cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of state transportation agencies acquiring trenchless technologies: A comparison of open cut and horizontal auger boring

Abstract As State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) explore efficient and economical means to repair and replace culverts, trenchless technologies are increasingly becoming the method of choice. This is because trenchless technologies provide several advantages including eliminating or minimizing the risks and social costs of the traditional open-cut method. DOTs are also faced with the option of using their in-house crew or a specialty contractor. The choice between contractor and in-house crew is considered during the value engineering process. When using their own crew, the DOT may elect to use open cut or an applicable trenchless technology. However, state DOTs have a scope and dollar limit above which they must award a project through competitive bidding. It is therefore important for DOT’s to determine if there is an adequate number of projects below this limit and scope to maximize the utilization of the equipment. Culvert installations completed by ODOT’s own crew using an acquired horizontal auger boring (HAB) machine and the open-cut method were observed, and data collected. The research analyzed the direct costs and social costs for both HAB and open cut, and the payback for the acquired HAB system. The findings in this study indicate that the HAB technique is an economical alternative over open cut for replacement of culverts with depth of cover exceeding three feet. The findings also show that both HAB and open cut had a negative impact on the traveling public during construction; however, the impact of open cut was considerably higher. This paper can serve as a platform for other agencies to determine if it makes economic sense for them to acquire trenchless technologies.
Escritos desobedientes: nuevos actores, nueva escritura

We made the present review from the reading of the book Disobedient Writings, published in 2018 by the grouping Disobedient Stories: relatives of genocide by memory, truth and justice. The text narrates the emergence of the collective through the life stories of its members and official publications made in social networks and media. We consider that one of the most significant characteristics lies in the collective trait of his writing.
Comparison of microwave remote sensing and land surface modeling for surface soil moisture climatology estimation

Abstract Climatology (mean seasonal cycle) errors often cause large differences between soil moisture products. However, relatively little work has been done to objectively evaluate soil moisture mean seasonal cycle (SMC) information acquired from different sources. This study evaluates surface (0–10 cm) SMCs obtained from four land surface models (LSMs), two C/X-band and two L-band remote-sensing (RS) products using 5 dense networks and 75 sparse in-situ soil moisture measurement sites located within the contiguous United States. Results show that relative to older C/X-band products derived from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E), newer L-band products derived from the Soil Moisture Ocean and Salinity (SMOS) mission provide more accurate SMC estimates (with an average of 35% root-mean-square-error reduction). In fact, the latest SMOS INRA-CESBIO (SMOS-IC) product provides SMC intra-seasonal variability and dynamic range information that is 3–34% and 2–37% more accurate, respectively, than all four LSM-based SMCs examined here. Hence, SMC validation against SMOS-IC SMC results may improve LSMs' ability to accurately capture SMC characteristics, and the common strategy of scaling remote sensing SMC information to match LSM SMC estimates is likely sub-optimal for assimilating L-band soil moisture retrievals. Although the SMOS-IC product has made significant progresses towards retrieving absolute soil moisture values, a temporally constant dry bias is found in SMOS-IC surface SMCs over all land cover types. Addressing this bias should be a priority for future generations of SMOS retrieval algorithms.
Memory-Aware Active Learning in Mobile Sensing Systems

We propose a novel active learning framework for activity recognition, which takes limitations of the oracle into account when selecting wearable sensor data for annotation. It is inspired by human-beings' limited capacity to respond to prompts on their mobile device, introducing the notion of mindful active learning and proposing a computational framework, called EMMA, to maximize the active learning performance taking informativeness of sensor data, query budget, and human memory into account. We formulate this optimization problem, propose an approach to model memory retention, discuss the complexity of the problem, and propose a greedy heuristic to solve it. Additionally, we design an approach to perform mindful active learning in batch where multiple sensor observations are selected simultaneously for querying and design two instantiations of EMMA to perform active learning in batch mode. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using three datasets and by simulating oracles with various memory strengths. Our results indicate that EMMA achieves an accuracy of, on average, 13.5% higher than the case when only informativeness of samples is considered. We observe that mindful active learning is most beneficial when the query budget is small and/or the oracle's memory is weak.
Co-ion specific effect on sodium halides sorption and transport in a cross-linked poly(p-styrene sulfonate-co-divinylbenzene) for membrane applications

Abstract Sodium halide sorption and transport in a cation exchange membrane based on cross-linked poly(p-styrene sulfonate-co-divinylbenzene) (CR61) were investigated experimentally and theoretically. At fixed co-ion valence, sodium halide partitioning between aqueous electrolyte solutions and ion exchange polymers is only minimally sensitive to co-ion chemical identity. NaCl, NaF and NaI exhibit similar solubility coefficients in CR61, which agrees reasonably well with predictions of the Donnan-Manning model, especially at high external salt concentrations. Ion activity coefficients in the membrane were evaluated and ion sorption thermodynamics were investigated. Ion diffusion coefficients in CR61 were predicted using a recently developed framework based on the Manning diffusion model, which accounts for electrostatic effects on ion diffusion, and the Mackie-Meares model, which accounts for tortuosity/area effects on ion diffusion in swollen polymers. Model predictions agree reasonably well with the experimental data, especially at high external salt concentrations. The observed decrease in salt diffusion coefficients in CR61 relative to values in aqueous solutions is due primarily to tortuosity/area effects. Salt diffusion coefficients correlate with co-ion hydrated radius and membrane water content. Finally, salt permeability coefficients predicted using the solution-diffusion model exhibit good agreement with experimental data, especially at external salt concentration greater than 0.1 mol/L.
Routine Basic Metabolic Panels Are Not Needed in All Patients After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Opportunity for Cost Reduction.

Abstract Background As the incidence of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) increases, identifying methods for cost reduction is essential. Basic metabolic panels (BMPs) are obtained routinely after TJA. We aimed at assessing the prevalence of intervention secondary to abnormal BMPs after primary TJA and at identifying predictors of the need for postoperative BMPs. Methods We reviewed 802 cases (758 patients) of primary lower-extremity TJA performed from January 1 through December 31, 2018, at our tertiary care medical center. Patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative BMPs, comorbidities, current medications, and in-hospital interventions were recorded. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (AA-CCI) values were calculated. Institutional costs of 1 BMP and of all BMPs not prompting intervention were calculated. We used multiple regression to identify independent predictors of in-hospital interventions secondary to abnormal postoperative BMPs. Results Our institutional BMP cost was $36. A total of 1032 postoperative BMPs were ordered; 958 (93%) prompted no intervention. This equated to $34,488 of avoidable BMP costs. We identified 27 cases (3.4%) requiring intervention secondary to abnormal BMPs. Independent predictors of intervention were preoperative renal dysfunction (ie, abnormal creatinine or glomerular filtration rate Conclusion Routine postoperative BMPs are unwarranted for most patients undergoing primary TJA. Testing may be reserved for those with renal dysfunction, those taking multiple nephrotoxic medications, or those with a high AA-CCI value.
Theoretical kinetic studies of Venus chemistry. Formation and destruction of SCl, SCl2, and HSCl

Abstract Accurate and thorough characterization of the chemistry of compounds containing the third-row elements sulfur and chlorine is critical for modeling the composition of the atmosphere of Venus. We have used a combination of ab initio quantum chemistry and kinetic theory to characterize a group of nine exothermic reactions that involve the exotic sulfur‑chlorine species SCl, SCl2, and HSCl, which are thought to be present in trace quantities in the atmosphere of Venus and are included to various degrees in the published atmospheric models. Reaction pathways were characterized with coupled cluster theory at the RCCSD(T) level with triple ζ quality correlation consistent basis sets. For reactions with barriers that lie above the reactant asymptote, the barrier height was extrapolated to the RCCSD(T) complete basis set level via single-point calculations with quadruple and quintuple ζ quality sets. Rate coefficients were predicted with capture theory and transition state theory as appropriate. We have found that in some cases addition-elimination reactions can compete with abstraction reactions due to the tendency of sulfur to form hypervalent compounds and intermediates via recoupled pair bonding.
Are Patient Outcomes Affected by the Presence of a Fellow or Resident in Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of a fellow or resident (F/R) compared to a physician assistant (PA) affected surgical variables or short-term patient outcomes. Summary of background data Although orthopedic spine fellows and residents must participate in minimum number of decompression surgeries to gain competency, the impact of trainee presence on patient outcomes has not been assessed. Methods One hundred and seventy-one patients that underwent a one- to three-level lumbar spine decompression procedure at a high-volume academic center were retrospectively identified. Operative reports from all cases were examined and patients were placed into one of two groups based on whether the first assist was a F/R or a PA. Univariate analysis was used to compare differences in total surgery duration, 30-day and 90-day readmissions, infection and revision rates, patient-reported outcome measures (Short Form-12 Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score, Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale [VAS] Back, VAS Leg) between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to assess change in each patient reported outcome and multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of revision, infection, and 30- or 90-day readmission. Results Seventy-eight patients were included in the F/R group compared to 93 patients in the PA group. There were no differences between groups for total surgery time, 30-day or 90-day readmissions, infection, or revision rates. Using univariate analysis, there were no differences between the two groups pre- or postoperatively (P > 0.05). Using multivariate analysis, presence of a surgical trainee did not significantly influence any patient reported outcome and did not affect infection, revision, or 30- and 90-day readmission rates. Conclusion This is one of the first studies to show that the presence of an orthopedic spine fellow or resident does not affect patient short-term outcomes in lumbar decompression surgery. Level of evidence 3.
Influence of Bulk and Surface Interactions from Thick, Porous, Soil-based Substrates on the Spreading Behavior of Different Viscosity Oils

Abstract Crude oils and motor oils are commonly identified in oil spills on land. Controlling and understanding their flow both across and into land is of paramount importance to minimize spread and subsequent damage to the ecosystem. Spreading kinetics and surface energy studies were conducted with these oils over several realistic soil-based matrixes, consisting of topsoil (silt-dominant), sand, clay, and moisture. Spreading area through a 1.3 cm deep matrix was reduced with increased moisture content, densely packed matrixes, and higher viscosity oils. Initial contact angle (CA) measurements for all oils was typically lower on clay matrixes due to its sheet-like structure and high absorption capabilities. Individual droplet penetration took longer at lower MC in direct contradiction to bulk kinetics studies, suggesting different spreading behavior across the surface border. Low viscosity oils recorded the highest lateral spreads, and incomplete wetting profiles were identified for most conditions tested. Importantly, dimensionless profiles of droplet diameter and CA with time did not conform to universal behavior, with statistically significant influences of matrix heterogeneity, oil viscosity, and ill-controlled surface roughness identified. Flow regimes of oil droplets instead conformed to vertical spreading through thick matrixes, and a delayed lateral spreading that occurred quite late into the total penetration time of the droplet. These findings, obtained from studying realistic soil-based matrixes, draws new conclusions regarding the important influences of matrix thickness, variable porosity, and chemical heterogeneity on fluid flow behavior. This new knowledge will assist in the development of future containment efforts surrounding oil spills.
The effect of avian brood parasitism on physiological responses of host nestlings

Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other species that may provide care for the foreign offspring. Brood parasitism often imparts substantial fitness losses upon host nestlings when they are raised alongside the typically more competitive, larger, and older parasitic chick(s). Whereas fitness costs due to reduced host offspring survival in parasitized broods have been studied in detail, the physiological changes in host nestlings caused by parasitic nestmate(s) are less well known. We compared prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) nestlings, a host of the nest-sharing brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), in experimentally parasitized vs. non-parasitized broods. Our aim was to determine whether cohabitation with brood parasitic young impacted host nestling baseline corticosterone plasma concentrations, immune responses, body condition, and mortality. Corticosterone levels and body condition of host nestlings were similar between nests with or without a cowbird nestmate, whereas host immune responses were lower and nestling mortality was greater in parasitized broods, irrespective of variation in brood size or total brood mass. We detected no trade-offs of baseline corticosterone levels with either immune responses or with body condition. These results suggest that this host species' nestlings experience some adverse fitness-relevant physiological effects in parasitized broods, but are also resilient in other aspects when coping with brood parasitism.
Knowlton Roberts II (B): Epilogue

This second part of the two-part case updated from the Knowlton Roberts case series (UVA-OB-0737 and 0738) provides an epilogue to the manager's ultimate decision of whether or not to take a new job. His decision and how it is communicated to his boss and his boss's reaction are the meat of the B case. Excerpt UVA-OB-1026 Oct. 26, 2011 KNOWLTON ROBERTS II (B): EPILOGUE Within a few weeks of his initial contact with a recruiter, Dr. Knowlton Roberts II was offered and immediately accepted a position in a newly acquired division of a large pharmaceutical company. Dr. Jeffrey Kim remembers how stunned he was to open his home mailbox one Saturday and read the following letter from Roberts: Dr. Knowton Roberts II 1234 Scenic Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 Dear Jeffrey, . . .
Carbon Nanotubes: Science and Applications

STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBES, Jie Han Bonding of Carbon Atoms Defect-Free Nanotube Defective Nanotubes Electrical Properties Optical and Optoelectronic Properties Mechanical and Electromechanical Properties Magnetic and Electromagnetic Properties Chemical and Electrochemical Properties Thermal and Thermoelectric Properties COMPUTATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY OF CARBON NANOTUBES, Deepak Srivastava Multiscale Simulation Techniques for Computational Nanotechnology Structure and Symmetry Nanomechanics and Thermal Properties Chemical Functionalization, Physisorption, and Diffusion in Carbon Nanotubes Nanoelectronics and Sensors Summary and Outlook GROWTH OF CARBON NANOTUBES BY ARC DISCHARGE AND LASER ABLATION, Alexander P. Moravsky, Eugene M. Wexler, and Raouf O. Loutfy Arc Discharge Production of MWNTs MWNT Production by Laser Ablation of Graphite Arc Discharge Production of SWNTs Arc Discharge Production of DWNTs SWNT Production by Laser Ablation of Carbon-Metal Target Conclusions GROWTH: CVD AND PECVD, M. Meyyappan Growth Apparatus Catalyst Preparation Growth Results Growth Mechanisms Modeling and Diagnostics Challenges and Future Directions CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES IN CARBON NANOTUBE RESEARCH, K. McGuire and A.M. Rao Electron Microscopy Atomic Force and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Properties Characterization Electrical Conductivity Measurements Thermoelectric Measurements Raman Spectroscopy X-Ray Diffraction Summary APPLICATIONS IN SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY, Cattien V. Nguyen Development of the Atomic Force Microscope and the Role of the Scanning Probe Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes in the Context of SPM Applications Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube Scanning Probes Applications of Carbon Nanotube Probes Summary NANOELECTRONICS APPLICATIONS, Toshishige Yamada Carrier Characterization Doping Methods SWNT FETs Intermolecular Metal-Semiconductor SWNT Heterojunctions SWNT pn Junction as Esaki Diode Single-Electron Tunneling Devices Using SWNTs Other Semiconducting SWNT Devices Transport in Metallic SWNTs General Remarks on NanoFETs FIELD EMISSION, Philippe Sarrazin Structure and Microstructure of CNT Emitters Applications of CNT Emitters Conclusions CARBON NANOTUBE APPLICATIONS: CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL SENSORS, Jing Li Carbon Nanotube Chemical Sensors Carbon Nanotube Physical Sensors and Actuators Summary and Outlook APPLICATIONS: BIOSENSORS, Jun Li Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube Biosensors Biosensing Applications Summary and Future Directions APPLICATIONS: COMPOSITES, E.V. Barrera, M.L. Shofner, and E.L. Corral Nanotube Superiority Polymer Nanocomposites Nanotube-Metal Composites Ceramic Matrix Composites Summary and Outlook OTHER APPLICATIONS, M. Meyyappan Applications in Integrated Circuit Manufacturing Catalyst Support and Absorbents Storage/Intercalation of Metals Membranes and Separation
The list-length effect does not discriminate between models of recognition memory

Dennis, Lee, and Kinnell (2008) claimed that they obtained evidence for a null list-length effect (LLE) for recognition memory, and that their finding was consistent with context-noise models and inconsistent with item-noise models of memory. This claim has since been repeated in several articles (e.g., Kinnell & Dennis, 2011; Turner, Dennis, & Van Zandt, 2013). However, a more thorough investigation of their data indicates that Dennis et al.’s findings are inconclusive, and their assertion that empirical observations of the LLE may distinguish between item-noise and context-noise models is debatable. In fact, their findings provide very little evidence in favor of a null LLE; there is actually a credible positive LLE in one condition of their experiment, a finding that context-noise models cannot explain. Moreover, we show that Dennis et al.’s findings support an item-noise model like the retrieving effectively from memory (REM) at least as well as a context-noise model. The source of the erroneous conclusions is identified as the measurement model Dennis et al. developed. In the end, we conclude that the list-length effect obtained from present experimental designs is insufficient for competitively testing item-noise and context-noise models of recognition.
Low order practical Runge-Kutta-Nystro¨m methods

Runge-Kutta-Nystrom formulas applicable to the general second order vector initial value problem,y″=f(x, y, y′), are presented. Two families of computational methods requiring five and six evaluations of the function,f, per integration step are derived. The methods consist of embedded formulas fo adjacent order for the solution and its first derivative. This permits a stepping strategy based on error estimates of all components of the numerical solution. From each family of methods a member considered to have good numerical properties has been Selected. Some comparisons of these specific new methods with conventional Runge-Kutta techniques have been made, and the Nystrom methods studied here seem to be competitive with some of the best Runge-Kutta methods currently in use.
Organizational Culture, TQM, and Business Process Reengineering: An Empirical Comparison

This study explores organizational culture by examining the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and culture, and specifically three elements of a culture related to quality improvement: customer focus, employee involvement, and continuous improvement. Process reengineering is used as an alternative management initiative. A survey of 220 mid‐level professionals in 123 organizations was conducted to determine the extent to which there is a relation between the presence of these cultural elements, and the presence of TQM reengineering. The success of process improvement through either TQM or reengineering is used as a vehicle for examining the importance of these cultural elements. The importance of organizational culture and the implications for managers are discussed.
Targeting cerebral arteries for gene therapy

After the steady progress towards application of gene therapy to cerebral arterial diseases, several applications, including modification of gene expression in cerebral arteries, are now feasible. There are several possible targets for cerebrovascular gene therapy, and numerous studies have tested gene therapy strategies in animal models of cerebrovascular disorders. However, some major obstacles, especially issues of safety, must be overcome before clinical use in humans. Gene therapy for cerebral arterial diseases is still in its infancy, and many basic and preclinical studies are yet to be done in order to develop effective and safe techniques.
Ag 111 utilizing the ( 3 He, pn γ ) reaction: A rotational nucleus with intermediate deformation

The structure of $^{111}\mathrm{Ag}$ was studied using the $^{110}\mathrm{Pd}$${(}^{3}$He, pn\ensuremath{\gamma}) $^{111}\mathrm{Ag}$ reaction, which has populated an essentially complete set of low-energy states. The proton exit channel was isolated from competing reaction channels by operating \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray detectors in coincidence with a large-solid-angle proton detector. The experiments included \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray excitation functions, \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray angular distributions, and \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidences. Four rotational bands have been identified. A symmetric particle-rotor model has been used to interpret these bands, and the model has identified other rotational features as well. A tentative interpretation of several nonrotational states is presented, suggesting that the mixing between rotational and nonrotational states is minimal.
Identification of SUMO-Interacting Proteins by Yeast Two-Hybrid Analysis

This chapter will discuss various adaptations of the yeast two-hybrid method for analyzing protein interactions that can be used to identify small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) interacting proteins and to determine the nature of the SUMO-protein interactions that occur. SUMO binds to a protein in two different ways: covalently and noncovalently. In a covalent interaction an isopeptide bond forms between the glycine residue at the C terminus of the mature SUMO and a lysine side-chain on the substrate protein. Alternatively, SUMO can interact noncovalently with another protein, usually via insertion of a beta strand from a substrate SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) into a hydrophobic groove next to the SUMO beta2 strand. By mutating either the C-terminal diglycine motif or amino acids within the beta2 strand of SUMO, these respective interactions can be abolished. The expression of the two-hybrid SUMO constructs with either of these mutations can help distinguish the type of interaction that occurs between a SUMO and a given protein. Sumoylation can be verified by independent methods, such as a SUMO mobility shift assay. Finally, the chapter will compare the two-hybrid approach with mass spectrometric analysis as a means of identifying SUMO-interacting proteins.
Seeing beyond Lambert's law

Lambert's model for diffuse reflection is extensively used in computational vision. For several real-world objects, the Lambertian model can prove to be a very inaccurate approximation to the diffuse component. While the brightness of a Lambertian surface is independent of viewing direction, the brightness of a rough diffuse surface increases as the viewer approaches the source direction. A comprehensive model is developed that predicts reflectance from rough diffuse surfaces. Experiments have been conducted on real samples, such as, plaster, clay, and sand. The reflectance measurements obtained are in strong agreement with the reflectance predicted by the proposed model.
A probabilistic framework for edge detection and scale selection

We devise a statistical framework for edge detection by performing a statistical analysis of zero crossings of the second derivative of an image. This analysis enables us to estimate at each pixel of an image the probability that an edge passes through the pixel. We present a statistical analysis of the the Lindeberg operators that we use to compute image derivatives. We also introduce a confidence probability that tells us how reliable the edge probability is, given the image's noise level and the operator's scale. Combining the edge and confidence probabilities leads to a probabilistic scale selection algorithm. We present the results of experiments on natural images.
Toward a general theory of psychosocial deviance: The case of aggressive behavior

The outline of a general theory of psychosocial deviance is described. The core of the theory consists of two propositions. First, antecedent self-derogation increases the probability of subsequent adoption of modes of psychosocial deviance. Second, adoption of deviant patterns tends to decrease the degree of preexisting self-derogation. The emerging theoretical model is discussed with reference to studies relating to several specific modes of deviant behavior. A partial confirmation of the generality of the theory was provided by a consideration of the literature relating to agressive behavior. Two sets of propositions were discussed: those concerning the reciprocal relationship between self-attitudes and aggressive behavior; and, those dealing with influences toward the adoption of aggressive behavior patterns in particular given the general predisposition to adopt some form of deviant behavior.
A specific test for transthyretin 122 (Val----Ile), based on PCR-primer-introduced restriction analysis (PCR-PIRA): confirmation of the gene frequency in blacks.

Abstract The variant transthyretin (TTR) allele, TTR (122 Val----Ile), associated with cardiac amyloidosis in blacks, is caused by a G----A transition which destroys a MaeIII site. This variant has previously been detected by PCR around codon 122, followed by MaeIII digestion, but this test is not specific: any of 12 mutations in the MaeIII recognition site, each of which yields a different amino acid change, would also destroy this site. A modification of PCR, termed "PCR-primer-introduced restriction analysis," was used to introduce a new FokI site into the PCR products derived from the variant (122 Ile) but not wild-type (122 Val) allele. This test demonstrated that each of six previously identified MaeIII(-) alleles had lost its MaeIII site because of a G----A transition encoding TTR (122 Val----Ile), confirming that the same TTR variant was present both in 4/177 healthy black individuals and as a homozygous variant in an individual with cardiac amyloidosis.
Estimating hospital costs with a generalized Leontief function.

This paper estimates a long-run hospital cost function with multiple outputs and inputs using a panel data set from Washington State hospitals during 1988-1993. We find that with our data the generalized Leontief function is more appropriate than a translog for estimating hospital cost functions. With respect to hospital costs, we find that hospitals readily adjust the use of intermediate products. Radiology, therapies and surgery, and other inpatient days, all serve as substitutes for core inpatient days. Outpatient services are found to be complementary to core inpatient services, indicating that the growth of stand-alone outpatient clinics might increase the costs of providing healthcare services. Our analysis finds that hospitals show significant economies of scale, but there is a limited amount of evidence of scope economies. Also, there is some evidence that profit-seeking hospitals achieve some of their goals by controlling costs, and that diagnostically related groups (DRG)-based Medicare services are effective in getting hospitals to control costs.
Measures of Cabinet Durability A Conceptual and Empirical Evaluation

The measurement of cabinet durability depends on the events that are considered to end the life of a cabinet, such as a change in the parties composing it, a change in its coalitional status, a change of prime minister, a cabinet resignation, or a parliamentary election. Seven such events used in the literature are critically reviewed in this article. The five most important measures are then correlated with each other and with the three independent variables (one-party versus coalition cabinets, minimal winning versus oversized coalitions, and the number of parties in the party system) that are frequently used to explain cabinet durability. All five measures turn out to be closely related to each other and all are basically acceptable, but the simplest measure - based solely on changes in the party composition of the cabinet - yields the best results.
Vico and the Transformation of Rhetoric in Early Modern Europe

David L. Marshall, Vico and the Transformation of Rhetoric in Early Modern Europe (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010), viii + 302 pp., £55.00/$85.00 (hb.). ISBN 978-0-521-19062-6 Among in...
Heme oxygenase-1 induction by NRF2 requires inactivation of the transcriptional repressor BACH1

Oxidative stress activates the transcription factor NRF2, which in turn binds cis-acting antioxidant response element (ARE) enhancers and induces expression of protective antioxidant genes. In contrast, the transcriptional repressor BACH1 binds ARE-like enhancers in cells naive to oxidative stress and antagonizes NRF2 binding until it becomes inactivated by pro-oxidants. Here, we describe the dynamic roles of BACH1 and NRF2 in the transcription of the heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) gene. HMOX1 induction, elicited by arsenite-mediated oxidative stress, follows inactivation of BACH1 and precedes activation of NRF2. BACH1 repression is dominant over NRF2-mediated HMOX1 transcription and inactivation of BACH1 is a prerequisite for HMOX1 induction. In contrast, thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1) is regulated by NRF2 but not by BACH1. By comparing the expression levels of HMOX1 with TXNRD1, we show that nuclear accumulation of NRF2 is not necessary for HMOX1 induction; rather, BACH1 inactivation permits NRF2 already present in the nucleus at low basal levels to bind the HMOX1 promoter and elicit HMOX1 induction. Thus, BACH1 confers an additional level of regulation to ARE-dependent genes that reveals a new dimension to the oxidative stress response.
THE EFFECT OF I. V. IMMUNOGLOBULINS ON NEUTROPHIL FUNCTION OF VERY LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT NEONATES

The oxidative metabolism of peripheral blood,polymorphonuclear neutrophils was studied in 12 very low birth weight neonates (BW < 1500gr) using the technique of Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. As stimulating agent a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type 012,isolated from neonatal blood was used. The neutrophils of the 12 stressed neonates, 7 of which had respiratory distress and 5 severe infection, were tested during their first week of life. The chemiluminescence response was found to be very low in the neonates when compared with that found in 8 healthy adult controls (p<0.001).I.V immunoglobulin (sandoglobulin) 0,5g was given to these neonates daily for 6 days in order to enhance their host-defence mechanisms. Their neutrophil chemiluminescence response was measured before and immediately following the first dose of immunoglobulin administration. A rise in the chemiluminescence response of the neonates after the administration of immunoglobulins was found (p<0.05). No adverse reactions were observed and all the neonates who received this treatment survived. In conclusion I.V. administration of immunoglobulin in very low birth weight neonates enhances their host defence mechanisms as shown by improving their neutrophil function and increasing their survival.
Taking a broader view: Using institutional research's natural qualities for transformation

By more widely applying its natural characteristics, institutional research can help foster a broad organizational view among campus constituents, connect people and ideas, facilitate collaboration, and stimulate organizational learning that leads to cultural transformation.
Assessment of Bullying: A Review of Methods and Instruments

Childhood bullying has become recognized as a significant, pervasive form of school violence. Because of its deleterious effect on both victims' and bullies' current and future functioning, it is imperative that school personnel such as counselors engage in assessment techniques as the 1st step in a coordinated, systemic antibullying effort. The authors discuss multiple methods and instruments to use in assessing bullying in schools and provide guidelines for counselors in choosing the appropriate measurement for their needs.
Purification of thiosulfate sulfurtransferase by selective immobilization on blue agarose

Abstract A new method for isolating crystalline bovine liver thiosulfate sulfurtransferase has been developed which relies on the selective binding of the enzyme to agarose-immobilized Cibacron Blue F3GA. This preparation has the advantages of simplicity, reproducibility, and rapidity. It is also suggested that the introduction of a binding and elution step will materially aid previously published procedures.
The acquisition of sociolinguistic norms: Style-switching in very early directives

Abstract Data from the present study suggest that sociolinguistic knowledge is realized from the beginning of language use. Nine children (1;0 to 3;5) were videotaped negotiating with parents and an adult unfamiliar to the child. Extensive style-switching was observed in all subjects, with especially interesting shifts taking place in the language of the five youngest subjects. Characteristics of this very early switching make it appear that Searlian knowledge of rights is acquired before Labovian knowledge of community-wide rules for language use. The first syntactic switching appeared either simultaneous with or prior to the relevant syntactic structure, depending upon its status as a formulaic utterance. The roles of formulaic language and of interactional consequences are discussed as explanations for the acquisition of style-switching (style-switching, negotiation, sociolinguistic norms, acquisition of discourse).
Sex, mutations and marketing. How the Cambrian explosion set the stage for runaway consumerism.

Sex and marketing have been coupled for a very long time. At the cultural level, their relationship has been appreciated since the 1960s ‘Mad Men’ era, when the sexual revolution coincided with the golden age of advertising, and marketers realized that ‘sex sells’. At the biological level, their interplay goes much further back to the Cambrian explosion around 530 million years ago. During this period of rapid evolutionary expansion, multicellular organisms began to evolve elaborate sexual ornaments to advertise their genetic quality to the most important consumers of all in the great mating market of life: the opposite sex. Maintaining the genetic quality of one's offspring had already been a problem for billions of years. Ever since life originated around 3.7 billion years ago, RNA and DNA have been under selection to copy themselves as accurately as possible [[1]]. Yet perfect self‐replication is biochemically impossible, and almost all replication errors are harmful rather than helpful [[2]]. Thus, mutations have been eroding the genomic stability of single‐celled organisms for trillions of generations, and countless lineages of asexual organisms have suffered extinction through mutational meltdown—the runaway accumulation of copying errors [[3]]. Only through wildly profligate self‐cloning could such organisms have any hope of leaving at least a few offspring with no new harmful mutations, so they could best survive and reproduce. Around 1.5 billion years ago, bacteria evolved the most basic form of sex to minimize mutation load: bacterial conjugation [[4]]. By swapping bits of DNA across the pilus (a tiny intercellular bridge) a bacterium can replace DNA sequences compromised by copying errors with intact sequences from its peers. Bacteria finally had some defence against mutational meltdown, and they thrived and diversified. ![][1] Then, with the evolution of genuine sexual reproduction through meiosis, perhaps around … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Additional Vegetative Growth in Maize Reflects Expansion of Fates in Preexisting Tissue, Not Additional Divisions by Apical Initials

Abstract The maize shoot is usually determinate: the apical meristem produces a fixed number of vegetative nodes before it switches to tassel development. Culturing maize meristems, however, delays their determinacy. Cultured meristems may form up to twice the usual number of vegetative nodes. Clonal analysis of the “extra” vegetative nodes reveals that these nodes are the product of conversion, roughly equivalent to a homoeotic transformation, of tissue that otherwise would form the base of the tassel. Altered activity of the apical initials does not generate the extra vegetative growth. The conserved, stereotypical activity of the apical initials even in the face of radically prolonged vegetative growth suggests that apical initials in this annual grass may acquire a highly restricted fate (presporogenous tissue) early in embryogenesis.
Business Incentive Adoption in the Recession

Business incentive use rose dramatically among U.S. municipalities after the Great Recession. This article seeks to explain that rise using national surveys of local government economic development practice for 2004 and 2009. The authors differentiate business incentive use by three types (tax abatements, labor support, and planning) and by new and experienced users. We find that higher business incentive use is a response to lower property tax and higher unemployment. We also find that higher business incentive use is associated with greater attention to accountability, even among the new business incentive users. Governments that rely more heavily on tax incentives to firms face more competition and lower tax revenue than governments that use more incentives focused on labor and planning. We also find broadening attention to accountability measures and a widening of community development investment to arenas that target improved quality of life.
FRACTURE OF CYLINDRICAL AND SPHERICAL SHELLS CONTAINING A CRACK

Fatigue and fracture of cylindrical and spherical shells containing a through crack and subjected to internal pressure or torsion are considered. The stress intensity factor ratios giving the effect of curvature are obtained as functions of a dimensionless shell parameter. By using the conventional plastic strip model the plastic zone size around the crack tip and the crack opening displacement are calculated. The calculated COD values are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The fracture criterion of critical COD is verified by using the results of the burst tests in titanium and aluminum alloy cryogenic pressure vessels. Modified fatigue crack propagation models taking into account the bending effect in shells are introduced and are applied to the analysis of experimental data obtained from flat plates, and cylindrical shells under axial tension, internal pressure, and torsion. Finally, the paper includes the effect of humidity on the crack growth rate and the effect of load biaxiality on the rupture strength.
Architectures for statically scheduled dataflow

When dataflow program graphs can be statically scheduled, little run-time overhead (software or hardware) is necessary. This paper describes a class of parallel architectures consisting of Von Neumann processors and one or more shared memories, where the order of shared-memory accesses is determined at compile time and enforced at run time. The architecture is extremely lean in hardware, yet for a set of important applications it can perform as well as any shared memory architecture. Dataflow graphs can be mapped onto it statically. Furthermore, it supports shared data structures without the run time overhead of I-structures. A software environment has been constructed that automatically maps signal processing applications onto a simulation of such an architecture, where the architecture is implemented using Motorola DSP96002 microcomputers.
Synthesis and properties of water soluble single-walled carbon nanotube graft ionic polyacetylene nanocomposites

Water-soluble single-walled carbon nanotube-polyacetylene [SWNT-PA, SWNT-P(2EPy-MeTf)] nanocomposites have been synthesized by using the surface initiated “grafting-from” method. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the formation of an amide bond between the functionalized SWNTs and the initiator, 4-(2-Aminoethyl) pyridine, to polymerize N-Methyl-2-ethynlypyridinium triflate (2EPy-MeTf). UV-vis spectroscopy indicated that the degree of polymerization of P(2EPy-MeTf) in the SWNT-polyacetylene composites is 15, based on the Lewis-Calvin equation. The SWNT-polyacetylene composites have been characterized by TGA, AFM, and TEM. From TGA analysis, the loading of SWNTs in the SWNT grafted ionic polyacetylenes is estimated to be 22%. AFM and TEM images clearly showed that the nanotube is wrapped with the PA. The SWNT-polyacetylene composites displayed high water solubility (8 mg/ml). The room temperature electrical conductivity of the doped SWNT-polyacetylene composites was found to be in the range of 10−3 to 10−4 S/cm, an order of magnitude of increase over neat P(2EPy-MeTf) and a two order of magnitude increase over Dendrimer-polyacetylen composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Progress in B spectroscopy at LEP.

An overwiew of recent experimental progress on B spectroscopy at LEP is given. Analysis of the production of orbitally excited B * as well as B ** , B s ** mesons states and Σ b , Σ b * baryons states are reviewed. These comprise the first evidence for the B * → Be − e + Dalitz decay and radially excited B-mesons in the channel B (*) π + π − . The results concerning Λ b 0 mass measurement are also summarised.
Alexander William Doniphan: Portrait of a Missouri Moderate

Alexander William Doniphan (1808-1887) - Missouri attorney, military figure, politician, and businessman - is one of the most significant figures in antebellum Missouri. From the 1830s to the 1880s, Doniphan was active in a variety of affairs in Missouri and held firm to several underlying principles, including loyalty, hard work, the sanctity of the republic, and commitment to Christian charity. However, the key to Doniphan's importance was his persistent moderation on the critical issues of his day. Alexander William Doniphan will be of interest to academic specialists and general readers alike, especially those interested in Mormon studies, Missouri history, military history, and western history.
Hypoxia and adrenergic function: molecular mechanisms related to Egr-1 and Sp1 activation.

Abstract Hypoxia is shown to regulate the stress hormone epinephrine through its biosynthesis by phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) via PNMT gene activation and transcription factors Egr-1 and Sp1 in adrenal medulla-derived PC12 cells. Moderate hypoxia (5% oxygen) markedly stimulates PNMT promoter-driven luciferase activity in the cells. Hypoxia increases Egr-1 and Sp1 mRNA and nuclear protein content and Egr-1 and Sp1 protein–DNA binding complex formation. Subsequent to transcription factor induction, endogenous PNMT mRNA and protein also increase. Egr-1 and Sp1 binding site inactivation or Egr-1 and Sp1 siRNA inhibit PNMT promoter stimulation by hypoxia. Hypoxia elevates protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipase C (PLC), phosphoinositide 3-kinase, protein kinase C, ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression while selective inhibitors of these signaling enzymes abrogate hypoxic induction of the PNMT promoter and the rise in Egr-1, Sp1 and PNMT mRNA and protein. PC12 cells lacking PKA or PLCγ-1 show significant reduction in PNMT promoter activation by hypoxia. Signaling inhibitors do not affect these responses or reduce hypoxic induction of the PNMT promoter to a lesser extent. Findings suggest that Egr-1 and Sp1 through synergistic interaction are critical transcriptional activators for hypoxic stress-regulated adrenergic function controlled via cAMP/PKA and PLC signaling. Identification of Sp1 as a mediator of hypoxia-induced transcriptional activation of PNMT has not been previously been shown. The effects of hypoxia on PNMT and thereby epinephrine may have important ramifications for the stress hormone epinephrine, its ability to regulate behavioral and physiological processes associated with stress and stress-elicited illness.
Improved point and confidence interval estimators of mean response in simulation when control variates are used

In discrete event simulation, the method of control variates is often used to reduce the variance of estimation for the mean of the output response. In the present paper, it is shown that when three or more control variates are used, the usual linear regression estimator of the mean response is one of a large class of unbiased estimators, many of which have smaller variance than the usual estimator. In simulation studies using control variates, a confidence interval for the mean response is typically reported as well. Intervals with shorter width have been proposed using control variates in the literature. The present paper however develops confidence intervals which not only have shorter width but also have higher coverage probability than the usual confidence interval
Sensing of enantiomeric excess in chiral carboxylic acids

Cinchona alkaloids (quinine, quinidine, cinchonine, cinchonidine) alkylated at N(1) with chloromethyl anthracene can serve as fluorescent sensors for chiral carboxylic acids. These cinchona ammonium salts are shown to bind chiral carboxylic acids while displaying an increase in fluorescence intensity that can be utilized in determination of enantiomeric excess (ee). Sensor arrays composed of four cinchona ammonium salts are used for quantitative analysis of ee in several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as enantiomers of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.