cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heuristics for resource-constrained scheduling†

SUMMARY In this paper we present two heuristics (TIMROS and TIMGEN) for allocating resources to activities of projects under single-resource constraints. The heuristics are based on criteria which utilize the duration and resources required for each activity. Allocation of resources is then performed according to the priority ranking of the activities with respect to the developed criteria. †This research was conducted while Nasr was at Rutgers.
Using the Kinect for search and rescue robotics

The Microsoft Kinect has been used prolifically in robotics applications including rescue robotics since its introduction in November 2010, but its limitations have seldom been addressed. Although the low cost depth sensor is an attractive option for use in robot navigation, mapping, and human robot interaction, its poor performance in bright sunlight makes it generally unsuitable for outdoor work. This paper briefly surveys the Kinect's use in rescue robotics and similar applications, and highlights the associated challenges.
Improved DTI registration allows voxel-based analysis that outperforms Tract-Based Spatial Statistics

Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) is a popular software pipeline to coregister sets of diffusion tensor Fractional Anisotropy (FA) images for performing voxel-wise comparisons. It is primarily defined by its skeleton projection step intended to reduce effects of local misregistration. A white matter “skeleton” is computed by morphological thinning of the inter-subject mean FA, and then all voxels are projected to the nearest location on this skeleton. Here we investigate several enhancements to the TBSS pipeline based on recent advances in registration for other modalities, principally based on groupwise registration with the ANTS-SyN algorithm. We validate these enhancements using simulation experiments with synthetically-modified images. When used with these enhancements, we discover that TBSS's skeleton projection step actually reduces algorithm accuracy, as the improved registration leaves fewer errors to warrant correction, and the effects of this projection's compromises become stronger than those of its benefits. In our experiments, our proposed pipeline without skeleton projection is more sensitive for detecting true changes and has greater specificity in resisting false positives from misregistration. We also present comparative results of the proposed and traditional methods, both with and without the skeleton projection step, on three real-life datasets: two comparing differing populations of Alzheimer's disease patients to matched controls, and one comparing progressive supranuclear palsy patients to matched controls. The proposed pipeline produces more plausible results according to each disease's pathophysiology.
Biliary atresia: making the diagnosis by the gallbladder ghost triad

To describe the gallbladder ghost triad and evaluate its usefulness in the sonographic diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia (BA). From October 1997 to February 2002, 217 fasted infants with cholestatic jaundice aged 2–12 weeks were examined sonographically . We defined the gallbladder ghost triad as gallbladder length <1.9 cm, lack of smooth/complete echogenic mucosal lining with an indistinct wall and irregular/lobular contour, and used it as a criteria for BA. Gallbladder wall thickness, triangular cord, diffuse periportal echogenicity and hepatic artery calibre were also recorded. Diagnosis of BA was confirmed surgically and histologically. Thirty of 31 babies with BA demonstrated the gallbladder ghost triad. No false-positives were recorded. The 31st BA baby showed a normal gallbladder at 6 weeks, but developed the ghost triad at 8 weeks. Gallbladder wall thickening was seen in 46/186 non-BA babies, but not in BA. Triangular cord was observed in 24/31 babies. Twenty-two of 186 non-BA babies and 5/31 BA babies showed diffuse periportal echogenicity. The hepatic artery appeared more prominent in BA. All 31 babies diagnosed sonographically as BA had surgery. Three non-BA babies had "negative" laparotomies showing hypoplastic bile ducts. The gallbladder ghost triad is a very accurate sign of BA. Indeterminate cases require close follow-up.
Incomplete Bessel, generalized incomplete gamma, or leaky aquifer functions

Functions characterized by the alternative appelations in the title hereof have application in areas as diverse as heat conduction, probability theory, electronic structure in periodic systems, and hydrology. These functions are regarded as difficult to evaluate and have been given attention by a number of investigators in all these fields. This communication ties together the previously disjoint literature, and presents several new expansions of these functions that are in various parameter ranges computationally more efficient than any of the previously proposed methods of evaluation. A new formula for computation of these functions from nearby tabulated values is also reported. The computational advantages of the new procedures are illustrated with examples.
Disequilibrium and uncertainty in cointegrated systems: Some empirical evidence

Abstract We examine whether uncertainty in predicting cointegrated series depends on degrees of short-run deviation from the long-run cointegrated equilibrium relationship. Predictability of cointegrated series can be improved by including the error correction term in conditional variances just as in conditional means.
Attachment and its vicissitudes in borderline personality disorder

This article reviews the recent literature on attachment and attachment-related constructs in borderline personality disorder, with attention given to how recent findings in this area may inform understanding of the mechanisms underlying the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of the disorder. Most findings on this topic have stemmed from three major areas of research, each of which is reviewed in this article: 1) developmental psychopathology studies; 2) experimental psychopathology studies, particularly those using a neuroscience approach; and 3) treatment studies that have examined variables relevant to attachment. Overall, these findings suggest that attachment and related constructs may factor greatly into the underlying psychopathology of borderline personality disorder and may significantly impact the process and outcome of psychotherapy for the disorder. These findings are discussed as they relate to existing theories and ongoing debates in the field, and the implications for future research and clinical practice are highlighted.
Overhearing-aware Joint Routing and Rate Selection in Multi-hop Multi-rate UWB-based WPANs

Ultra-wideband (UWB) communications has emerged as a promising technology for high data rate wireless personal area networks (WPANs). In this paper, we address a key issue that impacts the performance of multi-hop, multi-rate UWB-based WPANs, namely joint routing and rate selection. Arbitrary selection of routes (including direct links) and transmission rates along these routes results in unnecessarily long channel reservation time and high blocking rate for prospective reservations, and leads to low network throughput. To remedy this situation, we propose a novel overhearing-aware joint routing and rate selection (ORRS) scheme, which improves the network throughput by exploiting the dependence between the channel reservation time and the multi-rate capability of an UWB system. At the same time, ORRS takes advantage of packet overhearing, a typical characteristic of broadcast communications. For a given source-destination pair, ORRS aims at selecting a path and its transmission rates that achieve the minimum reservation time, leading to low blocking rate for prospective reservations and high network throughput. We show that achieving this goal while simultaneously exploiting packet overhearing and satisfying a target packet delivery probability over the selected route leads to an NP-hard problem. Accordingly, ORRS resorts to approximate solutions (proactive and reactive) to find a near-optimal result with reasonable computational/communication overhead. We further propose other variants that exploit packet overhearing in different ways to improve ORRS performance.
External vacuum devices: a clinical comparison with pharmacologic erections

The purpose of the present study was to compare the satisfaction rates obtained for vacuum constriction devices with those achieved using intracavernous pharmacologic injections in a group of patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction. The subjects were stratified into three groups: group 1 failed to achieve an adequate erection on pharmacologic injection, group 2 achieved satisfactory erection following pharmacologic injection, and group 3 was left untreated. All patients were given a vacuum constriction device. We assessed their satisfaction using a questionnaire. The data suggest high satisfaction rates in all three groups. Of particular interest was that over half of the patients who had successfully been treated with pharmacologic injections switched to the vacuum constriction device at the end of the study. The data indicate high levels of patient satisfaction with the vacuum constriction devices, even among subjects in whom prior alternative impotence therapy had been successful.
The transcondylar approach to the jugular foramen: A comparative anatomic study

The standard neurosurgical approach to the jugular foramen involves suboccipital craniectomy with access along the petrous bone. However, even after wide removal of the foramen magnum, only limited access into the infratemporal fossa can be obtained. The neurootologic exposures provide excellent infratemporal access but limited exposure to the posterior fossa, resulting in hearing loss and facial paresis or paralysis. Using cadaver specimens, we exposed the jugular foramen region by the transcondylar approach. A retromastoid incision is extended into the neck. The transverse foramen of the atlas is opened and the vertebral artery transposed medially, thereby providing exposure into the infratemporal fossa. A suboccipital craniectomy extending anterior to the sigmoid sinus is performed, and the posterolateral occipital condyle is resected. After resection of the sigmoid sinus, cranial nerves 9 through 12 are easily identified extracranially in the infratemporal fossa and can be followed proximally through their foramina to the brain stem. We compared the transcondylar approach to three standard approaches, morphometrically and anatomically, and found that the transcondylar approach not only compares favorably but also offers advantages in that it preserves auditory and facial nerve function and is useful for one-stage tumor resection.
Laser-selective excitation of Nd ions in mixed-crystal systems

Abstract A strongly enhanced fluorescence mode has been observed by selective laser excitation of a class of ion sites in Y3(AlxGa1−x)5O12:Nd. The technique permits the discriminated observation and identification of individual groups. of emitters in complex spectroscopic systems.
Tumor Suppressor APC Blocks DNA Polymerase β-dependent Strand Displacement Synthesis during Long Patch but Not Short Patch Base Excision Repair and Increases Sensitivity to Methylmethane Sulfonate

In the present investigation, we report a previously unsuspected function of the tumor suppressor protein, APC (adenomatous polyposis coli), in the regulation of base excision repair (BER). We identified a proliferating cell nuclear antigen-interacting protein-like box sequence in APC that binds DNA polymerase β and blocks DNA polymerase β-mediated strand-displacement synthesis in long patch BER without affecting short patch BER. We further showed that the colon cancer cell line expressing the wild-type APC gene was more sensitive to a DNA-methylating agent due to decreased DNA repair by long patch BER than the cell line expressing the mutant APC gene lacking the proliferating cell nuclear antigen-interacting protein-like box. Experiments based on RNA interference showed that the wild-type APC gene expression is required for DNA methylation-induced sensitivity of colon cancer cells. Thus, APC may play a critical role in determining utilization of long versus short patch BER pathways and affect the susceptibility of colon cancer cells to carcinogenic and chemotherapeutic agents.
Exploring consumers' postadoption attitudes and use behaviors in monitoring the diffusion of a technology-based discontinuous innovation

Abstract With the recent introduction of numerous technology-based discontinuous innovations in consumer markets, it is not surprising to find the failure rate among this type of innovation excessive by most standards. Research indicates that the present models of diffusion theory may be inappropriate because of the fact that they were developed for continuous and dynamically continuous innovations, not discontinuous innovations. This study empirically tests the ability of four postadoption opinion/behavior variables to distinguish between innovators and late adopters of in-home personal computers. The results suggest that the diffusion of this discontinuous innovations has left the innovator stage and reached the late adopter stage.
Entity Communication Action Control in the Organized Simulation of Electronic Countermeasure

According to the developments of simulation technology, it indicates that the simulation platform based on the organized information construction is the effective way of developing space electronic countermeasure system demonstration and efficiency evalu
Structure and Conformational Behavior of Biopolymers by Density Functional Calculations Employing Periodic Boundary Conditions. I. The Case of Polyglycine, Polyalanine, and Poly-α-aminoisobutyric Acid in Vacuo

Fully quantum mechanical calculations exploiting periodic boundary conditions (PBC) have been applied to the study of four different regular structures (α- and 310-helix, fully extended and repeated γ-turns) of the infinite polypeptides of glycine, alanine, and α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) in vacuo. α-Helix is predicted to be the most stable conformer for polyalanine and polyglycine, being stabilized over the 310-helix mainly by more favorable dipole−dipole interactions. Contrary to previous suggestions, steric effects and hydrogen-bond strengths are comparable for both helix structures. 310-Helix is preferred for poly-Aib, since in this case α-helix is strongly distorted due to unfavorable intrachain repulsions. Extended structures and repeated γ-turns are much less stable than helix structures for all of the polypeptides examined, mainly due to the absence of favorable long-range interactions. The optimized geometries are in good agreement with the available experimental data and reveal a remarkable dep...
The effects of cations and diamines on the viscosity of T2 DNA

The viscosity of the DNA of T2 bacteriophage has been studied with the aim of understanding the folding of the DNA in the phage head. Thus the results of previous workers have been extended into a range of concentrations and mixtures of cations and polyamines simulating the conditions obtaining in actual phage heads. Difficulties in obtaining reproducible results with DNA in 0.001M NaCl have been attributed to the presence of traces of protein, perhaps nulease(s), that can be eliminated by hot-phenol extraction of the DNA. The results have been negative in the sense that the minimum viscosity obtained (120–140 dl/g) indicates a molecule that is far from tightly folded and in that viscosities in this range can be obtained with a simple mixture of Na+ and Mg++. No specificity of the diamines putrescine and spermidine is seen; they are simply surrogate cations.
Anterior cervical microforaminotomy for spondylotic cervical myelopathy: part 2.

OBJECTIVE Anterior microforaminotomy for spondylotic cervical myelopathy is reported with surgical results. METHODS A retrospective study was performed for 40 patients with spondylotic cervical myelopathy who had been surgically treated with anterior microforaminotomy at the University of Pittsburgh between April 1994 and June 1999. Age ranged from 32 to 74 years (median, 51 yr). Twenty-eight patients were men, and 12 were women. All had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans preoperatively. All underwent MRI scans and dynamic roentgenograms 6 weeks after the operation. The duration of follow-up ranged from 24 months to 86 months (median, 42 mo). RESULTS Twenty-eight patients (70%) had radiculopathy in addition to their myelopathy. Single-level operations were performed in 13 patients (32.5%), two-level operations in 19 patients (47.5%), three-level operations in 5 patients (12.5%), and four-level operations in 3 patients. Eleven patients (27.5%) had excellent results, 21 patients (52.5%) had good results, and 8 patients (20%) had unchanged results 6 weeks after the operation. Thirty-five patients (87.5%) were discharged the day of or the day after their operation. In all patients, MRI scans revealed good anatomic decompression, and dynamic roentgenograms revealed good stability. Postoperative complications included temporary deltoid weakness in one patient and temporary voice fatigue in another patient. In a final survey of 30 patients, 16 patients (53.3%) experienced excellent results, 11 patients (36.6%) experienced good results, and 3 patients (10%) experienced unchanged results. Final outcome survey with modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score is reported in 25 patients. CONCLUSION Anterior microforaminotomy provided good to excellent surgical results in 80% of the patients with minimal morbidities 6 weeks after the operation and in 90% of the patients at long-term follow-up. Spinal stability was well maintained in all patients.
Some chip transfer games

Abstract Proposed and investigated are four impartial combinatorial games: Empty & Transfer, Empty-All-But-One, Empty & Redistribute, and Entropy Reduction. These games involve discarding chips from some boxes and transferring chips from one box to another. Empty & Transfer and Entropy Reduction are solved only for a small number of boxes. Empty-All-But-One, Empty and Redistribute and Entropy Reduction are solved in both normal and misere forms. The Sprague-Grundy function for Empty & Transfer is found in the two box case.
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Ears with Normal Hearing Sensitivity: Test-Retest Variability:

4 women and 4 men with normal hearing sensitivity were tested for variability in distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, with two measurement sessions per day for 4 days spread over a 2-wk. period. Most test-retest variations were small, on the order of 2 dB. Extreme variations of 6 dB or greater occurred most often at the highest test frequency and should not be considered clinically positive unless such differences are found at lower frequencies also.
The OH strecthing fundamental of methanol

Abstract The highly congested band-center region of the OH stretching fundamental of methanol has been investigated using color center laser spectroscopy. Analysis of this region is essentially hopeless by normal absorption spectroscopy with Doppler limited resolution, but the spectral simplifications observed in Stark modulation absorption spectroscopy of the room-temperature gas and in simple absorption spectroscopy in a pulsed supersonic slit jet make possible the assignment of rotational structure in this region.
New compounds: Amides derived from 2-(2-pyridyl)ethylamines

Basic amides containing the pyridylethyl- and piperidylethylamino groups have been prepared either from 2-vinylpyridines, 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridines, or from substituted 2-(2-aminoethyl)piperidines. The amides possess some of the structural characteristics of the phenothiazine tranquilizers.
Magnetic resonance imaging changes after stereotactic radiation therapy for childhood low grade astrocytoma

BACKGROUND. Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is fractionated radiotherapy delivered under stereotactic guidance to produce highly focal and precise therapy. We studied the incidence of imaging changes that can mimic tumor progression after completion of SRT for childhood low grade astrocytoma. METHODS. Between June 1992 and September 1994, we prospectively treated 28 children with low grade astrocytomas with SRT. The patients ranged in age from 2 to 22 years (median : 10 yrs) and none had received prior radiation therapy or radiosurgery. Routine fractionation was employed (180-200 centigray [cGy]) to a total dose of 5220-6000 cGy over 5 to 6 weeks. All of the patients underwent initial and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to protocol. RESULTS. Median clinical follow-up for the 28 patients was 24 months (range, 5-32 mos) with a median radiographic follow-up of 15 months (range, 3-26 mos). Fifteen patients had reduction in tumor size, one patient had stable disease. Twelve patients (43%) developed increased size of the lesion, increased signal intensity or enhancement, cysts or cavitations, and an increase in edema or mass effect on follow-up MRI. Most of these changes occurred between 9 and 12 months after the start of SRT and resolved or decreased by 15 to 21 months. All but one patient had normal or stable neurologic examinations. CONCLUSIONS. Treatment-related MRI changes are common after conventionally fractionated schedules using stereotactic radiation techniques for patients with low grade astrocytomas. These changes can be distinguished from tumor progression by their transient nature as well as the general absence of clinical symptoms.
Implantable chemical sensors for real-time clinical monitoring: progress and challenges

Recently, progress has been made in the development of implantable chemical sensors capable of real-time monitoring of clinically important species such as PO(2), PCO(2), pH, glucose and lactate. The need for developing truly biocompatible materials for sensor fabrication remains the most significant challenge for achieving robust and reliable sensors capable of monitoring the real-time physiological status of patients.
Effect of Chronic Reserpine Administration on K + and Amylase Release from the Rat Parotid Gland

Effect of Chronic Reserpine Administration on K + and Amylase Release from the Rat Parotid Gland
Pt−Ru and Pt−Ru−P/Carbon Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Unexpected Performance as Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) Anode Catalysts

Six Pt−Ru/carbon nanocomposites have been prepared, using five different Pt,Ru-bimetallic precursors as sources of metal. Nanocomposites prepared from precursors lacking phosphorus contain Pt−Ru nanocrystals that are highly dispersed on the carbon support, as expected. However, nanocomposites prepared from precursors possessing phosphorus contain a mixture of face-centered-cubic Pt−Ru alloy nanocrystals and primitive-cubic nanocrystals of an interstitial ternary metal phosphide phase identified as PtRuP2. Nanocomposites containing substantial amounts of nano-PtRuP2 perform as well as a commercial Pt−Ru/carbon nanocomposite in the role of an anode catalyst in direct methanol fuel cells. Although the exclusion of metal phosphide phases in Pt−Ru nanocomposite syntheses is best achieved by eliminating all sources of phosphorus, the presence of PtRuP2 in such nanocomposites does not poison methanol electrooxidation. Investigation of the synthesis and electrocatalytic reactivity of pure PtRuEx (where E denotes ...
Computer Simulation of the High-Velocity Motion of Electron Bubbles in Superfluid Helium

We have performed computer simulations of the motion of electron bubbles through superfluid helium. The helium is modeled through the use of a modified version of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation. We find that by the time the bubble reaches the velocity at which vortex nucleation occurs the shape has changed significantly from spherical.
Management of sarcomas of the head and neck.

Soft tissue and bone sarcomas in the head and neck are rare tumors. The 1000 to 1500 yearly cases in the United States are distributed among at least 10 main histologies and multiple head and neck subsites. Although this makes structured studies difficult to perform and high-level evidence-based treatment algorithms difficult to find, basic treatment recommendations can be made from the existing literature for most histologies and subsites. This paper discusses the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment approaches for several of the most common head and neck sarcomas, including the “adult soft tissue sarcomas,” osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma of the larynx, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, desmoid tumors, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Concanavalin A induced glucocorticoid resistance in rat thymocytes in relation to glucose metabolism and glucocorticoid receptors.

Abstract Concanavalin A stimulates glucose uptake in isolated rat thymocytes, at concentrations as low as 1.0 μg/ml. The magnitude of the response is dosedependent with maximal glucose uptake (greater than 100% over control) observed over the 50–500 μg/ml range. The response to concanavalin A occurs within 5 minutes and is maximal by 1 hour. Exposure of thymocytes to physiological concentrations of cortisol has been shown previously to lead to a 15–30% reduction in glucose uptake within 20 minutes (1). Cortisol added simultaneously to or after concanavalin A has no effect on glucose uptake, but when it is added before concanavalin A, a glucocorticoid response is observed even in the face of concanavalin A-induced glucose uptake. Unlike the cortisol effect, the concanavalin A-induced increase in thymocyte glucose uptake is not inhibited by either cycloheximide or cordycepin. The antagonism between cortisol and concanavalin A may in part exist at the specific glucocorticoid receptor level, since exposure of cells to concanavalin A rapidly and significantly reduces the number of specific, saturable glucocorticoid binding sites in isolated thymocytes.
Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bile of flounder exposed to a petroleum oil

Abstract The bioaccumulation of contaminants in tissues of fish exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons is of concern because of the toxicity associated with polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC). Exposure of Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) to several concentrations of Hibernia crude oil in sediments, for four months during the winter, resulted in a dose-response in the accumulation of hydrocarbons in muscle tissue and the elimination of metabolites (glucuronides and sulphates) through the gall bladder bile. Results of a multispectroscopic analysis using ultraviolet/fluorescence (uv/f) and gas chromatography-mass spectromemry (GC-MS) are presented. In muscle tissue, the monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were previously shown to predominate over alkylated PAC, while parental PAC were least detectable. Naphthalene and phenanthrene derivatives were more easily characterised as bile metabolites (GC-MS) than benzenoid derivames which, according to uv/f analysis also represent a large fraction of the met...
Electron density near an impurity

The behavior of the electron density n(r) [and potential energy V(r)] near an impurity of charge Z is studied by using the linear response theory of an electron gas at finite temperature and with exchange and correlation effects included. The odd powers series in the expansion of n(r) [and V(r)] are calculated exactly by using asymptotic methods, and the coefficients in the series are given in terms of moments taken over the Fermi–Dirac distribution function. In all linear response theories and at all temperatures, the derivative n'(0) = -2Zn0/a0, where n0 is the unperturbed electron density and a0 is the Bohr radius. The effects of exchange and correlation appear in the fifth- and higher-order terms in nodd(r).
Phase-field model of solidification of a binary alloy

Abstract We develop a rather general thermodynamically consistent phase-field model for solidification of a binary alloy, based on an entropy functional that contains squared gradient terms in the energy density, the composition and the phase-field variable. By assuming positive local entropy production, we derive generalized phase-field equations for an alloy, including cross terms that connect thermal and compositional driving forces to energy and solute fluxes. We explore this model in detail for a regular solution and show that four existing models can be recovered as special cases. We also use it to develop a new phase-field model for an alloy in which an explicit phase-field variable is absent.
Motivations for becoming a police officer: Re-assessing officer attitudes and job satisfaction after six years on the street☆

Few studies had examined the stability of motivations for becoming a police officer over time, especially among minority and female officers. Moreover, research had not explored the links between original motivations and job satisfaction, a likely proxy measure of motivation fulfillment. The current research was a follow-up to Raganella and White (2004) who examined motivations among academy recruits in the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Using the same survey and analysis, this study re-examined motivations among officers from the same NYPD recruit class after six years on the job, and explored both motivation stability and the relationships among motivations and job satisfaction. Results suggested that motivations have remained highly stable over time, regardless of officer race/ethnicity and gender. Findings also suggested that White male officers were most likely to report low job satisfaction, and that there is a link between low satisfaction and unfulfilled motivations. Moreover, dissatisfied officers were much less likely to have expressed strong commitment to the profession through their original motivations, suggesting that low commitment up front may lead to low satisfaction later on. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for police departments, particularly with regard to recruitment and retention practices and efforts to achieve diversity.
Ammonite morphotypes as indicators of oxygenation in a Cretaceous epicontinental sea

An examination of ammonite morphotypes through stratigraphic sections of the Greenhorn Cyclothem of the Cretaceous Western Interior suggests that they may be useful indicators of oxygenation within ancient epicontinental seas. Because some morphotypes appear to reflect a nektobenthic and others a pelagic habitat, the presence of specific morphotypes may be used to indicate benthic and water-column oxygenation, respectively. At the same time, their absence may provide a valuable indicator of dysaerobic to anaerobic conditions that may have promoted the development of petroleum source rocks. □Ammonites, anoxia, Cretaceous, Greenhorn Cyclothem, western Interior.
Characteristics of Students’ Mathematical Promise When Engaging With Problem-Based Learning Units in Primary Classrooms

The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide empirical evidence of the extent to which the types of tasks recommended by Sheffield for eliciting characteristics of mathematical promise allo...
A new method for computing the reaction between two rooftop basis functions in a planar structure

Accurate and efficient techniques are developed for computing spectral domain reaction integrals involving rooftop basis functions. Representing the angular integral in terms of special functions not only reduces the two-dimensional integration by one dimension, but it also leads to the development of a novel asymptotic extraction technique.
Effect of mixing transition ions in glasses. II. The P2O5-Fe2O3-MnO system

Abstract The first article of this series reported electrical properties of phosphate glasses containing V and Fe ions, both of which contributed to conductivity. A mixed transition-ion effect was detected in such glasses which had several characteristics similar to the mixed alkali effect, observed in glasses containing two alkali ions. This article reports electrical and optical properties of phosphate glasses containing Fe and Mn ions, one of which (Mn) does not contribute directly to conductivity. DC resistivity by the Van der Pauw four-probe method and optical absorption (UV–VIS–IR) measurements have been performed on x P 2 O 5 − (100 − x ) (Fe 2 O 3 + MnO) (PFM) glasses. The transport mechanism has been identified to be hopping of small polarons between Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ sites. For 0.3 n Fe n Fe , the atomic fraction of Fe ions is given by (Fe/(P + Fe + Mn)), a marginal linear increase in resistivity has been observed with decreasing n Fe . However, when n Fe is reduced below ∼0.3, the resistivity increases exponentially with decreasing n Fe , which is similar to ‘metal–insulator transition’ (MIT), observed in many crystalline systems. The resistivity transition in these glasses has been explained by a (small) polaron to (small) bipolaron transition (PBT) in the composition range 0 ⩽ n Fe ⩽ 0.3. The occurrence of PBT is confirmed by the shifting of the polaronic optical absorption band to higher energies with increasing small bipolaron concentration.
Anti-rhinoviral activity of recombinant and hybrid species of interferon alpha.

Abstract To define further differences in antiviral activity as well as to identify candidate interferons for study in the prevention of rhinovirus colds, the antiviral activities of nine species of recombinant interferon alpha (IFN-αA, IFN-αB, IFN-αC, IFN-αD, IFN-αJ, [Ser-116]IFN-αJl, IFN-αK, IFN-αJ/C( Fnu 4HI), and IFN-αA/D( Bgl II)) were evaluated against rhinovirus types 39 (RV 39) and 1A (RV 1A). WI-38 cells were exposed to various concentrations of each interferon and were then infected with RV 39, RV 1A, or VSV. Efficacy was determined by protection from cytopathic effect using a tetrazolium dye assay. The 50% inhibitory concentrations ranged from 4 ± 3 rg/ml for IFN-αC to >3000 pg/ml for IFN-αD against RV 39, and from 6 ± 4 pg/ml for IFN-αJ/C( Fnu 4HI) to >3000 pg/ml for IFN-αD against RV 1A. IFN-αJ/C( Fnu 4HI), [Ser-116]IFN-αJ1, and IFN-αC were the most active of the interferons, and were all more active than IFN-αA, against RV 39, RV 1A, and VSV. These interferons warrant further study against rhinoviruses and other viruses.
Electric-arc micro-texturing of silicon surfaces for photovoltaic applications

We demonstrate a novel cost-effective surface micro-texturing method using an electric-arc in argon at atmosphere pressure to enhance light trapping in silicon solar cells. The experimental set-up for electric-arc micro-texturing is described. The morphological, optical and electronic properties of micro-textured silicon surfaces have been investigated. The electronic quality of micro-textured surfaces is studied by measuring the surface minority carrier lifetime (τ s ) to reveal the presence of surface damage, which can be removed by a short chemical etching step. The quality of the electric-arc micro-textured silicon material is recovered as indicated by τ s . Silicon solar cells are fabricated on such electric-arc micro-textured and chemically etched surfaces. Initial conversion efficiency of 14.4% is achieved which can be further improved. The effective minority carrier lifetime (τ) of the solar cells is examined by observing the open circuit voltage decay, which shows no degradation of τ when compared to chemically micro-textured control samples.
Fluorescent photoinduced electron transfer (PET) sensing molecules with p-phenylenediamine as electron donor.

Fluorescent photoinduced electron-transfer sensors were made from p-phenylenediamine-substituted azacrown ethers attached with a dansyl group, in which the p-phenylenediamine moiety serves as electron donor and the dansyl group acts as the acceptor. Chelation-enhanced fluorescence was observed upon addition of metal salts. Selective fluorescence response was observed for Mg2+ and/or Ca2+ versus Na+ and K+ due to size match and charge density sensitivity of the p-phenylenediamine moiety.
Economic determinants of trading volume in futures markets

Abstract In this paper, we test first, the hypothesis that the volume of trade in futures markets follows a random walk process. Next, we examine the role of several monthly macroeconomic variables and find that these variables have a statistically significant impact on the trading volume. The economic consequences of our findings indicate that futures traders, futures exchanges, regulatory agencies and others associated with futures markets activities act rationally in watching closely these macroeconomic variables.
Substitution rate variation among sites in hypervariable region 1 of human mitochondrial DNA

More than an order of magnitude difference in substitution rate exists among sites within hypervariable region 1 of the control region of human mitochondrial DNA. A two-rate Poisson mixture and a negative binomial distribution are used to describe the distribution of the inferred number of changes per nucleotide site in this region. When three data sets are pooled, however, the two-rate model cannot explain the data. The negative binomial distribution always fits, suggesting that substitution rates are approximately gamma distributed among sites. Simulations presented here provide support for the use of a biased, yet commonly employed, method of examining rate variation. The use of parsimony in the method to infer the number of changes at each site introduces systematic errors into the analysis. These errors preclude an unbiased quantification of variation in substitution rate but make the method conservative overall. The method can be used to distinguish sites with highly elevated rates, and 29 such sites are identified in hypervariable region 1. Variation does not appear to be clustered within this region. Simulations show that biases in rates of substitution among nucleotides and non-uniform base composition can mimic the effects of variation in rate among sites. However, these factors contribute little to the levels of rate variation observed in hypervariable region 1.
Modeling of failure in a high temperature black liquor gasifier refractory lining

Abstract Recently, in the pulp and paper industry, black liquor gasification (BLG) has been of interest as a potential replacement for the Tomlinson recovery boiler. Some commercial-scale BLG units have been developed. However, the full potential of high temperature gasifiers has not been realized because of the refractory failure. Computer simulation of existing materials will accelerate materials research in developing new refractory materials. A model based on continuum damage mechanics is presented to analyze the failure behavior of gasifier refractory lining under high temperature and chemical reactive environments by using the finite element method. This work provides a new methodology for the failure analysis of refractory material and would provide a powerful tool in the development of the high temperature gasifier refractories.
The significance of rubidium-strontium age of sedimentary rock

The isotopic composition of strontium and the rubidium and strontium contents were measured for samples of the Lower Permian Havensville Shale collected at four different localities across a distance of approximately 200 miles in Kansas and northern Oklahoma. The Rb-Sr dates ranged from 320 m.y. to 395 m.y. The initial Sr87/Sr86 ratios were between 0.709 and 0.717. The ages are interpreted to be intermediate between the age of the source material and the time of sedimentation and, therefore, are not indicative of any geologic event. A model has been proposed to explain the colinearity of the Rb-Sr data and the evolution of different Rb-Sr dates for the same stratigraphic unit at different localities.
Morphological substrates underlying opioid, epinephrine and γ-aminobutyric acid inhibitory actions in the rat locus coeruleus

The locus coeruleus (LC) has been implicated in attentional processes related to orienting behaviors, learning and memory, anxiety, stress, the sleep-wake cycle, and autonomic control, as well as to contributing to the affective state. Direct activation of LC neurons causes desynchronization of the electroencephalogram, suggesting that the LC is an important modulator of the behavioral state. The LC has been an intensely studied neuronal system, as the physiology and pharmacology of this nucleus is well understood. This is mainly because of the similarity in neurochemical composition of LC cells which all contain norepinephrine in the rat. However, the homogeneity in neurotransmitter content in LC neurons is sharply contrasted by the heterogeneity of neurochemicals found in its afferent processes. Among these are axon terminals that contain inhibitory and excitatory amino acids, monoamines, and neuropeptides, many of which have been shown to exert differential physiological effects on LC discharge activity. Although much attention has focused on physiological activation of LC neurons, substantial evidence indicates that diverse afferents prominently inhibit noradrenergic cellular activity. Such inhibitory neurochemicals, which arise from local and extrinsic sources, include γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and epinephrine as well as the neuropeptides methionine5-enkephalin and leucine5-enkephalin. Inhibitory transmission in the LC has widespread implications for norepinephrine release at diverse postsynaptic targets, and clinically useful pharmacological agents such as clonidine, an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist that potently inhibits the firing of LC neurons, alleviate some negative physical symptoms observed following withdrawal from opiates. In the present review, the synaptic and functional organization of selected inhibitory-type neurotransmitters in the LC obtained from immunoelectron microscopic data will be discussed.
Molecular binding states on clean and oxidized surfaces: SiO(g) + W(clean) and SiO(g) + W(oxidized)

The interactions between a molecular beam of SiO(g) and a clean and an oxidized tungsten surface were examined in the surface temperature range 600 to 1700 K by mass spectrometrically determined sticking probabilities, by flash desorption mass spectrometry (FDMS) and by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The sticking probability, S, of SiO has been determined as a function of coverage and of surface temperature for the clean and the oxidized tungsten surface. Over the temperature range studied and at zero coverage S = 1.0 and 0.88 for the clean and oxidized tungsten surfaces respectively. The results are consistent with both FDMS and AES. For coverage up to one monolayer there is one major adsorption state of SiO on the clean tungsten surface. FDMS shows that Tm = constant (Tm is the surface temperature at which the desorption rate is maximum) and that desorption from this state is described by a simple first order desorption process with activation energy, Ed = 85.3 kcal mole−1 and pre-exponential factor, ν = 2.1 × 1014 sec−1. AES shows that the 92 eV peak characteristic of silicon dominates. In contrast on the oxidized tungsten surface, Tm shifts to higher temperatures with increasing coverage. The data indicate a first order desorption process with a coverage dependent activation energy. At low coverage (θ ⩽ 0.14) there is an adsorption state with Ed = 120 kcal mole−1 and ν = 7.6 × 1019, while at θ = 1.0, Ed = 141 kcal mole−1. This variation is interpreted as due to complex formation on the surface. AES shows that on oxidized tungsten, in contrast to clean tungsten, the dominant peaks occur at 64 and 78 eV, and these peaks are characteristic of higher oxidation states of silicon. Thus, it is concluded that SiO exists in different binding states on clean and oxidized tungsten surfaces.
Quantitative alterations in cutaneous langerhans cells during the evolution of malignant melanoma of the skin

Melanomas are associated with a T-cell predominant infiltrate that may cause their regression. Langerhans cells (LC) are essential for initiation and maintenance of specific T-cell-mediate responses in the skin. Therefore, a change in this antigen-presenting LC population may alter the host response. To determine whether the LC population varies during the evolution of primary cutaneous melanoma 32 melanocytic lesions, nevi, and cutaneous melanomas were studied by quantitative immunohistology. The monoclonal antibody, Leu-6, and the avidin biotin complex immunoperoxidase method were used to identify LC. Compared with histologically normal melanoma-adjacent skin, epidermal LC were depleted above "deeply invasive" melanomas but were relatively unchanged above nevi, "early invasive" melanomas, and cutaneous metastatic melanoma nodules. Dermal LC were significantly increased around in situ and "early invasive" melanomas but not around "deeply invasive" melanomas or cutaneous metastatic nodules. Dermal LC are thus associated with early transformed melanocytes and may present neoantigens to T lymphocytes in situ or after LC maturation in the draining lymph node. Melanoma-associated LC decline in number as melanoma progresses.
Digital Government and Public Health.

Digital government is typically defined as the production and delivery of information and services inside government and between government and the public using a range of information and communication technologies. Two types of government relationships with other entities are government-to-citizen and government-to-government relationships. Both offer opportunities and challenges. Assessment of a public health agency’s readiness for digital government includes examination of technical, managerial, and political capabilities. Public health agencies are especially challenged by a lack of funding for technical infrastructure and expertise, by privacy and security issues, and by lack of Internet access for low-income and marginalized populations. Public health agencies understand the difficulties of working across agencies and levels of government, but the development of new, integrated e-programs will require more than technical change — it will require a profound change in paradigm.
Longitudinal course of depression symptoms in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Despite the high lifetime prevalence of depression in multiple sclerosis (MS), its longitudinal course is poorly understood. Objective: To examine the longitudinal course of and reliable change in different depression symptom clusters in MS, and the longitudinal association of interferon beta treatment and coping with depression symptoms. Methods: 53 MS patients were examined at two time points three years apart on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory (CMDI). Results: Correlations from time 1 to time 2 for BDI, CMDI-total, CMDI-evaluative scale, and CMDI-vegetative scale were all highly significant, and reliable change indices reflected little change over time. In contrast, the correlation over time for the CMDI-mood scale was significantly lower (p decreased active coping strategies; the latter were also significantly more likely to have been taking interferon beta drugs at both time points than patients who did not change in their mood functioning. Conclusions: Mood symptoms of depression are significantly more variable over time than neurovegetative or negative evaluative symptoms in MS patients. Decreased use of active coping strategies may put patients at risk of increased depressed mood, whereas increased use of active coping may result in decreased depressed mood longitudinally. Interferon beta use may put patients at risk of increases in depressed mood.
The Character of a Corporation: How Your Company's Culture Can Make or Break Your Business

The article reviews the book “The Character of a Corporation: How Your Company's Culture Can Make or Break Your Business,” by Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones.