cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Representational Bias on Collaboration Methods in Cooperative Coevolution

Cooperative coevolutionary algorithms (CCEAs) have been applied to many optimization problems with varied success. Recent empirical studies have shown that choices surrounding methods of collaboration may have a strong impact on the success of the algorithm. Moreover, certain properties of the problem landscape, such as variable interaction, greatly influence how these choices should be made. A more general view of variable interaction is one that considers epistatic linkages which span population boundaries. Such linkages can be caused by the decomposition of the actual problem, as well as by CCEA representation decisions regarding population structure. We posit that it is the way in which represented problem components interact, and not necessarily the existence of cross-population epistatic linkages that impacts these decisions. In order to explore this issue, we identify two different kinds of representational bias with respect to the population structure of the algorithm, decompositional bias and linkage bias. We provide analysis and constructive examples which help illustrate that even when the algorithm's representation is poorly suited for the problem, the choice of how best to select collaborators can be unaffected.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Psychopathy Trait Dimensions in a Community Sample of Male Twins

Psychopathy appears to be comprised of two broad dimensions: impulsivity/antisocial behavior and interpersonal detachment/callousness. This study examined the extent to which variance in these 2 psychopathy trait dimensions was associated with common or unique genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental factors in two independent samples of reared together 16-18-year-old male twins. One sample included 142 monozygotic (MZ) and 70 dizygotic (DZ) pairs; the other sample included 128 MZ and 58 DZ pairs. Boys completed the Minnesota Temperament Inventory (MTI), a 19-item measure that contains separate subscales: Antisocial and Detachment. Variance in the Antisocial and Detachment scales was associated with additive genetic factors and neither scale was associated with shared environmental factors. As expected, the bivariate biometric analysis suggested genetic influence on the covariance of the scales. The results are consistent with theoretical models of psychopathy that posit some independence in the etiology of the two major trait dimensions of psychopathy.
Multisite Reproducibility of Colorimetric Broth Microdilution Method for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Yeast Isolates

MICs of fluconazole and amphotericin B were determined independently for 100 coded yeast isolates by each of six laboratories to determine reproducibility of results by using a colorimetric oxidation-reduction-based broth microdilution test. In addition, each site tested five quality control isolates on at least four different occasions during the study. Results agreed within a three-dilution range (mode +/- 1 log2 dilution) for 96.2% of fluconazole tests and 92.7% of amphotericin B tests. Agreement among tests with the quality control isolates was 99.4% with fluconazole and 98.6% with amphotericin B. These results indicate that the colorimetric microdilution method is reproducible among laboratories.
The ALS storage ring RF system

The ALS storage ring RF system is characterized by the use of the following features: 1. high power loading of two single cell cavities. 2. The use of a tubular ceramic input window employing aperture coupling. 3. The use of waveguide filters and matchers designed for HOM absorption. 4. A comprehensive HOM monitoring system. 5. The use of waveguide water-wedge loads for the magic tee and circulator loads. The results of cavity measurements and high power tests are reported together with the performance of the system during the commissioning and operation phases of the ALS project. Plans for future window development are discussed. >
On-chip impulse response generation for analog and mixed-signal testing

A technique for testing analog and mixed-signal linear circuit components based on their impulse response (IR) signatures is presented in This work. A simple DFT structure is proposed to enable the on-chip generation of the impulse response signatures from the corresponding step responses of the circuit components. The proposed technique circumvents the need to apply pseudorandom patterns and perform complex on-chip cross-correlation for IR generation. A set of post processing steps based on cross/auto-correlation are proposed to efficiently compare IR signatures. A statistical approach based on linear regression and outlier analysis is used for defect screening. A continuous-time active state variable filter benchmark circuit is used as the device-under-test as a means of validating this technique. The detection sensitivity for shorting and open resistive faults across various defect severity levels is analyzed. The detection results are compared and shown to be superior to a typical specification based test.
Issues in the Use and Application of Multiple Regression Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses both the theoretical and practical aspects of multiple regressions, highlighting several critical issues that arise in the use and interpretation of multiple regression analyses, and reviews the theoretical basis for the use of multiple regressions. This includes the underlying assumptions and how their validity may be assessed, transformations, interaction and moderator effects, sample size requirements, and finally, how missing data can be approached. Furthermore, the assumptions required for multiple regression analyses are presented, together with an illustration of the effect of violations of these assumptions and how such violations may be identified through diagnostics and remedied through transformations. The chapter discusses the use of multiple regressions to detect interactions and moderator effects, and also presents sample size requirements. Finally, it should be acknowledged that multiple regression forms the foundation for a number of other techniques that are becoming more widely used in psychological research.
The design optimization of miniature low profile antennas placed in close proximity to high-impedance surfaces

The objective of the paper is to illustrate a new design optimization procedure for miniaturized antennas placed near a high-impedance surface, i.e., a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC). It is demonstrated that antennas can be optimized via a genetic algorithm (GA) to achieve superior performance characteristics (e.g., input impedance, VSWR, and gain) when placed in close proximity to a PMC ground plane as opposed to a standard perfect electric conductor (PEC) ground plane. A methodology that allows for the compensation of the coupling effects is introduced; it is based on optimizing the shape of a miniaturized fractal or stochastic antenna placed next to a PMC surface. It is also demonstrated that these genetically optimized antennas exhibit superior performance when compared to conventional half-wave dipoles with the same design specifications. Several case studies are presented that compare the performance of specific antennas when operating near PMC and PEC ground planes. It is shown that, in the case of a PMC ground plane, the desired VSWR specifications can be achieved by optimizing the geometries of fractal or stochastic antennas. This technique can be used to design miniature low-profile antennas successfully. We also illustrate the fact that it is not possible to achieve similar results using a conventional PEC ground plane.
On the regularity of the Navier–Stokes equation in a thin periodic domain

Abstract We address the global regularity of solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations in a thin domain Ω = [ 0 , L 1 ] × [ 0 , L 2 ] × [ 0 , ϵ ] with periodic boundary conditions, where L 1 , L 2 > 0 and ϵ ∈ ( 0 , 1 / 2 ) . We prove that if ‖ ∇ u 0 ‖ L 2 ( Ω ) ⩽ ν C ( L 1 , L 2 ) ϵ 1 / 2 | log ϵ | 3 / 2 where u 0 is the initial datum, then there exists a unique global smooth solution with the initial datum u 0 . Also, if ‖ u 0 ‖ H ˙ 1 / 2 ( Ω ) ⩽ ν C ( L 1 , L 2 ) | log ϵ | 1 / 4 the global regularity of the corresponding solution holds.
Transport of poly(acrylic acid) coated 2-line ferrihydrite nanoparticles in saturated aquifer sediments for environmental remediation

Groundwater remediation using iron oxide and zero-valent iron nanoparticles (NPs) can be effective, but is limited in many applications due to the NP strong retention in groundwater-saturated porous media after injection, the passivation of the porous surface, and the high cost of nanomaterials versus macro scale iron. In this study, we investigated transport of bare and polymer-coated 2-line ferrihydrite NPs (30–300 nm) in saturated aquifer sediments. The influence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) polymer coatings was studied on the colloidal stability and transport in sediments packed column tests simulating groundwater flow in saturated sediments. In addition, the influence of calcium cations was investigated by transport measurements using sediments with calcium concentrations in the aqueous phase ranging from 0.5 (typical for most sediments) to 2 mM. Measurements were also made of zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, polymer adsorption and desorption properties, and bio-availability of PAA-coated NPs. We found that NP transport through the saturated aquifer sediments was improved by PAA coating and that the transport properties could be tuned by adjusting the polymer concentration. We further discovered that PAA coatings enhanced NP transport, compared to bare NPs, in all calcium-containing experiments tested, however, the presence of calcium always exhibited a negative effect on NP transport. In tests of bioavailability, the iron reduction rate of the coated and bare NPs by Geobacter sulfurreducens was the same, which shows that the PAA coating does not significantly reduce NP Fe(III) bioavailability. Our results demonstrate that much improved transport of iron oxide NP can be achieved in saturated aquifer sediments by introducing negatively charged polyelectrolytes and optimizing polymer concentrations, and furthermore, these coated NPs retain their bioavailability that is needed for applications in bio-environmental remediation.
Armed and accurate: engineering cytotoxic T cells for eradication of leukemia

Translational medicine depends on a rapid and efficient exchange of results between the bench and the bedside. A recent example from the field of cancer immunotherapy highlights the essential nature of this exchange. Methods have been developed to convert a patient's cytotoxic T cells into efficient and specific killers of cancer cells in patients with leukemia. By using recombinant DNA techniques, a lentiviral vector was constructed to express chimeric antigen receptors in cytotoxic T cells from patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The purpose of the chimeric receptors was to direct the cytotoxic T cell activity against cells causing the cancer. The effect of infusing the engineered T cells back into the cancer patients was tested in a Phase I trial at the University of Pennsylvania, and the initial results were described in two articles from the research team of Dr. Carl June. The remarkable success of this trial should energize further applications of biotechnology in the development of new cancer immunotherapies.
Studies on the hammerhead RNA self-cleaving domain*

Nine different hammerhead RNA self-cleaving domains consistent with the consensus secondary structure proposed by Keese and Symons (1987) were prepared and tested for cleavage. Each hammerhead was constructed from two oligoribonucleotides in two different configurations. Although cleavage was observed in all nine cases, the rates of cleavage varied by more than a thousand fold. The presence of RNA secondary structure incompatible with hammerhead formation in the individual oligos may be responsible for the large rate differences. We have also examined the degree of participation of a proposed dimer hammerhead intermediate in one case and conclude that, while such a four-stranded structure can form, it is not the preferred reaction intermediate.
Zero- and two-dimensional organization of tetrahedral cadmium chalcogenide clusters with bifunctional covalent linkers

通讯作者地址: Feng, PY (通讯作者), Univ Calif Riverside, Dept Chem, Riverside, CA 92521 USA 地址: 1. Univ Calif Riverside, Dept Chem, Riverside, CA 92521 USA 2. Calif State Univ Long Beach, Dept Chem & Biochem, Long Beach, CA 90840 USA 电子邮件地址: pingyun.feng@ucr.edu
Metabotropic glutamate receptors are differentially regulated during development

The postnatal expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors was studied in rat brain byin situ hybridization and autoradiographic binding techniques. The messenger RNAs encoding five metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes named mGluR1–5 had distinct regional and temporal expression profiles. mGluR1, mGluR2 and mGluR4 messenger RNA expression was low at birth and increased during postnatal development. In contrast, mGluR3 and mGluR5 were highly expressed at birth and decreased during maturation to adult levels of expression. [3H]Glutamate binding competition studies in developing brain disclosed the presence of two types of binding sites with the pharmacological properties of metabotropic glutamate receptors, having high (metabotropic type-1 binding sites;K1 = 8nM) and low affinity (metabotropic type-2 binding sites;K1 = 50 μM) for quisqualic acid, as in adult rat brain. The densities of metabotropic binding sites changed during development in a complex, regionally specific fashion. Metabotropic type-1 binding sites were present at low levels at birth and gradually increased during the second postnatal week. In the striatum, globus pallidus and cerebellar granule layer, the increase in density of metabotropic type-1 binding sites was transient but persisted in the cerebellar molecular layer. In contrast, metabotropic type-2 binding sites were present at high densities in most regions in the first postnatal week and decreased during the second and third week, particularly in the thalamic reticular nucleus and globus pallidus. Only in the external cortex did both metabotropic type-1 and metabotropic type-2 binding sites increase during development. A striking correspondence between the temporal pattern of expression of specific metabotropic glutamate receptor transcripts and metabotropic binding sites was observed in the reticular nucleus of the thalamus (mGluR3; metabotropic type-2 binding sites) and cerebellum (mGluR1; metabotropic type-1 binding sites) suggesting early translation of these metabotropic glutamate receptor messenger RNAs into receptor proteins. In other regions the relationship between messenger RNA expression and binding sites was less direct: comparison between expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor messenger RNA and binding sites suggests both a pre- and postsynaptic location of some receptor subtypes. These data imply a functional role of mGluR3 and mGluR5 during synaptogenesis and maintenance of adult synapses and of mGluR1, mGluR2 and mGluR4 in mature synaptic transmission.
Lack of correlation between two markers of lymphocyte differentiation: 5' nucleotidase activity and T lymphocyte colony formation.

Ecto 5′ nucleotidase (5′ NT) activity and T lymphocyte colony formation (TLCF) are both reputed to be markers for lymphocyte maturation. In order to determine whether these two expressions of lymphocyte activity are related, we compared 5′ NT activity with the TLC forming capacity of mononuclear cells from three study groups: normal adults, cord blood, and patients with immunodeficiencies. Despite individual examples of correlation between these two measurements, there was poor overall correlation in any of the groups studied. Although both measurements may reflect maturation of certain cellular activities, these are unlikely to be related.
Toward homogenization of Mediterranean lagoons and their loss of hydrodiversity

Lagoons are considered to be the most valuable systems of the Mediterranean coastal area, with crucial ecological, historical, economical, and social relevance. Climate change strongly affects coastal areas and can deeply change the status of transitional areas like lagoons. Herein we investigate the hydrological response of 10 Mediterranean lagoons to climate change by means of numerical models. Our results suggest that Mediterranean lagoons amplify the salinity and temperature changes expected for the open sea. Moreover, numerical simulations indicate that there will be a general loss of intralagoon and interlagoon variability of their physical properties. Therefore, as a result of climate change, we see on Mediterranean lagoons an example of a common process that in future may effect many coastal environments: that of homogenization of the physical characteristics with a tendency toward marinization.
Genealogical mating activity in free-ranging groups of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) on Cayo Santiago.

Behavioral observations on a large group of free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were carried out on Cayo Santiago from January I968 through December I969 and from October through December I970. Records of mating activity (single mounts, mount series, copulations) indicated that genealogical mating activity on Cayo Santiago had the following characteristics : (I) 5.4% of all recorded mount series and copulations involved mother-son pairs; (2) mating was observed in 3I% of 26 individual pairs of mothers and sons; (3) mating was seen in I2% of 42 individual pairs of brothers and sisters; (4) of I0 instances of mother-son mating, seven involved pairs in which the mother was dominant to the son; (5) mating in mother-son and brother-sister pairs occurred in high and low ranking genealogies within the group; (6) with two exceptions, all three to five-year old males who did engage in sexual activity with their mothers did not mate with non-related females during that breeding season; and (7) with one exception, all instances of mother-son and brother-sister mating involved males from three to five years of age. These findings are in sharp contrast to observations made on a smaller group on Cayo Santiago. Possible causes for this difference between social groups of different size are discussed.
Stability of a two-layer blown film coextrusion

Abstract The stability of a bicomponent two-layer blown film coextrusion process has been studied using a simple model in which the two layers consist of a Newtonian and an upper-convected Maxwell fluid (UCM), respectively. These two fluids are chosen to investigate the relative influence of viscous and viscoelastic forces on the stability of the two-layer biaxial extension flow. The results of the linear stability analysis indicate that a critical value of the film thickness exists below which the flow becomes unstable. The critical film thickness decreases with increasing the blow-up ratio (BUR). While a Newtonian single-layer flow exhibits an upper unstable region where the flow is unstable when the BUR is greater than a certain critical value, the presence of a thin viscoelastic layer removes the upper unstable region. It also enhances the flow stability by broadening the range of operating conditions for stable operation. Although the present model is rather simple, many of the predictions appear to be in reasonable agreement with experimental observations qualitatively.
Endoglin expression as a measure of microvessel density in cervical cancer.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate endoglin, a membrane protein and member of the transforming growth factor β-1 receptor complex, as an endothelial marker of angiogenesis in cervical cancer tissues. Methods: Tumor tissue was collected from 31 surgically treated stage IB nonbulky (under 5 cm) cervical cancer subjects, and samples were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Endoglin was stained on 5-μm slide sections by the DAKO Catalyzed Signal Amplification method (DAKO Corporation, Carpinteria, CA). Factor VIII was stained by standard immunohistochemistry. Positively stained microvessels were counted in “hot spots” at 200× magnification. Clinical data were correlated with vessel counts by Spearman correlation. Mean differences in counts were tested using paired t tests. Results: This staining method for endoglin identified significantly more vessels than the factor VIII method (mean 92 ± 45 versus 33 ± 16, P P P Conclusion: Endoglin is stimulated in tumor angiogenesis and might be relatively more specific than commonly used endothelial markers. The endoglin system was more sensitive for staining capillaries in neoplastic cervical tissue, better predicted lymph node metastases, and should be widely applicable for the study of other tumors.
The Association Between Serum Folate Levels and Periodontal Disease is not Clearly Established

Article Title and Bibliographic Information The association between serum folate levels and periodontal disease in older adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001/02. Yu YH, Kuo HK, Lai YL. J Am Geriatr Soc 2007;55:108-113. Level of Evidence Level 3 (Other evidence) Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable Purpose/Question Is low folate levels associated with periodontal disease in older adults? Source of Funding NHANES was funded by the US government. No Information was provided by the authors regarding the funding of this specific analysis. Type of Study/Design Cross sectional
Energy absorption and damage evaluation of grid stiffened composite panels under transverse loading

The energy absorption characteristics of E-glass/Polypropylene (PP) isogrid composite panels under quasi-static transverse load conditions have been investigated. Experimental tests and finite element simulations were performed for isogrid composite panels in three-point bending boundary condition. Results of tests and simulations show that loading the panels on rib side results in greater specific energy absorption along with larger displacements compared to skin side loading which is more abrupt. These results can be used to advantage in weight-critical automotive side impact crashworthy applications. Vibration response measurements which were used as a non-destructive tool for evaluating the quality of as-manufactured isogrid plates and monitoring induced damage in one of the plates are also presented.
A shape memory alloy based tool clamping device

Abstract The traditional collet-chuck mechanism for tool clamping is a significant source of errors in spindles due to stack-up tolerances. This, in turn, adversely affects the tool's error motions particularly in demanding micro-cutting operations performed with ultra-high-speed miniaturized spindles. Hence, novel thought for miniature tool clamping is needed to minimize tool run-out and error motions in order to meet the necessary cutting speeds and accuracy requirements. In this paper a couple of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) based solutions for the clamping of miniature tools will be explored. For clamp actuation the so-called Two-Way Shape Memory Effect (TWSME) property of NiTi SMAs will be exploited. The basic principles, design requirements, analysis and physical realization of these devices will be discussed. It will be shown through experimental verification tests that clamping forces in excess of tens of Newtons are possible, confirming thus the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Ketoprofen, acetaminophen plus oxycodone, and acetaminophen in the relief of postoperative pain

Ketoprofen (Orudis) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is currently approved in the United States for the management of mild to moderate pain. The objective of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of orally administered ketoprofen in the management of severe postoperative pain. This randomized, double-blind parallel study compared the efficacy and safety of single doses of 100 mg or 50 mg ketoprofen, the combination of 650 mg acetaminophen plus 10 mg oxycodone hydrochloride, 650 mg acetaminophen, or placebo in 240 patients with severe postoperative pain after cesarean section. Analgesia for the first dose was assessed over an 8-hour period. Multiple doses of 100 mg or 50 mg ketoprofen and the combination at half the dose (325 mg acetaminophen plus 5 mg oxycodone) were also assessed for up to 7 days. The 100 and 50 mg doses of ketoprofen and the combination were statistically superior to acetaminophen and placebo for many analgesic measures. A dose response was observed between the two doses of ketoprofen, with the 100 mg dose providing significantly greater analgesia over the lower dose. Ketoprofen, 100 mg, was at least as effective as the combination and its effects lasted longer, with the exception of hour 1 when the combination was superior. Remedication time for the group receiving 100 mg ketoprofen was significantly longer than for the other treatment groups. Significantly more patients who took repeated doses of the combination (84%) than those who took either dose of ketoprofen (70%) had adverse effects. Ketoprofen at both dose levels was shown to be effective, long-lasting, and well tolerated, and it should be considered as a viable option for the management of moderate to severe postoperative pain. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1993) 54, 546–555; doi:10.1038/clpt.1993.187
POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE EXOTIC ANIMAL PATIENT

Careful postoperative management is crucial for the success of any orthopedic surgical repair. The special needs of the exotic animal must be met during the immediate postoperative period and during hospitalization. Many exotic animals require a quiet, stress-free environment and careful attention to housing parameters, such as perching, temperature, and visual security. To provide adequate pain relief in these patients, analgesia should be given before, during, and after surgery. The drugs most often used for pain relief are NSAIDs and opioid analgesics. After surgery, monitor the healing process carefully with regular examinations and radiographs while remaining vigilant for potential problems such as osteomyelitis or nonunion. Physical therapy prevents the development of fracture disease, which includes joint or ligament contracture and bone or muscle mass loss. Because physical therapy affords the patient full use of the affected limb, it is considered a helpful practice in all patients. Physical therapy, however, is critical for free-ranging exotic animals that will be released back into the wild, such as birds of prey.
Gas Turbine Electrical Power and Steam Generation at Allison Division of General Motors

At the 1962 and 1964 ASME meetings, Allison submitted papers describing the possibilities of industrializing the T56 aircraft engine and the applications of the 501 gas turbine to industrial operations. Since 1964, Allison has been evaluating a prototype electrical power and steam generation set which has operated for approximately 20,000 hr. This paper describes the test program and the results obtained. Operating data from various engine configurations using natural gas and diesel fuel, four lubricating oils, two types of air-inlet filters, and a Harrison special high heat transfer rate exhaust gas steam boiler are also presented.Copyright © 1967 by ASME
Mean-absolute deviation portfolio optimization for mortgage-backed securities

We develop an integrated simulation/optimization model for managing portfolios of mortgage-backed securities. The mortgage portfolio problem is viewed in the same spirit of models used for the management of portfolios of equities. That is, it trades off rates of return with a suitable measure of risk. In this respect we employ amean-absolute deviation model which is consistent with the asymmetric distribution of returns of mortgage securities and derivative products. We develop a simulation procedure to compute holding period returns of the mortgage securities under a range of interest rate scenarios. The simulation explicitly takes into account the stylized facts of mortgage securities: the propensity of homeowners to prepay their mortgages, and theoption adjusted premia associated with these securities. Details of both the simulation and optimization models are presented. The model is then applied to the funding of a typical insurance liability stream, and it is shown to generate superior results than the standardportfolio immunization approach.
Effects of systematic error, estimates and uncertainties in chemical mass balance apportionments: quail roost II revisited

Abstract The Quail Roost II synthetic data set II was used to derive a comprehensive method of estimating uncertainties for chemical mass balance (CMB) apportionments. Collinearity-diagnostic procedures were applied to CMB apportionments of data set II to identify seriously collinear source profiles and evaluate the effects of the degree of collinearity on source-strength estimates and their uncertainties. Fractional uncertainties of CMB estimates were up to three times higher for collinear source profiles than for independent ones. A theoretical analysis of CMB results for synthetic data set II led to the following general conclusions about CMB methodology. Uncertainties for average estimated source strengths will be unrealistically low unless sources whose estimates are constrained to zero are included when calculating uncertainties. Covariance in source-strength estimates is caused by collinearity and systematic errors in source specification and composition. Propagated uncertainties may be underestimated unless covariances as well as variances of estimates are included. Apportioning the average aerosol will account for systematic errors only when the correct model is known, when measurement uncertainties in ambient and source-profile data are realistic, and when the source profiles are not collinear.
Financial deregulation and total factor productivity change: An empirical study of Turkish commercial banks

Abstract In January 1980, a new liberal economic policy was adopted in Turkey to promote financial market development and increase the efficiency and productivity of the financial sector by fostering competition among banks. As a result of this policy, the Turkish banking system witnessed a series of legal, structural and institutional changes throughout the 1980s. To enhance their competitive viability, Turkish banks responded by streamlining their operations and investing in new technology. Utilizing a DEA-type Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Change Index, we examine productivity growth, efficiency change, and technical progress in Turkish commercial banks during the deregulation of financial markets in Turkey. We found that all forms of Turkish banks, although in different magnitudes, have recorded significant productivity gains driven mostly by efficiency increases rather than technical progress. Efficiency increases, however, were mostly owing to improved resource management practices rather than improved scales. Our results also indicate that private banks began to close their performance gap with public banks in the new environment.
The Future is Bright: The Underdog Label, Availability, and Optimism

Research suggests that people support underdogs. Three studies examined how laypeople conceptualize the underdog label. Study 1 used a free association method to create a semantic network map of the underdog construct. In Study 2, participants provided their own definitions and selected the entity that best exemplified an underdog. In the two studies, the underdog term was linked to both disadvantage and successful qualities. In Study 3, participants read fictional stories about competing entities unlikely to succeed. When targets were labeled as underdogs, participants predicted that they would perform significantly better than expectations. We suggest that, although dictionaries define underdogs as unlikely to prevail, a layperson's conceptions, shaped by inspirational archetypal stories of odds overcome, are more optimistic.
Training and Management of a Multisite Neuropsychological Testing Protocol for the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Evaluating on- and Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedures

Research study coordinators from 17 sites participating in a cardiac surgery study were trained to administer and score a brief neuropsychological test battery. Results were sent to the study's centralized laboratory for review and feedback. The average examiner errors on the first six protocols were compared with the average errors on the last six protocols over 12 months for each site. Overall, errors for the first six protocols were 4.42, and errors for the last six protocols were 1.83, representing a significant overall decline. Errors for instruction, administration, and recording showed a significant decrease over time. Despite ongoing feedback to examiners, scoring errors did not decline significantly overall; this suggests that a review of all protocols is necessary to achieve reliable scoring. However, when examiners' number of protocols completed was compared with number of scoring errors per protocol, there was a trend for examiners who had completed more protocols to show more improvement in s...
On some ramifications of the center of shear problem

This note generalizes an earlier analysis of the shear center and twist center problem within the framework of a suitably formulated mixed boundary value problem of three-dimensional linear elasticity, by the consideration of more general boundary conditions than in [1], by a significant complementation of upper and lower bound formulas in [2], and by a method for the determination of the coordinates of these centers as functions of the applied loads for physically nonlinear elastic materials. Diese Arbeit verallgemeinert eine fruhere Untersuchung des Schub und Drillmittelpunktproblems im Rahmen eines geeignet formulierten gemischten Randwertproblems der dreidimensionalen linearen Elastizitatstheorie unter Berucksichtigung von allgemeineren Randbedingungen als in [1], durch eine wesentliche Vervollstandigung von oberen und unteren Schranken in [2], und durch eine Methode der Koordinatenbestimmung dieser Mittelpunkte als Funktionen der einwirkenden Belastung fur physikalisch nichtlineare elastische Materialien
Molecular Biology and Function of the Androgen Receptor in Genital Development

ABSTRACTPurpose: The rapidly growing field of molecular biology has caused exponential growth in our knowledge of the processes of embryogenesis. Since the cloning of the androgen receptor gene in 1988, investigators have been able to clarify many of the molecular events of male sexual differentiation that are mediated through the androgen receptor. We reviewed the current state of knowledge of the androgen receptor and its role in male genital development.Materials and Methods: An intensive literature search was conducted to review reports on the androgen receptor and sexual differentiation since 1988. This review also includes ongoing research from our laboratory on the role of the androgen receptor in human genital development, as well as collaboration with other investigators.Results: We reviewed the basic molecular biology of androgenic action mediated through the androgen receptor. This information has been integrated into the current understanding of human male sexual differentiation to clarify how...
Overview for doctoral colloquium

The central research question for my dissertation is, how does outbreak surveillance operate as a governance mechanism for foodborne disease, a highly distributed, farm-to-fork public health problem? I answer this question through a historical and ethnographic study of outbreak surveillance as a sociotechnical system. I argue that it operates as a special type of sociotechnical system, an interstitial sociotechnical system, nestled between and knitting together systems of clinical care, the food chain, and regulation. To promote coordination across a large network of diverse stakeholders, public health workers use a heterogeneous mix of laboratory, database, epidemiological, and communications technologies.
Association of physical activity with mortality in the US dialysis population.

Background: It is unclear whether the protective benefits of regular physical activity on mortality extend to patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We tested this hypothesis in a national cohort of new patients with ESRD in the United States. Methods: Data for a subset of patients (n = 2,507; 62%) from the Dialysis Morbidity and Mortality Wave 2 study were used to explore the associations of exercise and limitations in physical activity with mortality. Results: Overall, 56% of patients exercised less than once a week, whereas the remainder reported more frequent physical activity; 2 to 3 times/wk in 18%, 4 to 5 times/wk in 6%, and daily exercise in 20%. Severe limitations in vigorous and moderate physical activities were reported by 75% and 42%, respectively. Mortality risks were greatest for those with severe limitations in either moderate (relative risk [RR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44 to 2.05) or vigorous physical activities (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.90) compared with those reporting minimal or no limitations. Conversely, mortality risks were lower for patients who exercised 2 to 3 (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.95) or 4 to 5 times/wk (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.07), whereas no advantage was associated with daily exercise (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.30). Conclusion: Although limitations in physical activity are common among new patients with ESRD in the United States and correlate highly with increased mortality risk, this study shows an association of frequent exercise of up to 4 to 5 times/wk with improved survival. The surprising lack of association of daily exercise with increased survival deserves additional study.
Computer-assisted financial planning: The planner-model interface

Abstract Computer-based financial statement generators constitute one of the most widely used class of computer-based decision aids. Surveys reveal most planners using these models are concerned with ease of use, especially greater flexibility, reduced data-entry burden, increased understandability, and enhanced sensitivity analysis. This article includes data generation functions, sensitivity analysis capabilities, and illustrative planner-computer dialogues designed to cope with these problems.
Spheroidization of medium-carbon steels

Spheroidization experiments were made on a medium- carbon AISI 4037 steel, using both intercritical and subcritical annealing cycles. The results indicate that in the subcritical cycle the spheroidization occurred much more quickly than expected, so that shorter times were sufficient to achieve high formability. On the other hand, the hardness dropped faster in the intercritical cycle. Although more work needs to be done, these results suggest that using a subcritical spheroidization process instead of an intercritical process could achieve considerable savings in time, energy, and cost.
Early diagenesis and organic matter preservation — a molecular stable carbon isotope perspective

Abstract Through a new development in stable isotope capability, gas chromatography coupled to a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-C-IRMS), the reaction pathways of organic matter diagenesis can potentially be traced by analysis of the isotopic compositions of individual molecular components. In this study, changes in bulk stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions, amino acid contents and carbon isotope compositions of individual amino acids are reported for seagrass and sediment degradation experiments using isotopically resolvable organic substrates. Seagrass showed slight enrichments in δ 15 N (+0.4‰) with little change in δ 13 C following 4 weeks of decomposition. During that period, the identifiable amino acid content decreased by ∼ 50% for each amino acid. Mixtures of marine sediment with the same seagrass showed enrichments in 15 N (+2.3‰) with associated depletions in carbon (−2.8‰) isotopic compositions over the same time span. These changes are attributed to hydrolysis, deamination, decarboxylation and condensation reactions. Control experiments on the sediments without added fresh seagrass showed no change in isotopic content. At the molecular level, using GC-C-IRMS, certain amino acids in the seagrass (e.g., Glu, Ala, Val, Gly) are seen to decrease in 13 C content during decomposition whereas others remained constant (e.g., Leu, Ile, Pro) or became increasingly enriched in 13 C (Asp). The molecular isotope approach indicates that the process of early diagenesis, leading to the eventual residual materials which are preserved, is significantly more complex than simple breakdown and loss. A portion of the organic matter consequently preserved in organic-rich deposits can be attributed to new production during early diagenetic stages.
Casting Light on Illumination

We attempt to cast light on illumination by introducing a computational model of light sources and illumination. Spatially varying illumination is computed using coordinate transformations on the manifold of rays in space, and the ray manifold is shown to be 4 dimensional. The illumination model can be used to recover shape from shading in situations when direct illumination varies across space and provides the basis for relating different types of light sources (e.g., an overcast sky, the sun, a panel light, and a spotlight). A formal definition for light sources emerges that generalizes the standard definition of a source as an emitter and leads to a 4-D light source hypercube in which the different types of sources may be embedded.
Microwave Sintering of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Materials: I, Zirconia‐8 mol% Yttria

This paper reports that the successful microwave sintering of zirconia demonstrates the necessity to understand both the materials and electromagnetic field aspects of microwave processing. It was difficult to produce crack-free parts in the multimode microwave furnace employed in this investigation. Nonuniformities in the microwave field, and dielectric properties that increased rapidly with temperature, produced hot spots in the parts, which led to differential sintering and subsequent cracking. To produce crack-free sintered parts, an indirect heating method was developed that eliminated the severe differential heating. Using this indirect heating method, it was demonstrated that the sintering temperature of zirconia could be lowered from 1375{degrees} to 1200{degrees}C by microwave processing and that the resulting grain size was finer.
Afrotopia: The Roots of African American Popular History

Afrocentrism and its history has long been disputed and controversial. In this important book, Wilson Moses presents a critical and nuanced view of the issues. Tracing the origins of Afrocentrism since the eighteenth century, he examines the combination of various popular mythologies, some of them mystical and sentimental, others perfectly reasonable. This is a rich history of black intellectual life and the concept of race.
Differential Endocrine Regulation of α2U-Globulin Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Activity: Effect of Age at Hypophysectomy*

Three α2u-globulin products were identified on two-dimensional gel electrophoretograms of the [35S]methionine-labeled products formed in response to total hepatic RNA by the reticulocyte lysate translational assay. These products, arbitrarily designated A, B, and C, were quantified by videoimaging of two-dimensional electrophoretograms. At both 65 and 85 days, they represent approximately 13%, 10%, and 77%, respectively, of the total translational products coding for α2u-globulin. Hypophysectomy at either 30 or 55 days resulted in a marked decrease in all three products when measured at 60 and 85 days. Products A and B were not induced in animals hypophysectomized (hypox) at 30 days and subsequently reinjected for 10 days beginning on day 50 with GH alone; with T4, corticosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (three hormones); or with a four-hormone combination. Product C was significantly induced by the four-hormone combination. In animals hypox at 55 days and reinjected for 10 days beginning on day 75, GH al...
Formins Coming into Focus

Two new crystal structures published in Cell and Molecular Cell provide the first clues about how fascinating proteins called formins interact with actin filaments.
Abstract A86: Sociodemographic correlates of cancer survivors in the United States

Introduction: Approximately 40% of the more than 1 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year are working-age adults, likewise more than 11 million people in the U.S. are cancer survivors. Given almost 50% of cancer survivors are under 65 years of age, a large proportion of them return to work after treatment or even maintain regular work schedules during their cancer treatment. We described the socio-demographic characteristics and risky health behaviors of U.S. adults diagnosed with cancer by the five most commonly diagnosed cancer types. Methods: Data pooled from the 1997-2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) on adults 18 years of age and older with self-reported physician diagnosed cancer (n=27,906) were analyzed. Estimates on self-reported socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, employment status, and job type) general health status, and negative health behaviors (risky alcohol drinking [men who consume ≥ 2 drinks and women who consume ≥1 drink per day] and cigarette use [current, former, never]) were stratified by specific-cancer type (non-melanoma skin cancer, lung cancer, colorectal, prostate, and breast) and employment status. Results: Thirty-three percent of adults diagnosed with cancer work post-diagnosis. Among employed cancer survivors, 69.3% were employed in white collar jobs while 14.7% were in service jobs. This distribution differed among employed persons without a cancer diagnosis, with 58.5% employed in white collar jobs and 23.4% in service jobs. Among employed persons with cancer, 65.9% were 35-54 years old, while 15.6% were greater than 55 years. Breast and non-melanoma skin cancer rates were highest among those who returned to work. The percentage of cancer workers reporting fair-poor health was greater than workers without cancer. Lastly, workers with cancer reported lower risky drinking (7.8%) and cigarette use (4.7%) compared to workers without cancer (14.5% and 11.4%, respectively). Conclusion: A large occupational health disparity exists among persons returning to work following a cancer diagnosis. Among all worker types, we found service workers were less likely (as compared to white collar workers) to be currently employed suggesting the need for integrating vocational rehabilitation programs and treatments services tailored to their workplace organization. In addition, the changing gender distribution in the U.S. workforce reflects our study findings that twice as many females as males continued to work following cancer diagnosis. The new U.S. healthcare reform bill that supports workplace health promotion programs may assist employers in developing the aforementioned reintegration programs and thwart the burgeoning occupational health disparities among working cancer survivors. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A86.