cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A BDDC Algorithm for Weak Galerkin Discretizations

The weak Galerkin (WG) methods are a class of nonconforming finite element methods, which were first introduced for a second order elliptic problem in Wang and Ye (2014). The idea of the WG is to introduce weak functions and their weak derivatives as distributions, which can be approximated by polynomials of different degrees. For second elliptic problems, weak functions have the form of v = { v0, v b }, where v0 is defined inside each element and v b is defined on the boundary of the element. v0 and v b can both be approximated by polynomials. The gradient operator is approximated by a weak gradient operator, which is further approximated by polynomials. These weakly defined functions and derivatives make the WG methods highly flexible and these WG methods have been extended to different applications such as Darcy in Lin et al. (2014), Stokes in Wang and Ye (2016), bi-harmonic in Mu et al. (2014), Maxwell in Mu et al. (2015c), Helmholtz in Mu et al. (2015b), and Brinkman equations in Mu et al. (2014). In Mu et al. (2015a), the optimal order of polynomial spaces is studied to minimize the number of degrees of freedom in the computation.
Perspective on Nephrology Fellowship in the United States.

Interest in nephrology as a career choice has been steadily waning among internal medicine residents in the United States. The recurrent message many of us hear is that our specialty is facing a challenge to its very existence ([1][1]). Declining interest is reflected by a decrease in the number of
Measuring quality of mental health care: A review of initiatives and programs in selected countries

This review article presents a systematic review of grey literature describing current initiatives that assess the quality of mental health care in 12 countries, as collected by the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership.There have been increased efforts in many countries to develop and implement mental health indicator schemes to measure and monitor the quality of mental health care at the national and subnational level. Most mental health indicator sets are part of larger health policy initiatives at the national and (or) provincial or state level, with indicators and domains regularly reviewed and revised. The indicator sets described in health care quality initiatives vary widely in their scope, intended use, and degree of development, and they often cut across a broad range of domains, reflecting not only a country's specific health system and how it is organized and structured but also the implementation of such schemes (that is, collection and analysis of data) and the sociopolitical realities that determine mental health priorities.
Guanylate Cyclase: Properties and Regulation

Cyclic GMP was discovered in biological material in 19631, and guanylate cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of the cyclic nucleotide from GTP, was first described in 19692–5. Because of its chemical similarity to cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP has long been assumed to be involved in cellular regulation. This assumption has been reinforced by observations that cellular levels of cyclic GMP rapidly increase in response to agonists that affect such processes as myocardial and smooth muscle contraction, cell division, exocrine and endocrine secretion, platelet aggregation and neuronal activity (see reference 6 for a thorough review of this area). The role of cyclic GMP in these processes, however, is still obscure.
Mesenchymal Tumors of the Lungs

Primary mesenchymal tumors of the lung are uncommon tumors that often resemble their counterparts in the soft tissue. Both benign and malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin may arise from the bronchopulmonary system. These may be of single lineage differentiation and show fibroblastic, muscle, cartilage and bone, adipose, myxoid, neurogenic, or neuroectodermal features or be composed of heterogenous cell types like hamartomas or malignant triton tumor. The incidence for these tumors is very low and based on the current literature it appears that primary pulmonary sarcomas account for less than 1 % of all primary lung tumors.
An Integral Equation in AeroElasticity

The integral equation that plays a key role in AeroElasticity is known as the Possio Integral Equation, named after its discoverer. From its inception in 1938, this equation was formulated in the Fourier Transform domain using divergent integrals, until 2002 when a more precise formulation valid in a right half-plane was given. In this paper we express it in the time-domain, which requires the language of Functional Analysis, L p spaces, 1 < p < 2, and Semigroup Theory. A key role is played by the Finite Hilbert Transform and the Tricomi-Sohngen airfoil equation, which may actually be considered a special case.
The Therapeutic Potential of D1 and D2 Dopamine Agonists in Parkinson’S Disease

The neurological and biochemical deficits in monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem were compared with those treated with MPTP. The effects of D1 an D2 dopamine agonists on parkinsonian-like symptoms were investigated in both non– human primate models. The stimulation of D2 dopamine receptors elicits a complete relief of tremor in monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem and a relief of parkinsonian-like symptomatology in MPTP-treated monkeys. The combined administration of bromocriptine with L-dopa produces an increased duration of the relief of tremor in monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem when compared with each drug alone. It is postulated that the presence of synaptic dopamine enhances the dopamine agonist activity of bromocriptine at the D2 dopamine receptors. Dopamine agonists which effectively stimulate dopamine autoreceptors and postsynaptic supersensitive, but not normosensitive dopamine receptors, effectively relieve tremor and do not produce severe abnormal involuntary movements in monkeys with unilateral ventromedial tegmental lesions of the brain stem. The therapeutic potential of selective dopamine agonists in treatment of Parkinson’s disease has to be further evaluated.
Disparities in resection of hepatic metastases in colon cancer.

e18062Background: Evidence suggests that resection of synchronous hepatic metastases (SHM) in Stage IV colon cancer is safe and can improve survival in select patients. Little is known, however, ab...
Reinvestigation of quantum dot symmetry: the symmetric group of the 8-band k⋅p theory Hamiltonian

Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots, usually formed in pyramid or lens shapes, have an intrinsic geometric symmetry. However, the geometric symmetry of a quantum dot is not identical to the symmetry of the associated Hamiltonian. It is a well-accepted conclusion that the symmetric group of the Hamiltonians for both pyramidal and lens-shaped quantum dots is C2v; consequently, the eigenstate of the Hamiltonian is not degenerate because C2v has only one-dimensional irreducible representations. In this paper, we show the above conclusion is wrong. Using the 8-band k · p theory model and considering the action of group elements on both spatial and electron spin parts of the wavefunction, we find the symmetric group of the Hamiltonian is the C2v double group not C2v. C2v is the symmetric group of the spatial part of the conduction band Hamiltonian only when the inter-band coupling is totally ignored. Employing the C2v double group symmetry, we prove that although the C2v double group has both one-dimensional and two-dimensional irreducible representations, the eigenstates of the 8 × 8 Hamiltonian are always two-fold degenerate and that these degenerate states only correspond to the two-dimensional irreducible representation of the C2v double group. The double group symmetry originates from the coupling between spatial potential and electron half spin. This coupling causes a full 2π rotation in the wavefunction space or the Hilbert space not equal to the unity operation. Finally, the connection between the two-fold degeneracy due to the C2v double group symmetry and Kramers’ degeneracy due to the time inversion symmetry is explored.
A systematic review of methods for determining cross-sectional active medications using pharmacy databases.

PURPOSE Pharmacy dispensing databases are often used to identify patients' medications at a particular time point, for example to measure prescribing quality or the impact of medication use on clinical outcomes. We performed a systematic review of studies that examined methods to assess medications in use at a specific point in time. METHODS Comprehensive literature search to identify studies that compared active medications identified using pharmacy databases to medications identified using nonautomated data sources. Two investigators independently reviewed abstracts and full-text material. RESULTS Of 496 studies screened, 29 studies evaluating 50 comparisons met inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine comparisons evaluated fixed look-back period approaches, defining active medications as those filled in a specified period prior to the index date (range 84-730 days). Fourteen comparisons evaluated medication-on-hand approaches, defining active medications as those for which the most recent fill provided sufficient supply to last through the study index date. Sensitivity ranged from 48% to 93% for fixed look-back period approaches and 35% to 97% for medication-on-hand approaches. Interpretation of comparative performance of methods was limited by use of different reference sources, target medication classes, and databases across studies. In four studies with head-to-head comparisons of these methods, sensitivity of the medication-on-hand approach was a median of 7% lower than the corresponding fixed look-back approach. CONCLUSIONS The reported accuracy of methods for identifying active medications using pharmacy databases differs greatly across studies. More direct comparisons of common approaches are needed to establish the accuracy of methods within and across populations, medication classes, and databases.
Acute Compartment Syndrome

Acute compartment syndrome is a potentially devastating complication of traumatic injury, most commonly following long bone fractures. Early recognition of warning signs/symptoms is essential to initiate immediate surgical consultation and prospective intervention, especially in patients who are unconscious and/or exhibit altered mental status. Diagnosis is manufactured clinically, supported by history and temporal clinical evaluation, with definitive care involving emergent fasciotomy.
MicroRNA‐2738 regulates gene expression in the sex determination pathway in Bombyx mori

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short, non-coding transcripts that bind to 3'-untranslated regions to trigger messenger RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Here we explored how miRNAs regulate sex determination in Bombyx mori, a lepidopteran model insect. Genes known to be involved in sex determination, BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc, are predicted targets of the species-specific miR-2738. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells, we confirmed that miR-2738 suppressed transcription of BmPSI, Bmdsx, and BmMasc. The levels of BmPSI and BmMasc were significantly down-regulated in B. mori miR-2738 overexpression. In contrast, the genetic disruption of miR-2738 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 transgenic system increased the levels of BmPSI and BmMasc transcripts, whereas splicing of Bmdsx was unaltered by miR-2738 depletion or overexpression. Taken together, this study implicates miR-2738 as a minor regulator of sex determination genes in the silkworm.
Precarious Work, Young Workers, and Union-Related Attitudes: Distrust of Employers, Workplace Collective Efficacy, and Union Efficacy:

This study examined the effects of precarious work characteristics on U.S. workers’ attitudes about three union-related issues using the 2009 Young Worker Survey. Union-related criteria included di...
Markovian strategies with continuous and impulse controls for a differential game model of revolution

This paper is concerned with a piecewise-deterministic differential game model of political regime changes. We modify and study the model proposed by Boucekkine et al. in [7]. The original model do...
Characterizing the Prevalence of Cam-Type Hip Impingement in Professional Women’s Ice Hockey Players:

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in elite men’s ice hockey players, yet little is known about the hips of elite women’s ice hockey ...
Association of sedentary behavior and time with risk of metabolic syndrome

Objective To explore the association of sedentary behavior and time with risk of metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods A total of 10 149 subjects were recruited from local residents aged ≥40 years old in Jiashan County by cluster-random sampling method.The data including physical activity,job,sedentary time,and sleep,etc.were collected.Height and body weight,waist circumference,blood pressure,blood glucose,blood lipid,etc.were determined.Logistic regression was used for correlation analysis.Results The prevalence of MS was 28.64％ in local residents over 40 years old in Jiashan.The rate of sedentary behavior in all subjects was 67.57％,with 3 h sedentary time on average.Compared with non-MS group,the rates of sedentary behavior and sedentary time were significantly higher in MS group (P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sedentary behavior was independently associated with an increased risk of MS after adjustment for age,sex,body mass index (BMI),smoking,drinking,and sedentary time(OR=1.16,95％ CI 1.03-1.30,P=0.017).Increased sedentary time was associated with higher risks of hypertension,type 2 diabetes mellitus,and dyslipidemia (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Sedentary time ≥ 5 h/d independently increased the risk of MS (OR =1.15,95％ CI 1.01-1.31,P =0.034).Conclusions There is a high prevalence of MS in adults over 40 years old living in the eastern coastal rural area.MS and its related diseases are closely associated with sedentary behavior and its duration. Key words: Sedentary behaviors ; Metabolic syndrome ; Hypertension ; Diabetes mellitus, type 2 ; Dyslipidemia
Yield modeling of snap bean based on hyperspectral sensing: a greenhouse study

Farmers and growers typically use approaches based on the crop environment and local meteorology, many of which are labor-intensive, to predict crop yield. These approaches have found broad acceptance but lack real-time and physiological feedback for near-daily management purposes. This is true for broad-acre crops, such as snap bean, which is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars in the annual agricultural market. We aim to investigate the relationships between snap bean yield and plant spectral and biophysical information, collected using a hyperspectral spectroradiometer (400 to 2500 nm). The experiment focused on 48 single snap bean plants (cv. Huntington) in a controlled greenhouse environment during the growth period (69 days). We used applicable accuracy and precision metrics from partial least squares regression and cross-validation methods to evaluate the predictive ability of two harvest stages, namely an early-harvest and late-harvest stage, against our yield indicator (bean pod weight). Four different spectral data sets were used to investigate whether such oversampled, hyperspectral data sets could accurately and precisely model observed variability in yield, in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2) and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The objective of our approach hinges on the philosophy that selected spectral bands from this study, i.e., those that best explain yield variability, can be downsampled from a hyperspectral system for use in a more cost-effective, operational multispectral sensor. Our results suggested the optimal period for spectral evaluation of snap bean yield is 20 to 25 or 32 days prior to harvest for the early- and late-harvest stages, respectively, with the best model performing at a low RMSE (3.02 g plant − 1) and a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.72). An unmanned aerial systems-mounted, affordable, and wavelength-programmable multispectral imager, with bands corresponding to those identified, could provide a near real-time and reliable yield estimate prior to harvest.
Data Acquisition, Processing, and Reduction for Home-Use Trial of a Wearable Video Camera-Based Mobility Aid

Purpose Evaluating mobility aids in naturalistic conditions across many days is challenging owing to the sheer amount of data and hard-to-control environments. For a wearable video camera-based collision warning device, we present the methodology for acquisition, reduction, review, and coding of video data for quantitative analyses of mobility outcomes in blind and visually impaired participants. Methods Scene videos along with collision detection information were obtained from a chest-mounted collision warning device during daily use of the device. The recorded data were analyzed after use. Collision risk events flagged by the device were manually reviewed and coded using a detailed annotation protocol by two independent masked reviewers. Data reduction was achieved by predicting agreements between reviewers based on a machine learning algorithm. Thus, only those events for which disagreements were predicted would be reviewed by the second reviewer. Finally, the ultimate disagreements were resolved via consensus, and mobility-related outcome measures such as percentage of body contacts were obtained. Results There were 38 hours of device use from 10 participants that were reviewed by both reviewers, with an agreement level of 0.66 for body contacts. The machine learning algorithm trained on 2714 events correctly predicted 90.5% of disagreements. For another 1943 events, the trained model successfully predicted 82% of disagreements, resulting in 81% data reduction. Conclusions The feasibility of mobility aid evaluation based on a large volume of naturalistic data is demonstrated. Machine learning-based disagreement prediction can lead to data reduction. Translational relevance These methods provide a template for determining the real-world benefit of a mobility aid.
Polymer based endografts have improved rates of proximal aortic neck dilatation and migration

Background Proximal aortic neck dilatation (PND) affects a considerable proportion of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and is associated with increased rates of type I endoleak (EL1), migration, and reinterventions. Although there are numerous studies investigating PND following the placement of endografts that utilize self-expanding stent (SES) technology, there are few reports for patients treated with endografts that utilize polymer-filled rings. The purpose of this study is to examine PND and graft migration after EVAR with the Ovation stent graft. Methods The study comprised patients who underwent EVAR as part of the prospective, international, multicenter Ovation stent graft trial. A clinical events committee adjudicated adverse events through 1 year, an independent imaging core laboratory analyzed imaging through 5 years, and a data safety and monitoring board provided study oversight. Neck diameter was measured at the level of the lowest renal artery. PND was defined as neck enlargement of 3 mm or more. Graft migration was defined as distal movement >10 mm or movement ≤10 mm when resulting in secondary intervention. Results A total of 238 patients received this device during the study period. Patients were predominantly male (81%), with a mean age of 73 ± 8 years. Median follow-up was 58 months (IQR 36–60). Almost half the patients (110 patients, 46%) had challenging anatomy; defined as outside the instructions for use (IFU) with other commercially available stent grafts. 41 patients (17.2%) had a proximal neck length Conclusions The use of the Ovation stent graft was associated with low rates of PND despite challenging neck anatomy in 17% of patients. No graft migration was observed. The design of this endograft may explain its superiority to SES in preventing neck dilatation and migration even in patients with challenging neck anatomy. This is important, as we continue to see significant late failures of EVAR due to proximal neck degeneration.
Mind-based Therapies for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain causes psychological distress. Mind-based therapies, also known as mind-body therapies or psychological therapies, can play a role in chronic pain management and coping. These therapies utilize the mind as the primary effector of change in the body. There are various techniques ranging from relaxation, meditation, prayer, biofeedback, hypnosis, and more traditionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Minimally Invasive McKeown Esophagectomy

When performing a three-field minimally invasive esophagectomy, it is important to note which patients are reasonable candidates for such a procedure. Patients who have long-segment Barrett’s, a middle esophageal tumor, or long length of tumor within the esophagus are ideal candidates for three-field minimally invasive esophagectomy. Patients who have extension of disease into the cervical esophagus or tumor within the cardia of the stomach may not be ideal candidates due to an inability to create an anastomosis with this particular approach. Those patients who are thought to have extensive disease within the stomach are better candidates for laparoscopic abdominal staging and evaluation of the distal gastric conduit and determination about whether or not a gastrectomy should be performed. Patients with a low esophageal tumor and no extension into the stomach are ideal candidates for a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Patients with spine abnormalities, such as kyphosis and scoliosis, may make esophageal mobilization more difficult. It is important to tailor surgery to the patient rather than the reverse.
Augmented Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan Has Therapeutic Potential for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Stimulating Anabolic Turnover in Bovine Nucleus Pulposus Cells under Changes in Hydrostatic Pressure

Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are exposed to changes in hydrostatic pressure (HP) and osmotic pressure within the intervertebral disc. We focused on main disc matrix components, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and hyaluronan (HA) to elucidate the capability of augmented CSPG to enhance the anabolism of bovine NP (bNP) cells under repetitive changes in HP at high osmolality. Aggrecan expression with CSPG in the absence of HP was significantly upregulated compared to the no-material control (phosphate buffer saline) under no HP at 3 days, and aggrecan expression with CSPG under HP was significantly higher than the control with HA under HP at 12 days. Collagen type I expression under no HP was significantly lower with CSPG than in controls at 3 days. Although matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression under HP was downregulated compared to no HP, it was significantly greater with HA than the control and CSPG, even under HP. Immunohistology revealed the involvement of mechanoreceptor of transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 activation under HP, suggesting an HP transduction mechanism. Addition of CSPG had anabolic and anti-fibrotic effects on bNP cells during the early culture period under no HP; furthermore, it showed synergy with dynamic HP to increase bNP-cell anabolism at later time points.
Resolution of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder after shunt placement in a patient with hydrocephalus: A case report.

Abstract Purpose There have been previous case reports suggesting the resolution of both sensorineural hearing loss and retrocochlear involvement through the management of hydrocephalus with shunt placement. This is a case report of a patient with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) that resolved after shunt placement in a patient with hydrocephalus. Materials and methods Chart review of a single patient with a diagnosis of ANSD and hydrocephalus. Type of audiometric testing and results were document. Results Patient is an infant who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth and ANSD in the right ear at 3 months of age. Patient underwent shunt placement at 9 months old and had behavioral testing 2 months later. Audiometry showed normal behavioral audiometric thresholds with presence of ipsilateral and contralateral reflexes which is suggestive of resolution of ANSD. Conclusions This is a single case report of resolution of ANSD after shunt placement in a patient with hydrocephalus. Close monitoring and repeat audiological evaluation is recommended to follow these patients.
Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges

Most of us at some point in our lives will be struck by major traumas such as the sudden death of a loved one, a debilitating disease, assault, or a natural disaster. Resilience refers to the ability to 'bounce back' after encountering difficulty. This book provides a guide to building emotional, mental and physical resilience by presenting ten factors to help anyone become more resilient to life's challenges. Specific resilience factors such as facing fear, optimism, and social support are described through the experiences and personal reflections of highly resilient survivors. These survivors also describe real-life methods for practicing and benefiting from the resilience factors. As resilience is the complex product of genetic, psychological, biological, social, and spiritual factors, the authors investigate resilience from multiple scientific perspectives. They synthesize the latest literature on the topic, describe their own research on resilience, and quote from their interviews with highly resilient people.
Wahl einer Näherungsfunktion für den Strombelag am Kreiszylinder

Der nachste Schritt nach der Formulierung eines stationaren Ausdrucks ist die Auswahl einer geeigneten Naherungsfunktion. In unserem Beispiel der Beugung am Kreiszylinder haben wir eine Naherungsfunktion fur die Stromverteilung I(α, φ) auf dem Zylindermantel zu wahlen, die physikalisch plausibel ist. Wir unterscheiden zwei Falle, die wir durch a) niederfrequente Streuung, b) hochfrequente Streuung kennzeichnen wollen.
Analyzing the Dynamics of Program Participation with Data from the SIPP

The dynamics of participation in government programs can be studied using longitudinal data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). This paper examines some of the issues involved in such analysis, focusing first on the kinds of analysis that SIPP data allow. The second section discusses the major problems with the SIPP that complicate longitudinal analyses. A concluding section suggests changes that could simplify and improve the data.
4. Bucle curricular para la formación del médico veterinario de la Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado

The research was to make a curriculum loop for the formation of veterinarian in Lisandro Alvarado University. It is based on a qualitative approach under the ethnographic method. The findings unveiled inconsistencies between feeling and thinking, what should be the duty of teaching and learning for veterinarian formation at UCLA, and what actually constitutes action during this process. It is concluded on a proposal that presents eleven conceptual elements that constitute the curricular loop and come to represent the vision you have of what should be the process of teaching and learning for the formation of the veterinarian.
Glory Holes and the Men who use Them

Abstract This paper gives a brief description of the “glory hole” and its popularity in certain arenas of public homosexual activity along with an overview of academic and underground resources that have acknowledged its existence. Testimonies, drawn from interviews with ten openly homosexual men in San Francisco who have used glory holes for sexual encounters with varying frequency, form the bulk of the paper, testifying to the diverse motivations, experiences and perceptions that make the glory hole appealing to its users.
Gene-expression signatures in breast cancer.

The study by van de Vijver et al. is of considerable interest with respect to the biology of breast cancer. However, from the point of view of the individual patient and her physician, the sensitivity and specificity of prognostic profiles are more important than odds ratios. It is possible to calculate these factors in part from the results. For example, for "all new patients in the consecutive series" (180 patients, listed in Table 2 of the article), the sensitivity and specificity of the poor prognostic signature are 0.93 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.81 to 0.98) and 0.53 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.45 to 0.61), respectively. If a hypothetical treatment were administered on this basis, nearly two thirds of the patients with a poor prognostic signature (65 of 104 patients) would be overtreated. Thus, the reported genetic signatures do not seem to be much sharper weapons for daily practice than other, easier-to-obtain prognostic indicators.
Rainfall, Human Capital, and Democracy

Why are some societies characterized by enduring democracy while other societies are persistently autocratic? We show that there is a systematic, non-linear relationship between rainfall levels and regime types in the post-World War II world: stable democracies overwhelmingly cluster in a band of moderate rainfall (550 to 1300 mm of precipitation per year); persistent autocracies overwhelmingly cluster in deserts and semi-arid environments (0 to 550 mm per year) and in the tropics (above 1300 mm per year). We also show that rainfall does not work on regime types directly, but does so through the its impact on the level and distribution of human capital. Specifically, crops that are both easily storable and exhibit modest economies of scale in production grow well under moderate amounts of rainfall. The modal production unit is a family farm that can accumulate surpluses. In such an economy there are incentives to make intergenerational investments in human capital. A high level and broad distribution of human capital makes democratic consolidation more likely.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DEMAND IS ESTIMATED WITH A MISSPECIFIED MODEL

We conduct Monte Carlo experiments to investigate the biases of assuming a misspecified demand model. We study continuous models (linear, log-linear and AIDS), and discrete choice models (logit) in the context of differentiated products and aggregate data. Estimating demand with the ‘wrong’ model yields varying degrees of bias in estimated elasticities, but the logit model can yield unbiased estimates for a certain size of the assumed market potential. Merger simulations confirm the key importance of market potential in logit estimation suggesting that a discrete choice model may be preferable even when the discreteness of the purchase decision is questionable.
The proletarian journalist: A critique of professionalism

Proletarian journalists are “professionals”; in America's news factories. Their “conversion downward”; took place over several “long waves”; of capitalist development that linked commerce to ideology and legitimated marketplace practices. “Independence,”; “objectivity,”; and “social responsibility”; emerged as ideological corollaries of commercial strategies deployed to stabilize marketplace crises and class conflicts within journalism.
A variable resolution surface wave dispersion study of Eurasia, North Africa, and surrounding regions

[1] This paper presents the results of a large-scale study of surface wave dispersion performed across Eurasia and North Africa. Improvements were made to previous surface wave work by enlarging the study region, increasing path density, improving spatial resolution, and expanding the period range. This study expands the coverage area northward and eastward relative to a previous dispersion analysis, which covered only North Africa and the Middle East. We have significantly increased the number of seismograms examined and group velocity measurements made. We have now made good quality dispersion measurements for about 30,000 Rayleigh wave and 20,000 Love wave paths and have incorporated measurements from several other researchers into the study. We have improved the inversion from the previous study by adopting a variable smoothness with the conjugate gradient method for the group velocity tomography. This technique produces higher-resolution models where the concentration of data allows it without producing artifacts. The current results include both Love and Rayleigh wave inversions across the region for periods from 7 to 100 s on a 1° × 1° grid and at resolutions approaching 1° under some conditions. Short-period group velocities are sensitive to slow velocities associated with large sedimentary features such as the Caspian Sea, West Siberian Platform, Mediterranean Sea, Bay of Bengal, Tarim Basin, and Persian Gulf. Intermediate periods are sensitive to differences in crustal thickness, such as those between oceanic and continental crust or along orogenic zones and continental plateaus. At longer periods, fast velocities are consistently found beneath cratons, while slow upper mantle velocities occur along rift systems, subduction zones, and collision zones such as the Tethys Belt. We have compared the group velocities at various periods with features such as sediment thickness, topographic height, crustal thickness, proximity to plate boundaries, lithospheric age, and lithospheric thickness, and we find significant correlations. We have developed an empirical relationship between long-period group velocity and lithospheric thickness that works well for both oceanic and continental lithosphere. We do not find any similar correlation between the longest-period surface waves and hot spots.
Investigation of soft upsets in integrated circuit memories and charge collection in semiconductor test structures by the use of an ion microbeam

Abstract Some modern integrated circuit memories can be upset by the passage of a single charged particle. Experiments using MeV 4He beams to investigate the upset sensitivity of 64 K dynamic random access memories (dRAM) indicate that 4He ions striking bit lines have a substantially higher probability of producing upsets than those striking memory cells. One of these experiments used a pulsed beam so that the incident 4He ions arrived in synchronization with one of the timing signals to the dRAM. Measurements on the related problem of charge collection by diffused junction and metal-oxide-semiconductor structures, obtained by using a microbeam, are also presented.
Heritability of consumer preference in Gerbera

Heritabilities and response to selection for consumer preference were estimated for a population of Gerbera. Broad-sense heritability was estimated to be 62 percent. Narrow-sense heritability was estimated by parentoffspring regression to be 76 percent, by full-sib family analysis to be 54 percent, and by half-sib family analysis to be 72 percent. These estimates indicate that most of the variance for consumer preference is genetic and that most of the genetic variance is additive. Estimates of realized heritability averaged 71 percent indicating substantial response of this population to selection for consumer preference.
Electron and positron emission angle distributions in pair production by relativistic heavy ions

Abstract The cross section for direct electron-positron pair production by relativistic heavy ions, differential in the emission angle of one of the particles, is calculated using lowest order QED theory. A general method is given for computing all the terms in the exact lowest order expression, based on previous work. Some numerical results are given for selected incident particle energies and the results are compared with the corresponding calculation using the Weizsacker-Williams method.
Woody Debris Volume Depletion Through Decay: Implications for Biomass and Carbon Accounting

Woody debris decay rates have recently received much attention because of the need to quantify temporal changes in forest carbon stocks. Published decay rates, available for many species, are commonly used to characterize deadwood biomass and carbon depletion. However, decay rates are often derived from reductions in wood density through time, which when used to model biomass and carbon depletion are known to underestimate rate loss because they fail to account for volume reduction (changes in log shape) as decay progresses. We present a method for estimating changes in log volume through time and illustrate the method using a chronosequence approach. The method is based on the observation, confirmed herein, that decaying logs have a collapse ratio (cross-sectional height/ width) that can serve as a surrogate for the volume remaining. Combining the resulting volume loss with concurrent changes in wood density from the same logs then allowed us to quantify biomass and carbon depletion for three study species. Results show that volume, density, and biomass follow distinct depletion curves during decomposition. Volume showed an initial lag period (log dimensions remained unchanged), even while wood density was being reduced. However, once volume depletion began, biomass loss (the product of density and volume depletion) occurred much more rapidly than density alone. At the temporal limit of our data, the proportion of the biomass remaining was roughly half that of the density remaining. Accounting for log volume depletion, as demonstrated in this study, provides a comprehensive characterization of deadwood decomposition, thereby improving biomassloss and carbon-accounting models.
IT staff training and development

Our paper demonstrates how UTSA's Information Technology Training and Development Plan removes the guesswork from training needs assessment and acquisition. It assists IT managers in establishing a team of well-prepared, technically competent, customer centered personnel. The dividends are increased customer satisfaction, reduced attrition, cost savings, and an upwardly mobile staff.
5S rRNA-encoding genes of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca riobambae

The major 5S rRNA gene repeat of the marsupial frog, Gastrotheca riobambae, is 1052 bp in length. It contains a 5S rRNA gene similar to the Xenopus laevis somatic gene, two spacer regions, and a pseudogene. The G. riobambae haploid genome contains about 500 copies of this predominant repeat. This relatively low number of 5S rRNA genes is associated with a limited amplification of the 18S, 5.8S and 28S rRNA genes in oocytes and with a slow rate of early development.
Water oxidation by a ruthenium complex with noninnocent quinone ligands: possible formation of an O-O bond at a low oxidation state of the metal.

Tanaka and co-workers reported a novel dinuclear Ru complex, [Ru2(OH)2(3,6-Bu2Q)2(btpyan)](SbF6)2 (3,6-Bu2Q = 3,6-ditert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone, btpyan = 1,8-bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyrid-4′-yl)anthracene), that contains redox active quinone ligands and has an excellent electrocatalytic activity for water oxidation when immobilized on an indium-tin-oxide electrode (Inorg. Chem., 2001, 40, 329–337). The novel features of the dinuclear and related mononuclear Ru species with quinone ligands, and comparison of their properties to those of the Ru analogues with the bpy ligand (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) replacing quinone, are summarized here together with new theoretical and experimental results that show striking features for both the dinuclear and mononuclear species. The identity and oxidation state of key mononuclear species, including the previously reported oxyl radical, have been reassigned. Our gas-phase theoretical calculations indicate that the Tanaka Ru-dinuclear catalyst seems to maintain predominantly Ru(I...
Susceptibility of the codling moth to diflubenzuron.

In tests with adults, eggs, and 1st instars of Laspeyresia pomonella (L.), only the eggs appeared to be susceptible to diflubenzuron. Young eggs less than 250°H (degree hours, base 10°C) old were most susceptible, but susceptibility declined with age. Significant mortality occurred also in 1st instars which hatched from eggs treated during the 1st half of the incubation period. In contrast, direct exposure of 1st instars to surface residues did not affect survival or subsequent development to the adult stage. Combined egg and 1st instar mortality averaged 91% if exposure occurred prior to the midpoint of egg development. Dosage-mortality curves were determined for eggs less than 250°H old which yielded LC50 values of 0.207 mg/liter for technical diflubenzuron and 0.437 mg/liter for the 25 WP. Diflubenzuron applied topically to adult moths caused no mortality, nor did it affect normal oviposition behavior or viability of the offspring. Under field conditions, residues on pear foliage remained active against codling moth eggs for atleast 6 weeks.
Drying transition of confined water.

Long-range hydrophobic interactions operating underwater are important in the mediation of many natural and synthetic phenomena. Long-range hydrophobic interactions operating underwater are important in the mediation of many natural and synthetic phenomena, such as protein folding, adhesion and colloid stability. Here we show that rough hydrophobic surfaces can experience attractive forces over distances more than 30 times greater than any reported previously, owing to the spontaneous evaporation of the intervening, confined water. Our finding highlights the importance of surface roughness in the interaction of extended structures in water, which has so far been largely overlooked.
Cystic retroperitoneal lymphangioma: CT, ultrasound and MR findings

A case of cystic retroperitoneal lymphangioma complicated by hemorrhage is reported in a 7-year-old boy who presented with an abdominal mass. The mass which was partially obstructing the ureter was successfully resected. The imaging findings with emphasis on MR features are described.
Electric field assisted annealing effects on microstructure and ionic conductivity in ceria/YSZ oxide heterostructures

The effect of electric field assisted annealing on the microstructure, composition and ionic conductivity properties in CeO2/YSZ oxide heterostructures have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Amorphization–recrystallization steps were performed with and without external electric field of strength 10 MV/cm along three different orientations: in-plane (YZ), normal (X) and 45° resultant (XY) with respect to the oxide heterointerfaces. The microstructural and compositional differences at the interfaces and in the interior of the oxide heterolayers were evaluated and were found to show a clear correlation with the orientations of the applied field. In particular, the XY configuration displayed a compressive lattice strain of ∼9% along with a reduced oxygen vacancy concentration when compared to the others. Ionic density profiles suggest pronounced segregation (∼60% higher compared to the average value in the interior) of yttrium ions closer to the YSZ/CeO2 interface for the XY configuratio...
Development and validation of the Eating Behavior Inventory

The Eating Behavior Inventory (EBI) is a self-report instrument for assessing behaviors that have been theoretically implicated in weight loss, e.g., self-monitoring of food intake and of weight, refusing offers of food, eating at only one place, shopping from a list, eating in response to emotions. Thirty items were constructed in the form of first-person statements, e.g., “I eat in the middle of the night.” Each item was to be rated with a 5-point scale according to how often it was true for the respondent. Items were scored such that higher scores always reflected more “appropriate” (theoretically facilitative of weight control) eating patterns. Validity of individual items and total score was assessed in four studies. Twenty-six of the original items appeared valid and were retained. The resulting total score demonstrated validity in these studies and in two cross-validational comparisons. Internal consistency as measured by split-half reliability and correlations of item scores with total score was acceptable. One month test-retest reliability of item and total scores was satisfactory. Clinical and research applications of the EBI are discussed.
Endoprosthetic Treatment is More Durable for Pathologic Proximal Femur Fractures

Background Pathologic proximal femur fractures result in substantial morbidity for patients with skeletal metastases. Surgical treatment is widely regarded as effective; however, failure rates associated with the most commonly used operative treatments are not well defined.
Catechol O-Methyltransferase (COMT) VAL158MET Functional Polymorphism, Dental Mercury Exposure, and Self-Reported Symptoms and Mood

Associations were evaluated between a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (Val158Met) in the gene encoding the catecholamine catabolic enzyme catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT), dental mercury exposure, and self-reported symptoms and mood among 183 male dentists and 213 female dental assistants. Self-reported symptoms, mood, and detailed work histories were obtained by computerized questionnaire. Spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for mercury concentrations to evaluate recent exposures, whereas a chronic mercury exposure index for all subjects was created from the work histories. COMT polymorphism status was determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay. Scores for current, recent, and chronic self-reported symptom groups and six self-reported mood factors were evaluated with respect to recent and chronic mercury exposure and COMT polymorphism status. Multiple regression analysis controlled for age, socioeconomic status, tobacco and alcohol use, self-reported health pro...
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Capreomycin

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has led to a renewed interest in the use of second-line antibiotic agents. Unfortunately, there are currently dearths of information, data, and computational models that can be used to help design rational regimens for administration of these drugs. To help fill this knowledge gap, an exploratory physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, supported by targeted experimental data, was developed to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of the second-line agent capreomycin, a cyclic peptide antibiotic often grouped with the aminoglycoside antibiotics. To account for interindividual variability, Bayesian inference and Monte Carlo methods were used for model calibration, validation, and testing. Along with the predictive PBPK model, the first for an antituberculosis agent, this study provides estimates of various key pharmacokinetic parameter distributions and supports a hypothesized mechanism for capreomycin transport into the kidney.
Formation energies, bond lengths, and bulk moduli of ordered semiconductor alloys from tight-binding calculations

A tight-binding model is used to calculate the formation energies, bond lengths, and bulk moduli of a number of ordered III-V and II-VI semiconductor alloys. The parameters in the model are adjusted so that the bond lengths, cohesive energies, bulk moduli, and shear elastic constants for the constituent compounds are described correctly. The model is then applied to alloys without further adjustment. Based on the calculated excess energies, we conclude that none of the ordered alloys found experimentally is in its stable bulk equilibrium state at the growth temperatures. Although the alloy excess energies can be negative, if the reference constituent compounds are constrained to match the substrate lattice used in epitaxial growth, their magnitudes are not large enough to account for the observed ordering. A possible explanation of the observed states in terms of a barrier that prevents the metastable ordered alloy from decomposing into separate phases is presented. However, this explanation only applies to alloys with lattice-mismatched constituents. Detailed results on the bond lengths and bulk moduli are also discussed.