cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intracellular pH in isolated rat renal papillary thin limbs of Henle's loop.

Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured in isolated, nonperfused and perfused rat papillary thin limbs of Henle's loops in N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethansulfonic acid (HEPES)- or HEPES/bicarbonate-buffered medium at pH 7.4 using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Resting pHi was about 6.7 in descending thin limbs (DTL) and about 6.9 in ascending thin limbs (ATL), even with a medium pH of 7.4. These values appeared to reflect the acid pH of the blood in the neighboring vasa recta found in vivo. The resting pHi did not differ whether or not the medium contained bicarbonate although the total buffering capacity of the tubule cells was increased in the presence of bicarbonate. In nonperfused DTL and ATL, pHi was further acidified following an NH4Cl pulse. The rate of recovery of pHi from this level to the resting pHi was reduced by Na+ removal from the bath in both DTL and ATL and by the addition of ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) to the bath in the presence of Na+ in DTL. The rate of recovery was not affected by Cl– removal from the bath or K+ (75 mM) or 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate (DIDS) addition to the bath in either DTL or ATL. These results suggest that the common, amiloride-sensitive, basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger plays a role in the regulation of pHi in rat papillary DTL but that a different basolateral Na+/H+ exchanger or a luminal Na+/H+ exchanger is important in rat papillary ATL.
Flexibility Ratios and Manufacturing Strategy

In this exploratory, empirical study of modernizing durable goods plants, it was found that typical measures of flexibility e.g., number of unique parts and part families are independent. More importantly, plants and firms with greater strategic manufacturing focus, regardless of specific emphasis e.g., cost or quality, scheduled fewer part numbers on new flexible automation systems. This suggests that product focus and strategic focus are related in plants producing discrete parts. When flexibility is emphasized as a strategic manufacturing focus, new automation systems are significantly more likely to have shorter change-over times per part family. In general, part family-changeover time ratios appear to have the greatest potential of measures evaluated for building a useful theory of flexibility in discrete parts manufacturing. An evaluation of changes made in part types and part families during the implementation period showed that product flexibility is pursued as a way to reduce high labor costs in manufacturing. These plants accomplished this end by increasing the number of parts scheduled on new systems. Implications for strategic management of flexibility and scope are presented.
Excited states of confined quarks. II

Abstract Low lying excitations of colored quarks and gluons are studied in the bag theory. The baryons and mesons considered have one quark in a P-wave excited state and the remainder in the ground state. They correspond to 1 2 − and 3 2 − baryons and to 0+ and 1+ mesons. Gluon hyperfine interactions are included to lowest order. SU(3) is broken by the strange quark mass. All parameters of the model were determined previously by fitting the masses of the light hadrons. The calculated masses of these states are generally found to be lighter than the observed states. Our spectrum contains states which do not occur in models of quark confinement with only two body forces but which should be present in the physical spectrum of any baglike confinement model.
Conditioned reinforcement strength as a function of the pattern of reward and nonreward

Two groups of rats (N = 20) received 50% reinforcement for responding in the presence of a light stimulus. For one group, there were long runs of reinforced and nonreinforced stimulus presentations; for the other group, the runs were short. Response latencies indicated that the reinforcement pattern was not discriminated. A test for conditioned reinforcement strength revealed that the stimulus acquired more strength in the group which had experienced longer runs of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. The pattern of rewards and nonrewards in a partial-reinforcement schedule would seem to be a factor affecting resistance to extinction, especially under conditions of relatively short intertrial intervaI. Capaldi (1966, 1967) has suggested that the average length of runs of consecutive nonreinforced trials (N-length) is one of the crucial factors in determining resistance to extinction (RE). Since variables which have been found to influence the RE of a conditioned response have usually been found also to influence the RE of a conditioned reinforcer, McCausland (1969) investigated the effects of the pattern of stimulus-reinforcement pairings on conditioned reinforcement strength. Two grOUPS of rats were conditioned to leverpress in the presence of a light stimulus.
Sustained and transient discharges of retinal ganglion cells during spontaneous eye movements of cat.

Discharges of 223 retinal ganglion cells during spontaneous eye movements (saccades) across a stationary grating pattern were studied in chronically prepared cats. Of these 83 showed sustained responses to local differences in luminance of the grating stripes (S-units); 84 showed transient responses to saccades and did not register local differences in luminance (T-units); and 56 showed mixed responses, i.e., transient responses to saccades and sustained firings in response to local luminance (M-units). When tested with diffuse light, 93.9% of the S-units showed either ON-sustained or OFF-sustained responses; 95.2% of the T-units showed either ON-transient, OFF-transient, or ON-OFF-transient responses; and 50% of the M-units showed ON-OFF responses. In the overall responses properties, most S-units corresponded to the X-cells, most T-units to the Y-cells of retinal ganglion cells previously known from acute experiments. Under normal conditions of active eye movements, the major function of the S-units would be to register the differences in luminance in their receptive fields, and subserve the mechansim of form recognition. The major function of the T-units would be to register information related to quick image motion, induced either by eye or object movements, and subserve the mechanism of detecting the dynamic aspects of visual stimuli. The other important functions of the T-units are their possible participation in the afferent routes for two recently proposed mechanisms; one for goal-directed saccades and the other for saccadic suppression. The M-units would possess the functions of both S- and T-units.
2:1:1 Resonance in the Quasiperiodic Mathieu Equation

We present a small e perturbation analysis of the quasiperiodic Mathieu equation: x + (δ + e cos t + e cos ωt) x = 0 in the neighborhood of the point δ = 0.25 and ω = 0.5. We use multiple scales including terms of O(e2 ) with three time scales. We obtain an asymptotic expansion for an associated instability region. Comparison with numerical integration shows good agreement for e = 0.1. Then we use the algebraic form of the perturbation solution to approximate scaling factors which are conjectured to determine the size of instability regions as we go from one resonance to another in the δ-ω parameter plane.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Polarization-Dependent, Frequency-Selective THz Stereometamaterial Perfect Absorber

Applications of terahertz radiation include security imaging, nondestructive testing, novel spectroscopic applications, and skin cancer diagnostics. In this work, a ``stereometamaterial'' constructed from geometrically placed copper rings acts as a perfect absorber and exhibits rotationally asymmetric absorption behavior. Mimicking chiral molecules found in nature, this device offers new possibilities for customized functionality at terahertz frequencies.
Electro-optic fundus imaging

Abstract Fundus imaging and photography are cornerstones of modern ophthalmic practice. The recent developments in electro-optic and computer imaging technology resulted in many improvements in the acquisition and analysis of fundus images, which already are being used in commercial fundus imaging systems. This paper reviews the basic aspects of the electro-optic methods for fundus imaging, with emphasis on the differences between these new techniques and conventional, film-based, fundus photography. Potential benefits of these systems in image acquisition, archival, communication, processing, and quantitative analysis, as well as their current advantages and shortcomings are discussed.
Changes in speech and language development of a young child after decannulation.

Abstract This report reviews the speech and language development of a child who, as result of complete subglottic stenosis, was aphonic from birth until 2 years and 11 months of age at which time laryngotracheal reconstruction provided normal respiration. The boy had congenital subglottic stenosis requiring neonatal tracheostomy. The congenital subglottic stenosis progressed to complete subglottic stenosis during the neonatal period. The child's speech and language development was monitored for a 24-week period following airway reconstruction. Learning outcomes: The reader will learn about and be able to describe: (1) the speech and language development of a child who was aphonic from birth until 35 months of age, (2) the effects of surgical repair of a tracheotomy on the child's speech and language development, (3) the likely importance of babbling in speech and language development.
Unsteady development of a deformable bubble rising in a quiescent liquid

Abstract An accurate finite-volume based numerical method for the simulation of an isothermal two-phase flow, consisting of a rising deformable bubble translating in a quiescent, unbounded liquid, is presented. This direct simulation method is built on a sharp interface concept and developed on an Eulerian, Cartesian fixed-grid with a cut-cell scheme and marker points to track the moving interface. The unsteady Navier–Stokes equations in both liquid and gas phases are solved separately. The mass continuity and momentum flux conditions are explicitly matched at the true surface phase boundary to determine the evolving interface shape and movement of the bubble. The highlights of this method are that it utilizes a combined Eulerian–Lagrangian approach, and is capable of treating the interface as a sharp discontinuity. A fixed underlying grid is used to represent the control volume. The interface, however, is denoted by a separate set of marker particles which move along with the interface. A quadratic curve fitting algorithm with marker points is used to yield smooth and accurate information of the interface curvatures. This numerical scheme can handle a wide range of density and viscosity ratios. The bubble is assumed to be spherical and at rest initially, but deforms as it rises through the liquid pool due to buoyancy. Additionally, the flow is assumed to be axisymmetric and incompressible. The bubble deformation and dynamic motion are characterized by the Reynolds number, the Weber number, the density ratio and the viscosity ratio. The effects of these parameters on the translational bubble dynamics and shape are given and the physical mechanisms are explained and discussed. Results for the shape, velocity profile and various forces acting on the bubble are presented here as a function of time until the bubble reaches terminal velocity. The range of Reynolds numbers investigated is 1
Waveguide-integrated low-noise Germanium avalanche photodetector with 6dB sensitivity improvement

A waveguide-integrated Germanium avalanche photodetector with 6dB sensitivity improvement and excess noise with k eff ∼ 0.1 was demonstrated while operating with 12dB gain at around 3V bias voltage. The photodetector was monolithically integrated into front-end CMOS.
Consumer-Driven Health Plans: Are They More Than Talk Now?

ABSTRACT: This paper reports marketplace developments for consumer-driven health plans in spring 2002. Findings are from interviews with executives from start-up and health insurance firms, benefit...
Land use pattern, forest migration, and global warming

Abstract Range limits of many plant species are expected to shift dramatically if climatic warming, driven by the release of greenhouse gases, occurs in the next century. The ability of species to migrate in response to the range shifts has been questioned, especially in the context of extensive habitat fragmentation which occurs in modern-day landscapes. Simulation models are presented which incorporate two factors, land use pattern and means of dispersal, to assess potential responses of forest species to climatic warming. Study areas displayed a range of human influence on the landscape, from heavily forested areas to areas dominated by urbanization and agriculture. The effect of establishing corridors (greenways) through fragmented landscapes is also assessed. Results indicate that many species may be unable to track shifts in climatically-controlled range limits, resulting in widespread disequilibrium between vegetation and climate. A variety of mitigating options likely will be necessary to offset the negative consequences of climatic warming on biological diversity. Land use planners and managers are encouraged to incorporate climate warming into long-term planning.
Two step resonant Mie scattering correction of infrared micro‐spectral data: human lymph node tissue

In this manuscript, we report the application of EMSC to correct infrared micro-spectral data recorded from tissue that describe resonant Mie scattering contributions. Small breast micro-metastases previously undetectable using the raw measured spectra were provided clear contrast from the surrounding tissue after signal correction. The technique also proved transferrable, successfully correcting imaging data sets recorded from multiple patients. It is envisaged more robust methods of supervised analysis can now be constructed to automatically classify and diagnose tissue spectra. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Gains from Takeover Deregulation: Evidence from the End of Interstate Banking Restrictions

This paper uses interstate banking deregulation to explore the benefits of takeover deregulation and how these benefits are distributed across different firms. We find large and significant abnormal returns around the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 which imply it created $85 billion of value in the banking industry. Consistent with an active market for corporate control allowing beneficial consolidation and providing needed discipline, there is a strong negative relationship between banks' abnormal returns and their prior performance. Consistent with managerial entrenchment limiting takeover discipline, banks with higher insider ownership, lower outside block ownership, and/or less independent boards have lower abnormal returns. IMAGINE AN ECONOMY IN WHICH strict regulation has prohibited all takeover activity, and the governing body suddenly announces that the restrictions on mergers and acquisitions will be eliminated in one year. The capital market response to this announcement would establish the aggregate value added from an active corporate control market, and differences between individual firms' stock price reactions would reveal which firms benefit most from unrestricted consolidation and takeover discipline. In some ways this hypothetical situation became reality for the U.S. banking industry in 1994 when Congress wrote and passed the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (IBBEA). This legislation liberalized the bank takeover market by eliminating the various state laws restricting bank mergers across state lines.' The IBBEA was widely expected to accelerate the consolidation already occurring within the banking industry (see, for example, American Banker, 10/11/94). A more active takeover market should increase firm values in at least two ways. First, unrestricted consolidation would allow firms to better utilize
Visualization of a Tertiary Structural Domain of the Tetrahymena Group I Intron by Electron Microscopy

Abstract The P4-P6 domain RNA of the group I intron of Tetrahymena thermophila has previously been shown by chemical probing to be an independently folding domain of the intron's tertiary structure. To directly visualize this tertiary structure, the P4-P6 domain and two folding defective mutants were prepared for high-resolution electron microscopy using tungsten shadowcasting. In the presence of Mg 2+ , the P4-P6 domain predominantly consists of compact molecules, while the two mutant RNAs are nearly all rod-like molecules. The measured length of the rod-like molecules is 64(±6) bp, which agrees closely with the length expected for molecules containing secondary structure only. In the absence of Mg 2+ , the P4-P6 domain contains threefold or tenfold fewer compact structures (depending on the mounting procedures) than in the presence of Mg 2+ . These results provide direct evidence for the overall shape of the tertiary structure proposed on the basis of biochemical experiment, and they confirm the Mg 2+ dependence of tertiary folding. An equilibrium between the extended (rod-like) and the compact structures is suggested, with the concentration of bound Mg 2+ and different mounting methods influencing the direction of the equilibrium. The entire group I ribozyme (L-21 Sca I RNA) was also examined by electron microscopy in the presence of Mg 2+ , and was revealed to have a compact shape. These studies present a direct demonstration of long-range interactions in a catalytic RNA molecule.
Muon g — 2: Theory

Current status of the theory of the muon anomalous magnetic moment is reviewed. The QED part of the theory is in a very good shape at present and the accuracy of its prediction far exceeds the expected precision of the new muon g — 2 experiment at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. On the other hand, further improvement is urgently needed for the hadronic contribution, which requires new precision measurements of hadron production cross sections in e+e-collisions. A complete standard-model calculation of the two-loop electroweak contribution will also be very useful in reducing the remaining theoretical uncertainties.
Lessons on the generation of usable science from an assessment of decision support practices

Abstract This paper reports on an assessment of activities undertaken to accelerate the transfer of new science into water management decision making. Current trends in science policy emphasize the need for research to demonstrate tangible benefits for decision makers, at the same time resource management decisions are recognized as involving multiple scientific disciplines embedded in specific decision contexts. SAHRA, a U.S. National Science Foundation funded Science and Technology Center for Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas, has developed an innovative research framework intended to respond to these trends. Examination of the SAHRA experience yielded multiple lessons on research to support decision making, including strategies for reconciling needs for advances in science with providing decision support; fostering adoption of science products; and communicating with research users. These lessons reinforce basic principles of usable science described in the literature and expand evidence-based guidance on implementation, especially in building effective knowledge networks and developing adaptive capacity within the science enterprise. Lessons learned are applicable to closing the gap between science and decision-making, and building a foundation of process knowledge to aid similar efforts by others.
Dietary essential fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, and visual resolution acuity in healthy fullterm infants: a systematic review.

Abstract Background : Biologically active neural tissue is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA). We conducted a systematic review to examine the nature of discordant results from studies designed to test the hypothesis that dietary DHA leads to better performance on visually-based tasks in healthy, fullterm infants. We also conducted a meta-analysis to derive combined estimates of behavioral- and electrophysiologic-based visual resolution acuity differences and sample sizes that would be useful in planning future research. Study design and methods : Twelve empirical studies on LCPUFA intake during infancy and visual resolution acuity were identified through bibliographic searches, examination of monograph and review article reference lists, and written requests to researchers in the field. Works were reviewed for quality and completeness of information. Study design and conduct information was extracted with a standardized protocol. Acuity differences between groups consuming a source of DHA and groups consuming DHA-free diets were calculated as a common outcome from individual studies; this difference score was evaluated against a null value of zero and then used, with the method of DerSimonian and Laird (Meta-analysis in clinical trials. Control Clin Trials 1986;7:177–188), to derive combined estimates of visual resolution acuity differences within seven age categories. Results of randomized comparisons : The combined visual resolution acuity difference measured with behaviorally based methods between DHA-supplemented formula fed groups and DHA-free formula fed groups is 0.32±0.09 octaves (combined difference±S.E.M., P =0.0003) at 2 months of age. The direction of this value indicates higher acuity in DHA-fed groups. Results of non-randomized study designs : The combined visual resolution acuity difference measured with behaviorally based methods between human milk fed groups and DHA-free formula fed groups is 0.49±0.09 octaves ( P ≤0.000001) at 2 months of age and 0.18±0.08 octaves ( P =0.04) at 4 months of age. Acuity differences for electrophysiologic-based measures are also greater than zero at 4 months (0.37±0.16 octaves, P =0.02). Conclusion : Some aspect of dietary n-3 intake is associated with performance on visual resolution acuity tasks at 2, and possibly, 4 months of age in healthy fullterm infants. Whether n-3 intake confers lasting advantage in the development of visually based processes is still in question.
RANDOMTOOLS: An Apple Pascal unit useful in randomization

Almost all research in the behavioral sciences requires that the ordering of the presentation of conditions be suitably randomized. The process of developing a random ordering is tedious; computer assistance is available and frequently used. Most computer languages have a built-in procedure or command for generating pseudorandom orderings. In addition, the algorithms for producing pseudorandom orderings are becoming better known (Knuth, 1969; Sander-Cederlof, 1984a), as are methods oftesting the adequacy of specific implementationsof algorithms (Rasmussen, 1984; Sander-Cederlof, 1984b). Simply having a "random number" generator availa-
Deep Convective Entrainment by Downdrafts in Jupiter's Atmosphere

Abstract The Galileo probe into Jupiter's atmosphere entered a “hot spot” composed of dry, less dense air. Despite assertions that hot spots are regions of downwelling, no viable mechanism has been proposed to transport less dense air over a scale height into the deep atmosphere. Here, we present a numerical simulation of convection in Jupiter's atmosphere which indicates that less dense air from above the clouds may be carried into the deep atmosphere by strong convective entrainment.
MORPHOLOGY AND TRANSPORT STUDY OF PHASE INVERSION POLYSULFONE MEMBRANES

Two different types of polysulfone (PS) membranes were prepared by the phase inversion process utilizing water or isopropanol as nonsolvent. The Flory-Huggins theory for a ternary system nonsolvent...
Factors Influencing the Learning of Chinese Characters.

This survey study, which involved 108 language learners enrolled in first-year Chinese as a foreign language classrooms in the United States, intended to address the research questions, ‘What types of Chinese-character learning strategies do US learners use?’ and ‘Do US learners’ Chinese-character learning strategy use differ based on the following learner differences: (1) Gender, (2) Home background, and (3) Previous foreign language learning experiences?’ Factor analysis and MANOVA tests were run using the participants’ responses in the Character Learning Strategy Inventory and the background surveys. The results of factor analysis illustrated that the participants used six types of strategies: practicing naturalistically, associating, paying attention to the characters, using mechanical techniques, grouping, and paying attention to the pronunciation. The MANOVA test results found significant interactive effect between gender and home background on strategies of using mechanical techniques. Another inte...
Bankruptcies in Temporary Equilibrium Forward Markets With and Without Institutional Restrictions

Sufficient conditions are found for the existence of an orderly sequence of temporary equilibria in economies with incomplete forward markets without exogenous limits on short-sales. In the absence of institutionally imposed trade restrictions, equilibrium exists under the assumption of overlapping expectations. In the institutional model a clearinghouse imposes rules of trade (interpreted as margin requirements) to reduce the likelihood of bankruptcies. Under this rule, equilibrium exists without overlapping expectations, and subsequent bankruptcies are less likely.
Service Supply Management Structure in Offshore Outsourcing

This research examines the relationship between strategy and structure in the highly complex services offshore outsourcing environment. The analysis uses data from the in-depth case studies of six organizations that purchase services (primarily call center services) to assess how the strategy of offshore outsourcing of services affects organizational structure and to develop a better understanding of the offshore outsourcing of services phenomenon. While organizations often have local buying offices and very formal structures for buying materials globally, the same is not true for purchased services. The issue of proper organizational structure for effectively managing offshore outsourced services has not been assessed. This research also aims to add to the growing body of literature related to Service-Dominant Logic, which recognizes that services cannot be effectively studied through the lens of manufacturing. This research applies case study findings to assess how the elements of structure, namely centralization, formalization and complexity, are affected by offshore outsourcing of services. All of the organizations studied here indicate that their processes evolved and that pursuing an offshore services purchasing strategy lead to structural adaptations in terms of more centralized, team-based structures, more formalized processes and more complex structures. However, most of the cases tried to retain some level of flexibility to allow for continued adaptation and improvement.
The Role of Geographic Information Systems for Analyzing Infestations and Spread Of Invasive Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae And Termitidae) in Urban South Florida§

The ability to manage geospatial data has made Geographic Information Systems (GIS) an important tool for a wide range of applications over the past decades, including manage- ment of natural resources, analysis of wildlife movement, ecological niche modeling, or land records management. This paper illustrates, using invasive termite species as examples, how GIS can assist in identifying their potential sources of infestations and model their spread in urban South Florida. The first case study shows that the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), were introduced into and dispersed across South Florida by sailboats and yachts. The second case study shows an agent-based model to simulate the natural spread of Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Dania Beach, Florida. This paper provides an overview of basic functionalities in GIS and demonstrates how they can be customized for advanced modeling and simulation.
Heterogeneous human capital, uncertainty, and the structure of plans: A market process approach to marriage and divorce

The family has not been exempt from the multiple and rapidly occurring changes in the world today, particularly in market economies. The number of marriages has declined, age at first marriage has risen, the number of divorces has risen sharply, the fertility rate has declined, and the division of labor within families has changed, not always in ways that might be expected. This paper subjects these developments to a market process analysis, drawing on the voluminous work occurring in family economics. The Austrian theory of capital, with its emphasis on capital heterogeneity, is relevant. We place particular emphasis on the importance of the structure of human capital within marriage and how investments in such human capital have been affected by the uncertainty that these changes have produced. We also examine investments in marriage-specific human capital and in general human capital (particularly as they relate to childcare). This is then related to the incidence of divorce and the causes and spoils from divorce. The advent of no-fault divorce seems to have been seminal in this regard. We end with a brief glance at the future. KeywordsCapital heterogeneity . No-faultdivorce . Marriage . Marriage-specific humancapital . Market process . Plandisequilibrium . Covenant marriage JEL codesD10 . D13 . D80 . J22 . J24 . K19
A fossil record of zidovudine resistance in transmitted isolates of HIV-1

The introduction of zidovudine (3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine; AZT; Scheme S1) into clinical practice in 1987 ushered in the therapeutic era of the AIDS epidemic. Not long thereafter, isolation of an AZT-resistant variant of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) was reported (1). Work by several groups demonstrated the association between emergence of AZT resistance and disease progression in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (2–4). High-level AZT resistance requires mutations at reverse transcriptase (RT) codons 41, 67, 70, 210, 215, and 219, which emerge in an ordered fashion (5, 6). The K70R mutation usually is the first to emerge. Although this mutation produces only a modest decrease in drug susceptibility, K70R mutants are selected rapidly after initiation of AZT (7). Subsequently, variants with mutations at codon 215 emerge and replace the K70R mutants. A likely explanation for the slower emergence of mutants carrying T215Y or F substitutions is the requirement for a double-nucleotide mutation at this codon [215T(ACC) to 215Y(TAC) or 215F(TTC), respectively].
Information sharing and control in homogenous and heterogeneous supply networks under different market conditions

A supply network consists of a focal organization and the network of firms that transact with it via goods, services, and information. Advances in information technology give a focal organization an unprecedented capability to communicate with, coordinate with, and even control its suppliers. However, it is unclear how information sharing and control will produce desirable performance and common welfare in the network, and how these factors should be adjusted under different conditions. In this study, we build a simple model of a supply network and run simulation experiments to investigate the effects of information sharing, control, homogeneity, and market conditions. The simulation results show that the best network performance is achieved under a high level of control. In the absence of such control, a supply network can achieve the same performance if the firms in the supply network behave in a homogeneous fashion and information is shared at the global level. In the case where agents behave in a heterogeneous fashion, the best performance is obtained when the agents are allowed to self organize based solely on information local to the agent.
Analysis of the differences in energy simulation results between building information modeling (BIM)-based simulation method and the detailed simulation method

Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based simulation models have been used to automate lengthy building energy modeling processes and it enable fast acquisition of results. Recent improvements of simulation programs have continued to the increase in the use of energy simulation in sustainability studies at the earlier design stage. However, it is often difficult to leverage the full potential of BIM due to inadequate information exchange between BIM models and simulation programs. Ambiguous assumptions on many simulation parameter values could result in a significant chance of misunderstanding on the predicted energy performance. The main objective of this study is to identify the differences in energy simulation results between detailed simulation method (DOE 2.2 simulation engine) and BIM-based simulation method.
Witnessing Violence Toward Siblings: An Understudied but Potent Form of Early Adversity

Research on the consequences of witnessing domestic violence has focused on inter-adult violence and most specifically on violence toward mothers. The potential consequences of witnessing violence to siblings have been almost entirely overlooked. Based on clinical experience we sought to test the hypothesis that witnessing violence toward siblings would be as consequential as witnessing violence toward mothers. The community sample consisted of unmedicated, right-handed, young adults who had siblings (n=1,412; 62.7% female; 21.8±2.1 years of age). History of witnessing threats or assaults to mothers, fathers and siblings, exposure to parental and sibling verbal abuse and physical abuse, sexual abuse and sociodemographic factors were assessed by self-report. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatization, anger-hostility, dissociation and 'limbic irritability' were assessed by rating scales. Data were analyzed by multiple regression, with techniques to gauge relative importance; logistic regression to assess adjusted odds ratios for clinically-significant ratings; and random forest regression using conditional trees. Subjects reported witnessing violence to siblings slightly more often than witnessing violence to mothers (22% vs 21%), which overlapped by 51-54%. Witnessing violence toward siblings was associated with significant effects on all ratings. Witnessing violence toward mother was not associated with significant effects on any scale in these models. Measures of the relative importance of witnessing violence to siblings were many fold greater than measures of importance for witnessing violence towards mothers or fathers. Mediation and structural equation models showed that effects of witnessing violence toward mothers or fathers were predominantly indirect and mediated by changes in maternal behavior. The effects of witnessing violence toward siblings were more direct. These findings suggest that greater attention be given to the effects of witnessing aggression toward siblings in studies of domestic violence, abuse and early adversity.
A new full-rate full-diversity orthogonal space-time block coding scheme

In this work, we present a new space-time orthogonal coding scheme with full-rate and full-diversity. The proposed space-time coding scheme can be used on quaternary phase-shift keyed (QPSK) transceiver systems with four transmit antennas and any number of receivers. An additional feature is that the coded signals transmitted through all four transmit antennas do not experience any constellation expansion. The performance of the proposed coding scheme is studied in comparison with that of 1/2-rate full-diversity orthogonal space-time code, quasi-orthogonal code, as well as constellation-rotated quasi-orthogonal code. Our study shows that the proposed coding scheme offers full rate and outperforms the 1/2-rate orthogonal codes as well as full-rate quasi-orthogonal codes when the signal-to-noise increases. Compared to the constellation-rotated quasi-orthogonal codes (the improved QO scheme), the newly proposed code has the advantage of not expanding the signal constellation at each transmit antenna. The performance of the newly proposed code is comparable to that of the improved QO scheme.
Robotic mitral valve repair: trapezoidal resection and prosthetic annuloplasty with the da vinci surgical system.

Assisted bicaval venous drainage was accomplished with a percutaneous internal jugular 17F and a 23F femoral venous Bio-Medicus cannula (Medtronic Bio-Medicus, Eden Prairie, Minn). Arterial inflow was established via a transverse 2-cm groin incision. A 5-cm right inframammary incision in the fourth intercostal space was used. The pericardium was incised ventral to the phrenic nerve. A transthoracic aortic clamp (Scanlan International, Minneapolis, Minn) was placed through the third intercostal space. We have performed more than 120 manual videoscopic mitral valve operations safely by similar methods.3 Reconstructive mitral valve procedures require access, vision, and dexterity. Despite meteoric technical advances, surgeons remain reluctant to perform minimally invasive cardiac operations. Two-dimensional vision remains the major impediment to endoscopic cardiac operations. Additionally, small incisions result in a rotational axis for longer instruments, increasing tremor and diminishing accuracy. Robotic surgical instruments emulate the 7 degrees of freedom in the human wrist. In Europe, robotic devices have been used to repair mitral valves and perform coronary surgery safely.1,2 Herein, we describe a complex mitral valve repair done in North America, with the use of an articulated “wrist” robot. Patient preparation and perfusion methods. After institutional review board and Food and Drug Administration– Investigational Device Exemption protocol (#G000023) approval, informed consent was obtained from a 69-year-old woman with severe mitral insufficiency (class IV of the New York Heart Association). She had a 1.5-month history of atrial fibrillation. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed severe mitral insufficiency and a large P2 prolapse, secondary to ruptured/redundant chordae. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 55%, and the coronary arteries were normal. ROBOTIC MITRAL VALVE REPAIR: TRAPEZOIDAL RESECTION AND PROSTHETIC ANNULOPLASTY WITH THE DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM
The confluence of population genetics with molecular pharmacology at the angiotensin II receptor: dawn of a new era or just a new wrinkle?

PubMed identifies 85,590 citations for the combined keyword set of angiotensin, angiotensinogen, renin , and angiotensin-converting enzyme , yet much remains to be elucidated about the mammalian angiotensin system(s) despite nearly 100 years of research ([Bader et al., 2001][1]). This reflects
Partial equivalent conductance of electrolytes in sea water

Abstract : The partial equivalent conductances of sixteen electrolytes were measured in sea water. The electrolytes studied are: NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, SrCl2, Na2SO4, K2SO4, MgSO4, NaHCO3, KHCO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, KH2PO4, KBr, HCl and NaOH. The equivalent conductance was obtained by comparing the specific conductance before and after the addition of one of the above electrolytes to sea water. Conductance ranged from 23/OHM sq cm for Na2CO3 to 310/OHM sq cm for HCl at 35.00 0/00 salinity and at 23C. (Author)
Ethnicity and risk of hospitalization for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Purpose To identify ethnic differences for risk of hospitalization for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods We undertook a cohort study with 126,019 participants: 55% whites, 27% blacks, 11% Asians, and 4% Hispanics. To estimate asthma and COPD risk, we used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, education, smoking, and alcohol intake. End points were hospitalizations for asthma or COPD. Results Compared with whites, relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for asthma among other groups were: blacks, 1.7 (1.4–2.0); Hispanics, 0.9 (0.6–1.4); and Asians, 1.6 (1.2–2.1). Among Asians, increased risk was concentrated in Filipino men and women and South Asian men. For COPD, whites were at highest risk; RR of blacks was 0.9 (0.7–1.0); Hispanics, 0.6 (0.3– 0.9); and Asians, 0.4 (0.3–0.6). COPD risk among Asians was lowest in Chinese with RR of 0.3 (0.1–0.5). Conclusions Ethnic disparities in risk of asthma and COPD as well as between both diseases exist, especially for Asian Americans, who have high asthma risk and low COPD risk. While residual confounding for smoking or other environmental factors could be partially responsible, genetic factors in Asians may be involved in decreased COPD risk.
THE ENZYMATIC NATURE OF C'1r CONVERSION OF C'1s TO C'1 ESTERASE AND DIGESTION OF AMINO ACID ESTERS BY C'1r

Human C'1, a macromolecular complex composed of three subunits, is the zymogen for at least two distinct enzymes. Preparations of one subunit, C'1r, functioned as a protease which converted another subunit, C'1s, to C'1 esterase. The conversion of C'1s to C'1 esterase by C'1r was blocked by Liquoid, phenyl methylsulfonyl fluoride, and calcium ions, but not by soybean trypsin inhibitor, hirudin, or heparin. Preparations of C'1r also possessed two additional functions, i.e., the ability to hydrolyze certain synthetic amino acid esters and to participate in immune hemolysis. Evidence was presented which indicates that these three functions are properties of a single entity, C'1r, but not of the same portion of its molecular structure. These observations suggest that C'1r has at least two active sites, one for its reaction with C'1q, an additional subunit of C'1, and one for its reaction with C'1s; together, the three subcomponents, C'1q, C'1r, and C'1s, form a single functional unit, the first component of complement.
Information and Institutions Redux: A Response to Fey, Jo, and Kenkel

In “Information and Institutions Revisited,” Fey et al. point out some corrections to the equilibrium analyzed in Chapman. In this brief response, we argue that while these corrections are appropri...
Preparing Efficient Sampling Plans Based on a Spatio-Temporal Chironomidae (Diptera) Larval Distribution Model

Abstract A spatio-temporal larval distribution model of the nuisance midge Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards (Diptera: Chironomidae) was used to design resource efficient sampling plans for the assessment of location(s) supporting nuisance population levels of this species in Lake Monroe (central Florida, USA). The model used bathymetric and sediment maps with lake water levels and temperatures of the prior month to estimate lake areas supporting relatively low larval populations (<100/m2) that require minimal monitoring effort, and areas that potentially support nuisance levels of G. paripes larvae, requiring greater sampling resources. The advantage of this system is that the geographic stratification can be altered for each sampling effort to meet prevailing conditions in the lake and without relying on a generic stratification that may not match the existing lake situation.
Validating the use of trap-collected feces for studying the gut microbiota of a small mammal (Neotoma lepida)

Gut microbes can largely influence the ecology and evolution of mammalian hosts. As research in this area increases, it will be necessary to collect fecal samples from nature to inventory microbial populations. Here, we tested the appropriateness of using feces collected from live-traps for microbiome studies. We found that feces collected from the traps containing the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) did not differ from aseptically collected feces in terms of microbial community structure, abundances of bacterial phyla, or measurements of α-diversity. Roughly 83% of the microbes in trap-collected feces represented the endogenous microbiota. Thus, we suggest that feces collected from small mammal traps are acceptable for studying the microbiota of wild, small mammals.
AN EXTENDED MACROSCOPIC MODEL FOR TRAFFIC FLOW

This paper presents a model of traffic on a highway based on the macroscopic description of traffic as a compressible fluid. We take the computationally efficient model of Papageorgiou and test it on field data. We extend the model to flow under the influence of traffic-obstructing incidents. In applications where the interest is in mass phenomena and real time computation, a macroscopic model is preferable over microscopic models. This model also permits systematic parameter identification, which makes it more useful for real traffic systems. The influence of incidents on the highway is included in the model and it is possible to tune its parameters for flow under incidents. This allows the model to compute the effect of incidents on flow capacity using field data.
Effect of Supplemental Aluminum on the Value of Fertilizer Phosphates in Turkey Diets

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with Large White turkeys to evaluate high-fluorine, fertilizer phosphates, diammonium phosphate (DAP) and concentrated superphosphate (CSP) along with partially defluorinated phosphate (PDP) and monocalcium phosphate (MCP) as sources of supplemental phosphorus. Aluminum as an alleviator of fluorine toxicity in starting and growing-finishing turkeys was studied. Fertilizer phosphates, PDP and MCP were each added to furnish all the dietary supplemental phosphorus. Aluminum sulphate was added to provide 0, 295 or 590 p.p.m. of Al in the first experiment and about a 1:1 A1:F ratio in the second experiment. CSP and DAP were somewhat toxic, significantly (P
MR Imaging Assessment of Changes in Renal Function with Renal Artery Stent Placement in Swine

Purpose To prospectively test the hypothesis that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can detect changes in renal function at the time of renal artery stent placement in a swine model of renal artery stenosis (RAS). Materials and Methods In this animal care and use committee–approved study, hemodynamically significant (>50%) RAS was surgically induced in six pigs. MR imaging was employed for assessment of the anatomic and physiologic changes induced by fluoroscopically guided stent placement. With MR imaging, we assessed changes in renal blood flow (RBF), extraction fraction (EF), and single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (skGFR) during the procedure. Arterial diameter stenosis before and after stent placement was assessed with x-ray digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Mean changes in functional and anatomic parameters were compared with the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, with an α level of 0.05. Results There was no significant change in mean RBF after stent deployment ( P = .44). Mean EF increased from 0.19 ± 0.08 before stent placement to 0.31 ± 0.17 after stent placement ( P = .16). Mean skGFR measurements were 25 mL/min ± 16 before stent placement and 41 mL/min ± 28 after stent placement ( P P Conclusions In swine, MR imaging can detect immediate changes in renal function after radiographically guided stent placement for unilateral RAS. This functional MR technique may have applications in the setting of hybrid MR/x-ray DSA procedure suites.
Use of paradoxical techniques in a school setting

Abstract Family therapists have used paradoxical methods of intervention in a variety of settings and with a variety of problems. This case study report is the first to demonstrate the use of paradoxical interventions with pre-adolescent and adolescent children in a school setting. These types of interventions could be of great value because they require limited verbal ability and insight on the part of the students, produce rapid results, and are particularly suitable for oppositional students.