cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-analytic Decisions and Reliability: A Serendipitous Case of Three Independent Telecommuting Meta-analyses

Despite the potential for researcher decisions to negatively impact the reliability of meta-analysis, very few methodological studies have examined this possibility. The present study compared three independent and concurrent telecommuting meta-analyses in order to determine how researcher decisions affected the process and findings of these studies. A case study methodology was used, in which three recent telecommuting meta-analyses were re-examined and compared using the process model developed by Wanous et al. (J Appl Psychol 74:259–264, 1989). Results demonstrated important ways in which researcher decisions converged and diverged at stages of the meta-analytic process. The influence of researcher divergence on meta-analytic findings was neither evident in all cases, nor straightforward. Most notably, the overall effects of telecommuting across a range of employee outcomes were generally consistent across the meta-analyses, despite substantial differences in meta-analytic samples. Results suggest that the effect of researcher decisions on meta-analytic findings may be largely indirect, such as when early decisions guide the specific moderation tests that can be undertaken at later stages. However, directly comparable “main effect” findings appeared to be more robust to divergence in researcher decisions. These results provide tentative positive evidence regarding the reliability of meta-analytic methods and suggest targeted areas for future methodological studies. This study presents unique insight into a methodological issue that has not received adequate research attention, yet has potential implications for the reliability and validity of meta-analysis as a method.
941 PLASMA INHIBITION OF LYMPHOCYTE BLASTOGENESIS IN NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: CORRELATION WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

The plasma of patients with Nephrotic Syndrome suppresses in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis, but the mechanism of this effect has not been defined. The frequent association of Nephrotic Syndrome with hypertriglyceridemia, and previous studies which demonstrate an immunoregulatory effect of lipids and lipoproteins, suggested the hypothesis that the immunosuppressive effect of Nephrotic Syndrome plasma was correlated with the hypertriglyceridemia. Plasma was obtained from 8 patients with Nephrotic Syndrome and tested for its effects on lymphocyte blastogenenic responses of normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were also determined. The plasma of 5 Nephrotic Syndrome patients caused >90% suppression of normal lymphocyte blastogenesis to concanavalin A and SKSD. Furthermore, the degree of inhibition of lymphocyte blastogenesis was correlated with the severity of hypertriglyceridemia in all 8 patients (for concanavalin A, r=.905, p<.01; for SKSD, r=.775, p<.05). These results suggest that the in vitro plasma mediated immunosuppression in Nephrotic Syndrome may be due to the associated hypertriglyceridemia. Studies to further characterize the nature of plasma mediated in vitro immunosuppression in Nephrotic Syndrome are in progress.
Profit: Some moral reflections

The issues of profit, its moral meaning, justification and role, need careful examination. Mistakes to be avoided in making moral sense of profit include the assumption that profitability establishes a company's moral rectitude. Profit is too complex a phenomenon to establish any such thing. Steps toward clarifying these issues include distinguishing profit as the goal of the corporation from the larger goals of the economy itself, and clarifying what we mean by profit. ‘Profit’ often includes the moral or value consideration of having been rightly or fairly earned. This provides one starting point internal to business for formulating standards for business ethics.
How are academic age, productivity and collaboration related to citing behavior of researchers?

References are an essential component of research articles and therefore of scientific communication. In this study we investigate referencing (citing) behavior in five diverse fields (astronomy, mathematics, robotics, ecology and economics) based on 213,756 core journal articles. At the macro level we find: (a) a steady increase in the number of references per article over the period studied (50 years), which in some fields is due to a higher rate of usage, while in others reflects longer articles and (b) an increase in all fields in the fraction of older, foundational references since the 1980s, with no obvious change in citing patterns associated with the introduction of the Internet. At the meso level we explore current (2006–2010) referencing behavior of different categories of authors (21,562 total) within each field, based on their academic age, productivity and collaborative practices. Contrary to some previous findings and expectations we find that senior researchers use references at the same rate as their junior colleagues, with similar rates of re-citation (use of same references in multiple papers). High Modified Price Index (MPI, which measures the speed of the research front more accurately than the traditional Price Index) of senior authors indicates that their research has the similar cutting-edge aspect as that of their younger colleagues. In all fields both the productive researchers and especially those who collaborate more use a significantly lower fraction of foundational references and have much higher MPI and lower re-citation rates, i.e., they are the ones pushing the research front regardless of researcher age. This paper introduces improved bibliometric methods to measure the speed of the research front, disambiguate lead authors in co-authored papers and decouple measures of productivity and collaboration.
Receptor desensitization by lobeline and nicotine.

In frog sartorius muscles, lobeline had no effect on resting membrane potentials but prevented depolarization of the fibers by nicotine. The blockade caused by lobeline was not antagonized by elevated concentrations of nicotine. Procedures that prevented depolarization of the fibers by nicotine had no effect on the anti-nicotinic effects of nicotine. It was concluded that receptor desensitization in skeletal muscle does not require depolarization of the fibers.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is more effective than fibrinolysis at reducing the composite outcome of death or reinfarction after 8 years.

Commentary on: PH Nielsen, M Maeng, M Busk, et al..; DANAMI-2 Investigators. Primary angioplasty versus fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction: long-term follow-up in the Danish acute myocardial infarction 2 trial. Circulation2010;121:1484–91.
A systematic study of equilibrium structure, thermodynamics, and rheology of aqueous CTAB/NaNO3 wormlike micelles

We present a systematic study of the self-assembly of wormlike micelles (WLMs) comprised of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium nitrate (NaNO(3)) in aqueous solution as a function of CTAB concentration, NaNO(3) concentration, and temperature throughout the dilute and semi-dilute regions of the phase diagram where linear micelles are observed. Combining measurements using isothermal titration calorimetry, rheometry, flow-birefringence, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) enables complete characterization of the structure, thermodynamics, and rheology of CTAB/NaNO(3) micelles. The addition of NaNO(3) is found to increase the micellization enthalpy as well as the micellar scission energy, resulting in the elongation and growth of WLMs. We find quantitative agreement between the scission energy determined from rheology and the enthalpy of micellization determined from ITC, as well as for contour lengths extracted from rheology and SANS. At fixed molar ratio of NaNO(3) and CTAB, the solution rheology exhibits scaling consistent with dilute, semi-dilute overlapping, and semi-dilute entangled regimes typically found in polymer solutions, as confirmed by cryo-TEM and SANS. The transition between these scaling regimes coincides with the structural transitions identified by SANS. The results validate the relationship between structural parameters and rheological behavior underlying theories for ionic WLMs.
Method Of Testing Complex Aspheric Mirrors Using Phase-Measuring Interferometric Techniques

A new method of testing mirrors with stretched and/or decentered aspheric surfaces is described. By utilizing Phase Measuring Interferometric techniques, the null lens can be replaced with a computer-generated reference file containing the equivalent OPD information. An example of the procedure used is given for a typical complex aspheric.
Neural Correlates of Food and Water Intake in the Rat

Adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation of several interrelated limbic and diencephalic areas causes the animal to eat and drink, respectively. The brain areas involved may be organized in terms of "Papez circuit" and, more generally, " Nauta circuit" neuroanatomy. However, it is proposed that separate synaptic nets, one for the control of hunger and one for the control of thirst, are deployed throughout the brain at all levels, including neocortical.
Alagille, Notch, and robustness: why duplicating systems does not ensure redundancy

The mammalian kidney forms from several populations of progenitors that only persist during embryogenesis. The epithelial nephron progenitors reside in the cap mesenchyme (CM), whereas mesangial and endothelial cell progenitors reside in the neighboring stromal mesenchyme (SM). After a ureteric bud (UB) signal induces mesenchymal to epithelial transition of some CM cells, they form a nascent epithelial ball (a renal vesicle, or RV) that requires signals mediated by Notch receptors to separate proximal from distal fates. Two Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch2) and two ligands (Jagged1 and Delta1) are expressed in the RV. Notably, instead of providing sufficient redundancy to ensure that losing any one allele will be inconsequential to human health, a reduction in the dose of one ligand (Jagged1) or one receptor (Notch2) is causally associated with a rare developmental syndrome (Alagille syndrome, or ALGS) affecting eye, kidney, liver, and craniofacial development. Here we discuss our current understanding of the molecular basis for the nonredundant role of Notch2 in this process, and the avenue for new therapeutic strategies that these insights provide.
Gravitational wave emission from a binary black hole system in the presence of an accretion disk.

We study the time evolution and gravitational wave emission properties of a black hole orbiting inside an accretion disk surrounding a massive black hole. We simultaneously solve the structure equations of the accretion disk in the presence of heating, cooling, and viscosity as well as the equations governing the companion orbit. The deviation from the Keplerian distribution of the angular momentum of the disk due to pressure and advection effects causes a significant exchange of angular momentum between the disk and the companion. This significantly affects the gravitational wave emission properties from the binary system. We show that when the companion is light, the effect is extremely important and must be taken into account while interpreting gravitational wave signals from such systems.
A Test of Retroactive Inhibition as an Explanation of Contextual Interference

(1998). A Test of Retroactive Inhibition as an Explanation of Contextual Interference. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 69, No. 1, pp. 70-74.
Infusing Leadership Education in the Undergraduate Engineering Experience: A Framework from UCF's eli2

The current article describes the efforts to infuse leadership concepts into undergraduate engineering programs. There is a strong national push for enhancing the undergraduate engineering educational experiences. A short overview of the need and current practices is provided. A case study of the University of Central Florida's Engineering Leadership & Innovation Institute (eli2) is provided. The case study provides a process used to define the institute and a description of the institute's program. A person responsible for developing and running an engineering leadership effort can use the information to identify potential approaches for his or her institute.
Differences between informants' reports describing emotional and behavioural problems in community and clinic-referred children: a research note

This study compared the pattern of reports describing childhood emotional and behavioural problems amongst children in the community with the pattern of reports describing children referred to mental health clinics. Whereas children in the community reported more externalizing and internalizing problems than were reported by their parents, clinic-referred children reported fewer externalizing but more internalizing problems than their parents. The results highlight potential limitations which may arise when reports describing the problems of clinic-referred children are used as the criterion for assessing the clinical significance of reports describing problems amongst children in the community.
Determination of particle size distribution in a modified hop extract emulsion by electrical resistivity

Abstract A procedure has been developed which is suitable for the evaluation of particle size distribution in emulsions of modified hop extracts. A Coulter Counter Model A and a Coulter Counter Model B equipped with a Model M Data Converter were used to assess the weight percent distribution of particles smaller than 10 μm in diameter. The influences of electrolyte concentration, length of analysis, and concentration of the hop extract particles were factors affecting the reproducibility of the study. It was found that identical distribution curves could be obtained with either instrument. The Model B Coulter Counter with the Model M Data Converter is preferred since weight fractions are provided directly and lengthy calculation procedures are eliminated. Coincidence correction on particle counts was unnecessary under the controlled conditions of the analysis.
The utility of lactate dehydrogenase in the follow up of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Background: Serum lactate dehydrogenase is a non-specific marker for lymphoma whose prognostic significance is well established for both indolent and aggressive lymphomas at the time of diagnosis. The performance characteristics of this enzyme in predicting relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has not been well studied. Methods: This study compared serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in 27 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who relapsed after sustaining a complete response versus 87 patients who did not relapse. For relapsed patients, the serum lactate dehydrogenase level at relapse was compared with the level three months before (considered baseline). For non-relapsed patients, the last two levels during follow-up were compared. For statistical analysis the T-test was used to compare differences in mean values between groups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for serum lactate dehydrogenase in detecting relapse compared to confirmatory imaging were calculated. Results: At relapse, only 33% patients had increases in serum lactate dehydrogenase above the upper limit of normal. The mean increase was 1.2-fold above the upper limit of normal for relapsed vs. 0.83 for those who did not relapse (p-value = 0.59). The mean increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase, from baseline, was 1.1-fold in non-relapsed vs. 1.3 in relapsed patients (p-value = 0.3). The likelihood ratio of relapse was 4.65 for patients who had 1.5-fold increases in serum lactate dehydrogenase above baseline (p-value = 0.03). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 1.5-fold increases for detecting relapse, compared to clinical and imaging findings were 0.18, 0.95, 0.55, and 0.79, respectively. Conclusion: A 1.5-fold increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase, over a period of 3 months, is associated with increased likelihood of relapse from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Transition to centrifuging granular flow in rotating tumblers: a modified Froude number

Centrifuging of granular material in a partially filled rotating circular tumbler occurs when particles are flung outward to form a ring of particles at the periphery of the tumbler rotating as a solid body. The critical rotation speed for centrifuging was studied experimentally in a quasi-two-dimensional tumbler as a function of particle diameter, tumbler fill fraction and interstitial fluid. A qualitative numerical study using the discrete element method was also conducted to obtain a better understanding of the impact of friction on the transition. Experimental results show that the critical rotational speed for dry systems is not affected by the particle diameter unless the fill fraction is above 75%, where endwall friction begins to play a significant role. The critical speed is proportional to (1−)(−1/4), where represents the tumbler fill fraction. The angle of repose, which represents inter-particle friction, also affects the transition to centrifuging. Finally, the interstitial fluid, or rather the density difference between the particles and the interstitial fluid, affects the measured critical speed. Correction terms for the critical rotational speed are proposed to more accurately characterize the transition to centrifuging for granular flow in rotating tumblers, resulting in a modified Froude number.
Optical Pumping of Dye-Complexed and -Sensitized Porous Silicon Increasing Photoluminescence Emission Rates

Distinctly structured nanoporous and combined hybrid macroporous−nanoporous porous silicon (PS) structures have been fabricated and treated with the dyes 3,3‘-diethyloxadicarbocyanine iodide (DODCI) and Rhodamine 700, both of which have negligible absorption at the wavelengths of maximum absorption for porous silicon. After an extended period of aging in darkness (air) these dye-treated samples are pumped (PLE) at 337.1 nm (nitrogen laser) near the maximum in the PS absorption spectrum (far from the major absorption regions of the impregnating dye) and the subsequent photoluminescence from these treated samples is monitored and compared to that obtained for the untreated PS structures. The first time-dependent photoluminescence (PL) histograms obtained for these systems indicate that the resulting luminescence, initiated through the pumping of a modified PS surface, displays the manifestation of a significant interaction between the surface-bound fluorophors which characterize PS and the dye (DODCI). It i...
Transient unifascicular, bifascicular and trifascicular block: Electrophysiologic correlations in a patient with rate-dependent left bundle branch block and transient right bundle branch block

Correlations of the His to ventricular (H-V) conduction time were made with the surface electrocardiogram during normal intraventricular conduction, unifascicular block (right bundle branch block), bifascicular block (left bundle branch block) and trifascicular block (right and left bundle branch block) in a patient with rate-dependent left bundle branch block who had transient right bundle branch block during recording of the His bundle electrogram. The results provide a functional confirmation of the theory that a prolonged H-V time is a manifestation of trifascicular disease.
Alanine: Key Role in Gluconeogenesis

Of 20 amino acids measured, alanine is the principal amino acid released by forearm muscle of man, in accord with its being the principal amino acid extracted by liver for gluconeogenesis. This occurs in both the postabsorptive state and after 4 to 6 weeks of starvation, when total amino acid release is markedly diminished.
Dos visiones del espacio marino como modernidad. Entre la poesía de Rubén Darío y la pintura de Joaquín Sorolla

The representation of the marine space in Hispanic fin-de-siecle allows us to establish some comments to carry out a new reading of the difficult concept of modernity. The present article studies two visions of the marine space as modernity. On the one hand, the paintings by the Spaniard Joaquin Sorolla present the marine space as a locus amoenus , and as a place for enjoyment where art becomes an economic object. On the other hand, the Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario intented to create an art opposed to materialism, and he gave us a vision of the ocean linked to a metaphysical meditation of existential tones. Dario was familiar with Joaquin Sorolla's paintings and he even wrote short essays on them. This particular aspect allows us to prove in a clearer way the differences in their visions about modernity and art.
Electrophilic Attack on Tetrahedral Metal Complexes

A number of ML4Li complexes exist where Li contains an electropositive atom connected to the transition metal. The structures of these compounds are very distorted; they do not correspond to a trigonal bipyramid, square pyramid or somewhere between these two extremes. An electronic rationale for these alternative structures is presented with the aid of molecular orbital calculations of the extended Huckel type. It is shown that in these compounds the M-Li bond is quite ionic in the sense of Li+ML−4. The deformation is then due, in part, to the tendency of ML−4 to adopt a tetrahedral arrangement. Furthermore, it is shown that an electrophile (Li+) may attack a three-fold face, two-fold edge, or somewhere intermediate at the tetrahedral ML−4 group yielding an alternative structure for these five-coordinate complexes.
Elsevier Procedures Consult

Elsevier's Procedures Consult product is an online procedure reference tool, combining videos for common procedures with checklists for preparing, performing, and following up on procedures. In addition, the product includes information on the equipment that is used in these procedures in a hospital setting. While the use of video content is not new in clinical education, Procedures Consult is a unique product in that it is organized around procedure videos as a teaching tool. Video content is combined with a testing module, enabling clinical educators to test students on their knowledge and track results.
Differences between black and white women in the use of prenatal care technologies.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the content of prenatal care received by black and white women in the United States differs, as measured by the use of amniocentesis, ultrasonography, and tocolysis. Study Design: This study uses data from birth certificates issued for births occurring in the United States in 1990. Multivariate analyses were used to calculate the relative risk of receipt of each technology by black women compared with white women. Results: Amniocentesis was used substantially less frequently by black women (relative risk 0.6), whereas ultrasonography was received by black women slightly less frequently than white women (relative risk 0.9). Tocolysis use varied by plurality. Black women with singleton births were slightly more likely to receive tocolysis than were white women (relative risk 1.1), although the risk of idiopathic preterm delivery is estimated to be three times higher in black women. Black women with multiple births received tocolysis two thirds as often as white women. Conclusions: These results suggest that differences exist in the content of prenatal care received by black and white women in the United States. This finding should be followed up with more detailed studies to identify its cause and possible interventions.
Cytokine responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) induced by immunization with live recombinant canarypox virus vaccine expressing HIV-1 genes boosted by HIV-1SF-2 recombinant GP120

Vaccine-induced T-cell memory for human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) was assessed by measuring HIV-1 antigen-stimulated cytokine secretion in 72 HIV-1-uninfected subjects, of whom 52 received live recombinant canarypox virus vaccine expressing HIV-1 env, gag, and protease gene products (vCP205) with or without HIV-1 SF-2 recombinant gp120 (SF-2 rgp120) subunit vaccine, and 20 the control. The vCP205 vaccine induced secretion of the Th1 cytokine, interferon-y, by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after in vitro stimulation with HIV-1 p24 and envelope glycoprotein. Immunization schedules with both vCP205 and SF-2 rgp120 subunit vaccines induced secretion of Thl and Th2 cytokines by PBMC to HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein. Hence, vCP205 and SF-2 rgp120 subunit vaccines given together and in a prime-boost sequence appeared to induce a broader cytokine response pattern than vCP205 vaccine given alone.
Short-length microstructured phosphate glass fiber lasers with large mode areas

We report fabrication and testing of the first phosphate glass microstructured fiber lasers with large Er–Yb-codoped cores. For an 11-cm-long cladding-pumped fiber laser, more than 3 W of continuous wave output power is demonstrated, and near single-mode beam quality is obtained for an active core area larger than 400 μm2.
Color matching and the Stiles-Crawford effect in observers with early age-related macular changes

We studied the color-match-area effect and the Stiles–Crawford effect in 10 observers with age-related macular changes. Observers were graded on a scale of I to IV according to the Sarks classification, which correlates fundus appearance and visual acuity with the severity of postmortem histological changes in Bruch’s membrane. Observers in group II showed subtle abnormalities of color matching; those in groups III and IV showed more-severe abnormalities. The Stiles–Crawford effect was abnormal in 9 of 10 eyes tested. Only one observer showed a Stiles–Crawford effect that had a well-defined peak near the center of the pupil and a near-normal bandpass. The results suggest that early age-related changes visible in the fundus can be revealed by psychophysical tests of photoreceptor architecture.
ENSO transition, duration, and amplitude asymmetries: Role of the nonlinear wind stress coupling in a conceptual model

The El Ni~ Oscillation (ENSO) exhibits well-known asymmetries: 1) warm events are stronger than cold events, 2) strong warm events are more likely to be followed by cold events than vice versa, and 3) cold events are more persistent than warm events. Coupled GCM simulations, however, continue to underestimate many of these observed features. To shed light on these asymmetries, the authors begin with a widely used delayed-oscillator conceptual model for ENSO and modify it so that wind stress anomalies depend more strongly on SST anomalies (SSTAs)duringwarmconditions,asisobserved.ThentheimpactofthisnonlinearityonENSOisexploredfor three dynamical regimes: self-sustained oscillations, stochastically driven oscillations, and self-sustained oscillations disrupted by stochastic forcings. In all three regimes, the nonlinear air‐sea coupling preferentially strengthens the feedbacks (both positive and delayed negative) during the ENSO warm phase—producing El Ni~ that grow to a larger amplitude and overshoot more rapidly and consistently into the opposite phase, than do the La Ni~ nas. Finally, the modified oscillator is applied to observational records and to control simulations from two global coupled ocean‐atmosphere‐land‐ice models [Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Model version 2.1 (GFDL CM2.1) and version 2.5 (GFDL CM2.5)] to elucidate the causes of their differing asymmetries.
What Is the Appropriate Systemic Chemotherapy for Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

TO THEEDITOR: The optimal systemic therapy for lymphocytepredominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LPHL) is uncertain. It is known to be a rare variant with distinct morphologic and immunophenotypic differences compared to classic HL. The distinct B-cell immunophenotype, low-grade clinical biology, and lymph node usually not in a distribution more typical of classic HL questions as to the biology and appropriate chemotherapy. 1 The majority (approximately 80%) of patients present with localized disease. There have been no series of specific chemotherapy regimens published for those patients requiring systemic chemotherapy, and the question of regimen remains unanswered. We attempted to combined the systemic chemotherapy data in previously untreated patients with LPHL from two published Cancer and Leukemia Group B trials (8251 and 8952) 2,3 consisting of only 17 of a total 1,213 patients and published trials of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Joint Center for Radiation Therapy 4,5 (20 of 127 patients) to gain some estimate of the effectiveness of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) or etoposide, vinblastine, and doxorubicin as compared to an alkylating agent-containing regimen, nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP) or MOPP-ABVD hybrid. It is now known that the immunophenotypic features of CD20 allow for rituximab to be effective as an antitumor agent in patients relapsing from radiation therapy. 6 However, the mentioned trials preceded the
Effects of applied stress on the dielectric properties of PLZT thin films

The dielectric properties of electrooptic thin films were varied by altering the stresses placed upon the films. Selected thin films in the lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate system (PLZT) were produced by using the dip-coating process and applying various stresses. Comparisons were made among thin films under mechanically applied stresses of different magnitude. Properties measured were dielectric constant, saturation polarization, remanent polarization, coercive field and d-spacing. The effects of the applied stresses on the physical and electrical properties of the films are discussed.
Opinions of Latino outdoor recreation visitors at four urban national forests

It is important to evaluate use of urban-proximate outdoor recreation sites by diverse groups and obtain visitor viewpoints about those sites. Of particular importance are day-use sites, which rece...
Fault tolerance in multisensor networks

Replicating sensors is desirable, not only to tolerate sensor failures, but to increase the average accuracy of the ensemble of replicated sensors beyond that obtainable with a single sensor. Such replication is used in a multi-sensor environment or in a distributed-sensor network. Following Marzullo (1990), the authors have modeled a continuous valued sensor as an interval of real numbers containing the physical value of interest. Given n sensors of which at most f can suffer arbitrary failures, this paper presents an efficient O(n/spl middot/log(n)) fault-tolerant algorithm (J/FTA) whose output is reliable (guaranteed to contain the correct value at all times) and is fairly accurate when f<gilb(/sup 1///sub 2/(n+1)). The output of J/FTA can be either a single-interval or a set-of-intervals, depending on the nature of the multi-sensor environment. J/FTA can be used not only to detect all possibly-faulty sensors but to detect all sets (combinations) of possibly-faulty sensors. This paper proves the following results pertaining to the possibly-faulty sensors identified by J/FTA: the number of sets each containing f possibly-faulty sensors is at most (f+1); the number of sets each containing f or fewer faulty sensors is at most (2f+1); and the number of possibly-faulty sensors identified by J/FTA is at most 2f. These results help to: narrow the search to detect faulty sensors; bound the number of intervals needed to construct an accurate and reliable abstract sensor; and identify at least one correct sensor.
Application of a statistical compact model for Random Telegraph Noise to scaled-SRAM Vmin analysis

A statistical compact RTN (Random Telegraph Noise) model with a fixed V th shift and V gs dependent trap time constants is proposed. It accurately reproduces the experimental observation of larger V th fluctuation at higher |V gs |. The model is also applied to analysis of SRAM V min fluctuation and finds out the distribution follows a log-normal statistics.
Enduring Influence of Stereotypical Computer Science Role Models on Women’s Academic Aspirations

The current work examines whether a brief exposure to a computer science role model who fits stereotypes of computer scientists has a lasting influence on women’s interest in the field. One-hundred undergraduate women who were not computer science majors met a female or male peer role model who embodied computer science stereotypes in appearance and stated interests or the same role model who did not embody these stereotypes. Participants and role models engaged in an interaction that lasted approximately 2 minutes. Interest in majoring in computer science was assessed following the interaction and 2 weeks later outside the laboratory. Results revealed that exposure to the stereotypical role model had both an immediate and an enduring negative effect on women’s interest in computer science. Differences in interest at both times were mediated by women’s reduced sense of belonging in computer science upon interacting with the stereotypical role model. Gender of the role model had no effect. Whether a potent...
Load adaptive algorithms and implementations for the 2D discrete wavelet transform on fine-grain multithreaded architectures

In this paper we present a load adaptive parallel algorithm and implementation to compute 2D Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) on multithreading machines. In a 2D DWT computation, the problem sizes reduces at every decomposition level and the lengths of the emerging computation paths also vary. The parallel algorithm proposed in this paper dynamically scales itself to the varying problem size. Experimental results are reported based on the implementations of the proposed algorithm on a 2D node multithreading emulation platform, EARTH-MANNA. We show that multithreading implementations of the proposed algorithm are at least 2 times faster than the MPI based message passing implementations reported in the literature. We further show that the proposed algorithm and implementations scale linearly with respect to problem and machine sizes.
The Business Leader as a ‘Daimonic’ Figure

IN THE PRECEDING SECTION of this paper self-destructiveness of businessmen has been discussed, namely such as is due to weakness, but to a weakness resulting from an attitude that had once been harmless or even a source of strength. Thus the daimonic provided the key note, as one might express it. Self-destruction through weakness pure and simple has not been studied because it does not fall into the realm of the daimonic. Dishonesty in business, for example, is such a weakness. It has a long history, which would be fascinating, but unpleasant to write. The often-described predatory aspect of business, and especially of American business, has not been treated either, for it also is a genuine defect. But depredation on natural and human resources may have a quasi-daimonic element at its root: lumbering without reforestation is, of course, depredation, although it may be good business in the short run, and in the end destroys lumbering as an enterprise unless other agencies step in. But if they do, they are bound to dispense with the traditional lumbermen when it comes to harvesting. Depredation by way of exploiting human resources, again possibly good business in the short run, has led to that resentment and hostility under which business presently suffers. In these and similar cases weakness and wickedness have boomeranged. Much more self-destructive, however, than weakness of businessmen has been their very efficiency and success, and in this connection the daimonic dominates the field and has full sway. Schumpeter, in his book Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, has pointed to the fact and in most respects this author agrees with his analysis. But he wishes to put a different emphasis on various phenomena, necessary in this context, since Schumpeter looks at capitalism, while this author studies its standard bearer. First of all, the tremendous success of certain businessmen due to creative achievements has led to an accumulation of power first in their hands and subsequently in that of business as such. This accumulation of power in turn forced those detrimentally affected thereby to grasp for power too, in order to withstand the pressure and to hold ground. Loyalty to the established system became for many people burdensome, because short-term
Prolonged Atrial Fibrillation Precipitated by New-Onset Seizures and Marijuana Abuse

We report a case of prolonged atrial fibrillation (AF) precipitated by new-onset generalized tonic-clonic convulsions and marijuana abuse in a developmentally normal 18-year-old adolescent with a structurally normal heart. Our case highlights an interesting association and a unique pathophysiology between generalized tonic-clonic convulsions, marijuana abuse, and AF. We suggest that seizures and marijuana abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the etiology of AF in children.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Mood Disorders: Longitudinal Course and Interactions

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often misdiagnosed as a mood disorder, especially bipolar disorder. Mood disorder diagnostic variants that broaden the definitions of disorders often lead in clinical practice to the inappropriate use of medications, to a proliferation of medication changes, and sometimes to extensive and harmful polypharmacy aimed at addressing clinical problems that may well be the result of BPD, occurring either alone or as a comorbid condition. Examining the longitudinal course of BPD and comorbid mood disorders and their interactions over time may shed light not only on the disorder of primary importance but also, as a result, on the need to recognize and treat BPD with psychotherapy in order to achieve optimal outcomes in such cases. Results of four large-scale studies of the naturalistic, interactive course of personality disorders and mood disorders are reviewed in this chapter. The results indicate a strong interaction between BPD and major depressive disorder (MDD), suggesting overlapping psychopathologies and etiologies and weaker evidence for relationships between BPD and bipolar disorder. Research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Optical interconnects in future HPC systems

This talk will describe the primary interconnection network challenges as we attempt to build exascale computers over the coming decade. We discuss the role that optics will play in these systems, and key attributes for signaling technology from a system builder's perspective.
A theory of game trees

A theory of heuristic game tree search and evaluation functions for estimating minimax values is developed. The result is quite different from the traditional minimax approach to game playing, and it leads to product-propagation rules for backing up values when subpositions in the game are independent. In this theory Nau's paradox is avoided and deeper searching leads to better moves if one has reasonable evaluation functions.
Measurement of permanent magnet material demagnetization due to irradiation by high energy electrons

Demagnetization of NdFeB permanent magnet (PM) samples delivered by the Stanford magnets company, has been measured as a function of radiation dose induced by high energy electrons. The 5 GeV electron beam from 12 GeV Cornell synchrotron was used as a radiation source. Calorimetric technique was employed for radiation dose measurement. Experimental data demonstrated strong correlation between susceptibility to demagnetization induced by radiation and temperature. The correlation was described by an exponential function with two parameters acquired from the data fitting. The obtained results will be used for evaluation of ERL IDs performance degradation rate under expected operation conditions. Experimental setup, measurement technique, results, analysis and conclusions are described.
Regulating gene expression using optimal control theory

We described development of a novel genome-based model-driven strategy useful for regulating eukaryotic gene expression. In order to extract biologically meaningful information from a large volume of mRNA expression data, we built previously a PROmoter-Based Estimation (PROBE) model. The PROBE model allowed us to establish a quantitative relationship between transcription-factor binding motifs in regulatory DNA sequences and mRNA expression levels. Here, we extended PROBE formulation to derive an optimal control law for gene regulation. The responses to shear stress in human synovial cells were chosen as a model biological system, and the system dynamics was identified from the expression pattern of the genes involved in degradation and maintenance of extracellular matrix. In order to suppress the responses to mechanical stimuli, a Ricatti equation was solved and an admissible control law was derived. The approach presented here can be implemented in any biological process, and it would be useful to develop a transcription-mediated strategy for gene therapies and tissue engineering.
Substrate effects on the creep properties of pure Sn solder joints

This study investigated the influence of substrate metallization on the microstructure and creep behavior of the pure tin solder joints. Both symmetric (Cu:Cu) and the asymmetric (Cu:Au/Ni) metallizations were tested. The solder joints with asymmetric substrates had lower creep rates than those with symmetric (Cu:Cu) substrates. (Cu-Ni)/sup 6/Sn/sup 5/ intermetallics formed on all substrates. However, a dramatic and anomalous intermetallic growth was observed on the Ni-side of the asymmetric joints; after typical reflow the intermetallic reached almost one third of the solder joint thickness. It appears that the abnormally thick intermetallic inhibits creep in the asymmetric joint and is the primary cause of the lower creep rates.
Reducing the incidence of oxyhaemoglobin desaturation during rapid sequence intubation in a paediatric emergency department

Objectives Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is the standard for definitive airway management in emergency medicine. In a video-based study of RSI in a paediatric emergency department (ED), we reported a high degree of process variation and frequent adverse effects, including oxyhaemoglobin desaturation (SpO2<90%). This report describes a multidisciplinary initiative to improve the performance and safety of RSI in a paediatric ED. Methods We conducted a local improvement initiative in a high-volume academic paediatric ED. We simultaneously tested: (1) an RSI checklist, (2) a pilot/copilot model for checklist execution, (3) the use of a video laryngoscope and (4) the restriction of laryngoscopy to specific providers. Data were collected primarily by video review during the testing period and the historical period (2009–2010, baseline). We generated statistical process control charts (G-charts) to measure change in the performance of six key processes, attempt failure and the occurrence of oxyhaemoglobin desaturation during RSI. We iteratively revised the four interventions through multiple plan-do-study-act cycles within the Model for Improvement. Results There were 75 cases of RSI during the testing period (July 2012–September 2013). Special cause variation occurred on the G-charts for three of six key processes, attempt failure and desaturation, indicating significant improvement. The frequency of desaturation was 50% lower in the testing period than the historical (16% vs 33%). When all six key processes were performed, only 6% of patients experienced desaturation. Conclusions Following the simultaneous introduction of four interventions in a paediatric ED, RSI was performed more reliably, successfully and safely.
Crustal structure of the southeast flank of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, from seismic refraction measurements

abstract In November 1976, the U.S. Geological Survey, in conjunction with the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, established a 100-km-long seismic refraction line normal to the southeast coast of Hawaii across the submarine flank of Kilauea Volcano. Interpretation of the data suggests that the oceanic crust dips about 2° toward the island underneath the volcanic pile. The unreversed Pn velocity is 7.9 km/ sec with crustal velocities varying strongly along the profile. Profiles across the rift zones of Kilauea suggest that the velocity in the rifts is higher than the velocity in the surrounding extrusive rocks and that the velocity in the southwest rift (∼6.5 km/sec) is lower than the velocity in the east rift (∼7.0 km/sec). The rift boundaries seem to dip away from the rift such that a large part of the volcanic pile is composed of the higher velocity core of riftzone rock.
Criticizing another’s child: How teachers evaluate students during parent-teacher conferences

As the principal occasion for establishing cooperation between family and school, the parent-teacher conference is crucial to the social and educational lives of children. But there is a problem: reports of parent-teacher conflict pervade extant literature. Previous studies do not, however, explain how conflict emerges in real time or how conflict is often avoided during conferences. This article examines a diverse corpus of video-recorded naturally occurring conferences to elucidate a structural preference organization operative during parent-teacher interaction that enables participants to forestall conflict. Focusing on teachers' conduct around student-praise and student-criticism, this investigation demonstrates that teachers do extra interactional work when articulating student-criticism. This research explicates two of teachers' most regular actions constituting this extra work: obfuscating responsibility for student-troubles by omitting explicit reference to the student, and routinizing student-troubles by invoking other comparable cases of that same trouble. Analysis illuminates teachers' work to maintain solidarity with students, and thus parents. (Institutional interaction, parent-teacher conferences, conversation analysis, criticism, praise, evaluating students, assessments, preference organization)*
An Assessment of the Light Modulated Photocurrent Method in the Study of the Density of Gap States in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

We have applied the modulated photocurrent (MPC) method over a wide range of frequencies (5Hz-100kHz) and temperatures (120K-380K) to assess its ability to accurately deduce the mobility gap distribution in a-Si:H. We have also investigated the effects of moving both the Fermi level within some samples (by light soaking and partial annealing) and the quasi-Fermi level (by applying the bias light) to observe how such changes influence the deduced density of states (DOS). We then compared the MPC results directly with the DOS determined by junction capacitance measurements in the same sample devices. We have determined general conditions under which, we believe, the MPC results provide an accurate picture of the gap state distribution. However, we found that under other conditions, the appearance of the deep defect peaks and other features do not represent the actual defect distribution but, rather, are artifacts due to recombination processes.
The Nature and Extent of Self-Help Housing in Texas: From Colonias to Model Subdivisions

Despite regulatory efforts in Texas aimed at preventing the spread of “colonias”—self-help settlements with inadequate water and wastewater infrastructure—since the early 1990s hundreds of new self-help “model subdivisions” have formed throughout the state. Using aerial photography and parcel-level property records, I provide the first systematic analysis of these subdivisions. Their proliferation poses considerable challenges for local planners, and although most model subdivisions appear to have basic infrastructure, housing conditions are exceedingly poor because of the protracted nature of the self-help process. The study highlights the need for renewed attention by scholars, policymakers, and planners toward self-help settlements in Texas.