more slowly in GH 4 C 1 cells. Forskolin, l μM, had only a small effect by itself, but potentiated the effect of TPA or combined TPA and A23187 in both types of cells. Forskolin did not potentiate the effect of TRH in primary cultures. Although there are differences in responses of the 2 types of cells, the overall patterns of response were similar. The data are consistent with a model in which 2 parts of the Ca 2+ messenger system participate in the action of TRH: an increase in cytosolic Ca 2+ and an activation of protein kinase C.
Pre-existing pulmonary hypertension in patients with end-stage heart failure: impact on clinical outcome and hemodynamic follow-up after orthotopic heart transplantation.

Background The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of pre-existing pulmonary hypertension (PHT) on outcome and to assess the pulmonary hemodynamic changes after heart transplantation (HT). Methods A total of 410 patients were studied before and after (1 month and 1 year) HT: Group 1 ( n = 266) had no PHT (PVR n = 112) had mild–moderate PHT (PVR 3 to 6 WU, TPG 10 to 20 mm Hg); and Group 3 ( n = 32) had severe PHT (PVR > 6 WU, TPG > 20 mm Hg). Results Mean (± SD) follow-up was 5.2 ± 4.1 years, mean recipient age was 57 ± 11, and mean donor age was 30 ± 12 years. Baseline characteristics were similar in all groups, except donor/recipient weight ratio, which was higher in patients with PHT ( p = 0.002). There was a significant ( p p p = 0.9) and long-term survival ( p = 0.8). Patients with residual post-transplant PHT (PVR ≥ 3 WU) had reduced long-term survival ( p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed no evidence that elevated PVR was associated with death. Conclusions Pre-existing elevated PVR that responds to vasodilator challenge does not have a negative influence on short- and long-term survival after HT. We found that residual post-transplant PHT is associated with decreased long-term survival.
Populations Dynamics and Role of Two Species of Lepidostoma (Trichoptera: Lepidostomatidae) In an Oregon Coniferous Forest Stream

The aim of this study was to gather quantitative field and laboratory data on the role of Lepidostoma cascadense (Milne) and Lepidostoma unicolor (Banks) in the processing of conifer needles in a stream ecosystem. Samples were collected monthly in a riffle-pool section of Mack Creek, Lane County, Oregon, USA. For L. cascadense, maximum larval density was 812/M2 and instantaneous growth rate was 1.5%/d. The larvae grew slowly throughout the winter and pupation occurred in May and June. In contrast, L. unicolor increased very little in size during the winter and grew very rapidly during June and early July, reaching a maximum larval density of 320/M2 and with an instantaneous growth rate (March through July) of 2.7%/d. Production of L. cascadense was estimated as 0.31 g.m-2 yr-I and that of L. unicolor was 0.23 g-m-2 yr-t. In addition to temporal separation in periods of maximum growth, the two species occurred in different microhabitats. L. cascadense larvae were found within the sediments and debris while L. unicolor occurred on the surface of the debris. Laboratory studies were conducted with L. unicolor larvae. Consumption and fecal production rates (measured gravimetrically) increased with higher temperature, greater food density, or longer conditioning time of the food, and decreased with increased size of the larvae. Production and biomass of L. cascadense and L. unicolor in Mack Creek are minor in relation to other insects in the system. However, because of high consumption rates and low assimilation efficiency, the processing of large particulate organic matter by these two species contributed signif- icantly to the food available to collectors in the study area.
Variational Approach to the Faddeev Equations

A variational principle is formulated as a means for obtaining approximate solutions to the Faddeev integral equations for the nonrelativistic three-body scattering problem. Bound states are described by the homogeneous version of the Faddeev equations. In this case a minimum principle for the binding energies is obtained in close analogy with the familiar Rayleigh-Ritz method. An effective potential is defined as the solution of a set of modified Faddeev equations. The variational principle therefore applies to the effective potential. This is shown to be a minimum principle for the eigenphase shifts for energies below the three-particle breakup threshold. Some formal applications of the variational principle are described. These include derivations, within the Faddeev formalism, of a normalization condition for bound-state wave functions, a distorted-wave theory, and a perturbation theory for discrete states.
Improving the mechanical and thermal properties of gelatin hydrogels cross-linked by cellulose nanowhiskers

This study demonstrates the preparation of a renewable and biocompatible hydrogel with superior mechanical properties consisting of a gelatin matrix cross-linked with oxidized cellulose nanowhiskers. We found an increased degree of chemical cross-linking (0.14-17%) between gelatin and nanowhiskers with the increased amount of aldehyde contents (0.062-0.230mmolg(-1)). (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T(2) relaxation experiments on D(2)O swollen hydrogels demonstrated systems consisting of both gelatin and cellulose nanowhiskers displayed a higher percentage of "ridge" protons, attributed in part to increasing chemical cross-linking junction points between gelatin and nanowhiskers. This increase in hydrogel rigidity not only modified local chain dynamics but also influenced gel swelling, showing relatively reduced water uptake ability than that of the neat gelatin. Rheological measurements confirmed a 150% improvement in storage modulus (G') of the cross-linked hydrogels compared to neat gelatin. Chemical cross-linking also increased the resistance of the gels towards thermal degradation above the melting temperature of gelatin as observed by thermal scanning experiments.
Origin of the smeared phase transition in the random dipolar Ising ferromagnet Li Tb 0.63 Y 0.37 F 4

Using data obtained from equation-of-state measurements on $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{Tb}}_{p}{\mathrm{Y}}_{1\ensuremath{-}p}{\mathrm{F}}_{4}$, we have analyzed the smeared transition between the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases of this randomly diluted dipolar-coupled Ising ferromagnet. The results suggest that the source of the smearing is a macroscopic concentration gradient across the crystal and therefore that the data are consistent with the phase transition being intrinsically sharp.
Graphical Methods in Computational Statistics

One of the first steps in attempting to understand data is to visualize it. Visualization of data and information provides a wealth of tools that can be used in detecting features, in discovering relationships, and finally in retaining the knowledge gained. Graphical displays have always been an important part of statistical data analysis, but with the continuing developments in high-speed computers and high-resolution devices, the usefulness of graphics has greatly increased. Higher resolution makes for a more visually pleasing display, and occasionally it allows features to be seen that could not be distinguished otherwise. The most important effects of the computer on graphical methods in statistics, however, arise from the ease and speed with which graphical displays can be produced, rather than from the resolution. Rapid production of graphical displays has introduced motion and articulated projections and sections into statistical graphics. Such graphical methods are important tools of computational statistics. The multiple views are tools of discovery, not just ways of displaying a set of data that has already been analyzed. Although the power of graphical displays has greatly increased, some of the most useful graphs are the simple ones, as illustrated in Section 1.1, and they should not be ignored just because we can do more impressive things. Proper design of a graphical display depends on the context of the application and the purpose of the graphics, whether it is for the analyst to get a better understanding of the data or to present a picture that conveys a message. Our emphasis in the following discussion is on methods useful in exploratory graphics. One thing that is lagging in the statistical literature is the use of color in graphical displays. The simple mechanics used in producing popular magazines are yet to be incorporated in the production of learned journals. Journals available in electronic form do not have these production problems, and it is likely that the paper versions of many journals will be discontinued before the production of color is mastered.
Plasma Potential Measurements and Strain Effects in Epitaxial GAN Grown on AlN Buffered Si(111) by Radio Frequency Reactive Sputtering

We have grown epitaxial GaN thin films on A1N buffered Si(111) by radio frequency glow discharge sputtering. GaN growth direction strains and GaN E2 optical phonon energies are measured. At the same growth temperature, plasma potentials of the radio frequency glow discharge in which GaN is grown, GaN growth rate, and strain in GaN increase systematically as a function of increasing input power. The measured GaN E2 optical phonon energy scales with GaN lattice strain. Our results indicate the presence of significant intrinsic stresses in epitaxial GaN films and point to the importance of plasma characteristics in controlling the physical properties during plasma assisted thin film deposition.
Online bipartite matching with unknown distributions

We consider the online bipartite matching problem in the unknown distribution input model. We show that the Ranking algorithm of [KVV90] achieves a competitive ratio of at least 0.653. This is the first analysis to show an algorithm which breaks the natural 1 - 1/e -barrier' in the unknown distribution model (our analysis in fact works in the stricter, random order model) and answers an open question in [GM08]. We also describe a family of graphs on which Ranking does no better than 0.727 in the random order model. Finally, we show that for graphs which have k > 1 disjoint perfect matchings, Ranking achieves a competitive ratio of at least 1 - √(1/k - 1/k2 + 1/n) -- in particular Ranking achieves a factor of 1 - o(1) for graphs with ω(1) disjoint perfect matchings.
Biochemical Characterization of Cytosolic Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase from Apple (Malus domestica) Leaves

Cytosolic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase was purified to apparent homogeneity from the leaves of apple, a sorbitol synthesizing species. The enzyme was a homotetramer with a subunit mass of 37 kDa, and was highly specific for fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (F1,6BP) with a Km of 3.1 micro M and a Vmax of 48 units (mg protein)(-1). Either Mg2+ or Mn2+ was required for its activity with a Km of 0.59 mM and 62 micro M, respectively. Li+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ inhibited whereas Mn2+ enhanced the Mg2+ activated enzyme activity. Fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) was found to be a mixed type inhibitor with a Ki of 0.47 mM. Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP) competitively inhibited the enzyme activity and changed the substrate saturation curve from hyperbolic to sigmoidal. AMP was a non-competitive inhibitor for the enzyme. F6P interacted with F2,6BP and AMP in a synergistic way to inhibit the enzyme activity. Dihydroxyacetone phosphate slightly inhibited the enzyme activity in the presence or absence of F2,6BP. Sorbitol increased the susceptibility of the enzyme to the inhibition by high concentrations of F1,6BP. High concentrations of sorbitol in the reaction mixture led to a reduction in the enzyme activity.
Socioeconomic Status and Financial Coping Strategies: The Mediating Role of Perceived Control:

We examine the relations among socioeconomic status, control beliefs, and two coping styles (problem-focused vs. emotion-focused) in the context of financial stress. Findings indicate that low socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to greater use of emotion-focused financial coping and lesser use of problem-focused financial coping. The effects of SES on the use of problem-focused financial coping appear to be entirely mediated by two measures of perceived control: self-confidence and fatalism. In contrast, the effects of SES on emotion-focused financial coping are not mediated in this way. Results also indicated that problem-focused and emotion-focused financial coping are differentially related to financial stress and to general psychosocial distress. These results suggest that low SES may decrease one's control beliefs, which in turn decrease the likelihood of choosing effective financial coping processes, resulting in double disadvantage.
Automatic scoring of online discussion posts

Online discussions forums, known as forums for short, are conversational social cyberspaces constituting rich repositories of content and an important source of collaborative knowledge. However, most of this knowledge is buried inside the forum infrastructure and its extraction is both complex and difficult. The ability to automatically rate postings in online discussion forums, based on the value of their contribution, enhances the ability of users to find knowledge within this content. Several key online discussion forums have utilized collaborative intelligence to rate the value of postings made by users. However, a large percentage of posts go unattended and hence lack appropriate rating.In this paper, we focus on automatic rating of postings in online discussion forums. A set of features derived from the posting content and the threaded discussion structure are generated for each posting. These features are grouped into five categories, namely (i) relevance, (ii) originality, (iii) forum-specific features, (iv) surface features, and (v) posting-component features. Using a non-linear SVM classifier, the value of each posting is categorized into one of three levels High, Medium, or Low. This rating represents a seed value for each posting that is leveraged in filtering forum content. Experimental results have shown promising performance on forum data.
Semantic interference deficits and the detection of mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment without dementia

Impairment in delayed recall has traditionally been considered a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, vulnerability to semantic interference may reflect early manifestations of the disorder. In this study, 26 mildly demented AD patients (mild AD), 53 patients with mild cognitive impairment without dementia (MCI), and 53 normal community-dwelling elders were first presented 10 common objects that were recalled over 3 learning trials. Subjects were then presented 10 new semantically related objects followed by recall for the original targets. After controlling for the degree of overall memory impairment, mild AD patients demonstrated greater proactive but equivalent retroactive interference relative to MCI patients. Normal elderly subjects exhibited the least amount of proactive and retroactive interference effects. Recall for targets susceptible to proactive interference correctly classified 81.3% of MCI patients and 81.3% of normal elderly subjects, outperforming measures of delayed recall and rate of forgetting. Adding recognition memory scores to the model enhanced both sensitivity (84.6%) and specificity (88.5%). A combination of proactive and retroactive interference measures yielded sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 96.2% in differentiating mild AD patients from normal older adults. Susceptibility to proactive semantic interference may be an early cognitive feature of MCI and AD patients presenting for clinical evaluation. (JINS, 2004, 10, 91‐100.)
Pseudohemoptysis due to Serratia marcescens.

An 88-year-old man with no history of pulmonary disease was admitted following syncope. Examination of the lungs at presentation was unremarkable and chest radiograph was clear. The patient required mechanical ventilation for several days due to his altered mental status. On hospital day four, the patient developed fever, leukocytosis, and red secretions from the endotracheal tube. Bronchoscopy revealed multiple red lesions throughout the proximal airways (Panel a, arrow), but no active bleeding. Bronchial washings were red-colored (Panel b), but no red blood cells were seen under microscopy. Subsequently, cultures were positive for Serratia marcescens. Pseudohemoptysis, or the appearance of red colored sputum without the presence of red blood cells, is a well-described manifestation of Serratia marcescens infection. This phenomenon is attributed to the organism’s production of the red pigment prodigiosin at room temperature (Fig. 1). Figure 1 a. Bronchoscopic view with arrow pointing to red lesions. b. Red-colored bronchial washings. Serratia marcescens is a common environmental organism and an important cause of nosocomial infection.1 Data from the US show that Serratia species were recovered in 4.1 % of hospitalized patients with pneumonia.2 Nosocomial pneumonia attributed to Serratia marcescens has been traced to numerous sources, including nebulizers,3 inhaled medications,4 and bronchoscope equipment.5 Our patient was treated with 10 days of doripenem, with clinical improvement and resolution of the pseudohemoptysis.
Examination of the Staphylococcus aureus nitric oxide reductase (saNOR) reveals its contribution to modulating intracellular NO levels and cellular respiration.

Staphylococcus aureus nitrosative stress resistance is due in part to flavohemoprotein (Hmp). Although hmp is present in all sequenced S. aureus genomes, 37% of analyzed strains also contain nor, encoding a predicted quinol-type nitric oxide (NO) reductase (saNOR). DAF-FM staining of NO-challenged wild-type, nor, hmp and nor hmp mutant biofilms suggested that Hmp may have a greater contribution to intracellular NO detoxification relative to saNOR. However, saNOR still had a significant impact on intracellular NO levels and complemented NO detoxification in a nor hmp mutant. When grown as NO-challenged static (low-oxygen) cultures, hmp and nor hmp mutants both experienced a delay in growth initiation, whereas the nor mutant's ability to initiate growth was comparable with the wild-type strain. However, saNOR contributed to cell respiration in this assay once growth had resumed, as determined by membrane potential and respiratory activity assays. Expression of nor was upregulated during low-oxygen growth and dependent on SrrAB, a two-component system that regulates expression of respiration and nitrosative stress resistance genes. High-level nor promoter activity was also detectable in a cell subpopulation near the biofilm substratum. These results suggest that saNOR contributes to NO-dependent respiration during nitrosative stress, possibly conferring an advantage to nor+ strains in vivo.
The Nature and Prevalence of Familicide in the United States, 2000–2009

Familicide refers to the killing of multiple family members, most commonly the homicide of an intimate partner and at least one child. This study examines the prevalence of familicide in the United States. Second, it explores the relationship between the prevalence of familicide and the prevalence of financial problems in the United States by making use of Supplementary Homicide Reports data and newspaper reports. In the period of 2000–2009, familicide involving an intimate partner and child(ren) occurred approximately 23 times per year. The majority of the perpetrators were male, who committed the offense with a firearm. Familicides involving an intimate partner and child(ren) with financial motives alone occurred 4 to 5 times per year. The results showed that the association between familicide and financial problems is not a straightforward one. Even though correlational analyses suggest a relationship between the two, the prevalence of familicide motivated by financial problems was unrelated to periods of financial downfall. Directions for future research are discussed.
Fuzzy measures in inductive reasoning

The authors address: (1) the problem of optimal recording, i.e. the problem of an optimal selection of landmarks (the borderlines between neighboring domains in the discretization of continuous-time variables); and (2) the problem of reconstructing the continuous variables following the class behavior forecast. A modified inductive-reasoning technique is considered which makes it possible to reconstruct the continuous signals from the forecast discrete signals with very good accuracy. For this purpose, the previously used probabilistic quality measures are exchanged for fuzzy quality measures, and, together with the discrete states, fuzzy membership functions of the forecast signals are predicted. From these membership functions, one can then regenerate the continuous signals. The technique has been tested by means of a third-order continuous-time linear system and has given promising results. >
Photoinduced absorption and photoinduced reflectance in conducting polymer/methanofullerene films : Nonlinear-optical changes in the complex index of refraction

We report photoinduced absorption (PIA) and photoinduced reflectance (PIR) spectra of poly(3-octyl thiophene)/methanofullerene films. As a result of the efficient photoinduced intermolecular charge transfer, the PIA and PIR spectra of the composite films are significantly enhanced in magnitude over those in either of the component materials. From the PIA and PIR spectra, the corresponding changes in the complex refractive index \ensuremath{\Delta}N=\ensuremath{\Delta}n(\ensuremath{\omega})+i\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\kappa}(\ensuremath{\omega}) are obtained. The results indicate that the PIA spectra are dominated by \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\kappa}(\ensuremath{\omega}); the subgap electronic absorptions peak at approximately 0.1 and 1.6 eV. The PIR spectra are dominated mainly by \ensuremath{\Delta}n(\ensuremath{\omega}), which exhibits a derivative spectral shape with zero crossing at 0.1 eV. The implications of these photoinduced changes in the index resulting from photoexcitations are discussed in terms of potential optoelectronic and nonlinear-optical applications of these materials. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A marginal increment assignment algorithm for maximal coverage location problem

Large-scale maximal coverage location problems (MCLP) are quite common in practices, but till now efficient solving methods for them are still quite limited. A new assignment algorithm was proposed in this paper to solve such large-scale MCLPs. In the proposed algorithm, the whole location space is first divided into small regions. Then a heuristic method based on marginal increment was designed to assign facilities into these regions. The assignment was proved to be optimal under some non-strict conditions. The original problem is then decomposed into sub problems with much smaller scale that can be solved easily. A bank branch location problem was studied for computational experiments, and the results show that the proposed algorithm has good performance.
Electronic Reporting of Adverse Event Data to the Food and Drug Administration: The Experiences of Glaxo Wellcome and Zeneca as Participants in the Adverse Event Reporting System Pilot Project

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently initiated a pilot project for electronically submitting individual case safety reports of postmarketed drugs to the agency for upload into the Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). The data elements and the file structure used in the submission process are those defined by the E2b and M2 Expert Working Groups. Two drug manufacturers, Glaxo Wellcome and Zeneca, have chosen to participate in the pilot. This article presents the experiences of the pilot participants including: the scope and goals of the pilot project, resources required to successfully submit data electronically, lessons learned from participation, and the steps required by industry to fully implement an electronic environment.
Judgmental-knowledge bases: Problem solving and expert systems

This paper describes the representation and use of judgmental-knowledge as applied in the experimental development of a general problem solver and an expert system. Human judgments on the degree to which objects are important to processes, (solution methods,) are factored analyzed and formed into a judgment space of orthogonal vectors. This space is consulted, in the case of the problem solver, to choose a solution method based on the attributes of the available objects. The result is a system which decides "how" to solve a problem in much the same way a person would. In the expert system the attributes of a patient are combined to form a diagnosis. The problem solved is an extension of the monkey and bananas problem and expert system provides a diagnosis for thyroid diseases. Examples and experimental results are also given.
The case for reconceptualizing teacher efficacy research

This paper explores possible uses of teacher efficacy research by democratic teacher educators. The many possible meanings of teacher efficacy levels make it problematic for teacher educators to interpret and use teacher efficacy. Beneficial teacher efficacy doubts and problematic types of teacher efficacy confidence are identified, including conceptions of agency that may conflict with democratic teaching. Thus, efforts to enhance teacher efficacy may have many negative side effects. The research support for teacher efficacy is critiqued. To make future research more useful to democratic teacher educators, a new definition of teachers’ efficacy beliefs is proposed, and research directions are outlined.
Team Work Matters: Dual Inhibition Puts Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Under Siege

Inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and histone deacetylases (HDAC) are effective in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, clinical resistance eventually ensues and combinatory therapies are sought to prevent it. Preclinical evaluation of dual PI3K/mTOR and HDAC inhibition is synergistic against NHL, paving the way for bench-to-bedside translation.
Assessment of a reference procedure to collect and analyze glucose in capillary whole blood.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is used to assist patients with diabetes in achieving and maintaining blood glucose concentrations close to those found in individuals without diabetes. This goal requires that blood glucose monitors meet analytical performance criteria that are appropriate for patient care (1)(2)(3). The lack of accuracy of monitors and the resulting variability among monitors limit their use for assessing and maintaining glycemic control (4)(5). No suitable means exists for establishing calibration traceability between a glucose monitor and a reference method. In the absence of a whole-blood glucose reference material, the recommended approach to establishing traceability is to perform split-sample comparisons with patient samples and a reference method (6). This can be achieved by following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (NCCLS) EP9-A2 (7) guideline procedure. Because the capillary whole blood required by these monitors usually is available only in small amounts and because glucose is not stable in this matrix, such split-sample comparison studies are difficult to perform, particularly when specimens need to be transported elsewhere (8). Capillary collection devices have been used in method-comparison studies to characterize glucose monitors (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13), but data on the stability and reproducibility of glucose measurements of blood in these capillary collection devices are limited (8)(9). In this study, we assessed a capillary collection procedure in combination with a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) reference method for measuring glucose in whole blood. The specimen collection procedure and measurement of glucose by GC/MS were based on a previously published method (9). The specimen collection procedure consisted of filling a 1-μL heparinized glass capillary with specimen and transferring it into a microcentrifuge tube …
Pricing Games with Incomplete Information in Parallel Relay Networks

We investigate the impact of incomplete information on the problem of pricing and incentives in a two-hop parallel relay network with one source and multiple relays. We consider a pricing game with incomplete information where the relays advertise traffic dependent charging functions to the source, which then allocates its traffic in a multipath manner and pays the relays according to the advertised charging functions. In our setting, the state of the links for a given relay is not observable by the source or the other relays, although the prior distribution of the types is observable. To provide a benchmark, we first show that in the pricing game with complete information, Nash equilibria exist and are all efficient. In particular, there exist efficient equilibria resulting from linear charging functions. On the other hand, we show that in the game with incomplete information, linear charging functions may lead to inefficiencies. In particular, we quantify the efficiency loss in the symmetric case, where the type distributions and cost structure are identical for all relays.
Secure distributed genome analysis for GWAS and sequence comparison computation.

Background The rapid increase in the availability and volume of genomic data makes significant advances in biomedical research possible, but sharing of genomic data poses challenges due to the highly sensitive nature of such data. To address the challenges, a competition for secure distributed processing of genomic data was organized by the iDASH research center.
Bortezomib (BTZ) prior to and as maintenance therapy after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM): Long-term follow-up of a phase II study

8044 Background: BTZ and immunomodulatory drugs have emerged as active therapeutic options for MM. However, the optimal method of incorporating these agents in the ASCT paradigm remains unclear. Da...
The Impact of Grantsmaking: An Evaluation of Archival and Records Management Programs at the Local Level

This study examines the effectiveness of local government programs created or revitalized with funding provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. With the multitude of local government archival and records management programs throughout the United States, this assessment is undertaken to help evaluate why some programs survive and thrive, while others wither and cease functioning. By examining evidence of program activity, this study reports on the number of local government programs that make a contribution to their governments (warranting ongoing general fund appropriations) and those that do not and whose programs end when grant monies expire. This study concludes by suggesting how local government archives and records administrators can leverage support from their governments and alternatives for federal funding agencies to appropriate funds that will deliver the greatest impact to local governments nationwide.
Thermal Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Interstellar Boundary Explorer's High Energy Neutral Atom Imaging Instrument (IBEX-Hi)

[Abstract] The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) is a mission of exploration and discovery that provides the first global images of the interstellar boundaries and unveils the physics of the heliosphere’s interstellar interaction. At the heart of the IBEX mission is a sun-pointed, spinning satellite on a highly elliptical earth orbit. Two energetic neutral atom (ENA) imaging instruments, named IBEX-Hi and IBEXLo, are positioned on opposite sides of the satellite. A study of IBEX-Hi is currently underway to characterize the thermal behavior of the instrument during space flight. Two analysis tools were developed for this investigation: a computer-based numerical thermal model and a mechanical prototype for experimental thermal-vacuum testing. The thermal model accounts for heat loads from electronics and survival heaters, radiative heat losses to space, as well as conduction and radiation heat transfer within the instrument. The modeling output included the instrument’s steady-state temperature distribution and survival-heater power requirements during various flight scenarios. A high fidelity prototoype of IBEX-Hi was constructed and subjected to a series of thermal-vacuum tests to simulate the thermal interaction between IBEX-Hi, space, and the IBEX spacecraft. Empirical temperature data from the prototype’s thermal test was used to characterize the operation and response behavior of the instrument, assist in the development and verification of the numerical model, and provide valuable information for the mechanical design and operation of the instrument.
Preliminary comparison of model and prototype wakes

Velocity and turbulence profiles previously measured in the wake of a long building 3.2 m high, located in the field, transverse to the wind and in an atmospheric boundary layer several hundred meters thick are compared with wake profiles at corresponding longitudinal stations for a scale model of the building located in a large meteorological wind tunnel having a boundary layer thickness of 0.61 m to assess the accuracy of full scale wake profile predictions based on model tests. Results are presented which show that disparities in nondimensional profiles result from differences in relative depth of logarithmic layers and in surface conditions.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of an Absorption Refrigeration System Using R134/[bmim][PF6] Working Fluid

1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R134) and ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]), were investigated as a new working fluid pair in an absorption refrigeration system. The R134/[bmim][PF6] pair was compared to previous studies using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and the same IL. The R134/[bmim][PF6] fluid pair had up to 92.3% greater cooling-to-total-energy efficiency than the R134a/[bmim][PF6] fluid pair even though R134 and R134a are isomers and have nearly identical physical properties. The coefficient of performance of the R134/[bmim][PF6] fluid pair was up to 3 times larger than that of the R134a/[bmim][PF6] fluid pair when only waste heat was used at the desorber. A working refrigeration system with R134/[bmim][PF6] was constructed, and the measurements of its performance showed that R134/[bmim][PF6] had 1.9 times larger cooling capability than R134a/[bmim][PF6] at a desorber temperature as low as 63 °C.
Laboratory and Field Studies of F1 Progenies from Reciprocal Matings of Biotypes of the European Corn Borer

Laboratory and field studies were conducted at Ankeny. Iowa, in 1964 to examine 9 F1, progenies of reciprocal crosses of biotypes of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hűbner). Parental stocks were collected in west-central Minnesota. central Iowa, and Southeastern Missouri. Comparisons were made in the laboratory of the effects of length of photophases (0-, 14.25-, and 15-hr) on growth of the insect. Criteria for separating the F1 progenies were 10-day-old larval weights, pupal weights, days to 80% pupation, days to 80% emergence, and percent diapausing larvae. It was found that 10-day-old larval weights increased with length of photophase, but pupal weights were not appreciably affected by photophase. Larvae reared in the 15-hr photophase completed their life cycle about 4 days earlier than those reared in the dark. Percent diapause among the F1 progenies indicate a definite influence of the population of borers from the Minnesota collection site on populations of borers from the Iowa and Missouri collection sites. Field studies with the 9 F1 progenies indicated highly significant differences in number of moths emerging, diapausing larvae found at dissection time and percent of Larva surviving forms that entered diapause. The results of these experiments provide further evidence that diapause in the European corn borer is determined genetically as well as by other factors demonstrated to cause this condition. The data indicate that the mechanism of inheritance of this attribute is controlled by something other than a single pair of genes and is probably governed by a multigenetic makeup which responds to temperature and photoperiod.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two- and Three-Dimensional Calcium Coordination Polymers Built with Benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate and/or Pyrazine-2-carboxylate

Two new calcium coordination polymers, [Ca3(btc)2(H2O)12] (1) and [Ca2(btc)(pzc)(H2O)3] (2) (btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate, pzc = pyrazine-2-carboxylate), have been synthesized using the hydro/solvothermal method and have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, IR, UV–vis, thermogravimetric analysis, and fluorescence analysis. The structure of compound 1 is a three-dimensional framework consisting of helical chains of calcium coordination polymers, while that of compound 2 is a double layered network in which the inorganic zigzag chains of calcium coordination polyhedra are linked by organic ligands. Both compounds show blue fluorescence when excited with UV light. Density functional theory calculations on electronic absorption spectra of organic ligands and calcium coordination polymers are discussed.
Motor fluctuations due to interaction between dietary protein and levodopa in Parkinson's disease

The modulation of levodopa transport across the blood brain barrier by large neutral amino acids is well documented. Protein limitation and protein redistribution diets may improve motor fluctuations in patients with Parkinson’s disease but the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of levodopa and amino acids are highly variable. Clinical records of 1037 Parkinson’s disease patients were analyzed to determine the proportion of patients with motor fluctuations related to protein interaction with levodopa. Motor fluctuations due to protein interaction with levodopa were defined as dietary protein being associated with (i) longer time to levodopa effectiveness, (ii) reduced benefit or duration of benefit, (iii) dose failures or (iv) earlier wearing off from a previously effective dose. Dose failures, sudden, painful or behavioral wearing-off periods, gait freezing, nausea, hallucinations, orthostasis, and dyskinesias were taken as markers of motor fluctuations, disease severity, and levodopa side effects potentially influenced by protein. 5.9 % of Parkinson’s disease patients on levodopa, and 12.4 % with motor fluctuations on levodopa correlated their fluctuations with the relative timing of levodopa and protein intake. These patients were younger at disease onset, had worse motor fluctuations and had a higher incidence of family members with Parkinson’s disease. Early wearing off or decreased dose efficacy were most commonly associated with protein interaction. 60 % of patients who modified their diets had weight loss. This study suggests that clinically significant protein interaction with levodopa may occur mostly in a subset of Parkinson’s disease patients with earlier disease onset and those with familial disease.