cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical Models and Efficient Dimensioning Algorithms: for Communication Systems in Randomly Changing Traffic Environments

Analysis and design of communication systems in today's dynamically changing environment face a lot of challenges. Communication systems are not static but are dynamically changing today. Networks can become overloaded at one moment and underutilized at the next. Humans simply cannot respond to changes fast enough; computer programs must be used. Queueing theory has typically been used to address queueing problems of communication networks under the assumption that the inter-arrival times and the service times are renewal processes, and the arrival rate and bandwidth requirement of each customer is constant. In today's dynamically changing environment, such as in high-speed integrated-services wired and wireless networks and Web service, these assumptions are frequently unjustified. Our research focuses on the performance evaluation and efficient resource dimensioning algorithms of communication systems in a dynamically changing environment. The topics investigated are either new or they have not been studied well in the literature. One of our contributions is providing efficient dimensioning algorithms in closed-form with a constant or near linear complexity. In this thesis, we considered the following cases: (a) The arrival rates of customers are time-varying, (b) the bandwidth requirement of a customer is variable, (c) integrated streaming and data traffic where the available bandwidth for the data traffic is dynamically changing and (d) a statistical multiplexer with autocorrelated and bursty arrival processes. This work starts with the dynamic analysis and design of a communication link when the arrivals are time-varying. The time-varying arrivals capture the nature of a dynamic traffic environment. Using transient analysis, we dimension a link under time-varying arrivals and transient load. We compare some methods (both numerical and closed-form) in the literature and propose efficient ways to design the system under study. We next consider the case when the customer's bandwidth requirements are time-varying. A multi-rate loss model with class-change is proposed and the blocking probability is calculated using an iterative recursive formula. The optimal dimensioning of the capacity of this system is obtained using a formula with a constant cost. Subsequently we consider a model to analyze the integrated streaming traffic and data traffic, where the data traffic is bursty with a time-varying bandwidth shared with the streaming traffic. Using priority decomposition, we proposed closed-form solution for dimensioning of both streaming and data traffic. Finally we analyze a statistical multiplexer where the arrival process is the superposition of n independent identical bursty and autocorrelated arrival processes. We construct the superposition of these arrival processes and characterize the departure process from the multiplexer by exact Laplace transform and a two-stage Markov-modulated Poisson process. These results permit us to analyze and dimension the system more efficiently under study.
The use of Fróðskaparrit

Through the last years at the annual session of Froðskaparfelag the use of Froðskaparrit has been shown. The distribution between the different sciences is treated, thenationality of the authors and the language they have used. Also the length of the papers and the number of papers in each number. In this paper it is shown in graphs and one table.
LDS Intercalation with Donor and Acceptor Molecules

Materials formed by the intercalation of adducts (NH3, N2H4, MoF6, Rb-NH3, SbF5 and AsF5) in between the one- and two dimensional networks provided by solids called by Lord Kelvin aeolotropic (TaS2, MoS2, NbSe2, TaSe3, and graphite) have applications in connection to organic conductors, high duty batteries, catalysts and solid lubricants. The intercalation of low dimensional solids (LDS) from the gas phase is a complex process which involves at least three steps. First Langmuir adsorption of the adduct must occur, this is followed by chemisorption and finally insertion of the adduct in between the layers produces a phase transition. The rate determining steps will vary depending on the LDS and on the adduct gas. The process of intercalation of layer dichalcogenides from the gas phase is reproducible and fairly well understood. However the intercalation of graphite is less well understood though it has received considerably more attention than the former. Electrolytic intercalation is the least understood to date because the laws of gas phase intercalation do not apply.
Kidney Stones After Bariatric Surgery: Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Obesity is rampant across the spectrum of age, gender, and race in the Unites States. Paralleling this epidemic, kidney stone prevalence is also rising, affecting nearly 1 in 11 individuals. Bariatric surgical procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are the most effective weight loss options for morbidly obese or severely obese individuals with comorbidities. A number of studies have linked kidney stone development to bariatric surgical history, particularly RYGB, which portends up to a threefold increase in calcium oxalate stone risk compared with age-matched, obese controls. Stone development after malabsorptive (RYGB) and restrictive (SG) bariatric procedures are driven primarily by alterations in 24-h urine profiles, such as increased urinary oxalate, decreased urine volume, and reduced urinary citrate levels-all of which have been linked to increased kidney stone risk. What clinical recommendations, if any, can be given to reduce kidney stone risk in bariatric kidney stone patients? This review provides not only updated stone incidence and 24-h urine data in this population, but also reassurance-the metabolic alterations that result from bariatric surgery can be successfully mitigated by increased provider awareness, patient education, and a combination of dietary and pharmacological adjustments.
Ultrafiltration versus intravenous loop diuretics in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

Background Intravenous loop diuretics are the first-line therapy for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) but many patients are discharged with unresolved congestion resulting in higher re-hospitalization and mortality rates. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a promising intervention for ADHF. However, studies comparing UF to diuretics have been inconsistent in their clinical outcomes.Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed. Trials were included if they met the following criteria: (1) randomization with a control group, (2) comparison of UF with a loop diuretic, and (3) a diagnosis of ADHF.Results When compared to diuretics, UF was associated with a reduced risk of clinical worsening (odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38-0.86, P-value 0.007), increased likelihood for clinical decongestion (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.09-4.91, P-value 0.03) with greater weight (0.97 Kg, 95% CI: 0.52-1.42, P-value <0.0001) and volume reduction (1.11 L, 95% CI: 0.68-1.54, P-value <0.0001). The overall risk of re-hospitalizati...
Intensive seated robotic training of the ankle in patients with chronic stroke differentially improves gait.

BACKGROUND Robotic driven treatment plans targeting isolated joints of the upper limb have improved the sensorimotor condition of patients with stroke. Similar intensive efforts to allay lower limb gait impairment have not been so successful. In patients with stroke, targeted robot assisted training of the ankle joint, in a seated position, has demonstrated significant alterations in ankle stiffness and foot-ankle orientation at foot strike which may provide a new treatment option for gait impairment. OBJECTIVE To determine if isolated robot-assisted training of the ankle joint improves chronic hemiparetic gait in patients with stroke who are categorized according to baseline gait impairment. METHODS Patients with chronic stroke (>6mo) and hemiparetic gait (N = 29) received 18 sessions of isolated robot-assisted motor training of the ankle (3×/week for 6 weeks). All participants had stable clinical baseline scores across three admission measures, and no participant was receiving simultaneous outpatient rehabilitation. Baseline gait speed determined three impairment groups: high, >0.8 m/s; medium, 0.4-0.8 m/s; low, 0.16 m/s) for the high function group across all gait speed and endurance measures at discharge and at 3 months. The moderate group also exhibited clinically significant improvements at follow-up on the 10 Meter Walk Test, fast pace (0.16 m/sec), and approached clinical significance for the 10 Meter Walk comfortable pace (0.12 m/sec). The low group had small but significant improvements, at discharge on two of the three gait measures, and these improvements were maintained at 3 months. For balance measures, the low and moderate impairment groups had significant improvements at discharge that were robust on follow-up measure. The high function group demonstrated no significant change in balance. CONCLUSIONS Joint-specific robotic training of the paretic ankle provided the most benefit to individuals with moderate or mild gait speed impairments after stroke. Baseline gait speed function (low, moderate, high) was associated with three distinct recovery profiles. This suggests that severity-specific intervention may be critical to improving efficiency of stroke recovery.
Office-Based Single-Shot Bolus Trial of Intrathecal Ziconotide in Patients with Painful Myelopathy and Neuropathy (P02.009)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of an office-based intrathecal ziconotide (ITZ) single-shot trial (SST). BACKGROUND: Ziconotide is a intrathecal (IT), non-opiod, calcium channel inhibitor that blocks release of pain-associated neurotransmitters from primary afferent neurons. There are no studies assessing the response of neuropathic pain to ITZ via oupatient SST. DESIGN/METHODS: IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients who underwent ITZ SST from 1/2010 to 4/2012. Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Numerical Rating Scale (P-NRS) and Center of Epidemiologic Depression Scale (CES-D) were recorded at baseline. Five mcg of ITZ in 1 mL saline was injected via lumbar puncture (LP). Patients already receiving IT bacofen for spasticity via a Synchromed II pump with refractory neuropathic pain, were trialed using catheter aspiration port technique (CAP). Hourly P-NRS were recorded. Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was completed prior to clinic discharge. Return of pain was assessed via telephone followup. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent ITZ during the study period. Seven patients had painful myelopathy (4 MS, 2 TM, 1 NMO), 3 painful neuropathy (2 post-chemo, 1 CIDP) and 1 spastic CP. Baseline: Mean age 47.9±10.9 years, 82% Caucasian, 82% male, prior failed pain medications 3.7±1.2, P-NRS 7.4±2, BPI-severity 7.3±1.4, BPI-interference 5.9±3, BPI% pain improved on current therapies 29.2%±12.8, CES-D 10±8.1. Three patients had pre-existing IT baclofen pumps and underwent CAP instead of LP. P-NRS significantly improved from baseline 4 hours post-injection and continued to improve throughout trial duration. PGIC was also statistically significant. Adverse events: emesis and ataxia (n=1), urinary retention (n=2) urinary incontinence (n=1). Return of pain occurred at 25.5±14 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data supports efficacy and safety of outpatient ITZ SST in medically refractory painful myelopathies and neuropathies. Use of CAP technique in patients who already have IT delivery systems. These results must be interpreted cautiously and replicated in a larger sample. Supported by: Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowship from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (JN). Disclosure: Dr. Nicholas has received research support from National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Bartoszek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lawson received personal compensation from Pfizer and Baxter for consulting services. Dr. O9Connell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boster has received personal compensation from Merck Serono, Biogen, Novartis, Sun-Pharma, Roche, Genetech, National MS Society, NIH, and Medtronic for consulting services. Dr. Boster has received research support from Merck Serono, Biogen, Novartis, Actilleon, Sun-Pharma, Roche, Genetech, National MS Society, NIH, and Accorda.
A Carrel patch technique for renal transplantation in cats.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of a Carrel patch method in feline renal transplantation. Study design Descriptive case series. Animals Nine healthy donor cats and 9 client recipient cats with chronic renal failure. Methods Renal transplantation was performed in 9 cats with chronic renal failure after collection of a donor's left kidney with a Carrel patch technique. A patch of donor aortic wall was removed with either 2 or 1 renal artery (ies) (n = 1 and 8 cats, respectively) central to the patch, with a cuff of tissue (≤1 mm) protruding from the base of the vessels. The Carrel patch was implanted in recipient cats with an end-to-side artery-to-aorta anastomosis, in a simple-continuous pattern of 9-0 nylon. The renal vein and ureter were implanted as previously described. Results All donors and recipients survived surgery without vascular complication. Conclusion The Carrel patch is a novel approach allowing the harvest of kidneys with multiple renal arteries. The technique also simplified the implant procedure, potentially decreasing the risks of bleeding and thrombosis.
A review on ab initio studies of static, transport, and optical properties of polystyrene under extreme conditions for inertial confinement fusion applications

Polystyrene (CH), commonly known as “plastic,” has been one of the widely used ablator materials for capsule designs in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Knowing its precise properties under high-energy-density conditions is crucial to understanding and designing ICF implosions through radiation–hydrodynamic simulations. For this purpose, systematic ab initio studies on the static, transport, and optical properties of CH, in a wide range of density and temperature conditions (ρ = 0.1 to 100 g/cm3 and T = 103 to 4 × 106 K), have been conducted using quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations based on the density functional theory. We have built several wide-ranging, self-consistent material-properties tables for CH, such as the first-principles equation of state, the QMD-based thermal conductivity (κQMD) and ionization, and the first-principles opacity table. This paper is devoted to providing a review on (1) what results were obtained from these systematic ab initio studies; (2) how these self-consiste...
Healthcare Robotics: A Primer

A healthcare robot is one used in healthcare. Robots play an important role in healthcare as they can improve diagnosis, lower the number of medical errors, and improve the overall quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. They hold the promise of addressing major healthcare issues in surgery, diagnostics, prosthetics, physical and mental therapy, monitoring, and support. With unmatched precision and the ability to work without fatigue, healthcare robots are definitely one of the most useful applications of robotic technology. This paper provides a brief introduction to healthcare robots and their applications.
NMR studies of the mechanism of action and regulation of protein kinase.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of NMR studies of the mechanism of action and regulation of protein kinase. Protein kinases, which are activated by the elevation of cAMP levels, provide a metabolic link in the intracellular response of cells to the binding of hormones at external receptors. In a study described in the chapter, the intersubstrate and intermetal distances were used, by employing analogs of ATP, to derive the reaction coordinate distance of 5.3 ± 0.7 A. As a phosphoenzyme intermediate is rendered unlikely by the substrate activity of the substitution-inert Co(NH3)4ATP complex, a metaphosphate intermediate in a dissociative mechanism is an interesting possibility. The regulatory dimer of protein kinase (R2) inhibits the catalytic subunit by blocking the binding site of the peptide or protein substrate. Inhibition of the catalytic subunit by the regulatory subunit does not block the binding of the metal-ATP substrate or enhance the binding of the inhibitory metal.
Antibiotic treatment and relapse in Whipple's disease. Long-term follow-up of 88 patients.

Abstract Reports of clinical relapse occurring after apparently successful antibiotic treatment of Whipple's disease prompted this review of long-term follow-up of treated patients. Follow-up of at least 1 yr after completion of treatment or 2 yr after diagnosis was obtained on 88 patients with documented Whipple's disease by a review of the medical literature, correspondence with the authors as needed, and questionnaires mailed to academic gastroenterology programs in the United States. Relapse was defined on the basis of morphology (preferably) or clinically, or both. Thirty-one patients relapsed, 6 of whom relapsed twice. Fifty-seven patients did not relapse. The mean time to relapse was 4.2 yr. The mean follow-up period of patients who did not relapse was 8.2 yr. The type and number of relapses were as follows: clinical, 16; central nervous system, 13; arthralgia, 5; gastrointestinal, 1; and cardiac, 2. The clinical, arthralgia, and gastrointestinal relapses were evenly distributed between early relapses (occurring 2 yr after diagnosis). All cardiac and central nervous system relapses were late. Twenty-one of 49 patients treated with tetracycline alone relapsed. Two relapses were reported in 15 patients treated with penicillin and streptomycin followed by tetracycline. Three relapses developed in 8 patients treated with penicillin alone. Five of the 16 patients treated with other regimens relapsed. Nine of the 13 patients with central nervous system relapse had been initially treated with tetracycline, 2 were treated with penicillin, and 2 were treated with combinations of antibiotics. Results of treatment of central nervous system relapse were poor in 10 of the 11 patients for whom details were available. Results of treatment of non-central-nervous-system relapse were excellent in 19 of 20 patients. It is concluded that tetracycline alone, or penicillin alone, is not adequate initial therapy for Whipple's disease and that central nervous system relapse is resistant to antibiotic therapy. The authors recommend parenteral penicillin and streptomycin followed by 1 yr of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy or oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole alone for 1 yr as initial therapy for Whipple's disease. Relapse should be defined by demonstration of recurrence of bacilli whenever possible.
The Efficacy and Safety of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Therapy for Benign Thyroid Nodules—A Single Center Experience from Singapore

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a recent noninvasive technique of treating thyroid nodules. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of HIFU in treating benign thyroid nodules. This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent HIFU of benign thyroid nodules at our institution from July 2017–2018. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Patients were evaluated immediately post-procedure, and at subsequent intervals of 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary endpoint was thyroid nodule volume reduction at 6 months posttreatment. Secondary endpoints were post-procedure local complications. Ten patients with 13 thyroid nodules were included. The median follow-up period was 426 days (range 238–573). Mean maximum diameter reduced from 2.6 cm (±0.8) pretreatment to 1.4 cm (±0.7, P < 0.05) 6 months posttreatment. Mean nodule volume reduced from 5.2 cm3 (±4.2) pretreatment to 1.5 cm3 (±1.3, P = 0.01) 6 months posttreatment. Mean volume reduction ratio (VRR) at 6 months posttreatment was 63.2% (±22.5, P < 0.05), with volume reduction of ≥50% in 10 of 13 (76.9%) nodules. Two nodules (15.4%) showed size increases from 4 months posttreatment. No patients experienced local skin burns or hematomas. Mean pain scores were 1.5 (±1.2) immediate post-procedure, 0.8 (±1.5) at 1 week, and 0.6 (±1.2) at 1 month post-procedure, respectively, with no reports of pain beyond 1 month. Only two (20.0%) patients had early, temporary posttreatment voice hoarseness. Our study shows HIFU ablation to be efficacious and safe—with significant thyroid nodule volume reductions, and no significant or prolonged local complications.
Housing Crisis Spillover Effects in Areas of High Concentration of Non-Primary Residences

Abstract Prior research finds that non-primary residences will have higher mortgage default rates and foreclosure rates than first homes. We investigate sub-markets with high concentrations of non-...
Help your executor before you leave: the book you didn’t know you need

Help Your Executor Before You Leave is a brief guide to arranging materials for the eventual settling an estate. It is intended to help the executor of a will and the survivors of the deceased to t...
LOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF SOME GRAPH FORMALISMS

Abstract One can imagine that in knowledge representation and reasoning systems graphs could appear not only for psychological but also for formal reasons. In a graph-based logic, syntax, proof theory and semantics (or model theory) would refer to graph-theoretic properties of terms that are manipulated. The main thesis of this chapter is that, to our best knowledge, there is yet no such graph-based logic. But we believe that a graph-based logic of concepts can be formulated. In this context, we discuss logical properties of three knowledge representation formalisms that directly refer to graph-theoretic properties: conceptual graphs (Sowa), higraphs (Harel), and the three-level semantics (Zadrozny). We describe the relationships among concepts that are made explicit in those formalisms (respectively): the structure of propositions, the structure of a model, and the plausibility of interpretations. As a conclusion we formulate the thesis that the adequacy of a formalism should be judged by its capacity to offer new tools, which seems to be a more quantifiable criterion than fidelity to intuitions (see also [Israel, 1983]).
Narratives of women’s retrospective experiences of teen pregnancy, motherhood, and school engagement while placed in foster care

Abstract Pregnant and Parenting Teens (PPTs) in foster care experience, among many setbacks, more academic difficulties, than their peers who are not in foster care. The challenges of teen pregnancy and parenting and the expectation of maintaining school engagement and positive academic outcomes can be overwhelming, especially for foster care youth who live away from their home of origin. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the extent to which the core tenets of attachment, identity, self-efficacy, and critical race theories collectively explain or validate experiences of school engagement and academic outcomes among pregnant and parenting teens in the child welfare system. Semi-structured interviews with eleven aged-out pregnant and parenting teens supported the utility of the four main theories in elucidating the barriers and facilitators to PPTs school engagement and improved academic outcomes. All together, the PPTs narratives do not single out one of these individual theories as solely playing a direct role in influencing their engagement in educational processes and academic outcomes. Rather, the integration of the tenets and main ideas of each of these theories holistically capture their experiences. Study findings showed that school engagement and educational achievement increased among PPTs in foster and group homes when they experienced attachment connections with foster parents and staff, positive identity development, and enhanced self-efficacy. Suggestions for promoting attachment and relational connections, positive identity formation, enhanced self-efficacies, and racial/ethnic inclusion toward boosting school engagement are highlighted.
On Stability of Tensor Networks and Canonical Forms.

Tensor networks such as matrix product states (MPS) and projected entangled pair states (PEPS) are commonly used to approximate quantum systems. These networks are optimized in methods such as DMRG or evolved by local operators. We provide bounds on the conditioning of tensor network representations to sitewise perturbations. These bounds characterize the extent to which local approximation error in the tensor sites of a tensor network can be amplified to error in the tensor it represents. In known tensor network methods, canonical forms of tensor network are used to minimize such error amplification. However, canonical forms are difficult to obtain for many tensor networks of interest. We quantify the extent to which error can be amplified in general tensor networks, yielding estimates of the benefit of the use of canonical forms. For the MPS and PEPS tensor networks, we provide simple forms on the worst-case error amplification. Beyond theoretical error bounds, we experimentally study the dependence of the error on the size of the network for perturbed random MPS tensor networks.
Gender-based differential item functioning in the Cannabis-Associated Problems Questionnaire: A replication and extension.

Abstract Background Gender bias in measures of cannabis problems may differentially affect how men and women endorse items. This gender invariance might mask, exaggerate, or otherwise obscure true distinctions in experiences of cannabis consequences. Methods The Cannabis-Associated Problems Questionnaire (CAPQ), a measure of interpersonal deficits, occupational impairment, psychological issues, and physical side effects related to cannabis use, contained items with gender-based differential item functioning (DIF) in previous work—a finding we aim to replicate and extend ( Lavender, Looby, & Earleywine, 2008 ). Results In a sample of 4053 cannabis users, gender differences were apparent in global scores on the CAPQ. A DIF analysis revealed two gender-biased items, including one identified previously. Removal of these items did not significantly alter the scale’s relation to cannabis use. Gender differences on the CAPQ persisted after removal of the two problematic items, indicating true gender differences still exist in men and women’s experiences of cannabis-related consequences. Gender appeared to significantly contribute to scores on the full CAPQ and the short-form of the CAPQ with biased item removed, even after controlling for indices of cannabis use. Conclusions These findings suggest that the CAPQ evidences less gender bias than previously thought, perhaps due to diminishing gender-based stereotypes. Future work might opt to use the short form of the CAPQ to minimize gender-based DIF. In addition, potential biases in measures of substance use problems deserve more attention.
Design guidelines of current source gate driver for series connected SiC MOSFETs

The series connection of low voltage devices is one option of forming a device with higher voltage rating. The biggest challenge of series connected devices is drain-source voltage unequal sharing caused by differences among each device. A current source gate driver for series connected SiC MOSFETs is demonstrated in previous work. The proposed current source gate driver can generate highly synchronized gate voltages because of its constant gate current and novel gate driver structure. But in previous work, the design considerations are not explained in detail. This paper will provide detailed design guidelines of each stage in terms of control strategy and hardware.
Audit committee members’ professional identities: Evidence from the field

Abstract We advance social identity theory in the context of corporate governance research by evaluating how experiences outside the audit committee (AC) relate to AC members’ (ACMs’) professional identities and how these identities then map into ACMs’ responsibilities, how ACMs perceive that they add value, and how ACMs aid in the resolution of difficult judgments and decisions. We identify and evaluate four non-exclusive ACM social identities: executive management, financial management, investment management, and audit partner. We find that prior experiences relate to the social identities with which ACMs identify, yet identities also develop without role-relevant experiences. Interpreting the interviews leads us to propose a novel theory – mediational activism – a hybrid perspective whereby the ACM acts in multiple seemingly incongruent modes as a monitor, collaborator, and/or advocate with the intent to organize collective understanding, action, and mutually equitable outcomes. We find that ACMs’ perceptions of their primary role-relevant responsibilities are consistent with agency theory and extensive mediational activism, while perceptions of value-add are more consistent with the theory of resource dependence and reflect the desire to leverage prior experiences. Finally, we provide evidence on a host of difficult judgments and decisions that ACMs oversee, and find that they sometimes use typical negotiation strategies such as contending and compromising, but rarely resort to offering concessions. Employing these strategies differs based on social identities, but regardless of their identities ACMs most commonly approach their oversight role in resolving difficult judgments and decisions by adopting a mediational activism perspective.
Understanding and measuring formal communication quality for technology implementation: A test during the anticipation stage

Abstract Successfully introducing new technologies to employees remains a critical and challenging task for managers. Practitioner and academic research points to the crucial role of formal communication in the success of technology implementation. We developed a scale for measuring formal communication quality and assessed its influence using three samples of working professionals who were anticipating new technologies at work. Informed by the coping model of user adaptation, we examined the direct and indirect effects of formal communication quality during the anticipation stage of a technology implementation project on employees’ cognitions, emotions and intention to connect with colleagues in order to prepare themselves for the new technologies. The results validate our conceptualization of formal communication as a second-order formative construct with information quality in four content areas (i.e., what, how, why and when) as the first-order dimensions. Our findings affirm the role of formal communication as a managerial influence mechanism that positively affects an employee’s preliminary evaluation of a new IT during the anticipation stage. The evaluation of the new IT triggered emotions, and the emotions in turn motivated employees to seek opinions and camaraderie from others as a means of adapting to the new IT. Our post hoc analyses illustrate the dynamic nature of the relationship among formal communication quality, beliefs, emotions and coping intentions as the implementation unfolds. Our work contributes to the literature by improving the operationalization of formal communication quality, expanding the current understanding of seeking social support and revealing new insight about the temporal dynamics of the relationships in the nomological network during the anticipation stage. The validated scale of formal communication can be a useful tool for managers who wish to evaluate the effectiveness of their communication and to assess its impact on employees’ adaptation.
“Ask, don’t just answer”: Eliciting informational and emotional support needs in health-care encounters

Interpersonal Health Communication, Communication in Health Care Settings. This lesson is designed for health profession students whose work will involve direct interaction with patients. It is des...
Semantics with Lattices

In the type theory used in Montague’s intensional logic (IL), all the types that get actually used as the target types for the translations of expressions of English, except type e, form Boolean algebras. Many of the computations in IL that we have learned to perform (semi-) automatically, like various λ-conversions, rely on (or alternatively, express) Boolean connections between different types. In the related theory of Boolean semantics of Keenan and Faltz (1985) all the types form Boolean algebras.
Tropical Paradise at the Cretaceous Poles

A growing body of evidence indicates that the polar regions were at one time much warmer than they are now. In his Perspective, Huber discusses a report in the same issue by Tarduno et al. that describes the fossil remains of a crocodile-like creature discovered in the high Canadian Arctic zone at Axel Heiberg Island. This, together with other elements of the paleobiological record, provides further evidence of polar warmth during the Cretaceous. The source of the warming appears to be high concentrations of carbon dioxide during this period, although further modeling and physical evidence will be needed to conclusively sort out the causes.
Optimal pole placement in a vertical strip

A recursive method for determining the state weighting matrix of a linear quadratic regulator problem in order to shift the open loop poles inside a vertical strip is presented. This method is capable of shifting the real and imaginary parts for continuous time systems. Aggregation is used in each step of the recursive process. Therefore each time the order of the system is reduced to first or second order. A constrained minimization problem with linear and nonlinear constraints has to be solved in order to find the state weighting matrix of the reduced order system that will shift the open loop poles inside the vertical strip. >
Flipping the transcriptional switch from myelin inhibition to axon growth in the CNS

Poor regeneration of severed axons in the central nervous system (CNS) limits functional recovery. Regeneration failure involves interplay of inhibitory environmental elements and the growth state of the neuron. To find internal changes in gene expression that might overcome inhibitory environmental cues, we compared several paradigms that allow growth in the inhibitory environment. Conditions that allow axon growth by axotomized and cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons on CNS myelin include immaturity (the first few postnatal days), high levels of cyclic adenosine mono phosphate (cAMP), and conditioning with a peripheral nerve lesion before explant. This shift from inhibition to growth depends on transcription. Seeking to understand the transcriptome changes that allow axon growth in the CNS, we collaborated with the Marie Filbin laboratory to identify several mRNAs that are functionally relevant, as determined by gain- and loss-of-function studies. In this Perspective, we review evidence from these experiments and discuss the merits of comparing multiple regenerative paradigms to identify a core transcriptional program for CNS axon regeneration.
Trust in Diverse, Integrated, Cities: A Revisionist Perspective

A large body of recent research claims that diversity hinders general trust, but these studies suffer from omitted variables bias by excluding the institutional context of intergroup relations, specifically segregation. This article re-examines the issue by considering how the residential isolation of minorities alters general trust, prejudicial attitudes, and volunteering in cities. The results strongly suggest that both metropolitan and local level integration increases trust. The results are robust to a variety of specifications. The use of historic metropolitan and state characteristics, such as experiences with slavery, improves the fit between segregation and distrust. Further evidence finds that segregation decreases inter-group trust by intensifying racial prejudice against minorities, but evidence is also presented that segregation limits within-group trust, or at least cooperative informal transactions measured by volunteer rates. High levels of trust have been identified as a source of good governance and economic performance; integration is likely to enhance these attributes under republican institutions, regardless of the level of diversity.
Functional pharmacology of H1 histamine receptors expressed in mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons.

Background and Purpose Histamine H1 receptors are highly expressed in hypothalamic neurons and mediate histaminergic modulation of several brain-controlled physiological functions, such as sleep, feeding and thermoregulation. In spite of the fact that the mouse is used as an experimental model for studying histaminergic signalling, the pharmacological characteristics of mouse H1 receptors have not been studied. In particular, selective and potent H1 receptor agonists have not been identified. Experimental Approach Ca2+ imaging using fura-2 fluorescence signals and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were carried out in mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons in culture. Key Results The H1 receptor antagonists mepyramine and trans-triprolidine potently antagonized the activation by histamine of these receptors with IC50 values of 0.02 and 0.2 μM respectively. All H1 receptor agonists studied had relatively low potency at the H1 receptors expressed by these neurons. Methylhistaprodifen and 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)histamine had full-agonist activity with potencies similar to that of histamine. In contrast, 2-pyridylethylamine and betahistine showed only partial agonist activity and lower potency than histamine. The histamine receptor agonist, 6-[2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylamino]-N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)heptanecarboxamide (HTMT) had no agonist activity at the H1 receptors H1 receptors expressed by mouse preoptic/anterior hypothalamic neurons but displayed antagonist activity. Conclusions and Implications Methylhistaprodifen and 2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)histamine were identified as full agonists of mouse H1 receptors. These results also indicated that histamine H1 receptors in mice exhibited a pharmacological profile in terms of agonism, significantly different from those of H1 receptors expressed in other species.
Hepatite C crônica: história natural

Neste trabalho sao revistos os principais aspectos conhecidos da historia natural da hepatite C cronica, a luz da literatura atual e dos dados da experiencia do autor, oriundos do estudo de 1208 casos sucessivos, ao longo de mais de 30 anos, em sua maior parte no Ambulatorio de Hepatologia do Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto. Sao abordados aspectos fundamentais, como a prevalencia da evolucao a cronicidade, e, dentro desta, da evolucao da fibrose ate a cirrose, dados que diferem em cada estudo, neste estando situado em 28%. Os fatores que nisso podem influir – dos quais a idade no contagio e da maior importância – sao amplamente discutidos, assim como as manifestacoes clinicas, incluindo as extra-hepaticas, a contribuicao da biopsia hepatica, realizada em numero de 1068 em 862 dos 1208 doentes, alem de outros exames complementares. Evolucao e prognostico foram, igualmente, discutidos.
Effect of lactation on blood volume in the human female.

T H E P u a P 0 s E of this paper is to present data regarding the effect of lactation on blood volume in the human female. The literature on blood volume changes during pregnancy is voluminous but largely descriptive. Etiologic factors remain unclear. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising to note the paucity of studies designed specifically to determine the relationship between lactation and blood volume. The review of the literature back to 1940 has failed to reveal any such study in the human female. Turner and Herman1 report a definite increase in total blood volume during lactation in dairy cattle. In the same subject, Reynolds2 found lactation to be associated with an increase in plasma volume to magnitudes of 25 per cent with the maintenance of normal hematocrits. Hansard and associates3 report an increased total blood volume with normal hematocrits in lactating burros. Bond4 has reported an increased red cell and plasma volume in lactating rats as compared to nonpregnant controls. He found that the hypervolemia returned to normal when lactation ceased. Bond also comments on the paucity of studies in this area and speculates upon an endocrine etiology for the findings described. Fifty-nine subjects were studied. Twenty-one women breast-fed their babies throughout the period of the study and are referred to as the study group. The control group consisted of 38 women who bottle-fed their babies throughout
Real Estate Investments, Product Market Competition, and Shareholder Value

Conventional wisdom has it that for non-real estate firms real estate investments reduce shareholder value. This study introduces product market competition as a critical determinant of the net effect of real estate ownership on firm value. If real estate ownership is an integral part of capacity strategies in oligopolistic industries to protect the economic rents of incumbent firms, such capital investments are likely viewed favorably by investors. Using a large sample of public non-real estate firms over 1973-2010, this study presents robust supporting evidence by examining the return characteristics of a synthetic long real estate investment strategy consisting of shorting low-real estate stocks and holding high-real estate stocks. Controlling for product market competition facilitates identification of the endogenous relation between real estate ownership and stock returns.
A novel low power 11-bit hybrid ADC using flash and delay line architectures

This paper presents a novel low power 11-bit hybrid ADC using flash and delay line architectures, where a 4-bit flash ADC is followed by a 7-bit delay-line ADC. This hybrid ADC inherits accuracy and power efficiency from flash ADCs and delay-line ADCs, respectively. Also, in order to reduce the power of the first stage flash ADC, a power-saving technique is adopted by biasing the DC tail current of the pre-amplifiers at 5μA instead of the operational current, 47μA in stand-by mode. The hybrid ADC was designed and simulated in a commercial 65nm process. With 1.1 V supply and 100 MS/s, the ADC achieves an SNDR of 60 dB and consumes 1.6 mW, which results in a figure of merit (FOM) of 19.4 fJ/conversion-step without any calibration technique. Also, Monte Carlo simulations are performed with a 3σ device mismatch for the SNDR estimation, and the SNDR is observed to be better than 58.5 dB.
The Factor Analytic Approach to Simultaneous Inference in the General Linear Model

Abstract Consider the general linear model (GLM) Y = Xβ + e. Suppose Θ1,…, Θk, a subset of the β's, are of interest; Θ1,…, Θk may be treatment contrasts in an ANOVA setting or regression coefficients in a response surface setting. Existing simultaneous confidence intervals for Θ1,…, Θk are relatively conservative or, in the case of the MEANS option in PROC GLM of SAS, possibly misleading. The difficulty is with the multidimensionality of the integration required to compute exact coverage probability when X does not follow a nice textbook design. Noting that such exact coverage probabilities can be computed if the correlation matrix R of the estimators of Θ1, …, Θk has a one-factor structure in the factor analytic sense, it is proposed that approximate simultaneous confidence intervals be computed by approximating R with the closest one-factor structure correlation matrix. Computer simulations of hundreds of randomly generated designs in the settings of regression, analysis of covariance, and unbalanced bl...
Dornase alfa and progression of lung disease in cystic fibrosis

Obstruction, infection, and inflammation lead to progressive and irreversible lung destruction in cystic fibrosis (CF). Neutrophil-derived DNA contributes to thick, viscous secretions. Dornase alfa hydrolyzes DNA, reducing the viscosity of CF sputum. Clinical trials have shown that dornase alfa improves forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Immediate improvement is important, but long term survival requires slowing the rate of lung function decline. Demonstrating changes in rate of decline requires long term studies with many patients, which are impractical for clinical trials. Observational studies such as the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF) can address rate of decline in lung function, and is being used to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of dornase alfa. CF patients age 8–38 years when initially treated with dornase alfa (index event) were compared to patients not treated (for 2 years before and 2 years after index). In a preliminary analysis, FEV1 at index for the dornase alfa group (n = 2,706) was 80.5% predicted, and for the comparator group (n = 3,991) 86.7% predicted. The estimated rate of FEV1 decline before index for the dornase alfa group was −2.81 and for the comparator group −0.85% predicted/year. After index, the rate of decline for the dornase alfa group was −1.53% predicted/year (46% reduction, P < 0.001), with no change in the comparator group. These preliminary results suggest that initiating dornase alfa is associated with both an acute improvement in FEV1 and a slowing of the rate of FEV1 decline. Analysis is ongoing to further evaluate this association. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:S24–S28. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analysis of the Courtship Behavior of the Navel Orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), with a Commentary on Methods for the Analysis of Sequences of Behavioral Transitions

The courtship behavior of the navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella, was examined in a wind tunnel. Sixty nine courtship sequences were analyzed and successful sequences divided into two categories: rapid courtship sequences, which involved few breaks in contact, short or no periods of male/female chasing and lasted 10 s. Fifty six (81%) courtships were successful (50.7% rapid courtship and 30.4% prolonged courtship); the remaining 13 (18.8%) sequences were failed courtships. Of failed courtships, 9 (13.0%) were due to males losing contact with females during courtship chases and 4 (5.8%) due to females flying away immediately after male contact. Of all courtship sequences involving a break in contact during a chase, 38.5% resulted in an unsuccessful mating attempt. These findings contrast with previous studies of the courtship behavior of the navel orangeworm, potentially indicating that the type of bioassay used to study courtship may have a large effect on the behavioral sequences displayed. We evaluate several diagnostic techniques for the analysis of sequences of behavioral transitions.
Understanding the role of monolayers in retarding evaporation from water storage bodies

Abstract Retardation of evaporation by monomolecular films by a ‘barrier model’ does not explain the effect of air velocity on relative evaporation rates in the presence and absence of such films. An alternative mechanism for retardation of evaporation attributes reduced evaporation to a reduction of surface roughness, which in turn increases the effective vapour pressure of water above the surface. Evaporation suppression effectiveness under field conditions should be predictable from measurements of the surface dilational modulus of monolayers and research directed to optimising this mechanism should be more fruitful than research aimed at optimising a monolayer to provide an impermeable barrier.
Peroxynitrite generated at the level produced by spinal cord injury induces peroxidation of membrane phospholipids in normal rat cord: reduction by a metalloporphyrin.

The goal of the present study was to determine in vivo whether peroxynitrite, at the concentration and duration produced by SCI, contributes to membrane lipid peroxidation (MLP) after traumatic spi...
A Practical Integral Closure Model for Mean Vertical Transport of a Scalar in a Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract A closure scheme is developed for representing the mean vertical transport of a passive scalar within a convective boundary layer. The scheme predicts the evolution of the mean vertical profiles toward the form of the quasi-steady mean profiles observed in numerical large-eddy simulations of a convective boundary layer. The scheme models nonlocal transport and so is able to remedy several deficiencies of diffusive transport schemes.