cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cumulative Number of Treatment Interventions Predicts Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia.

Background Health-related quality of life (QOL) is usually assessed after a defined interval following a single intervention, but critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a chronic condition where multiple interventions are often required over a patient's lifetime. We hypothesized that the impact of CLI treatment interventions on QOL is diminished in the setting of multiple previous interventions. To test this hypothesis, we performed a cross-sectional study evaluating associations between cumulative number of previous peripheral artery disease (PAD) treatment interventions and QOL adjusting for both comorbidity and disease severity. Methods Participants with CLI (abnormal ankle brachial index [ABI] plus rest pain and/or tissue loss) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and completed a disease-specific QOL assessment, (the Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire-6 [VascuQol-6]). Minimum ABI was used to assess disease severity, and comorbidity was evaluated based on Charlson Comorbidity Index. Cumulative number of PAD treatment interventions was defined based on the lifelong total for both legs. QOL associations were evaluated using a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for age and gender. Results Thirty-two patients with CLI participated. Mean age was 63 ± 10 years, 72% were men, and 63% were white; mean ABI was 0.6 ± 0.2. Mean VQ-6 score was 11.6 ± 4.2, and QOL was lower in patients with more previous interventions. Multivariable models demonstrated that an increasing number of previous treatment interventions negatively impacted QOL (P = 0.047), whereas positive associations were identified for female gender (P = 0.006) and ABI (P = 0.006). No association between comorbidity and QOL was identified. Conclusions Vascular-specific factors appear to be key determinants of QOL among patients with CLI, whereas comorbidity appears less important. Strategies focused on definitive and durable revascularization may reduce cumulative interventions and potentially maximize QOL for patients with CLI.
An Interview with APPLE Lecture Speaker Professor Brian MacWhinney

On April 22, 2016, the TESOL/AL Web Journal (represented by Farah S. Akbar, Cheng-Ling Alice Chen, Sarah Sok, and Yuna Seong) had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Brian MacWhinney, guest speaker for the 2016 Applied Linguistics & Language Education (APPLE) Lecture Series, hosted annually by the TESOL/Applied Linguistics Programs at Teachers College, Columbia University. Professor MacWhinney spoke about his research and advice he has for current and future researchers in the TESOL and Applied Linguistics fields.
Relationship Status, Romantic Relationship Quality, Monitoring, and Antisocial Influence: Is There an Effect on Subsequent Offending?

The current study examines the effect of men’s romantic relationship status on self-reported offending and examines the quality of romantic relationships, monitoring, and antisocial influence on self-reported offending. Data from the 72-month and 84-month follow-ups of the Pathways to Desistance study were analyzed to examine the effect of romantic relationship status on self-reported offending and to examine quality of romantic relationships, monitoring, and antisocial influence on self-reported offending. Negative binomial regression models were used. The main finding, although marginally significant, was that at higher levels of quality of relationships, self-reported offending was lower. Impulsivity was significantly and positively associated with self-reported offending in both the romantic relationship status and the quality of romantic relationship models. Prior offending was significantly associated with higher levels of self-reported offending in both analyses. Additionally, in the romantic relationship status model, as respondents aged, their self-reported offending was reduced. Results indicated that the quality of romantic relationships is important, more so than strictly the romantic relationship itself. However, the results suggest that impulsivity, peer delinquency, and prior self-reported offending are also important, at least for this high-risk sample. We discuss limitations and future research directions.
Paleoproterozoic sterol biosynthesis and the rise of oxygen

Natural products preserved in the geological record can function as ‘molecular fossils’, providing insight into organisms and physiologies that existed in the deep past. One important group of molecular fossils is the steroidal hydrocarbons (steranes), which are the diagenetic remains of sterol lipids. Complex sterols with modified side chains are unique to eukaryotes, although simpler sterols can also be synthesized by a few bacteria. Sterol biosynthesis is an oxygen-intensive process; thus, the presence of complex steranes in ancient rocks not only signals the presence of eukaryotes, but also aerobic metabolic processes. In 1999, steranes were reported in 2.7 billion year (Gyr)-old rocks from the Pilbara Craton in Australia, suggesting a long delay between photosynthetic oxygen production and its accumulation in the atmosphere (also known as the Great Oxidation Event) 2.45–2.32 Gyr ago. However, the recent reappraisal and rejection of these steranes as contaminants pushes the oldest reported steranes forward to around 1.64 Gyr ago (ref. 6). Here we use a molecular clock approach to improve constraints on the evolution of sterol biosynthesis. We infer that stem eukaryotes shared functionally modern sterol biosynthesis genes with bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. Comparing multiple molecular clock analyses, we find that the maximum marginal probability for the divergence time of bacterial and eukaryal sterol biosynthesis genes is around 2.31 Gyr ago, concurrent with the most recent geochemical evidence for the Great Oxidation Event. Our results therefore indicate that simple sterol biosynthesis existed well before the diversification of living eukaryotes, substantially predating the oldest detected sterane biomarkers (approximately 1.64 Gyr ago), and furthermore, that the evolutionary history of sterol biosynthesis is tied to the first widespread availability of molecular oxygen in the ocean–atmosphere system.
Extent of allergic inflammation depends on intermittent versus continuous sensitization to house dust mite.

AbstractObjective: House dust mite (HDM) exposure is used to model experimental asthma in mice. However, a direct comparison of inflammatory responses following continuous versus intermittent HDM exposure has not been reported. Therefore, we investigated whether the HDM dose at sensitization or challenge affects extent of inflammation in mice that were either continuously or intermittently sensitized with HDM.Materials and methods: C57BL/6 mice received either 10 continuous exposures with 10 μg HDM per exposure or two intermittent HDM exposures over a period of two weeks and were subsequently challenged by three instillations with HDM during the third week. For the intermittent model, mice were sensitized with 1 or 10 μg HDM and challenged on three consecutive days with 1 or 10 μg HDM. Inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and epithelial cell hyperplasia and mucous cell metaplasia were quantified.Results: Significantly higher levels of inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia were observed...
A Mechatronics Approach to Copier Paperpath Control

Abstract Today's copier machines can only correct small position errors when transporting sheets from a feeder unit to the image transfer section. The limited error correction capability introduces unwanted "soft jams" and restricts the range of media, speed and operating conditions the copier can handle. A new paperpath architecture is proposed that splits up the paperpath into multiple, independently driven sections. The added degrees of freedom, in combination with instrumentation and intelligent control, result in superior error correction, which is demonstrated experimentally.
Irreparable Tears: The Role for Debridement or Partial Rotator Cuff Repair

Management of massive, retracted rotator cuff tear repair is a difficult task without a consensus algorithm for treatment. Although nonoperative management is appropriate in certain patients, surgical treatment is advocated for younger, more active patients or those with persistent pain. Aggressive surgical options such as rotator cuff repair with patch augmentation, tendon transfers, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are options for many patients in which complete anatomical repair of the massive rotator cuff tear is not always surgically possible because of poor tissue quality, tendon loss, severe retraction, or increased tension of the repair. Debridement of the rotator cuff or partial rotator cuff repair offer viable options for patients with goals of pain relief and improvement in range of motion. Although partial repair often does not restore full strength, most patients are satisfied with their overall improvement in function.
The curious case of the decapitated frog: on experiment and philosophy

ABSTRACTPhysiologists have long known that some vertebrates can survive for months without a brain. This phenomenon attracted limited attention until the nineteenth century when a series of experiments on living, decapitated frogs ignited a controversy about consciousness. Pfluger demonstrated that such creatures do not just exhibit reflexes; they also perform purposive behaviours. Suppose one thinks, along with Pfluger's ally Lewes, that purposive behaviour is a mark of consciousness. Then one must count a decapitated frog as conscious. If one rejects this mark, one can avoid saying peculiar things about decapitated animals. But as Huxley showed, this position leads quickly to epiphenomenalism. The dispute long remained stalemated because it rested on conflicting sets of intuitions that were each compatible with the growing body of experiments. What eventually resolved it is that one set of intuitions supported a research programme in physiology that came to seem more fruitful on the whole. So my case st...
Enhancement of Mammary Tumorigenesis by Dietary Fat: An Endocrine and/or Calorie Mechanism?

A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the enhancement of experimental animal mammary gland tumorigenesis by hyperalimentation of fat, e.g., modification of prostaglandin biosynthesis and immune system activity, generation of lipid peroxy radicals, changing membrane fluidity and an alteration in intercellular communication. In addition, it has been proposed that dietary fat may influence this tumorigenic process by increasing mammotropic hormone secretion or hormone responsiveness or may act via an increasement of caloric consumption. In this communication, the evidence is reviewed that the dietary fat — mammary tumorigenesis relationship is a function of alteration in: a) mammotropic hormone secretion; b) mammotropic hormone responsiveness and/or c) caloric consumption. In summary, the experimental studies do not appear to support a dietary fat-mammotropic hormone secretion relationship. Evidence is presented that dietary fat may affect mammotropic hormone responsiveness. Data derived from numerous studies support the hypothesis that dietary fat can modify mammary tumorigenesis by a process (or processes) independent of caloric consumption. That dietary fat may influence this tumorigenic process by a mechanism that is caloric responsive is, however, a distinct posibility.
Evaluation of Hepatitis B Vaccine

The development of rapid methods to identify the etiology of various infectious diseases is an important objective. However, in the development and evaluation of vaccines, caution and prudence rather than rapidity are essential. The acceleration of vaccine development by so-called “crash programs” can prove to be disastrous.
Assessment and management of chronic pain in individuals seeking treatment for opioid dependence disorder.

Objective:To review the problem of chronic pain in patients with substance use disorders, focusing on the prevalence of chronic pain in patients with substance dependence disorders, especially pres...
A Survey of Ultrasonic Image Detection Methods

Methods for detecting ultrasonic images are reviewed. The basic ideas behind each technique are discussed, and indications are given of the threshold ultrasonic radiation exposure required to produce useful images. The review includes discussions of four categories of detection methods. These are (1) photographic and chemical, (2) thermal, (3) optical and mechanical, and (4) electronic. Although various reviewers have used different methods for categorization, this one has the advantage of grouping the detection methods approximately according to the lower threshold ultrasonic radiation intensity required to produce images. For the four groups mentioned the threshold ultrasonic intensities required vary from about 1 W/cm2 for the photographic and chemical methods to values at least 11 orders of magnitude lower for the electronic techniques. The thermal techniques require ultrasonic intensities on the order of 0.1 W/cm2; the optical and mechanical methods require an average intensity of about 10−4 W/cm2. Examples of images produced by many of the detection techniques are given.
Epilogue: Finding Our Minds

It is difficult to change our minds about language—or anything else—when our minds feel or appear lost. This, losing one’s mind, is the effect of constant “shock events,” unsolicited, unexpected, and unregulated, and the attendant rolling barrage of bad news, falsehoods, and partisan invectives. In the epilogue, the authors suggest faster-acting antidotes than the more durable routines of critique, correction, and care endorsed in the book. In three personal reflections, they ask what other kinds of jolts—surprises or confrontations—can help bring the readers closer to “refusing the spoils of interactional hegemony,” which is how the book defines linguistic disobedience. The suggestion is to turn to the artifacts, writings, or objects that can baffle without inducing chaos or harness visual and material properties of language generatively.
Multistate Transition Models in Demography

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by D. Courgeau, volume 15, pp. 10210–10214, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
A large-scale anomaly in Enceladus’ microwave emission

Abstract The Cassini spacecraft flew by Enceladus on 6 November 2011, configured to acquire synthetic aperture RADAR imaging of most of the surface with the RADAR instrument. The pass also recorded microwave thermal emission from most of the surface. We report on global patterns of thermal emission at 2.17 cm based on this data set in the context of additional unresolved data both from the ground and from Cassini. The observed thermal emission is consistent with dielectric constants of pure water or methane ice, but cannot discriminate between the two. The emissivity is similar to those of other icy satellites ( ≈ 0.7), consistent with volume scattering. The most intriguing result, however, is an anomaly in the thermal emission of Enceladus’ leading hemisphere. Evidence presented here suggests the anomaly is buried at depths on the order of a few meters. This anomaly is located in similar geographic location to anomalies previously detected with the CIRS and ISS instruments on Mimas, Tethys, and Dione (Howett, C.J.A. et al. [2011]. Icarus 216, 221–226; Howett, C.J.A. et al. [2012]. Icarus 221, 1084–1088; Howett, C.J.A. et al. [2014]. Icarus 241, 239–247; Schenk, P. et al. [2011]. Icarus 211, 740–757), but also corresponds with a geological feature on Enceladus’ leading terrain (Crow-Willard, E., Pappalardo, R.T. [2011]. Global geological mapping of Enceladus. In: EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011. p. 635). Simple models show that the Crow-Willard and Pappalardo (Crow-Willard, E., Pappalardo, R.T. [2011]. Global geological mapping of Enceladus. In: EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011. p. 635) model is a better fit to the data. Our best-supported hypothesis is that the leading hemisphere smooth terrain is young enough ( ≈ 3–5 m), a picture consistent with ground and space radar measurements, which show no variation at 2 cm, but an increase in albedo in the anomaly region at 13 cm.
The development of the czech foreign trade and its streams during the transformation

The Czech Republic experienced during the time of its transformation many changes; the change from a central-planned economy to an open free market trade economy was most dynamically reflected in the foreign trade of the country. This article analyses the changes in the territorial structure and the goods composition of the foreign trade of the Czech Republic at the beginning and in the end of the transformation. Although the Czech Republic is nowadays preparing for its EU-entry in the sphere of the foreign trade it entered the structures of the EU and the member states became in such a short period of time like the last decade of the twentieth century main partners of the Czech Republic in the sphere of the foreign trade.
Introduction: “Shakespeare himself”

The desire for unmediated access to Shakespeare has characterized our relationship to the poet since the seventeenth century. But inevitably this desire for immediacy is paradoxically expressed in always-already mediated forms. The history of this pursuit of immediacy constitutes the long story of the many mediatory labors offered in the name of Shakespeare. The history of our fascination with Shakespeare’s works is at the same time the history of our remediations of them across genres and media and history. The aim of this book is to examine a particular set of these practices in which we have engaged in the endless attempt to mediate our relationship to Shakespeare. At the heart of these attempts we can detect the critical struggle: we look for the original—or, more abstractly, for originality—but the mediational practices undertaken in Shakespeare’s name actually serve to disrupt the possibility of the original altogether. Instead they make present those fears that attend the drive toward the original and raise in its absence an array of specters: the monument, the counterfeit, the adaptation, and the remediation. The story of these specters produced in Shakespeare’s name in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries will be the central focus of this study.
The Human Face Becomes Mapped as a Sensorimotor Reaching Space During the First Year.

Although recent behavioral and neural research indicates that infants represent the body's structure, how they engage self-representations for action is little understood. This study addressed how the human face becomes a reaching space. Infants (N = 24; 2-11 months) were tested longitudinally approximately every 3 weeks on their ability to reach to a vibrating target placed at different locations on the face. Successful reaches required coordinating skin- and body-based codes for location, a problem known as tactile remapping. Findings suggest that a functional representation of the face is initially fragmented. Infants localized targets in the perioral region before other areas (ears/temples). Additionally, infants predominantly reached ipsilaterally to targets. Collectively, the findings illuminate how the face becomes an integrated sensorimotor space for self-reaching.
Superfluid density from magnetic penetration depth measurements in Nb-Cu 3D nano-composite films.

Superconductivity in 3D Nb-Cu nanocomposite granular films have been studied with varying thickness for two different compositions, Nb rich with 88 at% of Nb and Cu rich with 46 at% of Nb. For both compositions, the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) decreases with decreasing film thickness. For any thickness, doubling the Cu content in the films decreases the Tc by about 2 K. To explore if phase fluctuations play any role in superconductivity in these 3D films, the superfluid stiffness (JS) of the films was measured using low frequency two-coil mutual inductance (M) technique. Interestingly, the measurement of M in magnetic fields showed two peaks in the imaginary component of M for both Nb rich and Cu rich films. The two peaks were associated with the pair-breaking effect of the magnetic field on the intra and inter-granular coupling in these films consisting of random network of superconductor (S) and normal metal (N) nano-particles. Furthermore, JS was seen to decrease with decreasing film thickness and increasing Cu content. However, for all films studied JS remained higher than the superconducting energy gap (∆) indicating that phase fluctuations do not play any role in superconductivity in the film thickness and composition range investigated. Our results indicate that an interplay of quantum size effects (QSE) and superconducting proximity effect (SPE) controls the Tc with composition in these 3D nano-composite films.
Experimentally Derived Dielectronic Recombination Rate Coefficients for Heliumlike C V and Hydrogenic O VIII

Using published measurements of dielectronic recombination (DR) resonance strengths and energies for C V to C IV and O VIII to O VII, we have calculated the DR rate coefficient for these ions. Our derived rates are in good agreement with multiconfiguration, intermediate-coupling and multiconfiguration, fully-relativistic calculations as well as with most LS coupling calculations. Our results are not in agreement with the recommended DR rates commonly used for modeling cosmic plasmas. We have used theoretical radiative recombination (RR) rates in conjunction with our derived DR rates to produce a total recombination rate for comparison with unified RR+DR calculations in LS coupling. Our results are not in agreement with undamped, unified calculations for C V but are in reasonable agreement with damped, unified calculations for O VIII. For C V, the Burgess general formula (GF) yields a rate which is in very poor agreement with our derived rate. The Burgess & Tworkowski modification of the GF yields a rate which is also in poor agreement. The Merts et al. modification of the GF yields a rate which is in fair agreement. For O VIII the GF yields a rate which is in fair agreement with our derived rate. The Burgess & Tworkowski modification of the GF yields a rate which is in good agreement. And the Merts et al. modification yields a rate which is in very poor agreement. These results suggest that for DN=1 DR it is not possible to know a priori which formula will yield a rate closer to the true DR rate. We describe the technique used to obtain DR rate coefficients from laboratory measurements of DR resonance strengths and energies. For use in plasma modeling, we also present easy-to-use fitting formulae for the experimentally derived DR rates.
Metal-Ligand Cooperativity via Exchange Coupling Promotes Iron- Catalyzed Electrochemical CO2 Reduction at Low Overpotentials.

Biological and heterogeneous catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) often exhibit a high degree of electronic delocalization that serves to minimize overpotential and maximize selectivity over the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, we report a molecular iron(II) system that captures this design concept in a homogeneous setting through the use of a redox non-innocent terpyridine-based pentapyridine ligand (tpyPY2Me). As a result of strong metal-ligand exchange coupling between the Fe(II) center and ligand, [Fe(tpyPY2Me)]2+ exhibits redox behavior at potentials 640 mV more positive than the isostructural [Zn(tpyPY2Me)]2+ analog containing the redox-inactive Zn(II) ion. This shift in redox potential is attributed to the requirement for both an open-shell metal ion and a redox non-innocent ligand. The metal-ligand cooperativity in [Fe(tpyPY2Me)]2+ drives the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO at low overpotentials with high selectivity for CO2RR (>90%) and turnover frequencies of 100 000 s-1 with no degradation over 20 h. The decrease in the thermodynamic barrier engendered by this coupling also enables homogeneous CO2 reduction catalysis in water without compromising selectivity or rates. Synthesis of the two-electron reduction product, [Fe(tpyPY2Me)]0, and characterization by X-ray crystallography, Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), variable temperature NMR, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, support assignment of an open-shell singlet electronic structure that maintains a formal Fe(II) oxidation state with a doubly reduced ligand system. This work provides a starting point for the design of systems that exploit metal-ligand cooperativity for electrocatalysis where the electrochemical potential of redox non-innocent ligands can be tuned through secondary metal-dependent interactions.
Hemicellulose and Starch Citrate Chitosan Foam Adsorbents for Removal of Arsenic and Other Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water

Arsenic and other heavy metal contaminants in water are a significant global health threat. In this study, low-cost, sulfur-free, sustainable, water-insoluble materials with heavy metal remediation properties were produced from renewable resources such as starch, xylan, citric acid, and chitosan. Synthesized starch citrate-chitosan (SCC) foam and xylan citrate-chitosan (XCC) foam were flexible, porous, and elastic. The foams’ arsenic uptake in water was significantly greater than five different commercial metal remediating agents. The mercury and lead uptakes with the synthesized foams were similar to the performance of a commercial sulfur-based product, SorbaTech 450 (ST450). However, the cadmium and selenium uptakes were comparatively lower. The complexation of arsenic with oxygen and nitrogen of the SCC foam was shown with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The XCC foam was also shown to adsorb potassium iodide (KI) at a similar rate to sodium chloride. This may be used to remediate water contaminated with radioactive materials, such as iodine 131.
A Model for Partial Product Complementarity and Strategic Production Decisions under Demand Uncertainty

This paper considers a general industrial setting where multiple manufacturers each produce a different product and sell it to the markets. These products are partially complementary in the sense that there is a common demand stream that requests all these products as complementary sets and there are streams of individual demands each requesting only one of the products. All demands are uncertain and may follow any general, joint distributions. Facing demand uncertainties, the manufacturers each choose a production quantity for its product with an objective to maximize its own expected profit. We formulate the problem as a non-cooperative game to study the strategic interactions of such firms and their implications to supply chain performance. We show that such a game may have numerous equilibria. Among all the possible equilibria, however, we prove that there always exists a unique one that maximizes each and every manufacturer's profit, and we derive an explicit solution for this Pareto-optimal equilibrium point. We further study the optimal solution for a centralized system and compare it with the decentralized solution. Managerial insights are drawn as to how system parameters and control mechanisms affect firms' decisions and performance.
A multicenter randomized comparison of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy in abdominal hysterectomy candidates

Abstract Objective: To compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy among patients who are not eligible for vaginal hysterectomy. Methods: Study subjects were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy or standard abdominal hysterectomy. Intraoperative and postoperative management was similar for each group. Surgical characteristics, complications, length of hospital stay, charges, and convalescence were analyzed. Results: Sixty-five women at three institutions underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (n = 34) or abdominal hysterectomy (n = 31). Three patients in the laparoscopic group required conversion to abdominal hysterectomy. Mean operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (179.8 versus 146.0 minutes). There were no differences in blood loss or incidence of intraoperative complications. There was a higher incidence of wound complications in the abdominal hysterectomy group, but no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complications. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy required a significantly shorter mean hospital stay (2.1 days) and convalescence (28.0 days) than abdominal hysterectomy (4.1 days and 38.0 days, respectively). There were no significant differences in mean hospital charges between the study groups (laparoscopic $8161, abdominal $6974). Conclusion: Except for operating time, there are no differences between laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy regarding intraoperative characteristics among abdominal hysterectomy candidates. Postoperatively, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy requires a shorter hospital stay and convalescence. Hospital charges are similar between the procedures. A larger number of cases will help determine the indications for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
Uncertain inferences and uncertain conclusions

Uncertainty may be taken to characterize inferences, their conclusions, their premises or all three. Under some treatments of uncertainty, the inference itself is never characterized by uncertainty. We explore both the significance of uncertainty in the premises and in the conclusion of an argument that involves uncertainty. We argue that for uncertainty to characterize the conclusion of an inference is natural, but that there is an interplay between uncertainty in the premises and uncertainty in the procedure of argument itself. We show that it is possible in principle to incorporate all uncertainty in the premises, rendering uncertainty arguments deductively valid. But we then argue (1) that this does not reflect human argument, (2) that it is computationally costly, and (3) that the gain in simplicity obtained by allowing uncertainty in inference can sometimes outweigh the loss of flexibility it entails.
Stable-flow free boundary migration and fractionation of cell mixtures. I. Apparatus and hydrodynamic feedback principles.

Abstract A number of preparative and analytical problems of complex biological mixtures can be advantageously attacked by the stable-flow free boundary (STAFLO) method. The ability to conduct rapid and mild, continuous, high resolution migration and fractionation of components in free solution is particularly useful for heterogeneous suspensions of living cells. Previous free solution attempts at such migration have been plagued with difficulties in maintaining stabilized flows in the absence of anticonvective supporting medium. The STAFLO solution to this basic problem is demonstrated experimentally. It depends, first, upon self-balancing hydrodynamic feedback which in turn has both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic contributions. Mathematical analysis of the hydrostatic (multiple siphon) factors using a linear density gradient leads to equations relating instantaneous liquid levels in collection containers and to steady state conditions for individual flow rates. This treatment is adequate for many useful experiments and must hold under certain specified limiting conditions (slow flow, small density gradients, etc.). For some experiments, hydrodynamic (velocity-viscosity) factors are important; the way in which they modify the hydrostatics is examined qualitatively. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the steady state and for a “normal” geometrical flow-pattern configuration are given from a combined hydrostatic-hydrodynamic and material balance standpoint. Details of the apparatus, sufficient to ensure this well-behaved steady state flow behavior, are also included.
Digitizing ultra-wideband OFDM signals with frequency channelization

While OFDM emerges as a potential solution for high data rate ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, the primary implementation challenge is the design of the high-speed ADC. In this paper, an efficient and fast adaptive frequency channelized receiver structure for OFDM is proposed. The cyclic prefix (CP) in OFDM signals enable the channelizer and the propagation channel to be decomposed into DFT related matrices and two cascaded equalizers corresponding to the channelizer and the propagation channel. A novel decomposition of DFT matrix is proposed to reduce the complexity of the cascaded receiver structure. The cascaded equalization structure enables the receiver to quickly track variations in the propagation channel. Simulations show that the proposed receiver achieves comparable uncoded bit error rate (BER) as an ideal fullband OFDM receiver
Jurisprudence of a Fledgling Federation: A Critical Analysis of Pakistan's Judicial View on Federalism

Although the impediments in development of federation in Pakistan can be explored from different facets, this paper aims to critically analyze the constitutional history and judicial interpretation of federalism in Pakistan against the scholarly and conceptual debates over the idea. The paper argues that Pakistan’s judiciary, despite recognizing federalism as cornerstone of the Constitution, has not upheld the principle as strongly as other salient features of the Constitution. The superior judiciary has strengthened the official discourse of a unitary national identity leaving little room for ethnic pluralism and participatory nationalism. The paper shall also review measures introduced by the recent 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan to promote provincial autonomy and will also make further suggestions to improve the federal scheme of Pakistan.
Light Transduction in Invertebrate Hyperpolarizing Photoreceptors: Possible Involvement of a Go-Regulated Guanylate Cyclase

The hyperpolarizing receptor potential of scallop ciliary photoreceptors is attributable to light-induced opening of K+-selective channels. Having previously demonstrated the activation of this K+ current by cGMP, we examined upstream events in the transduction cascade. GTP-γ-S produced persistent excitation after a flash, accompanied by decreased sensitivity and acceleration of the photocurrent, whereas GDP-β-S only inhibited responsiveness, consistent with the involvement of a G-protein. Because Go (but not Gt nor Gq) recently has been detected in the ciliary retinal layer of a related species, we tested the effects of activators of Go; mastoparan peptides induced an outward current suppressible by blockers of the light-sensitive conductance such asl- cis -diltiazem. In addition, intracellular dialysis with the A-protomer of pertussis toxin (PTX) depressed the photocurrent. The mechanisms that couple G-protein stimulation to changes in cGMP were investigated. Intracellular IBMX enhanced the photoresponse with little effect on the baseline current, a result that argues against regulation by light of phosphodiesterase activity. LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase (GC), exerted a reversible, dose-dependent suppression of the photocurrent. By contrast, ODQ, an antagonist of NO-sensitive GC, and YC-1, an activator of NO-sensitive GC, failed to alter the light response or the holding current; furthermore, the NO synthase inhibitor N -methyl-l-arginine was inert, indicating that the NO signaling pathway is not implicated. Taken together, these results suggest a novel type of phototransduction cascade in which stimulation of a PTX-sensitive Go may activate a membrane GC to induce an increase in cGMP and the consequent opening of light-dependent channels.
Optoelectronic Investigation of Sb-Doped Cu(In,Ga)Se 2

In this study, we incorporated Sb into the precursor that was subsequently converted to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) by a selenization process. We observed enhanced grain size and improved device performance compared with similarly processed CIGS films made without Sb. The optoelectronic properties of the Sb-doped CIGS films were examined with photoluminescence (PL) and admittance spectroscopy. These techniques allowed us to explore the changes in native defect compensation and evaluate the origin of a lower energy PL peak that is not typically seen in CIGS.
AMBIGUITY AND SECOND-ORDER BELIEF

Anscombe and Aumann (1963) wrote a classic characterization of subjective expected utility theory. This paper employs the same domain for preference and a closely related (but weaker) set of axioms to characterize preferences that use second-order beliefs (beliefs over probability measures). Such preferences are of interest because they accommodate Ellsberg-type behavior.
Approaching the Next Revolution? Evolutionary Integration of Neural and Immune Pathogen Sensing and Response

Mammalian immunity evolved by the process of natural selection that produced differential survival and reproduction advantages through combinations of hereditary traits underlying the response to pathogens. Primitive animals sense the presence of microbial pathogens through recognition of pathogen-derived molecules in their rudimentary immune and nervous systems. No molecular biological mechanism assigns primacy of pathogen sensing mechanisms to immune cells over neurons. Rather, in animals as diverse as Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals, neural reflexes are activated by the presence of pathogens and transduce neural mechanisms that control the development of immunity. A coming revolution in immunological thinking will require immunologists to incorporate neural circuits into understanding pathogen signal transduction, and the molecular mechanisms of learning, that culminate in immunity.
Linear optical response in silicon and germanium including self-energy effects.

We calculate the optical response of silicon, ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}$(\ensuremath{\omega}), below the optical-absorption threshold and the static dielectric constant of germanium. The time-dependent local-density approximation (LDA) is modified by the addition of a self-energy term taken to be a ``scissors operator,'' ${P}_{c\mathrm{k}}$${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{k}}$. This form leads to a Ward identity replacement p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{n\mathrm{k}}$-${H}_{\mathrm{k}}^{\mathrm{LDA}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}}$ (${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{n\mathrm{k}}$-${H}_{\mathrm{k}}$)p. For silicon, we obtain 11.3 for ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1}$(\ensuremath{\omega}=0), compared to 11.7 for experiment, 13.1 in our LDA calculation, and 8.4 in a naive self-energy corrected theory (i.e., simply modifying the eigenvalues without modifying the momentum operator). For germanium, the corresonding values as 16.5, 15.8, 21.3 and 10.4
Leader emergence in an Internet environment

With the progression of technology, particularly the Internet, it is becoming increasingly important for organizations, both business and academic, to effectively use the Internet for research and data collection. In this study, leaderless discussions conducted completely in an Internet environment were used to study how individuals emerged as leaders. The study assessed leaderless discussion variables as well as Internet process variables such as emoticons, web-based initializations, and technical speak as predictors of leader emergence. Traditional leaderless discussion variables were not predictive while many of the Internet process variables were found to have strong positive relationships with leader emergence.
Power, Status, and Affect Control

Abstract Power, status, and the evaluation, potency, and activity dimensions of affect control theory may be interrelated to a degree allowing for bridges between these theories. This paper makes two preliminary hypotheses: (1) Occupational power will significantly predict occupational status and (2) The potency of an occupation will significantly predict the power of the occupation. Two reliable scales developed from theories of power and status tap respondents' assessment of the power and status of various occupations. Two samples of undergraduates at a large Midwestern university rate the power and status of different but overlapping lists of occupations. Results are consistent across samples and support both hypotheses. Regression analyses produce coefficients establishing affect control theory's EPA (evaluation, potency, and activity) profiles for the fundamental concepts of power from network exchange theory and status from status characteristics theory. These profiles may be useful for theoretical ...
Bit-vector optimization algorithms for control of learning in neurons with second-messenger dynamics

The authors describe comparatively simple; evolutionary algorithms that can utilize point mutation or crossover operators or both. The algorithms are first tested on two predefined functions of excitase configurations, and their basic strengths and weaknesses are revealed. They are then tested in vivo, coupled with the reaction-diffusion dynamics of the cell to execute a particular task (here, the motion of a robot on a plane). This provides insight into the interaction between the fast dynamics of cellular processing, and the choice of slow dynamics, or motion through the parameter spaces of learning. >
Weighing the Pros and Cons in Family-Based Pediatric Obesity Intervention: Parent and Child Decisional Balance as a Predictor of Child Outcomes

This investigation examined the relations among parent/child decisional balance (perception of advantages/disadvantages), child weight status, and child outcomes. Thirty-seven parent–child dyads in a family-based weight management program participated in the study. Analyses indicated that children evidenced a more positive decisional balance profile than their parents at pre-intervention. Child pre-intervention weight status was associated with child decisional balance, but not parent decisional balance. Finally, child total decisional balance was the single best predictor of child outcomes. The results of this study emphasize the important role a child's readiness to change can play in the treatment of pediatric obesity.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for T1 Glottic Cancer: Initial Clinical Outcomes

and 69 pts with stage N0 and N+, respectively. ALB and CRP were indicated in serum before treatment (0) and immediately after the treatment completion (1). Additionally, in case of every patient GPS value has been calculated on basis of CRP 0 and ALB 0 and NRI on the basis of ALB 0 and the weight of the patient before and after the treatment. Early outcome of the treatment was defined at 6 month of follow-up as complete remission of the tumor (CR) or treatment failure (no complete remission, NCR). Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis of correlation between protein concentration and indicators (GPS, NRI) in CR and NCR patients. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare protein concentrations in two groups of patientseCR and NCR. Results: The rates of CR and NCR were respectively in 71% and 29%. There were clear differences between concentrations of both proteins before and after the treatment: ALB 0 vs ALB 1 (p Z 0.0001) and CRP 0 vs CRP 1 (p Z 0.0001). For all patients there was a significant increase of CRP and decrease of ALB concentration after RT. ALB 0 was lower in NCR than in CR group (p Z 0.01). Also NRI rate was lower in NCR patients than in CR (p Z 0.004). Despite no significant difference found in CRP 0 comparing CR and NCR groups the GPS was higher in NCR group than in CR (p Z 0.01). Conclusions: Pretreatment concentration of ALB and CRP seems to have an influence on early RT outcome in HNC patients. Low concentration of ALB (and consecutively low NRI and high GPS rates) is possible negative prognostic factors indicating higher risk of RT failure. ALB determination before the RT suggests contribution of this protein in cancer progression, alteration of inflammatory proteins during radiation therapy is probably related to acute mucosal reaction intensity. Author Disclosure: J.J. Mrochem-Kwarciak: None. T. Rutkowski: None. A. Wygoda: None. A. Chmura: None. A. Hajduk: None. Z. Kolosza: None. B. Maslyk: None. P. Widlak: None. K. Skladowski: None.
Shared Antigens between Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) and Other Bacterial Species

Antigens from Mycobacterium bovis and Listeria monocytogenes bind to serums from normal rabbits as well as from those immunized with unrelated bacteria, especially intracellular parasites. Binding is to the Fab portion of immunoglobulin G and is immunologically specific.
Characterization of antigens on mosquito midgut stages of Plasmodium gallinaceum. III. Changes in zygote surface proteins during transformation to mature ookinete

Proteins expressed on the surface of zygotes of Plasmodium gallinaceum during their development from fertilization to mature ookinetes have been examined by lactoperoxidase catalysed surface radioiodination and immunoprecipitation with stage-specific immune rabbit sera and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Surface-labelled proteins of apparent Mr equal to or greater than 55 000 on the female gametes and newly fertilized zygotes were shed during transformation and were recovered quantitatively and apparently intact from the culture supernatant. Zygote surface proteins of Mr 50 000, 19 000 and 17 000 remained bound to the surface throughout the transformation. Three proteins were expressed de novo on the surface of the mature ookinete of which Mr 26 000 and 28 000 represented major surface components and Mr 52 000 a relatively minor component.
Brief group psychoeducation for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A neurologist‐initiated program in an epilepsy center

Summary Objective To evaluate therapeutic efficacy upon augmenting the initial communication to patients regarding the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with a novel, brief group psychoeducation administered by the same team that provided the video–electroencephalography (VEEG) confirmed diagnosis and within 4 weeks of the diagnosis. Methods Prior to discharge from the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), a standardized communication strategy was utilized to explain the diagnosis of PNES to all patients prior to enrollment. Enrolled patients were then randomized to either participation in three successive and monthly group psychoeducational sessions (intervention group), or routine seizure clinic follow-up visits (control group). Both groups completed questionnaires at time of enrollment, and then at approximately 3 months (follow-up 1) and 6 months (follow-up 2) after discharge, assessing for: (1) primary outcomes that include a measure of psychosocial functioning, as well as interval difference in seizure frequency/intensity; and (2) secondary outcomes that include interval seizure-related emergency room visits or hospitalizations, development of new and medically unexplained symptoms, and results of an internal measure of knowledge and perception outcomes. Results The majority (73%) of patients from the intervention group commenced on therapy sessions within 4 weeks after learning of the diagnosis. Although we did not observe significant group difference in seizure frequency/intensity, patients from the intervention group showed significant improvement on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) scores at both follow-up 1 (p = 0.013) and follow-up 2 (p = 0.038) after discharge from the EMU. In addition, we observed a trend toward lesser likelihood for seizure-related emergency room visits or hospitalizations for the intervention group (p = 0.184), as well as meaningful insights from an internal measure of intervention outcomes. Significance These findings suggest that our cost/resource effective, brief group psychoeducational program, when administered early and by the same team who confirmed and communicated the diagnosis of PNES, may contribute to significant functional improvement among participating patients.