cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tool based framework for applying Six Sigma methodology to services and transactional data

Service organisations need excellent service levels for achieving customer satisfaction as well as value creation and growth. However, providing high service levels and maintaining quality standards is more difficult and significantly different in service organisations. Several service organisations are realising that Six Sigma methodology is the next logical step in achieving superior customer service. However, not all Six Sigma tools can be used to improve service operations. Moreover, tools applicable to service and transactions may need significant modifications before they can improve these operations. In this study, we report how Six Sigma methodology can be utilised in service organisations. For this, we first propose the use of select-define-measure-analyse-improve-control methodology. Second, we study and analyse Six Sigma tools to identify ones relevant for the services industry. Third, we provide suggestions on how some of the identified tools can be modified and applied to services and transactions.
Abdominal plates, spiracles and sternites in the ventral mesosoma of embryos of the desert scorpion Paruroctonus mesaensis (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae)

Summary The scanning electron microscope was used to study changes in the ventral mesosoma of the vaejovid scorpion, Paruroctonus mesaensis. Observations are compared with those from scorpion fossils. The oldest fossils are from the Silurian period; migration from water to land occurred in the Carboniferous and Permian periods. All recent scorpions are terrestrial with four pairs of booklungs and spiracles in mesosomal sternites. Ancient eurypterids and scorpions had flap-like abdominal plates attached to the ventral surface of five mesosomal segments. The abdominal plates were apparently an aquatic adaptation, and authors have described possible gill tissue in the chamber above. In scorpion embryos, rectangular (holostem) plate-like structures precede the formation of sternites in the ventral mesosoma. Transverse folds were seen in the space above the abdominal plates. The lack of elaborate gill-like structures here supports an earlier hypothesis that aquatic scorpions had other mesosomal respiratory sit...
A multilayered superconducting neural network implementation

We present the results of numerical simulations of a novel neural networking implementation utilizing multilayered Josephson junction (or series array) based synaptic circuits with local memory. These synaptic circuits utilize single flux quanta for both neural information and synaptic weight programming, and we present a simple circuit that can implement Hebbian learning at a completely local level, with global control over the rates of both learning and forgetting in synapses.
Switching periodic membranes via pattern transformation and shape memory effect

We exploited mechanical instability in shape memory polymer (SMP) membranes consisting of a hexagonal array of micron-sized circular holes and demonstrated dramatic color switching as a result of pattern transformation. When hot-pressed, the circular holes were deformed to an array of elliptical slits (with width of tens of nanometers), and further to a featureless surface with increasing applied strain, therefore, switching the membrane with diffraction color to a transparent film. The deformed pattern and the resulting color change can be fixed at room temperature, both of which could be recovered upon reheating. Using continuum mechanical analyses, we modeled the pattern transformation and recovery processes, including the deformation, the cooling step, and the complete recovery of the microstructure, which corroborated well with experimental observations. We find that the elastic energy is roughly two-orders of magnitude larger than the surface energy in our system, leading to autonomous recovery of the structural color upon reheating. Furthermore, we demonstrated two potential applications of the color switching in the SMP periodic membranes by (1) temporarily erasing a pre-fabricated “Penn” logo in the film via hot-pressing and (2) temporarily displaying a “Penn” logo by hot-pressing the film against a stamp. In both scenarios, the original color displays can be recovered.
Single unit analysis of the hippocampal projections to the septum in the cat.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to map the hippocampal efferent projections to the septum and to determine the synaptic organization of the hippocampal-septal system in the cat. Single unit responses were recorded in the septum with tungsten microelectrodes following electrical stimulation of the dorsal or ventral hippocampus in the anesthetized cat. Dorsal hippocampal stimulation produced excitatory unit driving at short latencies in the medial septum while ventral hippocampal stimulation produced short latency excitation in the lateral septum. The excitatory phase was invariably followed by a period of inhibition. Inhibition without a prior excitatory phase was seen in widespread regions of the septum upon either dorsal or ventral hippocampal stimulation. It was concluded that efferents from the dorsal and ventral hippocampus terminate in a topographic manner in the medial and lateral septum, respectively, and have excitatory effects upon these neurons as well. An interneuronal inhibitory network capable of influencing large regions of the septum was suggested from the data.
Pulmonary Complications of Mechanical Ventilation in Neonates

Mechanical ventilation is necessary and life saving in many neonates. Most complications are inherent to this intervention and cannot be confused with iatrogenic errors in judgment or care practices by clinicians. Clinical data suggest that complications such as volutrauma and air leak syndromes can negatively affect long-term pulmonary and non-pulmonary outcomes. Careful attention to many aspects of neonatal care, such as delivery room resuscitation, ventilatory support, and routine care practices, is needed to decrease pulmonary complications of mechanical ventilation. Clinical research is needed to improve mechanical ventilator strategies to reduce pulmonary complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Inductive Coulter counting: detection and differentiation of metal wear particles in lubricant

A device based on an inductive Coulter counting principle for detecting metal particles in lubrication oil is presented. The device detects the passage of ferrous and nonferrous particles by monitoring the inductance change in a coil. First, the sensing principle is demonstrated at the mesoscale using a solenoid. Next, a small planar coil suitable for use in a microscale device is tested. Static tests are conducted on the planar coil using iron and aluminum particles ranging from 80 to 500 µm. The testing results show that the coil can be used to detect and distinguish ferrous and nonferrous metal particles in lubrication oil; such particles can be indicative of potential machine faults in rotating and reciprocating machinery. The design concept demonstrated here can be extended to a microfluidic device for real-time monitoring of ferrous and nonferrous wear debris particles.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of spatial division using antenna directivities in short-range MIMO transmission

A simple method is proposed for achieving short-range multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission without complicated signal processing. This is achieved by a spatial division that cancels interference between signal streams by using π-phase-shifted antenna directivities in high speed parallel transmission systems at 60 GHz. The method achieves spatial division transmission without MIMO detection even for antenna elements with wide beamwidths. This makes it easy to design antenna elements and reduces signal processing costs in the transmitter and the receiver. Moreover, the method provides almost the same channel capacity as that of the complicated MIMO transmission methods. The optimal antenna array length is derived to maximise the capacity and the validity of the proposed method is confirmed through numerical and experimental analyses at 4.85 GHz.
Synthesis and characterization of acrylic terpolymers with RGD peptides for biomedical applications

Abstract The goal of this research was to design a biomaterial, using acrylic terpolymers, which could support endothelial cells and function in small diameter vascular graft applications. Hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and octyl methacrylate (OMA) were used as comonomers to produce a material with a low glass transition temperature (Tg). Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used to provide ionic character, and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was selected because of its wide usage in biomedical applications. Cation neutralization was employed to modify the mechanical properties. RGD-based peptide sequences were attached to promote endothelial cell adhesion, because vascular grafts seeded with endothelial cells have fewer problems with thrombosis. The two methods used to incorporate peptide sequences were a chain transfer reaction during polymerization, and a coupling reaction attaching the peptides to carboxyl groups on the polymer after polymerization. The compositions that produced Tgs of approximately 0°C were 75 mol% OMA and 92 mol% HMA. The Young's modulus of the HMA copolymer was approximately 0.37 MPa, well below the desired value of 0.9 MPa. Likewise, the Young's modulus of approximately 0.50 MPa for the OMA copolymer was also below the desired value. After partial neutralization with sodium cations, the Young's moduli increased to approximately 0.93 and 0.99 MPa, respectively. The chain transfer reaction lowered the molecular weights and mechanical properties of the copolymers, while the coupling reaction method had little effect on these properties. The chain transfer method appears to be a promising one-step method to produce polymers with a wide range of peptide concentrations.
Clozapine blocks dopamine, 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 responses in the medial prefrontal cortex: an in vivo microiontophoretic study

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug active on both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia which has a unique serotonergic and dopaminergic profile. Given the putative role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in negative symptoms of schizophrenia, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of clozapine on the dopamine- and serotonin-responsive neurons in that particular brain structure. D1 and D2 agonists (SKF 38393 and quinpirole) as well as 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 agonists (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane, DOI, and phenylbiguanide) were applied by microiontophoresis alone and concurrently with clozapine while recording extracellularly mPFC neurons. Dopamine ejections inhibited firing activity while D1 and D2 agonists were ineffective. Clozapine did not change basal firing by itself, but was able to suppress the inhibition produced by dopamine and by the 5-HT2/5-HT3 receptor agonists. It is concluded that clozapine at the mPFC level exerts a complex modulatory activity on dopamine receptors, that is directly at the dopaminergic receptors and through 5-HT receptors on the same neurons.
Effects of the 2006 El Niño on tropospheric ozone and carbon monoxide: implications for dynamics and biomass burning

Abstract. We have studied the effects of the 2006 El Nino on tropospheric O3 and CO at tropical and sub-tropical latitudes measured from the OMI and MLS instruments on the Aura satellite. The 2006 El Nino-induced drought caused forest fires (largely set to clear land) to burn out of control during October and November in the Indonesian region. The effects of these fires are clearly seen in the enhancement of CO concentration measured from the MLS instrument. We have used a global model of atmospheric chemistry and transport (GMI CTM) to quantify the relative importance of biomass burning and large scale transport in producing observed changes in tropospheric O3 and CO. The model results show that during October and November biomass burning and meteorological changes contributed almost equally to the observed increase in tropospheric O3 in the Indonesian region. The biomass component was 4–6 DU but it was limited to the Indonesian region where the fires were most intense. The dynamical component was 4–8 DU but it covered a much larger area in the Indian Ocean extending from South East Asia in the north to western Australia in the south. By December 2006, the effect of biomass burning was reduced to zero and the observed changes in tropospheric O3 were mostly due to dynamical effects. The model results show an increase of 2–3% in the global burden of tropospheric ozone. In comparison, the global burden of CO increased by 8–12%.
Presentation of a T Cell Receptor Antagonist Peptide by Immunoglobulins Ablates Activation of T Cells by a Synthetic Peptide or Proteins Requiring Endocytic Processing

T cell receptor (TCR) antagonism is being considered for inactivation of aggressive T cells and reversal of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. TCR antagonist peptides silence aggressive T cells and reverse experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induced with free peptides. However, it is not clear whether free antagonist peptides could reverse natural disease where the antigen is presumably available for endocytic processing and peptides gain access to newly synthesized class II MHC molecules. Using an efficient endocytic presentation system, we demonstrate that a proteolipid protein (PLP) TCR antagonist peptide (PLP-LR) presented on an Ig molecule (Ig-PLP-LR) abrogates the activation of T cells stimulated with free encephalitogenic PLP peptide (PLP1), native PLP, or an Ig containing PLP1 peptide (Ig-PLP1). Free PLP-LR abolishes T cell activation when the stimulator is free PLP1 peptide, but has no measurable effect when the stimulator is the native PLP or Ig-PLP1. In vivo, Ig-PLP1 induces a T cell response to PLP1 peptide. However, when coadministered with Ig-PLP-LR, the response to PLP1 peptide is markedly reduced whereas the response to PLP-LR is normal. Free PLP-LR coadministered with Ig-PLP1 has no effect on the T cell response to PLP1. These findings indicate that endocytic presentation of an antagonist peptide by Ig outcompete both external and endocytic agonist peptides whereas free antagonist hinders external but not endocytic agonist peptide. Direct contact with antagonist ligand and/or trans-regulation by PLP-LR-specific T cells may be the operative mechanism for Ig-PLP-LR-mediated downregulation of PLP1-specific T cells in vivo. Efficient endocytic presentation of antagonist peptides, which is the fundamental event for either mechanism, may be critical for reversal of spontaneous T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases where incessant endocytic antigen processing could be responsible for T cell aggressivity.
A Novel Double Imaging Camera (ANDICAM)

We describe an instrument that is capable of taking simultaneous images at one optical (UBVRI) and one near-infrared (JHK) wavelength. The instrument uses relatively simple optics and a dichroic to image the same field on to an optical CCD and an HgCdTe array. The mechanical and thermal design is similar to previous instruments built by our group and the array controllers are based on the same architecture. The instrument has been in use for the past four years on the CTIO/Yale 1m telescope in Chile and has an excellent operational/reliability record. A number of notable science results have been obtained with the instrument; especially interesting are several photometric monitoring projects that have been possible, since the instrument is available every night on the telescope.
Bayesian Feedback in Data Clustering

In many clustering applications, the user has some vague notion of the number and membership of the desired clusters. However, it is difficult for the user to provide such knowledge explicitly in the clustering process. We propose a solution to circumvent this difficulty by introducing a feedback mechanism. The notion of Bayesian inference for relevance feedback in content-based image retrieval is modified for data clustering. Given the number of clusters, the proposed algorithm seeks information about the target partition by asking the user a sequence of queries about whether a pair of objects should be put in the same cluster or not. Information-theoretic criteria is adopted to select the queries to be presented to the user. The assumption made here is that cluster labels are "smooth", i.e., similar objects should share the same cluster labels. We show that it is possible to obtain reasonable partitions based on the user feedback alone, without the need of specifying a clustering objective function.
Unstructured surface and volume decimation of tessellated domains

A general algorithm for decimating unstructured discretized data sets is presented. The discretized space may be a planar triangulation, a general 3D surface triangulation, or a 3D tetrahedrization. The decimation algorithm enforces Dirichlet boundary conditions, uses only existing vertices, and assumes manifold geometry. Local dynamic vertex removal is performed without history information while preserving the initial topology and boundary geometry. The tessellation at each step of the algorithm is preserved and, in the pathological case, every interior vertex is a candidate for removal. The research focuses on how to remove a vertex from an existing unstructured n-dimensional tessellation, not on the formulation of decimation criteria. Criteria for removing a candidate vertex may be based on geometric properties or any scalar governing function specific to the application. Use of scalar functions to adaptively control or optimize tessellation resolution is particularly applicable to the computer graphics, computational fluids, and structural analysis disciplines. Potential applications in the geologic exploration and medical or industrial imaging fields are promising.
Does Maliseet-Passamaquoddy Have VP-Ellipsis?

Richards (2009) proposes that VP-Ellipsis relates pairs of sentences in the Eastern Algonquian language Maliseet-Passamaquoddy that contain morphologically related verbs, one of which lacks a stem component that appears in the other. Under his proposal, the polysynthetic verbs of the language are decomposed into abstract syntactic structures, and VP-Ellipsis is applicable within the word. I argue that his data are better explained without postulating VP-Ellipsis for Maliseet-Passamaquoddy. The verbs that he sees as derived via ellipsis are independently occurring lexical items. There are in fact no ellipsis gaps in the structures he considers, only null pronouns, and overt pronouns may always occur in the relevant positions. My conclusions are fully consistent with the Lexical Integrity Hypothesis of Bresnan and Mchombo (1995).
Clean Climbing, Carabiners, and Cultural Cultivation: Developing an Open-Systems Perspective of Culture

In this inductive study, we explore the dynamics between Alpinista (a pseudonym), a company that designs and manufactures rock climbing and skiing gear, and the broader cultures within which the company is embedded. Our data pushed us toward the notion of “culture as toolkit,” a perspective that focuses on culture as a set of means or resources used to solve problems. By applying this perspective, we realized that Alpinista's cultural toolkit and the cultural register of the sports (the sum of the toolkits and cultural resources available for members in the environment) influence one another. To explain these dynamics, we induce a grounded model of cultural cultivation---practices that contribute to the intermingling of organizational and societal cultures---that describes cultural infusions (when the organization imports cultural materials and translates them) and cultural seeding (when the organization exports cultural materials into the environment). We describe which actors (both inside and outside of the organization) can be involved in these processes. The model that emerges from these data provides insight into the cultural dynamics present as organizational culture and broader societal cultures interact, providing insight on issues of organizational authenticity and the paradox of similarity and uniqueness.
Epigenetic Remodeling of the IL-2 and IFN-γ Loci in Memory CD8 T Cells Is Influenced by CD4 T Cells

Memory T cells (T(M)) are able to rapidly exert effector functions, including immediate effector cytokine production upon re-encounter with Ag, which is critical for protective immunity. Furthermore, this poised state is maintained as T(M) undergo homeostatic proliferation over time. We examined the molecular basis underlying this enhanced functional capacity in CD8 T(M) by comparing them to defective CD8 T(M) generated in the absence of CD4 T cells. Unhelped CD8 T(M) are defective in many functions, including the immediate expression of cytokines, such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Our data show that this defect in IL-2 and IFN-gamma production is independent of clonal selection, functional avidity maturation, and the integrity of proximal TCR signaling, but rather involves epigenetic modification of these cytokine genes. Activated Ag-specific CD8 T cells exhibit rapid DNA demethylation at the IL-2 and IFN-gamma loci and substantial histone acetylation at the IFN-gamma promoter and enhancer regions. These epigenetic modifications occur early after infection at the effector stage and are maintained through memory development. However, activated unhelped CD8 T cells, which fail to develop into functional memory and are incapable of rapid cytokine production, exhibit increased DNA methylation at the IL-2 promoter and fail to acetylate histones at the IFN-gamma locus. Thus, CD4 T cell help influences epigenetic modification during CD8 T(M) differentiation and these epigenetic changes provide a molecular basis for the enhanced responsiveness and the maintenance of a "ready-to-respond" state in CD8 T(M).
An Exploratory Study of Physiological Changes during “Chills” Induced by Music

The present study utilized an experimental method consisting of subjective and objective measures to assess physiological and psychological changes occurring during chills induced by music. Piloerection (“goosebump” formation), skin temperature; and galvanic skin response (GSR) were used to monitor peripheral nervous system changes during the response. It was hypothesized that significant changes in parameters would coincide with perceived experiences of chills when compared with other sections of music where chills were not perceived. Thirty two students (16 musicians and 16 non-musicians) were assessed while listening to music, both familiar and unfamiliar. The experiment then appeared to replicate the general experience of chills induced by music for this population. Results suggested that the experience of chills corresponded to significant changes in GSR and was associated with piloerection in some instances. No significant changes in skin temperature were evident.
On the use of aggregation operator for humanitarian demining using hand-held GPR

This paper applies the OWA aggregation operator to hand-held GPR data to improve the detection of landmines. Data from a number of sweeps are collected when the hand-held detector is operating in discrimination mode. The energy density spectra of the GPR signal return from individual sweeps are estimated and two OWA aggregation operations are performed to select the good quality sweeps that will be used for landmine detection. Experimental results using the real data collected from two different test sites show that the OWA operations provide significant performance improvement for landmine detection at high probability of detection.
The overthrow of Allende and the politics of Chile, 1964-1976

Paul Sigmund, who has studied Chile for more than a decade, and lived and taught there, offers an exhaustive, balanced analysis of the overthrow of Salvador Allende, and why it occurred. Sigmund examines the Allende government, the Frei government that preceeded it, the coup that ended it, and the Pinochet government that succeeded it. He also views the roles of various Chilean political and interest groups, the CIA, and U.S. corporations.
Common Effects of Acidic Activators on Large-Scale Chromatin Structure and Transcription

Large-scale chromatin decondensation has been observed after the targeting of certain acidic activators to heterochromatic chromatin domains. Acidic activators are often modular, with two or more separable transcriptional activation domains. Whether these smaller regions are sufficient for all functions of the activators has not been demonstrated. We adapted an inducible heterodimerization system to allow systematic dissection of the function of acidic activators, individual subdomains within these activators, and short acidic-hydrophobic peptide motifs within these subdomains. Here, we demonstrate that large-scale chromatin decondensation activity is a general property of acidic activators. Moreover, this activity maps to the same acidic activator subdomains and acidic-hydrophobic peptide motifs that are responsible for transcriptional activation. Two copies of a mutant peptide motif of VP16 (viral protein 16) possess large-scale chromatin decondensation activity but minimal transcriptional activity, and a synthetic acidic-hydrophobic peptide motif had large-scale chromatin decondensation activity comparable to the strongest full-length acidic activator but no transcriptional activity. Therefore, the general property of large-scale chromatin decondensation shared by most acidic activators is not simply a direct result of transcription per se but is most likely the result of the concerted action of coactivator proteins recruited by the activators' short acidic-hydrophobic peptide motifs.
Registry and UHV transmission electron diffraction of surfaces

Abstract A model using a distorted wave analysis coupled with considerations of registry and channeling is developed for understanding high-energy electron diffraction from surfaces in a plan-view geometry. We show that this model explains strong effects due to inelastic scattering, particularly for the 1×1 surface as a function of beam orientation with respect to the underlying bulk substrate and with respect to the effect of registry on intensities. Numerical simulations using the multislice algorithm are correlated with the model, and show additional complications due to a top-bottom effect and coupling.
Psychiatric advance directives among public mental health consumers in five U.S. cities: prevalence, demand, and correlates

Psychiatric advance directives (PADs) are legal instruments that allow competent persons to document their preferences regarding future mental health treatment and to designate a surrogate decisionmaker in the event they lose capacity to make reliable treatment decisions during an acute episode of psychiatric illness. This study reports the findings of a survey of 1,011 psychiatric outpatients in five U.S. cities about their interest in, and completion of, PADs. Across the sites, only 4 to 13 percent of participants had completed a PAD; however, between 66 and 77 percent reported wanting to complete one if given assistance. Significantly higher demand for PADs was found among participants who were female; were nonwhite; had a history of self-harm, arrest, and decreased personal autonomy; and those who felt pressured to take medication. Actual completion of PADs was more likely among participants with higher insight, those reporting leverage by a representative payee, and those who felt external pressure to keep outpatient appointments for mental health treatment.
Persuading by citation: An analysis of the references of fifty-three published reports of phenylpropanolamine's clinical toxicity

References cited in scientific articles may be used as data to characterize a body of reports. We examined the references and citations in 53 articles reporting adverse reactions to phenylpropanolamine. We classified the type of reference (case report, human or nonhuman experimental, editorial, or review) and read frequently cited articles to compare their content to their citational use. We searched the references for articles that we thought pertinent including the prospective clinical trial literature and studies comparing phenylpropanolamine with amphetamine. We learned that writers of these reports relied on other case reports and generally ignored experimental literature. These authors also often cited articles so that the original intent was not reflected. Publications presenting an alternative view were largely ignored. This analysis produces some evidence of bias against phenylpropanolamine and that the phenylpropanolamine adverse reaction literature may reflect chiefly social and clinical opinion. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1987) 42, 1–9; doi:10.1038/clpt.1987.100
INFERENTIALISM AND SOME OF ITS CHALLENGES

Our ordinary ways of talking and thinking about the contentfulness of linguistic utterances and mental states distinguish between what is said or thought and what we are thereby talking or thinking about. l Intentionality, we may say, comes in two flavors: 'that' intentionality and 'of intentionality. A central semantic task in the area where the philosophy of language and the philosophy of mind overlap is accordingly to offer an account of how these two dimensions of sapience are related to one another.
Advancing the Layered Approach to Agent-Based Crowd Simulation

We adapt a scalable layered intelligence technique from the game industry, for agent-based crowd simulation. We extend this approach for planned movements, pursuance of assignable goals, and avoidance of dynamically introduced obstacles/threats, while keeping the system scalable with the number of agents. We exploit parallel processing for expediting the pre-processing step that generates the path-plans offline. We demonstrate the various behaviors in a hall-evacuation scenario, and experimentally establish the scalability of the frame-rates with increasing number of agents.
New insights into the functional consequences of ephrin A3 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide (~1.4 million deaths in 2008) (1). Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer histological subtype (~85% of all lung cancers) and 50% of these tumors are adenocarcinomas.
Resonance classification of mixed assemblages of fish with swimbladders using a modified commercial broadband acoustic echosounder at 1–6 kHz

Recently developed broadband acoustic methods were used to study mixed assemblages of fish spanning a wide range of lengths and species. Through a combination of resonance classification and pulse-...
Microfinance Lending - The Cooperative Model

Cooperative model in micro-lending is proving to be very successful as the co-operative institutions utilize the local economic resources and are very instrumental in mobilizing micro-savings and micro-lending. This paper discusses the various models of microfinance lending in general and the co-operative model of microfinance lending in specific. The paper commences with a description of the two main types of lending methods in microfinance - the group lending and the individual lending. It describes the different lending models in the field of microfinance. Can the cooperative model of microfinance lending firmly establish as one of the most sustainable models and play a major role in financial inclusion? The paper delves into this question by discussing the features and principles of cooperative financial system and the suitability of cooperatives in meeting the needs of the microfinance sector.
Sizing Up the Tyranny of the Ruler

Precision can seem a chimera, at least in fields outside mathematics. And even within the analytical domain, we are reminded of our observational limits, such as when the uncertainty principle foils the quantum physicist's attempt to measure two conjugate variables accurately. Adler and Harzing (this issue) point out a host of methodological and isomorphic shortcomings that trouble a measurement tool familiar to most educators: academic rankings. In their view, this ruler fails in terms of correctly assessing individual performance and institutional quality, yet often still exerts an exaggerated influence among key stakeholders, such as administrators, faculty, students, alumni, and recruiters. The authors, like the songwriter David Byrne in his lyrics, call to mind Disraeli's quip: "There are three kinds of lies lies, damned lies and statistics." In careless hands, numbers can hide as much as they reveal. Of course exceptionally careful hands, if unchecked, can manipulate the figures with equal dexterity.
Ultrafast Coherent Diffractive X-ray Imaging

Single ultrafast pulse high-resolution coherent x-ray images and holograms have been recorded at the FLASH free-electron laser. These experiments point the way to near-atomic resolution imaging at future x-ray laser sources.
Experimental Chemical Kinetics of an A+B→0 System Showing Non-Classical Effects of Initial Reactant Distribution

We demonstrate here the implementation of an experimental system suitable for the study of the diffusion-limited A+B→0, non-classical reaction behavior. Using a combination of a fluorescent calcium indicator and a calcium ion which is initially “caged”, a pulse of near-UV light initiates the reaction which is followed as product formation vs. time. Sensitive dependence on the initial reactant distribution is observed through patterns in the uncaging UV light profile. The reaction progress passes through two non-classical time regimes, one due to roughness originating from laser speckles, followed by one exhibiting the three-dimensional Zeldovich rate of (1/ρA − 1/ρA0) ˜ t3/4, with features matching Monte Carlo simulations on this initial distribution.
Pharmacy residency training and pharmacy leadership: an important relationship.

Since its inception in the early to mid-1900s, pharmacy residency training has focused on the development and cultivation of pharmacist leaders. When ASHP first accredited residency programs in 1962, the primary focus was to develop pharmacy managers and leaders for the hospital environment.[1][1]
Abstract 1576: Mesenchymal disruption of Tsc2 in mice results in highly vascular hamartomas.

Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) suffer from the formation of multi-organbenign tumors. Skin tumors from TSC patients are characterized by increased vascularity, fibrosis, and overactivation of mTORC1 signaling due to inactivation of either of the tumor suppressor genes TSC1 or TSC2 in fibroblasts. The role of the TSC2 gene in cells of mesenchymal origin with respect to tumor formation still remains unclear. To investigate the roles of TSC2 in these cells, we used the cre/loxP system to conditionally disrupt mouse Tsc2 in tissues derived from mesenchymal cells. Mice with floxed Tsc2 alleles were mated with mice expressing the cre recombinase transgene under the control of a Prrx1 regulatory element (Prrx1-cre), which is selectively expressed in craniofacial and limb bud mesenchyme. Cells with homozygous Tsc2 floxed alleles expressing the Prrx1-cre transgene (termed here “Tsc2cKO mice”) efficiently eliminated Tsc2 expression from fibroblasts isolated from limb and ventral skin. An EYFP reporter transgene was also present to track cells expressing cre recombinase. Fibroblasts grown from the skin of Tsc2cKO mice expressed EYFP, lacked Tsc2 protein and had elevated levels of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6, a marker of mTORC1 signaling. Tsc2cKO mice had shortened lifespan with a median survival between 5 and 6 months of age. Tumors were observed in spleen and forepaws of nearly all mice, and tumors involving the liver, skin, skeletal muscle, mediastinum, and kidney also occurred. These results were unexpected due to the lineage restriction of the Prrx1-cre transgene. Tumor formation began to appear on forepaws near the heel of the paw pad as early as 3 weeks of age. By 6 weeks of age the lesions generally showed a reddish appearance. In mice serially imaged by MRI, splenic tumors were apparent by 10-12 weeks of age and renal tumors were apparent by 7-8 weeks. Histologically, the forepaw, splenic, and hepatic tumors were benign fibrovascular proliferations with perivascular cells that stained with smooth muscle actin, most prominently in the spleen. Using ex vivo fluorescent imaging, EYFP fluorescence was not detected in internal organs of control mice containing Prrx1-cre, but strong fluorescence was observed in the splenic, hepatic, and renal tumors of Tsc2cKO mice. In summary, we have developed model system to study the role of Tsc2-deficient mesenchymal cells in hamartoma formation. Citation Format: Peter Klover, Rajesh Thangapazham, Shaowei Li, Jiro Kato, Stasia A. Anderson, Victoria Hoffman, Ji-an Wang, Joshua Bernstock, Elizabeth McCart, Joel Moss, Thomas Darling. Mesenchymal disruption of Tsc2 in mice results in highly vascular hamartomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1576. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1576
An Unfounded Universal Truth: A Contemporary Feminist Understanding of Pride and Prejudice

Many people have deemed Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen a timeless tale. This story has been adapted through many different mediums and has been reimagined in all different contexts. One of the most recent reincarnations of this story is a web-series on YouTube that spanned 100 episodes. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries builds a whole new world for Austen’s familiar characters to grow and develop in. Using a feminist lens, the original novel and adaptation are examined in how both works represented the female characters. Through the analysis of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice it is clear that her characters befit the twenty-first century ideology effortlessly and, more importantly, thrive from the shift. This emphasizes the craft of Austen and her alignment with some feminist ideals. This article is available in The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research: http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/ur/vol17/iss1/9 An Unfounded Universal Truth: A Contemporary Feminist Understanding of Pride and
4-O-(1-carboxyethyl)-L-rhamnose, a second unique acidic sugar found in an extracellular polysaccharide from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strain 49.

Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens strain 49 excretes a polysaccharide that contains D-glucose, D-galactose, 4-O-(1-carboxyethyl)-D-galactose, and an acidic component of previously unknown structure. We report here the identity of the unknown as 4-O-(1-carboxyethyl)-L-rhamnose. The structure of this previously unknown compound was deduced from (1) comprehensive electron-impact and chemical-ionization mass-spectroscopic studies of differentially labelled derivatives prepared from the unknown, (2) 13C-n.m.r. and 1H-n.m.r. studies of purified neutral sugars derived from the unknown and (3) chemical degradation experiments.
Understanding the contribution of curb appeal to retail real estate values

ABSTRACTThe concept of curb appeal and its impact on property values has been largely neglected in the real estate literature. In the context of retail real estate, curb appeal represents the general attractiveness of a store as viewed from the sidewalk or parking lot that is expected to affect consumer patronage decisions and consequently property values. We first develop a measurement instrument for curb appeal and assess its validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Our results suggest that curb appeal is multidimensional and consists of an atmospheric, architectural and authenticity dimension. Then, we use survey responses, transaction data and spatial regression to quantify the impact of curb appeal on sales prices. We find that the atmospheric and architectural dimensions have a significantly positive impact on sales prices. We also show that curb appeal dimensions are highly correlated with observable building features traditionally included in hedonic pricing models.
Intraventricular atrial natriuretic peptide for acute intracranial hypertension.

AbstractThe effect of intraventricular atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on elevated intracranial pressure (lCP) was evaluated in a rodent model of global ischemia and reperfusion. ANP administration into the lateral ventricle 30 minutes after reperfusion statistically significantly reduced ICP compared with both vehicle treated animals (p < 0.007) and pretreatment pressures (p < 0.007). The ICP effects ofANP did not coincide with specific changes in regional perfusion parameters measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Two different vehicles for ANP were used to verify that the changes in ICP observed were independent of the sodium content administered in the vehicle. Based on the reductions observed in ICPI ANP deserves further evaluation as a treatment modality for the acute elevations in ICP associated with ischemic brain injury. [Neural Res 1997; 19: 515-520]
Source Credibility in Tobacco Control Messaging.

Communicating about the risks of tobacco use is one of a set of key strategies to reduce rates of tobacco use across populations.1 However, not all communications are equally persuasive. The perceived credibility of the organization delivering the message, or source credibility, is an important component of an effective media campaign.2 Specifically, when a source is perceived to be highly credible, a message may more effectively change attitudes or behavior.2,3 Thus the success of tobacco communication campaigns depends on multiple factors, including the perceived credibility of the organization delivering the message.2 In this paper, we review research on source credibility as it relates to message persuasiveness and suggest opportunities to improve our understanding of the impact of source credibility on successful tobacco control media campaigns and regulatory communications. We use the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an example of a national tobacco regulatory organization seeking to have a positive influence tobacco use outcomes. Knowing how to measure and harness the effects of source credibility on message persuasiveness is critical to delivering effective tobacco control messages by national agencies and tobacco control organizations. The FDA, under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, now has authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products.4 Whereas the FDA’s oversight has applied historically only to food and drug product safety, it now regulates a class of products of which sustained use results in death and disease. Recognizing that this new role regulating health-damaging products requires new strategies for communicating with the public, the FDA has launched ongoing national education campaigns aimed at preventing tobacco use among youth.5 The credibility of the FDA as the source of these campaigns may influence tobacco use outcomes desired by the campaigns.
Clinical Findings with Real-Time Color B-Scan Ultrasonography

At the past two meetings of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the Ophthalmological Electronics Laboratory of Southampton Hospital has reported on the development of a real-time color B-scan ultrasonoscope using analog to digital conversion to supply color coded amplitude information and improved resolution. This paper will describe the clinical findings using this equipment, which improves the quality of the information presented without sacrificing any of the original objectives of ease of operation, simplicity of controls, real-time display, and low cost.
Monitoring Tissue Regeneration at Single-Cell Resolution

For tissue regeneration researchers, seeing is believing. Here, we consider advances in genetic tools, imaging platforms, and quantification capabilities that are turning previously unattainable goals, like in toto capture of cellular and subcellular behaviors in regenerating tissues, into reality.
Assessing impacts of the WHO FCTC on national legislations: A case study of the Republic of Korea

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is an international treaty that was adopted in 2003 with the aim of addressing public health problems related to tobacco. The treaty is expected to bring substantial changes to global tobacco control because it has legally binding power over its signatory countries. However, its actual impact on national legislative processes, to date, has not been thoroughly examined. This article assesses the effect of the WHO FCTC on national tobacco legislation, with the Republic of Korea as a case study. This article also reviews whether and how lawmakers and government officials actually refer to the WHO FCTC as a justification for amending tobacco law after Korea ratified the WHO FCTC in 2005. This review shows that the WHO FCTC served as an important ground upon which to amend laws to strengthen tobacco control in Korea. The legally binding power of the WHO FCTC compelled lawmakers to comply with international standards. Furthermore, various tobacco control measures listed in the treaty have provided practical tips for Korean policymakers to refer to in designing tobacco control laws.
Experimental Investigation of Compaction Wave Propagation in Cellular Polymers

In the present study, an experimental setup has been developed to facilitate the in-situ characterization of wave propagation and full-field deformation response of polymeric foams subjected to high velocity direct impact. Full-field measurements are conducted using ultra high speed digital image correlation (DIC). Impact experiments are carried out over a range of impact velocities, while the formation and propagation of compaction wave across the length of the specimen, from the impact side to the support end of the specimen, is observed and quantified through a comprehensive deformation analysis. Full-field stress distribution obtained from experiment through non-parametric method along with the measured full-field strain are used to identify the energy dissipation mechanisms associated with wave propagation in the material.
Priorities of Black and White Groups

A total of 24 white adults from Alabama, 93 white high school students from Alabama, 87 white adults from New Jersey, 24 black adults from Alabama, and 105 black adults from New Jersey rated 20 goals, most of which were pertinent to civil rights. The study demonstrated that groups with very different absolute preferences may still have similar relative preferences. All groups preferred rights and privileges to integration and the right to integration to the actuality of integration. Also, all groups preferred self-help or enrichment goals, such as improvement of schools and fair employment, to integration in either schools or housing.
Carbamazepine: An Attempt to Correlate Serum Levels with Anti-Epileptic and Side Effects

Since the introduction of carbazepine (Tegretol®, CBZ) in 1963 it has been widely used for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, etc. Subsequently, numerous reports on its clinical efficacy were issued. In 1964, the first study on the tolerance of carbamazepine was published (Kruger, 1964).
Vectors and Volumes

ℝ3, the set of ordered triples (x1,x2,x3) of real numbers, is a natural and useful model for physical space. Similarly, ℝ4 is an obvious model for space-time. More generally, problems in the sciences or engineering that involve N variables are often investigated in the setting of ℝ N . Such problems often require the Standard ideas of analysis: continuous change, instantaneous rates of change, integration, and so forth. To adapt these concepts from a one dimensional to an N-dimensional setting, it is first helpful to introduce some algebraic structure on ℝ N , the structure of a vector space, and then to consider transformations of Euclidean N-dimensional Spaces, particularly the simple and very useful ones known as linear transformations.