cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RobNorm: Model-Based Robust Normalization for High-Throughput Proteomics from Mass Spectrometry Platform

Abstract Motivation In the analysis of proteomics data from mass spectrometry (MS), normalization is an important preprocessing step to correct sample-level variation and make abundance measurements for each specific protein comparable across different samples. Under heterogeneous samples such as in the Phase I study of the Enhancing Genotype-Tissue Expression (eGTEx) project (Jiang, et al., 2019), the samples coming from 32 different tissues, and without prior housekeeping protein information or spike-ins, how to robustly correct the bias but keep tissue internal variations becomes a challenging question. Majority of previous normalization methods cannot guarantee a robust and tissue adaptive correction. This motivates us to develop a data-driven robust normalization method in MS platform to adapt tissue sample heterogeneities. Methods To robustly estimate the sample effect, we take use of the density power weight to down weigh the outliers and extend the one-dimensional robust fitting in (Windham, 1995) and (Fujisawa and Eguchi, 2008) to our structured data. We construct our robust criterion and build the algorithm to get our robust normalization (RobNorm). Results We focus our comparison to the PQN a widely used normalization method in MS. In the simulation studies and real data application, we conclude that our robust normalization method to estimate the sample effect performs better than PQN especially when the regulation magnitude and proportion are large and strong. We also discuss some limitations in our method. Contact huatang@stanford.edu
Potential sources of invalidity when using teacher value-added and principal observational estimates: artificial inflation, deflation, and conflation

Contemporary teacher evaluation policies are built upon multiple-measure systems including, primarily, teacher-level value-added and observational estimates. However, researchers have not yet investigated how using these indicators to evaluate teachers might distort validity, especially when one indicator seemingly trumps, or is trusted over the other. Accordingly, in this conceptual piece, we introduce and begin to establish evidences of three conceptual terms related to the validity of the inferences derived via these two measures in the context of teacher evaluation: (1) artificial inflation, (2) artificial deflation, and (3) artificial conflation. We define these terms by illustrating how those with the power to evaluate teachers (e.g., principals) within such contemporary evaluation systems might (1) artificially inflate or (2) artificially deflate observational estimates when used alongside their value-added counterparts, or (3) artificially conflate both estimates to purposefully (albeit perhaps naively) exaggerate perceptions of validity.
Connecting Group Dynamics, Governance, and Performance: Evidence From Charter School Boards:

In this article, we build on the existing literatures on small group dynamics and public and nonprofit governance by exploring the link between small group dynamics, governance, and nonprofit perfo...
Financially able and willing to invest in food safety practices? The example of produce growers in New England states (USA)

Abstract The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) exempts most small- and medium-scale growers in the U.S. from the new produce safety rule that creates a set of minimum safety standards for producing and processing fresh fruits and vegetables. While the exemption may limit the financial burden of growers in the short term, growers not willing or unable to meet food safety standards could lose out on market opportunities. In this article, we draw on a primary dataset of 301 survey responses from small- and medium-scale produce growers in New England (NE) and develop a conceptual framework for analyzing both objective and subjective factors associated with the on-farm adoption of food safety practices. We begin our analysis by exploring the extent to which growers report being financially able and willing to invest in food safety practices, and continue with an assessment of factors associated with the financial ability and willingness to adopt these practices. Regarding ability, we find that 24% of growers were able to adopt practices regardless of cost, while 64% were able to invest if not cost prohibitive. The odds of being able to invest increased 4% for every one-unit increase in the food safety knowledge test score and increased 20% for every one-unit increase in the number of practices implemented. In addition, the odds were 84% lower for those who reported financial barriers to adoption compared to those who did not. With respect to willingness, 46% of growers were willing to adopt practices regardless of cost, while 49% were willing if not cost prohibitive. The odds of being willing to invest increased 4% for every one-unit increase in food safety knowledge test score, were 4.9 times more likely for those who perceived no barriers to the implementation of practices, and were 2.7 times more likely for those who perceive that growers have a role to play in food safety. We conclude with a discussion of the practical implications for technical assistance providers, policy makers, and government agencies, as well as avenues for future research. These are centered around three points: (1) the high potential for adoption of food safety practices where cost remains a limiting factor, (2) a potential disconnect between the commonly used knowledge deficit approach to food safety training and what growers want and need to know, and (3) the importance of adopting a systemic approach to understand the realities of growers and the diversity of factors that shape the adoption of food safety practices.
High-Biomass Sorghums as a Feedstock for Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

High-biomass sorghums are intended for use in biorefineries that convert vegetative biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. The majority of plant biomass consists of cell walls, a complex matrix of cellulose, hemicellulosic polysaccharides, and lignin. In the biorefinery, the biomass is ground and then subjected to a thermo-chemical pretreatment (elevated temperature, high pressure, chemical catalysts) that disrupts the cell wall matrix and solubilizes some of the cell wall polymers, followed by enzymatic saccharification of the cellulose, which produces d-glucose. The glucose and sometimes also the xylose derived from the hydrolysis of the hemicellulosic polysaccharides are subsequently converted to fuels or other useful chemicals by microbial biocatalysts. The genetic improvement of high-biomass sorghums has as its ultimate goals to maximize the yield of fermentable sugars on a per-hectare basis; to minimize the inputs of fertilizer, irrigation, fungicides, and pesticides; and to reduce the environmental footprint. Breeding strategies thus need to target biomass yield, biomass composition, maturity, pest and disease resistance, and nutrient use efficiency. This chapter reviews the genetic basis of these traits and their potential application in breeding programs.
Do out-of-pocket costs influence retention and adherence to medications for opioid use disorder?

Abstract Background Availability of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has increased during the past two decades but treatment retention and adherence remain low. This study aimed to measure the impact of out-of-pocket buprenorphine cost on treatment retention and adherence among US commercially insured patients. Methods Medical payment records from IBM MarketScan were analyzed for 6,439 adults age 18–64 years with commercial insurance who initiated buprenorphine treatment during January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Regression models analyzed the relationship between patients’ average daily out-of-pocket buprenorphine cost and buprenorphine retention (at least 80 % days covered by buprenorphine) at three different thresholds (180, 360, and 540 days) and adherence (the number of days of buprenorphine coverage) within each retention threshold. Models controlled for patient demographic and clinical characteristics including age, sex, presence of other substance use disorders, psychiatric and pain diagnoses, and receipt of prescription medications. Results A one dollar increase in daily out-of-pocket buprenorphine cost was associated with a 12–14 % decrease in the odds of retention and a 5–8 % increase in the number of days without buprenorphine coverage during each analyzed retention threshold. Conclusion Recent policies have attempted to address supply-side barriers to MOUD treatment. This study highlights patient cost-sharing as a demand-side barrier to MOUD. While the average out-of-pocket buprenorphine cost is lower than two decades ago, this study suggests even at current levels such costs decrease retention and adherence among commercially insured patients. Efforts to address demand-side barriers could help maximize the health and social benefits of buprenorphine-based MOUD.
Genomic evidence suggests that cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas can arise from squamous dysplastic precursors

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma without a known dysplastic precursor. In some cases, MCC is associated with SCCIS in the overlying epidermis; however, the MCC and SCCIS populations display strikingly different morphologies, and thus far a relationship between these components has not been demonstrated. To better understand the relationship between these distinct tumor cell populations, we evaluated 7 pairs of MCC-SCCIS for overlapping genomic alterations by cancer profiling panel. A subset was further characterized by transcriptional profiling and immunohistochemistry. In 6 of 7 MCC-SCCIS pairs there was highly significant mutational overlap including shared TP53 and/or RB1 mutations. In some cases, oncogenic events previously implicated in MCC (MYCL gain, MDM4 gain, HRAS mutation) were detected in both components. Although FBXW7 mutations were enriched in MCC, no gene mutation was unique to the MCC component across all cases. Transcriptome analysis identified 2736 differentially expressed genes between MCC and SCCIS. Genes upregulated in the MCC component included Polycomb repressive complex targets; downregulated transcripts included epidermal markers, and immune genes such as HLA-A. Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased expression of SOX2 in the MCC component, with diminished H3K27Me3, Rb, and HLA-A expression. In summary, MCC-SCCIS pairs demonstrate clonal relatedness. The shift to neuroendocrine phenotype is associated with loss of Rb protein expression, decrease in global H3K27Me3, and increased expression of Merkel cell genes such as SOX2. Our findings suggest an epidermal origin of MCC in this setting, and to our knowledge provide the first molecular evidence that intraepithelial squamous dysplasia may represent a direct precursor for small cell carcinoma.
The utility of percent 48-hour whole body retention for modifying empiric amounts of I-131 for the treatment of thyroid carcinoma

1284 Objectives: Although whole body dosimetry can be used to determine the maximum tolerated activity (MTA) of I-131 to treat metastatic well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC),it is time consuming. Therefore, Sisson et al proposed a simplified approach that uses the percent 48-hour whole body retention (% 48-hr WBR) of I-131 to modify empiric amounts of I-131 based on four thresholds at which the activity could be increased or decreased. The purpose of the study was (1) to evaluate the use of Sisson’s thresholds for safely adjusting the amount of I-131 based on dosimetric measurements and (2) to better characterize how much the amount of I-131 may be increased or decreased based upon the % 48-hr WBR. Methods: A review was conducted of all WDTC dosimetries performed at our institution between Feb 2000 and Aug 2005 in adult patients (> 18 years). A regression analysis was performed between the % 48-hr WBR and the MTA based on a dose of 200 rads (cGy) to the blood. Using Sisson’s reported thresholds and an assumed empiric amount of 200 mCi (7.4 GBq) of I-131, the percentage of patients who could have received higher or lower amounts of I-131 and the range of that increase or decrease were determined. Results: 179 dosimetries were performed on 146 patients (95F, 51M). For those patients with a % 48-hr WBR of 200 mCi (7.4 GBq) of I-131. The incremental increase ranged from 183 mCi (6.8 GBq) to 870 mCi (32.2 GBq). Furthermore, for those patients with a % 48-hr WBR 24.8%, 71% (20/28) would have exceeded 200 rads (cGy) to the blood. To avoid exceeding 200 rads (cGy) to the blood, the range of reduction of the amount of I-131 was 5 mCi (185 MBq) to 95 mCi (3.5 GBq). For those patients with a % 48-hr WBR of >40%, 91% (10/11) of patients would have exceeded 200 rads (cGy), and the range of reduction of the amount of I-131 was 12 mCi (444 MBq) to 95 mCi (3.5 GBq). Also, the % 48-hr WBR can be used to verify that the absolute retention does not exceed 120 mCi (4.4 GBq) or if the patient has lung metastases, 80 mCi (3.0 GBq). Conclusions: (1) The % 48-hr WBR of I-131 helps identify patients in whom the empiric amount of I-131 may be increased or should be decreased so as not to exceed the MTA. (2) In our patient population, Sisson’s thresholds are valid. (3) Recommendations regarding the amount of I-131 that can be administered based upon the % 48-hr WBR of I-131 will be presented.
Design and Analysis of Solar Water Pumping with Storage for Irrigation in Iran

In this project, two kinds of solar-powered water pump systems for micro-irrigation of a 14.7 -hectare grape garden located in Iran were designed and studied. The difference between the systems is the storage type. One system uses a battery bank, and the other is with a water tank storage. The first system is designed using Lorentz compass3 software and includes a 6-inch 18.5 KW submersible pump. HOMER Pro software was used to model the second system and resulted in a 6-inch 11 KW submersible pump, and 44.4kw PV modules rated capacity and 144 KWh Battery Bank size. This research indicates using a storage system allows constant water flow for irrigation in solar water pumping and comparing the results, the research shows that using a battery bank is more economical than a water tank storage system.
Clavicular osteomyelitis: A case report and review of the literature

Acute clavicular osteomyelitis is a rare disease, occurring in about 0–7% of all pediatric cases of osteomyelitis. The literature on the topic is sparse. Here we discuss a case of clavicular osteomyelitis and review previous case reports of acute clavicular osteomyelitis in children. In addition, we will review general management principles of osteomyelitis in children as they pertain to clavicular osteomyelitis.
Probability Theory and Martingales

In the bulk of this book, we have avoided the rigorous formulation of stochastic processes used by probabilists. We have sacrificed the level of rigor in order to make the material accessible to applied mathematicians and biological physicists who tend not have a background in advanced probability theory. However, it is useful to have some exposure to the concepts and notation used by probabilists. Therefore, in this appendix, we give a very brief introduction to probability theory with an emphasis on martingales.
Influence of Dodecylamine Hydrochloride Adsorption on the Dissolution Kinetics of Hydroxyapatite

The adsorption of dodecylamine (DAC) onto hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal surfaces and its influence on the dissolution rate behavior of HAP crystal suspensions have been studied. The sigmoidal nature of adsorption isotherms indicates that there was considerable cooperativity among the DAC molecules in the adsorbed state leading to patchwise adsorption of “islands” which could completely stop the dissolution from the HAP surface beneath them. This mechanism is consistent with the observation that there was an almost quantitative, simple inverse type relationship between the adsorption and the dissolution rate of HAP in an acidic media. At the highest DAC concentration and maximum DAC adsorption, there is a residual dissolution rate component which is about 15% of the zero DAC rate. It is suggested that this residual rate may be due to either incomplete adsorption because maximum adsorption occurs near the critical micelle concentration or due to the presence of another dissolution site(s) on the HAP crystal that is insensitive to rate inhibition by DAC.
A History of Water Development in the United States

Water problems should be approached holistically on a problem-shed basis, with the needs of natural systems fully integrated into the management decisions. This chapter puts forward the principles for the resolution of complex water management issues. The framework for policy must be flexible and responsive to change and yet provide predictability and certainty to support management decisions and investment. States play a key role in water management, and obstacles to intergovernmental partnerships must be overcome. Federal, state, and local participation should be encouraged in the development of each other's programs. Water policy development should emphasize market-based approaches and a preference for negotiation, consultation, and cooperation between all entities with interests in policies. The goal of freshwater sustainability should be a guiding principle for future water resource management.
Academic Journals on the Internet

While much research examines the internet’s impact on ‘electronic business’ information technology may have an equally profound impact on what might be called ‘electronic science’. Although the internet has the potential of revolutionizing research, it is not clear in which ways the structure of journals and the associated research processes will be affected. The purpose of this article is to provide a better foundation for the engineering of scientific knowledge infrastructures on the internet. Alternative models of academic sites which are dedicated to the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge are studied. Characteristics of different categories of electronic journals, e.g. traditional electronic journals, knowledge repositories, collaborates etc. are examined and synthesized into a list of key characteristics which then can be used as basis for the design and investigation into the evolution of such systems.
Lunasin: A Novel Cancer Preventive Seed Peptide

Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in the Western world. Approximately one-third of these deaths are preventable by lifestyle factors, including modification of nutritional habits. Studies have demonstrated that adequate nutrition with certain types of foods containing bioactive compounds might offer significant protection against carcinogenesis. Soybeans contain a variety of phytochemicals with demonstrated anticancer activity, including isoflavones, protease inhibitors, and more recently lunasin, a novel cancer preventive seed peptide. Initially isolated from soybean, lunasin has also been reported in barley and wheat. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence on the possible benefits of lunasin for cancer prevention.
Abstract 16805: Hepatic HNF1α Knockdown Reduces Circulating PCSK9 Levels and Increases Liver LDL Receptor Abundance in Mice

Circulating PCSK9, which is secreted by the liver, binds to hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) and causes its lysosomal degradation. Thus PCSK9 inhibits LDL-cholesterol uptake and has hence become an important therapeutic target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Previous in vitro studies have implicated the transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha and beta (HNF1α & HNF1β) as positive regulators of PCSK9 transcription based on their binding to the HNF1 binding site on PCSK9 promoter. However, in vivo evidence for their individual roles in the regulation of PCSK9 expression in liver tissue is largely lacking. In this current study, we utilized adenoviral shRNA delivery vectors to generate liver specific knockdown of HNF1α or HNF1β. We first validated the shRNA viral constructs (Ad-shHNF1α and Ad-shHNF1β) in vitro and observed that knockdown of HNF1α but not of HNF1β reduced PCSK9 mRNA expression by ~50% in cultured HepG2 cells. The decrease in PCSK9 was also associated with increased LDLR p...
Structure and expression of a cluster of human hematopoietic serine protease genes found on chromosome 14q11.2

We previously identified a cluster of hematopoietic serine protease genes on chromosome 14 at band q11.2. This cluster contains the cathepsin G gene and the two related cathepsin G-like genes CGL-1 and CGL-2. The CGL-1 gene is identical with the cytotoxic T cell serine protease CSP-B (also called SECT, and in mice, CCP1, granzyme B, or CTLA-1). In this report, we determined that CGL-2 is identical with a recently described gene called h-CCPX. The coding sequences of CG, CGL-1, and CGL-2 are 65-75% identical at the DNA level. The intervening sequences are much less conserved, except for introns 3 of the CGL-1 and CGL-2 genes, which are 93% identical. Each of the genes has the same overall organization, with 5 exons and 4 introns, very short 5' untranslated regions, and identical splice phases for all of the introns. Cathepsin G is expressed at high levels in promyelocytes/promonocytes, and CGL-1/CSP-B is expressed at high levels in activated cytolytic T cells, lymphokine-activated killer (LAK), and natural killer (NK) cells. CGL-2/h-CCPX is expressed at much lower levels in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes, LAK and NK cells. To begin to define the regulatory elements that target expression of each of these genes to their specific lineages at specific times, the 5' flanking region of each gene was sequenced. The 5' flanking regions are minimally related and have few conserved consensus elements. Further experiments will be required to determine the critical cis-acting regulatory sequences required for tissue- and development-specific expression of each of these genes.
A Dynamic Decision Model of Technology Adoption under Uncertainty: Case of Herbicide-Resistant Rice

Herbicide-resistant (HR) rice technology is a potential tool for control of red rice in commercial rice production. Using an ex ante mathematical programming framework, this research presents an empirical analysis of HR rice technology adoption under uncertainty. The analysis accounts for stochastic germination of red rice and sheath blight to model a profit maximization problem of crop rotation among HR rice, regular rice, and soybeans. The results demonstrate that risk attitudes and technology efficiency determine adoption rates and optimal rotation patterns.
Backward probability model using multiple observations of contamination to identify groundwater contamination sources at the Massachusetts Military Reservation

[1] Backward location and travel time probability density functions characterize the possible former locations (or the source location) of contamination that is observed in an aquifer. For an observed contaminant particle the backward location probability density function (PDF) describes its position at a fixed time prior to sampling, and the backward travel time probability density function describes the amount of time required for the particle to travel to the sampling location from a fixed upgradient position. The backward probability model has been developed for a single observation of contamination (e.g., Neupauer and Wilson, 1999). In practical situations, contamination is sampled at multiple locations and times, and these additional data provide information that can be used to better characterize the former position of contamination. Through Bayes' theorem we combine the individual PDFs for each observation to obtain a PDF for multiple observations that describes the possible source locations or release times of all observed contaminant particles, assuming they originated from the same instantaneous point source. We show that the multiple-observation probability density function is the normalized product of the single-observation PDFs. The additional information available from multiple observations reduces the variances of the source location and travel time probability density functions and improves the characterization of the contamination source. We apply the backward probability model to a trichloroethylene (TCE) plume at the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). We use four TCE samples distributed throughout the plume to obtain single-observation and multiple-observation location and travel time PDFs in three dimensions. These PDFs provide information about the possible sources of contamination. Under assumptions that the existing MMR model is properly calibrated and the conceptual model is correct the results confirm the two suspected sources of contamination and reveal that one or more additional sources is likely.
Design of efficient channels with given input statistics

The classic problem for a channel with inputs X, outputs Y, and conditional probability p Y |X (y|x) is to find the distribution p X (x) that maximizes Shannon's I(X; Y) subject perhaps to constraints imposed on p X (x). Here, we seek instead, for a specified p X (x), the channel p Y|X (y|x) that maximizes I(X; Y) subject to constraints on p Y |X (y|x). That is, we investigate the part of joint source-channel coding that matches channels to sources. We assume that p X (x) and p Y |X (y|x) are pdfs, eventually relaxing this assumption somewhat. We consider only time-discrete memoryless channels. Our motivation for studying this problem stems from neuroscience. Energy costs therefore must be analyzed and addressed in detail if one hopes to understand how Nature has built neuron “channels” that are so astoundingly energy efficient. However, our general theory is not limited to neuroscience nor limited solely to constraints on energy expenditure.
Characterizing Lotus Notes email clients

Balancing the workload on servers requires a model of the distribution of work generated by email users. The simple model is that all users are equal, but we know from experience that this is not the case. Some users are much more demanding than others and can create server performance problems. This paper describes how to use Lotus Domino transaction counts to characterize email users by the workload they generate. The analysis maps load on the server with the heavy users of email. It also documents an interview study of heavy users to verify that their requirements are legitimate.
On two-way multihead automata

For each positive integer n, let @?^N(n) be the class of sets accepted by a family of automata of type N, each with a read-only input with endmarkers and n two-way input heads. The following result, which is applicable to most types of two-way multihead devices, is proved: If for each positive integer n, there is some integer M"n>n such that @?^N(n) is properly contained in @?^N(M^n), then @?^N(n) is properly contained in @?^N(n + c^N) for each n, where c"N=1 or 2, depending on the type of the device. As a consequence, it is shown that deterministic two-way finite automata with n+2 heads are strictly more powerful than deterministic two-way finite automata with n heads for each positive integer n. It is also shown that the class of sets accepted by deterministic (nondeterministic) two-way pushdown automata with n heads is properly included in the class of sets accepted by deterministic (nondeterministic) two-way pushdown automata with n+1 heads.
Optimizing the interfacial binding and activity of a bacterial phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

Abstract The phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C from Bacillus thuringiensis can be activated by nonsubstrate interfaces such as phosphatidylcholine micelles or bilayers. This activation corresponds with partial insertion into the interface of two tryptophans, Trp-47 in helix B and Trp-242 in a loop, in the rim of the αβ-barrel. Both W47A and W242A have much weaker binding to interfaces and considerably lower kinetic interfacial activation. Tryptophan rescue mutagenesis, reinsertion of a tryptophan at a different place in helix B in the W47A mutant or in the loop (residues 232–244) of the W242A mutant, has been used to determine the importance and orientation of a tryptophan in these two structural features. Phosphotransferase and phosphodiesterase assays, and binding to phosphatidylcholine vesicles were used to assess both orientation and position of tryptophans needed for interfacial activity. Of the helix B double mutants, only one mutant, I43W/W47A, has tryptophan in the same orientation as Trp-47. I43W/W47A shows recovery of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PC) activation of d-myo-inositol 1,2-cyclic phosphate hydrolysis. However, the specific activity toward phosphatidylinositol is still lower than wild type enzyme and high activity with phosphatidylinositol solubilized in 30% isopropyl alcohol (a hallmark of the native enzyme) is lost. Reinserting a tryptophan at several positions in the loop composed of residues 232–244 partially recovers PC activation and affinity of the enzyme for lipid interfaces as well as activation by isopropyl alcohol. G238W/W242A shows an enhanced activation and affinity for PC interfaces above that of wild type. These results provide constraints on how this bacterial phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C binds to activating PC interfaces.
Electrical Resistivity Characterization and Modeling of Carbon Nanofiber-Polymer Suspension

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as potential fillers for improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of polymer and polymer composites. One of the applications is to enhance the electrical conductivity of polymer by using CNFs as fillers. This kind of treatment will be useful in the situations where electrostatic dissipation capability of the polymer part is important. This paper presents an investigation of the electrical resistivities of CNF/polymer suspensions of different CNF concentrations, i.e., 2.0wt%, 3.0wt%, 4.5wt%, and 6.0wt%. For determining the electrical resistivities of the CNF/polymer suspensions, a DC-sensor was constructed and used in the experiments. The experimental results indicate that the electrical resistivity of the CNF-polyester suspension decreases as CNF weight fraction increases. In addition, the results show a dramatic decrease of the resistivity when the measurement time prolongs. An empirical model to predict the electrical resistivity evolution of the CNF/polyester suspension was proposed in this paper. Good agreement between the empirical model predictions and the experimental results was found.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Prevalence of PTSD in Survivors of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Meta-Analytic Review

Background and Purpose: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in survivors of acute life-threatening illness, but little is known about the burden of PTSD in survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). This study estimated the prevalence of stroke or TIA-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Potentially relevant peer-reviewed journal articles were identified by searching the Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PILOTS Database, The Cochrane Library and Scopus from inception to January 2013; all searches were conducted on January 31, 2013. Observational cohort studies that assessed PTSD with specific reference to a stroke or TIA that occurred at least 1 month prior to the PTSD assessment were included. PTSD rates and characteristics of the study and sample were abstracted from all included studies. The coding of all articles included demographics, sample size, study country, and method and timing of PTSD assessment. Results: Nine studies (N=1,138) met our inclusion criteria. PTSD rates varied significantly across studies by timing of PTSD assessment (i.e., within 1 year of stroke/TIA versus greater than 1 year post-stroke/TIA; 55% of heterogeneity explained; Q1=10.30; P=.001). Using a random effects model, the estimated rate of PTSD following stroke or TIA was 23% (95% CI, 16%–33%) within 1 year of the stroke or TIA and 11% (95% CI, 8%–14%) after 1 year. Conclusions: Although PTSD is commonly thought to be triggered by external events such as combat or sexual assault, these results suggest that 1 in 4 stroke or TIA survivors develop significant PTSD symptoms due to the stroke or TIA. Screening for PTSD in a large population-based prospective cohort study with cardiovascular outcome assessments is needed to yield definitive prevalence, and determine whether stroke or TIA-induced PTSD is a risk factor for subsequent cardiovascular events or mortality.
Toward a More Coherent Understanding of the Organization–Society Relationship: A Theoretical Consideration for Social and Environmental Accounting Research

In this study we analyze the overlapping perspectives of legitimacy theory, institutional theory, resource dependence theory, and stakeholder theory. Our purpose is to explore how these theories can inform and be built upon by one another. Through our analysis we provide a broader theoretical understanding of these theories that may support and promote social and environmental accounting research. This article starts with a detailed analysis of legitimacy theory by bringing some recent critical discussions on legitimacy and corporations in the management literature into accounting research. The notion forwarded by legitimacy theory then serves as an overarching concept to examine the relationship between and among theories. We conclude that two theoretical considerations are important for future social and environmental accounting research. First, it must be acknowledged that some business entities initiate social activities based on direct interactions with stakeholders, whereas others may also undertake similar activities to manage their societal level of legitimacy. Second, from analyzing the perspectives of legitimacy theory, institutional theory, resource dependence theory, and stakeholder theory, it is possible to reach compatible interpretations of business social phenomena, and the selection and application of these theories should depend upon the focus of study.
Emergent Monism and the Classical Doctrine of the Soul

Traditional Christian belief in the existence of human life after death within a transformed material universe should be capable of rational justification if one chooses carefully the philosophical scheme underlying those claims. One should not have to appeal simply to the power of a loving God to justify one's beliefs. A revision of Whitehead's metaphysical scheme is proposed that allows one to render these classical Christian beliefs at least plausible to a broad range of contemporary thinkers as a consequence of a cosmology based on the principle of universal intersubjectivity and the need for a common ground between opposing subjectivities.
Behavioral plasticity in an invaded system: non-native whelks recognize risk from native crabs

Inducible defenses have the potential to affect both invasion success and the structure of invaded communities. However, little is known about the cues used for risk-recognition that influence the expression of inducible defenses in invasive prey, because they involve a novel threat. In laboratory experiments, we investigated behavioral defenses induced by a native crab on two invasive oyster drills (marine whelks Urosalpinx cinerea and Ocinebrina inornata). Both drills hid more often and reduced their feeding rates when they detected predators consuming conspecific prey. Examination of the responses of U. cinerea to specific cue sources (predator kairomones, conspecific alarm cues) indicated that this species had the strongest responses to cues from injured conspecifics, but that it did recognize the novel crab predator. Our observation of native predator (per se) recognition by an invasive marine prey is novel. In addition, we observed that neither species of drill reduced their defensive behavior to reflect predation risk shared by a group of prey. The lack of density dependence in risk-assessment could cause populations of invasive prey to transmit both quantitatively and qualitatively different community effects over the course of an invasion as abundance changes. Together, these findings demonstrate several ways that the risk-assessment strategies could be important in establishment and post-establishment dynamics of invasive prey.
Developmental arrest: from sea urchins to seeds

The phenomenon of dormancy extends beyond the boundaries of the plant kingdom. While plant biologists typically associate dormancy-breaking treatments only with seeds, buds or tubers, these chemicals and environmental stimuli have much broader activity as general terminators of developmental arrest in other, non-plant species. The activation of growth by these treatments is associated with signal transduction processes, metabolic upregulation and changes in gene expression, in addition to other events that may or may not be species specific. The study of both the classic and current developmental arrest literature beyond the boundaries of plant biology may be helpful in generating useful ideas and analogies for meaningful experimental progress towards understanding seed dormancy.
Temperature measurements during initiation and growth of a black smoker chimney

BLACK smoker chimneys are hollow spires formed by mineral deposition at sea-floor hydrothermal vent sites. They grow in two stages: formation of a sulphate-dominated wall (stage I), followed by precipitation of sulphide minerals on the inner side, and in pore spaces, of the wall (stage II)1,2. Here we present the results of an in situ 46-day experiment which allows direct observation of stage I growth processes by monitoring wall and fluid temperatures. The position and thickness of stage I chimney walls can change on short timescales, and are controlled by the dynamics of fluid flow both during3 and after initial wall emplacement. The temperature in the main flow remained stable at 353±2°C throughout the experiment, including the period during which the chimney wall was constructed. Six thermocouples, however, recorded maximum temperatures between 365 and 405 °C, which are significantly higher than most exit temperatures documented previously4. These latter observations bear on the question of the maximum temperatures attainable in sea-floor hydrothermal systems (refs 4–9, J. R. Delaney, manuscript in preparation).
GMG - A guaranteed global optimization algorithm: Application to remote sensing

We investigate the role of additional information in reducing the computational complexity of the global optimization problem (GOP). Following this approach, we develop GMG - an algorithm for finding the Global Minimum with a Guarantee. The new algorithm breaks up an originally continuous GOP into a discrete (grid) search problem followed by a descent problem. The discrete search identifies the basin of attraction of the global minimum after which the actual location of the minimizer is found upon applying a descent algorithm. The algorithm is first applied to the golf-course problem, which serves as a litmus test for its performance in the presence of both complete and degraded additional information. GMG is further assessed on a set of standard benchmark functions. We then illustrate the performance of the validated algorithm on a simple realization of the monocular passive ranging (MPR) problem in remote sensing, which consists of identifying the range of an airborne target (missile, plane, etc.) from its observed radiance. This inverse problem is set as a GOP whereby the difference between the observed and model predicted radiances is minimized over the possible ranges and atmospheric conditions. We solve the GOP using GMG and report on the performance of the algorithm.
Molecular rydberg transitions. VIII. The geometry of ethylene in the R1s state

The vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum of 1,1-C2H2D2 has been reexamined. Using the symmetric top approximation and the Merer-Schoonveld (A. J. Merer and L. Schoonveld, Can. J. Phys. 47, 1731 (1969)) potential for the lowest-energy s Rydberg (R1s) state of ethylene, the energies and relative intensities of the first few torsional vibrations (v4′) in the R1s state of 1,1-C2H2D2 have been computed. The agreement with experiment is excellent. This result negates the recent proposal (F. H. Watson, Jr. and M. N. Nycum, Spectrosc. Lett. 8, 223 (1975)) that the N → R1s transition obtains allowedness only through vibronic coupling. The energies and relative intensities of v4′ have also been computed for CH3D, 1,2-C2H2D2 (cis and trans) and C2HD3. The Merer-Schoonveld potential is in excellent agreement with experiment in all instances. Some discussion of the photoelectron spectra is also provided.
Limited-Dose Daclizumab Versus Basiliximab: A Comparison of Cost and Efficacy in Preventing Acute Rejection

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and cost of the limited-dose Daclizumab regimen to that of the standard-dose Basiliximab regimen. Two antibody induction regimens were compared in patients aged 18 years and older who received renal transplants from January 2002 to September 2003 and completed interleukin (IL)-2R antibody induction with standard-dose Basiliximab (20 mg × 2 doses) or limited-dose Daclizumab (1 mg/kg × 2 doses). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of acute rejection. Secondary outcomes included cost, changes in serum creatinine level, and delayed graft function. Of the 46 patients randomized, 42 patients completed the 6-month follow-up. Mean serum creatinine level at time of discharge was originally higher in the limited-dose Daclizumab group than the standard-dose Basiliximab group (1.89 vs 1.57, respectively). By 1, 3, and 6 months, mean serum creatinine values were similar between both groups, with a trend toward lower mean serum creatinine values in the limited-dose Daclizumab group. The incidence of acute rejection was also similar between the groups (6% vs 7%). The average cost difference between the 2 regimens was approximately $715. This study suggests that a limited-dose Daclizumab regimen may be an efficacious and less costly alternative to the standard-dose Basiliximab regimen for antibody induction therapy following renal transplantation.
Application of diffractive optics to infrared imagers

An overview is presented of diffractive optics and micro-optics technologies and their application to infrared imaging systems. The technology overview describes several fabrication methods, emphasizing the importance of diamond machining for infrared systems and materials, and discusses various optical functions commonly implemented with diffractive elements. Applications are discussed both as a general survey by citing an extensive list of references and as a more detailed presentation of three examples.
Diuretic use in the elderly: potential for diuretic-induced hypokalemia.

The more potent "loop" diuretics are being used with increasing frequency. The elderly constitute a growing portion of the population undergoing treatment with diuretics. The alterations in renal function and pharmacokinetics in the elderly (over 60 years of age) may result in the development of certain adverse effects. In patients over 70 years old, there is a progressive decline in overall renal function, resulting in a more than 50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Most of the pharmacokinetic changes in the elderly consist of alterations resulting in enhanced plasma levels of any given drug; diminished hepatic drug extraction, detoxification/metabolism or prodrug conversion; decreased renal excretion of drug; and diminished volume of distribution of drug. Adverse reactions to diuretics may be grouped into metabolic changes (e.g., hypokalemia), physiologic alteration (e.g., volume contraction), toxic manifestation (e.g., interstitial nephritis) and allergic or idiosyncratic phenomena (e.g., rash or thrombocytopenia). There is general agreement that significant hypokalemia, particularly among elderly patients receiving digitalis glycosides, is significant and requires therapy. Diuretic-associated hypokalemia reflects the potency and duration of action of a diuretic, factors modulating potassium balance including dietary intake and concurrent medical processes. The short duration of action and greater natriuresis relative to kaliuresis characteristic of loop diuretics may result in a lesser degree of hypokalemia than that seen with traditional thiazide diuretics.
Studies on the Growth of Bacteria in the Human Ear Canal1

The relationship between bacteria and external otitis in man is vague. Occasionally bacteria are directly and completely responsible for the disorder and antibacterial therapy, as indicated by culture and sensitivity tests, will effect an immediate and satisfactory recovery. Sometimes bacteria play only a secondary role in the production or protraction of external otitis, e.g., although pathogenic organisms are cultured, antibacterial therapy produces only a partial response. Usually, even though microorganisms can be cultured from the external auditory canal, they are found to be completely unrelated to the disease process.
Health Practices and Perceptions of Social Support in Persons Over Age Sixty

This exploratory study investigated associations between health practices and perceptions of social support for 64 persons ages 60 to 75 years in San Diego, California. In general, elders who were satisfied with their relationships with other people engaged in more healthful practices than those who were not satisfied. Health practices had a stronger association with satisfaction with social support than with the number of supporters. The strongest linkages to health behaviors were variables concerned with communication with other people. Surprisingly, men showed significantly higher correlations between health habits and satisfaction with social support through sharing than women. Significant differences were found, however, between active and inactive elders. Frail, homebound elders had lower correlations between health practices and social support than the other two more active groups.
Using the Haar wavelet transform in the semiparametric specification of time series

Abstract Using theoretical arguments for nonparametric wavelet estimation, we devise regression-based semiparametric wavelet estimators to dissect linear from nonlinear effects in a time series. The wavelet estimators localize in both time and frequency so that distortion due to outliers is lessened. Our regression-based approach also lends itself to ease of replication, clarity, flexibility, timeliness and statistical validity. We demonstrate the efficacy of the approach via rolling regressions on time series of quarterly U.S. GDP growth rates, monthly Hong Kong/ U.S. exchange rates, weekly 1-month commercial interest rates and daily returns on the S&P 500.
Spray Enzymatic Retting: A New Method for Processing Flax Fibers

The high consumption of flax for linen in the U.S. and the fact that the U.S. does not produce any flax or linen has prompted research into the ultimate goal of re-establishing a flax/linen industry. An improved retting method for flax stems using pectinase-rich mixtures is developed and evaluated on a variety of fiber and seed flax samples. The method, termed spray enzyme retting (SER), is as follows: crimp stems to enhance penetration of enzyme formulations into the stems tissues, add chelators with enzymes in water at pH 5.0 to improve enzyme effectiveness, spray the formulation on crimped stems to soaking, and incubate at high humidity for several hours. Total fiber yield, collected from dried and bench carded SER flax, and fiber strength and micronaire (modified to use 5 g of fiber) are determined and compared for various sample types, forms, and amounts. A test of 19 samples indicates that the liquid : fiber ratio (in ml/g), after subtracting excess run-off of enzyme formulation, is 1.86 ± 0.5. Tota...