cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemistry, clones, and circadian control of the dinoflagellate bioluminescent system. The Marlene DeLuca memorial lecture

Bioluminescence in the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra occurs as brief bright flashes, originating from many (approximately 400) small (approximately 0.5 microns) cytoplasmic organelles which protrude into the acidic vacuole, and are thus surrounded by the tonoplast. Biochemically, the substrate is unusual; it is an open chain tetrapyrrole, highly unstable to air but protected in the cell at pH 8 by virtue of a luciferin binding protein (LBP). This molecule is a dimer of 72 kDa subunits which, upon a decrease in pH, releases luciferin to react with oxygen in the luciferase (approximately 140 kDa) catalysed luminescent reaction. cDNAs for both luciferase and LBP have been isolated and cloned, and the identity of LBP was confirmed by hybrid selection and in vitro translation of the message. The tenfold circadian (day to night) change in the amount of LBP, which parallels the in vivo rhythm of luminescence, is due to de novo synthesis and subsequent degradation of the protein each day. The LBP mRNA levels, as determined by in vitro translations and by Northern hybridizations, do not vary over the daily cycle, indicating that circadian control of bioluminescence in this species is mediated at the level of translation.
Outpatient endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy using 2-mm instruments

Background: For a long time it has been known that sympathectomy is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and other conditions. The surgical options available until recently usually have required thoracotomy or large posterior incisions, and physicians generally have been reluctant to recommend surgery for most patients with ``benign'' disorders. Recently, thoracoscopic techniques have allowed surgeons to offer these patients a permanent solution with minimal surgical trauma.
Oral Interleukin 11 as a Countermeasure to Lethal Total-Body Irradiation in a Murine Model

Countermeasures against radiation are critically needed. Ideally, these measures would be easy to store, easy to administer and have minimal toxicity. We used oral delivery of interleukin 11 (IL11) in mice exposed to lethal doses of total-body irradiation (TBI). Animals were given IL11 by gavage at various daily doses beginning 24 h after TBI, which continued for 5 days. At a TBI of 9.0 Gy, mice treated with IL11 had a 70% survival at 30 days compared with control group survival of 25% (P = 0.035). At 10.0 Gy, treated animals had 50% survival at 30 days compared with no survivors in the control group. Treated animals had significant improvement in intestinal mucosal surface area and crypt survival. In addition bacterial translocation of coliform bacteria was significantly less in the treated animals. Systemic absorption of IL11 was low in treated animals and effects on the hematopoietic cells were not seen. Serum citrulline levels rebounded significantly faster after irradiation in the IL11 treated animal...
Reification and deconstruction of Buddha nature in Chinese Chan

Although much has been said about deconstruction in Madhyamika Buddhism, very little has been done in the study of deconstructive strategy in Chan Buddhism. In his study of deconstruction in N~g~juna's thought, Robert Magliola adds several passages that discuss the same topic in Chan/Zen Buddhism. Magliola's major contribution is his distinction between logocentric and differential trends in Chan/Zen Buddhism (Magliola: 96-7). This distinction allows us to take a fresh look at, and to re-examine, those inner struggles in the evolution of Chan Buddhist thought. However, Magliola's study of deconstruction in Chan is not systematic, despite its insights. He uses only a few cases to show the deconstructive tendency in Chan, without applying his distinction to a closer examination of the different schools of Chan thought. Thus, his study leaves only the impression that the deconstructive or differential trend is connected with the Southern School of Chart. He does not justify this thesis through a closer doctrinal and textual-contextual investigation. Bernard Faure, on the other hand, touches upon the same issue of logocentric and differential trends in Chan in his comprehensive critique of the Chan tradition. Faure's study of this issue has two main problems. First, since his study is a criticism, he shows only what he thinks is the logocentric side of Chan, without providing a constructive study of deconstruction in Chan. Second, he criticizes Magliola for relating his logocentric/differential
Nanotopography and Surface Stress Analysis of Ti6Al4V Bioimplant: An Alternative Design for Stability

The mechanical stability of biomedical Ti6Al4V rods with vertically aligned nanotubes structure formed on their surface has yet to be fully tested during insertion into the bone. The surface of rods impacted during insertion into a bone makes shear contact with bone, generating an interfacial stress. This stress plays an important role in osseointegration and may contribute to loosening between the bone and the implant during surgery. In the current study, the mechanical stability of various Ti6Al4V surfaces, including machined (M), rough (R), machined-anodized (MA), and rough-anodized (RA) surfaces, were tested and fully analyzed during insertion and pullout test into a simulant bone with densities 15 and 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Our initial results from the field emission scanning electron microscopy images taken before and after insertion reveal that titania nanotubes remained stable and maintained their structural integrity during the insertion and pullout Instron test. Furthermore, from the interfacial stress calculation during the insertion, it was observed that compared with nonanodized rods, a higher force was required to insert the anodized rods. The interfacial stress generated during the insertion of anodized rods was 1.03 ± 0.11 MPa for MA and 1.10 ± 0.36 MPa for RA, which is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than nonanodized rods with 0.36 ± 0.07 MPa for M and 0.36 ± 0.08 MPa for R in simulant bone with density of 15 pcf. Similar behavior was also observed in 20 pcf simulant bone. Energy dissipated during anodized rod insertion (i.e., MA = 1.3 ± 0.04 Nm and RA = 1.23 ± 0.24 Nm) was not significantly different than nonanodized rod insertion (i.e., M = 0.9 ± 0.05 Nm and R = 1.04 ± 0.04 Nm) into 15 pcf simulant bone. The high stress during insertion of anodized rods suggests that the nanotubes on the surface can cause gripping and high friction on the radial side, resisting the counter motion of the bone. The latter may play a beneficial role in preventing micromotion between the bone and implant and therefore reducing the chance of fretting/fatigue corrosion.
The Best Brown Dwarf Yet? A Companion to the Hyades Eclipsing Binary V471 Tauri

We have carried out an analysis of about 160 eclipse timings spanning over 30 years of the Hyades eclipsing binary V471 Tauri that shows a long-term quasi-sinusoidal modulation of its observed eclipse arrival times. The O - C values have been analyzed for the "light-time" effect that arises from the gravitational influence of a tertiary companion. The presence of a third body causes the relative distance of the eclipsing pair to the Earth to change as it orbits the barycenter of the triple system. The result of the analysis of the eclipse times yields a light-time semiamplitude of 137.2 ± 12.0 s, an orbital period of P3 = 30.5 ± 1.6 yr, and an eccentricity of e3 = 0.31 ± 0.04. The mass of the tertiary component is M3 sin i3 0.0393 ± 0.0038 M☉ when a total mass of 1.61 ± 0.06 M☉ for V471 Tau is adopted. For orbital inclinations i3 35°, the mass of the third body would be below the stable hydrogen-burning limit of M ≈ 0.07 M☉, and thus it would be a brown dwarf. In the next several years (near maximum elongation), it should be feasible to obtain IR images and spectra of V471 Tau C that, when combined with the known mass, age, distance, and [Fe/H], will serve as a benchmark for understanding the physical properties and evolution of brown dwarfs.
The impact of merit-based financial aid on college enrollment: A field experiment

Abstract Merit-based financial aid awards have become increasingly prevalent in the pricing policies of higher education institutions. This study utilizes an experiment to estimate the efficacy of merit-aid awards in achieving the institutional objective of attracting the most academically desirable applicants. I find that merit aid has a statistically significant but inelastic effect on enrollment of extremely high ability students. Additionally, the setting of this paper allows for a test of whether students respond to the framing of price in making enrollment decisions (i.e. price illusion), holding net price constant. There is weak evidence in support of price illusion among this set of students.
Market liberalization and international alliance formation: The Mexican paradigm

Abstract Market liberalization has emerged as a major phenomenon affecting global business today. Coincident with the spread of market liberalization, business alliances have become the dominant form for promoting international business. Current research and discussion of international business alliances—or strategic alliances—have centered on the Triad markets (the United States, Japan and Western Europe), yet international strategic alliances can play a special role in market liberalization in less developed countries (LDCs). The purpose of this paper is to examine international strategic alliances from the perspective of Mexican managers contending with the current market liberalization in their country. It focuses on motivations for alliance formation and alliance partner selection and the role of stakeholders in alliance formation. The study is designed to project patterns of alliance formation in the many other liberalizing economies throughout the developing world.
Expectations Regarding Acquaintance Sexual Aggression Among Sorority and Fraternity Members.

Among women, college is a high risk period for sexual assault by male acquaintances. Differences in expectations held by men and women may contribute to misinterpretation of social cues and subsequent sexual aggression and may impair women's ability to respond effectively. This paper presents findings from a predominantly Caucasian sample (85.9%) of college sorority (n = 66) and fraternity (n = 34) members regarding the social context within which they interact and their expectations regarding perpetration of and response to sexual aggression. Results showed differences in men's and women's expectations and responses, and in particular highlighted how men's expectations were related to women's resistance of unwanted sex. Understanding the cognitive processes that men and women draw upon in social interactions can be useful for developing sexual aggression prevention and resistance interventions.
The thermodynamics of lanthanide complexing by fumarate and maleate

Abstract The stability constants and enthalpies of formation of the lanthanide monofumarate and monomaleate complexes have been measured by pH and calorimetric titration in an ionic medium of 0·10 M (NaClO 4 ). The fumarate complexes are more stable than would be expected and it is proposed that this is due to the transmission of charge from the unbonded carboxylate group to the bonded one.
Cooperative Design Optimization (CDO) for Multidisciplinary Systems

Design engineers and decision-makers across various fields are constantly working to make optimal design decisions for multidisciplinary engineering systems in an effort to improve performance and reduce costs. The multiple disciplines that decision-makers are forced to consider can range from different physical components of a system, to competing physical phenomena influencing a component (e.g. flow forces and structural strength), to completely separate models of interest to a system (e.g. engineering performance and lifecycle cost). The common element that all these decision-making scenarios share is the presence of couplings between the considered disciplines (or subsystems). How the values for these coupling parameters are determined within a decision-making or optimization framework is the subject of countless research efforts. At present the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) community has settled on a few proven techniques such Collaborative Optimization (CO) and Analytic Target Cascading (ATC). However, current MDO techniques have issues that limit their effectiveness in solving various MDO problems. Many of these strategies require close coordination between subsystem optimization solvers, require significant effort by decision-makers to pose their problems in a suitable format, and/or can have large computational efficiency problems due to the fact that they involve solving nested optimization problems. In an effort to alleviate some of these issues and make MDO easier to implement and more computationally efficient, a new sequential MDO algorithm called Cooperative Design Optimization (CDO) is proposed. The CDO approach functions through a series of subsystem optimizations using a successively smaller cooperation space. The cooperation space is analogous to the design space of a traditional optimization problem, but includes only the coupling parameters that are a factor in multiple subsystems. A single iteration of the approach can be thought of as a negotiation between all of the subsystems regarding the boundaries of the cooperation space. To facilitate this cooperation, each subsystem optimization problem is restructured as a multi-objective optimization problem so that a Pareto set of optimal solutions, or agreeable design alternatives, are produced. As a result, after all subsystem optimizations are accomplished, each subsystem’s obtained Pareto optimal solution sets are compared with respect to the coupling parameters and new bounds in the cooperation space are determined for the next iteration. This process allows each subsystem to be optimized completely independently within the boundaries of the agreed upon cooperation space while coordination is achieved through an analysis of obtained optimal solutions for each subsystem. Iterations, or negotiations, are repeated until an acceptable solution or set of solutions is obtained for all included subsystems through this cooperative process.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Synthesis and structure of (η5-C5H5)3Gd · OC4H8

Abstract Reaction of a 1/1 mole ratio of GdCl3 and NaC5H5 in THF resulted in the formation of (η5-C5H5)3Gd · THF. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P22/n with unit cell constants a 8.220(4), b 24.650(9), c 8.317(4) A, β 101.39(3)°, and Dc 1.71 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Full-matrix least-squares refinement has led to a final R value of 0.053 based on 2610 independent observed reflections. The THF molecule is coordinated to the gadolinium atom at a GdO distance of 2.494(7) A. The GdC(cyclopentadienyl) bond lengths range from 2.68(2) to 2.80(1) A, and average 2.74(3) A.
Epitope Specificities of Broadly Neutralizing Plasmas from HIV-1 Infected Subjects

The characterization of the cross-reactive, or heterologous, neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses developed during HIV-1-infection is relevant to the development of an HIV vaccine. Here we summarize our recently published study where we characterized the cross-reactive NAb responses in two cohorts of anti-retroviral naive, healthy, acute and chronically HIV-infected subjects (N=39) and present new information regarding epitope specificities. We determined that anti-CD4-binding site antibodies are responsible for the exceptionally broad cross-neutralizing antibody responses recorded only in rare plasma samples. Plasma from three subjects with moderate to high breadth of heterologous neutralizing antibody responses contained antibodies targeting the 4E10-epitope within the gp41 transmembrane subunit, and plasma from one these three subjects also contained antibodies against the 2F5 epitope. However, In most subjects with moderate to high breadth of cross-neutralization, the specificities of their NAb responses remain unknown. Overall, our study indicates that more than one pathway leads to the development of broad cross-reactive NAbs during HIV-infection.
Design and analysis of a novel reversible encoder/decoder

Reversible computation differs from traditional computation in that it preserves information while manipulating it. This new design paradigm has very attractive thermodynamic consequences and holds many applications in current and emerging technologies. Modern computers can reduce power consumption by taking advantage of reversibility, and quantum computers operate reversibly. Researchers have already proposed reversible designs of many common arithmetic and logical units, including adders, multipliers, shifters, and even registers. Very little focused work has been done specifically on reversible encoder/decoder design. In this paper we propose a novel reversible encoder/decoder design and analyze it in terms of its quantum cost, garbage outputs, constant inputs, and quantum delay.
Biopesticides with complex modes of action: direct and indirect effects of DiTera® on Meloidogyne incognita

Bionematicides may exhibit complex modes of action based on: i ) direct lethal or sub-lethal effects on the nematode; ii ) promotion of plant growth and damage tolerance; and/or iii ) influencing the interaction between the plant and the nematode by inducing plant defences. A suite of assays was conducted to characterise the mode of action of the commercial bionematicide DiTera ® (Valent Biosciences, Chicago, IL, USA). Agar-based behavioural assays revealed significant chemotactic responses of second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita to DiTera with concentrations of 1.0% and 0.1% being repellent and 0.01% being attractive to M. incognita . In addition, exposure to 1.0% DiTera reduced the velocity and increased the meander of nematodes in no-choice tests. These experiments were complemented with soil-based assays. Rhizotron and minirhizotron assays that allowed spatially explicit evaluation of root growth demonstrated root proliferation of Solanum lycopersicum cv. Rutgers in response to localised applications of DiTera. Our results confirm that DiTera can positively affect plant growth and may influence nematode foraging behaviour. However, results of the soil-based assays provided little support for the hypothesis that DiTera has direct or indirect (plant-mediated) effects on M. incognita performance. This is in contrast to some of the published literature, and it may be that the chosen methods were not appropriate to detect these effects.
Cracking the Challenge of Changing Dispositions: Changing Hearts and Minds through Stories, Narratives, and Direct Cultural Interactions

This paper reports the findings of a study that examined changes in interns’ culturally and family-responsive dispositions over the course of a 2-year early childhood teacher preparation program that prepares teachers who are willing and able to work with culturally, linguistically, and ability-diverse young children and their families. Specifically, we studied shifts in dispositions about (a) building relationships with families, (b) feeling comfortable working with children and families with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and (c) being willing to implement culturally responsive and relevant curriculum and instruction. Qualitative methodologies were employed to examine the guiding-principles paper interns wrote at the conclusion of the program. Results of the study indicate that interns perceived that their attitudes toward and beliefs about families with cultures different from their own changed over the course of the program. They attributed these changes, in part, to their engagement in ...
Sodium Ion/Hydrogen Ion Exchange Inhibition: A New Pharmacologic Approach to Myocardial Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury

Over the past few years, it has been shown that the cardiac myocyte plasma membrane sodium ion/hydrogen ion exchanger (NHE) plays an important role in the maintenance of intracellular pH, sodium, and calcium ion homeostasis. From the results of various experimental studies, it is clear that this ion exchanger is an important mediator of ischemic-reperfusion injury of the heart. During myocardial ischemia, intracellular acidosis develops quickly, activating the exchanger to extrude H+ into the extracellular environment and bring Na+ into the cell. With further progression of ischemia, the cell is unable to handle the overload of Na+, causing it to use its Na+/Ca2 exchanger to unload intracellular Na+ into the extracellular space. At the same time, however, calcium is being transported into the cell. This can lead to detrimental cardiac injury, such as contracture and necrosis. During myocardial reperfusion, these events are magnified because the return of blood flow lowers the extracellular H+ concentration, stimulating the NHE to extrude more intracellular H+ ion. This leads to intracellular Na+ excess and eventually, intracellular Ca2+ overload and cardiac injury. In an effort to alter these pathophysiologic events, a number of investigators have studied the ability of various NHE inhibitors, such as amiloride, analogues of amiloride, and other drugs (HOE 694, HOE 642), to prevent cardiac ischemic-reperfusion damage. Preliminary results from studies in animal models have revealed that most of these agents are able to attenuate the development of myocardial contracture, infarction, and arrhythmias during both ischemia and reperfusion. Their efficacy and cardioprotective effects in human beings have yet to be determined. These agents appear to be promising not only in the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease, but also in avoiding cardiac damage in situations where low-flow states are followed by immediate recovery of flow, as in coronary artery bypass graft surgery, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, thrombolytic therapy, and coronary arterial vasospasm. This article reviews the physiology of the NHE and analyzes the potential role of NHE inhibitors in the prevention of ischemic-reperfusion injury and other cardiac disease states.
Do β-blockers prolong survival in heart failure only by inhibiting the β1-receptor? A perspective on the results of the COMET trial

Experimental and clinical studies indicate that carvedilol exerts multiple antiadrenergic effects in addition to beta(1)-receptor blockade, but the prognostic importance of these actions has long been debated. This controversy has now been substantially advanced by the results of the recently completed Carvedilol Or Metoprolol European Trial (COMET), which showed that carvedilol (25 mg twice daily) reduced mortality by 17% when compared with metoprolol (50 mg twice daily), P=.0017--a result that was consistent with the differences seen across earlier controlled trials with beta-blockers in survivors of an acute myocardial infarction and in patients with chronic heart failure. Questions have been raised about the interpretation of these findings in view of the fact that the trial did not use the dose or formulation of metoprolol that was shown to prolong life in a placebo-controlled trial (ie, Metoprolol CR/XL [Controlled Release] Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, however, indicate that the dosing regimen of metoprolol selected for use in the COMET trial produces a magnitude and time course of beta(1)-blockade during a 24-hour period that is similar to the dose of carvedilol targeted for use in the trial. These analyses suggest that the observed difference in the mortality effects of metoprolol and carvedilol is not related to a difference in the magnitude or time course of their beta(1)-blocking effects but instead reflect antiadrenergic effects of carvedilol in addition to beta(1)-blockade.
Estimating a three-level latent variable regression model with cross-classified multiple membership data

Abstract. The current study proposed a new model, termed the cross-classified multiple membership latent variable regression (CCMM-LVR) model that provides an extension to the three-level latent va...
Effect of the Substrate on Microindentation Behavior

A continuous microindentation apparatus was constructed with a maximum load capacity of 45 N (resolution of 0.1 N) and with a maximum displacement of 500 μm (resolution of 2.0 μm) and used to test bulk materials (brass, aluminum, steel, soda-lime glass and PMMA) and epoxy coatings on substrates of aluminum, steel, soda-lime glass and PMMA. The hardness (H) was determined with a Vickers indenter and compared to that obtained with a Tukon hardness tester. The elastic modulus of the coated systems was also estimated from the unloading curves. In general, we found that the indentation behavior of the epoxy coated system was influenced by the substrate with softer substrates (as with PMMA) being deformed before the indenter penetrates the coating. With all coated systems, the on-load value of H was independent of the penetration depth until the indenter penetrated the substrate. For the aluminum, steel and soda-lime glass substrates, the value of H after penetration increased slowly due to the pile up of the epoxy coating underneath the indenter supporting more of the load. For the PMMA substrate, hardness decreased after penetration because the hardness of PMMA was less than the epoxy coating.
Indicators of Food Microbial Quality and Safety

Indicator organisms may be employed to reflect the microbiological quality of foods relative to product shelf life or their safety from foodborne pathogens. In general, indicators are most often used to assess food sanitation, and most of this chapter treats them in this context: however, quality indicators may be used, and some general aspects of this usage are outlined in the following section.
Puckered, a Drosophila MAPK phosphatase, ensures cell viability by antagonizing JNK-induced apoptosis

MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) are important negative regulators of MAPKs in vivo, but ascertaining the role of specific MKPs is hindered by functional redundancy in vertebrates. Thus, we characterized MKP function by examining the function of Puckered (Puc), the sole Drosophila Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-specific MKP, during embryonic and imaginal disc development. We demonstrate that Puc is a key anti-apoptotic factor that prevents apoptosis in epithelial cells by restraining basal JNK signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that JNK signaling plays an important role inγ -irradiation-induced apoptosis, and examine how JNK signaling fits into the circuitry regulating this process. Radiation upregulates both JNK activity and puc expression in a p53-dependent manner, and apoptosis induced by loss of Puc can be suppressed by p53 inactivation. JNK signaling acts upstream of both Reaper and effector caspases. Finally, we demonstrate that JNK signaling directs normal developmentally regulated apoptotic events. However, if cell death is prevented, JNK activation can trigger tissue overgrowth. Thus, MKPs are key regulators of the delicate balance between proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis during development.
Long-Period Grating Inscribed on Concatenated Double-Clad and Single-Clad Fiber for Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Refractive Index

In this letter, a kind of long-period fiber grating (LPFG) that is capable of simultaneous measurement of temperature and surrounding refractive index (RI) is fabricated and demonstrated. The compact LPFG is written on a piece of spliced standard single-mode fiber (SMF) and double-clad fiber (DCF) with the CO2 laser point-by-point irradiation technique. The LPFG section in the DCF is solely sensitive to temperature, while the section of the LPFG in the SMF is sensitive to both temperature and surrounding RI. After temperature and RI calibration, the LPFG has been used to measure the RI change of ethylene glycol with the change of temperature to demonstrate its capability for dual parameter simultaneous measurement.
Maximum likelihood estimation of K distribution parameters for SAR data

The K distribution has proven to be a promising and useful model for backscattering statistics in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. However, most studies to date have relied on a method of moments technique involving second and fourth moments to estimate the parameters of the K distribution. The variance of these parameter estimates is large in cases where the sample size is small and/or the true distribution of backscattered amplitude is highly non-Rayleigh. The present authors apply a maximum likelihood estimation method directly to the K distribution. They consider the situation for single-look SAR data as well as a simplified model for multilook data. They investigate the accuracy and uncertainties in maximum likelihood parameter estimates as functions of sample size and the parameters themselves. They also compare their results with those from a new method given by Raghavan (1991) and from a nonstandard method of moments technique; maximum likelihood parameter estimates prove to be at least as accurate as those from the other estimators in all cases tested, and are more accurate in most cases. Finally, they compare the simplified multilook model with nominally four-look SAR data acquired by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory AIRSAR over sea ice in the Beaufort Sea during March 1988. They find that the model fits data from both first-year and multiyear ice well and that backscattering statistics from each ice type are moderately non-Rayleigh. They note that the distributions for the data set differ too little between ice types to allow discrimination based on differing distribution parameters. >
Statistical measurements of irradiance fluctuations of a multipass laser beam propagated through laboratory-simulated atmospheric turbulence

Experimental results are presented for the statistics of 0.6328-microm laser irradiance fluctuations for multiple-pass propagation through a laboratory-simulated atmospheric turbulence of strength C(2)(n) = 2.476 x 10(-11) m(-2/3) and the smallest scale size l(0) = 2.74 mm. The coefficients of variation gamma(0), skewness gamma(1), and excess gamma(2) of irradiance fluctuations are plotted as a function of path length. From the plots of gamma(2) vs gamma(1) for various values of sigma(2)(1) (= 1.23 k(7/6) C(2)(n)L(11/6)) in different regions within the turbulence, the following forms of the probability distribution functions for the irradiance fluctuations are considered: lognormal, Rice-Nakagami, m distribution, gamma (and exponential), and K distribution. We have also demonstrated the characteristic feature of -8/3 power law behavior of power spectrum and the shift of Tatarski's peak frequency in the case of strong turbulence.
Role of Propofol in Refractory Status Epilepticus

OBJECTIVE:To provide a review of the proposed mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and therapeutic considerations associated with the use of propofol in the management of patients with refractory status epilepticus.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE database (January 1966–April 1998) was searched for literature pertaining to status epilepticus and propofol. Additional literature was obtained from the references of selected articles identified in the search. Information from all articles published in English was considered for inclusion in the article.DATA SYNTHESIS:Propofol is a unique, nonbarbiturate, anesthetic agent possessing anticonvulsant properties, although the exact anticonvulsant mechanism is unknown. Several case reports and two small, open, uncontrolled studies have described the efficacy of propofol in refractory status epilepticus. Most of these clinical reports discuss the utility of propofol after traditional treatment regimens have failed or are not tolerated. Initiation of propof...
A modulo merge sorting network

The odd-even merge is a widely used and generally accepted merging network that uses O(N log/sup 2/N) comparators with O(log/sup 2/N) delay. A novel merging network is presented that generalizes the technique used in the odd-even merge. It is based on the division of the input keys by a specified modulus, not limited to 2. A special comparator is used in the final merge step that accepts m input lines and produces m sorted items, where m is the modulus selected for the merge. Alternatives are discussed that apply to the bitonic merging network. >
A formal specification of the Haskell 98 module system

Many programming languages provide means to split large programs into smaller modules. The module system of a language specifies what constitutes a module and how modules interact.This paper presents a formal specification of the module system for the functional programming language Haskell. Although many aspects of Haskell have been subjected to formal analysis, the module system has, to date, been described only informally as part of the Haskell language report. As a result, some aspects of it are not well understood or are under-specified; this causes difficulties in reasoning about Haskell programs, and leads to practical problems such as inconsistencies between different implementations. One significant aspect of our work is that the specification is written in Haskell, which means that it can also be used as an executable test-bed, and as a starting point for Haskell implementers.
The Association of Publication of Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Guidelines for Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting (CAS) and CREST Results on the Utilization of CAS in Carotid Revascularization.

Background Since the 2004 approval of carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS), there have been 2 seminal publications about CAS reimbursement (Center for Medicaid and Medicare Several guidelines [CMSG]; 2008) and clinical outcomes (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stent Trial [CREST]; 2010). We explored trends in CAS utilization after these publications nationally. Methods The most recent datasets of the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) was queried for patients undergoing carotid revascularization. Utilization proportions of CAS were calculated quarterly from 2005 to 2011 for NIS. Three-time intervals related to CMSG and CREST publication were selected 2005–2008, 2008–2010, and after 2010. Logistic regression with piecewise linear trend for time was used to estimate different trends in CAS utilization for overall samples and for neurologically asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. Results The majority (95%) of the carotid revascularizations were performed on asymptomatic patients. Overall, CAS utilization constituted 12.5% of carotid revascularization procedures with a significant period increase of CAS; from 9.4% to 14%; P Conclusions Although overall utilization of CAS increased since 2005, it was not uniformly associated by the publication of CMSG or CREST. Despite increased utilization, the odds of adverse outcomes were independently higher among CAS patients.
Comparison of experimental target currents with analytical model results for plasma immersion ion implantation

An analytical model of the voltage and current characteristics of a remote plasma is presented. The model simulates, the ion, electron and secondary electron currents induced before, during and after a high voltage negative pulse is applied to a target immersed in a plasma. The model also includes analytical relations that describe the sheath expansion and collapse due to negative high voltage pulses. The sheath collapse is found to be important for high repetition rate pulses. Good correlation is shown between the model and experiment for a wide variety of voltage pulses and plasma conditions. >
An Analysis of Soil Respiration across Northern Hemisphere Temperate Ecosystems

Over two-thirds of terrestrial carbon is stored belowground and a significant amount of atmospheric CO2 is respired by roots and microbes in soils. For this analysis, soil respiration (Rs) data were assembled from 31 AmeriFlux and CarboEurope sites representing deciduous broadleaf, evergreen needleleaf, grasslands, mixed deciduous/evergreen and woodland/savanna ecosystem types. Lowest to highest rates of soil respiration averaged over the growing season were grassland and woodland/savanna 0.1). Yet, previous studies indicate correlations on shorter time scales within site (e.g., weekly, monthly). Estimates of annual GPP from the Biome-BGC model were strongly correlated with observed annual estimates of soil respiration for six sites (R2 = 0.84; p < 0.01). Correlations from observations of Rs with NPP, LAI, fine root biomass and litterfall relate above and belowground inputs to labile pools that are available for decomposition. Our results suggest that simple empirical relationships with temperature and/or moisture that may be robust at individual sites may not be adequate to characterize soil CO2 effluxes across space and time, agreeing with other multi-site studies. Information is needed on the timing and phenological controls of substrate availability (e.g., fine roots, LAI) and inputs (e.g., root turnover, litterfall) to improve our ability to accurately quantify the relationships between soil CO2 effluxes and carbon substrate storage.
Optimal Competitive Balance in Single-Game Ticket Sports Leagues:

The authors extend the theory of optimal competitive balance to leagues where single-game ticket sales dominate revenues. Whether a planner that maximizes the sum of fan and owner surpluses prefers...
Spectrographic Analysis of the Plasma Arc Generated within the Rimfire Gas Switch

Summary form only given. The University of Missouri-Columbia is currently utilizing a refurbished Proto II Marx bank provided by Sandia National Laboratory to conduct pulsed power research and investigate the Rimfire switch and issues that could potentially be influencing the lifetime of the switch housing. The Marx bank produces a voltage of 2 MV across the trigger section of the Rimfire gas switch, generating breakdown currents in excess of 500 kA. The interaction of the arc with the dielectric wall of the switch is being investigated to determine the effect of the UV on the switch lifetime. The UV flux generated by the plasma is thought to be either depositing charge on the walls of the plastic insulator or contributing to the aging of the switch's dielectric wall resulting in premature aging of the insulator. The arc spectrum has been characterized to identify electrode material ionization and byproducts, the arc spectrum, and the time resolved plasma temperature. A spectrographic analysis of the trigger-section of the RIMFIRE laser triggered gas switch used in Sandia National Laboratory's "Z-Machine" has been completed. The gas dielectric utilized in these tests was pressurized SF6 and the electrode material was stainless steel. A spectrum range from 200 to 800 nanometers has been measured and will be reported.
Theoretical investigations of scattering from plastic foams

The use of cellular or foamed plastics in various microwave applications, such as supports at radar ranges, makes it desirable to know the back scattering properties of such materials. Since the cell structure is of a random nature with some predictable average properties such as cell size and density, it is modeled by an aggregate of randomly distributed spherical shells. Assemblies of scatterers will in general have a coherent and an incoherent scatter. Coherent scattering comes primarily from sudden particle density changes such as that at the boundaries of a particle system. Since coherent scattering comes only from the boundaries of a constant density material, it can sometimes be reduced by appropriate shaping. Incoherent scattering is the result of the contribution of all the particles in the system, i.e, a volume or an interior effect. It represents the irreducible scattering contribution to the total back scatter. As such it can be looked upon as the minimum cross section that can be obtained from a foam structure provided all coherent scatter has been removed. The magnitude of the incoherent scattering is illustrated by calculating radar cross sections for a cylinder made of styrofoam. Since the compressive strength of styrofoam is known, the maximum load that a styrofoam structure can support and the minimum achievable cross section from it can be easily calculated.
InP-Based p-i-n-Photodiode Array Integrated With 90 $^\circ$ Hybrid Using Butt-Joint Regrowth for Compact 100 Gb/s Coherent Receiver

This paper reports on the performance of an InP-based p-i-n-photodiode array monolithically integrated with a 90 $^\circ$ hybrid consisting of multimode interference structures using the butt-joint regrowth and its application to compact 100 Gb/s coherent receivers. A responsivity including total loss of 8.2 dB in the waveguide was as high as 0.14 A/W, and responsivity imbalance of all channels was less than ±0.5 dB. The wide 3-dB bandwidth of 26 GHz at a low reverse bias voltage of 1.6 V was obtained under high optical input power conditions (photocurrent = 2.5 mA). The stable dark current was achieved in the accelerated aging test (test condition: −5 V at 175 $^\circ$ C) over 2000 h. Finally, the excellent common mode rejection ratio with low loss imbalance of 90 $^\circ$ hybrids (less than −20 dB up to 25 GHz) and demodulation of 128 Gb/s dual polarization quadrature phase-shift keying modulated signals were demonstrated for the compact coherent receiver (package body size: 15 mm × 26 mm × 5.5 mm).
Supervisory and Control Equipment for Audio-Frequency Amplifiers

This paper is divided into two parts: In the first part a new type of level indicator is presented, and in the second a device for controlling the output signal of an amplifier is described. Part I: Two types of level indicators in use at the present time on audio-frequency amplifiers are the r-m-s voltmeter and the average voltmeter. Neither of these will tell the operator how near the signal is to the overload point of the amplifier. A new type peak voltmeter is described that makes continuous measurements of the highest peak values attained by the signal. Part II: An automatic control circuit is described which reduces the amplification of a special amplifier when the output voltage reaches a certain amount, thereby keeping the subsequent equipment from being overloaded.
Risk factors for bone pain among patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for bone pain in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim. Individual patient data from 22 pegfilgrastim clinical trials were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors associated with grade ≥2 bone pain and any grade bone pain in the first chemotherapy cycle and across cycles 1–6. Of the 1949 patients analyzed, 19 and 36 % had grade ≥2 and any grade bone pain, respectively, in cycle 1, and 28 and 51 % had grade ≥2 and any grade bone pain, respectively, across cycles 1–6. In cycle 1, history of bone pain (odds ratio (OR), 1.51; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.09–2.07) was associated with increased risk of grade ≥2 bone pain; age ≥65 years (versus <45 years; OR, 0.64; 95 % CI, 0.42–0.98), the European Union region (versus the USA region; OR, 0.32; 95 % CI, 0.20–0.52), colorectal cancer (versus breast cancer; OR, 0.14; 95 % CI, 0.05–0.41), and small-cell lung cancer (OR, 0.34; 95 % CI, 0.12–0.98) were associated with reduced risk of grade ≥2 bone pain. Potential risk factors for bone pain in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy and primary prophylactic pegfilgrastim identified in this study are younger age and history of bone pain. No other association with clinical factors and risk of bone pain was detected. Better understanding of risk factors for bone pain would be useful in identifying patients who may benefit from pain prevention strategies.
The Way That Companies Should Manage Their Human Resources As Their Most Important Asset: Empirical Investigation

Although research reveals a direct relationship between a company’s success and its commitment to management practices that treat its people as assets, trends in management practice are moving away from these principles. This study provides a sound business case confirming that the way a company manages its people is a real and enduring source of competitive advantage. Drawing on their practical experience, the surveyed CEOs agree that the seven management practices (selective hiring, extensive training, employment security, self-management teams and decentralization, comparatively high compensation contingent on organizational performance, reduction of status differences, and sharing information) suggested in this study are the way that companies should manage their people as their most important asset. However, there are differences in the ranking order of management practices between CEOs and Pffer and Veiga (1999).
Social Wealth Economic Indicators for a Caring Economy

This essay introduces the reader to an entirely new set of measures that are urgently needed by policymakers and business leaders to foster personal, business, and national economic success. Social Wealth Economic Indicators are measures suggested by a partnership model of society, and they inform us that care work matters tremendously but is grossly undervalued. In our contemporary knowledge-service economy, the essential ingredient for social and economic progress is high-quality human capital, and the way to build such human capital is to support the work of caring and caregiving, traditionally considered “women’s work.” The data presented in this essay clearly show that early childhood care and education, family-friendly workplace practices, and the status of women are key determinants of economic success. But they are also necessary for healthy, creative, and cohesive societies in which members work in partnership with each other and with the natural environment to improve living conditions for all. This is the true meaning of social wealth.
Focus On . . . Retirement Plan Leakage

Retirement plan leakage refers to any situation where funds accumulated in a private retirement plan (including both employer-sponsored plans and IRAs) are withdrawn from the plan and spent before retirement. This article discusses the problem and a 2009 report (the GAO Report) issued by the General Accountability Office (GAO).
Investigation of High Density Cell Culture Kinetics Using On-Line Cell Density and Metabolic Rate Measurements

A perfusion bioreactor system has been developed for independent control of cell density and metabolite concentrations. The cell density was monitored and controlled using an online optical sensor. A constant environment to the cell was provided by controlling metabolite concentrations. This was accomplished by altering the perfusion rate using a knowledge-based process control algorithm and on-line metabolic rate measurements. The system is controlled by an object oriented computer program. This high cell density bioreactor permitted the investigation of mammalian cell growth, metabolism and product kinetics at cell concentrations of 0.1 to 20 million cells/mL. Experimental data on the effects of cell density on cell growth, metabolism and productivity under a constant cellular environment (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and medium composition) obtained in this reactor are discussed.
Managerial Learning from Stock Prices: A Structural Examination

Using a structural market microstructure model, we develop a new measure of price informativeness that utilizes data on both price and volume, which we call the INF measure. We show that, compared to traditional measures, our measure is better at capturing information in prices, evidenced by increased INF, but not in other measures, when firms disclose material information via 8-Ks. Next, using INF, we find evidence of managerial learning from stock prices, as the sensitivity of firm investment to price is higher when INF is higher. In addition, we demonstrate that the momentum effect is stronger for stocks with higher INF.