cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Updated Meta-analysis of Hemodilution in Acute Ischemic Stroke (P1.113)

OBJECTIVE: To update the 2002 meta-analysis of hemodilution for acute ischemic stroke published in the Cochrane Library. BACKGROUND: As ischemic stroke disrupts perfusion to a portion of brain, the proposed mechanism of acute treatment with hemodilution is to increase perfusion through collaterals to the penumbra. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from 2002 to 2011. Randomized trials of hemodilution treatment initiated within 72 hours in patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. One reviewer assessed the 1,941 studies returned on CENTRAL search for trial quality and extracted data. The weighted estimate of the odds ratio was calculated using the Peto fixed-effect method. RESULTS: Since the 2002 meta-analysis, which consisted of eighteen trials, one additional study comparing hypervolemic hemodilution with albumin versus saline was included. This study was suspended early after recruiting 434 subjects due to safety concerns of increased death rate in the intervention arm. Two randomized trials were excluded as the outcomes were neurological and functional scores, which were exclusion criteria as score are difficult to compare across trials. Considering all hemodilution studies, the early (before 28 days) case fatality odds ratio was 1.12 (95% CI 0.89-1.41), the late (3-6 month) case fatality odds ratio was 1.08 (95% CI 0.91-1.28), and the serious cardiac event (myocardial infarction and acute congestive heart failure) odds ratio was 1.31 (95% CI 0.92-1.87) compared to 0.99 (95% CI 0.66-1.50) from the 2002 meta-analysis. Now with two hemodilution trials studying albumin, the late case fatality odds ratio was 1.19 (95% CI 0.81-1.74) compared to 0.76 (95% CI 0.43-1.19) from the 2002 meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Future work includes an additional reviewer to assess trial quality and CENTRAL search up to 2013. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis were comparable to the 2002 meta-analysis with a trend suggesting the possibility of harm with hemodilution therapy. Study Supported by: NIH NCATS UL1TR000427 and NHLBI Fellowship F30HL112491. Disclosure: Dr. Chang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jensen has nothing to disclose.
Two-photon excitation of the lowest 4f2-->4f5d near-ultraviolet transitions in Pr3+:Y3Al5O12.

Two-photon transitions from the $^{3}\mathrm{H}_{4}$ ground-state manifold of the 4${\mathit{f}}^{2}$ configuration to the lowest state of the 4f5d configuration of ${\mathrm{Pr}}^{3+}$ in ${\mathrm{Y}}_{3}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{5}$${\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ have been studied with a tunable dye laser as a function of the excitation wavelength, intensity, temperature, and focusing geometry. The two-photon excitation spectrum is vibronic in nature and covers the 555--615-nm excitation wavelength range. Both the direct nonresonant and the resonantly enhanced transitions are observed. The measured two-photon-absorption cross section varies over 3 orders of magnitude with a maximum of 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}51}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{4}$ s at the peak of the resonantly enhanced transition at 581 nm. The parity selection rule which forbids these two-photon transitions in a free ion is relaxed by odd-parity crystal-field mixing of the wave functions, making these transitions possible. Two-photon excitation measurements are complemented by one-photon-absorption and -emission measurements.
Detection and Isolation of New Glycosides in Culture Broths of Streptomyces hygroscopicus

Elbein, A. D. (Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.) J. A. Holowczak, Henry Koffler, and H. R. Garner. Detection and isolation of new glycosides in culture broths of Streptomyces hygroscopicus. J. Bacteriol. 91:604-608. 1966.-Four new compounds not previously reported have been isolated and purified from the culture broths of Streptomyces hygroscopicus. The data presented suggest that these compounds may be structurally related to hygromycin A, having similar aglycons but differing in their sugar moieties. Two of the compounds apparently contain d-glucose or l-fucose as their sugar components. The others, like hygromycin A, form crystalline 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones, and may contain unusual keto sugars.
SPARSEPAK OBSERVATIONS OF DIFFUSE IONIZED GAS HALO KINEMATICS IN NGC891

We present WIYN SparsePak observations of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) halo of NGC 891. Preliminary results of an analysis of the halo velocity field reveal a clear gradient of the azimuthal velocity with z which agrees with results for the neutral gas. The magnitude of the gradient has been determined, using two independent methods, to be approximately 15 km s−1 kpc−1.
THE IMPACT OF LARGE CONTAINER BEER PURCHASES ON ALCOHOL-RELATED FATAL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Using a fixed effect weighted least square model, we examine how changes in the share of beer purchases from large containers (>12 oz.) impact alcohol-related fatal accidents. We find that, after holding beer purchases and overall alcohol-consumption constant, an increase in total beer purchases from containers greater than the standard size of 12 oz. increases alcohol-related fatal accidents. We confirm our results persist across several investigations of robustness, as well as the use of instrument variables methods. Outcomes suggest that policy makers should consider differential excise taxes for the purchase of larger than standard size beer containers. Such a policy would likely reduce the number of alcohol-related fatal vehicle crashes and help to internalize the negative externalities associated with drunk driving. At the very minimum, these results suggest that individuals prone to dangerous levels of drunk driving are the consumers that most prefer large container size consumption. This is consistent with the idea that binge drinkers and beer drinkers are much more likely to drive while legally intoxicated. (JEL I18, K4) Language: en
Phenotypic and ploidy status of Paulownia tomentosa trees regenerated from cultured hypocotyls

Shoots of Paulownia tomentosa Steud., the Empress tree, were regenerated from cultured hypocotyl segments. The phenotypic and ploidy status of a population of regenerated trees was investigated and compared with a control population of trees grown from seed. Five of the six measured phenotypic characteristics were not significantly different between both populations of plants. Twenty of twenty-one shoots had the normal diploid chromosome number and one was apparently mixoploid. Five phenotypic variants were recovered, including a variegated variant that appearsr to be a plastid chimera undergoing a segregation of normal and mutant plastids. The variegated variant was the only stable variant. All other variants displayed typical morphology in their second year of growth. Precocious flowering of five regenerated plantlets occurred in their first year of growth. These plants were derived from different hypocotyls and did not flower the subsequent year.
Parkinson's disease cognitive network correlates with caudate dopamine.

Prior evidence has suggested a link between caudate dopaminergic functioning and cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this dual tracer study we analyzed the relationship between nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction and the expression of the previously validated PD cognition-related metabolic pattern (PDCP). In this study, 17 non-demented PD patients underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose to measure PDCP expression, and [(18)F]-fluoropropyl-β-CIT (FPCIT) to measure dopamine transporter (DAT) binding. Automated voxel-by-voxel searches of the FPCIT PET volumes were performed to identify regions in which DAT binding significantly correlated with PDCP expression values. The findings were validated using prespecified anatomical regions-of-interest (ROIs). Voxel-wise interrogation of the FPCIT PET scans revealed a single significant cluster in which DAT binding correlated with PDCP expression (p 0.21). In summary, this study demonstrates a significant relationship between loss of dopaminergic input to the caudate nucleus and the expression of a cognition-related disease network in unmedicated PD patients. These baseline measures likely function in concert to determine the cognitive effects of dopaminergic therapy in PD.
Size-dependent melting properties of tin nanoparticles

Tin nanoparticles with various sizes were synthesized by the chemical reduction method and their thermal properties were first studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Both particle size dependent melting temperature and latent heat of fusion have been observed. The experimental results in this study showed reasonable agreement with the thermodynamics model.
β2-Microglobulin Amyloid Fragment Organization and Morphology and Its Comparison to Aβ Suggests That Amyloid Aggregation Pathways Are Sequence Specific†

β2-Microglobulin (β2-m) can form dialysis-related amyloid deposits. The structure of a fragment of β2-m (K3, Ser20-Lys41) in the oligomeric state has recently been solved. We modeled equilibrium structures of K3 oligomers with different organizations (single and double layers) and morphologies (linear-like and annular-like) for the wild-type and mutants using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We focused on the sheet-to-sheet association force, which is the key in the amyloid organization and morphology. For the linear-like morphology, we observed two stable organizations: (i) single-layered parallel-stranded β-sheets and (ii) double-layered parallel-stranded antiparallel β-sheets stacked perpendicular to the fibril axis through the hydrophobic N-terminal−N-terminal (NN) interface. No stable annular structures were observed. The structural instability of the annular morphology was mainly attributed to electrostatic repulsion of three negatively charged residues (Asp15, Glu17, and Asp19) projec...
Design of a single pilot cockpit for airline operations

Rising fuel and operating expenses for commercial airline operators coupled with a predicted pilot labor shortage drives the need for a reduction in costs while continuing to service passengers. One possible solution to reduce recurring costs and mitigate the effects of a pilot shortage is the transition to a single pilot cockpit. Three different design alternatives for implementing a single pilot cockpit in commercial domestic jetliners were identified: the no change option represented by a two pilot cockpit, a single pilot with no additional support, and a single pilot with an onboard support system that automates some of the removed copilot roles. Design alternatives were evaluated using three models: (1) life-cycle cost, (2) reliability, and the (3) processing times for flight procedures based on a human processor simulation. The lifecycle cost model was used to determine the savings generated by a single pilot cockpit. Reliability analysis was done to establish failure rates relative to the target level of safety. A human performance model was developed to evaluate the time on task for each task in the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) for each alternative. The procedure models were decomposed into component tasks and actions required to complete the procedure. The ranking of alternative designs during utility/cost analysis was found to be (1) the no change option, (2) the single pilot with an onboard support system, and (3) the single pilot with no additional support. We found a tradeoff between the two pilot utility and single pilot with onboard support through cost savings. Based on the analysis of results, the single pilot with an onboard support system was judged to have the best chance for becoming a realistic single pilot cockpit system which will reduce recurring airline operating costs, maintain or improve flight safety, and maintain airline serviceability.
Miscibility behavior and reequilibration of binary poly(amic acid) mixtures

Five poly (amic acid) solutions based on PMDA-PDA, PMDA-ODA, PMDA-6F, ODPA-ODA, and 6FDA-ODA were prepared in N-methylpyrrolidone at a polymer concentration of ca. 10 wt %. From these five poly (amic acid) solutions, six different binary blends were prepared: PMDA-PDA/PMDA-ODA, PMDA-PDA/PMDA-6F, PMDA-ODA/6FDA-ODA, PMDA-ODA/ODPA-ODA, PMDA-PDA/ODPA-ODA, and PMDA-PDA/6FDA-ODA. These blends were then characterized with respect to miscibility in the ternary state (polyamic acid-1/polyamic acid-2/N-methylpyrrolidone), the condensed state (ca. 70 wt % polymer), and the fully imidized state. All blends except for PMDA-PDA/PMDA-6F yielded homogeneous mixtures in the ternary solution of 10 wt % polymer concentration. The PMDA-PDA/PMDA-6F mixture eventually became homogeneous after 10 days of mixing at room temperature. Upon solvent evaporation (condensed state) and full cure (imidized state) two blends incorporating ODPA-ODA as one of the components exhibited apparent miscibility as evidenced by optical microscopy. The remaining blends exhibited large-scale phase separation upon solvent evaporation with no significant differences in the overall morphology between the condensed and imidized state. However, as in the case of the PMDA-PDA/PMDA-6F ternary system, the morphology in the condensed and imidized state was strongly dependent on the mixing time of the precursor poly(amic acid) components; the phase-separated domain size decreased with increasing mixing time, eventually leading to complete miscibility. These results are discussed with respect to the proposed “polymer-monomer” reequilibration reaction as well as its implications with respect to the preparation of polyimide molecular composites.
Conscious Sedation: An Alternative to General Anesthesia

Conscious sedation, a drug-induced state in which the conscious patient is rendered free of anxiety and apprehension, may be a suitable alternative to general anesthesia when coupled with the judicious application of local anesthesia. In this manner both aspects of pain - perception and reaction - may be effectively controlled.
Simulations of current sheet thinning and reconnection

[1] Thin current sheet structures with a thickness comparable to the ion gyro-radius have been inferred from spacecraft observations during substorms. This study presents two-dimensional hybrid and Hall-MHD simulations of current sheet thinning and reconnection that include electron pressure tensor effects. Results demonstrate that reconnection occurs due to the electron pressure tensor effects as the sheet is compressed by the application of an out-of-plane electric field on the lobe boundaries. Results from hybrid and Hall-MHD calculations for the current sheet thinning process are compared. During the thinning period, the out-of-plane ion velocity from the hybrid simulation shows an enhancement at the edge of the sheet and a reduction at the sheet center. As reconnection proceeds, it becomes peaked along the Earth-tail direction away from the X point. In contrast, the out-of-plane ion velocity from the Hall-MHD simulation remains peaked at the center of the simulation. The ion off-diagonal pressure tensor effects are considered as the cause of the differing particle-ion and fluid-ion dynamics. The dynamics of current sheet thinning and reconnection is also modeled using a new integrated approach in which Hall-MHD calculations are embedded inside an MHD simulation. It is shown that the embedded simulation can provide smooth transitions of plasma and field quantities between the two regions, and the small-scale physics in the compressed current sheet and in the near-X-point region are well represented.
Characterization, supramolecular assembly, and nanostructures of thiophene dendrimers.

We report the synthesis and characterization of dendritic thiophene derivatives with their unique supramolecular assembly into 2-D crystals, nanowires, and nanoparticle aggregates. The structure and size of the dendrons and dendrimers have been confirmed with various techniques, such as NMR, SEC, and MALDI-TOF-MS. The mass values were consistent with the mass observed by MALDI-TOF-MS, whereas SEC measurements also gave useful information on the hydrodynamic volume of the individual dendrimers. The interesting electrooptical properties were highlighted by very broad absorption spectra and narrower fluorescence consistent with their electrochemical behavior. The self-organization of the dendrimers on the solid substrate is dependent on the nature of the substrate, preparation methods, and the molecule−molecule and molecule−substrate interactions. Thus, 14T-1 and 30T both formed globular aggregates on mica surface, while 14T-1 also formed nanowires on graphite surface. On the other hand, the larger 30T was o...
Light-microscopic morphology, ultrastructure, culture, and relationship to disease of the nutritional and cell-wall-deficient α-hemolytic streptococci

alpha-Hemolytic streptococci, variously described as cell-wall deficient (C), L form (L), thiol dependent (O), satelliting (S), pyridoxal dependent (PY), and nutritionally deficient (N), or CLOSPYN, were isolated from patients with endocarditis, brain abscess, subauricular abscess, septicemia, acute and chronic urethritis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and fever of undetermined origin. With the aid of satelliting, most of the strains were adapted to grow on a human Mycoplasma growth agar consisting of brain-heart infusion agar fortified with 20% human blood, yeast extract, and arginine. Selected CLOSPYN strains required extensive subculture for only partial reversion to parentallike characteristics. Four of six strains biochemically tested were judged Streptococcus morbillorum. Two were unidentifiable. The CLOSPYN form was relatively inert biochemically, but glucose was converted mainly to lactic acid, with acetic acid also present. Guanine-cytosine values were 39%-43%. Cell wall material was present by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), but its synthesis was uneven on single cells and abnormally thickened on other cells. Closely spaced, incompleted septa occurred in cell chains, which resulted in unusually long chains of flattened cells resembling on TEM a stack of checkers. Mesosomes were frequent, greatly enlarged, convoluted, and elongated. They were often sectioned as circular and laminated, with 2-5 layers. Mesosomes were in close contact with nucleoid bodies, which, in turn, were closely apposed or integral with the cytoplasmic membranes in areas of cross-wall development. Chaotic morphology typifies the group. The inclusion of urinary tract infections is new in the gamut of diseases caused by CLOSPYN streptococci.
The structure of a transcribing t7 RNA polymerase in transition from initiation to elongation

Structural studies of the T7 bacteriophage DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) have shown that the conformation of the amino-terminal domain changes substantially between the initiation and elongation phases of transcription, but how this transition is achieved remains unclear. We report crystal structures of T7 RNAP bound to promoter DNA containing either a 7- or an 8-nucleotide (nt) RNA transcript that illuminate intermediate states along the transition pathway. The amino-terminal domain comprises the C-helix subdomain and the promoter binding domain (PBD), which consists of two segments separated by subdomain H. The structures of the intermediate complex reveal that the PBD and the bound promoter rotate by ∼45° upon synthesis of an 8-nt RNA transcript. This allows the promoter contacts to be maintained while the active site is expanded to accommodate a growing heteroduplex. The C-helix subdomain moves modestly toward its elongation conformation, whereas subdomain H remains in its initiation- rather than its elongation-phase location, more than 70 angstroms away.
Compulsive Communication in the Classroom: Is the Talkaholic Teacher a Misbehaving Instructor?

From the frame of expectancy violations theory, we examined the associations between instructors' compulsive communication and three instructor misbehaviors: irresponsibility, derisiveness, and apathy. Results revealed that students who perceived their instructors as compulsive communicators also perceived them as misbehaving. Next, we determined if nonverbal immediacy mediates the associations between instructors' compulsive communication and instructor misbehaviors, as well as student affective learning. Results revealed that nonverbal immediacy partially mediated the relationships between compulsive communication and the misbehaviors of irresponsibility and apathy, and fully mediated the negative associations between compulsive communication and students' affect for instructor and course.
In Response to Dr. Verdolin

Dear Editor, I appreciate Dr. Verdolin taking the time to consider our opinions and opine on his thoughts on the very important issue of intrathecal drug delivery. It was an honor to participate in this forum with Dr. Loeser, a world leader in the field, and I think we have left many areas open to opinion and interpretation, and that Dr. Verdolin has stepped through a few of these doors. He points out the work of my friends Dr. Griner, Dr. Hamza, Dr. Witt, and others on the recommendation of using extremely low doses of morphine. This ultra-low dosing or microdosing became a “theory” a few years ago and involves the …
Cost-effective mass fabrication of multilevel diffractive optical elements by use of a single optical exposure with a gray-scale mask on high-energy beam-sensitive glass.

We present a method for reproducing diffractive optical elements in quantity. The method is compatible with VLSI microfabrication techniques and involves generating a gray-scale mask. The gray-scale mask is employed in an optical aligner to expose an analog photoresist on any environmentally durable substrate, e.g., glass, quartz, semiconductor, or metal, one exposure for each diffractive optical element. After copies of the mask on the photoresist are developed, many substrates can be processed in parallel in a chemically assisted ion-beam etcher to transfer the microstructures on the analog resists simultaneously onto the surfaces of the substrates.
Demonstration of an In-Phase, Coherently-Coupled 37-Element VECSEL Array

Electrically-injected vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) arrays are an attractive source for lowcost, high-brightness applications. Optical pumping can be used to investigate the emission properties of such devices without undergoing complex device fabrication. The design of such arrays is based on a single VECSEL chip, a 2D lens array, and a flat output coupling dichroic mirror. In this work, we report on the demonstration of an optically pumped, coherently-coupled VECSEL array. The array achieves a maximum total output power of >60 mW and lasing spectrum indicates single-mode operation. Near-field characterization reveals 37 individual lasing elements in a hexagonal array. Far-field measurements show an interference pattern which is consistent with inphase coherent coupling, with >60% of the total output power present in the on-axis central lobe. The physical origin of coherent coupling is attributed to diffractive coupling. The simplicity of the optical cavity design suggests scalability to much larger arrays, making the result of particular interest to the development of low-cost, highbrightness diode sources.
Mosaic trisomy 22: A case presentation and literature review of trisomy 22 phenotypes

In a case of mosaic trisomy 22 the trisomic cells were detected primarily in fibroblasts. Results of initial lymphocyte chromosome analysis were normal. However, mosaicism was suspected because the patient had hypomelanosis of Ito, hemiatrophy, failure to thrive, and mental retardation. Mosaicism was confirmed in cultured fibroblasts. Repeat cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood demonstrated a low level of trisomic metaphase cells, which was confirmed by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Molecular studies supported maternal disomy in the child's disomic cells. The phenotype of this condition overlaps that of non-mosaic trisomy 22 chromosome mosaicism in general and to some extent the Ullrich-Turner syndrome phenotype. Improved cytogenetic and molecular techniques now allow better delineation of aneuploidy syndromes. Molecular and FISH studies added information about this case (mosaicism and uniparental disomy) not appreciated by routine cytogenetic analysis of lymphocytes. The detection of low-level mosaicism and/or uniparental disomy in such cases may change the clinical classification and our understanding of pathogenesis and recurrence risk of these disorders.
Simulated hygrothermal performance of a desiccant-assisted hybrid air/water conditioning system in a mixed humid climate under dynamic load

Abstract Previous work by the same authors has shown that in mixed-humid climates, tight, super-insulated residential structures can experience high humidity events in summer months. Standard, commercially available vapor compression-based air conditioners struggle to control humidity in such structures with low cooling loads. Therefore a desiccant-assisted heat pump system for tight, super-insulated residential structures is proposed. This paper first reviews solid desiccant cooling cycles. Then a hybrid desiccant cooling cycle is explained and a prototype machine based on the cycle is described. The machine, known as HAWC (hybrid air/water conditioner), accomplishes cooling, dehumidification, ventilation, and domestic hot water heating. This paper models the HAWC within the framework of dynamic building energy modeling software and concludes that a refined version of the HAWC prototype is capable of completely eliminating high humidity events in the summer time while still saving energy as compared to a traditional HVAC system.
A combination of proteasome inhibitors and antibiotics prevents lethality in a septic shock model

Our recent studies with lactacystin, a prototype proteasome inhibitor, have suggested that the proteasome is a key regulator of LPS-induced signaling pathways contributing to the inflammatory process. Moreover, lactacystin protects animals from LPS-induced shock. Therefore, we sought to identify other less toxic compounds that would block the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome or LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO). After screening over 100 natural compounds (based on chemistry and inhibition of LPS-induced biological activities), we now report for the first time that quercetin, like lactacystin (the prototype proteasome inhibitor), and mevinolin are also inhibitors of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the cellular proteasome within living cells. In addition, this study also suggests that mevinolin and quercetin both have relatively potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, both of these compounds behave like lactacystin in that they block LPS-induced NO to a greater extent than TNF-α. The results of our experiments clearly suggest that mevinolin, in combination with the antibiotic imipenem, can provide protection against polymicrobial septic lethality induced by cecal-ligation and puncture in mice. Collectively, these studies strongly support the conclusion that therapeutic targeting of cellular proteasomes, in conjunction with standard antimicrobial therapy, may be of considerable survival benefit in the treatment of septic shock.
Assessing Secular Trends in Blood Pressure: A Multiple-Imputation Approach

Abstract The National Center for Health Statistics makes available data from three national health evaluation surveys that it has conducted since 1960: NHES I (1960-1962), NHANES I (1971-1975), and NHANES II (1976-1980). There has been considerable interest in using these data to assess secular trends in cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure (BP). Unfortunately, underlying trends in BP are confounded with trends in physician treatment of hypertension over the same period; in the early 1960s it was rare to treat hypertension, whereas by the late 1970s it had become quite common. Our approach to estimating the underlying trends is to take untreated BP to be the variable of interest and to consider it missing in those subjects who are under treatment. We then use a multiple-imputation scheme to construct estimates of trend parameters that adjust for the incompleteness of the original data. Because our imputations depend on certain model features that the data cannot address, we form estimates un...
Sedimentation coefficient of T‐even bacteriophage DNA

The sedimentation coefficient of T2 phage DNA has been studied by zone centrifugation in sector-shaped preparative centrifuge tubes over a concentration range of 0.02–2.0 μg./ml. DNA. These results have been compared to a similar study in the analytical centrifuge of T4 DNA over the range of 0.50–5.75 μg./ml. DNA. A value for the sedimentation coefficient of 60.7 ± 1.8 S. was obtained by the first method and a value of 61.3 ± 1.5 S. by the second.
Maximum likelihood estimation of probabilistic choice methods

Probabilistic choice models are used by social scientists in the analysis of individual choice behavior involving discrete choice alternatives. The development of new complex choice models has given rise to a need for algorithms and software for parameter estimation of choice models. One important estimator is the maximum likelihood estimator, which historically has been avoided due to the necessity of solving a nonlinear optimization problem. New algorithms for maximum likelihood estimation of a general probabilistic choice model that exploit special structure are developed; the MLE problem for choice models can be written as a problem in generalized regression. The algorithms are implemented using state-of-the-art nonlinear optimization techniques including model/trust regions, least-change secant updates, and model switching. The algorithms perform well in tests on the multinomial logic model, the elimination-by-aspects model, and a new model of market share by Batsell and Polking.
In vivo metabolic interactions of benzene and toluene

Abstract The metabolic interactions of benzene and toluene co-exposure were investigated in male Fischer rats. A closed recirculated exposure system was used to obtain inhalation uptake curves for individual chemicals as well as for a mixture of the two compounds. Pharmacokinetic parameters for benzene and toluene individually were determined in previous experimental studies. These values were incorporated into a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model which simulated the inhalation uptake process for both chemcials simultaneously. An optimal fit to the uptake curves for simultaneous exposure was obtained by adjusting the metabolic interaction terms for each chemical. Mutual suppression of metabolism was apparent. Toluene more effectively inhibited benzene metabolism than the reverse. This simulation approach for analyzing gas uptake data provided a method to determine the metabolic interactions occurring upon inhalation exposure to two different chemicals. Such analyses will prove useful in improving predictive toxicokinetic models.
B-time: A reply to tallant

Bourne, C. 2002. When am I? A tense time for some tense theorists? Australasian Journal of Philosophy 80: 359–71. Braddon-Mitchell, D. 2004. How do we know it is now now? Analysis 64: 199–203. Button, T. 2006. There’s no time like the present. Analysis 66: 130–35. Dainton, B. 2001. Time and Space. Chesham: Acumen Press. Dummett, M. 1960. A defence of McTaggart’s proof of the unreality of time. Philosophical Review 69: 497–504. Le Poidevin, R., ed. 1998. Questions of Time and Tense. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Lowe, E. J. 1998. Tense and persistence. In Le Poidevin 2002: 43–59. Tallant, J. 2007. There have been, are (now), and will be lots of times like the present in the hybrid view of time. Analysis 67: 83–86. Tooley, M. 1997. Time, Tense and Causation. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Acute toxicity of a used chrome lignosulphonate drilling mud to several species of marine invertebrate

Abstract The acute toxicity of a used seawater chrome lignosulphonate drilling mud to several species of marine annelids, crustaceans and molluscs was evaluated. The medium density mud (13·4 lb/gal, 1·57 kg/litre) was composed primarily of seawater, bentonite clay, chrome lignosulphonate, lignite, sodium hydroxide and barium sulphate. The toxicity of four mud/seawater preparations was determined. These were the layered solids phase (LSP), the suspended solids phase (SSP), the unfiltered mud aqueous fraction (MAF) and the filtered mud aqueous fraction (FMAF). Four species each of marine annelids and bivalve molluscs and five species of marine crustaceans were evaluated. The median lethal concentration of the MAF (96-h LC50) varied from 32 to > 100% MAF for the different species. The FMAF was slightly less toxic than the MAF. Adult polychaetes, Neanthes arenaceodentata and Ctenodrilus serratus, one-day old juveniles of opossum shrimp, Mysidopsis almyra, and four day zoeae of grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, were the most sensitive to the MAF. Juvenile N. arenaceodentata, adult polychaetes, Ophryotrocha labronica, and three bivalve molluscs were highly tolerant to the MAF. The SSP preparation at concentrations of 10-20 ml/litre was toxic to post-larvae and juveniles of the commercial shrimp, Penaeus duorarum and P. aztecus, respectively. Exposure to the LSP preparation caused greater than 50% mortality amongst adult N. arenaceodentata, juvenile and adult coquina clams, Donax variabilis texasiana and adult scallops, Aequipecten amplicostatus. Other species tested were quite tolerant. A sublethal response observed was the inhibition of reproduction in the marine annelids, Dinophilus sp. and Ctenodrilus serratus. Toxicity of the mud aqueous fractions appeared to be due primarily to volatile soluble organic materials in the extract, whilst that of the SSP and LSP preparations appeared to be due to the smothering action of fine particulates in the mud. Based on the results of this investigation and published observations of solids concentrations in the water column during drilling mud discharge, it is concluded that discharge of a used chrome lignosulphonate drilling mud, such as that used in the present investigation, from offshore platforms is not likely to cause measureable damage to benthic, demersal or pelagic marine animals.
Cash management and the demand for money by firms

Abstract This paper examines the implications for a firm's demand for money of cash management innovations that make it feasible for the firm to alter its requirements for transaction balances by utilizing cash management services which are either purchased from outside suppliers or produced in-house. An optimization model of the money demand/cash management decision is developed and analyzed. The results indicate that this added flexibility lowers the responsiveness of money demand to changes in the scale and variability of the firm's transaction, and increases the interest rate sensitivity of its demand for money. Regression results consistent with the theoretical results are presented.
A YadA‐like autotransporter, Hag1 in Veillonella atypica is a multivalent hemagglutinin involved in adherence to oral streptococci, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and human oral buccal cells

Summary Dental biofilm development is a sequential process, and adherence between microbes and the salivary pellicle (adhesion) as well as among different microbes (co-adhesion or coaggregation) plays a critical role in building a biofilm community. The Veillonella species are among the most predominant species in the oral cavity and coaggregate with many initial, early, middle, and late colonizers. Similar to oral fusobacteria, they are also considered bridging species in biofilm development. However, the mechanism of this ability has yet to be reported, due to the previous lack of a genetic transformation system in the entire genus. In this study, we used our recently discovered transformable Veillonella strain, Veillonella atypica OK5, to probe the mechanism of coaggregation between Veillonella species and other oral bacteria. By insertional inactivation of all eight putative hemagglutinin genes, we identified one gene, hag1, which is involved in V. atypica coaggregation with the initial colonizers Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus cristatus, and the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. The hag1 mutant also abolished adherence to human buccal cells. Inhibition assays using various chemical or physiological treatments suggest different mechanisms being involved in coaggregation with different partners. The entire hag1 gene was sequenced and shown to be the largest known bacterial hemagglutinin gene.
Series resistance effects in 20 cm2 indium tin oxide-polycrystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract Indium tin oxide-Si solar cells of 20.8 cm 2 area and 9.2% total area efficiency were fabricated on polycrystalline substrates. The cell fabrication sequence is described, with particular attention to the formation of an adherent low resistance front-contact grid based on a solder-dipping process. A detailed series resistance analysis of the structure is given; the sheet resistance of the indium tin oxide layer is measured by a voltage-probing technique and is found to be the dominant series resistance component for the specific grid pattern used.
Readers Matter: Reading Practices and the Future of Solution-Focused Thought and Practice

This paper examines three orientations to reading texts about solution-focused thought and practice: the rumor, paradigm, and instrumental orientations. I analyze these orientations as interpretive communities that shape readers’ interpretations of texts. Readers participate in constructing the future of the solution-focused world by choosing to tell others about the texts they like and dislike and by using ideas found in some texts in their professional practices. I also address questions about whether there is a best reading orientation for solution-focused readers, why solution-focused thinkers and practitioners should pay attention to how they interpret texts, and how readers influence authors and editors. Finally, I discuss how readers (as workers) might enhance their professional skills by reflecting on how they read journal articles and other texts.
Isolation of a Bacteriophage for Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus

A phage infective for Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus was isolated. Electron microscopy revealed that it is tail-less, has a hexagonal appearance and two distinct capsomere layers, and is 60 to 70 nm in size. The nucleic acid appears to be single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid. This is the first report of the isolation of a phage infective for B. bacteriovorus.
Political use of asylum policies: The effects of partisanship and election timing on government policies regarding asylum seekers’ welfare benefits

The huge inflow of asylum seekers to European countries in the early 1990s drove those countries to initiate policies that restricted asylum seekers’ rights and benefits. Were these policies spontaneous responses to the mounting inflow or instead political outcomes determined by political factors such as partisanship and election timing? Analyzing data on the introduction of policies that restricted asylum seekers’ welfare benefits and rights in 13 European countries from 1981 to 2000, this article finds that upcoming elections increase the likelihood of policy introduction. This election effect is greater in the presence of right-wing parties. These results imply that policies regarding asylum seekers’ welfare benefits have been utilized by right-wing parties for electoral purposes. Therefore, these policies should be understood as the outcome of political choices.
Methods to initiate synthetic re-structuring of peptides

Sculpture during assembly is an appropriate description of procedures used to transform unprotected peptide i into complex macrocycle ii. These methods appear a general means to begin manipulating the form and characteristics of common polyamides. Herein we demonstrate initial phases of a type of synthesis that has the potential to produce large numbers of novel structural classes beginning with machine-made heteropolymers.
Infant and preschool evaluation services: Implications for school districts and personnel

Recent federal legislation (PL 99–457) has authorized special services for handicapped infants, toddlers, and their families. School districts, their personnel, and in particular school psychologists must be prepared to facilitate the education and general developmental needs of a young age group with which they may be unfamiliar. Data on 437 children referred for services between 1988 and 1989 were collected and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were computed representing the pattern of service delivery provided to young children over a 2-year period. The findings provide a realistic view of the type and intensity of services often needed by this age group, the frequency of specific handicapping conditions, and the types of recommendations made. The usefulness of the information to future planning related to both the evaluation process and service delivery is discussed.
The temporal relationship between glomerular cell proliferation and monocyte infiltration in experimental glomerulonephritis.

During the course of an accelerated form of anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis in rats, the authors determined the temporal relationships between (a) glomerular hypercellularity, (b) kinetics of cell proliferation and (c) monocyte infiltration in glomeruli. Although glomerular hypercellularity was not appreciable or mild by qualitative histology, mean glomerular cell counts rose between days two and six of nephritis by up to 30% over controls. Cell proliferation in glomeruli was assessed 2 h after pulse label with3H-thymidine by determining histoautoradiographic cell labeling indices (LI) and by measuring the total radioactivity of isolated glomeruli (TGA). On day one, mean LI of cells in Bowman’s capsule was increased by 356% over controls and fell subsequently. LI values of tuft cells rose more gradually, reaching a maximum increment of 405% on day four. TGA also increased on day one and two, and peaked on day four. In additional rats, studied in parallel,3H-thymidine incorporation was measured 48 h after the pulse in order to allow time for the labeling and glomerular influx of monocytes derived from dividing extra-renal precursors. In rats sacrificed on the first day of nephritis, the prolonged labeling time did not result in further gains of tuft LI or of TGA over values obtained 2 h after the pulse. On day four, by contrast, the 48-h labeling time was associated with markedly higher results for LI and TGA than the 2-h interval. These findings indicated that the glomerular influx of labeled blood-borne monocytes was not appreciable on day one but increased markedly between day two and day four. This was supported by histochemical studies for non-specific esterase which revealed a similar time course for the presence of monocytes in glomeruli by showing few esterase-positive monocytes in the early stage and many after day two. The results demonstrate that this model of glomerulonephritis is characterized by markedly enhanced replication of intrinsic glomerular cells, beginning on the first day of the injury at a time when the glomerular influx of monocytes is inconspicuous. Increases of glomerular cell prolifertion become most pronounced over the following days when they are associated with a sizeable monocytic infiltrate. The prominent cellular response in glomeruli is revealed by the applied quantitative methods in the absence of histologically impressive glomerular hypercellularity.
A Fossil Tsetse-fly in Colorado

AMONG the interesting materials obtained this year in the Miocene shales of Florissant, Colorado, is a large “biting” fly, with a remarkably long and strong proboscis, very well preserved. A very superficial examination was sufficient to show that it was no ordinary Tabanid or Muscid, and it at once occurred to me that it was a tsetse-fly. Having no specimen of the latter at hand, I turned to the admirable coloured figures in the second report of the Wellcome Laboratories at Khartoum, and, as was expected, it matched so nearly that it might well go in Glossina. There is a slight difference in the venation which may or may not be of generic value, but if the insect is not a Glossina it is at least closely allied. Curiously, it is not new, for it appears to be the species described by Scudder in 1892 as Paloestrus oligocenus, a supposed new genus of stridae. The new specimen, practically complete, and with the mouth-parts, shows that it has nothing to do with stridae, and anyone who will refer to Scudder's figure will see how closely the venation resembles that of Glossina.
Closed-form solution for crushing response of three-dimensional thin-walled “S” frames with rectangular cross-sections

Abstract The crushing behavior of thin-walled rectangular cross-section “S” shaped frames subjected to complex loading cases was analyzed. The results of the biaxial bending collapse of prismatic beams and the collapse under combined bending and compression developed earlier by the present authors were applied to a practical problem of a three-dimensional S frame. The analytical solution of the crushing resistance was derived and the two types of deformation modes were identified using the analysis of the fully plastic bending moment with different orientation angle of bending axis. It was shown that the critical aspect ratio of the rectangular cross-section separating the two deformation modes is 1.366. The analytically derived crushing force gave excellent correlation with the finite element results. The simplified calculation routines derived through this study can be applied to an early design stage of a car body.
False confidence in intervals: Inaccuracies in reporting confidence intervals

Confidence intervals often are recommended as a means of communicating the extent to which individual test scores may be influenced by measurement error. However, test manuals and assessment texts vary widely in their recommendations about how confidence intervals should be constructed, and several contain misinterpretations of classical test theory. The most widely used procedure for constructing confidence intervals misrepresents the likely distribution of true scores, and confidence intervals constructed with it will be inaccurate, especially when extreme scores are involved. The various procedures for constructing confidence intervals that have been suggested in measurement texts are examined in relation to their approximation to the most accurate procedure that uses the estimated true score as the center of the confidence interval and the standard error of estimate to determine the width. In addition, the problems of applying these procedures to norm-referenced scores are discussed—an issue that has been largely ignored in the assessment literature and that leads to further misinterpretations of confidence intervals.
Reactivation of a Dormant Representation of an Auditory Stimulus Feature

Research with the mismatch negativity component of eventrelated potentials has uncovered a system that detects change in the acoustic environment on an automatic basis. The system is considered to compare incoming stimuli to representations of the past and to emit an MMN if change is detected.Previous investigations have shown that the relevant memory of the past can become dormant and then be reactivated by a reminder stimulus. It is unclear, however, whether what is reactivated is an holistic representation of stimuli or separate representations of features of stimuli. The present study provides data that supports the latter possibility but leaves open the former one.