cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
#112-S the effect of race on perioperative outcomes of eight high-risk cancer surgeries

PURPOSE: Racial disparities in access to healthcare have been well documented. However, less is known about differences in outcomes once access has been achieved. This study examined the relationship between race and operative mortality with eight high-risk cancer procedures. METHODS: Using Medicare hospital claims data (1994–99), we used ICD-9 codes to identify patients undergoing colectomy, cystectomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, nephrectomy, pancreatic resection, pneumonectomy, or pulmonary lobectomy for cancer. Race (black/white) was defined from the Medicare enrollment file. Our primary outcome measure was operative mortality (death within 30 days or before discharge). Logistic regression was used to adjust mortality differences for patient characteristics (age, sex, socioeconomic status, acuity, and comorbidities) and provider factors (procedure volume). RESULTS: Trends toward higher mortality rates in blacks were noted for 7 of the 8 procedures (except gastrectomy). The largest mortality difference was observed among patients undergoing esophagectomy (blacks 21.9% vs. whites 15.2%). Blacks tended to be younger than whites and were more likely to be admitted emergently. Blacks were more likely than whites to undergo their procedures at low volume hospitals. After adjusting for these patient and provider variables, blacks remained significantly more likely to die after colectomy, esophagectomy, and nephrectomy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For some high-risk cancer procedures, blacks have higher mortality rates than whites. Racial differences in operative mortality are not explained by measured patient or provider characteristics.
Further cost reduction of adaptive echo and next cancellers for high-speed Ethernet transceivers

Efficient implementation of adaptive echo and near end crosstalk (NEXT) cancellers in high-speed Ethernet transceivers continues to be a challenging problem. In our previous work, we proposed a new method based on word-length reduction technique to reduce hardware cost of the filter part in adaptive echo and NEXT cancellers. However, the high hardware cost of the weight update part in these adaptive cancellers was not reduced by the above method. This paper presents a new complexity reduction scheme for the weight update part in adaptive echo and NEXT cancellers. By reducing hardware cost of the weight update part, the overall hardware cost of these cancellers can be further reduced. It is shown that, by applying the proposed scheme to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet over copper (10 GBASE-T) system, the hardware cost of adaptive echo and NEXT cancellers can be reduced by about 42.02% only with 1.5 dB performance loss, compared with the traditional design.
Regional Growth in a Knowledge-based Economy:

Recent acceleration in the transition to a knowledge-based economy has affected regional economic performance. The author uses an interregional convergence framework to identify the changing determinants of the growth of U.S. states in the period from 1983 to 2004. Growth of population, annual average wages, and per capita real gross state product (GSP) are investigated. The analysis relies on spatial regression analysis to estimate the speed of convergence and identify significant conditional variables and their relationships with growth. Absolute and conditional GSP interstate convergence has occurred. The results show that educational attainment and patenting rates emerged as significant positive determinants of GSP and population growth after 1993. Educational attainment raises wages. Heavy dependence on primary production significantly reduces population, wage, and GSP growth. The speed of convergence in real per capita GSP across U.S. states noticeably slowed after 1993.
Immunoregulation in human lymphatic filariasis: the role of interleukin 10

Summary In humans with lymphatic filariasis microfilaremia is associated with a parasite antigen-specific hyporesponsive-ness when assessed by cell proliferation and secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ. Hyporesponsiveness in these individuals is not only parasite antigen-specific but appears to be limited to Th1-type responses. Th2 mediated responses such as IL-5 secretion and IgE antibody production to parasite antigens are generally strong and usually no different than those seen in immunologically more reactive amicrofilaremic individuals with chronic lymphatic pathology. The mechanisms by which Th1 responses are inhibited have not yet been elucidated, but some studies suggest that down-regulatory cytokines such as IL-10 may be involved in this process. Mononuclear cells from microfilaremic individuals have been found to secrete greater quantities of IL-10 spontaneously and in response to parasite antigens. In this review, mechanisms by which IL-10 may be induced by the parasite and the mode by which IL-10 may regulate parasite antigen-specific Th1 responses in these individuals are discussed.
XERROR, the SLATEC error-handling package

The XERROR package is a collection of portable Fortran routines for processing of errors that occur in other routines. It was developed as the error-handling package for the SLATEC Common Mathematical Library, which is currently in use at a number of DOE and other facilities. This document describes how to use the package, from the viewpoint of the writer of library routines which need to call the XERROR package to handle errors, and from the viewpoint of the user of those library routines.
Likelihood analysis of earthquake catalogues

SUMMARY We apply several classes of stochastic multidimensional models to statistical analysis of earthquake catalogues using likelihood methods. We investigate the importance of including different earthquake parameters in the model: epicentral coordinates, hypocentral depth, time limits for interearthquake interaction, and especially spatial distribution of earthquakes as well as spatial aftershock patterns. Results of this study combined with other investigations, suggest that most distributions controlling earthquake interaction have a fractal or scale-invariant form. Developed models are used for statistical analysis of several earthquake catalogues to evaluate parameters of earthquake occurrence. These parameters are shown to be similar for shallow earthquakes of different magnitude ranges and seismogenic regions, confirming self-similarity of the earthquake process. Whereas intermediate earthquakes seem to emulate the pattern of shallow earthquake occurrence, albeit at a much smaller aftershock rate, deep earthquakes differ significantly in their properties. Predictability of standard shallow earthquake catalogues has been analysed; we present evidence that for the best availabfe catalogues the predictability is close to 10 bits per earthquake. Several synthetic earthquake catalogues have been created and processed through the likelihood inversion scheme. The results from likelihood analysis of these catalogues confirm our approach.
The michigan prandtl system: An instrument for accurate pressure measurements in convective vortices

AbstractThis article describes a Prandtl tube system developed at the University of Michigan to measure the static pressure, the total (or stagnation) pressure, and the velocity in flows whose direction and intensity change rapidly. The ever-changing wind vectors in convective vortices are a challenge for making accurate measurements on them. Accurate measurements of the static pressure are particularly problematic because they require the sensor air intake to be aligned perpendicular to the wind direction. This article describes calibrations and tests of the Michigan Prandtl System (MPS) and, in particular, the characterization of the errors in the static pressure measurements as a function of misalignments between the Prandtl tube and the wind vector. This article shows that the MPS measures the pressure with a relative error of 3.5% for wind flows whose direction is within about 10° of the MPS tube direction. It also shows that the MPS adjusts to changes in wind direction of 90° in about 1.5 s, the ave...
A Consideration of Culture in Moral Theme Comprehension: Comparing Native and European American Students.

The use of stories to teach character is popular among educators, yet little is known about student comprehension of these stories. An important factor that may influence comprehension of stories and story themes is culture. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which students from a Native American culture understand European‐based stories in the same way as European American children. Native and European American students in Grade 4–8 (ages 10–18) read eight short stories depicting eight different virtues and identified the best theme from a list of choices. Differences were found between the two groups' theme comprehension scores. Each group also had different variables predicting their theme comprehension scores. Reasons for these differences and educational implications for the findings are discussed.
The Road to Flat TVs

Dunmur and Sluckin offer nonspecialists a detailed history of research on liquid crystals from their late-19th-century discovery through to current applications.
TG–Temperature property (TgTP) diagram for thermosetting systems: Anomalous behavior of physical properties vs. extent of cure

A generalized framework for correlating the basic physical properties of a high-T g thermosetting amine/epoxy system vs. extent of cure at isothermal temperatures from above T g to deep in the glassy state is reported in terms of the T g -Temperature Property (TgTP) Diagram. The framework arises from consideration of the isothermal shear modulus and the isothermal physical aging rate vs. extent of cure, both of which display maxima and minima throughout a wide range of temperatures below T g . Use of T g as a direct measure of conversion results in linearization of the relationships between the temperatures of the maxima and minima of the physical properties and extent of cure in the T g TP Diagram
Tailoring the swelling pressure of degrading dextran hydroxyethyl methacrylate hydrogels.

Swelling pressure measurements were performed on degrading dextran hydroxyethyl methacrylate (dexHEMA) hydrogels. In these networks, the cross-links are hydrolyzable carbonate ester bonds formed between methacrylate groups and dextran molecules. It is demonstrated that dex-HEMA gels made in the presence of a known amount of free dextran chains exhibit osmotic properties similar to those of partially degraded dex-HEMA gels. The swelling pressure, ƒsw, of degrading dex-HEMA gels is controlled primarily by the cross-linked dex-HEMA polymer and the free dextran molecules, while the contribution of short polyHEMA fragments (produced in the degradation process) is negligible. It is found that ƒsw only slightly changes during the first 15 days of degradation. Close to the end of the degradation process, however, a much faster increase in ƒsw is observed. The swelling pressure profile of these gels strongly depends on the concentration of the cross-linked dex-HEMA and its chemical composition (amount of HEMA groups per 100 glucose units).
Nerve sheath tumours with hybrid features of neurofibroma and schwannoma: a conceptual challenge.

Aims To characterize and delineate a subset of rare nerve sheath tumours showing hybrid features of neurofibroma and schwannoma. Methods and results Nine lesions were identified in the authors' files showing predominant features of neurofibroma with distinct, often nodular regions of classical schwannomatous differentiation. Most patients were adults, eight out of nine were male. Of the nine lesions, two were dermal, two were subcutaneous and five were subfascial. Five lesions had a plexiform architecture and one patient had overt neurofibromatosis. One out of six patients with follow-up developed local recurrence. Schwannoma-like regions displayed strong S100 staining, in contrast to more varied and limited S100 reactivity in neurofibromatous areas. The Antoni A areas could be quite cellular with high MIB-1 proliferation indices. No lesion underwent malignant change. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that some nerve sheath tumours may contain histologically clear components of both neurofibroma and schwannoma, suggesting that (despite evident and well-defined clinicopathological differences) these two lesions may be even more closely related than previously recognized. Whether this phenomenon results from a localized microenvironmental change or from a clonal genetic alteration remains unknown.
Specific inhibition of sarcoma-specific cellular immunity by sera from patients with growing sarcomas.

Sarcoma-specific cellular cytotoxicity was inhibited by sera from 14/16 patients with growing sarcomas, in comparison to only 1/8 patients with growing carcinomas and 4/14 sarcoma-free patients. Of 11 completely inhibitory sarcoma sera, only two inhibited lung carcinoma-specific cellular cytotoxicity. The presence of serum inhibition of sarcoma-specific cellular cytotoxicity antedated the development of metastatic sarcoma.
Autologous Fat Grafting for Primary Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review

As the technique of autologous fat grafting is being refined and perfected, its clinical applications are expanding. The use of autologous fat grafting for primary breast augmentation is controversial due to a lack of clarity regarding its safety and efficacy. Most notably, concerns about interference with the detection of breast cancer have been raised, but these have not been clearly addressed in the literature. To help surgeons gain further insight, the authors conducted a systematic review of the literature, carefully comparing technique, clinical outcome, radiologic impact, and complications in all available data on this subject. Although an optimal method of autologous fat grafting for primary breast augmentation is yet to be standardized, further strong evidence-based studies are necessary to confirm the findings of this approach.
Prediction of global outcome with acute neuropsychological testing following closed-head injury

Delaying assessment until emergence from post-traumatic amnesia increases completion rates, but this practice causes variable time delays from the date of injury to testing, which can complicate the interpretation of research findings. In the current study, the performance of 105 head injury survivors on simple tests of language comprehension and attention was used to predict global outcome. It was hypothesized that 1 month performance on these measures would aid in the prediction of Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores collected at 6 months post injury. Only raw scores on the modified Test of Complex Ideational Material accounted for a significant amount of the variance in DRS scores (4.4%) above that accounted for by age, education, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and pupil response. However, testability at 1 month post injury on all four tests consistently accounted for a larger portion of the variance in DRS scores (10.1-13.2%) and significantly improved prediction of GOS scores. Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test scores collected at 1 month post injury accounted for substantially less variance in DRS scores (7.7-8.4%). Neuropsychological data, including the testability of patients, collected uniformly at 1 month following injury can contribute to the prediction of global outcome.
Capturing high-frequency phenomena using a bandwidth-limited sensor network

Small-form-factor, low-power wireless sensors-motes-are convenient to deploy, but lack the bandwidth to capture and transmit raw high-frequency data, such as human voices or neural signals, in real time. Local filtering can help, but we show that the right filter settings depend on changing ambient conditions and network effects such as congestion, which makes them dynamic and unpredictable. Mote collection systems for high-frequency data must support iteratively-tuned, deployment-specific filter settings as well as fast samplin.VANGO, our software system for high-frequency data collection, achieves these goals via integrated processing across network tiers. Bandwidth-limited sensor nodes reduce data in network but rely on microservers, which have greater computational capabilities and a wider scope of observation, to plan how. VANGO provides a cross-platform library for data transformation, measurement, and classification; a fast and low-jitter data acquisition system for motes; and a mechanism to control mote and microserver signal processing. With VANGO we have developed new applications: the first acoustic collection system for motes responsive to changing environmental conditions and user interests, and the first neural spike acquisition application capable of supporting a network of nodes.
A transmembrane helix-bundle from G-protein coupled receptor CB2: Biosynthesis, purification, and NMR characterization

The cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. As the relationship between structure and function for this receptor remains poorly understood, the present study was undertaken to characterize the structure of a segment including the first and second transmembrane helix (TM1 and TM2) domains of CB2. To accomplish this, a transmembrane double-helix bundle from this region was expressed, purified, and characterized by NMR. Milligrams of this hydrophobic fragment of the receptor were biosynthesized using a fusion protein overexpression strategy and purified by affinity chromatography combined with reverse phase HPLC. Chemical and enzymatic cleavage methods were implemented to remove the fusion tag. The resultant recombinant protein samples were analyzed and confirmed by HPLC, mass spectrometry, and circular dichroism (CD). The CD analyses of HPLC-purified protein in solution and in DPC micelle preparations suggested predominant α-helical structures under both conditions. The 13C/15N double-labeled protein CB2(27–101) was further verified and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Sequential assignment was accomplished for more than 80% of residues. The 15N HSQC NMR results show a clear chemical shift dispersion of the amide nitrogen–proton correlation indicative of a pure double-labeled polypeptide molecule. The results suggest that this method is capable of generating transmembrane helical bundles from GPCRs in quantity and purity sufficient for NMR and other biophysical studies. Therefore, the biosynthesis of GPCR transmembrane helix bundles represents a satisfactory alternative strategy to obtain and assemble NMR structures from recombinant “building blocks.” © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 46–61, 2006 This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A quasi-network-based fly-by-wire simulation architecture for teaching software engineering

Undisciplined cohesion and coupling undermine countless aspects of quality software. Students, however, unfortunately tend to gravitate toward such approaches. This system mitigates this problem by forcing them to communicate with their components through a well-constrained hierarchical virtual network of networks. The application is a dynamic, plug-and-play aircraft fly-by-wire system that processes a wide variety of commands to design, construct, and manipulate sensors, actuators, controllers, and communication buses concurrently in a flexible model-view-controller architecture. It successfully employs many systems-engineering concepts of modeling, simulation, visualization, and analysis toward the goal of instilling disciplined design, implementation, testing, and evaluation practices in students. In particular, it provides the pedagogical and programmatic frameworks for creating, executing, presenting, and analyzing meaningful test cases as part of formal test plans carried out in controlled experiments via scientific method. The system can be adapted relatively easily to countless other real-world multidisciplinary domains for reuse in other projects. Extensive results from classroom deployments show that students overwhelmingly benefit from this approach.
Photocrosslinkable Nanocomposite Multilayers for Responsive 1D Photonic Crystals

A straightforward method to increase the refractive index of photocrosslinkable polymers by incorporation of high index inorganic nanoparticles is demonstrated and shown to enhance the reflection efficiency of thermochromic 1D photonic multilayers. The refractive index of spin-coated and UV-crosslinked films based on poly(para-methyl styrene) (PpMS) copolymers is increased from 1.57 for the copolymer alone to as high as 1.67 for nanocomposite samples with a volume fraction of 0.38 of ZrO2 nanoparticles. Thermochromic photonic multilayers consisting of alternating films of PpMS–ZrO2 with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) copolymers shows the increases in reflectance as large as 2.5-fold compared to PpMS/PNIPAM multilayers lacking particles. In addition, ZrO2 nanoparticles are used to increase the refractive index of PNIPAM-based films up to 1.68 with a volume fraction of 0.49 of nanoparticles, enabling the fabrication of alternating PNIPAM–ZrO2/PNIPAM multilayers with a well-defined Bragg peak that shifts from 635 nm at 6 °C to 410 nm at 48 °C, and reflectance intensities as high as ≈0.30.
Authorized Generics: A Prescription for Hatch-Waxman Reform

Authorized generics present the latest controversy in the perennial battle between pioneer and generic drug manufacturers. Under these arrangements, a pioneer firm will "authorize" a generic version of its brand-name drug to enter the market during another generic competitor's 180-day exclusivity period. This practice has generated intense debate within the pharmaceutical industry regarding its potential impact on Paragraph IV patent challenges, in addition to the proper operation and intent of the Hatch-Waxman Act. Because of the immense economic and public health consequences at stake, and previous patterns of Hatch-Waxman abuse, the Federal Trade Commission has recently launched an investigation of authorized generics. This Note explores the qualitative nature of pharmaceutical competition, specifically focusing on the interaction between pharmaceutical supply chain economics and consumer behavior. From these observations, I propose a theory of competitive harm and conclude that authorized generics are an anticompetitive strategic behavior which violate the antitrust laws by deterring Paragraph IV entry. I find normative support within the Hatch-Waxman and patent law regimes to corroborate my antitrust analysis. Finally, I recommend potential solutions to the authorized generics controversy, including Hatch-Waxman legislative reform.
Plan Quality and Treatment Efficiency for Radiosurgery to Multiple Brain Metastases: Non-Coplanar RapidArc vs. Gamma Knife.

Objectives: This study compares the dosimetry and efficiency of two modern radiosurgery (SRS) modalities for multiple brain metastases (Gamma Knife and LINAC-based RapidArc/volumetric modulated arc therapy), with a special focus on the comparison of low dose spread. Methods: Six patients with three or four small brain metastases were used in this study. The size of targets varied from 0.1 ~ 10.5 cc. SRS doses were prescribed according to size of lesions. SRS plans were made using both Gamma Knife® Perfexion and a single-isocenter, multiple non-coplanar RapidArc®. Dosimetric parameters analyzed included RTOG conformity index (CI), gradient index (GI), 12 Gy isodose volume (V12Gy) for each target, and the dose “spread” (Dspread) for each plan. Dspread reflects SRS plan’s capability of confining radiation to within the local vicinity of the lesion and to not spread out to the surrounding normal brain tissues. Each plan has a dose (Dspread), such that once dose decreases below Dspread (on total tissue DVH), isodose volume starts increasing dramatically. Dspread is defined as that dose when volume increase first exceeds 20 cc per 0.1 Gy dose decrease. Results: RapidArc SRS has smaller CI (1.19 ±0.14 vs. 1.50 ± 0.16, p<0.001) and larger GI (4.77 ± 1.49 vs. 3.65 ± 0.98, p <0.01). V12Gy results were comparable (2.73 ± 1.38 cc vs. 3.06 ± 2.20 cc, p = 0.58). Moderate to lower dose spread, V6, V4.5, and V3, were also equivalent. Gamma Knife plans achieved better very low dose spread (≤3 Gy) and also had slightly smaller Dspread, 1.9 Gy vs 2.5 Gy. Total treatment time for Gamma Knife is estimated between 60~100 min. Gamma Knife treatments are between 3~5 times longer compared to RapidArc treatment techniques. Conclusion: Dosimetric parameters reflecting prescription dose conformality (CI), dose fall off (GI), radiation necrosis indicator (V12Gy), and dose spread (Dspread) were compared between Gamma Knife SRS and RapidArc SRS for multi-mets. RapidArc plans have smaller CI but larger GI. V12Gy are comparable. Gamma Knife appears better at reducing only very low dose spread (<3Gy). The treatment time of RapidArc SRS is significantly reduced compared to Gamma Knife SRS.
Comparative Perspectives on Revenue Law: The US legislative and regulatory approach to tax avoidance

This essay, in a volume honoring the distinguished British tax scholar John Tiley, examines statutory and regulatory developments that are changing American anti-avoidance law. After a look at the nature of tax shelters, the essay discusses several statutory and regulatory methods of dealing with them: statutes or regulations aimed at particular problems of abuse; "outcomes-oriented" legislation intended to deal with wider patterns of behavior; codification of an "economic substance" or other general anti-avoidance doctrine; imposition of anti-abuse doctrines through regulations; disclosure of potentially abusive transactions; and creation of national standards that govern tax professionals' advice. The essay concludes that no one method will by itself bring abusive behavior to acceptable levels, even temporarily. Flexibility is going to work better than rigidity in attacking shelters, and a combination of methods will work better than a single one.
Measures of clinical efficacy. The value of case finding in hypertensive renovascular disease.

Abstract An attempt was made to discover the difference in outcomes between treating all patients with essential and renovascular hypertension by drug therapy independent and ignorant of etiologic classification and identifying the patients with renovascular disease and operating on them. Outcomes were categorized as well without complications of hypertension, alive but suffering from a related morbid illness such as coronary or cerebral arterial disease, and dead from the complications of diagnosis, surgery or high blood pressure. The identification and surgical treatment of hypertensive renovascular disease resulted in an incremental benefit in morbidity over blind antihypertensive medical therapy only when the compliance with medical treatment was about 50 per cent or less (the rate suggested for most patient populations). The study underscores the extent to which the quantitative efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures depends not only on the inherent risks and benefits but also on related s...
Concurrent Multi-scale Modeling of Nano-Particle Reinforced Polymers using Statistical Coupling of MD and GIMPM

Mechanical characterization data for nanoclay reinforced pultruded EGlass/polypropylene (PP) and compression molded E-Glass/Nylon-6 composite samples with 3-4 weight % nanoclay and baseline polymer (polymer without nanoclay), has shown significant improvements in compressive strength (~122%) and shear strength (~60%) in the nanoclay modified nanocomposites, in comparison with baseline properties. While the synergistic reinforcing influence of nanoparticle reinforcement is obvious, a simple rule-of-mixtures approach fails to quantify the dramatic increase in mechanical properties. Consequently, there is an immediate need to investigate and understand the mechanisms at the nanoscale that are responsible for such unprecedented strength enhancements. The proposed method involves a concurrent simulations approach in which the information from molecular dynamics (MD) is seamlessly exchanged with continuum mechanics based method called the embedded statistical coupling method (ESCM). In this research, a novel particle-in-cell method called Generalized Interpolation Material Point Method (GIMP) is used to simulate the macroscopic response of the larger (and continuous) system which is under displacement boundary conditions from the molecular dynamics region. To our knowledge, large scale concurrent coupling of nanoparticle reinforced polymer systems has not been attempted before. The current research will contribute towards the understanding of advanced nanostructured composite materials. An example problem involving concurrently coupled crack propagation in a crystalline solid material is presented. Work is underway to extend the coupled analysis to dynamic crack propagation in amorphous polymeric systems. Nomenclature
The generation and shape of feeder dykes from mantle sources

The criterion for fracture propagation suggests that the primary magma generated in the mantle ascends in a stepwise fashion. Initially a pulse of magma forms a dyke above the mantle source and ascends for some distance, whereafter it stops. A subsequent pulse of magma joins the first one, and the ascent of the accumulating body of magma continues for some distance each time a new pulse of magma reaches the body of magma situated in the top of the dyke. In this manner a dyke is formed that may extend either partly or the whole way from the mantle source to the surface. This model may explain the large pressures, up to 2000 bars, that prevail during basaltic eruptions. The calculated shape of the ascending pulses of magma suggests that their heights and widths are similar.
Relative Wealth Concerns in Portfolio Choice: Neural and Behavioral Evidence

I use neural data from an experimental asset market to investigate the mechanism by which peer effects are generated in portfolio choice. In a sample of randomly assigned subjects, a peer’s portfolio allocation has a causal effect on a subject’s portfolio choice. The neural data provide novel evidence consistent with relative wealth preferences. Utility increases in a subject’s own wealth, but utility decreases in a peer’s wealth. Subjects are more sensitive to falling behind a peer than in getting ahead. The neural data explain cross-sectional variation in the size of the peer effects and provide biological evidence of an innate preference over relative wealth.
A Note on Adoption and Deme Registration

The Athenian law of adoption allowed a man who had no (...) children to adopt a son to serve as his [...]. As part of the process of adoplion the adopted son was entered on the deme register of his adoptive father . After the process was completed, the adopted son lost all rights of inheritance in his natural family.
＂Non-Dipping＂ Blood Pressure and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background: Non-dipping blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea both carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The relationship between non-dipping blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea has been noted. However, data on the prevalence of sleep apnea with non-dipping hypertension and the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness are limited. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of nondipping blood pressure and evaluate the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients and Methods: We prospectively enrolled adult patients with habitual snoring who visited our sleep clinics from November 2010 to May 2013. Polysomnography and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were used. Excessive daytime sleepiness was evaluated. The prevalence of non-dipping blood pressure and the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness were evaluated. Results: Thirty patients were dippers (57%) and 23 (43%) were non-dippers. Nondippers had lower nighttime blood pressure and more excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) ≥10) than dippers (p=0.045). ESS was significantly negatively correlated with dipping of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, R=-0.313, -0.304, -0.302, respectively (p ＜ 0.05). Multivariate linear regression models for associations involving systolic blood pressure dipping showed that ESS was the only independent predictor of systolic blood pressure dipping [β=-0.005, p=0.022, R^2=0.099, 95% confidence interval (CI) of β=-0.009-0.000] in stepwise linear regression analyses. Conclusions: High prevalence of non-dippers was noted in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients. Non-dippers experienced more excessive daytime sleepiness. ESS was an independent predictor of dipping values. ABPM may play an important role in these high cardiovascular risk groups.
Colloidal Confinement of Polyphosphate on Gold Nanoparticles Robustly Activates the Contact Pathway of Blood Coagulation

Platelet-sized polyphosphate (polyP) was functionalized on the surface of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) via a facile conjugation scheme entailing EDAC (N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride)-catalyzed phosphoramidation of the terminal phosphate of polyP to cystamine. Subsequent reduction of the disulfide moiety allowed for anchoring to the colloidal surface. The ability of the synthesized polyP-GNPs to initiate the contact pathway of clotting in human pooled normal plasma (PNP) was then assayed by quantifying changes in viscous, mechanical, and optical properties upon coagulation. It is revealed that the polyP-GNPs are markedly superior contact activators compared to molecularly dissolved, platelet-sized polyP (of equivalent polymer chain length). Moreover, the particles’ capacity to mobilize Factor XII (FXII) and its coactivating proteins appear to be identical to very-long-chain polyP typically found in bacteria. These data imply that nanolocalization of anionic procoagulants on col...
Textual and Visual Representations of U.S. Hegemony in a U.S. Film Broadcast on Romanian Public Television

AbstractA semiotic analysis and study of verbal interactions in the film The Bad News Bears, broadcast on Romanian public television on the Fourth of July were conducted, to identify American values carried to a foreign audience in a developing country. The film portrays 1970s American suburban life, where parents emphasize competition and winning a baseball game “at all costs” - over values such as education, fair play, respect, and racial and sexual equality. The research suggests that in the context of globalization and increasing spread of American cultural influence through the world circulation of media products, U.S. hegemony needs further consideration.
Psychiatric Pharmacogenomics: Translating Genomics

Abstract Pharmacogenomics describes the influence of genetic variation on any aspect of drug response. The heritability of such phenotypes for psychiatric medications is not well-established, owing in large part to the challenges of applying standard methodologies, such as family studies, twin studies, or analysis of genome-wide common variant data, to estimate these parameters. For medications commonly prescribed for neuropsychiatric disorders, the best-studied pharmacogenomic variants are those affecting the enzymes of the cytochrome P450 system, which are responsible for phase I metabolism of many antidepressants and antipsychotics, although environmental effects are also important. Genome-wide association studies of treatment efficacy for antidepressants and antipsychotics have yielded promising but not definitive results that are sufficient to exclude common variants of large effect. Preliminary studies suggest that some rare adverse effects, including clozapine-associated agranulocytosis and carbamazepine-associated Stevens–Johnson syndrome, may be associated with rare variants. Efforts to understand the usefulness of pharmacogenomics in clinical psychiatry include cost-effectiveness analyses and a small but growing number of randomized, controlled trials of pharmacogenomic testing. Major challenges include the need to collect and characterize large cohorts efficiently in terms of treatment response, and the development of models for understanding genetic variation as it is identified.
Efficacy of retroperitoneal triple neurectomy for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia

Abstract Background Refractory neuropathic inguinodynia following inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common and debilitating complication. This prospective study evaluated long-term outcomes associated with laparoscopic retroperitoneal triple neurectomy. Methods Sixty-two consecutive patients (51 male; mean age, 47); all failing pain management; prior reoperation in 35, prior neurectomy in 26; average follow-up 681 days (range: 90 days to 3 years). Measured outcomes include numeric pain ratings, dermatomal mapping, histologic confirmation, quantitative sensory testing, complications, narcotic usage, and activity level. Results Mean numerical pain scores were significantly decreased (baseline, 8.6) at all postoperative time points (POD 1, 3.6; P P P Conclusions Retroperitoneal triple neurectomy is an effective and durable treatment for refractory neuropathic inguinodynia.
Nematodes in Fresh Market Fish of the Washington, D.C. Area.

For this study 1,010 fresh whole fish belonging to 14 families, 20 genera, and 23 species were bought in retail markets of the Washington, D.C. area. Most of the fish had been caught in Chesapeake Bay and adjacent waters. Examination for parasitic roundworms, i.e., nematodes, by dissection, candling or digestion of the flesh, and elution of nonedible viscera produced 6,547 nematodes, mostly alive. Among fish species of which 25 or more were examined, spotted hake ( Urophycis regius ) was the most wormy and white perch ( Morone americana ) the least. Only two of the nematodes were recovered from fish flesh; both were Anisakis sp. larvae. Recovered from fish viscera were nine Anisakis sp. larvae. 41 Porrocaecum sp. larvae, 3,221 Thynnascaris spp. larvae and adults, 21 Goezia sp. larvae, and 1,220 Raphidascaris acus larvae. All the aforementioned nematodes are considered to be anisakines; in addition, 225 anisakines were too damaged to be identified more precisely. The other nematodes recovered in the survey were 71 Spinitectus spp. adults and larvae, 114 Bulbodactinis sp. adults and larvae, 108 Metabronema sp. adults and larvae, 111 Spirurinae larvae, 662 Philometra sp. adults and larvae, one Capillaria sp. larva, 447 similar small larvae so undeveloped that they could not be identified, and 294 other nematodes too damaged even for general classification. Only the Anisakis sp. larvae are considered pathogenic to human consumers of raw or semiraw fish. The low incidence of pathogenic anisakines in these fish intermediate hosts is attributed to the absence of definitive hosts (marine mammals) from Chesapeake Bay and adjacent waters. Thirty genera of anisakine nematodes are distinguished morphologically.
Characterization of M2X formed during 5 MeV Fe2+ irradiation

Abstract The growth of M2X phase in HT9 irradiated to high dpa was explored using self-ion irradiation. HT9 was pre-implanted with 10 appm He and irradiated with a raster-scanned Fe2+ beam with a damage rate of ∼1 × 10−3 dpa/s at 460 °C. The precipitation of M2X was observed and a combination of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and diffraction analysis was used to characterize the Cr-rich carbide observed at 250 dpa and above. Cr2C was determined to be semi-coherent with the matrix such that [ 100 ] C r 2 C / / [ 100 ] α and [ 001 ] C r 2 C / / [ 10 1 ¯ ] α .with a = 2.71 A and c = 2.82 A.
Tissue engineering the mechanosensory circuit of the stretch reflex arc with human stem cells: Sensory neuron innervation of intrafusal muscle fibers.

Muscle spindles are sensory organs embedded in the belly of skeletal muscles that serve as mechanoreceptors detecting static and dynamic information about muscle length and stretch. Through their connection with proprioceptive sensory neurons, sensation of axial body position and muscle movement are transmitted to the central nervous system. Impairment of this sensory circuit causes motor deficits and has been linked to a wide range of diseases. To date, no defined human-based in vitro model of the proprioceptive sensory circuit has been developed. The goal of this study was to develop a human-based in vitro muscle sensory circuit utilizing human stem cells. A serum-free medium was developed to drive the induction of intrafusal fibers from human satellite cells by actuation of a neuregulin signaling pathway. Both bag and chain intrafusal fibers were generated and subsequently validated by phase microscopy and immunocytochemistry. When co-cultured with proprioceptive sensory neurons derived from human neuroprogenitors, mechanosensory nerve terminal structural features with intrafusal fibers were demonstrated. Most importantly, patch-clamp electrophysiological analysis of the intrafusal fibers indicated repetitive firing of human intrafusal fibers, which has not been observed in human extrafusal fibers.
Methodological issues involved in the definition of the marine sector

Recently, the debate surrounding the United Nations Convention in the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) has been extended to the realm of economic growth and planning. Although coastal states are making efforts to determine what resources they have in their EEZs, little is known about the exact contribution those resources are making or potentially could make to enhanced economic growth. This paper suggests an accounting framework, based on existing literature, which explicity delineates the industries that should be considered a part of the marine sector. Criteria are suggested to help determine exactly where a particular industry falls. Several methodological issues are discussed in detail.
Measurements in discrete hole film cooling behavior with periodic freestream unsteadiness

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques were used to investigate a discrete, $$30^{\circ }$$ -inclined round jet in crossflow subjected to periodic freestream unsteadiness. The freestream perturbations were generated by an oscillating airfoil upstream of the jet. The experiment operated at a Strouhal number of 0.014, channel Reynolds number of 25,000, hole Reynolds number of 2900, and jet blowing ratio of unity. 3D phase locked velocity measurements were obtained over the entire channel using magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV). 3D time-averaged temperature measurements were acquired using magnetic resonance thermometry (MRT), along with phase-locked temperature measurements in the 2D centerplane of the channel and jet. The freestream flow just upstream of the jet was characterized by streamwise velocities ranging from $$0.88 U_\text {bulk}$$ to $$1.23 U_\text {bulk}$$ and wall-normal velocities from $$-0.11 U_\text {bulk}$$ to $$0.02 U_\text {bulk}$$ . Flow inside the hole was observed to be insensitive to the freestream fluctuations, as velocities and temperatures in the hole remained largely unchanged throughout the cycle. Outside the hole, changes to the streamwise velocity produced an oscillating jet blowing ratio that led to the lengthening and shortening of the counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP) as well as a varying degree of coolant separation from the film cooled wall. During one portion of the cycle, downwashing freestream flow (i.e., flow with negative wall-normal velocities) promoted strong re-attachment and lateral spreading of the jet. Mean, spanwise-averaged film cooling effectiveness values were compared to those of an earlier experiment with a steady freestream and identical geometry, Reynolds number, and blowing ratio. Film cooling performance in the near-hole region was higher with steady freestream flow. However, at downstream locations, the downward transport of coolant by the periodic downwashing flow led to a higher mean surface effectiveness than in the steady case.
Life and Death in Stationary Phase

Bacteria are remarkable for their ability to occupy virtually all environmental niches. In addition, many bacterial organisms transit from one environment to another as part of their normal lifestyle. From the bacterial point of view most of these environments are nutrient poor; more often than not, bacteria find themselves growing under conditions where nutrients are scarce and competition for those nutrients is fierce. Therefore, most bacteria spend much of their lives in a state of starvation, only occasionally finding themselves in a nutrient-rich environment where balanced growth can be achieved. In order to survive within these disparate and changing environments bacterial populations have developed mechanisms to protect both their cellular and genetic integrity. These mechanisms involve changes in cellular properties and morphology, the production of protective enzymes and agents, and, in some cases, entry into developmental programs resulting in sporulation, dormancy and programmed cell death.
Evidence from Retail Food Markets That Consumers Are Confused by Natural and Organic Food Labels

In the USA, food producers can label their products as organic only if they are certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as having met comprehensive regulatory standards for environmental stewardship. In contrast, the Federal Government has not defined the term natural for most food products. Survey and experimental studies suggest that consumers are confused by the meanings of natural and USDA Organic on food labels, and often believe that these two label claims have similar meanings. In this paper, we examine whether this confusion influences aggregate retail food expenditures. High-frequency Google Trends data on the volume of web searches for “organic food” and for “natural food” are used as indicators of consumer interest in those food attributes. Results from a vector autoregression model show that web searches for both terms are correlated with retail purchases of organic food. Web searches for both help predict retail purchases. If consumers were aware of differences implied by the two label claims, searches for natural food would be uncorrelated with decisions to purchase organic products. These results are therefore evidence that consumers view the two claims as related, or even view the two claims as identical.
Experiments Toward Hyper-Local Reverse Heat Flow Assemblies

Latitudo Borealis is a project that develops an innovative cold-climate wall assembly that combines new passive opaque building envelope technologies to absorb, store, and transfer solar energy int...