cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Low Back Injury Using Strength Measurement

A study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using strength measurement as a diagnostic technique for assessing low back injuries involving symptomatic lumbar spine disease. The approach was to evaluate differences in the rates of strength build-up and in the variability of sustained lifting exertions performed by three groups of subjects. These groups included healthy subjects performing maximal exertions, healthy subjects performing submaximal exertions and symptomatic subjects with low back pain performing safe maximal exertions. The rate of strength build-up reliably distinguished between maximal and submaximal exertions while the ratio of within-trial variability to strength score differed significantly between the healthy and injured groups. Discriminant analysis was employed with partial success in distinguishing between the three groups using various derived measures of the force exertions.
Information and Closure

Peter Baumann and Nicholas Shackel defend me against a serious criticism by Christoph Jager. They argue that my account of information is consistent with my denial of closure for knowledge. Information isn’t closed under known entailment either. I think that, technically speaking, they are right. But the way they are right doesn’t help me much in my effort to answer the skeptic. I describe a way in which information, like knowledge, fails to be closed in a way that makes an information-based account of knowledge an effective tool in answering the skeptic.
Dollar Bloc Dependency in Latin America: Beyond Bretton Woods

The international financial regime is undergoing a significant transition as the Bretton Woods regime weakens and new norms and principles emerge. One change is the emergence of “currency blocs” which serve to stabilize regional financial relations. This paper argues that Latin America and the U.S. are linked in an emerging dollar bloc that has created a new form of Latin American dependency. The centrality of the dollar in the financial structure of Latin America is documented, and an overview of the historical currency blocs, the sterling and franc blocs, is provided. This historical treatment provides the basis for an analysis of the mechanisms and operation of the dollar bloc and for an assessment of the current factors in its evolution. Three specific issues are investigated: the adjustments to the rules and decision-making in the dollar bloc that are currently in progress, the relation of the dollar bloc to the re-democratization of Latin America, and the international financial context provided by the European Monetary System and the growth in the yen's importance.
Touch as a Matter of Fat: The Phospholipids and DEG/ENaC Channels Needed for Metazoan Touch Sensation

Mechano-electrical transduction (MeT) channels are activated by mechanical energy and conduct ions across cell membranes. Such channels enable somatosensory neurons in our skin, joints, and muscles to monitor external touch and self-movement and to detect noxious inputs that initiate pain sensation. They also enable visceral sensory neurons such as baroreceptors to regulate heart function on a beat-by-beat basis. Genetic dissection in roundworms, fruitflies, and mice has led to the identification of many of the proteins that form MeT channels, including members of the TRP family of cation channels, DEG/ENaC sodium channels, and Piezo cation channels. This talk will present evidence establishing that DEG/ENaC sodium channels play crucial roles in both touch and nociception (O'Hagan et al, Nat Neurosci, 11:543, 2005; Geffeney et al, Neuron 71:845, 2011), highlighting aspects of the biophysics of MeT channel activation shared across neurons, species, and protein partners. To learn more about the physical basis of MeT channel activation in living sensory neurons, we are investigating the role of fatty acids and lipids in this process. Through a combination of genetic dissection and chemical complementation, we have identified specific poly-unsaturated phospholipids essential for normal touch sensation. We have also investigated how such lipids contribute to membrane mechanics. Collectively, our results support a model in which mechanosensitivity is a function not only of the proteins that form eukaryotic MeT channels, but also of the surrounding plasma membrane. Support: NIH NS047715; EB006745; AHA and HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Effect of metallic surface on electric dipole and magnetic dipole emission transitions in Eu3+ doped polymeric film

Spontaneous emission of Eu(3+) ions is studied in thin organic films deposited onto several different substrates. It has been demonstrated that the presence of a metallic surface in close vicinity to emitting Eu(3+) ions causes modifications of their spontaneous emission spectra, in particular, the change in the relative strengths of magnetic-dipole and electric-dipole transitions. The character and the magnitude of the effect depend on the polarization and the observation angle. The experimental data are discussed in terms of modification of transition probabilities and account for the interference between directly emitted and reflected light waves.
Analysis based on RAPD and ISSR Markers Reveals Closer Similarities among Citrullus and Cucumis Species than with Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo

A cucurbit species named Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo, which thrives in India, is considered to be a distant relative of watermelon. Recent experiments indicated that it has mild resistance to whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). However, our attempts to cross various US plant introductions (PIs) of P. fistulosus with watermelon or other Citrullus PIs have not been successful. Thus, to determine genetic relatedness among those species, phylogenetic analysis [based on simple sequence repeat (SSR)–anchored (also termed ISSR), and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers] was conducted among PIs of P. fistulosus, Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus (watermelon), C. lanatus var. citroides and the wild Citrullus colocynthis. Phylogenetic relationships were also examined with Cucumis melo (melon), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), and wild Cucumis species including C. africanus, C. metuliferus, C. anguria, C. meeusei, and C. zeyheri. Wide genetic distance exists between Citrullus and Cucumis groups (8% genetic similarity). Phylogenetic relationships among Citrullus species and subspecies are closer (25–55% genetic similarity) as compared with those among most Cucumis species (14–68% genetic similarity). P. fistulosus appeared to be distant from both Cucumis and Citrullus species (genetic similarity between P. fistulosus and Cucumis or Citrullus groups is less than 3%). Although wide genetic differences and reproductive barriers exist among cucurbit species examined in this study, they are still considered as potential germplasm source for enhancing watermelon and melon crops using traditional breeding and biotechnology procedures.
A real-time video mosaicking and target tracking system

This paper describes an automatic video target tracking system that operates on the panoramic image provided by an image mosaicking preprocessing stage. In the mosaic preprocessing stage, a feature-based algorithm is applied to obtain the underlying homography between consecutive frames in a video sequence. With the first frame in the sequence chosen as the base image plane, subsequent frames are warped and merged into a panoramic scene for the video tracking stage. The tracking algorithm calculates the motion vector for each block in a warped frame by comparing it with the panoramic image, and those exceeding the dominant background motion can be considered as blocks belonging to potential moving foreground objects. Image segmentation is then used to recover the boundaries of the foreground objects. After fusing the labeled boundaries with the motion vector information, the potential targets, as well as their feature vectors, are identified. The feature vectors include information pertaining to location, size, and optical characteristics, and are input into a sub-tracker for record keeping. The input to the proposed system is a video stream from a single camera.
Lack of interferon induction during hyposensitization therapy in man

Abstract Thirteen children 4 to 15 years of age were selected from an allergy clinic as representative of patients who might be expected to demonstrate interferon production in response to commonly employed inhalant allergen injections. Six were studied because of definite or possible untoward reactions with the thought that lymphocyte activation and interferon production might accompany such reactions. All subjects were receiving subcutaneous hyposensitization with aqueous allergen extracts containing multiple allergens at the time the test was done. Nine were receiving maximally tolerated maintenance doses ranging from 188 to 7,500 total protein nitrogen units (PNU) per injection. The remaining four were receiving early increasing extract doses ranging from 0.5 to 94 total PNU per injection. Samples were obtained before injection and at 2, 24, 48, and 168 hours after injection. A positive control consisting of a WHO human interferon standard (40 U. per milliliter) was tested simultaneously. All serum samples were found to be negative. Since the patients were receiving widely varying total extract doses and some experienced significant reactions to the injections, the study suggests that hyposensitization injections employing inhalant allergens in doses commonly used by allergists seldom result in interferon production.
Retroreflecting multipass cell for Raman scattering.

A retroreflecting multipass cell consisting of two lenses and both on-axis and off-axis retroreflecting mirror assemblies has been constructed and tested. A gain in Raman scattered signal intensity of 20 has been attained in a focal volume 1.1 mm × 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm. A system employing off-axis paraboloids should provide somewhat higher gain and a diffraction limited focal volume. These systems are applicable to Raman diagnostics of various gas dynamic processes, including flame gases, or the characterization of the gas mixing process in gas-dynamic or chemical laser nozzle arrays.
Mutual Observability and the Convergence of Actions in a Multi-Person Two-Armed Bandit Model

Abstract This paper studies a model of a two-armed bandit played in parallel by two or more players. Players observe the actions of all other players, but not the outcome of their experiments. It is shown that if the parameters of the two arms (i.e., their success probabilities) are different by a fixed margin, all players eventually settle on the same arm with probability one inanyNash equilibrium of the game.Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Numbers: C72, D82.
Cholinergic involvement in inhibitory behavior of the young domestic chick.

Four-day-old Vantress × Arbor Acre chicks injected intraperitoneally with scopolamine hydrobromide increased their activity in an open arena, were more resistant to extinction after key-peck conditioning, and were disrupted in passive avoidance learning when compared to saline-injected controls. Also, the young chicks' performance on these three tests of “behavioral inhibition” was differentially sensitive to the effects of scopolamine. Scopolamine, 1 mg/kg, increased the chicks' activity by about 100% and produced greater resistance to extinction, but had no significant effect on passive avoidance learning. Scopolamine, 4 mg/kg, also increased the chicks' activity by about 100%, but disrupted key—peck performance during extinction testing and significantly reduced response suppression in the key-peck passive avoidance test. Scopolamine, therefore, affects the young precocial chicks' performance on three tasks that have been assumed to measure inhibitory behavior, results that are consistent with the effects of cholinergic antagonists on inhibitory behavior of the altricial rat.
Hedonic Versus Eudaimonic Conceptions of Well-being: Evidence of Differential Associations With Self-reported Well-being

Conceptions of well-being are cognitive representations of the nature and experience of well-being. These conceptions can be described generally by the degree to which hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions are emphasized as important aspects of the experience of well-being. In two studies, the prediction that eudaimonic dimensions of individual conceptions of well-being are more robustly associated with self-reported well-being than hedonic dimensions was investigated. Correlational analyses indicated that both hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions were associated with well-being, with more robust associations observed between the eudaimonic dimension and each measure of well-being. In several regression analyses, only the eudaimonic dimension significantly predicted well-being, with the hedonic dimension failing to account for unique variance in well-being beyond that predicted by the eudaimonic dimension. Results thus generally suggest that conceptualizing well-being in eudaimonic terms may be relatively more important for positive psychological functioning.
Circus movement atrial flutter in the canine sterile pericarditis model: activation patterns during initiation, termination, and sustained reentry in vivo.

The mechanisms of single-loop reentry in a syncytium without anatomically predetermined pathways have not been shown. Using a "jacket electrode" with 111 bipolar electrodes in a nylon matrix, we mapped in situ the atrial epicardial surface during atrial flutter in dogs with sterile pericarditis. Of 21 episodes of reentrant atrial flutter, only four showed double-loop ("figure-eight") reentry, whereas in 17 episodes a single loop was present. During initiation of single-loop reentry, an arc of functional block extended to the atrioventricular (AV) ring. This forced activation to proceed as a single wave around the free end of the arc, before breaking through the arc close to the AV ring. Activation continued as one loop around an arc close to the AV ring (in eight episodes) or around a combined functional and anatomic obstacle (in nine episodes) when the arc joined an atrial vessel. A zone of slow conduction was consistently bordered by the arc of block and the AV ring or by the anatomic obstacle and the AV ring. Spontaneous termination occurred when conduction failed in this area and the arc rejoined the AV ring. High-density recordings (2 mm) along the arc of block showed double potentials separated by an isoelectric interval, interpreted as local activation and electrotonus due to activation on the opposite side of the arc. Histologically, a diffuse inflammatory reaction involved 50-80% of the atrial wall. A transitional layer of myocardial bundles with preserved cross striation, but separated by edema and inflammatory cells, was enclosed between an epicardial layer of fragmented myocytes and an endocardial layer of grossly intact myocardium. There were no distinctive features at sites of functional conduction block or slowed conduction. In conclusion, single-loop reentry is the common pattern during atrial flutter in this model. Its induction depends on an interaction of the AV ring, a functional arc of block, and a zone of slow conduction. The location of the inferior vena cava predisposes the lower right atrium to this type of reentry.
Achieving precision in high density batch mode micro-electro-discharge machining

This paper reports a parametric study of batch mode micro-electro-discharge machining (µEDM) of high density features in stainless steel. Lithographically fabricated copper tools with single cross, parallel line and 8 × 8c ircle/square array features of 5‐100 µm width and 5‐75 µm spacing were used to quantify trends in machining tolerance and the impact of debris accumulation. As the tool feature density is increased, debris accumulation effects begin to dominate, eventually degrading both tool and workpiece. Two independent techniques for mitigating this debris buildup are separately investigated. The first is a passivation coating which suppresses spurious discharges triggered from the sidewalls of the machining tool. By this method, the mean tool wear rate decreases from a typical of about 34% to 1.7% and machining non-uniformity reduces from 4.9 µ mt o 1.1µm across the workpiece. The second technique involves a two-step machining process that enhances the hydrodynamic removal of machining debris compared to standard methods. This improves surface and edge finish, machining time and tool wear. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Parameters Governing Thermal Diffusivity Measurements of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Examen des limitations pour l'application du concept de diffusivite thermique a des materiaux composites renforces par fibres a mailles larges. Etude de l'influence sur la mesure de la diffusivite apparente par la methode du laser flash des parametres suivants: fraction de fibres, rapport des conductivites de la matrice et des fibres, orientation des fibres et longueur de l'echantillon. Classement par importance de ces parametres
Toward a Prehistory of the Na-Dene, with a General Comment on Population Movements among Nomadic Hunters

C. E. Borden has hypothesized that ancestral speakers of Na-Dene spread from Alaska to the Pacific Northwest by 5000 B.C. Based upon distributions of language and artifacts, two additional hypotheses are added here: (1) Once established from Alaska through British Columbia, Na-Dene people provided the means for the spread of side-notched projectile blades from the continental United States to Alaska before 4000 B.C. (2) After the Hypsithermal a further dispersal south and east from Alaska spread the specifically Athapaskan languages. It is further suggested that the spread of relatively nomadic hunters into country inhabited by their own linguistic and cultural relatives may be a regular and periodic occurrence.
Postoperative alterations in taste and smell.

satisfaction and quality of life. Evidence Acquisition: The methodology consisted of a thorough literature search using the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases utilizing keywords such as anosmia, ageusia, olfactory disorders, postoperative, and anesthesia. Results: Our results yielded several previously published case report, and were not limited to a specific type of anesthesia. Based on available literature, we review the physiology of taste and smell as well as the medications associated with loss of these senses. We describe perioperative agents that could lead to postoperative complications associated with anosmia and and ageusia. Conclusions: Based on available literature recommendations for anesthesiologists caring for patients at risk for this occurrence are presented in this review. The symptoms are usually temporary as in the majority of the patients the sensory receptor cells are able to regenerate themselves after injury. Anesthesia providers need to aware of this phenomenon to be able to reassure patients and possibly avoid anesthetic techniques associated with anosmia and ageusia.
DARC: dynamic analysis of root causes of latency distributions

OSprof is a versatile, portable, and efficient profiling methodology based on the analysis of latency distributions. Although OSprof has offers several unique benefits and has been used to uncover several interesting performance problems, the latency distributions that it provides must be analyzed manually. These latency distributions are presented as histograms and contain distinct groups of data, called peaks, that characterize the overall behavior of the running code. By automating the analysis process, we make it easier to take advantage of OSprof's unique features.We have developed the Dynamic Analysis of Root Causes system (DARC), which finds root cause paths in a running program's call-graph using runtime latency analysis. A root cause path is a call-path that starts at a given function and includes the largest latency contributors to a given peak. These paths are the main causes for the high-level behavior that is represented as a peak in an OSprof histogram. DARC performs PID and call-path filtering to reduce overheads and perturbations, and can handle recursive and indirect calls. DARC can analyze preemptive behavior and asynchronous call-paths, and can also resume its analysis from a previous state, which is useful when analyzing short-running programs or specific phases of a program's execution.We present DARC and show its usefulness by analyzing behaviors that were observed in several interesting scenarios. We also show that DARC has negligible elapsed time overheads for normal use cases.
INFERENCE IN STOCHASTIC PROCESSES

In this paper we consider a number of questions regarding the existence of various optimal criteria for testing composite hypotheses on probability measures corresponding to random processes of one or another class.
Petrology of liquefaction residues : maceral concentrates from a Pond Creek durain, eastern Kentucky

Abstract Liquefaction of a high volatile A coal and vitrinite, liptinite, and inertinite concentrates was performed at 385, 427, and 445°C for 15 min residence time, using tetralin solvent in a hydrogen atmosphere. Examination of the solid liquefactiob residues indicated that each maceral group was more resistant to conversion in concentration than in combination.
Early sensory–perceptual processing deficits for affectively valenced inputs are more pronounced in schizophrenia patients with a history of violence than in their non-violent peers

Individuals with schizophrenia are more prone to violent behaviors than the general population. It is increasingly recognized that processing of emotionally valenced stimuli is impaired in schizophrenia, a deficit that may play a role in aggressive behavior. Our goal was to establish whether patients with a history of violence would show more severe deficits in processing emotionally valenced inputs than non-violent patients. Using event-related potentials, we measured how early during processing of emotional valence, evidence of aberrant function was observed. A total of 42 schizophrenia patients (21 with history of violence; 21 without) and 28 healthy controls were tested. Participants performed an inhibitory control task, making speeded responses to pictorial stimuli. Pictures occasionally repeated twice and participants withheld responses to these repeats. Valenced pictures from the International Affective Picture System were presented. Results in controls showed modulations during the earliest phases of sensory processing (<100 ms) for negatively valenced pictures. A cascade of modulations ensued, involving sensory and perceptual processing stages. In contrast, neither schizophrenia group showed early differentiation. Non-violent patients showed earliest modulations beginning � 150 ms. For violent patients, however, earliest modulations were further delayed and highly attenuated. The current study reveals sensory–perceptual processing dysfunction for negatively valenced inputs, which is particularly pronounced in aggressive patients.
Time-frequency analysis of time localizable linear transform based on DFT

A class of new orthogonal transforms, time localizable linear transform (TLLT), which is constructed from a traditional linear transform and gives the nonuniform time-frequency tiling was introduced by authors. Time localizable DFT (TLDFT) is a subclass of TLLT constructed from DFT. In this paper, we are concerned with time-frequency characteristics of TLDFT bases to analyze qualitatively the performance of TLDFT in the time-frequency decomposition. Specially we investigate their phase characteristic since TLDFT bases concentrate their energies into the associated time locations and are inherently non-symmetric over the entire transform length. >
Teaching of Psychology: A Required Course for All Doctoral Students

The development and content of a Teaching of Psychology course required for doctoral students is described. Graduate students take full responsibility for a section of introductory psychology and participate in a weekly 2-hr seminar coverings variety of practical and theoretical issues. Two separate evaluations have found that undergraduates rate graduate student instructors and faculty instructors similarly. Faculty and graduate students report a high degree of satisfaction with the course.
Some Uses of the Blackboard in Foreign Language Classes

Author's summary.— Use of available blackboard space during the first part of every recitation hour makes possible simultaneous participation of all students in worthwhile language activities. Free composition, rapid dictation, and various other dramatic exercises hold students' attention, provide for ear training, functional grammar, pronunciation, writing, and meaningful exchange of ideas.
ACTION OF CERTAIN ENZYMES, FISH PANCREATIC ISLETS AND FETAL CALF PANCREAS ON INSULIN

THERE has not been sufficient evidence reported to disprove the existence in the insulin molecule of a fraction capable, by itself, of lowering blood sugar. Charles and Scott (1), Freudenberg et al. (2), and Fisher and Scott (3) have demonstrated that the destruction of the physiological activity of insulin during enzymatic hydrolysis proceeds at a much greater proportional rate than does the hydrolysis. Although these studies do not offer any evidence for the existence of a physiologically active fraction of insulin, they cannot be interpreted as offering proof that such a fraction does not exist. Insulin, i.e., the intact protein, has not been demonstrated to be present in any tissue other than pancreatic tissue. The blood-sugar-lowering substance found in other tissues and in the blood may or may not be the same as that found in the pancreas.
Change-in-ratio density estimator for feral pigs is less biased than closed mark–recapture estimates

Closed-population capture-mark-recapture (CMR) methods can produce biased density estimates for species with low or heterogeneous detection probabilities. In an attempt to address such biases, we developed a density-estimation method based on the change in ratio (CIR) of survival between two populations where survival, calculated using an open-population CMR model, is known to differ. We used our method to estimate density for a feral pig (Sus scrofa) population on Fort Benning, Georgia,USA. Toassess itsvalidity, we compared it to anestimate of the minimum density of pigs known to be alive and two estimates based on closed-population CMR models. Comparison of the density estimates revealedthattheCIRestimatorproducedadensityestimatewithlowprecisionthatwasreasonablewithrespecttominimum known density. By contrast, density point estimates using the closed-population CMR models were less than the minimum knowndensity,consistent withbiases created bylowand heterogeneouscaptureprobabilities forspecies likeferal pigsthat may occur in low density or are difficult to capture. Our CIR density estimator may be useful for tracking broad-scale, long-term changes in species, such as large cats, for which closed CMR models are unlikely to work.
The ventral spinothalamic tract and other ascending systems of the ventral funiculus of the spinal cord

The ascending degeneration resulting from experimental lesions of the ventral funiculus of the spinal cord of Macaca mulatta has been studied using the Nauta technique and its variants. The ventral spinothalamic tract is shown to be an independent entity with respect to the lateral spinothalamic tract; its fibers are widely distributed in the ventral funiculus and it establishes connections with the brain stem and thalamus which are analogous but not identical to those of the latter. Its role in the relay of nociceptive input is discussed in view of the similarity in hodology of the two systems and it is proposed that it may be responsible for the failure of anterolateral cordotomy to control pain on a long term basis. Other ascending systems in the ventral funiculus include the spino-olivary and spino-reticular tracts, as well as minor connections to the N. of Edinger-Westphal, the red nucleus and the superior colliculus. The projections from the ventral quadrant of the spinal cord to the brain stem are almost entirely ipsilateral until the rostral mesencephalon is reached, at which level the N. of Darkschewitz receives both ipsilateral and crossed input; the magnocellular nucleus of the medial geniculate body receives a small contribution which is mainly ipsilateral. In the thalamus the VPL receives predominantly ipsilateral projections while the input to the paralaminar nuclei is only slightly less pronounced contralaterally than ipsilaterally.
Kohlenhydrate in der Antibiotikaforschung: ein neuer Ansatz zur Resistenzbekämpfung

Das grose Interesse am Problem der Antibiotikaresistenz fuhrte in letzter Zeit zur Entdeckung neuer Targets und Strategien in der Antibiotikaforschung. Eine neue Richtung der Strategien ist die Entwicklung kleiner Molekule, die Kohlenhydratrezeptoren und Kohlenhydrat-modifizierende Enzyme angreifen. Dieser Aufsatz stellt neuere Arbeiten auf diesem Gebiet vor und diskutiert den Einfluss der jeweiligen Vorgehensweisen auf das Auftreten von Resistenz. Von besonderem Interesse sind die einzigartigen Kohlenhydrate der Zelloberflache, die an der Peptidoglycan-Biosynthese beteiligte Transglycosylase sowie die RNA der Bakterien. Mit zunehmendem Verstandnis des Genoms verschiedener Bakterienarten und Fortschritten in der funktionalen Genomforschung und Proteomforschung, ist die Entdeckung einer Vielzahl von Targets fur die Entwicklung neuer Antibiotika zu erwarten.
Persistent and anatomically selective reduction in prefrontal cortical dopamine metabolism after repeated, intermittent cannabinoid administration to rats

Long-term abuse of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive constituent of marijuana, produces behavioral and metabolic signs of frontal cortical dysfunction in humans; these effects persist even after short-term abstinence. Based on a preliminary finding that repeated administration of THC to rats reduces basal frontal cortical dopamine turnover (Jentsch et al. [1998] Neurosci Lett 246:169-172), we further investigated the effects of repeated administrations of THC or WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist, on dopamine turnover in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and nucleus accumbens. THC or WIN (twice daily for 7 or 14 days) caused a persistent and selective reduction in medial prefrontal cortical dopamine turnover; no significant alterations of dopamine metabolism were observed in the nucleus accumbens or striatum. Importantly, these dopaminergic deficits in the prefrontal cortex were observed after a drug-free period of up to 14 days. Thus, the cognitive dysfunction produced by heavy, long-term cannabis use may be subserved, in part, by drug-induced alterations in frontal cortical dopamine turnover.
Review of Nonlinear Mixed-Integer and Disjunctive Programming Techniques

This paper has as a major objective to present a unified overview and derivation of mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) techniques, Branch and Bound, Outer-Approximation, Generalized Benders and Extended Cutting Plane methods, as applied to nonlinear discrete optimization problems that are expressed in algebraic form. The solution of MINLP problems with convex functions is presented first, followed by a brief discussion on extensions for the nonconvex case. The solution of logic based representations, known as generalized disjunctive programs, is also described. Theoretical properties are presented, and numerical comparisons on a small process network problem.
Reference intervals and allometric scaling of echocardiographic measurements in Bengal cats

The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed, reported to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to determine reference intervals for echocardiographic measurements in Bengal cats.Sixty-six apparently healthy Bengal cats.The study included a retrospective review of echocardiograms from 39 Bengal cats evaluated from March 2004 to June 2012 and reported to be normal by a board-certified cardiologist. An additional 27 cats were enrolled prospectively from June 2012 to June 2013. The effects of sex and body weight on linear cardiac dimensions were evaluated by regression analysis. Reference intervals were determined by the robust method with bootstrapping. Allometric equations scaled to body weight were derived for each echocardiographic variable. Intra- and interobserver variability were evaluated by coefficient of variation from 6 of the prospective studies.Reference intervals were determined from all 66 Bengal cats as no significant differences were observed between the retrospective and prospective data. An effect of sex, separate from body weight, was suggested and unique reference intervals for male and female cats were determined. Body weight was a significant co-variate and 95% prediction intervals for linear dimensions were determined by allometric scaling. Coefficients of variation were less than 10% for 2-dimensional variables and less than 18% for M-mode variables.These data provide reference intervals and weight-based 95% prediction intervals for echocardiographic measurements in the Bengal cat, potentially aiding cardiologists who screen this breed in detecting pathologic variants from normal dimensions.
Duration of Poor Performance, Fund Flows and Risk-Shifting by Hedge Fund Managers

A typical hedge fund manager receives greater compensation when the fund has a strong absolute or relative performance. Asymmetric performance fees and fund flow-performance relationship may create incentives for risk-shifting, estimated in our study by the change in fund return volatility in the middle of the year. However, hedge funds that cannot attract new funds or have had poor performance for a long period may face different incentives. The combination of these two observations confronts hedge fund managers with a complex strategic decision regarding the optimal level of their funds’ return volatility. While an increase in return volatility generally increases the expected payoff of the compensation contract, excessive volatility is not sustainable. This paper empirically examines the factors that affect hedge fund managers’ decisions to risk-shifting. We show that (1) if the fund has had prior poor performance, the magnitude of risk-shifting is larger; (2) as the duration of poor performance increases, risk-shifting is reduced; (3) if the fund is experiencing capital outflows, the magnitude of risk-shifting is smaller and (4) funds that have outflows and also use leverage or have short redemption notice periods display a smaller degree of risk-shifting.
INTRODUCTION: Initiation and Termination of Subduction: Rock Record, Geodynamic Models, and Modern Plate Boundaries

The plate tectonic paradigm revolutionized the way geologists and geophysicists look at the world, and produced an enormous increase in our understanding of how the Earth functions. The recognition of large, relatively rigid plates that float on the underlying asthenosphere, and interact with one
Macrophages of the Rectal Lamina Propria in Children

Rectal macrophages from surgical and autopsy specimens taken from children were subjected to a quantitative and qualitative survey and were examined by electron microscopy. This study was prompted by the need for a practical definition of “normal” to aid in proper evaluation of biopsies. Rectal macrophages were present in all specimens but they varied considerably in size and concentration. Histochemical technics such as the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction were necessary for identification of macrophages, particularly when these cells were small and sparse, as was frequently the case in neonatal infants. So many unselected autopsy specimens contained large macrophages that they must be a normal component of rectal lamina propria. Therefore, a diagnosis of histiocytosis, which implies a disease state, is not warranted by their presence alone. Membrane-bound cytoplasmic bodies are characteristic of the macrophages and heterogeneity of size and density is characteristic of these bodies. This heterogeneity helps to explain variation in histochemical reactions not only from laboratory to laboratory but even from cell to cell in the same specimen. A cytoplasmic substance must be truly distinctive or have unquestioned variation in quantity before claims of disease can be made.
Postemergence Changes in Ultrastructure of Flight and Leg Muscle of the Black Carpet Beetle

Studies of the ultrastructure of flight and leg muscles of 1-, 5-, 9-, and 13-day-old black carpet beetles, Attagenus megatoma (F.) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), revealed postemergence tissue-specific developmental alterations. In flight muscle, the mitochondria transformed from small, regularly shaped entities with a few widely spaced parallel cristae in young adults to large irregular bodies with heavily packed electron-dense cristae in mature adults. Following maturation, the mitochondria underwent deterioration. There is a progressive decrease, with age, in the amount of glycogen, accompanied by the appearance of large interfibrillar spaces. In leg muscle, the mitochondria undergo maturation followed by what appears to be deterioration in the oldest material. Of special interest in 13-day-old leg tissue is the occurrence of large “amorphous spaces.”
Propensity score analysis: Frontline therapy with high-dose (HD) imatinib vs. 2nd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase.

7022 Background: The clinical efficacy of the second generation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has not been compared to that of HD imatinib in patients (pts) with chronic myeloid leukemia in c...
Renal and Perirenal Infection: The Role of Computerized Tomography

AbstractPredisposing factors, onset of symptoms to diagnosis interval, computerized tomography findings and the impact of computerized tomography on the outcome were studied retrospectively in 24 patients with renal or perirenal infections. The most common predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus and urinary tract calculi. The mean interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 6.8 days. The most common computerized tomography findings were thickening of Gerota’s fascia, renal enlargement, focal decreased renal attenuation, perirenal fluid and focal gas. Four patients died despite early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Computerized tomography aided in the diagnosis, assessment of the extent of disease, treatment and followup. Computerized tomography is the most direct method to evaluate patients with suspected renal or perirenal infection, although mortality may not be altered significantly.
A Baboon Model for Simulating Pregnancy

Estrogen and progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum regulate the function of the uterine endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. Embryonic signals superimposed on this steroid hormone-primed uterus further modulate the uterine environment to make it conducive to pregnancy. Understanding the signaling mechanisms that initiate the embryonic-maternal dialog in humans is not feasible. In an effort to elucidate the role of chorionic gonadotropin as a mediator of endometrial function in addition to its luteotrophic role, we have developed a simulated pregnant model in the baboon. Infusion of chorionic gonadotropin in a manner that mimics blastocyst transit induces major changes in the morphology and secretory activity of the endometrium. This model provides a method by which the function of various embryonic factors on endometrial can be tested in an in vivo model.
Parental Perceptions of Bilingual Education in Northeast Texas: Implications for Administrators

The increase of language-minority children in the public schools of northeast Texas has impacted school districts which have traditionally served the educational needs of only the English-speaking. Although Texas law does provide for bilingual and other special language programs, these statutes alone will not ensure the success of such programs. Success will ultimately be determined by the community’s perception of the worth of bilingual education as implemented in each local school district. With this in mind, Anglo, Black, Hispanic, and Vietnamese parents with children enrolled in selected school districts in northeast Texas responded to a questionnaire to determine their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge about bilingual education. The statistical analysis of the parental responses revealed differences according to ethnicity, where information about bilingual education was obtained, and whether or not the parents had a child enrolled in a bilingual program.
Evolution of Sex and Sex Differences

This chapter explores the ultimate factors underlying the development of sex differences in evolutionary history. First is an exploration of how and why a system of two sexes originated. Artificial selection is a process where humans purposefully select which objects, processes, or attributes of things survive and get copied. According to Darwin's model, in the absence of human intervention, nature selects which individuals will survive and reproduce, and it is those individuals who will pass on their traits and attributes to the next generation. Forces of nature which result in selection are called selection pressures. These can be categorized into three major types based on their outcome: directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection. The chapter also discusses why the existence of two physical sexes virtually ensures the existence of two psychological sexes. It outlines these differences, presents some of the limitations of, and objections to, this evolutionary logic.
Strain Rate Dependent Failure of Interfaces Examined via Nanoimpact Experiments

One of the main factors contributing to the failure of composites is the failure initiated at the interfaces. Examples include interface failure at interfaces such as those between HTPB-Ammonium Perchlorate (AP) in an example energetic material. One important characteristic that could be used to develop failure theories under dynamic loading in materials with an account of interface properties is constitutive properties of interfaces under dynamic loading. In this work, interface mechanical strength of a set of HTPB-AP interfaces is characterized using dynamic indentation experiments at strain rates up to 100 s−1. Stress maps were measured in the interface areas using Nano Mechanical Raman Spectroscopy (NRS) to analyze the changes in the stress distribution around interfaces. Measurements of dynamic hardness, strain rates, and plastic-residual depths were correlated to show the relation of interface mechanical strength with the bulk phase mechanical strength. A power law viscoplastic constitutive model was fitted to experimental stress-strain-strain rate data in order to obtain constitutive behavior of interfaces, particle, and matrix. Results show that interfacial properties are affected by the rate of loading and are largely dependent upon the interface structural inhomogeneity. Stress maps are obtained near the interface using In-situ Mechanical Raman Spectroscopy to analyze the changes in the stress distribution around interfaces for different loads. A bilinear cohesive zone model parameters were obtained from the consideration of local stress and the cohesive energy required for delamination.
Tracking E. coli runs and tumbles with scattering solutions and digital holographic microscopy

We use in-line digital holographic microscopy to image freely swimming E. coli. We show that fitting a light scattering model to E. coli holograms can yield quantitative information about the bacterium’s body rotation and tumbles, offering a precise way to track fine details of bacterial motility. We are able to extract the cell’s three-dimensional (3D) position and orientation and recover behavior such as body angle rotation during runs, tumbles, and pole reversal. Our technique is label-free and capable of frame rates limited only by the camera.
Competency to Develop an Instructional Model Which Emphasizes the Abilities in Solving the Problems of the Teachers in the Scholarship Project of the Promotion of Science and Mathematics Talented Teachers (PSMT)

This study has a purpose of studying the competency to develop an instructional model which emphasizes the abilities in solving the problems of the teachers in the Scholarship Project of the Promotion of Science and Mathematics (PSMT). Studying from the documents, observations, in-depth interviews with the science teachers, graduated from the PSMT project, lecturers of science program of PSMT, and PSMT administrators. There are 25 persons with main information. It is found that: 1) Process of producing teachers with special competency in science and mathematics, admission and graduation criteria are set at a high level which is the cause of having the numbers of entrants and graduates below the expected target. 2) The graduates of this Project have the competency of the teaching profession according to the criteria set by the Teachers’ Council. 3) The graduates from this Project have the competency to develop the model of learning and teaching, emphasizing on the abilities to solve the problems by applying the models of learning and teaching of academic scholars from abroad. For example, developing the learning and teaching model by 4Ex2 and teaching in the model of KWDL.
Conflict of Interest in Medicine: Plausible Deniability?

The contribution of Chimonas and colleagues (2017) to this issue delineates the views of a modestly sized sample of practicing physicians on the very existence of conflict of interest (COI) in medi...
Genetic diversity of Stenocarpella maydis in the major corn production areas of the United States.

The fungus Stenocarpella maydis (Berk.) B. Sutton, causal agent of Diplodia ear rot, is a prevalent corn (Zea mays L.) pathogen in the United States. Although S. maydis reduces grain quality, causes yield loss, and can produce mycotoxins in some countries, few studies have examined its biology and genetic diversity. We analyzed the genetic diversity of 174 S. maydis isolates sampled across the major corn production areas in the United States using nine different microsatellites. In all, 55 unique multilocus genotypes (MLG) were observed out of the 174 S. maydis isolates tested. After conducting a Bayesian clustering analysis by STRUCTURE, it was observed that the most probable number of genetic groups was two; however, no separation by their geographical location was identified. According to the minimum spanning network, the S. maydis population is linked across geographic regions of the United States but also contains private genotypes. Temporal diversity in the inoculum source was also observed at one l...
Morality and Sexual Issues in Older Adolescent Females

A follow-up study to Carol Gilligan's work in female adolescent moral development was conducted in the presentation of a hypothetical moral sexual situation to eight older, culturally diverse adolescent females in their first year of college. The naming of a “Good Friend's” conflict and the personal moral reasoning of the interviewees were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using a sequence of four readings as subscribed by Gilligan and her associates. Examples of Justice reasoning, a Care reasoning, and an Integrated moral reasoning are presented along with suggestions for educators and therapists.