cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polypectomy techniques, endoscopist characteristics, and serious gastrointestinal adverse events

Background A use of polypectomy techniques by endoscopist specialty (primary care, surgery, and gastroenterology) and experience (volume), and associations with serious gastrointestinal adverse events, were examined. Methods A retrospective follow-up study with ambulatory surgery and hospital discharge datasets from Florida, 1999–2001, was used. Thirty-day hospitalizations due to colonic perforations and gastrointestinal bleeding were investigated for 323,585 patients. Results Primary care endoscopists and surgeons used hot biopsy forceps/ablation, while gastroenterologists provided snare polypectomy or complex colonoscopy. Low-volume endoscopists were more likely to use simpler rather than complex procedures. For hot forceps/ablation and snare polypectomy, low- and medium-volume endoscopists reported higher odds of adverse events. For complex colonoscopy, higher odds of adverse events were reported for primary care endoscopists (1.74 [95% CI, 1.18–2.56]) relative to gastroenterologists. Conclusions Endoscopists regardless of specialty and experience can safely use cold biopsy forceps. For hot biopsy and snare polypectomy, low volume, but not specialty, contributed to increased odds of adverse events. For complex colonoscopy, primary care specialty, but not low volume, added to the odds of adverse events. Comparable outcomes were reported for surgeons and gastroenterologists. Cross-training and continuing medical education of primary care endoscopists in high-volume endoscopy settings are recommended for complex colonoscopy procedures. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014; 110:207–213. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactive Web Documents

Documents allow end-users to encapsulate information related to a collaborative business process into a package that can be saved, emailed, digitally signed, and used as the basis for interaction in an activity or an ad hoc workflow. While documents are used incidentally today in web applications, for example in HTML presentations of content stored otherwise in back-end systems, they are not yet the central artifact for developers of dynamic, data intensive web applications. This paper unifies the storage and management of the various artifacts of web applications into an Interactive Web Document (IWD). Data, presentation, behavior, attachments, and digital signatures collected throughout the business process are unified into a single composite web resource. We describe a standards-based approach to packaging multiple resources into IWD archives based on the Open Document Format, a REST-based protocol for interacting with IWDs, and an extensible interaction controller architecture.
Electronic submission protocol based on temporal accountability

This paper describes various possible attacks on temporal properties such as temporal records of payment times and declarations of the closing times for electronic submissions, and explains defense measures that use a trusted third party to provide temporal accountability. The paper proposes a secure electronic submission protocol as a typical time-sensitive application and a temporal accountability logic, which is an extension of Kailar's (1996) work. It analyzes the proposed protocol by applying temporal accountability logic, and describes some modifications of the protocol, which reduce the total number of flows while keeping the protocol as logically secure as the original one in terms of temporal accountability.
An ‘Inventory of the World’

This book is devoted to the study of one modern revolt against realism and of how it has failed. The authors of the revolt have failed to refute realism but succeeded in gaining wide professional acceptance. Bertrand Russell, in his studies in philosophy, and in particular those in the foundations of mathematics written in the first quarter of the twentieth century, was an advocate of realism. He himself turned away from it later on; and he led his followers, especially Wittgenstein, in a movement against it, a movement which Wittgenstein’s followers, in turn, accelerated into a vigorous crusade, while Russell and Wittgenstein, the inventive members of the movement, were never altogether able to shake themselves free of its influence. Their best work was made possible by realism, and it has been in the interest of the truth contained in realism that the present study was undertaken.
Impact of subarachnoid hemorrhage on local and global calcium signaling in cerebral artery myocytes.

Background: Ca2+ signaling mechanisms are crucial for proper regulation of vascular smooth muscle contractility and vessel diameter. In cerebral artery myocytes, a rise in global cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) causes contraction while an increase in local Ca2+ release events from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (Ca2+ sparks) leads to increased activity of large-conductance Ca2+-activated (BK) K+ channels, hyperpolarization and relaxation. Here, we examined the impact of SAH on Ca2+ spark activity and [Ca2+]i in cerebral artery myocytes following SAH. Methods: A rabbit double injection SAH model was used in this study. Five days after the initial intracisternal injection of whole blood, small diameter cerebral arteries were dissected from the brain for study. For simultaneous measurement of arterial wall [Ca2+]i and diameter, vessels were cannulated and loaded with the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator fura-2. For measurement of Ca2+ sparks, individual myocytes were enzymatically isolated from cerebral arteries and loaded with the Ca2+ indicator fluo-4. Sparks were visualized using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Results: Arterial wall [Ca2+]i was significantly elevated and greater levels of myogenic tone developed in arteries isolated from SAH animals compared with arteries isolated from healthy animals. The L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blocker nifedipine attenuated increases in [Ca2+]i and tone in both groups suggesting increased VDCC activity following SAH. Membrane potential measurement using intracellular microelectrodes revealed significant depolarization of vascular smooth muscle following SAH. Further, myocytes from SAH animals exhibited significantly reduced Ca2+ spark frequency (~50%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest decreased Ca2+ spark frequency leads to reduced BK channel activity in cerebral artery myocytes following SAH. This results in membrane potential depolarization, increased VDCC activity, elevated [Ca2+]i and decreased vessel diameter. We propose this mechanism of enhanced cerebral artery myocyte contractility may contribute to decreased cerebral blood flow and development of neurological deficits in SAH patients.
When strategies collide: Divergent multipoint strategies within competitive triads

Abstract As market barriers fall and market boundaries blur, firms are becoming increasingly broad in their scope of operations and markets. This expansion in a firm's scope intensifies competition as the interaction between rivals spreads across many markets. To succeed as a firm, managers must then take a multi-market approach to competition. Critical to success is an understanding of how rival contact across markets can affect a firm's competitive behavior. This understanding exists for competition between two firms; however, few firms face only one rival across multiple markets. We expand the focus on one competitor and explore configurations of competitive triads. We explain why triadic competition is more dynamic and deviates somewhat from dyadic competition, and set the foundation for exploring competition among a broader set of competitors.
Spinal noradrenergic terminal system mediates antinociception

Abstract Intrathecal administration of norepinephrine (NE) into the lumbar subarachnoid space of rats and cats implanted with chronic spinal catheters produced a strong, dose-dependent, behaviorally defined analgesia. The effect appeared mediated by an α-receptor inasmuch as phenylephrine, but not isoproterenol produced the intrathecal effect. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of NE was antagonized by the prior systemic or intrathecal administration of phentolamine (an α-blocker), but was unaffected by pretreatment with propranolol (a β-blocker). The effect of intrathecal NE was significantly potentiated by prior administration of Lilly 51641 (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and protriptyline (a re-uptake inhibitor), and was not antagonized by the intrathecal administration of a non-specific vasodilator, papaverine. The antinociceptive effect of intrathecal NE showed tachyphylaxis following repeated injections. No cross-tolerance between intrathecal NE and morphine was observed, suggesting that the spinal action of morphine is not mediated by spinal noradrenergic terminals. Importantly, naloxone had no effect on the intrathecal NE effect. The present data provide further evidence for the modulatory role of a spinal noradrenergic system on the spinal processing of nociceptive transmission.
Direct and continuous measurements with an ion-selective electrode of [Na+] in cerebrospinal fluid of conscious rabbits.

Abstract A method utilizing a sodium-selective, miniature glass electrode was developed to measure on-line the [Na+] in the cerebrospinal fluid of the lateral ventricle of conscious, male rabbits. Permanent cannulae with removable plugs were implanted in the lateral ventricle. The Na+-selective and reference electrodes were inserted or removed from these cannulae without apparent awareness or discomfort to the rabbit. Compared with measurements of lateral ventricular CSF [Na+] assayed by flame photometry, the correlation coefficient was r = 0.97. The ability to obtain pretreatment, post-treatment, and restorative values from the same conscious animal, without removing CSF from the ventricular cavity, is a useful advantage of this method.
The activity of the lower part of the lleum of the dog in relation to the ingestion of food

The activity of exteriorized loops of the lower part of the ileum in continuity, enclosed in bipedicled tubes of skin, was studied in the dog in relation to the ingestion of food. A regular cycle of activity was noted in the normal animal: namely, a rapid motor response to feeding, followed by prolonged activity which gradually diminished until, after forty-eight hours of fasting, the activity was extremely feeble.
The Organizational Implications of Smokeless Tobacco Use in the Lumber Mill Industry

Although much is known about the characteristics of employees who smoke cigarettes, very little is known about workers who use smokeless tobacco. The current study was designed to understand the characteristics of smokeless tobacco users in relation to their performance at work and compare them with smokers and former tobacco users. Data were collected via interviews and questionnaires from a random sample of employees working at Pacific Lumber Company (N = 146), the largest single-site lumber mill in California. A total of 63 smokeless tobacco users (21 of whom also smoked cigarettes), 43 cigarette smokers, and 40 employees who had successfully quit using tobacco (34 of whom previously used cigarettes only) provided information about their health behavior, quality of work life, and performance at work. Analyses revealed that smokeless tobacco users reported less healthful sleep patterns, drank alcohol more often, were intoxicated more often, reported less job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and reported that both chewers and smokers do not work as hard and take more breaks than do tobacco-free employees (quitters). Specific differences among chewers-only, smokers-only, smokers- and-chewers, and quitters are presented. Results suggest the organizational value of developing worksite cessation programs for smokeless tobacco users.
Thick film chip resistors for use as low temperature thermometers

Abstract We have measured the resistance and magnetoresistance of commercially produced thick film resistors in the range 80 K-15 mK and in fields up to 20 T. These resistors behave similarly to those produced by another manufacturer and characterized recently by a Japanese group. Between 2.5 and 0.1 K the resistance of a 1 kΩ resistor can be fit to R=A exp (B/T 1 4 ) . A 100 kΩ resistor appears to fit a similar expression between 1.6 and 6 K and fits a T −1 2 law from 8 to 80 K. These resistors are very stable upon thermal cycling, have a small magnetoresistance, and should be useful as thermometers over a wide temperature range.
Kinetics of CO oxidation on Cu/Rh(100) model bimetallic catalysts

The oxidation of carbon monoxide has been studied on a series of Cu/Rh(100) model bimetallic catalysts using a combined elevated pressure reactor-ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis system. The effects of temperature and oxygen/carbon monoxide partial pressures on the rates of CO[sub 2] formation and surface composition/morphology were determined. Although the addition of copper to Rh(100) altered the rate of CO oxidation, the kinetic behavior of the Cu/Rh(100) catalysts was essentially the same as that for Rh(100) with modifications within the low Cu coverage region, i.e., at [theta][sub Cu] < 0.5 ML. The altered kinetics are attributed to two types of reaction sites at these low Cu coverages. The primary role of copper in the Cu/Rh(100) bimetallic catalyst is to increase the surface oxygen coverage. The presence of Cu and Rh carbonate-like surface species was evident in postreaction TPD analysis. 31 refs., 6 figs.
Sub-ice volcanoes and ancient oceans/lakes: a Martian challenge

Abstract New instruments on board the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft began providing accurate, high-resolution image and topography data from the planet in 1997. Though data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) are consistent with hypotheses that suggest large standing bodies of water/ice in the northern lowlands in the planet's past history, Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images acquired to test these hypotheses have provided negative or ambiguous results. In the absence of classic coastal features to test the paleo-ocean hypothesis, other indicators need to be examined. Tuyas and hyaloclastic ridges are sub-ice volcanoes of unique appearance that form in ponded water conditions on Earth. Features with similar characteristics occur on Mars. MOLA analyses of these Martian features provide estimates of the height of putative ice/water columns at the edge of the Utopia Planitia basin and within Ophir Chasma of Valles Marineris, and support the hypotheses of a northern ocean on Mars.
Effect of dicumarol upon protein synthesis in the rat.

Abstract The effect of dicumarol upon protein synthesis at three levels of cellular organization in the rat has been studied. It has been demonstrated that dicumarol administration to rats at such concentrations as to extend the one-stage Quick prothrombin time to greater than 240 sec and to reduce the concentrations of factors II, VII and X levels of 8, 14 and 16 per cent of normal, respectively, did not impair the biosynthesis of serum albumin when studied over a 10- to 20-hr period. Furthermore, dicumarol did not impair the biosynthesis of nascent peptide in liver as revealed by incorporation of radioactivity from amino acids into hepatic polysemes. Finally, no effect of dicumarol at concentrations between 10 −5 and 2 × 10 −4 could be detected upon protein biosynthesis in vitro by normal polysomes plus soluble supernatant extract from rat liver. These data do not support the hypothesis that coumarin anticoagulant drugs act by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation and depressing protein synthesis in vivo . Likewise, no effect of dicumarol upon the intrinsic reactions of protein synthesis in the presence of an ATP generating system in vitro could be detected.
The evaluation of colour in natural waters

Abstract A model describing the objective evaluation of colour from the transmission properties of natural waters was developed and applied to a wide range of Australian waters. These calculated colours show that measurement of filtered water absorbance at 456 nm calibrated against Pt-Co colour standards agrees with the visually perceived colour intensity by comparator methods and the Pt-Co or Hazen scale of measurement within a maximum error range of ±20%. The error is significantly larger when analytical wavelengths below 440 nm are used. The interference to colour measurement caused by scattering of suspended matter was accounted for at the analytical wavelength. The light scatter component was found to be significant when the ratio of turbidity (in nephelometric turbidity units) to colour (in Hazen units) is greater than 0.02. The use of the 456 nm wavelength is proposed for the standardization of colour measurement in natural waters.
Residential Attachment: Sources of Residential and Community Satisfaction

The residential environment is a particularly important setting for human behavior by virtue of its significance for roles, relationships, and the sense of place in the world. Based on interviews with 2,622 respondents from 42 municipalities in 10 SMSAs across the country, this study tried to clarify some of the dimensions of residential experience that affect residential and community satisfaction. The frequent finding of a strong relationship between social class or majority/minority status and residential satisfaction is examined under controlled conditions. This relationship appears to be mainly a function of the large inequities in housing and neighborhood associated with social inequalities. It is these variations in residential quality that are the direct, primary influences on residential satisfaction. Closer analyses of the specific sources of residential and community satisfaction reveal the prominence of objective features of the residential environment in accounting for such satisfaction. Local social interaction plays a relatively minor part in explaining residential attachment; and its effects are limited to that modest proportion of the population for whom such neighborhood and community relationships are highly valued.
Quantum physics: observing and the observed.

Quantum mechanics states that the measurement process can fundamentally alter what is being measured. This 'back-action' has been observed on the macroscopic scale — in the vibrations of a tiny mechanical device.
Trainee participation is associated with increased small adenoma detection

Background Previous studies examining the effect of fellow participation on adenoma detection rate in colonoscopy have yielded conflicting results, and factors such as adenoma size and location have not been rigorously evaluated. Objective To examine whether fellow participation during screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopy affects overall, size-specific, or location-specific adenoma or polyp detection rate. Methods This was a retrospective study of 2430 colonoscopies performed in our ambulatory surgical center between September 2006 and December 2007, comparing adenoma and polyp detection rates of colonoscopies performed by fellows with supervising staff endoscopists (n = 318) with colonoscopies performed by staff endoscopists without fellow participation (n = 2112). Study participants included patients who underwent screening, surveillance, or diagnostic colonoscopies in our GI suite. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of fellow participation with adenoma and polyp detection. Results There was evidence of a higher rate of small ( Limitations The study had a retrospective design, and information regarding bowel preparation was not available for 37% of patients. Conclusion Fellow involvement was associated with increased detection rates of small adenomas, providing evidence that the presence of a fellow during colonoscopy plays a role in enhancing the effectiveness of the examination.
Gaining competitiveness through innovation

Innovation has always been at the centerpiece of competitiveness. Experimentation, exploration and a drive to maximize resources is as essential for companies as it is for nations and our whole species. Many of the lessons for how to best innovate can be drawn from nature herself. The Cambrian explosion provides a good blueprint for how innovations occur. It shows us that true innovation often occurs in sudden dynamic shifts. It is not one of continual or gradual improvements but rather “lumpy” improvements. It is these sudden competitive changing innovations that open up and close out vast areas of commerce. Unfortunately, we never know where these competitive changing innovations will occur, so it is best to be ever vigilant and explore not only main lines of inquiry but also by‐products. Often, it is these by‐products that turn out to be the competitive shifting innovations.
Restoration of cholinomimetic activity by clonidine in cholinergic plus noradrenergic lesioned rats.

Abstract The effects of combined lesions of forebrain cholinergic and noradrenergic systems on memory and responsitivity to the memory enhancing effects of cholinomimetics were investigated in rats. Forebrain noradrenergic deficits produced by the injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the ascending noradrenergic bundle (ANB) blocked the ability of cholinomimetics such as physostigmine and oxotremorine to enhance retention test performance in nucleus basalis of Meynert lesioned rats. Low doses of the noradrenergic receptor agonist clonidine, when administered in conjunction with cholinomimetics reversed this blockade. These results suggest that combined cholinergic/noradrenergic therapy may be of value in the treatment of some Alzheimer's disease patients.
Improving albumin levels in peritoneal dialysis patients

Peritoneal dialysis patients with low albumin levels have been known to have an increased mortality risk. At the Renal Institute of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, low albumin levels among peritoneal dialysis patients are prevalent and a concern for renal dietitians. Nutrition intervention is needed in improving albumin levels and assisting peritoneal dialysis patients in optimizing their nutritional status. Renal dietitians at the Renal Institute of the Pacific have tailored nutrition education to specifically address the challenges of a multi-ethnic patient population that exists in Hawaii. The patient population is mainly comprised of Asian and Polynesian ethnicity with a local cuisine that reflects a unique blend of cultures. Dialysis patients, like many island residents, tend to eat more starchy foods, such as rice, noodles, and locally grown vegetables rather than protein foods. Canned and processed meat products, such as luncheon meat, corned beef, and sausage are commonly eaten in many households rather than fresh meat products because they are available and more economical. These convenience foods tend to contain less protein and are high in sodium and fat. An additional concern is that diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of renal failure in Hawaii, with rates exceeding 52% among dialysis patients. Diabetic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis have been shown to have a higher incidence of mild to moderate malnutrition than nondiabetic patients. Because of this, renal dietitians are faced with the need to create innovative educational materials. The Peritoneal Dialysis Nutrition, Improving Your Albumin Level handout was developed and used in combination with verbal instructions during the counseling session. The handout defines albumin and emphasizes the importance of adequate protein consumption and ways to stay well. It was individualized to meet each patient’s own nutrient needs. Following the counseling session, knowledge and understanding of the patient was evaluated using Albumin Quiz! It consisted of questions on albumin and on the identification of local foods high in protein. Patients were also asked to demonstrate their daily protein serving requirements using food models that depicted local protein foods. When these educational materials were presented to 32 peritoneal dialysis patients with low and marginal albumin levels, intervention seemed to be effective. In the following 2 months, average albumin levels using the bromcresol purple method improved from 2.98 g/dL to 3.08 g/dL and nutrition knowledge increased. The protein serving size demonstration was also found to be beneficial in reinforcing appropriate servings to meet individual daily needs.
Using connected component decomposition to detect straight line segments in documents

Straight line segment detection in digital documents has been studied extensively for the past few decades. One of the challenges is to detect line segments without priori information about document images and render good results without much parameter calibration. In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm that is simple but effective in detecting straight line segments in scanned documents. Our Connected Component Decomposition (CCD) approach first decomposes the connected components based on the gradient direction of the edge contours, and then uses Chebyshev's inequality to statistically distinguish lines from characters, followed by a simple post processing step to examine straightness of remain segments. This CCD approach is simple to follow and fast in its implementation, and its high accuracy and usability are demonstrated empirically on a practical data set with large varieties.
Photo-induced Magnetic bubbles in the spin glass Alloy Fe2SnTe4

Abstract The ternary material Fe2SnTe4 is an amorphous metallic alloy that exhibits spin glass behavior with a freezing temperature of Tf = 12 K. When this material is cooled well below the spin glass freezing temperature (T = 5 K) and placed in a magnetization field, the zero-field-cooled spin glass state has been observed to absorb ultraviolet radiation with the concomitant generation of a magnetic bubble on the surface of the material. The photo-induced magnetic bubbles are detected via magnetization measurements with a superconducting SQUID susceptometer. Photomagnetic experiments are reported on the zero-fieldcooled and field-cooled specimens. Each of these experiments results in the generation of a magnetic bubble in the material.
A joint effect of new western diet and retinoid X receptor alpha prostate‐specific knockout with development of high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in mice—A preliminary study

BACKGROUND The “New Western-style Diet” (NWD) characterized by high in fat and low in fiber, vitamin D, calcium, and methyl donors—are considered as a risk factor for prostate cancer. Previous studies have shown that premalignant lesions of human prostate have decreased expression of the Retinoid X Receptor alpha (RXRα). This study was to determine the effect of diet in RXRα knockout mice in developing high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN). METHODS Male mice (n = 54) with or without the RXRα prostate null mutation were fed either NWD or AIN-76A control diet for 10 months; prostates were harvested at 11 months of age and examined for prostate mPIN. RESULTS mPIN was seen in 79% of RXRα prostate null mice fed NWD (n = 19), 30.8% RXRα prostate null mice fed AIN-76A (n = 13), 42.9% RXRα wild-type mice fed NWD (n = 14), and 12.5% RXRα wild-type mice fed AIN-76A (n = 8). Unconditional Logistic analysis showed a significant joint effect of NWD and RXRα status in developing mPIN 26.3 (95% CI: 2.5–280), but interaction was not significant owing to the small sample size 1.6 (0.09–27.7, P = 0.7441). CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary data to support a joint RXRα-diet effect in prostate carcinogenesis. Prostate 72:1052–1059, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Another View of Feminine Networks: Tunisian Women and the Development of Political Efficacy

Contemporary feminists have stressed the importance of women's networks in empowering women. In the Western context, professional networks, support groups, and the availability of role models are seen to provide a collective basis for the development of confidence and self-esteem as well as a potential base for political action. Feminist attention to the Middle East has uncovered patterns of interaction suggesting that there, too, women have found in feminine networks both the basis for power and the personal attributes that undergird social competence. Aswad, for example, describes the kabul , an upper-class formal visitation network in Turkey with distinct political overtones. Women exchange information that might be dismissed as gossip were it not for the fact that participants are from powerful land-owning families, and the discussions have impact well beyond the immediate setting. 1
Structure-oriented methods for protein NMR data analysis

The standard approach to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) protein structure determination is based on the near complete assignment of the resonances’ chemical shifts to atoms in the molecule, prior to the structure calculation [1]. Computational methods that adhere to this approach are intrinsically assignment-oriented in that first priority is given to solving the assignment problem from which the rest of the process readily follows [2]. More recently, however, an increasing number of researchers have started to question this strategy [3]. Indeed, if the goal is to obtain a protein fold, why should the derivation of assignments be given so much weight upfront? Considerations of this kind have led to the formulation of alternative structure-oriented methods that do not hinge on the availability of complete, accurate assignments; instead, the focus is placed on the structure from the onset by generating initial, often approximate structural models that subsequently can be improved in iterative automated or semi-automated fashion. Thus, by deemphasizing the arduous and time-consuming assignment stage, the aim is to expedite structure determination, an aspect that is particularly important when high throughput is the end. 1.1. Assignment-oriented methods Conventional automated structure determination methods typically tackle the assignment stage as follows [2]: (1) grouping of chemical shifts into spin systems, (2) identification of amino acid type for each spin system, (3) linking sequential spin systems into segments, (4) mapping spin-system segments onto the known protein sequence. To this end, an experimental NMR dataset is recorded that, in the preferred case of isotopically 15N/13C double-labeled samples, provides information on through-bond interactions (via scalar J-couplings) and chemical environments (via chemical shifts). Although such information is relatively limited with regards to the overall molecular topology (for advances in structure calculation from chemical shifts see Refs. [4-6]), its rather exhaustive analysis provides chemical shift assignments required, in turn, for the interpretation of additional, more structurally relevant experiments (e.g., nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy; NOESY) in terms of three-dimensional (3D) models.
An investigation of rapidly synthesized Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals

Abstract A detailed understanding regarding rapidly synthesized Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) nanocrystal processing parameters, their correct phase identification, size and shape analysis, and optoelectronic performance evaluation are essential in order to produce high quality nanocrystals. The structural and optical properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Wavenumber shift and broadening of Raman linewidth indicate reduction in CZTS crystal dimension and subsequent occurrence of phonon confinement. An asymmetric Raman peak broadening was also observed when the duration of synthesis was reduced from 18 min to 8 min. In-depth investigation, based on weighted Lorentzian contributions, suggests that the sizes of CZTS crystals are more uniform when synthesis duration is longer. Optical characterization results indicate ‘occurrence of quantum confinement effect’ which was corroborated by TEM observation. Electrical and photoelectrochemical characterization suggest utility of these nanocrystals for photovoltaic applications.
D-c reactors with resistive load

THE IMPEDANCE of an iron-core reactor can be varied by introducing a magnetic bias whose magnitude is controlled by a direct current in a separate control winding. Such d-c controlled reactors commonly are called saturable reactors or magnetic amplifiers.
The fine structure of Schwann cells, nodes of Ranvier and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in the central nervous system of the crab, Cancer irroratus.

Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of crab brain reveals the location of the Schwann cell nucleus outside of the myelin of the nerve fibers, as it is in vertebrate nerves. Comparison of the fine structure of the crustacean and vertebrate nodes of Ranvier reveals an essential similarity. Schmidt-Lanterman incisures, comparable to those of vertebrates, also occur in crustacea. These observations are interpreted as indicating that the myelinated nerves of Cancer irroratus , a crustacean, are quite similar in structure to those of vertebrates. The evolutionary implications of these observations are discussed.
Influence of non-linear inertia on the parametric response of rectangular plates

Abstract A simply supported rectangular plate is subjected to a distributed periodic in-plane load of the form P = P 0 + d φ ( t ), where φ( t ) is a periodic function of time t with period T . Using a large deflection theory in-plane and lateral (parametric) vibrations of a simply supported plate have been analyzed. The effects of the distributed in-plane mass of the plate and of a concentrated end mass have been included in the analysis. It is shown that the in-plane mass influences the frequencies associated with the principal instability zone and with the resonance zone. When the in-plane inertia terms are included in the analysis, a coupling may occur between the in-plane deflections and the lateral deflection to produce an additional resonance. The shape of the deflected plate is found to change as the amplitude of vibration increases.
Job control, substantive complexity, and risk for low birth weight and preterm delivery: An analysis from a state birth registry

Background Indices of job strain have demonstrated a variable relationship to low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity, with conflicting study results. This study sought to examine the associations of psychosocial work environment characteristics with adverse pregnancy outcomes using and comparing the demand-control model and job attributes derived from the O*NET. Methods Job characteristics were imputed to maternal occupation recorded in the 2000 Connecticut state birth registry for 26,408 singleton births, using scores for psychological job demands, control, and physical demands derived from the Job Content Questionnaire, and for substantive complexity of work and physical demands using variables derived from O*NET job attributes. Odds ratios for LBW and preterm delivery were estimated while controlling for relevant covariates. Results High psychological demands were not associated with pregnancy outcomes, while high physical demand scores from the O*NET were associated with LBW. Associations of term- and all-LBW with both low control and low substantive complexity were attenuated by adjustment for educational and demographic covariates. A gradient with lower scores was seen for term LBW and substantive complexity, and for prematurity and control. Both constructs were correlated with maternal education. Conclusions These results suggest that low maternal job control and substantive complexity may be modestly associated with LBW and, to a lesser extent, prematurity. A greater association with control may explain why a weak link of birth outcomes to high-strain work has been noted in past studies. Observed associations with occupational are reduced after adjustment for relevant confounding variables, in particular educational level and race/ethnicity. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:664–675, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The protean clinical features of polymorphic reticulosis (lethal midline granuloma)

Confusion surrounds the entity known as “lethal midline granuloma.” Partly responsible is the lack of specificity in this term. “Polymorphic reticulosis” has been used as a term to describe the morphology of the disease. Thirty-two cases illustrate the protean features of this disease. Although it commonly presents in the head and neck, other sites such as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and gastrointentinal tract may be involved, either alone or in conjunction with lesions of the head and neck. Clinically, it is easily confused with Wegener's granulomatosis. Histopathologic differentiation, however, is both feasible and important. Wegener's granulomatosis is treatable with steroids with or without cyclophosphamide; polymorphic reticulosis confined to one site responds to irradiation. In polymorphic reticulosis, the best results of treatment are obtained in localized lesions of the upper airway treated early with irradiation; a poorer outcome is associated with multifocal involvement, which necessitates systemic therapy.
Analysis of interfacial failure in a composite microbundle pull-out experiment

Abstract Modeling of the failure of polymer-matrix composites requires substantial information about the mechanisms of failure at the interface, and load redistribution around fiber breaks in the composite. Current interface experiments involving the use of ‘microcomposites’ of single embedded fibers in a matrix generally do not include all the key geometric features of the real composite; in particular, they do not include the effects of fiber volume fraction and the higher matrix shear resulting from closely neighboring fibers. A new experiment was recently devised to assess some of these effects: it is referred to as the single-fiber pull-out from microbundle (SFPOM) experiment. It consists of a hexagonal arrat of seven fibers in a matrix where the outer six fibers are restrained and the center fiber is pulled out. Recent experimental data from tests with this geometry are analyzed here using three mechanical models of the failure process, and parametric studies of the data are performed to assess the appropriateness of each model. Two of the models, based on fracture energy considerations as applied earlier to single embedded fibers in a matrix and adapted to our geometry, were found to model data from the SFPOM experiments poorly. The third model assumes the existence of three zones near a fiber break, including elastic, plastic and frictional debond zones, and was found to provide reasonable fit to the data under realistic assumptions.
Diversity, abundance, and size structure of bivalve assemblages in the Sipsey River, Alabama

1. Patterns of mussel diversity and assemblage structure in the Sipsey River, Alabama, are described. Qualitative data were used to describe river-wide patterns of diversity. Quantitative data were used to describe the structure of mussel assemblages at several sites based on whole-substrate sampling that ensured all size classes were detected. 2. Major human impacts to the stream are limited to apparent effects of coal mining in the headwaters and the impoundment of the lower 9 km of the river by a dam on the Tombigbee River. These impacts resulted in a sharp decline in mussel diversity in the headwaters, and extirpation or decline of populations of several large-river species in the lower river that were probably dependent on colonization from the Tombigbee River. 3. Despite localized impacts, mussel assemblages throughout much of the river appear to be mostly intact and self-sustaining. These assemblages have several attributes that differ substantially from those in more degraded streams: (1) high retention of historical species richness; (2) gradual, longitudinal increase in species richness from upstream to downstream, resulting in distinctive headwater and downstream assemblages; (3) ubiquity of most species within particular river segments; (4) low dominance and high evenness with large populations of many species; and (5) frequent recruitment for most species resulting in occurrence of individuals in many size classes. 4. Few detailed and demographically unbiased descriptions of relatively intact mussel assemblages exist. We propose that characteristics described in the Sipsey River can be used as a baseline comparison for assessing relative degree of assemblage alteration in other streams and can serve as goals for restoration efforts. Published in 2010 by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
Lightness differences and the perceived segregation of regions and populations

A striking finding reported by Beck, Sutter, and Ivry (1987) was that, in textures composed of regions differentiated by the arrangement (checks and stripes) of two texture elements (light and dark squares), a large lightness difference between the squares could fail to yield segregation between the regions, whereas a smaller lightness difference could sometimes yield strong segregation. In the experiments reported here, we compared the segregation of striped and checked arrangements of light and dark squares into regions with the segregation of two randomly interspersed populations of light and dark squares into subpopuiations. Perceived lightnesses are the same for a given set of squares, whether they are arranged in regions or in intermixed populations. Perceived population segregation is approximately a single-valued function of the lightness differences of the squares, but perceived region segregation is not. The reason for the difference between population segregation and region segregation may be that region segregation is mediated by detectors’ having large oriented receptive fields (large bar detectors) that are sensitive to the fundamental spatial frequency and orientation of the texture region as defined by the arrangement of the squares (Beck et al., 1987; Sutter, Beck, & Graham, 1989). These detectors cannot be responsible for population segregation, because the light and dark squares are distributed randomly throughout these patterns and therefore do not define a consistent arrangement of any particular spatial frequency or orientation. The light and dark squares in the population patterns fall equally on excitatory and inhibitory regions of large bar detectors. A plausible explanation for population segregation is to suppose that the segregation is the result of similarity grouping of the light and dark squares.
The new 6-unit individualized curriculum for pediatric residents: the perspective of neonatology fellowship program directors

Starting in 2013, all pediatric residents entering fellowship must be provided six educational units whose structure is to be determined by their individual career plans. We sought to determine whether (1) neonatology fellowship program directors (PDs) consistently identify certain weaknesses among incoming fellows and (2) neonatology fellowship PDs agree on the most beneficial activities in which pediatric residents should participate to improve preparation for entry into neonatology fellowships. We sent a 21-question survey focused on the structure and implementation of the 6-unit curriculum to all members of the Organization of Neonatology Training Program Directors. Sixty-seven percent of PDs responded. Seventy-five percent cited insufficient procedural skills as the primary weakness of incoming fellows. More than 80% rated additional training in clinical neonatology, including procedural and resuscitation training, as ‘beneficial’ or ‘highly beneficial’. In contrast, fewer than 40% of PDs gave the same positive ratings to activities broadly focused on scholarship. The results of the survey may help guide pediatric residency programs as they undertake development of these new curricular initiatives for individual residents entering neonatology.
HDAC8 and STAT3 repress BMF gene activity in colon cancer cells

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials as anticancer agents, but some exhibit resistance mechanisms linked to anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 functions, such as BH3-only protein silencing. HDAC inhibitors that reactivate BH3-only family members might offer an improved therapeutic approach. We show here that a novel seleno-α-keto acid triggers global histone acetylation in human colon cancer cells and activates apoptosis in a p21-independent manner. Profiling of multiple survival factors identified a critical role for the BH3-only member Bcl-2-modifying factor (Bmf). On the corresponding BMF gene promoter, loss of HDAC8 was associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/specificity protein 3 (Sp3) transcription factor exchange and recruitment of p300. Treatment with a p300 inhibitor or transient overexpression of exogenous HDAC8 interfered with BMF induction, whereas RNAi-mediated silencing of STAT3 activated the target gene. This is the first report to identify a direct target gene of HDAC8 repression, namely, BMF. Interestingly, the repressive role of HDAC8 could be uncoupled from HDAC1 to trigger Bmf-mediated apoptosis. These findings have implications for the development of HDAC8-selective inhibitors as therapeutic agents, beyond the reported involvement of HDAC8 in childhood malignancy.
Replacement cost disclosures, information asymmetry and market-maker behaviour: Assessment through the bid-ask spread

Until recently, the evaluation of the information events in accounting have been restricted to a study of their impact on the characteristics of stock prices (e.g., Ball & Brown, 1968; Beaver, 1968; Lev, 1988 ). Among others, Venkatesh & Chiang (1986) suggest an alternate method to evaluate such information events. Taking their lead, this study analyses an accounting disclosure event through its impact on market-maker behaviour. Specifically, this study empirically tests the perceived informativeness of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandated Replacement Cost (RC) disclosures made in 1976. Inference is made through a relatively new bid-ask methodology. Parametric and non-parametric tests indicate that for certain sample firms the market-maker does experience an increase in information asymmetry on the eve of RC disclosures. However, the results cannot be generalised across all firms using an overall probability test. This implies that, either the market already has reliable access to such information for certain firms, or information being disclosed is not useful for certain firms, possibly due to measurement errors in RC disclosures ( Shriver, 1987; Swanson, 1990 ). The results are in line with studies that find small but significant association between stock returns and RC disclosures (e.g., Bublitz, Frecka & McKeown, 1985; Peasnell, Skeratt & Ward, 1987; Skeratt & Thompson, 1984; and Lustgarten, 1982 ).
Spectrally-Temporally Adapted SMSE Waveform Design Using Imperfect Channel Estimates

The impact of channel estimation error is investigated for Spectrally Modulated, Spectrally Encoded (SMSE) waveform designs in a coexistent environment containing multiple 802.11 Primary User (PU) systems. As previously demonstrated, the SMSE waveform design process can exploit statistical knowledge of PU spectral and temporal behavior to maximize SMSE system throughput (bits/second). This can be done by enforcing SMSE and PU bit error rate constraints while limiting mutual coexistent interference limited to manageable levels. Since maximum system performance requires accurate channel state knowledge at the SMSE transmitter, the presence of channel estimation error decreases the ability to design spectrally agile signals that optimally exploit coexistent spectral regions. Relative to a spectrally-only adapted system, the spectrally-temporally adapted SMSE system provides significant performance improvement by leveraging knowledge of PU temporal statistics to design temporally agile signals while maintaining desired performance levels for each system. Superiority of spectrally-temporally adapted signals is demonstrated here in terms of increased SMSE throughput (bits/symbol) and greater tolerance to increased channel estimation error.