cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Buy Now and Match Later: The Impact of Posterior Price Matching on Profit with Strategic Consumers

With a posterior price matching policy, a seller guarantees to reimburse the price difference to a consumer who buys a product before the seller marks it down. Such a policy has been widely adopted by retailers. We examine the impact of a posterior price matching policy on consumers' purchasing behavior, a seller's pricing and inventory decisions and their expected payoffs, assuming that the seller cannot credibly commit to a price path, but, can implement a posterior price matching policy. We find that the price matching policy eliminates strategic consumers' waiting incentive and thus allows the seller to increase price in the regular selling season. When the fraction of strategic consumers is not too small and their valuation decline over time is neither too low nor too high, the price matching policy can improve the seller's profit substantially as well as the inventory investment. In such situations, the strategic consumers' waiting incentive and the loss if they otherwise wait are both high. However, to adopt this policy, the seller also bears the refund cost. The seller has to either pay the refund that the consumers will claim or forgo the salvage value of any leftover inventory. The price matching policy can be detrimental when there are only a few strategic consumers present, or the strategic consumers' valuation decline is very low or very high. We find that the performance of this policy is insensitive to the proportion of consumers who claim the refund or to the correctness of the belief on the fraction of strategic consumers in the market. From the perspective of consumers, the price matching policy generally reduces consumer surplus, however, there are cases where consumer surplus can be also increased, typically when the variance of the potential high-end market volume is high. As a result, a Pareto improvement on both the seller's and the consumers' payoffs is possible. Finally, we find that the ability to credibly commit to a fixed price path is not very valuable when the seller can implement price matching.
THE CYCLICAL EFFECTS OF MONETARY POLICY REGIMES

A 1979 change in U.S. monetary policy coincided with a break in the cyclical behavior of monetary aggregates, while the cyclical behavior of all other real and nominal variables remained relatively constant. A model is developed to assess the quantitative importance of a change in monetary policy in accounting for these observations. The monetary authority's reaction function is estimated conditionally on the theoretical model and accounts for upward of 72–95% of all observed changes, including inside money preceding the business cycle and a qualitative change in the cyclical behavior of the monetary base.
Study of mechanochemical synthesis in the formation of the metal–organic framework Cu3(BTC)2 for hydrogen storage

Abstract A study was done to determine the effectiveness of mechanochemical synthesis for the preparation of a microporous metal–organic framework Cu3(BTC)2 from trimesic acid and various copper salts. The effect of parameters such as the nature of the starting materials, presence of solvent, and grinding conditions were carefully studied. It was found that using copper acetate as a starting material instead of copper nitrate resulted in a better yield of product. In addition, the presence of water of hydration in the reactants improved the crystallinity of the Cu3(BTC)2 that was produced. However, the addition of a small amount of solvent into the system prior to grinding was found to be even more effective in improving the crystallinity of Cu3(BTC)2, which leads to enhanced specific surface area and hydrogen storage capacity. Indications are that mechanochemical synthesis is a very fast method for the quantitative formation of Cu3(BTC)2 with complete synthesis achieved in as little as 10 min of grinding. A variety of thermal stability tests demonstrated that the as-synthesized Cu3(BTC)2 contains some residual reactants that could be removed in less than five hours by a heat treatment at 200 °C, which is less time than is typically required for samples synthesized by wet methods.
Photoisomerization of all-trans-1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. Temperature and Deuterium Isotope Effects†

Irradiation of all-trans-1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (ttt-DPH) in acetonitrile (AN) gives ctt- and tct-DPH by relatively inefficient pathways but mainly via the singlet excited state. Assuming th...
The behavior of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) at a dry-season waterhole

During a study of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) in Santa Rosa National Park, northwest Costa Rica, the study troop drank daily from a single terrestrial waterhole for approximately three months during the dry season. The drinking order of troop members at the waterhole was not random: adult males tended to be in the first quartile of the drinking progression, adult females generally occurred with equal frequency throughout the progression, and juveniles drank most commonly in the third quartile. There were also differences in the usual drinking ranks among individuals of the same age-sex class. It is hypothesized that those adult males which are usually first in the progression are increasing their personal fitness by reducing the risk of predation on their offspring and on potential mates. The tendency of adult females to precede juveniles may similarly reflect protection of offspring.
Reduction in DNA and RNA content during the development of haploid Rana pipiens embryos.

Une methode micro-biochimique a ete utilisee pour comparer les quantites d'ADN et ARN contenues dans des embryons en developpement haploides et diploides de la grenouille,Rana pipiens. Le contenu d'ADN des embryons haploides a ete reduit au stade de la queue bourgeonnante, et leur contenu d'ARN au stade de l'eclosion. Puisque les irregularites morphologiques caracteristiques des embryons haploides apparaissent beaucoup plus tot dans le developpement, une relation directe et causale entre la reduction observee de la production nette de l'acide nucleique et le syndrome haploide n'est pas probable.
Measuring program complexity in a COBOL environment

Webster defines complexity as the "quality or state of being: hard to separate, analyze, or solve; complicated; intricate; involved; having confusingly interrelated parts." This definition is certainly apropos of software and in fact the term program complexity is found often in discussions centered on software and its evaluation. An understanding of computer program complexity is considered necessary in comprehending how software is written and how a language is used.
Analysis of Nonlinear Input Impedance Matching in Active Frequency Multipliers

For a highly nonlinear circuit design such as an active frequency multiplier, performing an input impedance "match" is not a straightforward problem. In this work, an analysis of nonlinear input impedance matching in active microwave frequency multipliers is presented. By utilizing harmonic balance simulation of an idealized device model, fundamental aspects of performing an input "match" are explored for classical frequency doubler and frequency tripler configurations. The analysis is then repeated using a realistic device model, verifying the efficacy of using nonlinear input impedance matching to improve the output power and return loss characteristics of a multiplier.
Ultrastructure of partially decondensed human spermatozoal chromatin.

Electron microscopy of thin-sectioned fresh human spermatozoa showed that most nuclei contained electron-dense granulated material corresponding to tightly packed chromatin; the chromatin of some nuclei was condensed to a lesser degree and may represent immature spermatozoa. Treatment of the spermatozoa with 1.5% of the detergent Sarkosyl resulted in decapitation, removal of plasma and acrosomal membranes, and variable degrees of nuclear chromatin decondensation. The subsequent addition of 0.02 M dithiothreitol (DTT) produced further chromatin decondensation, revealing the presence of a meshwork of 20- to 30-A fibers interconnecting cordlike and spherical chromatin bodies about 30–75 nm in diameter. The thinner fibers approximate the diameter of DNA molecules. Trypsin digestion in the presence of 0.02 M DTT resulted in the conversion of the chromatin bodies into fibrous structures that were continuous with the fibrous network interlacing the chromatin bodies. Decondensed spermatozoal nuclei also possessed non-membrane-bounded “vacuoles” which frequently contained 20- to 30-A fibers and other thicker fibrillar structures.
The Fall and Rise of the Petty Bourgeoisie: Changing Patterns of Self-Employment in the Postwar United States

This article explores the historical trajectory of the self-employed segment of the labor force in the United States, particularly since 1940. Self-employment declined in the United States almost steadily from the 19th century to the early 1970s. Since then, it has risen every year. Explaining this reversal in the historical fortunes of the petty bourgeoisie is the central task of this article. We reach four basic conclusions: first, the reversal in the decline of the self-employed is statistically significant and robust across a range of definitions of self-employment rates. Second, this reversal is not a simple countercyclical response to the increase in unemployment since the middle 1970s. Third, part of the resurgence of self-employment result from the expansion of various postindustrial services that tend to have higher levels of self-employment within them. Within postindustrial sectors, however, there has not generally been any increase in self-employment. Fourth, a significant part of the expansio...
A Comparison of Information Functions and Search Strategies for Sensor Planning in Target Classification

This paper investigates the comparative performance of several information-driven search strategies and decision rules using a canonical target classification problem. Five sensor models are considered: one obtained from classical estimation theory and four obtained from Bernoulli, Poisson, binomial, and mixture-of-binomial distributions. A systematic approach is presented for deriving information functions that represent the expected utility of future sensor measurements from mutual information, Renyi divergence, Kullback-Leibler divergence, information potential, quadratic entropy, and the Cauchy-Schwarz distance. The resulting information-driven strategies are compared to direct-search, alert-confirm, task-driven (TS), and log-likelihood-ratio (LLR) search strategies. Extensive numerical simulations show that quadratic entropy typically leads to the most effective search strategy with respect to correct-classification rates. In the presence of prior information, the quadratic-entropy-driven strategy also displays the lowest rate of false alarms. However, when prior information is absent or very noisy, TS and LLR strategies achieve the lowest false-alarm rates for the Bernoulli, mixture-of-binomial, and classical sensor models.
Ab initio study of the effects of cesium, hydrogen and oxygen adsorption on the work function of beryllium

Abstract Hydrogen, oxygen and cesium adsorption on beryllium metal were modelled using a Be45 cluster containing seven layers. The ab initio Hartree—Fock calculations employ effective core potentials and full D3h point-group symmetry. Cesiation of the surface is found to lower the work function by 2.2. eV, in good agreement with the experimental value of 2.3 eV. Adsorption of oxygen on the cesiated surface lowers the work function by an additional 0.3 eV over the 2.2 eV lowering due to cesiation alone, whereas hydrogenation raises it by 0.48 eV.
A study of impact performance of conductive adhesives

Electrically conductive adhesive is an environment- and user-friendly alternative to traditional lead-bearing solders in electronics packaging. However, current commercial conductive adhesives are not suitable in electronics packages, such as surface mount applications, due to some critical reliability issues. One of the critical issues is that current conductive adhesives do not have desirable impact strength. In the study described here, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to conduct the modal analysis of the packages and to estimate their natural vibration frequencies. Then, a series of conductive adhesives were formulated, and the dynamic properties and impact performance of these materials were studied. The experimental results were correlated to the results of the modal analysis. Constrained-layer damping theory was used to explain the results of the drop tests. It was found that (1) finite element modal analysis accurately predicts the vibration frequencies experienced by the components and (2) conductive adhesive materials with high damping properties in the vibration frequency range estimated by FEA show high impact performance.
New species of Stygiopontius (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida) from a deep–sea hydrothermal vent at the East Pacific Rise

Three dirivultid copepods, Stygiopontius puxillifer sp.n. and S. appositus sp.n., unusual in having pegs along the ventral edges of the cephalosome, and S. lurniger sp.n., distinguiahcd from congeners by the modificd thorn-like seta on the second segment of the maxilliped, arc dcscrihcd from a depth of 2616 m at 21°N in the eastern Pacific.
A nomogram for radioactivity counting statistics

Abstract A nomogram with expandable range has been developed for determining counting times, fractional errors, confidence levels, factors of merit, and for optimizing spectrometer settings in radioactivity counting. A special plastic ruler (nomogram reader) has been constructed which facilitates the use of this and other nomograms and graphs.
Action of T2 bacteriophage on filamentous Escherichia coli

Abstract The burst sizes of filamentous cells of Escherichia coli B of different lengths singly infected with T2 virus have been determined. The burst size increases linearly with cell length, although at a slower rate than the length increase. For example, the burst size of normal E. coli host cells is about 75, while that for filamentous host cells of about six times normal length is about 300. The latent period also increases slightly with cell length.
An end-to-end demonstration of a receiver array based free-space photon counting communications link

NASA anticipates a significant demand for long-haul communications service from deep-space to Earth in the near future. To address this need, a substantial effort has been invested in developing a free-space laser communications system that can be operated at data rates that are 10-1000 times higher than current RF systems. We have built an end-to-end free-space photon counting testbed to demonstrate many of the key technologies required for a deep space optical receiver. The testbed consists of two independent receivers, each using a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode detector array. A hardware aggregator combines the photon arrivals from the two receivers and the aggregated photon stream is decoded in real time with a hardware turbo decoder. We have demonstrated signal acquisition, clock synchronization, and error free communications at data rates up to 14 million bits per second while operating within 1 dB of the channel capacity with an efficiency of greater than 1 bit per incident photon.
Variations of intracellular deoxyribosyl compounds in deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid and thymine

Abstract Intracellular deoxyribosyl compounds were measured collectively and individually in vitamin B12-deficient Lactobacillus leichmannii, wherein DNA synthesis is impaired by defective deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, and in folate-deficient L. leichmannii and L. casei and thymine-deficient Escherichia coli 15 T−, wherein DNA synthesis is impaired by lack of thymidylate. Effects of the two types of deficiencies differed strikingly. Pool sizes were decreased by vitamin B12 deficiency and increased by deficiencies of folic acid or thymine. All major deoxyribosyl compounds were uniformly decreased in vitamin B12 deficiency, levels rising again after repletion. A number of deoxyribosyl compounds increased in folate and thymine deficiency, although responses of individual compounds differed in folate-limited L. leichmannii and thymine-limited E. coli 15 T−. Preliminary attempts to demonstrate accumulations of deoxyribosyl derivatives in folate-deficient humans and chicks were unsuccessful. A dTDP derivative, tentatively identified as a sugar complex, is the major intracellular deoxyribosyl compound in optimally nourished L. leichmannii. In folate deficiency, other intracellular thymine compounds disappear, but the dTDP derivative accumulates. A similar phenomenon was not observed in thymine-limited E. coli 15 T−. The results suggest that (1) vitamin B12 participates in deoxyribosyl synthesis; (2) folate deficiency in the organisms studied is the equivalent of thymine deficiency; (3) a thymine derivative, probably dTTP, governs the repressor system controlling ribonucleotide reductase synthesis; and (4) the level of a major thymine derivative is controlled by factors other than those controlling the levels of the immediate DNA precursors.
Evaluation of Advanced Combustor Concepts for Dry NOx Suppression With Coal-Derived, Gaseous Fuels

This paper presents the results of testing two combustion systems--the gas-fueled rich-lean combustor and the catalytic combustor--for fuel efficiency and emission levels. A lean-lean combustor was also briefly investigated. The rich-lean combustor, in the single configuration tested, did not significantly reduce thermal nitrous oxides emission for the baseline gas fuel having a lower heating value of 244 Btu/scf (10.3 MJ/NCM). Aside from this drawback, the combustor provided generally satisfactory performance for all other important combustion parameters including co emissions, smoke, pattern factor, pressure drop, metal temperatures, ignition, turndown, and post-test condition. Test results indicate that the lean-lean combustor concept has the potential to achieve ultra-low nitrous oxides emissions for liquid and gas fuels having no fuel-bound nitrogen. The catalytic combustor demonstrated the potential for very low nitrous oxides emissions burning distillate fuel. The catalytic reactor can be ignited easily at the compressor discharge temperatures available in present-day gas turbines. Parallel staging of the catalyst with a conventional design requires careful control of airflow splits and catalyst pressure drop. Use of variable-geometry devices to control airflow distribution to the reactor and pilot stages are necessary for the parallel-design approach. General Electric has completed the preliminary design of a series-staged combustor whichmore » will avoid flow-split instabilities encountered in the tests.« less
The Effect of Cyanide on Oxygen Consumption in Bovine Dental Pulp

Respiratory inhibition by cyanide was measured in bovine dental pulp slices and in bovine kidney cortex slices. Although inhibition in kidney slices was approximately 80%, inhibition in dental pulp was about 60%. The lower level of respiratory inhibition in pulp by cyanide is indicative of a lower concentration of cytochrome oxidase in this tissue. This is compatible with previously observed metabolic characteristics suggestive of a less highly developed respiratory mechanism in dental pulp.
Modeling Melt Spinning of PLA Fibers

A modified version of a model for fiber spinning was developed for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based on earlier models that predicted the spinline behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and Nylon 6.6. Comparisons were made to melt‐spinning data of Takasaki and coworkers for high lactic acid (L)‐content PLA (PLLA) and racemic mixtures of the L‐ and D‐ forms over a range of spin speeds from high‐ to low‐speed conditions. The characteristic necking and “freeze off” under high‐speed conditions is not as severe with PLA as that observed in the earlier model systems, most likely due to the more highly entangled nature of PLA. To address this, the extended pom‐pom model was utilized to model the melt phase. Because of the stereochemistry of PLA, mixtures of the L‐ and D‐ forms result in an additional stereo‐crystal formation with a higher melting temperature than the normal alpha‐crystal formation. In addition to accurately capturing fiber diameter profiles for the PLLA, all the important features of spinnin...
CARDIAC PUMP PERFORMANCE IN LAMBS: MATURATIONAL DIFFERENCES OF LEFT AND RIGHT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION

We examined the pump performance of the newborn heart by determining the contribution of the Frank-Starling principle to both left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular function in 16 open chested lambs (1-44 days) anesthetized with alpha chloralose and instrumented with aortic and pulmonary flow probes and pressure catheters, and left and right ventricular microtransducers. Alterations in ventricular filling pressure (VFP) were induced by venous infusion of warmed (37°C) saline (60 cc/kg/2min). Ventricular function curves were constructed relating stroke volume (SV) and stroke work (SW) to VFP. With maturation, LV responded to increasing VFP by delivering progressively larger SV. Older animals showed a greater change from resting to peak stroke volume (ΔSV) and stroke work (ΔSW), and peak SVs were achieved at higher VFP. Results for the LV were: In contrast, at all ages, RV had a limited response to increased VFP (ΔSV=30-35%) (SW=28-40%), and peak SV was achieved at lower VFP (11-16 mmHg). An age-related increase in pump performance was found for LV, while RV retained functional characteristics of the newborn. (Sponsor: F.H. Adams)
Consumer Complaining Behavior, Imagined Interactions, and Communication Traits: Cognitive Processing Following an Organizational Failure

This study examined the use of imagined interactions following the violation of consumers' expectations operationalized as organizational failures. Communication-based personality traits were also examined with respect to consumer complaining behavior and the use of imagined interactions. Participants were 235 people exposed to a hypothetical organizational failure involving violated expectations for a hotel reservation. The results indicate that people do use imagined interactions to help process organizational failures and that they are more likely to do so for rehearsal and self-awareness functions than for cathartic purposes. Moreover, several communication-based personality traits (e.g., argumentativeness, blirtatiousness, verbal aggressiveness, and communication apprehension) are significantly associated with imagined interactions and measures of complaining behavior.
Cognition and affect in early literacy development

The research examines the effects of preschool children telling stories and dramatizing them at a group time on learning to read and write. Using Vygotsky's theory of development, the significance of storytelling and dramatization activities on the intellectual and emotional development of preschool children is explored. One hundred ninety‐five three‐, four‐ and five‐year‐old children from ten preschool, kindergarten and day care center classrooms were given the opportunity to dictate stories to a teacher over a twelve week period. In the five experimental classrooms, the children's narratives were dramatized at a teacher‐directed group time. As a result of including dramatization in the story writing process, stories from the experimental classrooms showed greater complexity and coherence than stories from the control group classrooms, the children in the experimental groups showed greater awareness of the writing process, and they participated in the composing process at a more sophisticated level. The ...
Addressing Individual Differences in Mobility Transition Counseling With Older Adults

In the final phase of a 3-phase project, the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) was clinically validated, emphasizing assessment/intervention. ARMT and coping, health/vision status, and social support measures were administered to 133 community-dwelling older adults. Concurrent validity is supported. Higher readiness to cope with mobility transition and self-confidence related to fall risk, higher self-rated health/vision, and fewer maladaptive behaviors, but not social support/adaptive coping, suggesting that those at risk can benefit from person-centered intervention to mobilize strengths for transportation/mobility planning. Older drivers may harbor unrealistic expectations regarding nonfamily mobility support. Implications for practice, education, research, and policy are presented.
Structured Illumination Fluorescence Imaging and Analysis for Identification of Residual Disease during Cancer Surgery

Incomplete tumor removal predicts local recurrence; however, few intraoperative microscopic techniques can diagnose margins. We present a quantitative structured illumination fluorescence microscope and demonstrate its ability to image margins.
Coronary artery operation in radiation-associated atherosclerosis: long-term follow-up.

Abstract Radiation-associated coronary atherosclerosis is a potential problem for patients who have had mediastinal irradiation for malignant tumors. This study identifies 14 patients with radiation-associated coronary atherosclerosis, defines unique population characteristics, and analyses postsurgical problems and long-term outcome. Fourteen patients with radiation-associated coronary atherosclerosis and class III and IV New York Heart Association symptoms were identified because of mediastinal or chest wall Irradiation (30 Gy) associated with anterior epicafdial discoloration or nbrosis, aortltis with adventitial thickening, and Inflammatory process over a proximal coronary artery. Two distinct treatment groups were analyzed. Coronary artery operation resulted in one hospital death, with vein grafts being used predominantly. The internal mammary artery could only be used in 3 patients because of vessel friability and mediastinal fibrosis. Postoperative right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary problems were frequent. Severe pericardial inflammatory complications (nbrosis with graft closure, and constrictive pericarditis) present in 2 early patients resulted in routine anterior pericardiectomy after coronary artery operation without further problems. Long-term follow-up (100%) (range, 11 to 74 months) revealed that 1 patient died late and of (he remainder (12 patients), 11 were in New York Heart Association class I and 1 in class II, experiencing three myocardial events. Thus, patients with radiation-associated coronary atherosclerosis have a low operative mortality but have risk of early right ventricular and pulmonary dysfunction. The routine use of internal mammary artery may not be possible and anterior pericardiectomy is recommended. Long-term results are excellent and no evidence of accelerated disease has been noted.
Hemocyanin of the chiton, Stenoplax conspicua (Dall)

1. 1. The hemocyanin of the chiton, Stenoplax conspicua, has a molecular weight determined by light-scattering of 4.2 × 106 daltons, (dt) and a sedimentation coefficient of 60 S. 2. 2. The fully dissociated subunits in 6.0 and 8.0 M urea, and at pH 8.9–10 in the absence of divalent ions, have molecular weights of 4.15–4.30 × 105 and 4.17–4.75 × 105 dt, which is close to one-tenth of the molecular weight of the parent hemocyanin assembly. 3. 3. The pH dependence of the molecular weights from pH 4.5 to 11 exhibit bell-shaped transition profiles, best accounted for by a three-species, decamer to dimer to monomer scheme of subunit dissociation, with one acidic and one basic ionizing group per dimer and 5–8 acidic and basic groups per monomer. 4. 4. In the absence of stabilizing divalent ions S. conspicua hemocyanin is relatively unstable. At pH 7.4 in the presence of 0.01 M EDTA, it is predominantly in the dimeric state, characterized by a sedimentation constant of 18 S. It is also more readily dissociated to monomers at high pHs (8–9 and above) than are the C. stelleri and A. granulata hemocyanins. 5. 5. Urea and GdmCl are effective dissociating agents of S. conspicua hemocyanin. The urea dissociation profile obtained at pH 8.5, 0.01 M Mg2+, 0.01 M Ca2+, and analyzed by means of the decamer-dimer-monomer scheme of subunit dissociation gave estimates of about 30 amino acid groups (Napp) at the dimer contacts within the hemocyanin decamers and about 120 groups per monomer within each dimer, suggesting hydrophobic stabilization of hemocyanin assembly.
Concrete crack detection through full-field displacement and curvature measurements by visual mark tracking: A proof-of-concept study:

In this study, a noncontact vision-based sensing method is proposed to measure surface displacements and curvatures and to detect cracks in a reinforced concrete slab. The proposed method includes ...
The incidence classification, etiology, andembryology of oral clefts

There are numerous problems encountered among individuals with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Addressing these problems necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, requiring a team of experts to facilitate care for these individuals. Dentists play a vital role on the team. An orthodontist, pediatric dentist, oral maxillofacial surgeon, and prosthodontist usually represent the dental members of the team. The success of this team depends on expertise within each discipline but also depends on each member having a broad base of knowledge in general about oral clefts. An understanding of other disciplines and how they approach the treatment of oral clefts is important for each team member. Also, each team representative should appreciate the need to understand the causes of oral clefts, how clefts develop in utero, how various populations are affected, and how to recognize and classify an oral cleft. It is difficult to communicate effectively within the team if we fail to recognize the importance of expanding our knowledge to include other aspects of oral clefts beyond treatment perspectives. This article provides the orthodontist with basic information as it relates to the etiology of oral clefts (ie, genetics, teratogens, and medical conditions), the demographics and incidence of oral clefts, the embryology and classification of clefts.
Agamococcidiorida ord. n. and Rhytidocystidae fam. n. for the Coccidian Genus Rhytidocystis Henneguy, 1907

SYNOPSIS Agamococcidiorida ord. n. and Rhytidocystidae fam. n. are established in the apicomplexan subclass Coccidiasina for the genus Rhytidocystis Henneguy, 1907. Dehornia Porchet-Hennere, 1972 is synonymized with Rhytidocystis.
Urolithiasis and Cystic Fibrosis

AbstractPurpose: We determined whether cystic fibrosis patients are at increased risk for the development of urolithiasis.Materials and Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted with 201 cystic fibrosis patients older than 15 years to identify those with a history of urolithiasis. Histories were confirmed by chart review, and only patients with urolithiasis documented by excretory urography, renal ultrasound or spontaneous passage of a stone were included.Results: A total of 11 patients (5.5 percent) had documented urolithiasis, with 2 or more episodes in 7. Mean age at initial episode was 27.0 years (range 19 to 33).Conclusions: Cystic fibrosis patients may be at increased risk for urolithiasis compared to age-specific prevalence rates for stone disease in the general population.
Genetic influence on resistance of mice to Nematospiroides dubius

Abstract The estimated LD 50 30 value is 750 ± 36 larvae of Nematospiroides dubius for the Webster mice and 310 ± 25 larvae for C3H mice. The percentage of worm development in C3H mice was greater than that in Webster mice. The time of storage of the third stage larvae at 4 °C which resulted in about 50% infectivity was 33 weeks for the C3H mice and 28 weeks for Webster mice. The 50% survival time of the adult worms was approximately 27 weeks in C3H mice and 20 weeks in Webster mice. By using mortality, LD 50 30 value, worm burdens, infectivity of the third stage larvae, and longevity of the adult worms as criteria, it is established that the C3H strain of mice is more susceptible to N. dubius infection than are the A, CF1, C57, and Webster strains. Among the latter four strains, the Webster is the most resistant. These differences in resistances among the various strains of mice to infection with N. dubius may be explained as being due to differences in genetic constitution. With crosses of the resistant Webster strain with C3H, which is highly susceptible, the agouti F1 showed higher resistance to the nematode than the resistant parents.
Ozone uptake in awake Sprague-Dawley rats

Knowledge of ozone (O3) uptake in rats in integral to efforts to quantitatively extrapolate animal data to man. We have measured percentage O3 uptake in 30 adult Sprague-Dawley rats exposed, nose only, for 1 hr to 0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 ppm O3. Tidal volume and breathing rate measurements, obtained by plethysmography, were time-matched with changes in airstream concentrations of O3, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, due to animal breathing, for computation of O3 uptake and respiratory gas exchange values. Ozone uptake was calculated by a fractional deposition technique, i.e. O3 in vs O3 out. Total respiratory system O3 uptake was found to be approximately 40% of that inspired and did not vary with O3 concentration nor during the 1-hr exposure. The quantity of O3 inhaled and retained by the rat increased proportionally with O3 concentration.
MR/PET quantification tools: Registration, segmentation, classification, and MR-based attenuation correction

Purpose: Combined MR/PET is a relatively new, hybrid imaging modality. A human MR/PET prototype system consisting of a Siemens 3T Trio MR and brain PET insert was installed and tested at our institution. Its present design does not offer measured attenuation correction (AC) using traditional transmission imaging. This study is the development of quantification tools including MR-based AC for quantification in combined MR/PET for brain imaging. Methods: The developed quantification tools include image registration, segmentation, classification, and MR-based AC. These components were integrated into a single scheme for processing MR/PET data. The segmentation method is multiscale and based on the Radon transform of brain MR images. It was developed to segment the skull on T1-weighted MR images. A modified fuzzy C-means classification scheme was developed to classify brain tissue into gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. Classified tissue is assigned an attenuation coefficient so that AC factors can be generated. PET emission data are then reconstructed using a three-dimensional ordered sets expectation maximization method with the MR-based AC map. Ten subjects had separate MR and PET scans. The PET with [11C]PIB was acquired using a high-resolution research tomography (HRRT) PET. MR-based AC was compared with transmission (TX)-based AC on the HRRT. Seventeen volumes of interest were drawn manually on each subject image to compare the PET activities between the MR-based and TX-based AC methods. Results: For skull segmentation, the overlap ratio between our segmented results and the ground truth is 85.2 ± 2.6%. Attenuation correction results from the ten subjects show that the difference between the MR and TX-based methods was <6.5%. Conclusions: MR-based AC compared favorably with conventional transmission-based AC. Quantitative tools including registration, segmentation, classification, and MR-based AC have been developed for use in combined MR/PET.
P3.371 Reduction in HPV Prevalence Among Young Women Following Introduction of HPV Vaccine in the United States and Estimated Vaccine Effectiveness

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was introduced into the adolescent immunisation schedule in the United States in mid 2006. Vaccination is recommended for females at age 11 or 12 years and through age 26 if not previously vaccinated. Estimated 3-dose coverage was 32% among 13–17 year-olds in 2010. Objectives To compare HPV prevalence among females in the first 4 years of the vaccine era (2007–2010) with the prevaccine era (2003–2006), and to determine vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) are a series of cross sectional surveys, designed to be nationally representative of the civilian, non-institutionalised US population. HPV prevalence was determined in self-collected cervicovaginal swabs from females aged 14–59 years; 4150 in 2003–2006 and 4253 in 2007–2010. Type-specific HPV prevalence was determined by the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Assay. VE was estimated among sexually active 14–26 year-olds in 2007–2010. Results Among females aged 14–19 years, vaccine type (VT) HPV prevalence decreased from 11.5% (95% CI = 9.2, 14.4) in 2003–2006 to 5.1% (95% CI = 3.8, 6.6) in 2007–2010; a 56% (95% CI = 37%, 69%) decline. Prevalence did not differ between the two time periods in other age groups. History of vaccination was associated with lower VT HPV prevalence among sexually active 14–19 years-olds, 3.5% vs. 12.6% (aRR = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.7–0.48, estimated VE = 82%) and among 20–26 year-olds, 12.4% vs 21.3% (aRR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22–0.99, estimated VE = 54%). Our sample size was too small to evaluate effectiveness by number of doses. Conclusions Within 4 years of vaccine introduction, there was a decrease in VT HPV prevalence in a nationally representative sample of females aged 14–19 years. As expected, VE was lower among those vaccinated at older ages. Ongoing monitoring will allow assessment of vaccine impact on prevalence, possible cross protection or type replacement.
Shear-dependent adhesion of leukocytes and lectins to the endothelium and concurrent changes in thickness of the glycocalyx of post-capillary venules in the low-flow state.

Objective To elucidate shear-dependent effects of deformation of the endothelial glycocalyx on adhesion of circulating ligands in post-capillary venules, and delineate effect of MMPs. Methods Adhesion of WBCs and lectin-coated FLMs (0.1 μm diameter) to EC of post-capillary venules in mesentery was examined during acute reductions in shear rates ( hemorrhagic hypotension). Adhesion was examined with or without superfusion with 0.5 μm doxycycline to inhibit MMPs. Thickness of the glycocalyx was measured by exclusion of fluorescent 70 kDa dextran from the EC surface. Results During superfusion with Ringers, rapid reductions in resulted in a significant rise in WBC adhesion and a twofold rise in microsphere adhesion. With addition of doxycycline WBC and FLM adhesion increased twofold under high- and low-flow conditions. FLM adhesion was invariant with throughout the network in the normal (high)-flow state. With reductions in thickness of the glycocalyx increased significantly, with or without doxycycline. Conclusions The concurrent increase in WBC and FLM adhesion with increased thickness of the glycocalyx during reductions in shear suggests that glycocalyx core proteins recoil from their deformed steady-state configuration, which increases exposure of binding sites for circulating ligands.
Outcome and Prognosis of Patients With Chronic Fatigue vs Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Background: There are few data on the natural history and prognosis of persons with chronic fatigue (CF) or CF syndrome (CFS). Therefore, we compared functional outcomes in patients with each condition and tested the validity of various prognostic indicators. Methods: Four hundred forty-five (89%) of 498 consecutive referral patients were surveyed an average of 1.5 years after an initial evaluation. Data from the initial evaluation were used to predict outcomes. Results: Sixty-four percent of all patients reported improvement, but only 2% reported complete resolution of symptoms. Patients initially diagnosed as having CFS reported greater symptom severity and lower level of functioning at follow-up than did patients with CF. Major depression predicted unemployment in the CF group. Older age, longer duration of illness, and a lifetime history of dysthymia predicted less improvement in the CF group. Current dysthymia predicted less improvement for the CFS group. Conclusions: The case definition of CFS according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies chronically fatigued patients with poorer prognosis. In a tertiary care setting, recovery from CF or CFS is rare, but improvement is common. Prognostic indicators vary for the two groups, but the coexistence of dysthymia suggests poorer outcomes generally. (Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:2105-2110)
Tidal Simulations for the Loxahatchee River Estuary (Southeastern Florida): On the Influence of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway versus the Surrounding Tidal Flats

Two-dimensional tidal flows within the Loxahatchee River estuary (Southeastern Florida) are simulated in order to assess the effects of incorporating the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICWW) versus including the surrounding tidal flats in the computational domain. The region of interest is modeled with three variations of an unstructured, finite-element mesh, including a localized mesh with and without tidal flats, and an extended mesh that describes the AICWW. Phase and amplitude errors between model output and historical data are quantified in terms of water surface elevations at five locations within the Loxahatchee River estuary to assess the relative performance of the various computational meshes. While it is shown that the surrounding tidal flats provide some benefit to the numerical model, the hydrodynamics resulting from the inclusion of the AICWW results in a more significant improvement in the simulated water levels—an important modeling consideration that is commonly disregarded in practice. The application of additional boundary conditions enables for both hydrodynamic factors (AICWW; surrounding tidal flats) to be included in the numerical simulation. As a corollary, velocity residuals are computed on a domain-wide basis to reveal significantly different net circulation patterns within the Loxahatchee River estuary, depending on the level of description of the AICWW, and further demonstrate the importance of including the AICWW in the numerical model.
The Consequences of Vocabularies

L'A. analyse le champ d'etude et d'investigation de la communication. Il s'interroge sur son mode de creation et de definition par les specialistes de la communication et sur l'attitude a adopter dans le domaine de la recherche en communication. Pour l'A., il est essentiel de relever les questions importantes en matiere de communication, en particulier celles qui recherchent les consequences des actions humaines
Acoustic‐wave reflection from water/laminated composite interfaces

The high specific strength and stiffness of composite materials has led to their widespread use in efficient structures. Since most of these structures are subjected to cyclic loads which can lead to rapid degradation in load carrying capability, initial inspection and continued monitoring of these materials for detection and sizing of strength degrading flaws is necessary in order to ensure adequate structural reliability. Unfortunately, many of the current inspection techniques can not be directly utilized for this purpose because of the inhomogeneous, anisotropic nature of composites. In addition, the types and numbers of internal flaws that must be detected and quantified for structural integrity models differ substantially from those traditionally encountered. Currently the most useful technique for inspecting composite structures is ultrasonic c-scanning which was developed to inspect homogeneous, isotropic materials, i. e., metals. Before this technique can be fully exploited for inspecting composites, a firm understanding of the interaction between ultrasonic waves and the material is necessary.
Wavefront Array Processor: Language, Architecture, and Applications

This paper describes the development of a wavefront-based language and architecture for a programmable special-purpose multiprocessor array. Based on the notion of computational wavefront, the hardware of the processor array is designed to provide a computing medium that preserves the key properties of the wavefront. In conjunction, a wavefront language (MDFL) is introduced that drastically reduces the complexity of the description of parallel algorithms and simulates the wavefront propagation across the computing network. Together, the hardware and the language lead to a programmable wavefront array processor (WAP). The WAP blends the advantages of the dedicated systolic array and the general-purpose data-flow machine, and provides a powerful tool for the high-speed execution of a large class of matrix operations and related algorithms which have widespread applications.
Verbal aggression and viewing the world as a mean place.

Of 555 college students those rating verbal aggressiveness higher also rated perception of the world as a meaner place.
Imaging radar applications to mapping and charting

Abstract The present paper will review past and present radar mapping achievements and examine tasks and prospects of radargrammetry. The radar mosaic at scales 1:100,000 to 1:400,000 is thus far the typical radar mapping product applied to vast areas in excess of 10 million square kilometers, mainly in Latin America, the U.S., Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. During the past several years it has been learned that aircraft radar permits mapping of extensive areas with a planimetric accuracy of about 100 m, and in exceptional cases, of about 20 m. For stereo-radargrammetric height accuracy, also about 20 m was found to be feasible. Radar mapping has presently become possible from spacecraft. Up to now, orbital radar images have only been produced for lunar exploration. An earth resources imaging satellite radar will orbit our planet as part of the SEASAT experiment from 1978 onwards. It is thus possible that radar images might in the future be applied to a dramatically greater extent than in the past to mapping tasks for which timeliness and economy are of overriding concern.
Spectacle lenses and emmetropization : The role of optical defocus in regulating ocular development

The purpose of our investigation was to determine whether early ocular growth and refractive development was regulated by visual feedback in infant monkeys. Specifically, we examined the ability of infant monkeys to compensate for optically induced changes in the eye's refractive state and to recover from experimentally induced refractive errors. For moderate-powered anisometropic lenses, infants exhibited differential interocular axial growth rates that reduced the lens-induced refractive imbalance between the two eyes. Infants treated with equal-powered lenses over both eyes also showed compensating growth. For lens powers between approximately -3 and +6 D, the resulting refractive-error changes, which were primarily due to alterations in vitreous chamber growth rates, were well correlated with the effective refractive state produced by the treatment lenses. When the stimulus for altered eye growth was removed and the infants were provided unrestricted vision, monkey eyes consistently grew toward emmetropia. The remarkable degree of adaptability exhibited by the eyes of infant monkeys demonstrates that emmetropization in this higher primate is an active process that is regulated on a continuous basis by optical defocus. Consequently, early in life spectacle lenses by changing the eye's effective focus can predictably alter ocular growth and the refractive status of one or both eyes.