cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seller heterogeneity in electronic marketplaces

Most online auction studies focus on the buyer side of the marketplace. To bridge the imbalance gap, we investigate seller behavior in this research. Specifically emphasized on seller heterogeneity, an area that has not been well studied in the electronic marketplace literature, this study classifies sellers into new and experienced seller groups and compares their auction performance based on three outcome measures: success rates, ending prices, and feedback ratings. We find that the performance of new sellers is worse than that of experienced sellers in all three measures, namely, lower auction success rates, lower auction ending prices, less likely to receive positive feedback ratings and more likely to receive negative feedback ratings. We also show the dynamics of these auction performances while new sellers evolve into experienced ones. Our empirical analysis reveals structural differences in auction success and price determinants between new and experienced sellers. That is, the determining factors for auction success and ending prices are significantly different between the two seller groups. We also identify several key factors for non-positive (i.e. neutral or negative) feedback ratings received by the two groups and find no significant difference between these factors for both new and experienced sellers. We believe our findings in this study have significant implications to the online auction house and sellers, and contribute towards building more effective and efficient electronic marketplaces. We studied seller heterogeneity in electronic marketplaces.We discovered new sellers worse than experienced sellers in three outcome measures.We demonstrated auction performance dynamics when sellers evolve with experiences.
Scope and precedent: judicial rule-making under uncertainty:

I develop a formal model of Supreme Court opinion-writing in an environment of uncertainty. In particular, the model captures how the Supreme Court will optimally design the specificity of its lega...
Oestrogen receptor genetics: a needle that cuts through many haystacks?

Oestrogen is known to affect multiple aspects of human health, including complex traits such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, fracture risk, arthritis, behaviour and Alzheimer's disease. Oestrogen receptor α (ESR1), one of two known oestrogen activated transcription factors, is expressed throughout many tissues. It can regulate gene expression by both oestrogen-dependent and oestrogen-independent mechanisms that result in direct or indirect activation of transcription of a wide range of genes. Most of the hundreds of reports of ESR1 genetics published since 1990 have been in areas of cancer biology, bone mineral density, or fracture risk. In the past 3 or 4 years, however, there have been a handful of interesting reports of association of ESR1 polymorphism with cardiovascular disease, its established risk factors, or in relation to response to hormone replacement therapy.1–6 This recent literature, which was both particularly intriguing and inconclusive among women, provided a strong rationale for the investigation by Lawlor et al .7 These authors carried out a cross-sectional analysis of 3404 women from the British Women's Heart and Health Study. The women were in their 60s or 70s, from 23 towns across Britain; characterization included incident and prevalent coronary heart disease, its risk factors, and use of hormone replacement. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms from the first intron of ESR1 were genotyped in participant DNA samples. The polymorphisms, c454-397T>C and c454-351A>G , … *Corresponding author. fax: +1 617 253 5202. E-mail address : shearman{at}mit.edu
Physicochemical characteristics of chalky kernels and their effects on sensory quality of cooked rice.

ABSTRACT Physicochemical characteristics of chalky rice kernels were compared with those of vitreous kernels, and the effects of chalky kernels on sensory quality of cooked rice were investigated. Chalky kernels were compared with vitreous kernels using image analysis and amylose contents. Because cooked rice is prepared through soaking and cooking, the changes in water absorption index (WAI) during soaking (15, 30, 60, and 90 min) and the structural changes during cooking (0, 3, 6, and 9 min) in chalky and vitreous kernels were investigated using image analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of various proportions (0, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 15%) of chalky kernels on sensory quality of cooked rice were also studied. The chalky kernels tended to be smaller in kernel area, maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and perimeter than vitreous kernels. Amylose content in chalky kernels was slightly lower than that in vitreous kernels. WAI of chalky kernels was higher than that of vitreous kernels. The effe...
Resonances in Alkali Negative-Ion Photodetachment and Electron Affinities of the Corresponding Neutrals

Two techniques of laser photodetachment spectroscopy have been utilized to provide the first accurate experimental determinations of alkali-atom electron affinities. Strong resonances corresponding to autodetaching states are found near the first $^{2}P$ levels of the neutral alkalis. These resonances are by far the narrowest observed to date in electron-atom systems.
Quantitative analysis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α using immunoaffinity purification and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract This paper describes an immunoaffinity purification technique for 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α (6KPGF 1α ) prior to quantitative analysis by high-resolution gas chromatography—negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry (HRGC—NICIMS). Polyclonal antibodies to 6KPGF 1α were partially purified using Staphylococcus aureus Protein A immobilized on Sepharose CL-4B. This partially purified fraction was covalently bound to silica gel using N-hydroxysuccinimidyl-functionalized silica. Columns constructed using this gel quantitatively bound 6KPGF 1α which could be eluted quantitatively with acetonitrile—water (19:1). Binding capacity was reconstituted by washing with 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Human urinary and canine plasma 6KPGF 1α was sufficiently purified using these columns that HRGC—NICIMS analysis of the methoxime—penta-fluorobenzyl—tris-trimethylsilyl derivative was interference-free.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Linear Failure Rate

This paper presents a method for determining the maximum likelihood estimators for a distribution with linear failure rate. Estimates of the variance-covariance matrix are also obtained, and a numerical example given.
Deconstructing Nowicki and Smutnicki's i -TSAB tabu search algorithm for the job-shop scheduling problem

Over the last decade and a half, tabu search algorithms for machine scheduling have gained a near-mythical reputation by consistently equaling or establishing state-of-the-art performance levels on a range of academic and real-world problems. Yet, despite these successes, remarkably little research has been devoted to developing an understanding of why tabu search is so effective on this problem class. In this paper, we report results that provide significant progress in this direction. We consider Nowicki and Smutnicki's i-TSAB tabu search algorithm, which represents the current state-of-the-art for the makespan-minimization form of the classical job-shop scheduling problem. Via a series of controlled experiments, we identify those components of i-TSAB that enable it to achieve state-of-the-art performance levels. In doing so, we expose a number of misconceptions regarding the behavior and/or benefits of tabu search and other local search metaheuristics for the job-shop problem. Our results also serve to focus future research, by identifying those specific directions that are most likely to yield further improvements in performance.
An observational cohort study of Chlamydia trachomatis treatment in pregnancy.

Background and Objectives:Currently, azithromycin is not considered a first-line treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis in pregnant women. We evaluated the use, efficacy, and safety of azithromycin compared with erythromycin and amoxicillin in the treatment of genital chlamydial infection during pregna
The value of affordances

Ecological psychology (see Gibson, 1979) is generally thought of as comprising two main claims. The first is that perception is direct insofar as it is not the result of information added to sensor...
e+e− at SLAC: present and future

Abstract The SLAC Linear Collider (SLC) with its 80% electron beam polarization combined with the SLD detector is the heart of the present SLAC e + e − physics program. The SLC/SLD program will continue through 1998, producing up to 500 000 additional polarized Z 0 events. The next step for SLAC is studies of CP-violation in B-mesons using the PEP-II asymmetric B-Factory collider and the B a B ar detector. PEP-II is presently under construction at SLAC in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The B a B ar detector is being designed by an international collaboration of physicists. It features a superconducting solenoid, a CsI calorimeter, a novel Cherenkov ring-imaging detector, a drift chamber, and a 5-layer silicon vertex detector. First physics results are expected in 1999. SLAC is also a leading contributor to the international R&D program working toward the Next Linear Collider (NLC).
Poisson Statistics in Distributions of Coalescing Droplets

Abstract The statistical behavior of a collection of cloud droplets distributed by volume and possibly also with position in space is discussed by the use of master functions. Elementary considerations show that Poisson statistics are correct for the number of droplets in small ranges of volume or other parameters, and are a good approximation for extended ranges. A theorem is proved concerning the reduction in degree of correlation as droplet collection proceeds. A single numerical example of mathematical rather than physical interest is given.
From Pappus’ Theorem to the Twisted Cubic

We discuss a classical result in planar projective geometry known as Steiner’s theorem involving 12 interlocking applications of Pappus’ theorem. We prove this result using three dimensional projective geometry then uncover the dynamics of this construction and relate them to the geometry of the twisted cubic.
Postbuckling of eccentric open-section stiffened composite panels

A numerical study of the postbuckling behavior of open-section stiffened composite compression panels is presented with emphasis on the effects of an anisotropic attached flange on results, the strain distribution near collapse, and the change of buckle pattern during postbuckling response. Results are obtained for a blade stiffened panel with orthotropic or anisotropic attached flanges from a new verison of STAGS, a general, branched shell, nonlinear computer program. Comparisons between these results indicate the effects of anisotropic flanges on the results. Elastic strain distributions are obtained from STAGS and indications are given about the collapse loads and modes of a particular panel. Change of buckle pattern is studied using STAGS and a special purpose computer program for long plates. Comparisons are made with experimental results.
A leader-follower turn-taking model incorporating beat detection in musical human-robot interaction

This paper describes the implementation of a leader-follower model in a musical HRI based on beat detection analysis and a novel turn taking scheme. The project enables Haile, a robotic percussionist, to fluidly interact with humans in the context of an improvisatory jam session. The long-term goal of this work is to facilitate dynamic interactions between humans and machines that will lead to novel and inspiring musical outcomes.
SHELL MODEL, QUARTETS AND ROTONS IN THE s-d SHELL

The definition of quartet is given in connection with alpha clusters. The structures of 20Ne, 44Ti and 58Ni are discussed from the quartet structure point of view.
The missing voice of culturally relevant teachers in school restructuring

This article addresses the role of exemplary teachers of students of color in educational reform. Using an ethnographic study of two urban junior high schools in the beginning stages of restructuring, I describe threeculturally relevant teachers who create empowering educational experiences for low-achieving African American students. Despite their exemplary practice and their enthusiasm for educational change, thewisdom of practice of these teachers was largely discounted in the restructuring process. They were marginalized by ideological and political contexts which suppressed racial issues and advocacy for African American students and which supported a deficit model of low-achieving African American students. Restructuring fostered little examination of policies, practices, and beliefs which tended to marginalize African American students. This research suggests that professional dialogue and collaboration are mediated by teachers' ideologies and by relations of power in schools and communities. If exemplary teachers of children of color are to influence educational change, reformers need to legitimize their knowledge and sponsor their leadership. Also, reforms that benefit marginalized children of color may require the mobilization and participation of parents and communities of color as well as their teacher-advocates.
Immunohematotoxicity studies with combinations of dapsone and zidovudine.

We investigated the immunohematoxicities of the antiparasitic drug dapsone (DDS) and the antiretroviral drug zidovudine (ZDV, AZT) given alone or in combination in BALB/c mice. DDS is used for prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii infection in AIDS patients. We examined the impact of concurrent administration of these drugs on the immune and hematopoietic systems because DDS causes hematotoxicity and ZDV therapy results in bone marrow toxicity. Daily oral administration of DDS at 25 and 50 mg/kg for 28 days caused a slight anemia, marked methemoglobinemia, reticulocytosis, and a moderate leukopenia (P or = 35% higher than that manifested by splenocytes from vehicle-treated control mice. ZDV at 240 and 480 mg/kg was not immunosuppressive but caused low-grade macrocytic anemia, thrombocytosis, and neutropenia; these effects were drug dose-dependent and statistically significant (P < 0.01). Concurrent administration of DDS and ZDV augmented the severity of ZDV-mediated macrocytic anemia, and 7 of 12 (58%) mice did not survive treatment with the high doses of DDS and ZDV (50 and 480 mg/kg, respectively). On the other hand, co-administration of ZDV mitigated DDS-induced methemoglobinemia and the DDS-associated elevation in lymphoproliferative response. These data suggest interaction between DDS and ZDV in mice and indicate a need for caution in using DDS as long-term therapy in AIDS patients receiving ZDV.
ℵ 0 hypergravity in three dimensions

We construct hypergravity theory in three-dimensions with the gravitino {psi}{sub {mu}}{sub m{sub 1}}{sub {center_dot}}{sub {center_dot}}{sub {center_dot}}{sub m{sub n}}{sup A} with an arbitrary half-integral spin n+3/2, carrying also the index A for certain real representations of any gauge group G. The possible real representations are restricted by the condition that the matrix representation of all the generators are antisymmetric: (T{sup I}){sup AB}=-(T{sup I}){sup BA}. Since such a real representation can be arbitrarily large, this implies aleph{sub 0} hypergravity with infinitely many (aleph{sub 0}) extended local hypersymmetries.
The upper Olduvai geomagnetic field reversal from Death Valley, California: a fold test of transitional directions

High-resolution records of the upper Olduvai geomagnetic field reversal were obtained from two localities within steeply dipping lacustrine sediments of the Confidence Hills, southern Death Valley, California. The difference in bedding attitude between the two localities allowed us to perform a fold test of both transitional and non-transitional paleomagnetic directions. This is the first positive fold test obtained for transitional directions from any geomagnetic field reversal. In addition, variations in lithology allowed a comparison of transitional records from different sedimentary environments. Alternating-field and thermal demagnetization reveals that most samples have either single or simple two-component magnetizations. The low-coercivity, low-blocking temperature component is most likely held by large multidomain grains of magnetite, and aligns with the present-day field when uncorrected for bedding orientation. The high-coercivity component is held primarily by single-and pseudo-single-domain titanomagnetite, as determined from standard magnetic studies and electron microscopy. This component is interpreted as a primary magnetic signature based on the presence of stratigraphically bound reversals in the tilt-corrected data and positive reversal tests. Short-term field variations can be correlated between the two records, and differences are readily explained by the recording process inherent to the two sedimentary environments. The sampling site is located within one of the “preferred” bands of transitional virtual geomagnetic poles (VGP's) [1–3], yet the transitional VGP paths from both localities are clustered within two primary longitudinal bands which are approximately 90° away from the sampling site longitude: one lies over the Atlantic ocean (10°–50°W), and the other, antipodal to this (130°–170°E). These bands are also inconsistent with eight previous studies of the upper Olduvai transition [4–9,3,10]. When all reported studies of this reversal are examined, however, no global consistency exists. Instead, the transitional VGP's are better grouped in a sampling site reference frame.
Raman scattering and tunable electron-phonon coupling in single layer graphene

Abstract Graphene, the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms, is promising for future electronic devices and for studies of fundamental interactions. New behaviors are linked to the extreme reduction in dimensionality to the atomic level and to the presence of Dirac fermion charge carriers. Here we review our recent work on Raman scattering studies in single layer graphene in which carrier densities are gate-modulated by the electric-field-effect (EFE). The couplings of long wavelength optical phonons (the G -band) with Dirac fermions display remarkable changes in energy and line-width that are tunable by the EFE. In these studies Raman methods emerge as tools for studies of unique properties of charge carriers in graphene such as particle–hole symmetry of Dirac fermions and the impact of disorder.
Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 6C presenting as recurrent prosthetic knee joint infection in a patient with a history of congenital asplenia and underlying autoimmune disease: a case report and literature review

This report describes a case of primary Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia with prosthetic joint infection caused by serotype 6C with recurrent infection in a patient with a history of congenital asplenia and underlying autoimmune disease. Isolates from the primary and recurrent infections were determined to be indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This study expands the conditions associated with recurrent invasive pneumococcal disease caused by serotype 6C.
Cryptosporidiosis in Washington State: An Outbreak Associated with Well Water

In 1994, an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurred in a rural community in Washington State where water was supplied by two deep unchlorinated wells. Confirmed case-patients had a stool specimen containing Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Probable case-patients had diarrhea lasting > or = 5 days. Sixty-two households (68.1% of 91) responded to a survey. Eighty-six cases (15 confirmed, 71 probable) were identified, for an attack rate of 50.9% (86/169 residents). Drinking unboiled well water was associated with being a case-patient (relative risk, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-3.82), and a significant dose-response relationship was found between water consumption and illness (P = .004). Water that was presumed to be treated wastewater from a piped irrigation system was found dripping along one well's outer casing, which was extensively rusted. Presumptive Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in well water and in treated wastewater. This investigation demonstrates that even underground water systems are vulnerable to contamination.
Mind and Body: Dialogue and Posture for Affect Detection in Learning Environments

We investigated the potential of automatic detection of a learner's affective states from posture patterns and dialogue features obtained from an interaction with AutoTutor, an intelligent tutoring system with conversational dialogue. Training and validation data were collected from the sensors in a learning session with AutoTutor, after which the affective states of the learner were rated by the learner, a peer, and two trained judges. Machine learning experiments with several standard classifiers indicated that the dialogue and posture features could individually discriminate between the affective states of boredom, confusion, flow (engagement), and frustration. Our results also indicate that a combination of the dialogue and posture features does improve classification accuracy. However, the incremental gains associated with the combination of the two sensors were not sufficient to exhibit superadditivity (i.e., performance superior to an additive combination of individual channel). Instead, the combination of posture and dialogue reflected a modest amount of redundancy among these channels.
Gas–solid fluidization in a centrifugal field

The nature of fluidization and the behavior of particles in a centrifugal field are discussed. Powders are classified into four groups (A, B, C, and D) following Geldart based on their fluidization behavior. A simple general model, agreeing with conventional fluidized beds and usable for variable “g,” is proposed to determine the transition boundary between group A and C particles. The general model for conventional fluidized beds by Foscolo and Gibiloro was used to determine the boundary between group A and B particles, and the semiempirical equation of Molerus for the boundary between group B and D particles in a centrifugal field. Theoretical analysis showed that group A particles can shift to group B, and group C particles can shift to group A under a centrifugal force. Therefore, certain group C particles can be fluidized in rotating fluidized beds. For very high “g,” however, such particles shift to group D and cannot be fluidized. Experiments in a horizontal rotating fluidized bed under different “g” forces to check the theoretical analysis confirmed that Geldart group C particles (7 μm alumina), which cannot be fluidized in a conventional fluidized bed, can fluidize in a rotating fluidized bed operating at a sufficiently high rotating speed to shift them into group A or B. Similarly, in a series of experiments in a rotating fluidized bed, group A particles behaved as group B.
i-SEGOPubmed: a web interface for semantic enabled browsing of PubMed using Gene Ontology

The rapid progress in bioinformatics and functional genomics lead to a vast amount of scientific literature. PubMed is one of the leading repositories and has approximately 20 million abstracts. Browsing such a huge repository to find relevant information as well as providing e-learning service requires new generation of interfaces. Methods such as GOPubmed are using keyword-based techniques. Keyword-based search methods often yield results that are not meaningful to the query. This problem can be partially addressed using a semantic enabled interface for browsing and information retrieval. A web interface called i-SEGOPubmed is being developed in CVPIA lab at the University of Memphis. i-SEGOPubmed enables semantically meaningful browsing of large volume of semi-structured data such as Pubmed using Gene Ontology. i-SEGOPubmed employs a client-server computing model. The SEGOPubmed engine [1] is used to process queries and web interface is using the Java Web Start, which uses Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP) for downloading the application from the server to the client. Once the application is downloaded, Java Web Start initializes the application to check for the local resources. i-SEGOPubmed requires JRE (Java Runtime Environment) for its execution. It uses the Java Sockets to establish a data communication between the interface running on the client machine and the query processing done on the server machine. The server machine has a dedicated Server Socket listening to client requests. Once the server receives a request, it initializes a full duplex communication channel between the server and the client machine. Using this data channel, the interface sends the query to the server for further processing. Figure ​Figure11 shows the system architecture and the information flow of the proposed i-SEGOPubmed. Figure 1 Schematic diagram and information flow of the proposed i-SEGOPubmed.
School Start Time and Adolescent Sleep Patterns: Results From the US National Comorbidity Survey—Adolescent Supplement

Objectives. We estimated associations between school start time and adolescent weeknight bedtime, weeknight sleep duration, and weekend compensatory sleep and assessed whether associations differ by age, sex, or urbanicity.Methods. We used a subsample of a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of 7308 students aged 13 to 18 years attending 245 schools to estimate associations of school start time, reported by school principals, with weeknight bedtime and sleep duration and weekend compensatory sleep, reported during adolescent face-to-face interviews.Results. Start time was positively associated with weeknight bedtime. Associations between start time and weeknight sleep duration were nonlinear and were strongest for start times of 8:00 am and earlier. Associations differed by sex and urbanicity, with the strongest association among boys in major metropolitan counties. Start time was negatively associated with sleep duration among boys in nonurban counties. Start time was not associated with we...
NeuA Sialic Acid O-Acetylesterase Activity Modulates O-Acetylation of Capsular Polysaccharide in Group B Streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. A major GBS virulence determinant is its sialic acid (Sia)-capped capsular polysaccharide. Recently, we discovered the presence and genetic basis of capsular Sia O-acetylation in GBS. We now characterize a GBS Sia O-acet- ylesterase that modulates the degree of GBS surface O-acetyla- tion. The GBS Sia O-acetylesterase operates cooperatively with the GBS CMP-Sia synthetase, both part of a single polypeptide encoded by the neuA gene. NeuA de-O-acetylation of free 9-O- acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5,9Ac2) was enhanced by CTP and Mg 2 , the substrate and co-factor, respectively, of the N-terminal GBS CMP-Sia synthetase domain. In contrast, the homologous bifunctional NeuA esterase from Escherichia coli K1 did not display cofactor dependence. Further analyses showed that in vitro, GBS NeuA can operate via two alternate enzymatic pathways: de-O-acetylation of Neu5,9Ac2 followed by CMP activation of Neu5Ac or activation of Neu5,9Ac2 fol- lowed by de-O-acetylation of CMP-Neu5,9Ac2. Consistent with in vitro esterase assays, genetic deletion of GBS neuA led to accumulation of intracellular O-acetylated Sias, and overexpres- sion of GBS NeuA reduced O-acetylation of Sias on the bacterial surface. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved asparagine residue 301 abolished esterase activity but preserved CMP-Sia synthetase activity, as evidenced by hyper-O-acetylation of capsular polysac- charide Sias on GBS expressing only the N301A NeuA allele. These studies demonstrate a novel mechanism regulating the extent of capsular Sia O-acetylation in intact bacteria and provide a genetic strategy for manipulating GBS O-acetylation in order to explore the role of this modification in GBS pathogenesis and immunogenicity. N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) 2 is the most common type of sialic acid (Sia) found in nature and is present as an outer
Robotic telepresence: a helpful adjunct that is viewed favorably by critically ill surgical patients

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to assess how surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients and their families would perceive robotic telepresence. We hypothesized that they would view such technology positively. Methods This research was an Institutional Review Board–approved prospective observational study. Our robotic telepresence program augmented the SICU multidisciplinary team rounding process. We anonymously surveyed patients and their families on their perceptions. Those who interacted at least once with the robot served as our participant base. Results Twenty-four patients and 26 family members completed the survey. Ninety-two percent of respondents were comfortable with the robot, and 84% believed communication was “easy.” Ninety percent did not perceive the robot as “annoying” and 92% did not believe that “the doctor cared less about them” because of the robot. Ninety-two percent of respondents supported the continued use of the robot. Conclusions Robotic telepresence was viewed positively by patients and their families in the SICU. Furthermore, they believed the robot was beneficial to their care and indicated their support for its continued use.
Effect of C-reactive protein on normal human leukocytes.

Conclusions and summaryOn the basis of studies using the slide cell technic to determine the effect of human C-reactive protein on normal human leukocytes, the following conclusions are indicated. 1. Purified human C-reactive protein in final concentrations higher than 0.005 mg/cc destroys normal human leukocytes. 2. Purified human C-reactive protein in lower concentrations stimulates the migration of normal human leukocytes. 3. C carbohydrate, sodium citrate, and normal human serum protein do not stimulate normal human leukocytes in the concentrations employed in this study. 4. The acute phase human sera tested caused increased migration of normal human leukocytes by virtue of their content of C-reactive protein. 5. Human serum diminishes at least in part in the toxic effect of the C-reactive protein on normal human leukocytes.
The Vertical Structure of the Outer Milky Way H I Disk

We examine the outer Galactic H i disk for deviations from the b ¼ 0 � plane by constructing maps of disk surface density, mean height, and thickness. We find that the Galactic warp is well described by a vertical offset plus two Fourier modes of frequency m ¼ 1 and 2, all of which grow with galactocentric radius. Adding the m ¼ 2m ode accounts for the large asymmetry between the northern and southern warps. We use a Morlet wavelet transform to investigate the spatial and frequency localization of higher frequency modes; these modes are often referred to as ‘‘scalloping.’’ We find that the m ¼ 10 and 15 scalloping modes are well above the noise, but localized; this suggests that the scalloping does not pervade the whole disk, but only local regions. Subject headingg Galaxy: disk — Galaxy: kinematics and dynamics — Galaxy: structure — ISM: structure — radio lines: general
Transmittance through anthropogenic dust clouds

Measurements of transmittance through dust and debris clouds generated by explosions and moving vehicles from five field tests involving 120 trials were analyzed to determine the degree to which transmittance is wavelength dependent. Statistical tests to determine whether the amounts of time transmittance were reduced to specified levels that were significantly different for various wavelengths revealed, in general, no consistent wavelength dependence. Relationships between the extinction coefficient for IR spectral and visible regions have been established for specific explosive types and soil conditions involved in some of these tests.
Artificial neural network for identification and tracking control of a flexible joint single-link robot

An artificial neural network for identification and tracking control of a nonlinear flexible joint robot with model reference adaptive control structure is developed. Neural network identification (NNI) is used to obtain a dynamic model of a flexible joint robot to be controlled. Once NNI has closely matched the dynamic model of a flexible joint robot, neural network control (NNC) of tracking trajectory of a flexible joint robot is designed. Both tasks are completed using the backpropagation neural network. The method is shown to be a more simple, robust and adaptive learning control system than traditional control design for tracking control of a flexible joint single-link robot.
Examining Intergovernmental and Interorganizational Response to Catastrophic Disasters: Toward a Network-Centered Approach

This research focused on the interorganizational and intergovernmental response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The study used the concepts from the network and partnerships literature and used current techniques of network analysis. The study found that the use of intergovernmental and interorganizational response to coordinate complex operations in multiorganizational environments of catastrophic disasters was not successful in responding to both Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005. The research suggests that more investment should be made in community capacity building at the local and state levels for successful and effective partnerships in responding to catastrophic disasters. In this research, the local and state levels are shown to be faster in response and future research should focus on local, state, and federal resources coordination in response to catastrophic disasters.
Improved algorithms for partitioning tree and linear task graphs on shared memory architecture

In parallel and distributed computing, the overall system performance is significantly influenced by how a task graph representing an application is mapped onto a specific multiprocessor topology. In this paper, algorithms with improved performance are proposed to map tree and linear task graphs onto shared memory multiprocessing architectures. Specifically, the task graphs are partitioned with our algorithms so that the load is balanced, processor utilisation is maximized, and the communication demand on the interconnection network is minimized in a shared memory multiprocessor. All the proposed algorithms are polynomial in time complexity. Bottleneck and processor minimization algorithms of this type are proposed. The bandwidth minimization algorithm has a complexity of O(n + p log q) (q/spl les/p/spl les/n), in contrast with the complexity of O(n log n) for the best known algorithm in the literature. Furthermore, we have identified cases where our algorithm will run in linear time on the average. >
Measuring the importance of cues in judgment for individuals: Subjective theories of IQ as a function of heredity and environment

Abstract To measure the relative subjective importance attached to heredity and environment, undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty were asked to predict the IQ scores of hypothetical adopted children based on the IQs of the biological mother and father, the IQs of the adoptive parents, and the socioeconomic status of the adoptive parents. Intuitive predictions of IQ were inconsistent with additive, multiple regression models. Rather, the data for individual subjects were consistent with a configural-weight averaging model. Weights derived from this model were correlated with ratings of the relative importance of cues. Judges who rated the environment more important not only had greater weights for the environmental variables, but also placed greater weight on high rather than low scores. The judges who rated heredity more important than environment had greater estimated weights for heredity information and for lower-valued information. Results were thus consistent with the hypothesis that model-derived relative weights and individuals ratings of the relative importance of cues are both measures of the importance that individuals attach to these cues.
The Role of Inflammation in Brain Cancer

Malignant brain tumors are among the most lethal of human tumors, with limited treatment options currently available. A complex array of recurrent genetic and epigenetic changes has been observed in gliomas that collectively result in derangements of common cell signaling pathways controlling cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. One important determinant of gene expression is DNA methylation status, and emerging studies have revealed the importance of a recently identified demethylation pathway involving 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Diminished levels of the modified base 5hmC is a uniform finding in glioma cell lines and patient samples, suggesting a common defect in epigenetic reprogramming. Within the tumor microenvironment, infiltrating immune cells increase oxidative DNA damage, likely promoting both genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during glioma evolution. In this environment, glioma cells are selected that utilize multiple metabolic changes, including changes in the metabolism of the amino acids glutamate, tryptophan, and arginine. Whereas altered metabolism can promote the destruction of normal tissues, glioma cells exploit these changes to promote tumor cell survival and to suppress adaptive immune responses. Further understanding of these metabolic changes could reveal new strategies that would selectively disadvantage tumor cells and redirect host antitumor responses toward eradication of these lethal tumors.
Work, Family, and Mental Health: Testing Different Models of Work‐Family Fit

Using family resilience theory, this study examined the effects of work-family conflict and work-family facilitation on mental health among working adults to gain a better understanding of work-family fit. Data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) were used to compare different combinations of work-family conflict and work-family facilitation. Results suggest that family to work facilitation is a family protective factor that offsets and buffers the deleterious effects of work-family conflict on mental health. The results across these outcomes suggest that work-family conflict and facilitation must be considered separately, and that adult mental health is optimized when family to work facilitation is high and family to work and work to family conflict is low.
Habitat Characteristics and Nest Success of Snowy Plovers Associated with California Least Tern Colonies

Abstract Nest success of Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) was estimated at six sites in San Diego County, California, to determine the effects of habitat characteristics and social factors on predation risk. Egg predation was expected to be lower for plovers nesting among Least Terns (Sterna antillarum) because of benefits associated with nesting under the “protective umbrella” of a colonial species. Snowy Plovers nested adjacent to objects and in areas with more vegetation cover than random sites in beach and fill habitats and in areas with more debris cover in beach and salt pan habitats. Estimated nest success from 1994–1997 was 50%, and most predation was attributed to corvids, primarily Common Ravens (Corvus corax). Social factors, including distance to nearest Least Tern and Snowy Plover nests, predicted nest success whereas habitat characteristics did not. Nest success was greatest for plovers nesting closest to an active tern nest and nesting at intermediate distances to conspecifics. Nest ...
Migration of germline progenitor cells is directed by sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling in a basal chordate

The colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri continuously regenerates entire bodies in an asexual budding process. The germ line of the newly developing bodies is derived from migrating germ cell precursors, but the signals governing this homing process are unknown. Here we show that germ cell precursors can be prospectively isolated based on expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase and integrin alpha-6, and that these cells express germ cell markers such as vasa, pumilio and piwi, as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor. In vitro, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) stimulates migration of germ cells, which depends on integrin alpha-6 activity. In vivo, S1P signalling is essential for homing of germ cells to newly developing bodies. S1P is generated by sphingosine kinase in the developing germ cell niche and degraded by lipid phosphate phosphatase in somatic tissues. These results demonstrate a previously unknown role of the S1P signalling pathway in germ cell migration in the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri.
Sylvester's Theorem for Matrices with Smooth Entries

(1982). Sylvester's Theorem for Matrices with Smooth Entries. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 89, No. 8, pp. 586-587.
Recently discovered 3.42–3.23 Ga impact layers, Barberton Belt, South Africa: 3.8 Ga detrital zircons, Archean impact history, and tectonic implications

The Barberton greenstone belt (BGB) includes eight known layers containing spherical particles (spherules) that condensed from rock vapor clouds formed by the impact of large meteorites or asteroids 3.47–3.23 Ga. Previous studies have inferred that the spherules represent bolides at least 20–70 km across. Spherule beds S1–S4 have been previously characterized in detail: we provide here the first detailed analysis of more recently discovered beds S5–S8. All eight beds are composed of the same basic compositional and textural spherule types, including nearly pure silica spherules representing nonaluminous melt precursors, nearly pure phyllosilicate spherules representing mostly mafic and ultramafic liquids, and compositionally mixed spherules. Evidence of spherule amalgamation and surface corrosion within the rock vapor clouds is developed in some beds. Bed S6, which occurs within a thick sequence of ultramafic volcanic rocks, is overlain by a tsunami layer containing zircons as old as 3811 ± 7 Ma, suggesting deep, possibly impact-related crustal uplift and erosion in distant areas. The formation of at least 8 major impact layers representing bolides 20–70 km in diameter over an interval of ∼240 m.y. suggests impact rates greatly exceeding those of later geologic time, and provides direct evidence that terrestrial bombardment by large bolides did not end abruptly at 3.8 Ga, but waned gradually until 3.0 Ga or even later. The coincidence of at least four large impact layers and the initiation of BGB deformation at 3.26–3.23 Ga suggests that an impact cluster at this time may have disrupted a long-lived earlier geodynamic system and triggered the development of a contrasting, more modern plate tectonic regime.
Spinal Reflex Conditioning: Mechanisms and Implications

Operant conditioning protocols that induce and maintain specific descending influence over spinal cord reflex pathways can gradually change these reflexes. These protocols create a complex hierarchy of plasticity in which plasticity in the brain induces and maintains the plasticity in the spinal cord that directly underlies reflex change. Thus, they provide a powerful model for studying the substrates of motor learning. In addition, because spinal cord reflexes contribute to behaviors such as locomotion, and because abnormalities in these reflexes often contribute to the motor impairments caused by spinal cord injury and other disorders, operant conditioning protocols provide a promising new therapeutic approach to improving recovery. In both animals and humans with incomplete spinal cord injuries, an appropriately selected operant conditioning protocol can restore more normal locomotion.
Optical Ultrasound Detection in Photoacoustic Microscopy

Comparing with piezoelectric ultrasound detectors, optical ultrasound detectors provide several benefits including improved detection sensitivity, extended bandwidth, device miniaturization, optical transparency, and potential mechanical flexibility. These features may bring photoacoustic microscopy to broader biomedical applications.
Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Injury, Renal Angina and Epidemiology in Critically Ill Children (AWARE): A Prospective Study to Improve Diagnostic Precision.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcomes in critically ill children. Recent international consensus panels recommend standardized classification systems to improve the precision of AKI diagnosis, but there is a paucity of data to enable this refinement, particularly in pediatric critical care. Methods/Design: This is a prospective observational study. We anticipate collecting data from more than 5500 critically ill children admitted to 32 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) across the world, during the calendar year of 2014. Data will be collected continuously for three months at each center on all children older than 90 days and younger than 25 years admitted to the ICU. Demographic, resuscitative, and daily physiological and lab data will be captured at individual centers using MediData Rave™, a commercial system designed to manage and report clinical research data. Kidney specific measured variables include changes in serum creatinine and urine output, cumulative fluid overload (%), serum creatinine corrected for fluid balance, and KDIGO AKI stage. Urinary AKI biomarkers to be measured include: urinary neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (l-FABP), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Biomarker combinations will be created from different pairs and triplets of urinary biomarkers. The primary analysis will compare the discrimination of these panels versus changes in creatinine for prediction of severe AKI by Day 7 of ICU admission. Secondary analysis will investigate the prediction of biomarkers for injury ‘time based phenotypes’: duration (>2 days), severity (KDIGO stage, use of renal replacement therapy), reversibility (time to return of serum creatinine to baseline), association with fluid overload > 10%, and disease association (sepsis, hypovolemia, hypoxemia, or nephrotoxic). Discussion: The Assessment of Worldwide Acute Kidney Injury, Renal Angina and Epidemiology (AWARE) study will be the largest ever prospective study of any disease process in pediatric critical care. Data from AWARE will enable refinement of AKI classification. AWARE creates the largest ever all-cause pediatric AKI data warehouse and biologic sample repository, providing a broad and invaluable resource for critical care nephrologists seeking to study risk factors, prediction, identification, and treatment options for a disease syndrome with high associated morbidity affecting a significant proportion of hospitalized children. Improving the precision of AKI diagnosis using biomarker combinations provides a foundation for targeted, personalized therapy for different injury phenotypes. Trial registration number: NCT01987921.
Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess

Tonsillitis is one of the most common childhood infections. Occasionally, it can lead to one of the most common deep space head and neck infections, peritonsillar abscess. The epidemiology, microbiology and treatment of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess are similar and crucial for the primary care physician, infectious disease specialist, otolaryngologist, and emergency medicine physician to understand. The routine use of tonsillectomy as a treatment option for recurrent tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess has decreased over the last decade and clearer indications for surgery have emerged. This chapter provides an overview of the most recent literature regarding the epidemiology, microbiology, diagnosis, complications and management of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. It also discusses the indications for tonsillectomy along with its complications.