cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable Fault Tolerance: A Comprehensive Framework for Reliable and Adaptive FPGA-Based Space Computing

Commercial SRAM-based, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have the potential to provide space applications with the necessary performance to meet next-generation mission requirements. However, mitigating an FPGA’s susceptibility to single-event upset (SEU) radiation is challenging. Triple-modular redundancy (TMR) techniques are traditionally used to mitigate radiation effects, but TMR incurs substantial overheads such as increased area and power requirements. In order to reduce these overheads while still providing sufficient radiation mitigation, we propose a reconfigurable fault tolerance (RFT) framework that enables system designers to dynamically adjust a system’s level of redundancy and fault mitigation based on the varying radiation incurred at different orbital positions. This framework includes an adaptive hardware architecture that leverages FPGA reconfigurable techniques to enable significant processing to be performed efficiently and reliably when environmental factors permit. To accurately estimate upset rates, we propose an upset rate modeling tool that captures time-varying radiation effects for arbitrary satellite orbits using a collection of existing, publically available tools and models. We perform fault-injection testing on a prototype RFT platform to validate the RFT architecture and RFT performability models. We combine our RFT hardware architecture and the modeled upset rates using phased-mission Markov modeling to estimate performability gains achievable using our framework for two case-study orbits.
The Quest for Excellence in University Teaching

Although excellent teaching is a main goal for institutions of higher education [49], how to define, promote, and develop such excellence is not clear [30]. Some authors [4, 13] avoid definitions in favor of multiple examples from which a concept of "excellence" may emerge. Others attack the issue more directly. For example, Yoakam and Simpson [65] suggest that quality teachers are "progressive," take into account students' past experiences, diagnose difficulties, permit remedial activities, and liberate learners. Treiber [62], Hamacheck [28], Jackson [38] and Sorason, Davidson and Blatt [60] attribute excellence to the ability to adapt teaching behaviors and techniques to the capabilities of students. Because definitions and examples like these do not identify satisfactorily the qualities of excellent teaching, we examined the literature on college teaching, instructional design and, when these were insufficient, the research on school teaching to generate a conception of teaching excellence in higher education. At first it appeared this would be an easy task because the college teaching and instructional design literature seem to imply that instructors who do all the "right things" (plan systematically, use objectives, provide frequent feedback, for example) should be excellent. However, this does not appear to be the case. It is clearly possible to improve as a teacher [43], but improving does not always result in excellence. Thus, there appear to be qualities and/ or conditions that separate excellent teachers from those who are very good, competent, or incompetent.
Multidisciplinary, Team-Based Learning: The Simulated Interdisciplinary to Multidisciplinary Progressive-Level Education (SIMPLE©) Approach

Abstract Students in health profession programs are traditionally educated in "silos" throughout their program of study caring for patients in Episodic periods of time. Upon graduation, they are expected to function as part of the health care team, collaborating with others to care for patients from the initial point of contact to discharge. This article describes the Simulated Interdisciplinary to Multidisciplinary Progressive-Level Education (SIMPLE©) approach. The objective is to provide students from multiple disciplines the opportunity to collaboratively care for a patient from the initial point of contact through discharge following Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) TeamSTEPPS and best practice guidelines in a simulated learning environment.
Large-amplitude non-linear normal modes of piecewise linear systems

A numerical method for constructing non-linear normal modes (NNMs) for piecewise linear autonomous systems is presented. These NNMs are based on the concept of invariant manifolds, and are obtained using a Galerkin-based solution of the invariant manifold's non-linear partial differential equations. The accuracy of the constructed non-linear modes is checked by the comparison of the motion on the invariant manifold to the exact solution, in both time and frequency domains. It is found that this construction approach can accurately capture the NNMs over a wide range of amplitudes, including those with strong non-linear effects. Several interesting dynamic characteristics of the non-linear modal motion are found and compared to those of linear modes. A two-degree-of-freedom example is used to illustrate the technique. The existence, stability and bifurcations of the NNMs for this example are investigated.
Dynamics of Molecular Adsorption and Rotation on Nonequilibrium Sites

It is generally accepted that important events on surfaces such as diffusion and reactions can be adsorption site dependent. However, due to their short lifetime and low concentration in most systems, adsorbates on nonequilibrium adsorption sites remain largely understudied. Using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, site-dependent adsorption is shown for the molecule butyl methyl sulfide, which is trapped in multiple metastable adsorption sites upon deposition onto a Au(111) surface at 5 K. As this molecule does not have enough energy to diffuse to its preferred adsorption site on the surface, it is possible to study the behavior of individual molecules in a variety of nonequilibrium sites. Here we present atomic-scale data of the same chemical species in three independent, metastable adsorption sites and equilibration to a single equilibrium site as a function of either electrical or thermal excitation. Butyl methyl sulfide exhibits distinctly different physical properties at all four adsorption sites, including rotational dynamics and appearance in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. An energy profile is proposed for the adsorption and equilibration of these species, and a correlation is drawn between rotational barrier and adsorption energy.
Formation of the giant planets

Observational constraints on interior models of the giant planets indicate that these planets were all much hotter when they formed and they all have rock and/or ice cores of ten to thirty earth masses. These cores are probably soluble in the envelopes above, especially in Jupiter and Saturn, and are therefore likely to be primordial. They persist despite the continual upward mixing by thermally driven convection throughout the age of the solar system, because of the inefficiency of double-diffusive convection. Thus, these planets most probably formed by the hydrodynamic collapse of a gaseous envelope onto a core rather than by direct instability of the gaseous solar nebula. Recent calculations by Mizuno (1980, Prog. Theor. Phys.64, 544) show that this formation mechanism may explain the similarity of giant planet core masses. Problems remain however, and no current model is entirely satisfactory in explaining the properties of the giant planets and simultaneously satisfying the terrestrial planet constraints. Satellite systematics and protoplanetary disk nebulae are also discussed and related to formation conditions.
Indirect boundary element method for shear flow over prolate and oblate hemispheroidal protuberances on plane walls

SUMMARY The indirect boundary element method was used to study the hydrodynamics of longitudinal shear flow and cross flow with a longitudinal rate of shear over prolate and oblate hemispheroidal protuberances projecting from a plane wall. Analytic techniques such as Fourier analysis, spheroidal co-ordinates, and the method of images were used to make the numerical methods more efficient. A novel method for computing the hydrodynamic torque was used—instead of directly calculating the torque from the weightings of the Green’s functions (a method that is only valid when the weightings have physical significance) the hydrodynamic torque was computed indirectly using a Green’s function for torque that derived here. As a test of this method, the present scheme was applied to determine the hydrodynamic torque of full spheroids, where exact solutions are known, and excellent results were obtained. Our results for hemispheroids projecting from plane walls were, except for extremely wide oblate hemispheroids, within a factor of two of those of full spheroids. Our results also agreed with those of previous study of oblate hemispheroidal protuberances. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiolipin is essential for organization of complexes III and IV into a supercomplex in intact yeast mitochondria

Digitonin extracts of mitochondria from cardiolipin-containing (wild type) and cardiolipin-lacking (crd1Δ mutant) Saccharomyces cerevisiae subjected to colorless native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 0.003% digitonin displayed a supercomplex composed of homodimers of complexes III and IV in the former case but only the individual homodimers in the latter case. To avoid treatment with any detergent or dye, we compared organization of the respiratory chain in intact mitochondria from wild type and cardiolipin-lacking cells by using a functional analysis developed previously for the study of the organization of the respiratory chain of S. cerevisiae (Boumans, H., Grivell, L. A., and Berden, J. A. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 4872–4877). Dependence of the kinetics of NADH oxidation via complexes III, IV, and cytochrome c on the concentration of the complex III-specific inhibitor antimycin A was studied. A linear relationship between respiratory activity and saturation of complex III with antimycin A was obtained for wild type mitochondria consistent with single functional unit kinetics of the respiratory chain. Under the same conditions, cardiolipin-lacking mitochondria displayed a hyperbolic relationship indicating cytochrome c pool behavior. No release of cytochrome c from cardiolipin-lacking mitochondria or mitoplasts under our standard experimental conditions was detected. Identical cytochrome c pool behavior was observed for both wild type and cardiolipin-lacking mitochondria in the presence of a chaotropic agent, which disrupts the interaction between respiratory complexes. The results demonstrate that cardiolipin is essential for association of complexes III and IV into a supercomplex in intact yeast mitochondria.
Spectral imaging of the human breast for quantitative oximetry

ABSTRACT We developed a hybrid continuous-wave/frequency-domain instrument to obtain both spatial and spectral information of the female breast. The two-dimensional (2D) tandem planar scanning of a compressed breast enables a pixel size of 2 2 mm 2 and a continuous spectra acquisition from 650 nm to 900 nm at every image pixel with a 0.5 nm spectral step. A 2D spline interpolation algorithm is implemented to increase the data sampling rate and reduce the pixel size to 0.50.5 mm 2 . We then apply an edge-correction method to compensate the signal change due to the breast thickness variation. The resulted optical density image is further processed using a previously developed second-derivative algorithm to enhance the contrast and improve the spatial resolution of the optical inhomogeneities within the breast tissue. The finer structures displayed in the second-derivative image offer better identification of the pixels of interest associated with significant hemoglobin presence. We then employ a novel paired-wavelength oximetry method to determine the absolution value of oxygen saturation for those identified pixels of interest. We found the majority of oxygen saturation values from two healthy human subjects fall within the range 60%-95%, which is consistent with previously published results. Breast oximetry could have a potential applicability toward breast cancer detection and diagnostics and this novel paired-wavelength method can be a robust and accurate way to retrieve the oxygenation information in vivo . Keywords: optical mammography, breast cancer, oxygen saturation, near-infrared spectroscopy
The influence of normal and immune sera on the adsorption of brucellaphages.

Anti-Brucella serum blocks the phage adsorbing capacity of the aceton substrates of Brucella abortus, Brucella suis and Brucella melitensis. The same sera partially blocks the Francisella tularensis substrate. Normal serum does not influence Brucellaphages adsorption on Brucella substrates. However under certain circumstances a change of the phagecolonies can be observed under the influence of normal and anti-Brucella sera. The monospecific sera (anti-melitensis and anti-abortus) do not show any remarkable blocking effect on the three Brucella-substrates.
Towards policy and guidelines for the selection of computational engines

Much research has been performed that concentrates on providing processing throughput enhancements to existing algorithms. Many systems have performance requirements that constrain their volume and/or power consumption. For volume and power consumption constrained systems, throughput cannot be the only decision factor when selecting a computational engine. Typical studies can aid in the selection of computational engines that meet the throughput requirements of a system, but may be of little help with respect to the volume, power and thermal constraints. This paper takes a different approach to help provide a different perspective on the constrained design problem. The research performed in this paper emphasizes the cost due to the power, size and Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs of various computational engines. The computational engines researched in this paper are: Central Processing Unit (CPU), mobile CPU, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and mobile Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). The various architectures are compared against each other with respect to throughput, power, size and NRE costs. The authors hope that the process outlined in this paper may serve as a possible guideline for other Systems Engineers to perform similar Analysis of Alternatives of computational engines. Furthermore, the authors hope that the methods used for the relative performance evaluations will serve as a starting point to help shape policy in the selection of computational engines for future designs.
Distributing a metabolic pathway among a microbial consortium enhances production of natural products

Metabolic engineering of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce high-value natural metabolites is often done through functional reconstitution of long metabolic pathways. Problems arise when parts of pathways require specialized environments or compartments for optimal function. Here we solve this problem through co-culture of engineered organisms, each of which contains the part of the pathway that it is best suited to hosting. In one example, we divided the synthetic pathway for the acetylated diol paclitaxel precursor into two modules, expressed in either S. cerevisiae or E. coli, neither of which can produce the paclitaxel precursor on their own. Stable co-culture in the same bioreactor was achieved by designing a mutualistic relationship between the two species in which a metabolic intermediate produced by E. coli was used and functionalized by yeast. This synthetic consortium produced 33 mg/L oxygenated taxanes, including a monoacetylated dioxygenated taxane. The same method was also used to produce tanshinone precursors and functionalized sesquiterpenes.
Arp2/3 complex is required for actin polymerization during platelet shape change.

Platelets undergo a series of actin-dependent morphologic changes when activated by thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP) or when spreading on glass. Polymerization of actin results in the sequential formation of filopodia, lamellipodia, and stress fibers, but the molecular mechanisms regulating this polymerization are unknown. The Arp2/3 complex nucleates actin polymerization in vitro and could perform this function inside cells as well. To test whether Arp2/3 regulated platelet actin polymerization, we used recombinant Arp2 protein (rArp2) to generate Arp2-specific antibodies (αArp2). Intact and Fab fragments of αArp2 inhibited TRAP-stimulated actin-polymerizing activity in platelet extracts as measured by the pyrene assay. Inhibition was reversed by the addition of rArp2 protein. To test the effect of Arp2/3 inhibition on the formation of specific actin structures, we designed a new method to permeabilize resting platelets while preserving their ability to adhere and to form filopodia and lamellipodia on exposure to glass. Inhibition of Arp2/3 froze platelets at the rounded, early stage of activation, before the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia. By morphometric analysis, the proportion of platelets in the rounded stage rose from 2.85% in untreated to 63% after treatment with αArp2. This effect was also seen with Fab fragments and was reversed by the addition of rArp2 protein. By immunofluorescence of platelets at various stages of spreading, the Arp2/3 complex was found in filopodia and lamellipodia. These results suggest that activation of the Arp2/3 complex at the cortex by TRAP stimulation initiates an explosive polymerization of actin filaments that is required for all subsequent actin-dependent events.
Grounding Supply Chain Management in Resource‐Advantage Theory: In Defense of a Resource‐Based View of the Firm

This article addresses the issues regarding the usefulness of the resource-advantage (R-A) theory of competition for supply chain management research that are raised in commentaries by Barney (2012) and Priem and Swink (2012). In response, we expand the discussion initiated in Hunt and Davis (2008) that compares R-A theory with the resource-based view, draw similarities between R-A theory and the demand-side perspective, and further explicate the foundations of R-A theory. In doing so this article provides a “way forward” for both SCM researchers and RBV theorists.
Segmentation of individual ribs from low-dose chest CT

Segmentation of individual ribs and other bone structures in chest CT images is important for anatomical analysis, as the segmented ribs may be used as a baseline reference for locating organs within a chest as well as for identification and measurement of any geometric abnormalities in the bone. In this paper we present a fully automated algorithm to segment the individual ribs from low-dose chest CT scans. The proposed algorithm consists of four main stages. First, all the high-intensity bone structure present in the scan is segmented. Second, the centerline of the spinal canal is identified using a distance transform of the bone segmentation. Then, the seed region for every rib is detected based on the identified centerline, and each rib is grown from the seed region and separated from the corresponding vertebra. This algorithm was evaluated using 115 low-dose chest CT scans from public databases with various slice thicknesses. The algorithm parameters were determined using 5 scans, and remaining 110 scans were used to evaluate the performance of the segmentation algorithm. The outcome of the algorithm was inspected by an author for the correctness of the segmentation. The results indicate that over 98% of the individual ribs were correctly segmented with the proposed algorithm.
Michaelis–Menten Kinetics of Renal Tubular Secretion of D-(−)-p-Methyl Mandelic Acid and D-(−)-p-Ethyl Mandelic Acid in Rats

Studies were carried out to determine the Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters (Vm and Vm) of renal tubular secretion of para-alkylated mandelic acids, namely, D-(−)-p-methyl mandelic acid and D-(−)-p-ethyl mandelic acid, in rats. It is shown that the maximum initial secretion rates (Vm) of these compounds are similar, and they share a common "carrier" mechanism for their renal tubular secretion. Since the value of the intravenous dose (μmole/kg.) required to produce half the maximum secretion rate (Vm) for D-(−)-p-ethyl mandelic acid is found to be about one-half that for D-(−)-p-methyl mandelic acid, it is concluded that the affinity of the former for the "carrier" is approximately twice that of the latter. Evidence was obtained to indicate that the para-alkylated mandelic acids used in this study are secreted by the same mechanism responsible for the secretion of D-(−)-mandelic acid and its homologs such as tropic acid. Although the volume of distribution available in rats for these para-alkylated mandelic acids is demonstrated to be similar, it is shown to be strikingly smaller than that for D-(−)-mandelic acid and its homologs obtained by introducing methylene group(s) in the side chain of the mandelic acid molecule. The biological significance of the data obtained for the "model compounds" is discussed.
The United Nations: The embarrassment of international law

The United Nations should be working towards an international community living in peace under the aegis of international law. Although progress was made in its early years, notably in decolonization, with its membership increased from 50 to 189, major inequalities remain between its nations and their peoples. The Security Council, and in particular its five permanent members (P5), has been guilty of double standards in enforcing international law. Investment should create prosperity and not increase demand for arms. Independent oversight of the UN, and particularly the Security Council, by civil society is needed. If the legitimacy of the UN is to be restored, the Security Council should become more representative, the power of the General Assembly should be restored and the role of the International Court of Justice should be increased. All members of the UN, especially the P5, must respect international law as enshrined in the UN Charter and Conventions.
150−230 nm Chemiluminescence from C, CN and CO and observation of C(3P, 1D) in the N/C2F4 and N/O2/C2F4 reactions☆

Abstract Addition of C2F4 to a flowing nitrogen afterglow gives rise to CN(E2ΣA2Π, X2Σ), CN(F2 ΔA2Π) and C (156.1, 165.5 and 193.0 nm) chemiluminescence. Transitions have been observed from CN(E2Σ) up to ν′ = 2 from which vibrational constants for this state have been recalculated to be ωeχe = 13.8 cm−1 and ωe = 1698.4 cm−1. Ground state and metasrable C(3P, 1D) have been detected and studied via resonance fluorescence. Addition of O2 to the N/C2F4 reaction system reduces C and CN emission intensities and [C] while giving rise to CO(a3Π-X1Σ), CO(A1ΠX1Σ) and NO(B2ΠX2Π) emission. Probable excitation mechanisms are discussed.
Probe field enhancement in photonic crystals by upconversion nanoparticles

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles, converting low frequency light to high frequency light through a multiphoton process, have shown interesting properties for bioimaging. Here, the authors describe a method to deposit a thin layer of upconverting Er3+ doped NaYF4 nanoparticles (15 to 25-nm) on a quasi-zero-average-index crystal over a 2 × 4 mm area to observe light propagation through the structure. Assisted by the photoluminescence of the nanoparticles with upconverting three-photon process, the enhanced field intensity confined in photonic crystals at near infrared wavelength is detected in visible green light under conventional optical microscope. This new technique has distinct advantages over the typical near infrared setups with infrared camera or near-field scanning optical microscope setups.
Assisted reproduction-in vitro fertilization success is improved by ovarian stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins and pituitary suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

I. Introduction II. Ovarian Stimulation with Exogenous Gonadotropin Improves In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Success III. Pituitary Suppression Improves IVF-ET Success: GnRH Agonist Analogues IV. Pituitary Suppression Improves IVF-ET Success: GnRH Antagonist Analogues
Using the PRIMME eigensolver in materials science applications

One of the outstanding computational problems in materials science is the solution of large, Hermitian eigenvalue problems. The dimension of these problems can grow to several millions, while thousands of eigenvalues and eigenvectors must be computed. Applications that must maintain orthogonality in the eigenvector basis scale quadratically to the number of eigenvectors. In this paper, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art in methods and software for eigenvalue computations, and demonstrate why our new package PRIMME fills an important gap in both methods and software. Moreover, we show that PRIMME includes two nearly optimal methods, and that it can be significantly faster than any existing method.
Chain elongation of eicosapentaenoic acid in the macrophage.

Abstract In order to elucidate the metabolic fate of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 (n−3)), a major n−3 fatty acid constituent of fish oil, resident and casein-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with [ 3 H]20:5 (n−3 ). Comparative experiments with arachidonic acid (20:4 (n−6) were also conducted. After 4, 8 and 18 h incubation, [ 3 H]20:5 (n−3 ) was extensively elongated into [ 3 H]22:5(n−3 ) while [ 3 H]20:4(n−6 ) was only moderately elongated into [ 3 H]22:4(n −6 ) in both resident and elicited macrophages. No measurable conversion of [ 3 H]22:5(n−3 ) into [ 3 H]22:6(n−3 ) (Δ4 desaturation) could be demonstrated. These data demonstrate that the highly active chain elongation of 20:5(n−3) by macrophage elongase, as well as the lack of detectable Δ4 desaturase activity, are responsible for the accumulation of 22:5(n−3) in this cell.
British Garden Literature: Historiography and Idiomatic Change

British garden literature, limited in this essay to horticulture, has been published since the advent of printing. The writing of garden history, however, is usually identified with Stephen Switzer's first, historical chapter in his Nobleman, Gentleman, and Gardener's Recreation (1715); yet garden histories are a convention of the earliest printed literature on gardens. Because early modern garden literature incorporates different historiographic conventions than modern, this aspect of it has been neglected by critics. In an additional complication, two great idiomatic changes punctuate the timeline of garden histories: the first begins in the decades before the Interregnum, a transformation from a Catholic idiom to one that is Protestant; the second in the latter half of the eighteenth century, from an idiom that was religious, mythical, and legendary to one that is aesthetic. Only in recent decades, with the pressure to reinsert history into literatures generally, have the embedded histories in early modern garden literature once again become legible.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of the new antibiotic vermisporin

The antimicrobial activity of vermisporin, a new antibiotic produced by fermentation of the fungusOphiobolus vermisporis, was tested in vitro. Vermisporin inhibited 90 % ofBacteroides fragilis and otherBacteroides spp. at 1 µg/ml (range 0.25–1 µg/ml).Clostridium perfringens were inhibited by 1 µg/ml (range 0.25–2 µg/ml). Vermisporin inhibited 90 % ofStaphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, at 0.5 µg/ml (range 0.12–0.5 µg/ml). Vermisporin MICs for group A, B, C, F and G streptococci were < 1 µg/ml when tested in Haemophilus Test Medium but ≥ 8 µg/ml in the presence of blood. Vermisporin MICs forEnterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa andHaemophilus influenzae exceeded 64 µg/ml. Inhibited organisms had MBCs 16- to 32-fold above the MICs.
Interfacial metal coordination in engineered protein and peptide assemblies.

Metal ions are frequently found in natural protein–protein interfaces, where they stabilize quaternary or supramolecular protein structures, mediate transient protein–protein interactions, and serve as catalytic centers. Paralleling these natural roles, coordination chemistry of metal ions is being increasingly utilized in creative ways toward engineering and controlling the assembly of functional supramolecular peptide and protein architectures. Here we provide a brief overview of this emerging branch of metalloprotein/peptide engineering and highlight a few select examples from the recent literature that best capture the diversity and future potential of approaches that are being developed.
Bilateral eye tumors of long duration

Αroutine physical examination of an otherwise healthy 82-year-old man revealed a fleshy, yellowish, glistening, soft mass in the lateral epicanthic region of each eye. These lesions were nontender and moved anteriorly with lateral gaze. They were asymptomatic and did not interfere with vision or tearing. The patient related that he had had these lesions since childhood and that they had enlarged somewhat over the years.
A Reevaluation of the Unusual Abdominal Musculature of Squamate Reptiles (Reptilia: Squamata)

The abdominal muscles of lizards and snakes (Squamata) have been the subject of periodic attention from anatomists, embryologists, and systematists. Until now, the presence of a superficial portion of the m. rectus abdominis, named the m. rectus abdominis lateralis, has been considered a key synapomorphy of the clade Autarchoglossa, which includes all extant squamates save Gekkota and Iguania. However, the precise anatomical relations of the m. rectus abdominis lateralis have never been fully investigated. Here, I show that the m. rectus abdominis lateralis is present in Iguania. Its absence in Gekkota represents rare gross anatomical support for recent molecular-structure-based hypotheses of squamate relationships placing geckoes as sister to the remaining squamates. Where present, it is the most superficial trunk muscle, exterior to the m. obliquus externus. The separation of the m. rectus abdominis lateralis from the m. rectus abdominis occurs as the m. obliquus externus aponeurosis and part of the m. obliquus internus aponeurosis emerge superficially to form the outer portion of the rectus sheath. In Autarchoglossa, the contralateral mm. recti abdomines laterales meet at the midline and are attached to the imbricae of the transverse scale rows characteristic of the clade, suggesting developmental, functional, and evolutionary association. Because the m. rectus abdominis lateralis is sometimes continuous with the pectoralis, its exclusive association with the m. rectus abdominis is questionable. It may be a neomorphic layer that is part of the abaxial developmental system, comprising those muscles whose connective tissue is largely derived from lateral plate as opposed to somatic mesoderm.
Trends in off-label β-blocker use: A secondary data analysis

Abstract Background: The off-label use of β-blockers might be prevalent, but no studies have provided empiric data on the off-label use based on utilization data. Objective: This secondary data analysis was conducted to describe the trends of off-label use of β-blockers among ambulatory visits made to office-based physicians in the United States. Methods: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys from 1999 to 2002 were used in this study. Physician visits at which β-blockers were prescribed ( β-blocker visits ) were included and classified as within-label or off-label visits according to whether an approved indication for the β-blocker was coded for the visits. Variables of patient demographic characteristics, diagnosis, prescriber's specialty, and concomitant medication use were also analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the potential determinants for the off-label use of β-blockers. Results: A total of 3349 million visits were made to office-based physicians during the study period. About 65% (2167 million) of all visits were prescribed with ≥1 medication ( medication visits ). β-Blockers were prescribed in 5.9% (127.3 million) of all medication visits in the years 1999 to 2002. The 3 most frequently prescribed β-blockers in this study were atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol. The proportions of off-label use among β-blocker visits were 44.3% (1999), 56.3% (2000), 62.3% (2001), and 46.9% (2002); overall, 52.0% (66.2 million). About 11% (75.7 million) of these off-label uses were prescribed to patients with concomitant conditions that required judicious use of β-blockers. Specialists, such as cardiologists, were more likely to prescribe β-blockers for off-label use than primary care physicians (odds ratio, 2.147; 95% CI, 2.1464–2.1473). Conclusions: Our study found that the off-label use rate of β-blockers was higher than what has been previously reported for other diseases and medications. Compared with visits made to general practitioners, visits made to specialists were more likely to be prescribed off-label use of β-blockers. Future studies are needed to understand the legal, economic, and clinical impact of off-label use.
A novel excitonic mechanism for superconductivity

Abstract A novel mechanism for superconductivity is proposed, based on low-frequency l-dimensional charge transfer excitations on the chains of R Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ compounds. The mechnism is idealy suited to the plane-chain-plane structure of these materials where highly polarizable chains can produce interplane pairing thus mitigating the negative effects of Coulomb repulsion.
POST-MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION MORTALITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH A GENETIC RISK SCORE

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex, heritable disease. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) defined 41 independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with an increased risk of CAD, independent of clinical factors. We hypothesized that this genetic risk score would also be
Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures, and reactions of trigonal bipyramidal tin(IV) complexes containing, a tetradentate tripodal tristhiolatophosphine ligand. Use in the one-step synthesis of an iron(IV) complex.

Reactions of PhSnCl3 with the lithium salts of the tristhiolates, [P(C6H4-2-S)3]3-, (PS3)3-, [P(C6H3-5-Me-2-S)3]3-, (P‘S3)3-, and [P(C6H3-3-Me3Si-2-S)3]3-, (P‘ ‘S3)3-, in thf at 0 °C, afford the corresponding distorted, trigonal bipyramidal complexes PhSn(PS3) (1), PhSn(P‘S3) (2), and PhSn(P‘ ‘S3) (3). The crystal structure of each complex was obtained. Addition of solid FeCl3 (2 equiv) to a CH2Cl2 solution of 3 caused the immediate formation of the purple iron(IV) complex [FeCl(P‘ ‘S3)].
Letter from the Editor-in-Chief: JIBS publication criteria and their consequences

OVERVIEW OF JIBS 41.7 This issue of JIBS contains eight articles that were all submitted to my editorial team; the topics span a wide range of issues in international business (IB) studies. Each article makes a valuable contribution to IB research when assessed on the JIBS three-fold criteria for publication: fit, quality and contribution. The issue opens with an article by Ambos, Andersson and Birkinshaw examining the consequences of initiative-taking in MNE subsidiaries in terms of bargaining power, autonomy and influence. Two articles on institutions and IB follow: Chacar, Newburry and Vissa on the role of home-country institutions in performance persistence research, and Kim, Kim and Hoskisson on the impact of institutional change on performance of business group MNEs in Korea. Sun, Mellahi and Thun conduct a qualitative study of political embeddedness of foreign MNEs in the Chinese automotive industry. The impact of returnee entrepreneurs, FDI and interfirm employee mobility in affecting the innovation performance of Chinese high-tech firms is studied in Liu, Lu, Filatotchev, Buck and Wright. The next two papers focus on international marketing. Dou, Li, Zhou and Su analyze relationship satisfaction between global professional service firms and their clients in China. Lastly, Sinkovics, Jean and Cavusgil examine the role played by information technology in international customer-supplier relationships in Taiwan. The issue concludes with an article by Colantone and Sleuwaegen examining the impacts of globalization through international trade flows on the entry and exit patterns of manufacturing firms in eight European countries.
A method for estimating the magnitude and timing of excess cancer risks from less-than-lifetime exposures to contaminated well water

Abstract When industries improperly dispose of wastes containing carcinogenic chemicals, they can contaminate groundwater. Persons who drink this contaminated w To illustrate the use of the estimation method, the present author estimates the excess cancer cases or deaths attributable to exposure to groundwater
An experimental coupled forecast system at the National Meteorological Center

An experimental coupled ocean-atmosphere model forecast system has been implemented at the National Meteorological Center (NMC) for routine multi-season climate forecasts. The ocean initial conditions for the forecasts are provided by an ocean data assimilation system which uses a basin model of the Pacific Ocean integrated with a four-dimensional variational data assimilation system. Pacific basin ocean reanalyses for the period 1982–1992 provided both the initial conditions and the verification fields for the coupled model forecasts. The coupled model consists of a modified T40 version of NMC's operational medium range forecast model coupled to a Pacific basin ocean general circulation model. Hindcast experiments starting on the first of every month from October 1983–1993 have been made to establish the skill of this system in forecasting sea surface temperature variability in the tropical Pacific with lead times of up to several seasons. The system consistently out performs persistence forecasts even at short forecast lead times, and is able to forecast most of the sea surface temperature variability that occurred in the tropical Pacific during 1984–1993. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1994.t01-3-00006.x
Condylar jugular diverticulum

We would like to present 6 instances of an internal jugular bulb diverticulum extending into the occipital condyle, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described in the English-language literature.This asymptomatic variant was detected incidentally on 6 patients. Computed tomography was performed on all 6 cases, and magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography was performed in 2 cases. The condylar jugular diverticula presented as a well-defined defect in the occipital condyle contiguous with the jugular bulb on computed tomography. Magnetic resonance venography showed flow within the diverticulum. There was no definite relationship to a dominant transverse sinus. Recognition of this variant will help to avoid potential confusion with pathological lesions in the occipital condyle, especially on magnetic resonance imaging.
Information effects in financial distress: The case of Seabrook Station

Abstract In 1972 a group of electric utilities announced plans to construct Seabrook Station, a nuclear generating facility. In 1988, the lead partner in the venture, Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH), filed for bankruptcy. Examination of the stock price effects of a variety of financial events preceding the bankruptcy filing shows that information about cash flows paid to PSNH security holders affected the common stock prices of PSNH and its Seabrook partners. whereas information about investment and operating cash flows had little or no effect.
Factors associated with underimmunization at 3 months of age in four medically underserved areas.

Objective.Risk factors for underimmunization at 3 months of age are not well described. This study examines coverage rates and factors associated with underimmunization at 3 months of age in four medically underserved areas.Methods.During 1997–1998, cross-sectional household surveys using a two-stage cluster sample design were conducted in four federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Respondents were parents or caregivers of children ages 12–35 months: 847 from northern Manhattan, 843 from Detroit, 771 from San Diego, and 1,091 from rural Colorado. A child was considered up-to-date (UTD) with vaccinations at 3 months of age if documentation of receipt of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, haemophilus influenzae type B, and hepatitis B vaccines was obtained from a provider or a hand-held vaccination card, or both.Results.Household response rates ranged from 79% to 88% across sites. Vaccination coverage levels at 3 months of age varied across sites: 82.4% in northern Manhattan, 70.5% in D...
Genomic structure of SAS, a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily amplified in human sarcomas

SAS is a recently identified member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) that is frequently amplified in human sarcomas. To further its characterization and to confirm its classification, the genomic structure of the SAS gene was determined. The SAS gene covers approximately 3.2 kb of DNA. It contains six exons within its translated region, three of which are highly conserved in the TM4SF. 5' to the translation start site are two putative transcription start sites, two CCAAT consensus sequences, and potential binding sites for both Sp1 and ATF transcription factors. Comparison of SAS organization to human ME491, CD9, and CD53 and murine CD53 and TAPA-1 confirms that SAS is a member of this family of genes and is consistent with the theory that these genes arose through duplication and divergent evolution.
Nitrogen Transformations during Secondary Coal Pyrolysis

A CO/H2/O2/N2 flame was operated under fuel-rich conditions in a flat flame reactor to provide a high-temperature, oxygen-free environment to study secondary reactions of coal volatiles. The distributions of fuel nitrogen in the devolatilization products of four coals, ranging from high volatile bituminous to lignite, were obtained at gas temperatures ranging from 1159 to 1858 K. It was found that the initial nitrogen released was contained almost exclusively in the tar for all coals. Release of nitrogen from the char as light gases started at a later stage than tar nitrogen release. During secondary reactions, the nitrogen contents in the coal tars were higher than the nitrogen contents in the parent coals at temperatures below 1300 K. A rapid decay in the tar nitrogen content was observed between 1300 and 1600 K, followed by a much slower decrease in nitrogen content at temperatures above 1600 K. Nitrogen release from the coal tar can be described with first-order kinetics using the same rate constant f...
Chemotaxis, signal relaying and aggregation morphology

It is shown that a system of cells which are attracted by chemotaxis to a signal released by themselves can aggregate (in the form of delta function concentrations). This aggregation is initiated by random fluctuations which occur naturally. When the signalling is cooperative, such an aggregation presents a characteristic streaming morphology, observed in some of the cellular slime moulds.
Biomechanical analysis of manual lifting tasks.

This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to determine peak forces generated in the human spine while the individual is engaged in lifting maximum acceptable weight. Calculations of forces and moments, acting on each body segment, were based on film data collected on four individuals for twelve variations of the manual lifting task. The variations were defined by: (i) box-size (three different boxes were used), (ii) presence or absence of handles, and (iii) symmetry and asymmetry of the lifting task (sagittal and nonsagittal lifting). In general, lower loads were accepted for lift when lifting asymmetrically or when lifting boxes without handles or when lifting bigger boxes. However, peak forces (compressive and shear forces in the spine and ground reaction forces) for these situations were not always lower than those generated when handling either compact boxes or boxes with handles or when lifting boxes symmetrically in the sagittal plane. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that lifting loads asymmetrically or in boxes without handles or in bulky boxes is relatively much more stressful than lifting the same load symmetrically or in boxes with handles or in compact boxes.
Blood loss during endodontic surgery

The volume of blood lost during endodontic surgery was measured for 60 patients undergoing routine surgical procedures using local anesthesia. Blood loss averaged 9.5 ml for all patients, with a range of 1.2 to 48.4 ml. Operating time was the major variable influencing blood loss; the rate of blood loss correlated very strongly (r = 0.86) with duration of surgery. Other than palatal surgery of maxillary molars, differences in blood loss associated with different teeth were small. Endodontic surgery on any teeth in either arch was far below the level at which fluid replacement therapy might be considered, and was comparable to loss during single tooth extractions.
One-dimensional thermocapillary motion

Abstract The steady movement of a liquid slug in horizontal capillary tubes due to temperature gradients is studied. Experimental data of the liquid slug velocities in such capillaries are reported. The results are found to be in a good agreement with the developed theory. The theory ascribes an important role to two factors. The first takes into consideration the temperature variations of the liquid slug, as it moves in contact with a wall that has a linear temperature distribution. The second has to do with changes in the dynamic contact angles of the moving interfaces.
Exit from Competence for Genetic Transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae Is Regulated at Multiple Levels

Development of natural competence in S. pneumoniae entails coordinated expression of two sets of genes. Early gene expression depends on ComE, a response regulator activated by the pheromone CSP (Competence-Stimulating-Peptide). Subsequently, an early gene product (the alternative sigma factor ComX) activates expression of late genes, establishing the competent state. Expression of both sets of genes is transient, rapidly shut off by a mechanism that depends on the late gene, dprA. It has been thought that the rapid shutoff of late gene expression is the combined result of auto-inhibition of ComE and the instability of ComX. However, this explanation seems incomplete, because of evidence for ComX-dependent repressor(s) that might also be important for shutting off the response to CSP and identifying dprA as such a gene. We screened individual late gene mutants to investigate further the roles of ComX-dependent genes in competence termination. A ΔdprA mutant displayed a prolonged late gene expression pattern, whereas mutants lacking cbpD, cibABC, cglEFG, coiA, ssbB, celAB, cclA, cglABCD, cflAB, or radA, exhibited a wild-type temporal expression pattern. Thus, no other gene than dprA was found to be involved in shutoff. DprA limits the amounts of ComX and another early gene product, ComW, by restriction of early gene expression rather than by promoting proteolysis. To ask if DprA also affects late gene expression, we decoupled late gene expression from early gene regulation. Because DprA did not limit ComX activity under these conditions, we also conclude that ComX activity is limited by another mechanism not involving DprA.