cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic analysis of medical dialogue in the home hemodialysis domain: structure induction and summarization

Spoken medical dialogue is a valuable source of information for patients and caregivers. This work presents a first step towards automatic analysis and summarization of spoken medical dialogue. We first abstract a dialogue into a sequence of semantic categories using linguistic and contextual features integrated in a supervised machine-learning framework. Our model has a classification accuracy of 73%, compared to 33% achieved by a majority baseline (p < 0.01). We then describe and implement a summarizer that utilizes this automatically induced structure. Our evaluation results indicate that automatically generated summaries exhibit high resemblance to summaries wIitten by humans. In addition, task-based evaluation shows that physicians can reasonably answer questions related to patient care by looking at the automatically generated summaries alone, in contrast to the physicians' performance when they were given summaries from a naive summarizer (p < 0.05). This work demonstrates the feasibility of automatically structuring and summarizing spoken medical dialogue.
Emergency medicine resident errors: identification and educational utilization.

Objectives To evaluate the error management systems emergency medicine residency directors (EMRDs) use to identify and report clinical errors made by emergency medicine residents and their satisfaction with error-based teaching as an educational tool. Methods All 112 EMRDs listed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 1996 were sent a 15-item survey. Five areas of error evaluation and management were assessed: 1) systems for tracking and reporting clinical errors; 2) resident participation in the systems; 3) resident remediation; 4) EMRD-perceived satisfaction with current error-reporting mechanisms, their educational value, and their ability to identify and prevent errors; and 5) EMRDs' perceptions of faculty and resident satisfaction with the systems. Results The response rate was 86%. All EMRDs indicated that methods are in place to track and report errors at their institutions. These include morbidity and mortality conference (94%), quality assurance case review conference (76%), and continuous quality improvement audits (60%). A majority of programs (58%) present resident cases anonymously in order to enhance teaching (39%), to avoid embarrassment (28%), and to avoid individual blame (24%). While mandated resident remediation is not required at 48% of the programs, 24% require lectures, 17% require written reports, and 6% require extra clinical shifts. The EMRDs rated the educational value of morbidity and mortality conference as outstanding (11%) or excellent (53%), and rated their systems for identifying key resident errors as outstanding (0%), excellent (14%), or good (47%). Conclusions All emergency medicine residency programs have systems to track and report resident errors. Resident participation varies widely, as does resident remediation processes. Most EMRDs are satisfied with their systems but few EMRDs rate them as excellent in the detection or prevention of clinical errors.
Basin-ring spacing on the Moon, Mercury, and Mars

Radial spacing between concentric rings of impact basins that lack central peaks is statistically similar and nonrandom on the Moon, Mercury, and Mars, both inside and outside the main ring. One spacing interval, (2.0 ± 0.3)0.5D, or an integer multiple of it, dominates most basin rings. Three analytical approaches yield similar results from 296 remapped or newly mapped rings of 67 multi-ringed basins: least-squares of rank-grouped rings, least-squares of rank and ring diameter for each basin, and averaged ratios of adjacent rings. Analysis of 106 rings of 53 two-ring basins by the first and third methods yields an integer multiple (2 ×) of 2.00.5D. There are two exceptions: (1) Rings adjacent to the main ring of multi-ring basins are consistently spaced at a slightly, but significantly, larger interval, (2.1 ± 0.3)0.5D; (2) The 88 rings of 44 protobasins (large peak-plus-inner-ring craters) are spaced at an entirely different interval (3.3 ± 0.6)0.5D. The statistically constant and target-invariant spacing of so many rings suggests that this characteristic may constrain formational models of impact basins on the terrestrial planets. The key elements of such a constraint include: (1) ring positions may not have been located by the same process(es) that formed ring topography; (2) ring location and emplacement of ring topography need not be coeval; (3) ring location, but not necessarily the mode of ring emplacement, reflects one process that operated at the time of impact; and (4) the process yields similarly-disposed topographic features that are spatially discrete at 20.5D intervals, or some multiple, rather than continuous. These four elements suggest that some type of wave mechanism dominates the location, but not necessarily the formation, of basin rings. The waves may be standing, rather than travelling. The ring topography itself may be emplaced at impact by this and/or other mechanisms and may reflect additional, including post-impact, influences.
Note on ionized impurity scattering in solids

Abstract Corrections to the linearized Thomas-Fermi equation are discussed, and the asymptotic nature of the method is described. The contribution of the second-order term to the transport cross section is calculated in the Born approximation, and illustrated by examples covering a wide range of electron densities in solids.
Optical spectra of even-electron rare earth ions in the orthoferrites

Abstract Two nearly degenerate even-electron singlet states have a spin Hamiltonian which differs from the usual Kramers' case. Such a Hamiltonian describes optical Zeeman spectra on TmFeO3 and HoFeO3 by showing two differently oriented, unidirectional, ground state g-factors of 8.1 along the z-axis for thulium and of 14.9 at 31° from the y-axis in the xy-plane for holmium.
Synapse formation between dissociated nerve and muscle cells in low density cell cultures

Some of the neurons dissociated from embryonic chick spinal cord and maintained in low density cell cultures establish functional contacts with muscle fibers that had formed in vitro from previously plated myoblasts. Exposure of young muscle cultures to d-arabinofuranosylcytosine and subsequent maintenance of combined neuron-muscle cultures in low embryo extract media eliminated most of the peripheral and central supporting cells. The synapses are cholinergic, and transmitter release which, even in the youngest cultures is quantal, is regulated by Ca2+ and Mg2+. The major functional differences from adult vertebrate neuromuscular junctions are: slow synaptic potential time course, low end-plate potential quantum content and miniature end-plate potential frequency, occurrence of spontaneous end-plate potentials, and lack of functional acetylcholinesterase. In addition, direct electrical coupling between nerve and muscle has been observed in four cases.
3D Scene Reconstruction for Aiding Unmanned Vehicle Navigation

We present a 3D reconstruction algorithm designed to support various autonomous vehicle navigation applications. The algorithm presented focuses on the 3D reconstruction of a scene using only a single moving camera. Utilizing video frames captured at different points in time allows us to determine the relative depths in a scene. The original reconstruction process resulting in a point cloud was computed based on feature matching and depth triangulation analysis. In an improved version of the algorithm, we utilized optical flow features to create an extremely dense representation model. Although dense, this model is hindered due to its low disparity resolution. With the third algorithmic modification, we introduce the addition of the preprocessing step of nonlinear super resolution. With this addition, the accuracy and quantity of features is significantly increased since the number of features is directly proportional to the resolution and high frequencies of the input images. Our final contribution of additional pre and post processing steps are designed to filter noise points and mismatched features, completing the presentation of our Dense Point-cloud Representation (DPR) technique. We measure the success of DPR by evaluating the visual appeal, density, usability and computational expense of the reconstruction technique and compare with two state-of-the-art techniques.
Effects of opiates during baroreceptor and ergoreceptor induced changes in blood pressure.

Various opioids were used to investigate the role they might play in the cardiovascular responses to fatiguing isometric contractions. Changes in blood pressure were measured in cats anaesthetised with α-chloralose. Fatiguing isometric contractions of the hind limb muscles (ergoreceptor activation) were generated using a microprocessor controlled stimulator (50 Hz, 0.2 ms, 200–800 mV). Baroreceptor inactivation was elicited by carotid artery occlusion. Muscle contraction caused an increase in mean arterial pressure of 51 (SEM 12) mm Hg and carotid occlusion an increase of 56(9) mm Hg above resting levels in control conditions. Injection of dynorphin (0.5–5.0 μg·5 μl−1) into the cerebral aqueduct just rostra1 to the 4th ventricle eliminated the pressor response to muscular contraction (mean arterial pressure at rest, 80–118 mm Hg: on fatigue, 72–129 mm Hg) but did not affect the pressor response to carotid occlusion in the same cats. Similarly, injections of met-enkephalin (1–100 μg·5 μl−1) or β-endorphin (10–100 μg·5 μl−1) eliminated the ergoreceptor induced changes in mean arterial pressure during isometric contractions but had no effect on the changes caused by carotid occlusion. Pressor responses to nerve crush were not eliminated. These results support the suggestion that a catecholaminergic-opioidergic pathway in part mediates the cardiovascular responses to ergoreceptor afferent but probably not baroreceptor afferent input.
Impact of alcohol exposure after pregnancy recognition on ultrasonographic fetal growth measures

Background: More than 3 decades after Jones and Smith (1973) reported on the devastation caused by alcohol exposure on fetal development, the rates of heavy drinking during pregnancy remain relatively unchanged. Early identification of fetal alcohol exposure and maternal abstinence led to better infant outcomes. This study examined the utility of biometry for detecting alcohol-related fetal growth impairment. Methods: We obtained fetal ultrasound measures from routine ultrasound examinations for 167 pregnant hazardous drinkers who were enrolled in a brief alcohol intervention study. The fetal measures for women who quit after learning of their pregnancies were compared with measures for women who continued some drinking throughout the course of their pregnancies. Because intensity of alcohol consumption is associated with poorer fetal outcomes, separate analyses were conducted for the heavy (average of ≥5 drinks per drinking day) alcohol consumers. Fetal measures from the heavy-exposed fetuses were also compared with measures from a nondrinking group that was representative of normal, uncomplicated pregnancies from our clinics. Analyses of covariance were used to determine whether there were differences between groups after controlling for influences of gestational age and drug abuse. Results: Nearly half of the pregnant drinkers abstained after learning of their pregnancies. When women reportedly quit drinking early in their pregnancies, fetal growth measures were not significantly different from a non–alcohol-exposed group, regardless of prior drinking patterns. Any alcohol consumption postpregnancy recognition among the heavy drinkers resulted in reduced cerebellar growth as well as decreased cranial to body growth in comparison with women who either quit drinking or who were nondrinkers. Amphetamine abuse was predictive of larger cranial to body growth ratios. Conclusions: Alterations in fetal biometric measurements were observed among the heavy drinkers only when they continued drinking after becoming aware of their pregnancies. Although the reliance on self-reported drinking is a limitation in this study, these findings support the benefits of early abstinence and the potential for ultrasound examinations in the detection of fetal alcohol effects.
Raman and infrared spectra of graphite-Al Cl 3

Raman and infrared spectra on well-staged graphite-Al${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ are reported for compounds with stages $n=1, 2, 4, \mathrm{and} 8$. Of significance is the absence of infrared-active modes for stage-1 graphite-Al${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ and the presence in stages 2, 4, and 8 of three infrared-active modes in the vicinity of the graphite ${E}_{1u}$ mode. The Raman-active modes in graphite-Al${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ behave similarly to the corresponding bounding-layer and interiorlayer graphitic modes in graphite-Fe${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ with regard to the stage dependence of the peak frequencies and relative intensities.
Estimates of differential stress recorded in the dislocation structure of Lochseiten Limestone (Switzerland)

Abstract A number of samples of Lochseitenkalk collected within the presumed shear zone at the base of the Glarus overthrust show surprisingly high dislocation density. According to the experimentally established correlation between dislocation density and differential stress, these imply a most recent deformation at mean differential stress levels near two kilobars. Other textural evidence in the specimens is compatible with such high stresses. Experimental data on the flow and fracture of fine-grained limestones indicates that the last deformation which is recorded in the microstructures occurred below 300° C in a region in which mechanical properties are comparatively temperature-insensitive, possibly as the ductile motion “froze” during cooling.
Tight coupling of partial reactions in the acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) multienzyme complex from Methanosarcina thermophila: acetyl C-C bond fragmentation at the a cluster promoted by protein conformational changes.

Direct synthesis and cleavage of acetyl-CoA are carried out by the bifunctional CO dehydrogenase/acetyl-CoA synthase enzyme in anaerobic bacteria and by the acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) multienzyme complex in Archaea. In both systems, a nickel- and Fe/S-containing active site metal center, the A cluster, catalyzes acetyl C–C bond formation/breakdown. Carbonyl group exchange of [1-14C]acetyl-CoA with unlabeled CO, a hallmark of CODH/ACS, is weakly active in ACDS, and exchange with CO2 was up to 350 times faster, indicating tight coupling of CO release at the A cluster to CO oxidation to CO2 at the C cluster in CO dehydrogenase. The basis for tight coupling was investigated by analysis of three recombinant A cluster proteins, ACDS β subunit from Methanosarcina thermophila, acetyl-CoA synthase of Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans (ACSCh), and truncated ACSCh lacking its 317-amino acid N-terminal domain. A comparison of acetyl-CoA synthesis kinetics, CO exchange, acetyltransferase, and A cluster Ni+-CO EPR characteristics demonstrated a direct role of the ACS N-terminal domain in promoting acetyl C–C bond fragmentation. Protein conformational changes, related to “open/closed” states previously identified crystallographically, were indicated to have direct effects on the coordination geometry and stability of the A cluster Ni2+-acetyl intermediate, controlling Ni2+-acetyl fragmentation and Ni2+(CO)(CH3) condensation. EPR spectral changes likely reflect variations in the Ni+-CO equatorial coordination environment in closed buried hydrophobic and open solvent-exposed states. The involvement of subunit-subunit interactions in ACDS, versus interdomain contacts in ACS, ensures that CO is not released from the ACDS β subunit in the absence of appropriate interactions with the α2ϵ2 CO dehydrogenase component. The resultant high efficiency CO transfer explains the low rate of CO exchange relative to CO2.
Thermal behavior of oxides and hydroxides of iron and nickel

Abstract The intermediate changes that occur when heating oxides and hydroxides of nickel and iron as well as a coprecipitated hydroxide were established using thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and microscopic examination
CB1 cannabinoid receptor expression in brain regions associated with zebra finch song control.

Abstract Cannabinoids have been used for millennia through various preparations of Cannabis sativa. Despite this long history of use, the physiological significance of cannabinoid signaling in the vertebrate CNS is not well understood. High CB1 cannabinoid receptor densities in mammalian telencephalon and the results of behavioral studies suggest that cannabinoids play a role in cognitive function, learning, and memory. Since a network of discrete brain regions in zebra finch telencephalon controls song learning, we hypothesized that cannabinoid signaling may be relevant to songbird vocal development and behavior. Radioligand binding experiments using the cannabinoid agonist [ 3 H ]CP-55940 allowed identification of a dense population of high-affinity cannabinoid binding sites in zebra finch neuronal membranes. Northern blotting and RT–PCR experiments demonstrated expression of a predominant zebra finch CB1 mRNA of ∼5.5 kb. Expression of this CB1 mRNA appears to change over the course of vocal development within the caudal telencephalon. As zebra finch caudal telencephalon contains the higher vocal center (HVC) and the robust nucleus of the archistriatum (RA), regions involved in song learning and production, we further investigated CB1 expression in these areas using in situ hybridization. In situ hybridization revealed that CB1 mRNA is expressed at high levels within both HVC and RA. Overall, these data demonstrate the presence of CB1 signaling systems within songbird telencephalon, notably within regions known to be involved in song learning and production. High-level CB1 expression in song regions suggests a potential role for cannabinoid signaling in zebra finch vocal development.
Interactions between viruses and goethite during saturated flow: effects of solution pH, carbonate, and phosphate.

Abstract Metal oxides have great potential for controlling the fate and transport of viruses in the subsurface and water-treatment systems. The processes, however, are subject to solution chemistry. In this study, a number of column experiments were conducted to examine the effects of solution pH and anions (carbonate and phosphate) on attachment, transport, and inactivation of two bacteriophages (ϕX174 and MS-2) in goethite-coated sand medium. Removal of both viruses on goethite-coated sand increased as solution pH decreased from 9.3 to 7.5, due mostly to virus inactivation. MS-2, a relatively hydrophobic virus with a lower isoelectric point (3.9), was more sensitive to the change of solution pH than ϕX174, a relatively hydrophilic virus with a higher isoelectric point (6.6), in terms of their attachment and inactivation on goethite. About 90% of the MS-2 particles removed by goethite (accounting for 81% of the total input) were inactivated at pH 7.5, whereas all of the removed MS-2 particles (accounting for 10% of the total input) still remained infectious at pH 9.3. In comparison, ~ 74% of the goethite-bound ϕX174 particles (accounting for 95% of the total input) lost their infectivity at pH 7.5, in contrast to a complete recovery at pH 9.3 (accounting for 65% of the total input) when the columns were eluted using a beef extract solution (pH 9.5). Presence of phosphate (20 mM H 2 PO 4 − ) in input solution reduced virus attachment and appeared to protect the viruses from being inactivated during transport; this effect was more significant on MS-2 than on ϕX174. Specifically, ~ 29% of the ϕX174 particles and ~ 49% of MS-2 particles injected into the column were removed during transport. Mass recovery data showed that no ϕX174 was inactivated in the presence of phosphate, whereas about 38% of the MS-2 particles attached on goethite lost their infectivity. Conversely, presence of carbonate on goethite increased virus attachment and inactivation due to contribution of additional attachment sites from protonated surface groups of the carbonate ions that were adsorbed on goethite. About 70% of the total input viruses (both ϕX174 and MS-2) were removed during transport, of which 35% ϕX174 and 85% MS-2 were eventually inactivated.
Number operators for representations of the canonical commutation relations

Anumber operator for a representation of the canonical commutation relations is defined as a self-adjoint operator satisfying an exponentiated form of the equationNa*=a*(N+I), wherea* is an arbitrary creation operator. WhenN exists it may be chosen to have spectrum {0, 1, 2, ...} (in a direct sum of Fock representations) or {0, ±1, ±2, ...} (otherwise). Examples are given of representations having number operators, and a necessary and sufficient condition is given for a direct-product representation to have a number operator.
Dysregulation of BMP4 receptor trafficking and signaling in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare autosomal-dominant genetic disorder of aberrant joint formation and heterotopic bone formation, and is the result of a mutation in an as-yet-unidentified gene. Dysregulated signaling pathways can be investigated as a method to identify the consequences of the mutated gene responsible for FOP and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Candidate signaling pathways for FOP are those whose dysregulation during embryonic development could account for the malformation of the great toes and whose postnatal dysregulation could explain the progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification that is such a disabling feature of the disorder. Signaling pathways that fit these criteria are the bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-signaling pathway and its interacting pathways. A large body of data suggests that the BMP4-signaling pathway is dysregulated in FOP.
Data mining at the crossroads: successes, failures and learning from them

Since the 1989 workshop on knowledge discovery in databases, the field has seen sustained growth and interest and has attained significant maturity. The main objectives of this panel will be to reflect on the successes and failures in the field of data mining over the last eighteen years and to examine what insights we can take with us as we move forward.
Domestic Tourism and Nation-Building in South Sulawesi

(1998). Domestic tourism and nation‐building in South Sulawesi. Indonesia and the Malay World: Vol. 26, No. 75, pp. 77-96.
Fluxoid pinning by second phases in a superconducting niobium-zirconium alloy

The effects of second phases on the critical currents of superconducting niobium-zirconium alloys containing a nominal 25 wt % zirconium have been determined by superconducting magnetisation experiments. Heat treatment of annealed and extruded materials in the temperature range 600 to 900° C leads to a cellular decomposition of the high temperature β structure into two isostructural phases, one niobium-rich (β Nb) and the other zirconium rich (β Zr), with an accompanying increase in critical current (at an average field of 20 kOe) up to twelve times the original value. Heat treatment of quenched tubes at 800 or 900° C produces precipitation on sub-boundaries prior to the cellular reaction, this being accompanied by an increase in critical current to at least thirteen times the original value. In this case, however, prolonged heating leads to a fall in critical current which it is suggested is an “overageing” effect.
Women, Work, War, and Family: Some Recent Works in Women's History. A Review Article

Reviewing a number of books in another field is a risky undertaking somewhat akin to fieldwork in another culture. The terrain seems familiar, but the "natives' " view of the landscape implies rather different systems of assumptions and meanings. I selected the books under review in the hope that they would demonstrate different methodological and conceptual approaches to the study of women in Euro-American society. I had hoped to be able to compare the works, but in writing this essay I find it most appropriate to look at each book separately and to ask some informed questions of these works for I am, unfortunately, ill-equipped to evaluate the specific historical data which the authors marshall for their arguments. I shall first examine three works which focus on American women (mainly in the nineteenth century) and then look at two books which focus on women in wartime situations.
Semi-empirical regularities in the spectra and transition probabilities of heavy and highly ionised atoms

Abstract Semi-empirical methods are being used to systematise available data for one and two valence electron isoelectronic sequences to provide accurate estimates of energy levels, fine structure separations, transition probabilities, ionisation potentials, etc. in very heavy and very highly ionised atoms. Through core polarisation and core penetration models, quantum defect formulations and charge screening parameterisations, quantifiable regularities have been discovered which can be tested for higher ionisation stages by fast ion beam methods. The techniques are described and several applications are presented.
A Cloud-Chamber Study of Neutron Production by Sea-Level Cosmic Rays with Particular Reference to μ-Mesons Stopped in Lead

A multiple-plate cloud chamber has been used at sea level to test the conclusion drawn from counter experiments that neutrons of several-Mev energy are liberated when negative $\ensuremath{\mu}$-mesons are stopped in lead. The stopped mesons are recognized by comparison of visually estimated ionization and range. With the plate thicknesses used, mesons can be distinguished from electrons and protons. To discriminate against $\ensuremath{\pi}$-mesons, which would have to be produced locally, there is a minimum of condensed material above the chamber, and mesons accompanied by any other particle in the top compartment are excluded from the statistics. Alternate plates of Pb and C of equal stopping power are used, evaporation neutrons being expected from mesons stopped in the Pb but not from mesons stopped in the C. The chamber is surrounded by paraffin and B${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ counters, for the detection of neutrons originating in the plates; a G-M tube telescope above the chamber selects charged particles directed through the chamber. The chamber is expanded when a telescope coincidence is associated with at least one detected neutron. In 1207 accepted pictures, there are 14 definite cases of mesons stopping in the Pb, none of mesons stopping in the C. Including probable as well as definite identifications, the corresponding numbers are 19 and 1. These results confirm the production of evaporation neutrons in $\ensuremath{\mu}$-meson capture in Pb. The large Pb: C ratio shows that $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson contamination is negligible when our selection criteria are used.The neutron coincidence pictures reveal the various processes giving rise to these events. Electronic showers account for a large fraction; the "giant resonance" of 15-Mev photons in Pb is probably responsible. About 20 percent of the events are energetic nuclear interactions. There is a significant yield of single penetrating particles, some of which must be fast $\ensuremath{\mu}$-mesons interacting in Pb with small energy loss. The rate is consistent with underground measurements of the neutron yield. A ${V}^{0}$ decay has been found with both branches heavily ionizing; it appears to be a ${{V}_{1}}^{0}$ with $Q$ in the range 30-55 Mev.
The consistency problems of large scale structure

The combined problems of large scale structure, the need for non-baryonic dark matter if Ω = 1, and the need to make galaxies early in the history of the universe seem to be placing severe constraints on cosmological models. In addition, it is shown that the bulk of the baryonic matter is also dark and must be accounted for as well. The nucleosynthesis arguments are now strongly supported by high energy collider experiments as well as astronomical abundance data. The arguments for dark matter are reviewed and it is shown that observational dynamical arguments and nucleosynthesis are all still consistent at Ω ∼ 0.1. However, the inflation paradigm requires Ω = 1, thus, the need for non-baryonic dark matter. A non-zero cosmological constant is argued to be an inappropriate solution. Dark matter candidates fall into two categories, hot (neutrino-like) and cold (axion or massive photino-like). New observations of large scale structure in the universe (voids, foam, and large scale velocity fields) seem to be most easily understood if the dominant matter of the universe is in the form of low mass (9eV ≤ mv ≤ 35eV) neutrinos. Cold dark matter, even with biasing, seems unable to duplicate the combination of these observations (of particular significance here are the large velocity fields, if real). However, galaxy formation is difficult with hot matter. The potentially fatal problems of galaxy formation with neutrinos may be remedied by combining them with either cosmic strings or explosive galaxy formation. The former naturally gives the scale-free correlation function for galaxies, clusters, and superclusters. The latter requires fine tuning and percolation to get the large scales and the scale-free correlation function. However, combining hot matter and strings reduces the ability of the hot matter to give some of the large scale features and still yield Ω = 1. Questions to be examined are raised.
Performance-based strategic resource allocation in supply networks

Abstract One driving force behind continued logistics planning research is firms’ need to maintain competitive performance and efficient resource allocation. Operations research has been instrumental in advancing logistics planning research particularly in the petroleum industry. The impact and potential of incorporating performance imperatives however, have been largely unaddressed while the problem's general complexity has grown. This paper focuses on performance planning through resource allocation in supply networks by developing a profit-maximizing network model for distribution planning, and explicitly incorporating order performance criteria for distribution centers and delivery vehicles. The approach has been tested on forty realistic-sized problems, and tradeoff models provide insight and guidelines for assessing the interaction among expected profits, customer service, and operational efficiency for resource acquisition and redistribution. Managerial implications are also provided.
School Finance Induced Migration and Stratification Patterns: The Impact of Private School Vouchers

This paper introduces a general equilibrium model of public school finance that includes: (i) multiple school districts that finance local public schools via property taxes set by majority vote; (ii) multiple neighborhoods within school districts where each neighborhood is characterized by a quality level of housing; (iii) local public schools that are obligated to admit all interested students who reside within the school district; (iv) private schools that function as clubs of parents who share the cost of the private school equally and who can choose to exclude others; (v) an educational production process that depends on both per pupil spending and average peer quality within the school; and (vi) individual peer quality levels that are correlated with the socioeconomic status of households. Since it allows for various degrees of imperfect stratification of residents across communities, the model is well suited for investigating empirically relevant migration forces induced by school finance reform proposals. The abstract model itself, however, is too complex to yield many analytic results. A computational counterpart to the model isnb therefore developed, calibrated to data, and utilized for policy experiments. In particular, the impact of vouchers in the context of different types of prevoucher educational finance systems is investigated, and it is found that migration patterns in general would cause vouchers to benefit public schools in poor communities while hurting public schools in wealthy communities.
Ergonomic analysis of robot-assisted and traditional laparoscopic procedures

Introduction Many laparoscopic surgeons report musculoskeletal symptoms that are thought to be related to the ergonomic stress of performing laparoscopy. Robotic surgical systems may address many of these limitations. To date, however, there have been no studies exploring the quantitative ergonomics of robotic surgery. In this study, we sought to compare the activation of bilateral biceps, triceps, deltoid, and trapezius muscle groups during traditional laparoscopic surgery (TLS) and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) procedures, as quantified by surface electromyography (sEMG).
Ritualizing the Seder

IN THE STUDY of rabbinic Judaism in late antiquity, the principal problem is how to transcend written texts. Since the texts constitute the only source that directly attests the activity of the rabbis, it is difficult to place the rabbinic trends within a larger historical or religious context. Moreover, since exploring and commenting on the Written and Oral Torah were central acts of rabbinic piety, scholars have tended to maintain that religious developments were shaped heavily by a dynamic of the encounter with the text instead of by non-textual and nonexegetical factors. The case of the post-mishnaic (200-500 C.E.) revisions of the Passover seder, however, indicates that the rabbinic interpretive stance, in this area, at least, may be attributed not primarily to a response to a text but to a ritual process. To appreciate the ritual expansion of the rite, let me clarify the core meaning of the celebration. The Mishnah (ed. ca. 200 C.E.), which sets out the rite's basic framework, transforms a biblical sacrificial meal that had centered on the passover offering and that, at least since Second Temple days, was a pilgrimage festival celebrating the national redemption from Egypt as a national day of independence. In response to the Temple's loss, mishnaic rabbis made the seder independent of the sacrifice and, by reaching back to biblical accounts that predate the centralization of the cult, turned the celebration into a kinship gathering in the home instead of in the capitol city. In this transformed rite, the unleavened bread (massah) and bitter herbs (merorim or maror) became central objects and not just appendages to a sacrifice, as specified in Ex. 12:8 and Num. 9:11, and the meaning that they represented was raised to the cognitive level. A major ramification entailed the shift in the notion of redemption, for now the festival's traditional significance contradicted the social reality of living in an unredeemed world. Hence, the celebration became an opportunity to reaffirm that the message of redemption was ongoing. Israel was redeemed from Egypt by God, it continued to benefit from that divine act, and it owed God an expression of apprecia-
Ozone activates pulmonary dendritic cells and promotes allergic sensitization through a Toll-like receptor 4-dependent mechanism.

Human exposure to ozone is associated with increased prevalence of allergic asthma. Here, we demonstrate that ozone increases levels of activated dendritic cells in thoracic lymph nodes and promotes allergic sensitization through a TLR4-dependent pathway.
Experimental developments for studying static and seismic behavior of retaining walls with liquefiable backfills

The effects of earthquakes on cantilever retaining walls with liquefiable backfills were studied. The experimental techniques utilized in this study are discussed here. A series of centrifuge tests was conducted on aluminum, fixed-base, cantilever wall models retaining saturated, cohesionless backfills. Accelerations on the walls and in the backfill, static and excess pore pressures in the soil, and deflections and bending strains in the wall were measured. In addition, direct measurements of static and dynamic lateral earth pressures were made. In some tests, sand backfills were saturated with the substitute pore fluid metolose. Modeling of model type experiments were conducted. The experimental measurements were found internally consistent and repeatable. Both static and dynamic earth pressure measurements were determined to be reliable. It was also observed that for the test configuration adopted, a special boundary treatment such as the use of duxseal is optional. Static and seismic modeling of models were also successful, which indicated that the assumed scaling relations were essentially correct.
Expressing Difference: Inequality and House-based Potting in a First-millennium ad Community (Burkina Faso, West Africa)

While many studies of inequality focus on the role that specialized craft production plays in the emergence of elite identities, variations in non-specialized crafts can also provide insights into political trajectories as they may reflect diverse choices made by multiple social segments whose socio-political roles are in transition. This article examines non-specialized potting during a time of increasing inequality in the first-millennium ad community of Kirikongo, Burkina Faso. In exploring production at the house level, ceramic analyses demonstrate increasing investment in potting throughout the community and increasing variance between house traditions coinciding with the co-option of ritual and political power by the community's founding house. While these transformations suggest the expression of newly significant house identities, potting is used primarily to express differentiation rather than elite power as, in contrast to other lines of evidence, the pottery from lower-ranked houses is higher in quality and diversity. These expressions of emerging elite and non-elite house identities at Kirikongo, and potential tensions between them, may have spurred inventions and adoptions of technologies and stylistic elements contributing to the divergence of regional potting traditions.
Bioaerosol enricher and identifier system: From fluorescence spectrum to biochemical assay

New high-through-put bioaerosol enricher and identifier system is reported. Enrichment is realized by aerodynamic deflection of particles have the UV-laser-induced-fluorescence spectra as biomaterials in question. Identification of deflected aerosols is achieved with fluorescent antibody assay within microfluidic cells.
A simple test for robust stability of delay systems

A necessary and sufficient condition is given for the D-stability of a polytope of delay polynomials. The authors note that perhaps the most restrictive assumption in this work is the affine linearity requirement on the coefficient perturbations. The authors' main result is extended to study the formulation of T. Mori and H. Kokame (1987). >
Evaluating the Utility of Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture Retrievals for Operational Agricultural Drought Monitoring

Soil moisture is a fundamental data source used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) International Production Assessment Division (IPAD) to monitor crop growth stage and condition and subsequently, globally forecast agricultural yields. Currently, the USDA IPAD estimates surface and root-zone soil moisture using a two-layer modified Palmer soil moisture model forced by global precipitation and temperature measurements. However, this approach suffers from well-known errors arising from uncertainty in model forcing data and highly simplified model physics. Here, we attempt to correct for these errors by designing and applying an Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation system to integrate surface soil moisture retrievals from the NASA Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) into the USDA modified Palmer soil moisture model. An assessment of soil moisture analysis products produced from this assimilation has been completed for a five-year (2002 to 2007) period over the North American continent between 23° N-50° N and 128° W-65° W. In particular, a data denial experimental approach is utilized to isolate the added utility of integrating remotely sensed soil moisture by comparing EnKF soil moisture results obtained using (relatively) low-quality precipitation products obtained from real-time satellite imagery to baseline Palmer model runs forced with higher quality rainfall. An analysis of root-zone anomalies for each model simulation suggests that the assimilation of AMSR-E surface soil moisture retrievals can add significant value to USDA root-zone predictions derived from real-time satellite precipitation products.
Antecedents of Contracting-Back-In: A View Beyond the Economic Paradigm

Many contracted-out public services are now being contracted back into the public sector. The author first reviews the conventional economic factors—imperfect contracting market—which can bring pernicious effects to contracting-out. Second, the author proposes 9 noneconomic possibilities which may lead to contracting-back-in by looking into employment relationships, knowledge creation, isomorphism, opposition from unions and public officials, the loss of middle-level managers, political interference, the failure of balancing trust and control, corruption, and the loss of public values. Finally, the author concludes that a holistic understanding of contracting can hardly be developed unless one incorporates and balances economic and noneconomic views.
Taurodontism of the mandibular first permanent molar distinguishes between the tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome and amelogenesis imperfecta

The diagnosis of tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome is often confused with that of a variant of amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) which shows similar dental features of hypomaturation-hypoplastic enamel defects and putative taurodontism. In this controlled study, an objective, biometric measurement technique was used to determine the prevalence and severity of taurodontism of the mandibular first permanent molar in 23 patients with AI and one patient with TDO syndrome compared with age- and sex-matched controls. The published radiographs of previous cases of TDO and hypomaturation-hypoplastic AI were also reviewed with regard to the presence and severity of taurodontism. The results indicate that in all cases of TDO, taurodontism of the molars including mandibular first permanent molars was consistently present and in a severe form. By contrast, the taurodontic defects present in all cases of AI, including the hypomaturation-hypoplastic variant were not significantly different from matched, healthy controls. Of significance is the fact that in all the AI cases, none of the taurodontic defects were present on the mandibular first permanent molars. The results indicate that true taurodontism as indicated by a change in the mandibular first permanent molars occurs only in the TDO syndrome. This feature may be used to differentiate clearly between TDO and AI.
Evaluation of stilbestrol as a therapeutic estrogen

Abstract In 1938, Dodds and his co-workers 1, 2 reported the synthesis of 4 :4′ dihydroxy-a :B-diethyl stilbene, a compound unrelated chemically to natural estrogens which, however, possesses estrogenic properties. The following year, numerous clinical reports 3–10, 16–19 attested to the fact that, in the human being, stilbestrol was capable of relieving menopausal symptoms. However, a number of the patients developed toxic symptoms, the incidence of which seemed to vary considerably in the various series of cases reported. In a preliminary report, 6 presented before the New York State Medical Society, in April, 1939, we stated that the high incidence of toxic symptoms, which accompany the use of stilbestrol, constituted a serious objection to its use clinically. In this communication, we wish to report in detail the results of our further experience with stilbestrol, supplemented by morphologic studies of the endometrium, vaginal mucosa, and gonadotropic hormone assays.
Status and design of the Advanced Photon Source control system

This paper presents the current status of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) control system. It discusses the design decisions which led us to use industrial standards and collaborations with other laboratories to develop the APS control system. The system uses high performance graphic workstations and the X-windows graphical user interface (GUI) at the operator interface level. It connects to VME/VXI-based microprocessors at the field level using TCP/IP protocols over high performance networks. This strategy assures the flexibility and expansibility of the control system. A defined interface between the system components will allow the system to evolve with the direct addition of future, improved equipment and new capabilities. >
The value of a carotid duplex surveillance program for stroke prevention.

Background Although duplex ultrasonography (DU) can readily identify progression of carotid stenosis, controversy regarding the natural history of asymptomatic carotid stenosis as well as the need and appropriate interval for carotid DU surveillance still exists. Furthermore, consensus has not yet been made in the surgical literature regarding the usefulness, cost-effectiveness, or timing of DU surveillance after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The purpose of this study was to determine how often DU surveillance for asymptomatic carotid disease or postintervention stenosis resulted in any change in the patient’s clinical management, how many strokes were prevented by DU surveillance, and the cost of such a DU surveillance program per stroke prevented. Methods We reviewed a 9-year vascular surgical database to identify all patients enrolled in a carotid DU surveillance program for asymptomatic carotid stenosis or following CEA between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2008. The number of duplex scans and CEAs performed in those patients through March 2010 was also determined. The results of the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study were then used to estimate the number of strokes prevented by CEA in the study population. Reimbursement data were assessed to calculate the average cost of each DU and the cost of the DU surveillance program for each stroke prevented. Results During the study period, there were 11,531 carotid duplex scans performed on 3,003 patients (mean: 3.84 scans per patient) who had been enrolled in the DU surveillance program. CEA for asymptomatic carotid stenosis was performed on 225 (7.5%) patients. The DU surveillance program prevented approximately 13 strokes (871 carotid duplex scans per stroke prevented). The mean cost of each duplex scan was $332 ± 170. The total cost of the DU surveillance program was approximately $3,830,000 or $290,000 per stroke prevented. Conclusions Although a carotid DU surveillance program generates substantial revenue for a vascular surgery practice, it is costly and inefficient. A reappraisal of the “value” of carotid DU surveillance in stroke prevention is warranted. Consideration should be given to eliminating routine surveillance of postendarterectomy carotids in the absence of contralateral disease and limiting the number of DU surveillance studies for asymptomatic carotid disease.
The anxiety of affluence

This review essay of Producing Success: The Culture of Personal Advancement in an American High School by Peter Demerath focuses on the theory of cultural dysfunction. It places the book within a theoretical tradition of social reproduction and status attainment using other ethnographies by Varenne and McDermott, Lareau, and Howard. It argues that this book depicts the institution of the school as operating on its own logic, not really “controlled” by anyone.