cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Option listing: market quality revisited

We test for changes in liquidity around LEAPS option introduction and find two results that address important disputes in the literature. First, we find that the impact of LEAPS upon share liquidity does not occur until 23 days after the LEAPS are introduced. Our findings are in conflict with Danielsen et al.’s (J Financ Quant Anal 42:1041–1062, 2007) findings that liquidity improves before option introduction, and are consistent with the findings of Kumar et al. (J Finance 53:717–732, 1998). Second, we find that share volume increases before option introduction and so the volume increase can be predictive of option listing, but the shift in volume does not occur early enough to drive the exchange’s introduction decision.
One Instructor Teaching Multiple Graduate-Level Online Sections: Are There Differences?

Having the same instructor teach multiple graduate-level sections of a Marketing Management course using the same online teaching pedagogy assumes some level of consistency in the instruction. As a result, one would expect that student performance would generally be the same for both sections. However, anecdotal evidence from colleagues and personal experience seem to suggest otherwise. To empirically investigate if differences actually exist, this research compares the performance of online MBA students enrolled in two concurrent sections of a Marketing Management course. When comparing two sections of the said course, findings showed that Section #1 students had significantly higher grades than Section #2 students. The author found that the level of classroom participation and midterm grades were significantly different between the two sections. Based on these results, the author presents probable causes for such differences.
Analysis and Modeling of Surface Waviness Inspection with Light Reflection, Part 1: Laser Beam Scanning Method

The laser beam scanning method for inspecting a reflective surface has been studied with analytical derivations and numerical modeling. Specular reflection off the surface was assumed and mathematical relations consistent with analytic geometry were used to trace the laser beam and predict its screen projection. It was found that deviation of the screen projection is proportional to the surface slope along the projection direction at the reflecting point and the distance from the point to the screen. The 3-D modeling was validated with 2-D analytical relationship as a special case and was tested with a profiled SMC (sheet molding compound) panel. The screen projections of reflected laser scans off surfaces with typical features of interest are predicted and the effects of waviness orientation are investigated.
GLYCOGEN METABOLISM FOLLOWING ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION

Using mini pigs as experimental animals, histochemical and biochemical changes in glycogen metabolism following UV light irradiation were investigated. The most remarkable change observed in the first 4 hours post irradiation was a decrease in the glycogen concentration. This decrease might be due to the release of lysosomal α-glucosidase. After the first 4 hours there was a sharp increase in the percent of glycogen synthetase present in the I-form (peak at 10 hours) and in the rate of glycogen formation. This was followed by a peak of glycogen concentration at approximately 15 hours after irradiation.
GMAT versus Alternatives: Predictive Validity Evidence from Central Europe and the Middle East

The author found that the GPA at the end of the MBA program is most accurately predicted by the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). MBA GPA is also predicted, though less accurately, by the Scholastic Level Exam, a mathematics test, undergraduate GPA, and previous career progression. If it is not practical to demand the GMAT overseas, very accurate predictions can be made by combining undergraduate GPA and the TOEFL. Less accurate, though still useful predictions can be made by combining undergraduate GPA and a mathematics test, or by combining undergraduate GPA and a measure of career success.
Miniaturization of 2-D Wavelength-Hopping Time-Spreading Incoherent Optical CDMA Network by Pulse Carving of CW Laser Source

We have investigated the performance of an incoherent optical code division multiple access network using three distributed feedback laser diodes as the multi-wavelength optical source. The system, operating at 2.488 GHz, has 10-9 bit error rate measurements with -35 dBm optical power and pseudorandom bit sequence of length 231-1. The distributed feedback laser is a promising alternative optical source to miniaturize the optical code division multiple access system.
Processes controlling aqueous concentrations for riverine spills

The aqueous concentrations of sparingly soluble compounds resulting from oil, fuel, or chemical spills onto rivers predicted by numerical spill models contain an inherent degree of uncertainty due to the inaccuracies, or bias, of the user supplied rate coefficients. Methods for estimating the values of spreading, evaporation, dissolution, volatilization, and longitudinal dispersion coefficients for a small sheltered river are reviewed, and the uncertainties associated with each coefficient are estimated. The uncertainties in the predicted aqueous concentrations are then computed using a concurrently developed riverine spill model for a simulated spill of 10,000 kg of jet fuel. The resulting aqueous concentrations were found to be most sensitive to the saturation concentrations and the dissolution rates, moderately sensitive to the evaporation rates and longitudinal dispersion coefficient, and nearly completely insensitive to the volatilization coefficient.
Conversion of Anionic [Au25(SCH2CH2Ph)18]− Cluster to Charge Neutral Cluster via Air Oxidation

We report a solution-phase conversion process of the [Au25(SCH2CH2Ph)18]− anionic cluster into a charge neutral cluster [Au25(SCH2CH2Ph)18]0 via air oxidation. The one-electron loss of the Au25− cluster and conversion to Au250 is a surprise in light of the chemical inertness of gold nanoparticles. In contrast with the crystal structure of the anion cluster Au25−, which exhibits apparent structural distortions in the Au25S18 framework, such distortions are not observed in the neutral cluster. The cluster charge effect is also manifested in the optical absorption spectra of the clusters. Given the only recently reported structure of the parent Au25− cluster, it is of substantial interest whether its one-electron oxidized product is similar to that of Au25−. This work unambiguously determined the structure of the one-electron oxidized product and correlates the structure with the optical properties.
A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Study of Gabapentin: Effects on Cannabis Use, Withdrawal and Executive Function Deficits in Cannabis-Dependent Adults

There are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for cannabis dependence. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, and patients seeking treatment for primary cannabis dependence represent 25% of all substance use admissions. We conducted a phase IIa proof-of-concept pilot study to examine the safety and efficacy of a calcium channel/GABA modulating drug, gabapentin, for the treatment of cannabis dependence. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 50 unpaid treatment-seeking male and female outpatients, aged 18–65 years, diagnosed with current cannabis dependence. Subjects received either gabapentin (1200 mg/day) or matched placebo. Manual-guided, abstinence-oriented individual counseling was provided weekly to all participants. Cannabis use was measured by weekly urine toxicology and by self-report using the Timeline Followback Interview. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms were assessed using the Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist. Executive function was measured using subtests from the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System. Relative to placebo, gabapentin significantly reduced cannabis use as measured both by urine toxicology (p=0.001) and by the Timeline Followback Interview (p=0.004), and significantly decreased withdrawal symptoms as measured by the Marijuana Withdrawal Checklist (p<0.001). Gabapentin was also associated with significantly greater improvement in overall performance on tests of executive function (p=0.029). This POC pilot study provides preliminary support for the safety and efficacy of gabapentin for treatment of cannabis dependence that merits further study, and provides an alternative conceptual framework for treatment of addiction aimed at restoring homeostasis in brain stress systems that are dysregulated in drug dependence and withdrawal.
A Test of the Individual Action Model for Organizational Information Commons

This research elaborated and empirically tested the individual action component of the collective action model as applied to individual contributions to organizational information commons. The model extended prior theory and research by making six elaborations on the classic collective action model based on unique characteristics of information goods compared to material collective goods. The structural equation model was tested via LISREL analyses of data provided by 781 respondents in three high-tech firms who had access to corporate intranets as shared information goods. The results were highly similar across organizations and indicated that (a) level of production, information retrieval, and cost predicted the perceived value of information, (b) information value and cost predicted gain, and (c) information retrieval and gain predicted the level of individual contributions to the commons.
A USEFUL APPROACH TO THE GROUP CHOICE PROBLEM

The problem of amalgamating individual preferences to form a group or social choice has been the subject of much discussion and controversy. This paper describes an approach to the problem which, it is argued, should be followed in certain situations. The argument in favor of the approach involves applying a theorem of Goodman and Markowitz [6] in a context somewhat different from theirs.
Effects of AIDS on homosexual attitudes and behavior.

A questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes and behaviors with regard to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and distributed to 66 male adult gays In the Buffalo, NY area. Volunteers were recruited at gay support meetings with more than 75To of the membership present. Ages ranged from 18 to 65 yr. and were evenly distributed across this range and blueand white-collar workers were approximately equal. Forty-three reported being exclusively homosexual while 23 reported having occasional relations with women ranging from once every 10 yr. to 100 tirnes/yr. In our sample 3 were currently married and 8 had been married at one time. Realization that AIDS existed did not decrease male-to-male sexual intercourse with medians of 8 timeslmonth for both before and after and the Wilcoxon sign test was not significant at the .05 level. There was a significant decrease shown by the Wilcoxon sign test in the number of different male sexual partners, with medians of 7 and 2 times/month for before and after, respectively. There were 33 who reported a change in the number of partners and only two reported a very small increase. Fifty percent of our sample had sex twice or more per week whch corresponds well with the 47% presented by Bell and We~nberg (1978) with a much Iargcr sample ( N = 574). Our value of seven difcerent partners/mor~rh or 84/year seems high. Batchlor (1988) expresses disbelief with the representativeness of Lui, et al.'s (1988) figure of 49.6 feeling it is too high. Our value of 84 is nearly twice as large. Our subjects expressed moderate worry about contracting AIDS as shown by a median of 5 on a 10-point scale ranging from 'not at all worried' to 'very worried.' As shown by a Pearson correlation those who worried more had lower frequencies of intercourse (r = -0.61, p < ,0001, range = 0-6O/mo.) and fewer sexual partners (r = -0.30, p < .01, range = 0-35/mo.). Condom use was reported by 55.4%. Asked whether they discussed the possibility of AIDS with a prospective sexual partner 61.3% reported 'yes.' Those feeling support from the local community for AIDS research were 12.1% and from local politicians were 0%. Our research would support the belief that an awareness of AIDS has led gay men to be less promiscuous. It is hoped that continuous descriptive research of this kind can provide useful feedback on one of the most perplexing problems of our age.
A note on sojourn times in M/G/1 queues with instantaneous, bernoulli feedback

Queueing systems which include the possibility for a customer to return to the same server for additional service are called queueing systems with feedback. Such systems occur in computer networks for example. In these systems a chosen customer will wait in the queue, be serviced and then, with probability p, return to wait again, be serviced again and continue this process until, with probability (1 – p) = q, it departs the system never to return. The time of waiting plus service time, the nth time the customer goes through, we will call his nth sojourn time. The (random) sum of these sojourn times we will call the total sojourn time (abbreviated, sojourn time when there is no confusion which sojourn time we are talking about). In this paper we study the total sojourn time in a queueing system with feedback. We give the details for M/G/1 queues in which the decision to feedback or not is a Bernoulli process. While the details of the computations can be more difficult, the structure of the sojourn time process is unchanged for the M/G/1 queue with a more general decision process as will be shown. We assume the reader is familiar with Disney, McNickle and Simon [1].
Descriptions of the Second-Stage Males in the Genus Haliaspis (Homoptera: Diaspididae)

The 2nd-stage males of the 6 species in the genus Haliaspis are described and illustrated. A key and distribution map are presented.
Erythrocyte cation-activated adenosine triphosphatases in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The cation-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities of erythrocyte ghosts and erythrocyte ghost plasma membrane fragments of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were compared with activities in age-matched normal male controls. DMD Mg++-stimulated ATPase activity was within the normal range. The specific activity of DMD erythrocyte ghost Na+, K+-stimulated, Mg++-dependent ATPase was also normal, and was inhibited by 10−4M ouabain to an extent comparable with controls. Ca++-stimulated, Mg++-dependent ATPase activity of DMD erythrocyte ghost plasma membrane fragments, assayed at 0.5 mM free Ca++, was 21% above that in age-matched male controls (n = 22, 2-tailed paired t-test, P < 0.01). Kinetic studies indicated that the DMD erythrocyte Ca++-stimulated, Mg++-dependent ATPase has greater affinity for MgATP than the enzyme in control erythrocytes.
Functional interaction of BRCA1/ATM-associated BAAT1 with the DNA-PK catalytic subunit

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) play a crucial role in the initial stages of cell response, when cells are exposed to DNA insult such as ionizing radiation (IR) and chemical agents. We previously demonstrated that ATM requires BAAT1 for its activation in response to IR. In the present study, BAAT1 was found to bind to the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and SMC1. Biochemical analysis indicated that several regions of BAAT1 were responsible for the interaction with these proteins, and their binding affinity was altered after treatment with the IR mimetic, neocarzinostatin (NCS). Phosphorylation of the DNA-PKcs at Ser2056 and SMC1 at Ser966 was induced by NCS, while phosphorylation was reduced when BAAT1 was depleted by siRNA. These results indicate that BAAT1 globally regulates DNA damage signaling during the early stages of apoptosis.
Electrostatic Edge Instability of Lipid Membranes

This paper considers the effect of electrostatics on the stability of a charged membrane. We show that at low ionic strength and high surface charge density, repulsion between charges on the membrane renders it unstable to the formation of holes. A free straight edge is unstable to modulations with wavelength longer than the Debye screening length. Hence, at low ionic strength membranes will disintegrate into vesicles. We use these results to interpret stable holes in red blood cell ghosts [T. L. Steck et al., Science 168, 255 (1970)].
(Syn)aesthetics: Redefining Visceral Performance

by Josephine Machon Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009, xvii + 221 pp, ISBN 978023021277 (hardback) Josephine Machon's thoughtful, cogently organized book on theatre and live perfor...
Experimental investigation of thermal contact resistance in plain-fin-and-tube evaporators with collarless fins

Abstract The thermal contact resistance between fins and tubes in a plain-fin heat exchanger has been studied. The test coils have aluminum fins and tubes with no fin-collars. The heat-exchanger configuration under investigation was selected because this fin–tube joint is commonly used in refrigeration applications. Two coils were examined: one in the as-manufactured condition, and the other with brazed fin–tube joints—providing an intimate, metallurgical, bond between fins and tubes. Both heat exchangers were examined under dry and frosting conditions. The results show significant contact resistance in the production heat exchanger when operating under dry conditions. When frost is formed on the surface, the contact resistance is dramatically reduced to an insignificant value.
Reduction of Meloidogyne Naasi Infection of Creeping Bentgrass By Tylenchorhynchus Agri and Paratrichodorus Minor

The effects of Tylenchorhynchus agri and Paratrichodorus minor on infection of creeping bentgrass roots by Meloidogyne naasi were studied in greenhouse experiments. High populations of both ectoparasites reduced M. naasi infection by inhibiting root growth and consequently decreasing the availability of penetration sites. There was evidence that T. christiei also was antagonistic to M. naasi through competition for feeding sites.
Separate Pasts : Growing up White in the Segregated South

The author recounts his childhood in 1950s North Carolina and explains how his friendships with Blacks his own age and older changed his outlook on segregation.
High soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations predict long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) has a strong association with cardiovascular deaths in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study is to explore the association between sVCAM-1 and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Eighty-three clinically stable MHD patients (mean age of 59.4 ± 13.7 years) at a single hospital-based dialysis facility were included. sVCAM-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) were determined at study baseline. The study cohort was divided into higher and lower concentration groups by the median value. The all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of this cohort were followed for 7 years. The mean concentrations of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sE-selectin were 1,393.08 ± 300.96, 230.16 ± 84.86, and 60.01 ± 42.00 ng/mL, respectively. The higher concentration groups of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 had higher all-cause mortality by Kaplan–Meier analysis (p = 0.002 and p = 0.030, respectively). Higher sVCAM-1 concentrations had a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.006 p = 0.046, respectively) in Cox proportional hazards model analysis. In MHD patients, higher sVCAM-1 concentrations independently predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. This biomarker may be used as a valid surrogate marker for predicting outcomes.
Unusual structural types in nickel cluster chemistry from the use of pyridyl oximes: Ni5, Ni12Na2, and Ni14 clusters.

Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetochemical characterization are reported for the three new nickel(II) clusters [Ni14(OH)4(N3)8(pao)14(paoH)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1), [Ni12Na2(OH)4(N3)8(pao)12(H2O)10](OH)2 (2), and [Ni5(ppko)5(H2O)7](NO3)5 (3) (paoH = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde oxime, ppkoH = di-2-pyridyl ketone oxime). The reaction of Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O with paoH and NBun4N3 in H2O/MeCN in the presence of NEt3, gave 1 in 65% yield. Complex 2 was obtained in 60% yield from the reaction of NiCl2·6H2O with paoH and NaN3 in H2O/MeCN in the presence of NaOH. The reaction of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O with ppkoH in EtOH in the presence of LiOH afforded complex 3 in 75% yield. The complexes all contain novel core topologies. The core of 1 comprises a central Ni4 rhombus between two Ni5. Complex 1 is the largest metal/oxime cluster discovered to date, as well as the first NiII14 coordination complex and the largest NiII/N3− cluster. Complex 2 has a Ni12Na2 topology that is very similar to that of 1, but with two central NiII atoms...
Temperature regulation in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus)

Abstract o 1. Small Indian Mongooses were exposed to air temperatures between 5°C and 45°C. 2. Within the thermoneutral zone of ambient temperature (28–38°C), the mean rectal temperature of the animals was 39.76°C ± 0.50 (S.E.) and the oxygen consumption was 0.66 ml. O2/g. hr. ± 0.18 (S.E.). 3. The mongooses responded to cold (5°C) with a threefold increase in oxygen consumption, but their thermal conductance and rectal temperature did not decrease. 4. In a hot environment, the respiratory frequency increased and total evaporative heat loss exceeded metabolic heat production. 5. It was concluded that the mongoose has effective physiological mechanisms for dealing with hot and moderately cold environments, which may help to explain its establishment in a wide range of habitats.
Study of Adaptive Shape Airfoils at Low Reynolds Number in Oscillatory Flows

Microaerial vehicles with characteristic lengths under 15 cm, flight speeds of 32-64 km/h, and specific payload and endurance needs are potentially useful for many military and civilian applications. The combination of small dimensions and modest flight speed results in Reynolds numbers ranging between 10 4 and 10 5 . Traditional rigid airfoil shapes experience substantial degradation in performance (specifically, the lift-to-drag ratio) as the Reynolds number falls through this range. Thus, even ordinary variations in wind speed can cause unwanted changes in behavior. In this study, rudimentary adaptive airfoils, which change their shape in response to changes in velocity, are examined for potential applications in this arena.
The nuclear desalination program at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Nuclear Desalination Program, under an agreement between the Office of Saline Water and the Atomic Energy Commission, serves both agencies as a technical laboratory for desalination studies, development, and engineering. Work supported by the AEC consists primarily of technical evaluation of various types of reactors for desalting applications, developing conceptual designs of reactors specifically for desalting plants, and developing components, systems and technology for large-scale and prototype reactors optimized for coupling with sea-water conversion plants. For the Office of Saline Water, functions are mostly concentrated on one portion of the overall OSW program—the development of evaporators. The program consists of four major categories of effort—design studies and evaluations, experimental development of advanced evaporators, component development, and assistance to the OSW staff.
Borderline Resectable/Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Improvements Needed in Population-Based Registries

Management of patients with borderline resectable/locally advanced (BR/LA) pancreatic adenocarcinoma is based on knowledge of natural history and patterns of treatment failure, information of great importance to large data registries. Using the SEER database, we examined the survival for patients with BR/LA tumors and critically evaluated the utility of the data. T3/T4 tumors from 2004 to 2007 were divided into those that involved the portal vein/superior mesenteric vein/gastroduodenal artery/hepatic artery and those that involved the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac axis. The control group (CG) included patients who were recommended surgery but did not undergo it. Multivariate disease-specific survival analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Of 3,837 patients, 571 patients (15 %) were recommended surgery, and 323 (8 %) underwent surgical resection. We were unable to separate patients into BR/LA based on current NCCN guidelines. We were able to identify vascular involvement but not those who actually underwent vascular resection. Median survival of patients who underwent surgery with SMA and celiac involvement was 12 and 8 months compared with 7 and 6 months, respectively, in the CG (p = .01). Patients who underwent surgical resection with venous involvement had a longer survival than those with arterial involvement (18 vs 12 months, p = .001). Analysis of patients with BR/LA pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreatic resection in the SEER database yielded limited information. New manuals must focus on obtaining information consistent with current advances in the field; our recommendations for optimizing the SEER database are included.
The synthesis of O-methyl derivatives of 4-thiopentofuranosides and 2,5-anhydropentoses

Abstract Heating of 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl-4- O - p -tolylsulfonyl- D -ribose diethyl dithioacetal and dibenzyl dithioacetal in aqueous pyridine gave 4- S -ethyl-2,3,5-tri- O -methyl-4-thio- l -lyxose and benzyl 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl-α-1,4-dithio- l -lyxofuranoside, respectively. Similar rearrangements to the 4-thiofuranoside were observed with 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl-4- O - p -tolylsulfonyl- D -xylose and - D -lyxose dibenzyl dithioacetals. 2,3,4-Tri- O -methyl- 5- O - p -tolylsulfonyl- D -ribose or - D -xylose dibenzyl dithioacetal, however, gave upon heating with sodium iodide in acetone 2,5-anhydro-3,4-di- O -methyl- D -ribose or - D -xylose dibenzyl dithioacetal, respectively.
Do innovative users generate more useful insights? An analysis of corporate venture capital investments in the medical device industry

Users are an important source of innovation. Scholars have suggested that established firms will gain valuable innovative insights by working with user innovators. However, no study compares the extent to which knowledge sourced from innovative users, as compared to other external sources of knowledge, triggers the creation of new technologies and commercial products within established firms. This leaves established firms with little guidance when it comes to choosing where to search for external knowledge that ignites innovation. Based on existing empirical work in the literature on user innovation, we build a theoretical framework that explains why user knowledge will provide established firms with more ‘useful’ innovative insights than will other sources of knowledge. We test this claim in the context of corporate venture capital investment in the medical device industry. We find that established firms incorporate more knowledge from user innovators than from other sources of external knowledge into their patents and highly innovative products. Accessing the knowledge contained in user-generated innovations enriches the product development outcomes of established firms. We trace the flow of knowledge from start-ups to established firms using both an established method based on backward patent citation data and a novel algorithmic method that compares the content of regulatory documents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decision-Making Considerations for Mid-Career Army Officers to Pursue Master’s Degrees:

Understanding why military students pursue a master’s degree has become more important as the number of military students taking advantage of education benefits through the Post-911 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 has increased. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how U.S. Army officers attending the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) decided to enroll in a master’s degree program. Four research questions guided the study to determine whether and how career requirements, post-military aspirations, family considerations, and previous academic experience influenced the choice to pursue a master’s degree. A conceptual framework comprised career development, career decision making, and adult development that provided additional guidance. The study used a case study methodology, and 26 military students participated. Data collection comprised interview and surveys, and data analysis comprised coding with peer review and member checking. The findings affirmed the research...
Corporate learning at scale: lessons from a large online course at google

Google Research recently tested a massive online class model for an internal engineering education program, with machine learning as the topic, that blended theoretical concepts and Google-specific software tool tutorials. The goal of this training was to foster engineering capacity to leverage machine learning tools in future products. The course was delivered both synchronously and asynchronously, and students had the choice between studying independently or participating with a group. Since all students are company employees, unlike most publicly offered MOOCs we can continue to measure the students' behavioral change long after the course is complete. This paper describes the course, outlines the available data set and presents directions for analysis.
Microhabitat Partitioning of an Assemblage of Darter Species Within Two Tributaries of the Tennessee River in Alabama

Habitat partitioning among syntopic darter species (Percidae: Etheostomatini) was examined in the Flint River and Estill Fork of the Paint Rock River in northeast Alabama from September 2010 to September 2011. Substrate composition, depth, and water velocity were important variables by which species segregated. Niche overlap values also indicated a high degree of habitat partitioning among species at both study sites, although a substantial amount of overlap was seen between Etheostoma simoterum and Etheostoma caeruleum at the Estill Fork site. Segregation among species was present throughout the year, but the significance of differences in habitat preferences did vary seasonally, especially during the post-spawn period when habitat heterogeneity was reduced. Intra-specific variation in habitat utilization was present among some species, with males generally preferring higher flow and coarser substrates than females. Habitat segregation was a well-structured mechanism allowing the coexistence of ecologically similar species. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporation of the strain-rate-sensitive constitutive relations in the analysis of sheet metal forming

AbstractTwo forms of rate-sensitive constitutive equations, additive and multiplicative, are examined in the analysis of sheet metal forming using the finite element method. Results are obtained for hemispherical punch stretching of an AK steel sheet material with various punch speeds. The computed results in thickness strain distributions and load-displacement curves are almost identical for the two constitutive laws at a low punch speed. However, the additive law provides better agreement in the thickness strain distributions with the experimental trends for high-speed forming.
SMART trial: A randomized clinical trial of self-monitoring in behavioral weight management-design and baseline findings.

Abstract Background The primary form of treatment for obesity today is behavioral therapy. Self-monitoring diet and physical activity plays an important role in interventions targeting behavior and weight change. The SMART weight loss trial examined the impact of replacing the standard paper record used for self-monitoring with a personal digital assistant (PDA). This paper describes the design, methods, intervention, and baseline sample characteristics of the SMART trial. Methods The SMART trial used a 3-group design to determine the effects of different modes of self-monitoring on short- and long-term weight loss and on adherence to self-monitoring in a 24-month intervention. Participants were randomized to one of three conditions (1) use of a standard paper record (PR); (2) use of a PDA with dietary and physical activity software (PDA); or (3), use of a PDA with the same software plus a customized feedback program (PDA + FB). Results We screened 704 individuals and randomized 210. There were statistically but not clinically significant differences among the three cohorts in age, education, HDL cholesterol, blood glucose and systolic blood pressure. At 24 months, retention rate for the first of three cohorts was 90%. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the SMART trial is the first large study to compare different methods of self-monitoring in a behavioral weight loss intervention and to compare the use of PDAs to conventional paper records. This study has the potential to reveal significant details about self-monitoring patterns and whether technology can improve adherence to this vital intervention component.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome: Where are we today?

Abbassi-Ghadi et al, in this issue of the journal, report their experience with therapy for duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) after transplant by means of Nissen fundoplication. 1 All patients who were symptomatic or had declining/fluctuating forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 )w ith proven reflux, or who had evidence of microaspiration on biopsy, were considered for and offered laparoscopic Nissen surgery. The time post-transplant varied widely. No patient turned down the treatment and no candidate was refused the procedure for illness. Post-Nissen spirometry revealed a reduction in the rate of loss of lung function. No deaths were attributed to the Nissen procedure. The findings obtained enhance our understanding of the relationship between DGER and failure of the graft after lung transplantation. The investigators provide details on which patients were considered to be candidates according to evidence for DGER, and believed that any of the patients could tolerate the surgery—and they did. Some concerns are always evident in retrospective analyses, and the AbbassiGhadi et al study is no exception. The patients described were not completely standardized by definition of disease, nor was their surgical management timed for a reproducible outcome. Finally, the investigators did not prove the theory that DGER causes bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and progressive loss of lung function after lung transplantation (LTx). Although the aforementioned comments highlight the potential weaknesses of the report, there are several positive highlights in terms of increasing our understanding of these processes. Clear-cut improvement in lung function when dealing with BOS is not common, and, in fact, suggests that the process is reversible, contrary to the BOS definition. So then, what is the process being addressed? In the report, it is clear that the process treated is reflux, and that it was associated with the development of BOS/chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). DGER was not proposed as the cause for BOS, but rather as a cause of this progressive process. Although surgery did effect some lung function improvement in some patients, the improvement was mostly in the altered pattern of deterioration, or even by stabilization. The observation of a reduced rate of deterioration is clear, and has been seen before, ever since the definition of BOS was considered. 2 What is most enlightening is the observation that the Nissen approach may alter the pattern of progression, much as several other interventions have impacted deterioration in other studies, such as azithromycin, altered immunosuppression, photopheresis, etc. 3–8 Most intriguing here is the specific therapy offered, rather than the approaches of altering the lung environment or immunity—a specific therapy for a specific process, clearly a very surgical attack.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS FROM THE POLITICAL MARKETERS

Political campaigns are a form of bloodless but serious marketing warfare, and the various state and national races offer a unique opportunity to study the effectiveness of the winning candidates' marketing strategies and tactics. Trial‐and‐error adjustments to marketing strategy are made at an accelerated pace in political campaigns. The results can be seen in days or weeks, rather than the months or years of most industry programs. Toward the end of a major campaign, polls are taken weekly or even continuously.
Activation of Stat3 in renal tumors

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) plays a vital role in signal transduction pathways that mediate transformation and inhibit apoptosis. Oncogenic Stat3 is persistently activated in several human cancers and transformed cell lines. Previous studies indicate activation of Stat3 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the detailed characterization of the Stat3 expression pattern in different histologic types of RCC is lacking. We have analyzed the immunoprofile of activated or phosphorylated Stat3 (pStat3) in a tissue microarray of renal tumors of different histologic types, including 42 cases of conventional clear cell type, 24 chromophobe, and 7 papillary, 15 oncocytoma, 7 urothelial carcinoma and 21 normal kidney tissues using an anti-pStat3 antibody (recognizes only activated STAT3). pStat3 nuclear staining was observed in 25 of 42 conventional clear cell RCC (59.5 %), 8 of 24 chromophobe RCC (33.3%), 4 of 7 papillary RCC (57.1%). In the other tumor groups, 4 of 15 oncocytomas (26.7%) and 6 of 7 urothelial carcinomas (85.7%) showed positive nuclear staining. Weak nuclear immunoreactivity for pStat3 was seen in 4 of 21 cases of non-neoplastic kidney tissue (19.0%). The extent of Stat3 activation as determined by nuclear expression of its phosphorylated form is increased in histologic types of renal tumors with greater malignant potential, specifically conventional clear cell RCC, papillary RCC and urothelial carcinoma, only slightly increased in chromophobe RCC, and not increased in oncocytoma. These results suggest a role of Stat3 activation in different types of renal neoplasia, possibly serving as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target.
Age influences the effects of nicotine and monoamine oxidase inhibition on mood-related behaviors in rats

Rationale Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a comorbidity of smoking with depression and anxiety, particularly during adolescence. However, few animal studies have considered possible synergistic interactions between nicotine and other tobacco smoke constituents, such as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, in the regulation of mood.
Design optimization of TRIAC-dimmable AC-DC converter in LED lighting

A LED lighting system becomes a promising alternative as a substitute of fluorescent and incandescent lights due to high light efficacy and long lifetime. The proposed AC-DC converter implements TRIAC dimming with smooth brightness control. While controlling TRIAC dimming, LED current is regulated by primary side regulation (PSR) to save BOM cost such as LED current sensing circuit and opto-coupler. Compact active damper is also applied to stabilize converter operation during dimmer firing with better efficiency and minimized components. The linear frequency control reduces conduction loss and guarantees DCM operation in the wide range of output voltage, which shows excellent power factor correction in single stage flyback topology. The proposed TRIAC-dimming PSR converter has been experimentally verified in 7W LED lighting system.
Personnel and Human Resource Management in the Occupational Therapy Curriculum

Personnel and human resource management has emerged as a dynamic, vital, and important component of the management of any organization. Persons involved in management at all levels are responsible for organizing, directing, motivating, coordinating, and controlling the people under them in the organizational hierarchy. Health care professionals are almost always in a position requiring them to supervise some aspect of human resources. Graduates of the health professions often find themselves unprepared to meet the rigors of human resource management and are not cognizant of the body of information available to assist them in becoming proficient managers. This article outlines the development of a graduate course in human resource management for occupational therapists. The course was designed to recognize the unique background, experience and needs the health care professional brings to management while offering the student a strong base of information appropriate to the discipline of human resource manag...
Probabilistic Analysis of Notched Micro Specimen Under Three-Point Loading

Stress singularity arises in MEMS devices due to sudden geometric and material variation. Sharp notches are common example of sudden geometric variation, which often occurs during the fabrication process of MEMS components. The magnitude of the stress field induced due to stress singularity is given by the value of the notch stress intensity, K. The stress intensity is depended on the notch geometry and the type of loading (mode I, mode II and mode III). Fracture failure at the notch occurs when notch stress intensity reach fracture toughness, KC . An electrostatically actuated test device used for the analysis of a notched micro beam specimen under three-point loading will be presented. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of geometric configuration on the stress field around singularity for a micro beam specimen by asymptotic, numerical and probabilistic analysis. The scope of work is fourfold. First, the effect of notch angle on the strength of the singularity is determined using two different asymptotic analysis methods — complex potential method and Airy stress function method. Second, the effect of the angular variation (for different notch angle) on the influence coefficients is determined using analytical methods. Third, the effect of the notch angle and depth on the stress intensity factor is determined using finite element methods and contour integral method. Fourth, the probabilistic analysis of maximum stress developed in the micro beam specimen is performed.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
[5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)porphyrinato]zinc(II) dichloromethane tetrasolvate

The crystal structure, electronic spectroscopy and 1H NMR data for the title compound, [Zn(C52H44N4O8)]·4CH2Cl2, are reported. The asymmetric unit consists of 0.5 zinc–porphyrin and two mol­ecules of dichloro­methane. The zinc ion is at a crystallographic inversion center and is four-coordinate with a planar porphyrin ligand.
Differences in Blood Pressure Control in a Large Population-Based Sample of Older African Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites

In the United States, more than 31% of the population has hypertension or is taking antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of hypertension rises to more than 60% in older age and is higher in both middle-aged and older African Americans compared with non-Hispanic whites (1,2). Although large-scale clinical trials have shown that the control of elevated blood pressure significantly reduces the risk for major cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes (3,4), a substantial portion of hypertensive patients do not achieve blood pressure control (1). Data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Examination Survey suggest that blood pressure is controlled for only 64% of all patients on antihypertensive medication. Moreover, the control rate is considerably lower in adults 60 years and older compared with younger adults (58% vs 72%, respectively) (1), which may in part contribute to the 80% of deaths among adults 65 years of age or older that are attributed to CVD (5). African Americans also tend to have poorer blood pressure control compared with other racial/ethnic groups (1,2). These racial differences have been partially explained by inequalities in health care access (2). However, there is very little information on racial differences in blood pressure control in older populations where more universal access to health care through Medicare might translate into smaller racial gaps in blood pressure control. Although a handful of studies suggest that racial differences in blood pressure control persist into older age (6), there is little information about the different factors that account for the differences in blood pressure control among older African American and white adults. Our goal in this analysis was to use data from a large population-based epidemiological study of African Americans and whites to examine the magnitude of racial differences in blood pressure control among older adults who report having and being treated for high blood pressure. In addition, we evaluated the role of socioeconomic status (SES), comorbid conditions, obesity, and use of antihypertensive medications as contributors to racial differences in blood pressure control.
Primary Nocturnal Enuresis: A Comparison Among Observation, Imipramine, Desmopressin Acetate and Bed-Wetting Alarm Systems

AbstractPatients with primary nocturnal enuresis were entered into 4 treatment groups:observation, imipramine, desmopressin acetate or alarm therapy. Patients were weaned from therapy 6 months after inclusion in the study and were evaluated for continence at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after beginning the study protocol. Of the 50 patients under observation 6 percent were continent at 6 months and 16 percent were continent within 12 months. Of 44 patients treated with imipramine 36 percent were continent at 6 months on medication; however, only 16 percent were continent at 12 months, off medication. Similarly, of the 88 patients treated with desmopressin acetate 68 percent were continent at 6 months but only 10 percent were continent at 12 months. Of the 79 patients treated with alarm therapy 63 percent were continent at 6 months and 56 percent were dry at 12 months. Although each form of therapy improved continence over observation alone (p less than 0.01), only the bed-wetting alarm system demonstrated persis...
Role of the Coronavirus E Viroporin Protein Transmembrane Domain in Virus Assembly

Coronavirus envelope (E) proteins are small (∼75- to 110-amino-acid) membrane proteins that have a short hydrophilic amino terminus, a relatively long hydrophobic membrane domain, and a long hydrophilic carboxy-terminal domain. The protein is a minor virion structural component that plays an important, not fully understood role in virus production. It was recently demonstrated that the protein forms ion channels. We investigated the importance of the hydrophobic domain of the mouse hepatitis coronavirus (MHV) A59 E protein. Alanine scanning insertion mutagenesis was used to examine the effect of disruption of the domain on virus production in the context of the virus genome by using a MHV A59 infectious clone. Mutant viruses exhibited smaller plaque phenotypes, and virus production was significantly crippled. Analysis of recovered viruses suggested that the structure of the presumed α-helical structure and positioning of polar hydrophilic residues within the predicted transmembrane domain are important for virus production. Generation of viruses with restored wild-type helical pitch resulted in increased virus production, but some exhibited decreased virus release. Viruses with the restored helical pitch were more sensitive to treatment with the ion channel inhibitor hexamethylene amiloride than were the more crippled parental viruses with the single alanine insertions, suggesting that disruption of the transmembrane domain affects the functional activity of the protein. Overall the results indicate that the transmembrane domain plays a crucial role during biogenesis of virions.