cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of varying electrolyte concentration on in vitro streaming potentials across canine aortae and carotid arteries.

Knowledge of the characteristics of the blood–intima interface is important because it leads to information concerning (a) the normal antithrombotic mechanism (b) nature of interreactions between blood and intima (c) testing and selection of vascular wall substitutes which are antithrombotic and inhibit clotting. A technique for obtaining the electrical interfacial characteristics of blood vessel walls is by measuring streaming potentials. Experiments described in the present work are extensions of original in vivo streaming potential measurements. In vitro streaming potentials were measured across fresh canine aortae and carotid arteries using Krebs saline serum substitute, logarithmically varying both internal and external electrolyte concentrations. Positive streaming potentials were measured indicating that the blood vessel wall is negatively charged. Streaming potentials increased linearly with increasing flow rate, decreased with increasing internal electrolyte concentration, decreased with increasing external electrolyte concentration, and reversed, becoming positive, with aging of exteriorized artery. Thus the electrical characteristics of the blood vessel wall are dependent on an ionic balance between the blood vessel wall, flowing blood stream, and external environment. The information demonstrates the importance of electrochemical and physicochemical phenomena in the structure and function of the vascular interface and helps explain in vivo conditions conducive to or inhibitory of intravascular thrombosis.
Unitarity constraints on heavy Higgs bosons.

We calculate the complete set of O(${\mathrm{G}}_{\mathrm{F}}$${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{H}}^{2}$) corrections to the elastic scattering of longitudinally polarized W bosons in the limit s,${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{H}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\gg}${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{W}}^{2}$, for any value of s/${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{H}}^{2}$. For any Higgs-boson mass such that ${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{H}}$\ensuremath{\gg}${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{W}}$, there exists a critical energy above which partial-wave unitarity is violated and the one-loop correction to the J=0 partial wave is large, indicating the breakdown of perturbation theory.
On the complete monotonicity of symbol error rates

In this paper, it is shown that the symbol error rate of an arbitrary multi-dimensional constellation impaired by independent and identically distributed additive white Gaussian noise under maximum likelihood detection is completely monotonic in the average SNR, if the rank of the constellation matrix is either one or two. Further, under minimum distance detection, this result generalizes to the case when the noise follows a dependent and identically distributed compound Gaussian distribution. Classes of constellations with dimensionality greater than two, which have completely monotone and convex error rates are also identified herein. The applications of the complete monotonicity of the symbol error rate in obtaining generic comparisons of average error rates over pairs of fading channels are also discussed.
Clay Hydration/dehydration in Dry to Water-saturated Supercritical CO2: Implications for Caprock Integrity

Abstract Injection of supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide will displace formation water, and the pore space adjacent to overlying caprocks could eventually be dominated by dry to water- saturated scCO 2 . Wet scCO 2 is highly reactive and capable of carbonating and hydrating certain minerals, whereas anhydrous scCO 2 can dehydrate water-containing minerals. Because these geochemical processes affect solid volume and thus porosity and permeability, they have the potential to affect the long-term integrity of the caprock seal. In this study, we investigate the swelling and shrinkage of an expandable clay found in caprock formations, montmorillonite (Ca-STx-1), when exposed to variable water-content scCO 2 at 50 °C and 90 bar using a combination of in situ probes, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), in situ magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR), and in situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). We show that the extent of montmorillonite clay swelling/shrinkage is dependent not only on water hydration/dehydration, but also on CO 2 intercalation reactions. Our results also suggest a competition between water and CO 2 for interlayer residency where increasing concentrations of intercalated water lead to decreasing concentrations of intercalated CO 2 . Overall, this paper demonstrates the types of measurements required to develop fundamental knowledge that will enhance modeling efforts and reduce risks associated with subsurface storage of CO 2 .
Peripartum cardiomyopathy coexistent with human immunodeficiency virus: A substantial obstetric jeopardy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of pregnancy-related heart failure, which affects a woman during the last months of pregnancy or first months of parturition. Its etiopathogenesis is still unclear. Coexistence of PPCM with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been scarcely analyzed. A low CD4 count is proposed to be one of the predictors of dilated cardiomyopathy in HIV. Here, a pregnant woman with HIV presented with signs of congestive heart failure for the first time during her last trimester. Echocardiography revealed a dilated cardiomyopathy with ejection fraction of 34% which proved the diagnosis of PPCM. She underwent cesarean section for impending previous scar rupture. Her status deteriorated subsequently in spite of all efforts and she succumbed due to ventricular tachycardia. This case necessitates an awareness regarding coexistence of HIV with PPCM and dreaded clinical sequences. Patients suffering from HIV should be treated well and their CD4 count should be improved before conception to avoid such complications in pregnancy.
Cardiovascular Physiology and Diseases of Amphibians

The class Amphibia includes three orders of amphibians: the anurans (frogs and toads), urodeles (salamanders, axolotls, and newts), and caecilians. The diversity of lifestyles across these three orders has accompanying differences in the cardiovascular anatomy and physiology allowing for adaptations to aquatic or terrestrial habitats, pulmonic or gill respiration, hibernation, and body elongation (in the caecilian). This article provides a review of amphibian cardiovascular anatomy and physiology with discussion of unique species adaptations. In addition, amphibians as cardiovascular animal models and commonly encountered natural diseases are covered.
Corneal endothelial status 12 to 55 months after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To investigate the long-term effect (range, 12–55 months) of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on the human corneal endothelium. Methods: Specular microscopy of the central corneal endothelium was performed on 106 patients who underwent PRK to correct myopia. The duration of follow-up varied from 12 to 55 months (mean, 33 months; median, 37 months). Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 included 32 patients (35 treated eyes) with preoperative and postoperative central endothelial images; group 2 included 26 patients from group 1 and 74 additional patients with postoperative central endothelial images of the treated and untreated fellow eyes. Results: In group 1, preoperative and postoperative values were as follows: mean cell density (± standard deviation), 2950 ± 329 cells/mm 2 and 2907 ± 337 cells/mm 2 , respectively ( P = 0.43); polymegathism index, 0.29 ± 0.06 and 0.28 ± 0.05, respectively ( P = 0.38); pleomorphism index, 65.8% ± 5.6% and 64.2% ± 5.6%,respectively ( P = 0.22); figure coefficient index, 0.86 ± 0.05 and 0.87 ± 0.02, respectively ( P = 0.20). In group 2, postoperative values of the treated and untreated eyes were as follows: mean cell density, 2912 ± 363 cells/mm2 and 2922 ± 434 cells/mm2, respectively ( P = 0.86); polymegathism index, 0.28 ± 0.05 and 0.30 ± 0.08, respectively ( P = 0.04); pleomorphism index, 64.93% ± 7.49% and 64.07% ± 8.31 %,respectively ( P = 0.45); figure coefficient index, 0.88 ± 0.03 and 0.88 ± 0.03, respectively ( P = 0.79). Conclusions: Photorefractive keratectomy caused no damage to the central corneal endothelium. Polymegathism differences in treated and untreated eyes could be attributed to modifications in corneal metabolism or to a yet unknown mechanism.
Stable adaptive controller design part I: Direct control

The adaptive control problem for the case of an unknown plant with a single input and a single output is considered. The objective is to design a differentiator-free controller so that the output of the plant evolves asymptotically to the output of a given model. A method of choosing the controller-structure is presented in the paper and methods for adjusting the parameters to achieve asymptotic stability in the whole are discussed. Simulation results are included to indicate the generality of the approach and its potential in other control situations.
Colonoscopy Withdrawal Time and Risk of Neoplasia at 5 Years: Results From VA Cooperative Studies Program 380

Colonoscopy Withdrawal Time and Risk of Neoplasia at 5 Years: Results From VA Cooperative Studies Program 380
Enhancing effects of interleukin 2-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells on subsequent B cell differentiation.

Abstract Despite an extensive literature dealing with IL2-induced cytolytic activity, noncytotoxicity-related effects of IL2 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or T cell function have received less attention. We have focused on the effects of irradiated, IL2-activated PBMC (PBMC*rIL2) on anti-CD3- and formalin-fixed heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus-induced polyclonal B cell differentiation in secondary cultures. PBMC*rIL2 act directly on B cells and cross major histocompatibility complex barriers to augment polyclonal B cell differentiation as measured by plaque-forming cell (PFC) generation. These effects are preferentially mediated by T (both CD4+ and CD8+) cells, and physical contact between effector PBMC*rIL2 and target B cells is not absolutely required for enhanced PFC generation. PBMC*rIL2 must be present for the initial 24 hr of the secondary cultures, indicating that some soluble B cell differentiation factor rapidly released by PBMC*rIL2 mediates the PFC-enhancing effect. Of IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, only IFN-γ mRNA is appreciably and reproducibly increased in irradiated, IL2-activated T cells (T cells*rIL2). Nevertheless, exogenous rIFN-γ cannot mimic and anti-IFN antibodies cannot block the PFC-enhancing effects of T cells*rIL2, indicating that some unidentified soluble factor(s) apart from or in addition to IFN-γ is involved. IL2-induced effects on T cell noncytolytic function may help explain certain observed immune anomalies in IL2-treated patients, and a better understanding of the IL2-induced effects on T cell noncytolytic function may have ramifications for autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
A population-based study of race-specific risk for placental abruption.

Background Efforts to elucidate risk factors for placental abruption are imperative due to the severity of complications it produces for both mother and fetus, and its contribution to preterm birth. Ethnicity-based differences in risk of placental abruption and preterm birth have been reported. We tested the hypotheses that race, after adjusting for other factors, is associated with the risk of placental abruption at specific gestational ages, and that there is a greater contribution of placental abruption to the increased risk of preterm birth in Black mothers, compared to White mothers.
A Solder's Tale: Putting the "Lead" Back in "Lead Users"

A composer's view of the history of hardware hacking, contrasting the aesthetic implications of circuitry and software.
Use of the replica-plate technique in studies of toxicity of metals and plastics to bacteria.

A study was made on the efficacy of commonly used test methods to provide useful data concerning toxicity of construction materials to bacteria. Tests such as growth and storage of liquid cultures, which are based on plate counts, appeared to be less efficient in providing interpretable data than were tests which used solid media. The conjunctive use of zone inhibition and an adaptation of the replica-plate technique used in bacterial genetics supplied as much information as other tests, but these solid-media tests were easier to perform, accommodated more test samples per unit of bacterial culture, and the data were more easily understood. Images
Socioeconomic Gradients Predict Individual Differences in Neurocognitive Abilities.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with childhood cognitive achievement. In previous research we found that this association shows neural specificity; specifically we found that groups of low and middle SES children differed disproportionately in perisylvian/language and prefrontal/executive abilities relative to other neurocognitive abilities. Here we address several new questions: To what extent does this disparity between groups reflect a gradient of SES-related individual differences in neurocognitive development, as opposed to a more categorical difference? What other neurocognitive systems differ across individuals as a function of SES? Does linguistic ability mediate SES differences in other systems? And how do specific prefrontal/executive subsystems vary with SES? One hundred and fifty healthy, socioeconomically diverse first-graders were administered tasks tapping language, visuospatial skills, memory, working memory, cognitive control, and reward processing. SES explained over 30% of the variance in language, and a smaller but highly significant portion of the variance in most other systems. Statistically mediating factors and possible interventional approaches are discussed.
Encryption, decryption and programming

Several encryption algorithms are described. Some of these such as the credit card number algorithm are related to everyday life. These encryption methods make good programming assignments. In addition, methods of breaking the encrypted text are included with descriptions on how these can be used in the programming classroom. The author has found that students enjoy these assignments. In addition, the instructor can make it more fun by giving the student an encrypted message that can be decoded with their correctly working program. Of course encryption is very important in computer science so this gives students an introduction to this subject while doing the programming.
Toxicokinetics in aquatic systems: Model comparisons and use in hazard assessment

Toxicokinetic models are not constrained by assumptions of equilibrium as are thermodynamic (equilibrium-partitioning) models and are more accurate predictors of toxicant accumulation for non-steady-state exposures and multiple uptake routes. Toxicokinetic models – compartment-based models, physiological-based models, and energetics-based models – are reviewed and the different mathematical formalisms compared. Additionally, the residue-based toxicity approach is reviewed. Coupling toxicokinetic models with tissue concentrations at which toxicity occurs offers a direct link between exposure and hazard. Basing hazard on tissue rather than environmental concentrations avoids the errors associated with accommodating multiple sources, pulsed exposures, and non-steady-state accumulation.
A bottom up approach to on-road CO2 emissions estimates: improved spatial accuracy and applications for regional planning.

On-road transportation is responsible for 28% of all U.S. fossil- fuel CO2 emissions. Mapping vehicle emissions at regional scales is challenging due to data limitations. Existing emission inventories use spatial proxies such as population and road density to downscale national or state- level data. Such procedures introduce errors where the proxy variables and actual emissions are weakly correlated, and limit analysis of the relationship between emissions and demographic trends at local scales. We develop an on- road emission inventory product for Massachusetts-based on roadway-level traffic data obtained from the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). We provide annual estimates of on-road CO2 emissions at a 1 × 1 km grid scale for the years 1980 through 2008. We compared our results with on-road emissions estimates from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), with the Vulcan Product, and with estimates derived from state fuel consumption statistics reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Our model differs from FHWA estimates by less than 8.5% on average, and is within 5% of Vulcan estimates. We found that EDGAR estimates systematically exceed FHWA by an average of 22.8%. Panel regression analysis of per-mile CO2 emissions on population density at the town scale shows a statistically significant correlation that varies systematically in sign and magnitude as population density increases. Population density has a positive correlation with per-mile CO2 emissions for densities below 2000 persons km �2 , above which increasing density correlates negatively with per-mile emissions.
Relativistic effects in heavy-quarkonium spectroscopy

It is shown that the discrepancy between the measured rate for psi'..-->..chi/sub 0/..gamma.. and that predicted by nonrelativistic models can be accounted for by (v/c)/sup 2/ relativistic corrections. A Breit-Fermi Hamiltonian is used to predict the energy level structure and E1 transition rates in the charmonium and UPSILON systems. It is obtained from an instantaneous approximation to a Bethe-Salpeter equation whose kernel is composed of Coulomb-gauge gluon exchange and a scalar confining piece. The model accounts for the observed fine and hyperfine structure of the charmonium levels and for the E1 transition rates. It is used to predict the level structure and E1 rates in the UPSILON system. It is shown that an extension of Siegert's theorem is valid in the relativistic regime. This result is useful in analyzing E1 transition-matrix elements.
Networked control systems with intermittent observation

In this paper we consider a system whose controller is directly connected to the actuators and receives the observation data from the sensors through a network. Because of packet loss in the network, the controller does not always have access to the observation data. For this networked control system we prove that if the covariance of the error of the estimate of the state of the system is bounded and if the original (non-networked) control system is stabilizable, then the overall undisturbed feedback control system is mean square stabilizable.
Geochemical evaluation of flowback brine from Marcellus gas wells in Pennsylvania, USA

Large quantities of highly saline brine flow from gas wells in the Marcellus Formation after hydraulic stimulation (“fracking”). This study assesses the composition of these flowback waters from the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania, USA. Concentrations of most inorganic components of flowback water (Cl, Br, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Ra, Fe, Mn, total dissolved solids, and others) increase with time from a well after hydraulic stimulation. Based on results in several datasets reported here, the greatest concentration of Cl− in flowback water is 151,000 mg/L. For total Ra (combined 226Ra and 228Ra) in flowback, the highest level reported is 6540 pCi/L. Flowback waters from hydraulic fracturing of Marcellus wells resemble brines produced from conventional gas wells that tap into other Paleozoic formations in the region. The Br/Cl ratio and other parameters indicate that both types of brine formed by the evaporation of seawater followed by dolomitization, sulfate reduction and subsurface mixing with seawater and/or freshwater. Trends and relationships in brine composition indicate that (1) increased salt concentration in flowback is not mainly caused by dissolution of salt or other minerals in rock units, (2) the flowback waters represent a mixture of injection waters with highly concentrated in situ brines similar to those in the other formations, and (3) these waters contain concentrations of Ra and Ba that are commonly hundreds of times the US drinking water standards.
Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) high pulse repetition rate considerations

Increasing the pulse repetition rate (PRR) of the SNS Linac to its designed maximum of 60 Hz to provide 1.4 MW of beam on target is in progress. Operation above 60 Hz to provide beam to a second target is also being considered in the future. Increasing the PRR to 80 Hz would allow the additional pulses to be diverted to a second target. This paper discusses the impact of increasing the PRR on the SNS infrastructure including radio frequency (RF) systems and structures, the ion source, cryogenics, controls and the target.
Accuracy of Loss Formula Coefhcients on the TVA Power System

In recent years developments in the application of transmission loss formulas to the economic dispatch of power systems have been very rapid. The purpose of this paper is to describe the method used to apply the loss formula principle to the calculation of transmission losses in the economic dispatch of power on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system. The paper presents the results of a study of the accuracy obtained by a selected number of methods when applied to the TVA system. It also includes the application of a rapid and systematic method of checking the validity of each set of loss formula coefficients before being put into use in the hourly economic scheduling program.
Controlling Nonspecific Protein Adsorption in a Plug-Based Microfluidic System by Controlling Interfacial Chemistry Using Fluorous-Phase Surfactants

Control of surface chemistry and protein adsorption is important for using microfluidic devices for biochemical analysis and high-throughput screening assays. This paper describes the control of protein adsorption at the liquid−liquid interface in a plug-based microfluidic system. The microfluidic system uses multiphase flows of immiscible fluorous and aqueous fluids to form plugs, which are aqueous droplets that are completely surrounded by fluorocarbon oil and do not come into direct contact with the hydrophobic surface of the microchannel. Protein adsorption at the aqueous−fluorous interface was controlled by using surfactants that were soluble in fluorocarbon oil but insoluble in aqueous solutions. Three perfluorinated alkane surfactants capped with different functional groups were used: a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, and a triethylene glycol group that was synthesized from commercially available materials. Using complementary methods of analysis, adsorption was characterized for several proteins (bo...
Progressive Debonding of Multilayer Interconnect Structures

Progressive (or time dependent) debonding of interfaces poses serious problems in interconnect structures involving multilayer thin films stacks. The existence of such subcriticai debonding associated with environmentally assisted crack-growth processes is examined for a TiN/SiO2 interface commonly encountered in interconnect structures. The rate of debond extension is found to be sensitive to the mechanical driving force as well as the interface morphology, chemistry, and yielding of adjacent ductile layers. In order to investigate the effect of interconnect structure, particularly the effect of an adjacent ductile Al-Cu layer, on subcriticai debonding along the TiN/SiO2 interface, a set of samples was prepared with Al-Cu layer thicknesses varying from 0.2–4.0 μm. All other processing conditions remained the same over the entire sample run. Results showed that for a given crack growth velocity, the debond driving force scaled with Al-Cu layer thickness. Normalizing the data by the critical adhesion energy allowed a universal subcriticai debond rate curve to be derived.
Exercise Training and Metabolic Adaptation

This chapter reviews the principles of exercise training and relates aerobic and anaerobic programs to the underlying metabolic phenomena. The major aspects of all training are defined—frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression—and each is elaborated. Aerobic and anaerobic programs are differentiated by the physiological and biochemical adaptations dominant in each, though some mechanisms and effects are common to both. The shift in preference between carbohydrate and lipid as an exercise fuel source, as a function of training adaptation, is discussed, as are complexities in this generalization. Type I and Type II skeletal muscle fibers, mitochondrial density, maximal oxygen uptake, and other key factors at the cellular level are discussed, and suggestions about the mechanism of muscular fatigue are offered.
Singular analysis of a multi-agent, turn-constrained, defensive game

We examine a two-team, differential game, which models an active target defense scenario. One team represents an attacking force and consists of a single Attacker. The opposing team represents a defensive force consisting of a high-value Target and a mobile Defender. The Attacker strives to get as close to the Target as possible before it is intercepted by the Defender. Conversely, the defensive team attempts to maneuver so that the Defender intercepts the Attacker as far from the Target as possible. The Attacker and Target move with simple motion, while the Defender has a constrained turn rate. We discuss two types of singular surfaces that appear within the equilibrium solution of this game, namely the universal surface and the dispersal surface. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the characteristics of the equilibrium solutions that interact with these surfaces.
Common Skills that Underlie the Common Factors of Successful Psychotherapy

Key common factors across psychotherapy approaches are important to therapeutic effectiveness. We identify some common skills of the therapist that are specific to the psychotherapy role. Describing these common skills and contrasting them to the professional clinical and social roles helps to clarify our vision of the therapy role and to articulate its associated skills. Such descriptions assist faculty members who are training students who seek to learn the therapeutic role and skills.
The effects of pre-filtering and individualizing components for electroencephalography neural network classification

Brain Computer Interfaces use electrical impulses from the brain to control hardware to perform a task. Traditionally these electrical impulses are recorded in the form of electroencephalography with electrodes placed on the subject's scalp. This paper is focused on processing the electroencephalography signal using independent component analysis to train a neural network to recognize left and right hand grasping motions. The independent component analysis was used to reduce noise and isolate the recording channels that are associated with muscle movement. The performance of the network is compared by training the neural network with and without the pre-preocessing independent component analysis and evaluating the rate at which the system identifies the correct grasping motion through the baseline noise present in electroencephalography recordings.
Verifying Invariants of Lock-Free Data Structures with Rely-Guarantee and Refinement Types

Verifying invariants of fine-grained concurrent data structures is challenging, because interference from other threads may occur at any time. We propose a new way of proving invariants of fine-grained concurrent data structures: applying rely-guarantee reasoning to references in the concurrent setting. Rely-guarantee applied to references can verify bounds on thread interference without requiring a whole program to be verified.This article provides three new results. First, it provides a new approach to preserving invariants and restricting usage of concurrent data structures. Our approach targets a space between simple type systems and modern concurrent program logics, offering an intermediate point between unverified code and full verification. Furthermore, it avoids sealing concurrent data structure implementations and can interact safely with unverified imperative code. Second, we demonstrate the approach’s broad applicability through a series of case studies, using two implementations: an axiomatic Coq domain-specific language and a library for Liquid Haskell. Third, these two implementations allow us to compare and contrast verifications by interactive proof (Coq) and a weaker form that can be expressed using automatically-discharged dependent refinement types (Liquid Haskell).
Gout and Metabolic Syndrome: a Tangled Web.

The complexity of gout continues to unravel with each new investigation. Gout sits at the intersection of multiple intrinsically complex processes, and its prevalence, impact on healthcare costs, and association with important co-morbidities make it increasingly relevant. The association between gout and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and obesity suggest that either gout, or its necessary precursor hyperuricemia, may play an important role in the manifestations of the metabolic syndrome. In this review, we analyze the complex interconnections between gout and metabolic syndrome, by reviewing gout’s physiologic and epidemiologic relationships with its major co-morbidities. Increasing evidence supports gout’s association with metabolic syndrome. More specifically, both human studies and animal models suggest that hyperuricemia may play a role in promoting inflammation, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, adipogenesis and lipogenesis, insulin and glucose dysregulation, and liver disease. Fructose ingestion is associated with increased rates of hypertension, weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia and is a key driver of urate biosynthesis. AMP kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of processes that tend to mitigate against the metabolic syndrome. Within hepatocytes, leukocytes, and other cells, a fructose/urate metabolic loop drives key inhibitors of AMPK, including AMP deaminase and fructokinase, that may tilt the balance toward metabolic syndrome progression. Preliminary evidence suggests that agents that block the intracellular synthesis of urate may restore AMPK activity and help maintain metabolic homeostasis. Gout is both an inflammatory and a metabolic disease. With further investigation of urate’s role, the possibility of proper gout management additionally mitigating metabolic syndrome is an evolving and important question.
Assessment of intrinsic small signal parameters of submicron SiC MESFETs

Abstract In this paper, a technique has been developed to estimate intrinsic small signal parameters of submicron SiC MESFETs, designed for high power microwave applications. In the developed technique, small signal parameters are extracted by involving drain-to-source current, I ds instead of Schottky barrier depletion layer expression. It has been demonstrated that in SiC MESFETs, the depletion layer gets modified due to intense transverse electric field and/or self-heating effects, which are conventionally not taken into account. Thus, assessment of AC small signal parameters by employing depletion layer expression loses its accuracy for devices meant for high power applications. A set of expressions for AC small signal elements has been developed using I ds and its dependence on device biasing has been discussed. The validity of the proposed technique has been demonstrated using experimental data.
Are Online and Offline Advertising Substitutes or Complements? Evidence from U.S. Food Industries

This article investigates the substitution between online advertising (ONLA) and offline advertising (OFFLA) as well as the impact of adopting ONLA on the total cost of advertising. We estimate an advertising translog cost function at the product-brand level, using monthly observations between 2005 and 2011 for each of three industries: beer, ready-to-eat cereals, and carbonated soft drinks. Although in all three industries we find that traditional media (TV and print) advertisements are close substitutes, we also find that ONLA is a complement to, rather than a substitute for, both TV and print media advertising. This may be explained by ONLA’s targeting younger market segments and acting as a reinforcement of TV and print media advertising exposure. Further results show that the adoption of ONLA has lowered the cost of advertising for achieving a sales target and that its complementarity effect is weakening over time.
Survival of ethnic and racial minority patients with multiple myeloma treated with newer medications.

Key Points Patients of minority race with myeloma have had less increase in population-level survival in the early 21st century than white patients. Data from clinical trials show that mortality is similar for minorities, suggesting the population-level difference is due to utilization.
The Effect of Presentation Level on the SCAN-3 in Children and Adults.

Purpose The pediatric and adult versions of the SCAN-3 test (Keith, 2009a, 2009b) are widely used to screen and diagnose auditory processing disorders. According to the instruction manual, the test...
Distaff and pen: producing the Evangiles des Quenouilles

This paper traces the interworkings and conflicts between masculine and feminine modes of producing "textus" in the Evangiles des Quenouilles (c. 1474). Pen and distaff are emblems of writing in this comic work, which features a lone cleric who transcribes and frames the "gospels" (authoritative preaching) of a women's sewing circle, at their request. the women intend their oral text to gain honor and power for their sex; the cleric's facetiously ironic framing of it tries to recuperate feminine speech for comic, misogynistic purposes. Yet the two modes of "writing" are bound together: the illiterate women need the cleric to disseminate their knowledge, while he uses feminine discourse and the foundation of his own authorial project. After considering the content of the feminine "gospels" and how the work's structure associates gender problems with writing problems, I maintain that masculine and feminine modes of "writing" embody differing attitudes towards authority. I conclude that the cleric cannot subvert the women's feminist text completely to his own antifeminist purposes since he, as much as the women, functions as a source of comedy. The Quenouilles is not simply misogynistic (despite the traditional antifeminism it draws upon) but plural.
Evaluating Effectiveness of Ramp Meters

Ramp meters in the Twin Cities have been turned off for eight weeks in Fall 2000 in an experiment testing their effectiveness. This chapter analyzes the data collected during the experiment on several representative freeways during the afternoon peak period. Several performance measures for ramp metering including mobility, equity, consumers' surplus, productivity, accessibility and travel time variation are developed and applied to the studied freeways. It is found that ramp meters are particularly helpful for long trips relative to short trips. On TH169, trips more than 3 exits in length benefit, while those 3 exits or less are hurt by ramp meters. Ramp metering, while generally beneficial to freeway mainline, may not improve trip travel times (including ramp delays). Reduction in travel time variation with the presence of ramp metering is observed as another important benefit from ramp meters. The results are mixed, suggesting a more refined ramp control algorithm which explicitly considers ramp delay is in order.
Relationship of Varicocele to Sperm Output and Fertility of Male Partners in Infertile Couples

Abstract Both partners of 455 infertile couples seen consecutively were evaluated. When indicated the female partners were treated. Six semen specimens from each male subject were analyzed. A varicocele was diagnosed in 23.7 per cent of the men. More than 60 per cent of the men with a varicocele had sperm counts less than 40 million per ml., while 67 per cent without a varicocele had sperm counts more than 40 million per ml. The mean and total sperm counts of men with a varicocele were significantly lower than those without a varicocele. However, the pregnancy rates were not significantly different. The pregnancy rate was 46 per cent in couples whose male partners underwent a varicocelectomy, not significantly different from the pregnancy rate achieved in couples when the varicoceles were not corrected surgically (51 per cent). Varicocelectomy resulted in improvement in sperm count only when preoperative counts were more than 10 million per ml. Pregnancy rates for couples in which a varicocelectomy did or did not result in improvement in sperm count or motility were identical (45.1 and 45.5 per cent, respectively). These findings suggest that in male partners of infertile couples the presence of a varicocele is associated with compromised semen quality but not with diminished fertility when the female partners are treated. This observation emphasizes the importance of considering infertility as a problem of a couple, rather than a specific disorder of one of the partners.
A Descriptive Study of Self-Reported Injury in Non-elite Adaptive Athletes

Abstract Background Adaptive sports programs are increasing across the country and there is a paucity of research investigating the epidemiology and sports injury risk factors in non-elite athletes. Objective To assess the demographics, training regime, and injuries incurred by adaptive athletes participating in local adaptive sports clubs and to assess the athletes’ type of medical care and prevalence of those with spasticity. Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting Local area adaptive sports teams and programs. Participants Sixty-one athletes participating in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sled hockey, and adaptive rowing were surveyed, with a response rate of 70.5%. Interventions Completion of self-report survey. Outcome Report of injury prevalence, injury characteristics, type of medical care, and assessment of frequency and severity of spasticity using the Penn Spasm Frequency Scale. Results Most athletes (86%) trained or competed in their main sport 9-12 months per year. Most athletes (79.1%) trained at least 4 hours per week. In the past 12 months, 39.5% of athletes surveyed sustained an injury that required them to miss practice or a competition, with 58.8% of these athletes having sustained a significant injury. Many of those injured (64.7%) had never participated in an injury prevention or conditioning program. Injury prevalence by sport was 42.9% in wheelchair rugby, 60% in sled hockey, 44% wheelchair basketball, and 0% in adaptive rowing. The most commonly injured body parts were the shoulder (52.9%) and wrist (52.9%). Conclusions This study shows that non-elite adaptive sports athletes sustain similar types of injuries as noted in published reports of elite athletes but could be provided with less injury prevention education and access to medical care. This area will require future study, especially investigating injury risk factors within specific sports and diagnoses. Level of Evidence III
Long-term warming research in high-latitude ecosystems: Responses from polar ecosystems and implications for future climate

Abstract The aim of this chapter is to provide a synthesis of the findings from terrestrial warming experiments conducted in the Arctic and Antarctic. The Arctic is warming at twice the average global rate ( Anisimov et al., 2007 ). The strongest warming rates worldwide occur in Siberia, northwestern Canada, and Alaska, and in the Antarctic, most notably the western Antarctic Peninsula. These systems are essentially the canaries of the coalmine, not only experiencing the strongest warming rates, but also being particularly sensitive to warming because of the limitation of many biological processes by low temperatures. First, we describe how terrestrial ecosystems in high-latitude biomes differ from ecosystems elsewhere. Then we examine experimental warming effects in the Arctic, with a focus on nonforested tundra landscapes. Next, we describe experimental warming methods and their challenges. We then review plant responses to warming, such as plant productivity and plant community dynamics to warming, and how these relate to soil nutrient availability. We transition to belowground responses of warming, including warming effects on the soil food web in the active layer (ground that thaws seasonally) of the soil profile. In the final portion of the Arctic section we discuss the implications of warming on the vast and vulnerable carbon stores in permafrost. We discuss the scale of the permafrost feedback to the global carbon balance using experimental data from Eight Mile Lake, Alaska, United States, with suggestions for improved quantification of temporal changes of carbon stores in permafrost. In the next part of the chapter we focus on Antarctica. We describe climatic and biological differences between the two principal regions on the Antarctic continent that contain field-warming experiments: the western Antarctic Peninsula and the McMurdo Dry Valleys, the largest ice-free area on the continent. We then describe the effect of warming in these two areas. In the final section of the chapter we draw parallels, but also describe differences, between the warming responses of the polar regions of both hemispheres. Taking into account the similarities and differences in responses to warming, as well as environmental and biological constraints, we then predict ecosystem trajectories under future warming scenarios for the Arctic and Antarctic. We conclude the section by synthesizing how changes in carbon cycling in the polar regions will feed back to the pace of planetary warming.
A Research Note on Income Pooling in Partnerships: Incorporating Nonresident Children:

Income pooling is a common behavior among couples. However, cohabiting and married individuals in more complex families, namely those with stepchildren, are less likely to pool incomes. Similarly, ...
Preventable causes of cancer in Texas by race/ethnicity: Alcohol consumption.

Abstract Alcohol consumption, especially at levels above 3 drinks/day, causes eight different types of cancer. We aimed to estimate the percentage and number of incident cancer cases diagnosed in Texas in 2015 that were attributable to alcohol consumption. We further examined for differences in these estimates across major population racial/ethnic subgroups. We calculated population-attributable fractions for cancers attributable to alcohol consumption using prevalence estimates of alcohol consumption from the Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and relative risks associated with alcohol consumption from the third World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research expert report. Cancer incidence data were retrieved from the Texas Cancer Registry. We estimated 2.9% of all cancers or 2974 excess cancer cases diagnosed in 2015 in Texans aged ≥25 years were attributable to alcohol consumption. Non-Hispanic Blacks (2.2%) had the lowest proportion of alcohol-attributable cancers. Despite Hispanics having the highest percent of non-consumption of alcohol (65.3%, compared with 45.5% of non-Hispanic Whites), Hispanics had a slightly higher proportion of alcohol-attributable cancers than non-Hispanic Whites (3.0% and 2.7%, respectively). Alcohol consumption is an important target for intervention by public health programs aimed toward addressing cancer prevention. Differences in alcohol-attributable cancer burden among racial/ethnic subgroups should be acknowledged to provide appropriately tailored prevention recommendations.
Estrogen/estrogen receptor action and the pregnant myometrium

Estrogen and estrogen action in the myometrium are necessary for a successful pregnancy. Estrogen is required for both the myometrial hyperplastic phase of gestation as well as the contractile response that leads to parturition at term. The excessive levels of circulating estrogens during pregnancy, pose a signalling conundrum. How do different tissues that have varying spatial and temporal needs for estrogen deal with this high estrogen ligand level? Insulin like growth factor (IGF1) and its receptor are important to the process of hyperplasia and are estrogen responsive. Although IGF1 is necessary for a successful pregnancy, myometrial production of IGF1 seems to be redundant for myometrial expansion. This review discusses the newly investigated functionality of estrogen receptor alpha splice isoforms in uterine myometrial contractility and quiescence while also covering the role of estrogen and IGF1 in uterine myometrial hyperplasia during pregnancy.
Clinical and imaging features in fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA).

Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare and recently described complex vascular malformation. The clinical and imaging features and morphology can be confusing and often overlap with features of other vascular malformations and tumors. To present the imaging characterization of FAVA in association with clinical features. We retrospectively evaluated clinical and imaging (MRI, sonography and venography) findings in FAVA. We documented the clinical presentation, lesion morphology, imaging characteristics, tissue distribution, pattern of contrast enhancement and vascular characteristics. Thirty-eight people (31 female, 7 male) ages 1–30 years (mean 12 years) were diagnosed with FAVA based on clinical findings combined with imaging or histopathological findings (n=17). Most lesions were in the lower extremity (n=36). Three patterns were noticed: focal, focal infiltrative and diffuse. Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly, a rare and complex vascular malformation, has distinct clinical and imaging features that a radiologist should be familiar with to avoid delay in diagnosis and to direct appropriate management.
The impacts of bioturbation by common marsh crabs on sediment erodibility: A laboratory flume investigation

Abstract Accelerating sea-level rise (SLR) threatens salt marshes globally, and thus understanding how these ecosystems respond to this stress is vital to increasing their resiliency. In order to maintain their surface elevation as sea level rises, salt marshes must add below ground biomass and accrete sediment. In many cases, biota can significantly affect marsh accretionary and erosional processes by stabilizing or helping to mobilize sediment, which in turn can profoundly affect the morphological evolution of the marsh. However, these effects are poorly understood. Bioturbation by dense populations of the marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum has been found to facilitate expansion of tidal creeks and creek bank erosion in multiple areas. The influence of S. reticulatum bioturbation on sediment erodibility has not yet been quantified, due to difficulties involved in measuring the processes in a field setting. In this study, we used a laboratory flume to examine the effects of burrowing by common marsh crab species S. reticulatum and Uca pugnax on sediment surface roughness and erodibility. Measurements and observations of surface elevation, flow velocities, and sediment movement indicate that burrowing and feeding by S. reticulatum, and to a lesser extent, Uca pugnax, increase surface roughness and decrease the threshold velocities and shear stresses required for sediment erosion. Erosion associated with observed burrowing is of a similar magnitude to mean annual marsh surface accumulation, and, consequently, this mechanism for sediment loss in heavily burrowed areas has the potential to produce large-scale morphological changes. Taxonomy Ecological engineering, Coastal setting, Salt marsh, Geomorphological aspects, Soil erosion. Regional index terms USA, Texas, Galveston.