cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotional Intelligence and Burnout in Surgical Residents: A 5-Year Study.

Objective We sought to characterize the interactions of burnout with internal and external factors over the past 5 years for surgery residents at our institution. We hypothesized that burnout levels would be consistent among years, inversely related to emotional intelligence (EI) and job resources, and directly related to disruptive behaviors. Design General surgery residents at a single institution were invited to complete a survey each year from 2015 to 2019 that included a combination of the 22-item Maslach-Burnout Inventory, 30-item trait EI questionnaire, as well as focused questions assessing disruptive behaviors (8 items), job resources (8 items), and demographic characteristics. Burnout was defined as scoring high in depersonalization (≥ 10 points) or emotional exhaustion (≥ 27 points). Student's t tests and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare continuous variables; chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, as appropriate. Spearman's rho was used to calculate correlation. A logistic regression and separate linear regression model were constructed to assess relation of variables to burnout. Setting The general surgery residency program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, a large tertiary care academic center. Results An average of 47 surveys were completed each year, for a total of 236 (response rate 81%). One hundred seventeen (58.5%) met criteria for burnout. Burnout rates each year ranged from 68% to 53%, with the lowest value occurring in 2019. Incidence of burnout was lowest among the postgraduate year (PGY) 1 class and highest among the PGY5 class (38% versus 64%, p = 0.02). Individuals without burnout had higher scores for EI overall (5.7 versus 5.3, p Conclusions Burnout is prevalent among trainees at our institution, but a trend toward improvement has been shown over 5 years. Burnout rates increase each year of surgical training beyond PGY2. Factors that mitigate burnout include resident well-being and professional development. Disruptive behaviors lead to increase burnout rates.
Multiple Imputation for Nonignorable Item Nonresponse in Complex Surveys Using Auxiliary Margin

We outline a framework for multiple imputation of nonignorable item nonresponse when the marginal distributions of some of the variables with missing values are known. In particular, our framework ensures that (i) the completed datasets result in design-based estimates of totals that are plausible, given the margins, and (ii) the completed datasets maintain associations across variables as posited in the imputation models. To do so, we propose an additive nonignorable model for nonresponse, coupled with a rejection sampling step. The rejection sampling step favors completed datasets that result in design-based estimates that are plausible given the known margins. We illustrate the framework using simulations with stratified sampling.
Platinum Nanoparticles Decorated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Chemically Modified Graphene based Electrochemical Biosensor for Highly Sensitive and Selective Glucose Detection

In this work, a novel enzymatic glucose sensor was developed on the platinum nanoparticles embedded chemically modified graphene (CG) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f@MWCNTs) composite. The CG/f@MWCNTs composite was embedded on gold electrode and platinum nanoparticle (PtNP) was electroplated on the CG/f@MWCNTs composite electrode. Glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized onto the nanoparticles on the surface of the electrode. The stability and selectivity of the biosensor was increased by nafion coating on the glucose oxidase modified surface. The as fabricated biosensor electrode demonstrated high electrocatalytic activities toward oxidation of glucose, with a wide linear response range from 0.005 to 13 mM, high sensitivity of 26.5 μΑ/mM cm2, a fast response time (5 s) and a low detection limit of 5 μΜ (signal to noise ratio is 3). It showed negligible interference effects and exhibited good stability. These results indicate that the nanostructured glucose sensor offers great promise for use in noninvasive glucose sensing applications.
Laser-based comparison calibration of laboratory standard microphones

A precision laser-based comparison calibration method for laboratory standard microphones is described that uses reference microphones calibrated by the pressure reciprocity method. Electrical drive current and diaphragm velocity are measured while the microphones are driven as transmitters/sources of sound; the diaphragm velocity is measured using scanning laser Doppler vibrometry. Sensitivities determined using this method display very good agreement with those determined directly by reciprocity for seven such test microphones at 250 and 1000 Hz. At these frequencies, the expanded (coverage factor k = 2) uncertainties of this comparison calibration method for these microphones are ±0.05 dB.
Simultaneous impact of twin drops on a semi-infinite liquid target

We take the enduring topic of drop impact on a deep pool of similar liquid further by allowing twin drops to impact simultaneously. Impacts are sufficiently proximal that impact crowns and craters interact, distorting and merging craters, and creating previously undocumented supersurface fluid interactions. The unique features of twin impacts occur when crowns collide to create a central veil that bifurcates the two craters and the expulsion of jet-like features atop colliding crowns. The emergence of a plethora of splash features is dependent on the Froude number ( Fr=30−200) and drop separation distance. We analyze proximal crater evolution using theory developed for singular drops and develop scaling relations to predict crown and jet height. Crater and jet energies are compared for various impact velocities and drop separation distances. We find that craters close enough to merge produce thicker, but not higher, rebound jets.
Role of environmentally induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in evolutionary biology: Unified Evolution Theory.

The current evolutionary biology theory primarily involves genetic alterations and random DNA sequence mutations to generate the phenotypic variation required for Darwinian natural selection to act. This neo-Darwinian evolution is termed the Modern Evolution Synthesis and has been the primary paradigm for nearly 100 years. Although environmental factors have a role in neo-Darwinian natural selection, Modern Evolution Synthesis does not consider environment to impact the basic molecular processes involved in evolution. An Extended Evolutionary Synthesis has recently developed that extends the modern synthesis to consider non-genetic processes. Over the past few decades, environmental epigenetics research has been demonstrated to regulate genetic processes and directly generate phenotypic variation independent of genetic sequence alterations. Therefore, the environment can on a molecular level through non-genetic (i.e. epigenetic) mechanisms directly influence phenotypic variation, genetic variation, inheritance and adaptation. This direct action of the environment to alter phenotype that is heritable is a neo-Lamarckian concept that can facilitate neo-Darwinian (i.e. Modern Synthesis) evolution. The integration of genetics, epigenetics, Darwinian theory, Lamarckian concepts, environment, and epigenetic inheritance provides a paradigm shift in evolution theory. The role of environmental-induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance in evolution is presented to describe a more unified theory of evolutionary biology.
Narrativizing digital pedagogy

This article details the efficacy of utilizing narrative research methods to construct the narratives of teachers and learn more about the essence of digital pedagogy and developing a repertoire of...
Theorizing Billable Hours

This article looks at the ethical and diversity implications of high billable hour requirements. While corporate counsel have increasingly demanded a diverse legal workforce and emphasized the need to lower the costs of outside counsel, law firms have not responded to these concerns in a manner that is producing results. Instead, women continue to drop out of law firm practice at higher rates than their male counterparts and the costs of legal services remain high. High billable hour requirements exacerbate both these problems and have implications as well for ethical lawyering. Using data from a variety of disciplines, the article shows that not only do high billable hour requirements make large law firms difficult places for women to succeed, but they also foster work environments that are inefficient and therefore cost clients more. This has implications on a lawyer’s ethical duty not to discriminate based on sex and not to charge an unreasonable fee, and also increases the potential of lawyers making mistakes. Studies of lawyers suggest that high billable hour requirements exacerbate the difficulties women have in practice, especially for those women who have family responsibilities. This leads to high dropout rates from law firm practice that hurt both law firms and their clients. Lowering billable hours will increase the possibility that women will succeed in these workplaces while making lawyers more efficient. Using studies of sleep deprivation and sleep restriction, this article explores what clients are getting for their money from sleep-deprived high billable hour lawyers. It is clear that both sleep deprivation and chronic sleep restriction impair the average person’s ability to function on many levels—including neurocognitive performance that has important implications for lawyering. In addition, studies of workplace productivity have shown that limiting working hours can actually increase productivity. Thus, limiting hours logically should produce more efficient and ethical lawyering while making law firms more feasible work environments for women.
ALLOCATION OF OBSERVATIONS IN RANKING AND SELECTION WITH UNEQUAL VARIANCES

Suppose given k populations π 1 , …, π k , where observations from π i are normally distributed N(μ i , σ i 2 ) (1 ≤ i ≤ k) with (μ 1 , …, μ k unknown, and a goal (e.g. of selecting that population which has the largest mean μ [k] = max(μ 1 , …, μ k )). Previous work on this problem, with various assumptions about σ 1 2 , …, σ k 2 is reviewed (Section 1). Some results on optimum design when σ 1 2 , …, σ k 2 are known are given (Section 2), along with asymptotic considerations (Section 3). We consider generalized Stein-type procedures and develop a procedure which solves the general ranking problem with σ 1 2 , …, σ k 2 unknown (Section 4); this problem was mentioned in an abstract of Bechhofer, Dunnett and Sobel (1953). Other procedures and some applications, e.g., to simulation, are studied (Section 5). Modified procedures for other goals (e.g. selection of the t best populations and selection of a subset of {π 1 , …, π k ,}) are considered (Section 6). Variations of the procedure of Section 4 for other problems (e.g. multiple comparisons with a control, partitioning of populations, estimation of ranked parameters, and the Behrens-Fisher problem) are noted briefly (Section 7); separate papers on these aspects are in preparation. Tables needed to apply the procedure of Section 4 are given (Section 8).
Cohabitation, Domestic Partnerships, and Nontraditional Families Annotated Bibliography

This annotated bibliography covers law review articles, American Law Reports (ALR), and some web articles published between 2005 and 2008. The topics covered include adoption, ADR, bankruptcy, all aspects of child custody and support, cohabitation, divorce and dissolution, domestic or intimate partner violence, civil unions, estate planning, paternity, international aspects, lesbian, gay and bisexual parents, marriage in all its varieties, tax and trial issues.
Comparative effects of anesthetics on the viability and integrity of Escherichia coli ML30.

Cells of Escherichia coli ML30 in a mineral salts medium were exposed to dichlorodifluoromethane (f-12), cyclopropane, halothane, or Ethrane at concentrations of 1.25, 0.2, 0.04, and 0.008× saturation for times up to 1,200 min, and at temperatures in the range of 2 to 37 C. When any of these anesthetics were applied for 300 min at 1.25× saturation, a substantial decrease in number of survivors occurred. Halothane was most bactericidal, cyclopropane and Ethrane were moderately bactericidal, and f-12 was least bactericidal. At saturation values of less than 1.0, none of the four anesthetics had an appreciable effect on viability of E. coli. Greatest increases in cell permeability occurred when anesthetics were used at saturation values of 1.25, and permeability changes generally decreased as the concentrations of the chemicals were reduced. In many instances, anesthetics in the vapor state caused significant increases in cell permeability but little or no loss of viability. This indicated that a close relationship did not exist between loss of viability and increased permeability. All four anesthetics caused E. coli to lose substantial and similar amounts of compounds absorbing at 260 nm. Release of compounds absorbing at 260 nm generally increased as the saturation value of a given chemical was increased. Halothane, Ethrane, and cyclopropane but not f-12 caused lysis of E. coli ML30. Considering all results, E. coli ML30 was damaged more by halothane or cyclopropane than by f-12 or Ethrane. When f-12 was applied at a saturation value of 1.25, the bactericidal effect on E. coli was much greater at 37 or 22 C than at 12 or 2 C.
Organic photoconductors Part VII. Collective and localized conduction processes

Abstract Although the photoconductive behavior of cationic dyes is little affected by the nature of the anion, the dark conductivity is highly dependent upon it. In certain cases the anion has the formal character of a donor impurity. No materials were found in which intrinsic semiconductivity was indisputably present, and one type of film was observed in which it was certainly absent. In the latter case the character of the photovoltaic effect at a dye-cadmium sulfide junction was consistent with a localized-process model for conduction; where substantial dark conductivity existed, the photovoltaic effect was consistent with a collective or band model.
Pancreatic Polypeptide Family: Pancreatic Polypeptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Peptide YY

The sections in this article are: 1 Pancreatic Polypeptide 1.1 Chemical Structure 1.2 Radioimmunoassay 1.3 Synthetic Pathways 1.4 Molecular Heterogeneity 1.5 Cell of Origin and Distribution 1.6 Ontogeny 1.7 Mechanisms of Pancreatic Polypeptide Release 1.8 Metabolism 1.9 Biological Actions 1.10 Pancreatic Polypeptide in Disease States 2 Neuropeptide Y 2.1 Isolation and Chemical Structure 2.2 Radioimmunoassay 2.3 Ontogeny 2.4 Molecular Heterogeneity 2.5 Distribution 2.6 Peripheral Actions 2.7 Central Actions 2.8 Receptors 2.9 Summary 3 Peptide YY 3.1 Purification and Sequencing 3.2 Radioimmunoassay 3.3 Distribution 3.4 Ontogeny 3.5 Release 3.6 Metabolic Clearance 3.7 Actions 3.8 Possible Physiological Actions
Cognitive Functioning in Autism

Autism is a syndrome that is defined primarily in behavioral terms, but is universally associated with cognitive deficits of varying degrees. Theorists over the last 30 years have argued over the primacy of cognitive versus affective and behavioral symptoms. Regardless of how this debate is ultimately resolved, an understanding of cognitive processes in autism is prerequisite to a full understanding of how the syndrome develops, and is necessary for designing effective strategies to ameliorate these cognitive deficits. In normally developing children, cognitive development proceeds in concert with affective development, within the context of social relationships. The study of cognition in autism may contribute understanding not only to children affected with this syndrome, but also to the ways in which cognitive, social, and affective development can be dissociated in abnormal development.
Whole-body skeletal muscle mass: development and validation of total-body potassium prediction models

BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of total body potassium (TBK) in humans is found in skeletal muscle (SM), thus affording a means of predicting total-body SM from whole-body counter-measured (40)K. There are now > 30 whole-body counters worldwide that have large cross-sectional and longitudinal TBK databases. OBJECTIVE We explored 2 SM prediction approaches, one based on the assumption that the ratio of TBK to SM is stable in healthy adults and the other on a multiple regression TBK-SM prediction equation. DESIGN Healthy subjects aged >or= 20 y were recruited for body-composition evaluation. TBK and SM were measured by whole-body (40)K counting and multislice magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. A conceptual model with empirically derived data was developed to link TBK and adipose tissue-free SM as the ratio of TBK to SM. RESULTS A total of 300 subjects (139 men and 161 women) of various ethnicities with a mean (+/- SD) body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 25.1 +/- 5.4 met the study entry criteria. The mean conceptual model-derived TBK-SM ratio was 122 mmol/kg, which was comparable to the measurement-derived TBK-SM ratios in men and women (119.9 +/- 6.7 and 118.7 +/- 8.4 mmol/kg, respectively), although the ratio tended to be lower in subjects aged >or= 70 y. A strong linear correlation was observed between TBK and SM (r = 0.98, P < 0.001), with sex, race, and age as small but significant prediction model covariates. CONCLUSIONS Two different types of prediction models were developed that provide validated approaches for estimating SM mass from (40)K measurements by whole-body counting. These methods afford an opportunity to predict SM mass from TBK data collected in healthy adults.
A Protocol for Factor Identification

Several hundred factor candidates have been suggested in the literature. We propose a protocol for determining which factor candidates are related to risks and which candidates are related to mean returns. Factor candidates could be related to both risk and returns, to neither, or to one but not the other. A characteristic cannot be a factor. Time variation in both risk premiums and covariances is a challenge, but manageable with recently developed statistical procedures. We illustrate those techniques and also propose a new instrumental variables method to resolve the errors-in-variables problem in estimating factor exposures (betas) for individual assets.
CB2 receptor activation attenuates microcirculatory dysfunction during cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury

Previous studies from our laboratory indicated that selective cannabinoid CB2 agonists were able to attenuate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The goal of current study is to further test whether this attenuation involves cerebral microcirculatory function during I/R injury. Middle cerebral artery occlusion with reperfusion (MCAO/R) was performed in male mice. A selective CB2 agonist was administered at different dosages and different times. Cerebral infarction volume, neurological function and cerebral microcirculatory function (leukocyte/endothelial interactions, cell adhesion molecule expression and blood-brain barrier disruption) were examined in vivo and in vitro. CB2 knockout mice were subjected to MCAO/R following same procedures. Administration of the CB2 agonist at middle dosage exerted optimal effects in reducing cerebral infarction and improving neurological function compared with other dosage groups and control group. Treatment with the CB2 agonist at the optimal dose was still effective when given 3 h after MCAO. Transient ischemia significantly increased leukocyte/endothelial interactions, adhesion molecules expression and blood-brain barrier disruption which were all attenuated by pre-treatment with a CB2 agonist. CB2 knockout mice showed larger cerebral infarction and worse neurological function compared to wide type. In conclusion, CB2 activation contributed to protecting the brain through the attenuation of cerebral microcirculatory dysfunction during cerebral I/R injury.
Creating a Research Signature: The Sierra Nevada Research Institute.

The broad vision of an environmental research institute that conducts regional research to inform local decision making has proven to be compelling.
Higher-order functors with transparent signatures

The programming language Standard ML provides first-order functors, i.e. modules parameterized by modules. First-order functors in the language have a simple and elegant static semantics. The type structure of higher-order modules, i.e. modules parameterized by functors, is well understood. But it is only in the recent past that we have seen an implementation of higher-order functors with a formally defined static semantics in a dialect of Standard ML, SML/NJ. A study of this static semantics shows it to be much more complicated than the static semantics of first-order functors. This paper investigates whether we can trade some semantic features in the module language to obtain a simpler static semantics, closer in spirit to that of first-order functors. This work helps in a conceptual understanding of the semantics of higher-order modules.
Navaho Rugs: Evolution of the Ganado Style 1890‐1920

Evolution of Ganado-style Navaho rugs was studied. Correspondence from “the greatest of all Indian traders,” J. L. Hubbell, was reviewed. Paintings of rugs (rug studies) were photographed, rugs were inspected, and documents duplicated to allow handling and ordering by subject and within subject chronologically. The analysis of data was handled in a descriptive manner. Findings related to rug studies were in the area of color combination, motifs, borders, and formats. Findings related to examination of docu ments were in the areas of colors, designs, fibers, construction, use of the rugs, and the rug business. J. L. Hubbell, the trader at the post, worked as the connecting link between weavers and buyers in areas of color combinations, borders, and format, and in the rug business.
Predicting Extinction Times from Environmental Stochasticity and Carrying Capacity

Managers of small populations often need to estimate the expected time to extinction Te of their charges. Useful models for extinction times must be ecologically realistic and depend on measurable parameters. Many populations become extinct due to environmental stochasticity, even when the carrying capacity K is stable and the expected growth rate is positive. A model is proposed that gives Te by diffusion analysis of the log population size nt (= loge Nt). The model population grows according to the equation Nt+1 = RtNt, with K as a ceiling. Application of the model requires estimation of the parameters k = logK, rd = the expected change in n, vr = Variance(log R), and ϱ the autocorrelation of the rt. These are readily calculable from annual census data (rd is trickiest to estimate). General formulas for Te are derived. As a special case, when environmental fluctuations overwhelm expected growth (that is rd 0), Te = 2no(k - no/2)/vr. If the rt are autocorrelated, then the effective variance is vre vr (1 + ϱ)/(1 - ϱ). The theory is applied to populations of checkerspot butterfly, grizzly bear, wolf, and mountain lion. Los administradores de pequenas poblaciones necesitan estimar, a menudo, el tiempo de extincion Te esperado de las poblaciones a su cargo. Modeles utiles para los tiempos de extincion deben ser ecologicamente realisticos y depender de parametros medibles. Muchas poblaciones se extinguen debido a la estocasticidad ambiental, aun cuando la capacidad de carga es estable y la tasa de crecimieto esperada es positiva. Se propone un modelo que da Te por medio de analisis de difusion del logaritmo del tamano poblacional nt (= loge Nt). La poblacion modelada crece de acuerdo a la ecuacion Nt+1 = RtNt, con K como techo. La aplicacion de este modelo requiere la estimacion del parametro k = logK, rd = cambio esperado en n, vr = Varianza (log R), y ϱ la autocorrelacion de rt. Estos son calculables a partir de datos de sensos anuales (rd es el mas dificil de estimar). Se derivan formulas generales para Te. Como caso especial, cuando las fluctuaciones ambientales dominan et crecimiento esperado (es decir, rd 0), Te = 2no (k - no/2)/vr. Si los rt estan autocorrelacionados, entonces la varianza efectiva es vre vr (1 + ϱ)/(1 - ϱ). La teoria es aplicada a poblaciones de mariposas “checkerspot,” osos grises, lobos y leones de montana.
Glass-plastic push-pull cannula system for regional perfusion of sites in the brain

Abstract A new non-metallic push-pull cannula device is described for the localized perfusion of brain sites in the rat or other animal. Comprised entirely of glass and plastic materials, the cannula is intended for usage in an experiment in which the presence in tissue of metal tubing for delivery of perfusate is methodologically inappropriate. The main features of the cannula include its light weight, a Delrin pedestal base, a micro-glass guide tube, a polyethylene stylet, plastic spacers for adjustment of depth of perfusion, a protective cap for the chronic maintenance of the preparation, low cost and re-usability. The push-pull cannula is of concentric design and is fashioned from glass capillary and polyethylene tubing which are bonded at their common junctions by an epoxy cement. During a push-pull perfusion a special perfusion cap is used not only to hold the cannula firmly in place but also to protect the glass components from external damage. To further coincide with the metal-free requirements of the preparation, bone screws of nylon are used during the surgical implantation of the pedestal base. A prototype experiment illustrating its use in an unrestrained animal also is presented. The special applications for this cannula system are discussed which include its usage in experiments in either the anesthetized or unanesthetized rat exposed to microwave radiation where the presence of metal in the field would result in unwanted ‘hot spots’ in the cerebral tissue.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF THE CURRENT LIFE ORIENTATION SCALE

This paper discusses the theoretical framework for the Current Life Orientation Scale. This instrument measures the scope of personal values in five broad areas. Investigations with three age groups (124 African-Americans and 20 older volunteers) show that all five subscores have high reliability and are not significantly affected by social desirability. Patterns of correlations with Rokeach's Value Survey' (n=71) and Coopersmith's Self-esteem Inventory (n=32) provide evidence regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale
Workflow performance improvement using model-based scheduling over multiple clusters and clouds

In recent years, a variety of computational sites and resources have emerged, and users often have access to multiple resources that are distributed. These sites are heterogeneous in nature and performance of different tasks in a workflow varies from one site to another. Additionally, users typically have a limited resource allocation at each site capped by administrative policies. In such cases, judicious scheduling strategy is required in order to map tasks in the workflow to resources so that the workload is balanced among sites and the overhead is minimized in data transfer. Most existing systems either run the entire workflow in a single site or use naive approaches to distribute the tasks across sites or leave it to the user to optimize the allocation of tasks to distributed resources. This results in a significant loss in productivity. We propose a multi-site workflow scheduling technique that uses performance models to predict the execution time on resources and dynamic probes to identify the achievable network throughput between sites. We evaluate our approach using real world applications using the Swift parallel and distributed execution framework. We use two distinct computational environments-geographically distributed multiple clusters and multiple clouds. We show that our approach improves the resource utilization and reduces execution time when compared to the default schedule.
Semiconductor fabrication techniques for producing an ultra-flat reflective slit

The most difficult aspects in manufacturing a reflective slit substrate are achieving a precisely fabricated slit surrounded by an optically flat surface. A commonly used technique is to polish a metal substrate that has a slit cut by electric discharge machine (EDM) methods. This process can produce 'optically flat' surfaces; however, the EDM can produce a slit with edge roughness on the order of 10 microns and a RMS field roughness of ~1 micron. Here, we present a departure from these traditional methods and employ the advantages inherent in integrated circuit fabrication. By starting with a silicon wafer, we begin with a nearly atomically flat surface. In addition, the fabrication tools and methodologies employed are traditionally used for high precision applications: this allows for the placement and definition of the slit with high accuracy. If greater accuracy in slit definition is required, additional tools, such as a focused ion beam, are used to define the slit edge down to tens of nanometers. The deposition of gold, after that of a suitable bonding layer, in an ultra-high vacuum chamber creates a final surface without the need of polishing. Typical results yield a surface RMS-roughness of approximately 2nm. Most of the techniques and tools required for this process are commonly available at research universities and the cost to manufacture said mirrors is a small fraction of the purchase price of the traditional ones.
Robustness of active modal damping of large flexible structures

The method of active modal damping (AMD) is reviewed, and the pinhole/occulter facility (P/OF) is presented as a design example. This system is a large space system composed of a flexible beam, a gimbal-pointing system, and an optical alignment system mounted in the Shuttle cargo bay and excited by typical Shuttle disturbances. The AMD system performance is compared with that of a series-compensated control system.
Dispersion and site fidelity in a tent-roosting population of the short-nosed fruit bat (Cynopterus sphinx) in southern India.

Patterns of dispersion and site fidelity were investigated in a tent- roosting population of the short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx (Megachiroptera), in southern India. A local population of C. sphinx occupied diurnal roosts in a variable subset of 45 stem tents constructed within the dense foliage of mast trees (Polyalthia longifolia). Individually marked tent-roosting bats were visually censused over the course of a 38-d interval spanning the postpartum oestrus period. On any given day, 33.3-85.7% (mean = 60.8%, SD = 14.2) of adult males roosted singly, with the remainder holding harems of 1-10 breeding females (mean = 3.01, SD = 0.79). Average harem sex ratio was 2.8-fold higher than the adult sex ratio of the total tent-roosting population within the study area, indicat- ing the potential for a high variance in male mating success within a single breed- ing season. Bats of both sexes typically occupied one primary tent, interspersed with shorter periods of residency in alternate tents. Males exhibited a significantly higher degree of roost fidelity than females. Some females roosted sequentially with different males and with different combinations of females, whereas others remained continuously associated with a single male and/or particular female roostmates over the duration of the census period. There were no statistically significant relationships between physical characteristics of tents and rates of occupancy by males or females. Intermittent transfers by females between groups suggest that the defence of diurnal roosts by males represents a more profi- table mating strategy than the direct defence of compositionally labile female groups.
The social and political functioning of states and the homicide of media workers

In this issue Riddick et al 1 find important relationships between the homicide of media workers and several nation-level indices of human development and social and political functioning (see page 682) . They combed through five international databases to identify homicides among media workers, and examined seven indices that capture the level of social and economic development (one index), political terror (one index), corruption (one index), and various indicators of the failure of state rule (four indices). Importantly, all of the indices except for the scale for social and economic development are associated with the homicide of media workers in at least one of the multivariate models. Riddick et al took two important steps that bolstered the credibility of their findings. First, they relied on five independent and internationally recognised databases to identify homicides of media workers. Their criteria required that a death should appear in two or more data sources to be included in the analyses. The deaths of over 200 media workers were excluded because they did not meet Riddick et …
Clinical characteristics and outcome of pauci-immune glomerulonephritis in African Americans

Objectives Pauci-immune glomerulonephritis is rare in African Americans (AA) and the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of vasculitis have not been well described.
Combining Imatinib with Surgery in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Rationale and Ongoing Trials

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has become a well-recognized pathologic entity defined by expression of the KIT protein and often associated with gain of function mutations of the c-KIT oncogene. Imatinib, a specific inhibitor of the aberrant KIT protein, is an approved, well-tolerated oral drug for the management of metastatic or inoperable GIST. Traditional radical surgery resection for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic GIST is associated with a poor outcome. The rationale for combining imatinib with surgery for GIST, either as an adjuvant agent in the situation of primary resection for patients at high risk or in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease, is compelling in the continuous effort to improve disease-free and overall survival. Several clinical trials are addressing these issues as well as timing of surgery, assessment of drug response, and the addition of surgical resection in the situation of focal progressive disease on imatinib. The results of these studies will be meaningful in future standard therapy consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS USING THE ANALYTICAL DIRECTOR AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ROBOTIC SYSTEM

The goal of the Analytical Director project is to build a system that can design, test, modify and implement its own analytical procedures. The Analytical Director is a combination of commercial robotic and other laboratory equipment with computer based artificial intelligence. Using a prototype system, it is now possible to design an entire analytical procedure in a high level language working from an icon driven windowed display and have the robot laboratory execute that procedure without human assistance or intervention.
Validation and statistical analysis procedures under the common random number correlation-induction strategy for multipopulation simulation experiments

This paper provides a validation procedure and statistical analysis methods for multipopulation simulation experiments conducted under the common random number correlation-induction strategy in order to fit a metamodel of interest between the mean response and a selected set of input factors. Before conducting the statistical analysis, we need to validate certain key assumptions made for the CRN strategy, which, if violated, render the proposed statistical analysis invalid. Validation is composed of a three-step statistical procedure. The first step tests for multivariate normality, the second step tests the structure of the covariance matrix between responses, and the third step tests for the adequacy of the proposed metamodel. The proposed statistical analysis provides optimal (UMVU) estimates for the unknown metamodel parameters and gives optimal simultaneous confidence intervals on linear combinations of these parameters. Both the validation procedure and statistical analysis methods are illustrated with an example of a hospital simulation study.
“Memory: Lewis and Clark in Yellowstone, circa 2004”

Drawing on Walter Benjamin's concept of history as literary montage, “Memory: Lewis and Clark in Yellowstone, circa 2004” interrogates the place of memory in the bicentennial celebrations of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–06. Quoting from historical documents, I attempt to crack the racist facade that surrounds Lewis and Clark and the place of their project in our national imagination.
ELEMENTARY COUNTING OF CARDINAL AND ORDINAL NUMBERS BY PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

Cardinal and ordinal counting skills were assessed in 37 mentally retarded adult workers and 42 school children with mental retardation. The major results were the very poor performance of the younger children (essentially at chance beyond the numbers 1 and 2) and the overall marked inferiority in ordinal compared with cardinal counting.
On screen: The composing processes of first-year and upper-level college students

Abstract This naturalistic study focuses on the writing processes first-year and upper-level college students develop when they compose on screen. Eight composition classes were studied—four first-year classes (two that integrated word processing and two that did not) and four upper-level classes (two that integrated word processing and two that did not). From the students in these classes, we collected pre- and postcourse questionnaire responses, first and final drafts of essays, and informal writing-process reports. Analysis of these documents suggests that when the first-year students composed on screen, they developed a tendency to expand their writing processes and that when the upper-level students composed on screen, they tended to collapse their processes. The findings of this study suggest that in interacting with a computer, first-year and upper-level students can learn and adopt differing types of writing strategies and, in doing so, begin to conceptualize written text in new ways.
Programmed cell death of an identified motoneuron in vitro: Temporal requirements for steroid exposure and protein synthesis

Ecdysteroid hormones trigger the programmed cell death (PCD) of a segmental subset of accessory planta retractor (APR) motoneurons at pupation in the moth, Manduca sexta. APRs from abdominal segment four [APR(4)s] survive through the pupal stage, whereas homologous APR(6)s die 24–48 h after pupal ecdysis (PE) (the shedding of the larval cuticle), in response to the prepupal peak of ecdysteroids. Following retrograde labeling with the vital fluorescent dye, DiI, the morphology of APR(4)s and APR(6)s in vivo was examined at PE and 24–48 h later. During this period, APR(4) somata remained large and ovoid while APR(6)s somata became shrunken and rounded. Similar phenotypes were observed when DiI-labeled APRs were cultured at PE and examined 24 h to 1 week later. During initial shrinkage and rounding of APR(6)s, the plasma membrane remained intact but DNA condensation occurred and mitochondrial activity was lost. The requirements for ecdysteroids and new protein synthesis for APR(6) death were tested by culturing cells with ecdysteroids and cycloheximide (CHX). When cultured at PE, the death of APR(6)s was independent of further exposure to ecdysteroids and could not be blocked by CHX. In contrast, APR(6)s cultured ∼24 h earlier required additional exposure to ecdysteroids to die and their death was inhibited by CHX. Thus, the final 24 h of larval life represents an important transition period in the commitment of APR(6)s to undergo PCD, and is of interest for pursuing underlying mechanisms of steroid-induced PCD. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 35: 300–322, 1998
A study of feedback, blade and hub parameters on flap bending due to non-uniform rotor disk turbulence

The effects of non-uniform (vertical) turbulence in the rotor disk are further studied with reference to comprehensive hingeless rotorcraft during “low-lift high advance ratio” operations . The analysis is based on linear quasi-steady aerodynamics including reverse flow, and on the assumption that the flow in the rotor plane is not appreciably influenced by random vortices shed from the blades. It is adequate for such operations which are anticipated for future compound or convertible configurations. The analytical model pertains to a multi-bladed system with rigidly or elastically supported hub, and with various control feedback schemes in combination with widely varying blade characteristics. Extensive parametric studies are presented with respect to advance ratios, blade inertia numbers, feedback combinations, phase angles, and gains, flap-bending flexibility of uniform and tapered-in-thickness blades, rotor support pitching and rolling natural frequencies, and ratios of turbulence scale length over rotor radius. They demonstrate that the variation in these parameters has practically no influence on the effects of non-uniformity (consequently non-stationarity) of turbulence in the rotor plane. They formally substantiate an earlier finding based on results of a highly idealized rotor system—a single blade fixed to a rigid hub without feedback—that the non-uniformity effects are negligible. Further it is shown that for a wide range of lifting rotor configurations a rigid-hub approximation is satisfactory to evaluate steady state standard deviations of flap bending responses due to both uniform and non-uniform turbulence. These findings pertaining to the adequacy of simpler uniform turbulence and rigid hub representation are significant for the further development of approximate probabilistic models of lifting rotor systems in a stochastic environment and for the experimental correlation with test results.
Re: Comparison of clinical outcomes between "ideal" and "nonideal" transobturator male sling patients for treatment of postprostatectomy incontinence.

Objective To review the clinical outcomes of "ideal" vs "nonideal" postprostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPI) patients who underwent male sling placement. Methods The medical records of 95 consecutive patients with PPI who underwent male sling insertion (AdVance male sling, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN) were reviewed. Patients were divided into "ideal" vs "nonideal" cohorts. The ideal group consisted of patients with mild to moderate incontinence ( Results Significant reductions in daily pad usage and weight were noted in both cohorts. In the ideal patient group, 66 of 72 patients (92%) would undergo the procedure again. Conversely, only 7 of 23 nonideal men (30%) would undergo the procedure again. Conclusion Preoperative patient selection can influence favorable outcomes after the treatment of PPI with AdVance male slings. Attention to ideal vs nonideal patient characteristics should be used when counseling men considering male sling surgery.
Gene exchange in drinking water and biofilms by natural transformation

A naturally competent Acinetobactercalcoaceticus system has been developed to investigate the frequency of gene exchange by natural transformation in drinking water and biofilms. We report here 1) the first demonstration of bacterial transformation in drinking water, with and without disinfectant residual (respective transformation frequencies: 6.59×10 −7 and 8.81×10 −7 ), 2) that disinfectant residual had no effect on the ability of these bacteria to exchange plasmid resident genes and 3) the development of a bacterial system to characterize natural transformation in biofilms.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring for Specific Clinical Indications: Introduction

This introduction and the three essays that follow examine ambulatory cardiac monitoring for specific clinical indications. They also examine the ways in which evidence from the literature may be synthesized through the framework of decision analysis to guide its appropriate use and identify areas in which more research is needed. The essays discuss ambulatory cardiac monitoring for evaluation of syncope in the elderly; detection of silent ischemia after a myocardial infarction; and selection of antiarrhythmic drugs for malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
Historical vignette celebrating the 30th anniversary of diagnostic ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring and data reduction systems.

The ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor is a device developed approximately 30 years ago to detect, locate and document hemodynamic insufficiency states in target organs with compromised regional arterial circulations. These insufficiency states are usually silent until they are suddenly precipitated by secondary remote, hemodynamically significant cardiac arrhythmias, hypotensive states caused by internal hemorrhage or reduced cardiac output including cardiogenic shock. Insufficiency events cause serious regional dysfunction, resulting in transitory or permanent damage of the remote target organs (brain, heart, splanchnic and renal) often causing paralytic ileus, gangrene of the gut or rectum, myocardial infarction or cerebral stroke. Comprehensive experimental studies conducted in the author's laboratory over a period of years (1946–1971) proved that such remote ischemic states are often recurrent and can cause serious, irreparable damage, but whenever the cause of the regional ischemic state was treated promptly it could reverse the insufficiency state. Practical ambulatory ECG diagnostic monitors and data reduction systems were developed to diagnose these elusive precipitating pathophysiologic events that might coincide with the patient's symptoms and thus determine the most appropriate preventive therapy.
SERUM CHANGES AND THE CAUSE OF DEATH IN EXPERIMENTAL PANCREATITIS : STUDIES ON FERMENT ACTION. XXX.

1. The serum changes observed during acute experimental pancreatitis indicate that the shock and death are due to an intoxication from protein split products, and not to an intoxication from pure tryptic ferment. 2. When the pancreatitis is produced by the injection of an anti-proteolytic substance (sodium oleate), the degree of intoxication bears no relation to the degree of tissue destruction. 3. The increase in serum antiferment apparently favors the recovery of the animal.
Evaluation of Human Operator Coupled Dynamic Systems

(1967). Evaluation of Human Operator Coupled Dynamic Systems. Ergonomics: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 125-138.