cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing hydrazine-derived reactive groups as inhibitors of quinone-dependent amine oxidases.

AbstractLysyl oxidase has emerged as an important enzyme in cancer metastasis. Its activity has been reported to become upregulated in several types of cancer, and blocking its activity has been shown to limit the metastatic potential of various cancers. The small-molecules phenylhydrazine and β-aminopropionitrile are known to inhibit lysyl oxidase; however, issues of stability, toxicity, and poorly defined mechanisms limit their potential use in medical applications. The experiments presented herein evaluate three other families of hydrazine-derived compounds – hydrazides, alkyl hydrazines, and semicarbazides – as irreversible inhibitors of lysyl oxidase including determining the kinetic parameters and comparing the inhibition selectivities for lysyl oxidase against the topaquinone-containing diamine oxidase from lentil seedlings. The results suggest that the hydrazide group may be a useful core functionality that can be developed into potent and selective inhibitors of lysyl oxidase and eventually find ...
Evaluation of a Standardized Risk-Based Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Protocol in the Setting of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Background An elevated odds ratio for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prompted development of a Caprini risk assessment and risk-based prophylaxis protocol for all general surgery patients. This system includes pre- and postoperative prophylactic heparin as well as extended courses of low molecular weight heparin for high-risk patients. This study evaluated the safety of this chemoprophylaxis program in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Study Design A retrospective review was conducted of all general surgery patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid operations after implementation of the Caprini prophylaxis protocol. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate bleeding complications, risk score categories, and chemoprophylaxis. Results Of 1,012 consecutive patients, 72% were determined to be at low/moderate risk for VTE, 26% were high risk, and 2% were highest risk. Only 29% of eligible high/highest-risk patients actually received extended prophylaxis after discharge. Fifteen patients (1.5%) developed wound hematomas that required evacuations, 12 of them within 24 hours of the index operation. Among patients who developed bleeding complications, 5 (33%) had Caprini scores indicating low/moderate-risk for VTE, and 10 (67%) were in the high/highest-risk categories. Only 1 patient developed a delayed hematoma that required a return to the hospital for evacuation. One patient developed a VTE complication. Conclusions Although the incidence of VTE is quite low for patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid operations, the Caprini prophylaxis protocol identifies a subset of high-risk patients who may benefit from extended VTE prophylaxis without the likelihood of added harm. Conversely, Caprini scores might also select low-risk patients who require no chemoprophylaxis, possibly reducing risks of hemorrhage.
Brain Tumors; Genetics

Recent progress on radiological, pathological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and genetic diagnosis has improved the characterization of brain tumors. Molecular and genetic profiles may identify different tumor subtypes varying in biological and clinical behavior and lead to better treatment protocols.
Feasibility of CBCT-based dose with a patient-specific stepwise HU-to-density curve to determine time of replanning

Purpose (a) To investigate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)–derived dose distributions relative to fanbeam–based simulation CT-derived dose distributions; and (b) to study the feasibility of CBCT dosimetry for guiding the appropriateness of replanning. Methods and materials Image data corresponding to 40 patients (10 head and neck [HN], 10 lung, 10 pancreas, 10 pelvis) who underwent radiation therapy were randomly selected. Each patient had both intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans; these 80 plans were subsequently recomputed on the CBCT images using a patient-specific stepwise curve (Hounsfield units-to-density). Planning target volumes (PTVs; D98%, D95%, D2%), mean dose, and V95% were compared between simulation-CT–derived treatment plans and CBCT-based plans. Gamma analyses were performed using criterion of 3%/3 mm for three dose zones (>90%, 70%~90%, and 30%~70% of maximum dose). CBCT-derived doses were then used to evaluate the appropriateness of replanning decisions in 12 additional HN patients whose plans were previously revised during radiation therapy because of anatomic changes; replanning in these cases was guided by the conventional observed source-to-skin-distance change-derived approach. Results For all disease sites, the difference in PTV mean dose was 0.1% ± 1.1%, D2% was 0.7% ± 0.1%, D95% was 0.2% ± 1.1%, D98% was 0.2% ± 1.0%, and V95% was 0.3% ± 0.8%; For 3D dose comparison, 99.0% ± 1.9%, 97.6% ± 4.4%, and 95.3% ± 6.0% of points passed the 3%/3 mm criterion of gamma analysis in high-, medium-, and low-dose zones, respectively. The CBCT images achieved comparable dose distributions. In the 12 previously replanned 12 HN patients, CBCT-based dose predicted well changes in PTV D2% (Pearson linear correlation coefficient = 0.93; P < 0.001). If 3% of change is used as the replanning criteria, 7/12 patients could avoid replanning. Conclusions CBCT-based dose calculations produced accuracy comparable to that of simulation CT. CBCT-based dosimetry can guide the decision to replan during the course of treatment.
The Beyond Reasonable Doubt Doctrine: ‘Moral Comfort’ or Standard of Proof?

(2008). The Beyond Reasonable Doubt Doctrine: ‘Moral Comfort’ or Standard of Proof? Law and Humanities: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 149-173.
Photonic chip for laser stabilization to an atomic vapor with 10 −11 instability

Devices based on spectroscopy of atomic vapors can measure physical quantities such as magnetic fields, RF electric fields, time and length, and rotation and have applications in a broad range of fields including communications, medicine, and navigation. We present a type of photonic device that interfaces single-mode silicon nitride optical waveguides with warm atomic vapors, enabling precision spectroscopy in an extremely compact (<1 cm3) package. We perform precision spectroscopy of rubidium confined in a micro-machined, 27 mm3 volume, vapor cell using a collimated free-space 120 μm diameter laser beam derived directly from a single-mode silicon nitride waveguide. With this optical-fiber integrated photonic spectrometer, we demonstrate an optical frequency reference at 780 nm with a stability of 10−11 from 1 to 104 s. This device harnesses the benefits of both photonic integration and precision spectroscopy for the next generation of quantum sensors and devices based on atomic vapors.
Viroids in Agriculture

The term “viroid” has been introduced to denote a recently recognized class of subviral plant pathogens (7). Presently known viroids consist solely of a short strand of RNA with a molecular weight of about 75,000 to 125,000 daltons. Introduction of this low-molecular-weight RNA into susceptible hosts leads to replication of the RNA and, in some hosts, to disease.
Literacy Promotion Strategies Within Reach Out and Read: An Exploratory Study:

Literacy promotion (LP) is an essential component of primary care. This study explored different LP strategies in 2 cohorts of children aged 6 months to 6 years coming for routine care. In cohort 1...
Endothelial Injury and Atherosclerosis

In 1973, we proposed a hypothesis of atherogenesis35 that provided a basis for the design of in vivo and in vitro experiments to determine how the advanced proliferative smooth muscle lesions of atherosclerosis form. Three fundamental biologic phenomena comprise the advanced lesions of atherosclerosis and lead to the development of occlusive lesions. Understanding why and how each of these phenomena occurs is fundamental to the development of this hypothesis. These phenomena are: (1) the accumulation of large numbers of intimal cells, principally proliferated smooth muscle together with numerous macrophages derived from blood monocytes; (2) formation by the proliferated smooth muscle cells of connective tissue matrix macromolecules including collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans; and (3) accumulation of lipid both within the accumulated smooth muscle cells and macrophages, and within the components of the extracellular matrix. Any hypothesis of atherogenesis must take into account these phenomena, and should afford the opportunity to devise experiments to test the various components of the hypothesis
Parallel-Vector Skyline Equation Solver on Shared Memory Computers

The solution of linear systems of equations on advanced parallel and/or vector computers is an important area of ongoing research.[4.1–4.2]. The development of efficient equation solvers is particularly important for static and dynamic structural analyses, eigenvalue and buckling analyses, sensitivity analysis and structural optimization procedures.[4.3–4.5] Research has been directed towards developing either effective vector methods or parallel methods to solve linear systems of equations. However, modern supercomputers now have both parallel and vector capability; algorithms that exploit both capabilities are the most desirable.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Celiac Disease: Environmental Risks Factors and Consequences

Gastrointestinal manifestations of autoimmune-inflammatory diseases represent a major category of immune dysfunction-based chronic diseases. Two prominent examples of these diseases are introduced in this chapter. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that consists of two distinct conditions, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), while celiac disease (CED) is a gut-associated inflammatory disease with both allergic and autoimmune features. These diseases have been increasing in prevalence among the overall population including an expansion among the pediatric population. This chapter provides a foundational description of the suggested environmental risk factors, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities associated with IBD and CED.
Three-dimensional model of heparin.

Heparin is best known for its blood anticoagulant activity, and considerable effort has been devoted to determining the structural features responsible for this activity. It has been widely accepted that the anticoagulant activity is related to the degree of sulfation and the molecular conformation (3, 6). The importance of the carboxyl group has recently been suggested by Stivala and Liberti (13). Little is known about what aspects of the three-dimensional structure of heparin that render it a highly active anticoagulant. We would like to present our preliminary thoughts on this subject, which are based on constructed molecular models and other data. In proposing a reasonable three-dimensional model, we have carefully examined the experimental results of previous physical and chemical studies on heparin, which were recently reviewed (4).
Principles and Philosophy of Damage Control Surgery

The term “damage control” refers to a specific approach to the exsanguinating trauma patient. Central to the approach is the recognition that the cold, acidotic, hemorrhaging trauma patient bleeds to death as a result of diffuse coagulopathy as opposed to mechanical surgical bleeding. As such, when patients either are expected to develop or have already developed diffuse coagulopathy in the setting of hemorrhagic shock, the damage control sequence is initiated. The sequence involves an initial abbreviated laparotomy, the goal of which is to preserve life. The operation proceeds rapidly and in the following order: control of hemorrhage, control of gastrointestinal contamination, and temporary abdominal closure to prevent further blood, protein, and heat loss. Methods to achieve emergent hemorrhage control, as well as factors that contribute to the decision to terminate the operation, are discussed herein. The next stages of damage control occur over the subsequent days to weeks and involve resuscitation in the intensive care unit, return to the operating room for definitive repair of injuries, avoidance of abdominal compartment syndrome, and ultimate fascial closure. The damage control approach has revolutionized the care of the sickest trauma patients; an understanding of the nuances of the various stages is essential for any trauma surgeon.
Decoloniality and the Humanities: Possibilities and Predicaments:

The humanities continue to witness a decolonial turn. The decolonial project is radical and dangerous because it is an epistemic, political, and ethical project that marches toward a vision of huma...
A Portfolio of Leveraged Exchange Traded Funds

Leveraged exchange traded funds (LETFs) are marketed as short-term trading vehicles that magnify the daily returns of an underlying index. With the proliferation of LETFs over the last 10 years, a diversified portfolio that mimics the returns of a 100% investment can be created using only a fraction of the investor’s wealth. Results suggest a portfolio created with LETFs outperforms a portfolio using traditional ETFs by approximately 0.6% to 1.4% annually by investing the excess wealth in a diversified or short to mid-duration bond portfolio. Downside risk is reduced using LETFs because the majority of the LETF portfolio is invested in a relatively safe bond fund.
Machine learning as a contributor to physics: Understanding Mg alloys

Abstract Machine learning (ML) methods have played an increasingly important role in materials design. Take Mg alloys as an example, we show the ML methods not only supply mathematical solutions but more importantly also contribute to understand the physics in the problem. Hitherto, the role of ML methods is widely applied in high-throughput predictions, while their contribution to understand the physical mechanisms has been rarely explored. In this study, we firstly demonstrate that the Gaussian Process Classification algorithm reliably and efficiently predicts promising solutes for ductile Mg alloys, and then use these results to evaluate the correlation between two recently proposed mechanisms. Our results help clarify the controversy regarding the ductility mechanisms that can be used as the guide for materials design.
Prevalence and Nondisclosure of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Patients With Cancer and Cancer Survivors in the United States.

This cross-sectional study analyzes the proportion of patients with cancer and cancer survivors who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) without disclosing this information to their physicians.
A Multi-Agent Model of Energy Transactions in Microgrid under Equilibrium

This research describes a multi-agent system model of a microgrid with energy prosumers (such as domestic units) represented as selfish agents- each equipped with fixed and shiftable loads, batteries to store energy, and renewable energy generation units. Each agent modulates its energy usage patterns across multiple time steps to maximize its utility. With the pricing being regulated through an external service provider, the microgrid model is studied under three different scenarios. In the simplest scenario, no energy transaction is allowed so that each agent consumes the energy that it generates. The next scenario allows energy transactions so that agents can sell their surplus energy to other agents. In addition to enabling energy trade, the last scenario also incorporates a community level energy storage facility so that energy can be stored and reused later. With energy balance constraints being imposed on the microgrid to simulate conditions of grid isolation, Nash equilibrium conditions are established within the multi-agent system using a relaxation algorithm. Simulation results shed light on equilibrium energy consumption patterns under each scenario. It demonstrates how the social welfare of the community of prosumers can change under different pricing schemes.
Efficacy of DNA versus RNA NGS-based Methods in MET Exon 14 skipping mutation detection.

9036Background: Exon 14 skipping mutations in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) gene are reported in 2-5% of lung adenocarcinomas and are mutually exclusive of other driver mutations. Sma...
Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program is associated with fewer barriers to serving healthier foods in early care and education.

Early care and education (ECE) is an important setting for influencing young children’s dietary intake. There are several factors associated with barriers to healthy eating in ECE, and recent evidence suggests that participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the primary national food assistance program in ECE, may be associated with fewer barriers to serving healthier foods. However, no prior studies have examined differences between CACFP participants and non-participants across a large, multi-state sample. This is the first study to examine the association between CACFP participation and barriers to serving healthier foods in ECE using a random sample of directors from two regions across the country. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among a random sample of child care center directors from four states (Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina). We conducted logistic and Poisson regression to calculate the odds and incidence rate ratios of reporting 1) no barriers, 2) specific barriers (e.g., cost), and 3) the total number of barriers, by CACFP status, adjusting for covariates of interest. We received 713 surveys (36% response rate). About half (55%) of centers participated in CACFP. The most prevalent reported barriers to serving healthier foods were cost (42%) and children’s food preferences (19%). Directors from CACFP centers were twice as likely to report no barriers, compared to directors from non-CACFP centers (OR 2.03; 95% CI [1.36, 3.04]; p < 0.01). Directors from CACFP centers were less likely to report cost as a barrier (OR = 0.46; 95% [CI 0.31, 0.67]; p < 0.001), and reported fewer barriers overall (IRR = 0.77; 95% CI [0.64, 0.92]; p < 0.01), compared to directors from non-CACFP centers. CACFP directors reported fewer barriers to serving healthier foods in child care centers. Still, cost and children’s food preferences are persistent barriers to serving healthier foods in ECE. Future research should evaluate characteristics of CACFP participation that may alleviate these barriers, and whether barriers emerge or persist following 2017 rule changes to CACFP nutrition standards.
Cryptanalysis in World War II ?and Mathematics Education

War (1914-18), so far as Britain was concerned, was that no effective use was made of the skills and talents of young British scientists, mathematicians, en gineers, and experts in other relevant areas. Such people simply entered the armed services, usually the army, and fought in the infantry and other combat battalions. I am not arguing that the lives of such specialists are inherently more valuable than those of other mortals and that they should therefore be kept safe, but it is surely obvious that such people should be using their skill and expertise in the war effort, rather than doing a job that could be done equally well by somebody else. (Indeed, one may lament the death in two world wars of some of England's finest young poets : Rupert Brooke in World War I and Sidney Keyes in World War II. It is hard to argue that they should have been excused from conscription, but their loss was a heavy one.) Fortunately, by the time of the Second World War, this lesson had been learned, and those with skills relevant to the ef fective conduct of the war were employed, broadly speaking, where they could be most useful. Thus it came about that a somewhat motley collection of young (and, in a few cases, not so young) mathematicians were gathered together in Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, England, to participate in the astonishing enterprise of trying to decipher German (and Japanese) codes. The intention was nothing less than the daily reading of the secret signals passing be tween the German High Command, its ships at sea (including U-boats), air force, and army groups, and this goal was successfully This article is based on an invited lecture at the
Sonoendoscopy of the mediastinum, upper gastrointestinal tract and upper abdominal contents: Correlation with conventional ultrasound and other imaging modalities

A conventional fiberoptic gastroscope was modified to incorporate a high resolution linear array real-time transducer. Thirty patients were then studied using the prototype endoscope for various pathologic processes and the results compared to conventional imaging modalities including computed tomography, abdominal ultrasound and standard radiographic procedures (including upper gastrointestinal series). The sonoendoscopic examination is complementary in most instances. In certain patients, particularly those with small lesions, it is clearly more diagnostic.
Reduced Asthma Medication Use after Treatment of Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder

Objectives/hypotheses The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder (PVFMD) leads to decreased asthma medication use. Our secondary objective was to determine dyspnea outcomes following diagnosis and treatment for PVFMD. Study design Prospective observational study. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed PVFMD between the ages of 11 and 17 were recruited at a single pediatric institution. A medication questionnaire and Dyspnea Index (DI) were completed at the initial visit, at the first return visit, and at greater than 6 months post-diagnosis and therapy. Laryngeal Control Therapy (LCT) consisted of teaching breathing techniques and identifying emotional, physical, and environmental contributing factors and strategies to reduce them. Results Twenty-six patients were recruited to the study. There were 19/26 (73%) patients diagnosed with asthma prior to a diagnosis of PVFMD, and 26/26 (100%) patients were using an inhaler prior to the enrollment visit. Twenty-two (85%) patients completed follow-up questionnaires. Five patients participated in no therapy, seven patients in partial therapy, and 14 patients in full therapy. Significant reduction in asthma medication use was seen in the full therapy group (P Conclusions Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric PVFMD leads to a decline in asthma medication use in those patients who participate in at least two LCT sessions and in those with exercise-induced PVFMD. LCT for pediatric PVFMD leads to a significant decrease in symptoms as measured by the DI. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 2020.
Stability of Supply Coefficients and Consistency of Supply-Driven and Demand-Driven Input — Output Models: A Comment:

Recent literature dealing with supply-side and demand-side Input — Output models appears to contain some confusion or at least imprecision in the use of ‘stability’, ‘joint stability’, and ‘consistency’. This comment contains a tentative proposal for terminological conventions with respect to the three concepts. These thoughts are offered against the backdrop of a recent paper by Deman which illustrates the definitional problems.
Two-Way Fixed Effects, the Two-Way Mundlak Regression, and Difference-in-Differences Estimators

I establish the equivalence between the two-way fixed effects (TWFE) estimator and an estimator obtained from a pooled ordinary least squares regression that includes unit-specific time averages and time-period specific cross-sectional averages, which I call the two-way Mundlak (TWM) regression. This equivalence furthers our understanding of the anatomy of TWFE, and has several applications. The equivalence between TWFE and TWM implies that various estimators used for intervention analysis – with a common entry time into treatment or staggered entry, with or without covariates – can be computed using TWFE or pooled OLS regressions that control for time-constant treatment intensities, covariates, and interactions between them. The approach allows considerable heterogeneity in treatment effects across treatment intensity, calendar time, and covariates. The equivalence implies that standard strategies for heterogeneous trends are available to relax the common trends assumption. Further, the two-way Mundlak regression is easily adapted to nonlinear models such as exponential models and logit and probit models.
Intestinal perforations after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the United States: a 16-year study using the national inpatient sample

Background Intestinal perforation is a rare but feared complication of ERCP. In this study, we identify patient and hospital factors for ERCP related intestinal perforation using a large national database. We also examine the effects of intestinal perforations on hospital outcomes. Methods Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample, the largest publicly available inpatient care database in the United States. ICD-9-CM procedure codes for all ERCP procedures conducted between 1998 and 2013. Our primary outcome of interest was the incidence of intestinal perforations after ERCP. Secondary outcomes of interest included hospital length of stay and inpatient mortality. Results A total of 392,336 ERCP procedures were performed over the study period, met our inclusion criteria, and were analyzed. Mean age of sample was 59 years and just over 60% were females. Low volume hospitals accounted for over 85% of ERCPs. Intestinal perforations occurred at a rate of 1.2 per 1000 ERCP procedures. Patient's age was the only patient-related factor significantly associated with perforation. (OR: 1.016; 95% CI 1.009 - 1.025). For hospitals, teaching status was the only hospital related factor associated with intestinal perforation after ERCP (OR: 1.56; 95% CI 1.28 -1.91). Length of stay was much longer in patients with ERCP related perforations and mortality risk was ten times higher in the same cohort. Conclusions Patients who have ERCP related perforations have longer hospital stays and have a higher mortality risk. Older patients and those who had ERCP in teaching hospitals are at a higher risk of perforation.
Virus-induced alterations of lymphoid tissues. 3. Fate of radiolabeled thoracic duct lymphocytes in rats inoculated with Newcastle disease virus.

Abstract The influence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) challenge on the distribution of injected thoracic duct lymphocytes was investigated. NDV was was inoculated into rats immediately after transfer of 51 Cr-labeled lymphocytes. Significantly less radioactivity was recovered in lymph nodes of virus-treated animals within 24 hr of cell transfer. By 48 hr, however, lymph nodes of virus-treated recipients contained normal concentrations of radioactivity. It is suggested that the virus transiently impairs the homing of donor lymphocytes into lymph nodes. These results support the proposition that NDV challenge reduces the size of the circulating T-lymphocyte pool by interfering with the normal pattern of lymphocyte migration. Evidence was obtained which indicated that NDV-induced lymphocytopenia was not mediated by abnormalities of the endothelial cells lining the postcapillary venules in the lymph node cortex.
Hyperimmunization of non-human primates with BCG-CW and cultured human glioma-derived cells: Production of reactive antisera and absence of EAE induction☆

The efficacy and non-toxicity of BCG-cell wall preparation (BCG-CW) + cultured human glioma-derived cells as immunogen in non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis) were investigated to determine the optimal conditions for immunization without induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). BCG-CW vaccines were prepared with non-irradiated and irradiated (10,000 rads) human glioma cells and used in a short-term hyperimmunization protocol; sera obtained from this regimen were compared to those obtained by long-term hyperimmunization of macaques with complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and glioma cells. Immunization with BCG-CW + either irradiated or non-irradiated human glioma cells produced a specific antibody response in non-human primates without clinical, macroscopic, or microscopic evidence of allergic encephalomyelitis.
Agent-Based Software Engineering and Agent Mediations

Techniques are presented for designing with software agents and new concepts entitled Abstract Intelligent Maintenance and implementations. The designs present concurrent agent algebras with diagnosis learning, faults, and maintenance capability. The stages of conceptualization, design and implementation are defined with AI agents and Mediators. Multiagent implementations are proposed to support software design techniques, which incorporates object level nondeterministic knowledge learning and knowledge representation developed in the projects. Objects, message passing actions, and implementing agents are defined by syntactic constructs, with agents appearing as functions. Agent-based maintenance fault recovery, maintenance events and activity are computed for the All agents. The techniques provide a basis for automatic implementation with agents. Mediators implementing objects and agents define Interportability. The object level definitions for individual modules are turned to executable programs applying source abstract syntax tree to target abstract syntax tree morphisms. The techniques are applied to define a Preservation Principle for Agent-based Maintenance and heterogeneous KB basis to learning diagnosis.
The Real Estate Market in the Aftermath of September 11

This study examines the reaction of the financial markets to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and how their behavior compared to the subsequent resolution in the corresponding real asset markets. This event provides an ideal setting to evaluate the accuracy of the market's reaction to external shocks since, unlike almost all studies of economic events, this tragedy was certainly unanticipated and thus absent from pre-existing market expectations, its overall impact was unclear, and the subsequent week of market closure gave market participants sufficient time to sort out the complex impact of the event on market prices. Our analysis of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with New York office exposure outside of the downtown area shows that, during the period of market closure and the first trading day, the equity market did not accurately anticipate how this event would impact office REITs. Specifically, we find that REITs with significant exposure to the New York market showed significant gains relative to REITs without New York exposure (an average difference of 4.057% of market value from the close on September 10 to the opening on September 17), and that this abnormal return disappeared only in November 2001. However, an examination of the underlying real asset market's performance over the first few months after September 11 shows that New York properties significantly under-performed similar office properties in the U.S. This evidence provides little support for the notion that financial markets can rapidly and correctly price significant shocks to the underlying economy.
Understanding the Information Content of Short Interests

Existing studies have debated on the information content and the predictive power on future stock returns of short interests-the number of shares of a stock sold short. We explore a unique institutional feature on the time lag between monthly recording of short interests and their public release to examine the information content and the predictive power of short interests. Using a matching approach, we find that the impact of the negative information content of short interests is more pronounced than previously documented, but only exists in the period before the short interest data is publicly released. Upon public release, short interests have no significant predictive power on future stock returns. Moreover, much of the previously documented negative abnormal return of the most heavily shorted portfolio formed on published short interests is largely due to the liquidity risk. In order to better reveal the potential negative information in short sale activities while considering the short sale constraints, we propose the binding ratio-a ratio between the short interest and the institutional ownership. We find that both short interest and binding ratio are closely related to forthcoming negative earnings surprises in the following month. However, only binding ratio reflect other potential negative information.
Misregulation of Tau Alternative Splicing in Neurodegeneration and Dementia

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that fulfills several functions critical for neuronal formation and health. Tau discharges its functions by producing multiple isoforms via intricately regulated alternative splicing. These isoforms modulate tau function in normal brain by altering the domains of the protein, thereby influencing its conformation and post-translational modifications and hence its affinity for microtubules and other ligands. Disturbances in tau expression result in disruption of the neuronal cytoskeleton and formation of pathological tau structures (neurofibrillary tangles) found in brains of dementia sufferers. More specifically, aberrations in tau splicing regulation directly cause several neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. This review briefly presents our cumulative knowledge of tau splicing regulation in connection with the alterations in tau splicing seen in neurodegeneration.
Signal Processing Aspects of Nonlinear Acoustics

The topic of nonlinear acoustics has been included at previous NATO study institutes going back to 1966. The first treatment, by Berktay (1), speculated on the possibilities nonlinear effects might offer. In 1968, Mellen (2) illustrated some of these possibilities through laboratory tank experiments. Berktay returned in 1972 (3) to present some engineering models for the design of parametric sources. In 1976, Bjorno (4) presented a survey of theoretical and experimental results on parametric arrays developed at several laboratories.
Nucleation kinetics in thin film growth: II. Analytical evaluation of nucleation and growth behaviour

Abstract It is shown that the results reported by Routledge and Stowell for computer simulation of thin film nucleation and growth can be derived analytically. The theory is extended to cover both three-dimensional and two-dimensional island growth when complete condensation conditions are valid and an approximate analytical solution is given for incomplete condensation. These results are compared with those of other workers and their relevance to experimental situations is discussed.
Value Gaps and Profitability

In the value-based approach to business strategy, a firm’s value creation with a buyer—i.e., its value gap—is an important measure. In many formal and informal results, firm profitability depends on whether the firm can identify buyer segments in which it has the largest value gap—namely, a value-gap advantage. These results typically assume, either explicitly or implicitly, that firms have constant marginal costs. In this paper, we show that if a firm’s value gap is defined as its marginal value creation with a buyer, value gaps provide a foundation for a firm’s profitability more generally. By allowing for nonconstant marginal costs, two important factors emerge. First, a firm’s value-gap advantage with respect to a buyer should be based on comparing the firm’s marginal value creation with the buyer’s best alternative for value capture, not value creation. Second, a firm’s guaranteed profitability depends critically on buyer competition. We show that in addition to excluded buyers, there are two other s...
Lasting effects of (+-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on central serotonergic neurons in nonhuman primates: neurochemical observations.

The purpose of this study was to assess the duration of (+-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine's (MDMA's) effects on serotonin containing neurons in nonhuman primates. Fifteen squirrel monkeys were used: three served as controls, 12 received MDMA s.c. at a dose of 5 mg/kg twice daily for 4 consecutive days. Two weeks, 10 weeks, 8 months and 18 months after drug treatment, groups (n = 3) of MDMA-treated monkeys, along with controls, were examined for regional brain content of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and for the number of [3H] paroxetine-labeled serotonin uptake sites. Two weeks after MDMA treatment, monkeys showed profound reductions in all three serotonergic presynaptic markers. By 10 weeks, there was evidence of partial recovery in some brain regions (e.g., hippocampus, caudate nucleus, frontal cortex). However, by 18 months, it was evident that recovery did not continue, as serotonergic deficits returned to the level of severity observed 2 weeks after MDMA treatment. This was the case in all brain regions examined except the thalamus and hypothalamus. In the thalamus, the level of serotonin increased to 63% of control, whereas that of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid recovered completely. In the hypothalamus, concentrations of serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were 140 and 187% of control, respectively. These results suggest that MDMA produces lasting effects on serotonergic neurons in nonhuman primates, with most brain regions showing evidence of persistent denervation and some showing signs of reinnervation (thalamus) or possibly even hyperinnervation (hypothalamus). The morphological and functional correlates of these enduring neurochemical changes in the MDMA-treated primate remain to be delineated.
“New” and Traditional Approaches to Economic History and Their Interdependence

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the various new or current approaches to economic history. In so doing I reluctantly use the now widely accepted terms “new” economic, or “econometric,” history considered by some authors as synonymous. In fact, however, there is both a broader and a narrower application of the phrase “new economic history.” In the broader sense, the term embraces the work of the various authors who have in common as their aim theoretically underpinned quantitative economic history; in the narrower, it refers only to what I shall call the “model builders.” Moreover the terminology seems to be in process of change.
Electromechanical interaction of linear piezoelectric materials with a surface electrode

This paper presents a study on the electromechanical interaction between a compliant surface electrode and a semi-infinite piezoelectric material. Using integral transforms, general expressions of stresses, displacements, electric potential and electric displacement have been obtained for symmetrically deformed electrode. For surface electrode subjected to uniform displacement, the normal stress at the edges of the electrode displays a square root singularity. Such a stress singularity will eventually induce the initiation of crack and introduce mechanical and electric instability.
Development and Validation of A Screening Tool to Assess Iron Deficiency Anemia in the Preterm Infant

Abstract Iron deficiency anemia is a common clinical concern for premature infants because fetal iron accretion occurs during the last weeks of pregnancy. To compound this problem, frequent blood sampling and low-iron alimentation are routine during the early neonatal period. Assessment of anemia based upon the established biochemical parameters may be inappropriate or lack specificity due to acuity of illness in this population. Early detection of anemia is important as this could potentially impact tolerance to feedings, attainment of enteral volume goal and weight gain. Recognizing the need to assess severity of anemia without additional blood sampling, we developed a multi-factorial Neonatal Iron Deficiency Assessment Tool (NIDAT). Participants for this were selected randomly through a medical record review. The study included infants 24–35 weeks gestational age at birth and a minimum of 21 days old at the time of collection (n=31). Data were analyzed using SAS statistical package. To test the internal characteristics of the measure, principle component analyses were conducted. The first analyses indicated that all but one item loaded significantly (>0.30). After the item was deleted, analyses were conducted again with successful results. A reliability analysis was then performed using Cronbach's alpha. A high internal consistency of the scale was demonstrated (a=.77). Average item-to-total correlation was 0.53(.31–.84). Based on a 3-point likert scale with the remaining 13 items, a total score obtained from the NIDAT was used to assign a risk range for iron deficiency. These findings support the internal reliability of the NIDAT and demonstrate the process involved in the initial validation of this new screening tool. Additional research is underway to establish concurrent validity. The NIDAT could potentially impact feeding regimens and outcomes by providing information leading to the determination of the optimal age/time to maximize iron therapy.
Racial evolution in Eleusine coracana ssp. coracana (Finger Millet)

The study was based on 150 collections of domesticated E. coracana from diverse localities in Africa and India. Considerable variation in vegetative, floral and seed morphology was observed. Three ecogeographical races were identified: (1) an African highland race which is cultivated in the East African highlands, (2) a lowland race which is grown in the lowlands of Africa and south India and (3) an Indian race with its centre of distribution in north-east India. In addition to these basic races, an Indian highland type was identified. The African highland race is the most primitive and is the progenitor of the lowland race. The latter race was subsequently introduced to southern India where a secondary centre of diversity became established. The Indian race originated from the lowland race, while the north Indian highland type could be derived from either or both of the two basic races in India. The study indicated that natural selection has played a major role in the evolution of the crop
Effects of low-level light therapy on streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney

Hyperglycemia causes oxidative damage in tissues prone to complications in diabetes. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) in the red to near infrared range (630-1000nm) has been shown to accelerate diabetic wound healing. To test the hypothesis that LLLT would attenuate oxidative renal damage in Type I diabetic rats, male Wistar rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (50mg/kg, ip), and then exposed to 670nm light at a dose of 9J/cm(2) once per day for 14weeks. The activity and expression of catalase and the activity of Na K-ATPase increased in kidneys of light-treated diabetic rats, whereas the activity and expression of glutathione peroxidase and the expression of Na K-ATPase were unchanged. LLLT lowered the values of serum BUN, serum creatinine, and BUN/creatinine ratio. In addition, LLLT augmented the activity and expression of cytochrome c oxidase, a primary photoacceptor molecule in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and reduced the formation of the DNA adduct 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in kidney. LLLT improved renal function and antioxidant defense capabilities in the kidney of Type I diabetic rats. Thus, 670nm LLLT may be broadly applicable to the amelioration of renal complications induced by diabetes that disrupt antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Big Sky or Big Sprawl? Rural Gentrification and the Changing Cultural Landscape of Missoula, Montana

The Rocky Mountain region has experienced significant growth in the last decade, caused mainly by in-migration of population. This paper explores the case of Missoula to examine the nature of this growth and its impacts upon the cultural landscape of the Big Sky country of Montana. Impacts from growth include increasing urbanization and sprawl, changing housing tastes, conspicuous consumption of open space, and spiraling real estate prices. The paper contends that such changes are caused by the in-migration of the new middle class in search of a Rocky Mountain lifestyle, creating a process of rural gentrification in which long-term residents are increasingly displaced. Vociferous public responses to these changes have created demands for affordable housing, control of sprawl, and protection of open space, leading to the implementation of new policies and regulatory measures in a state that is famous for its history of fierce, rugged individualism and an anti-regulatory culture.
Driving simulation: challenges for VR technology

Virtual driving environments represent a challenging test for virtual reality technology. We present an overview of our work on the problems of scenario and scene modeling for virtual environments (VEs) in the context of the Iowa Driving Simulator (IDS). The requirements of driving simulation-a deterministic real-time software system that integrates components for user interaction, simulation, and scenario and scene modeling-make it a valuable proving ground for VE technologies. The goal of our research is not simply to improve driving simulation, but to develop technology that benefits a wide variety of VE applications. For example, our work on authoring high-fidelity VE databases and on directable scenarios populated with believable agents also targets applications involving interaction with simulated, walking humans and training in the operation of complex machinery. This work has benefited greatly from the experience of developing components for a full-scale operational VE system like IDS, and we believe that many other proposed VE technologies would similarly benefit from such real-world testing.
“Will the Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?”: Masking Whiteness, Encoding Hegemonic Masculinity in Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP

In this article, I analyze the critically and commercially successful rap album by Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP (2000). Eminem's impact on popular culture is due to his controversial status and his critical and commercial success worldwide. To understand Eminem's significance in rhetoric and cultural studies, I examine the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexuality and how these four constructions necessarily converge in the postmodern condition to rearticulate, in the case of Eminem's rap lyrics, a cultural fiction of white heterosexual masculinity/masculinities. Eminem is able to “universalize” himself discursively through his rap lyrics by marketing himself as the universal subject, the ultimate shape shifter who cannot be pinned down. This makes Eminem's discursive presentation the ultimate performance in white masculinity because he accomplishes “authenticity” by occupying the “in-betweenness” of race, gender, and class boundaries through constant contradiction.
Using the Voyager Spacecraft for Solar EUV Spectral Radiometry

The ultraviolet spectrometers on the Voyager spacecraft are radiometrically stable and presently capable of making long-term, precise measurements of the solar spectral irradiance between 50 nm and 170 nm. If the detection efficiencies of these spectrometers were confirmed through a dedicated program of underflights, and if a campaign of regular Voyager observations of the Sun was instituted, some of the needs for timely, long-term solar EUV flux data could be efficiently met in this decade
Chemical, Kinetic, and Spectroscopic Evidence for the Reaction of 1-Naphthylcarbene with Acetonitrile to form a Nitrile Ylid.

Abstract Laser photolysis of 1-naphthyldiazomethane or azirine 7 in acetonitrile gave the same transient absorption spectrum. The transient from each precursor reacted with acrylonitrile with identical rate constants. Photolysis of 1-naphthyldiazirine 6 in acetonitrile containing acrylonitrile gave products derived from carbenes and nitrile ylids.