cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-metric variation in recent humans as a model for understanding Neanderthal-early modern human differences: just how “unique” are Neanderthal unique traits?

Using living humans as an extant referent, this paper examines the probability that the frequency differences in Neanderthal “unique” non-metric traits observed between Neanderthals and Upper Paleolithic modern humans could be sampled from two major populations of the same species. Neanderthal-like features occur in very low frequencies in living humans, if present at all. Rather, other features distinguish major human populations. The population frequency differences of these features are used as a model by which the Neanderthal ‐ Upper Paleolithic frequency differences are assessed using a resampling simulation. This methodological approach tests the null hypothesis that the observed Neanderthal ‐ Upper Paleolithic differences are not greater than what can be sampled from between two major human populations (Amerindians and Euroamericans). Results of the analysis fail to falsify this null hypothesis. Implications of these results for Neanderthal taxonomy are examined.
Relative Distribution Methods

We present an outline of relative distribution methods, with an application to recent changes in the U.S. wage distribution. Relative distribution methods are a nonparametric statistical framework ...
Isolated systolic hypertension: declining prevalence in the elderly.

Abstract Isolated systolic hypertension is a prevalent condition among elderly U.S. residents of all age, sex, and race groups. In a population-based survey conducted on 4,672 adult residents of Georgia in 1981, prevalence rates were considerably below those noted in earlier surveys, such as Baldwin County, Georgia 1962, National Health Examination Series I 1960–1962, Evans County, Georgia 1967–1969, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I 1971–1974 and/or II 1976–1980. The lower 1981 prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension in Georgia was observed in association with a much greater likelihood of antihypertensive therapy in adult and elderly patients. The overall trend for early and more aggressive therapy of diastolic hypertension might account for less arterial rigidity and occurrence of isolated systolic hypertension in later life.
Increases in Network Ties Are Associated With Increased Cohesion Among Intervention Participants

Objective. Many behavior change programs are delivered in group settings to manage implementation costs and to foster support and interactions among group members in order to facilitate behavior change. Understanding the group dynamics that evolve in group settings (e.g., weight management, Alcoholics Anonymous) is important, yet rarely measured. This article examined the relationship between social network ties and group cohesion in a group-based intervention to prevent obesity in children. Method. The data reported are process measures from an ongoing community-based randomized controlled trial. A total of 305 parents with a child (3-6 years) at risk of developing obesity were assigned to an intervention that taught parents healthy lifestyles. Parents met weekly for 12 weeks in small consistent groups. Two measures were collected at Weeks 3 and 6: a social network survey (people in the group with whom one discusses healthy lifestyles) and the validated Perceived Cohesion Scale. We used lagged random and...
Gender differences in skin: a review of the literature.

Background: There has been increasing interest in studying gender differences in skin to learn more about disease pathogenesis and to discover more effective treatments. Recent advances have been made in our understanding of these differences in skin histology, physiology, and immunology, and they have implications for diseases such as acne, eczema, alopecia, skin cancer, wound healing, and rheumatologic diseases with skin manifestations. Objective: This article reviews advances in our understanding of gender differences in skin. Methods: Using the PubMed database, broad searches for topics, with search terms such as gender differences in skin and sex differences in skin, as well as targeted searches for gender differences in specific dermatologic diseases, such as gender differences in melanoma, were performed. Additional articles were identified from cited references. Articles reporting gender differences in the following areas were reviewed: acne, skin cancer, wound healing, immunology, hair/alopecia, histology and skin physiology, disease-specific gender differences, and psychological responses to disease burden. Results: A recurring theme encountered in many of the articles reviewed referred to a delicate balance between normal and pathogenic conditions. This theme is highlighted by the complex interplay between estrogens and androgens in men and women, and how changes and adaptations with aging affect the disease process. Sex steroids modulate epidermal and dermal thickness as well as immune system function, and changes in these hormonal levels with aging and/or disease processes alter skin surface pH, quality of wound healing, and propensity to develop autoimmune disease, thereby significantly influencing potential for infection and other disease states. Gender differences in alopecia, acne, and skin cancers also distinguish hormonal interactions as a major target for which more research is needed to translate current findings to clinically significant diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Conclusions: The published findings on gender differences in skin yielded many advances in our understanding of cancer, immunology, psychology, skin histology, and specific dermatologic diseases. These advances will enable us to learn more about disease pathogenesis, with the goal of offering better treatments. Although gender differences can help us to individually tailor clinical management of disease processes, it is important to remember that a patient's sex should not radically alter diagnostic or therapeutic efforts until clinically significant differences between males and females arise from these findings. Because many of the results reviewed did not originate from randomized controlled clinical trials, it is difficult to generalize the data to the general population. However, the pressing need for additional research in these areas becomes exceedingly clear, and there is already a strong foundation on which to base future investigations. (Gend Med. 2007;4:308328) Copyright © 2007 Excerpta Medica, Inc.
TRUE WINTER RANGE OF THE VEERY (CATHARUS FUSCESCENS): LESSONS FOR DETERMINING WINTER RANGES OF SPECIES THAT WINTER IN THE TROPICS

Abstract Most recent references describe the winter range of the Veery (Catharus fuscescens) as including an extensive area from northern Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana south to south-central Brazil. Analysis of seasonal distribution of specimen records in South America, however, shows that 91 of 105 specimens were taken during spring and fall, not winter; the remaining 14, taken from 2 December to 20 February, are all from three small areas at the periphery or south of the Amazon basin. Thus, the true winter range is almost completely south and east of the area generally described. The seasonal distribution of specimen records is consistent with observational data from South America and banding data from the Neotropics. Although those data must be treated cautiously, it appears that the true winter range of the Veery is in south-central and southeastern Brazil, an area where habitat destruction threatens many natural habitats, rather than in the relatively undisturbed areas of western Amazonia. Widespre...
Advancing Service Science with Service-Dominant Logic

Service Science is an interdisciplinary effort to understand how service systems interact and co-create value. Service-dominant (S-D) logic is an alternative perspective to the traditional, goods-dominant (G-D) logic paradigm, which has been recognized as a potential theoretical foundation on which a science of service can be developed. While there are efforts to support and develop an S-D-logic-grounded service science, the paradigmatic power of G-D logic remains strong. This is evidenced by several recurring misconceptions about S-D logic and its application in service science. This chapter aims to guide the advancement of an S-D-logic-grounded service science by clarifying several misconstruals associated with S-D logic and moving forward with the formalization of key concepts associated with S-D logic and service science.
Workforce Needs and Demands in Surgery

The health care environment in the United States is witnessing major changes. The Halstedian model has produced surgeons who joined the workforce for over a century. While the Halstedian model will continue to be of benefit, we need to be proactive and develop innovative models of graduate medical education that meet the needs of the 21st century. The history of graduate medical education is punctuated by surgical leaders that made great contributions. The time is ripe again for the surgical community to develop innovative models of graduate medical education that will continue to sustain the surgical workforce of the future.
Calcium-Dependent Signalling in Apoptosis

Organogenesis requires the death of specific cells at genetically determined time points during development. This type of cell death, known as programmed cell death or apoptosis, plays a major role in the normal development of most organs including the immune and central nervous systems. Kerr and coworkers first described the ultrastructural changes characteristic of dying cells (Kerr et al., 1972) and since then few fields have attracted as much attention as apoptosis. Apoptosis is a natural process, and its dysregulation is pathologic. For example, apoptosis is believed to contribute to neuronal loss during stroke or central nervous system trauma and in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Conversely, lack of apoptosis is known to result in tumorigenesis. Cells are genetically programmed for self-repair following pathological insult. Under normal conditions when self-repair is unsuccessful a series of highly regulated suicide signaling pathways are initiated. Apoptosis is triggered by extrinsic or intrinsic inducers that activate pathways leading to DNA cleavage. Emerging paradigms for apoptotic signaling include: 1) the requirement for translocation of proteins from the cytosol to the nucleus; and 2) calcium (Ca2+)-dependent activation of phosphatases required for this translocation. Cytosolic Ca2+ is a second messenger that regulates signaling required for cellular activation, proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Cytosolic Ca2+ is rigidly maintained at ~100 nM in resting cells and its elevation to levels between 500 and 1000 nM activates numerous signaling pathways in all types of cells. Levels above 1000 nM are generally toxic. Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane (both voltage- and ligand-gated), and ligand-gated Ca2+-release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum are the most important sources of cytosolic Ca2+. Conversely, Ca2+-ATPases on endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane are the most important pathways for removal of cytosolic Ca2+.
Does literacy mediate the relationship between education and health outcomes? A study of a low-income population with diabetes.

dSYNOPSIS Objectives. We sought to determine whether literacy mediates the relationship between education and glycemic control among diabetes patients. Methods. We measured educational attainment, literacy using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (s-TOFHLA), and glycemic control (HbA1c) in 395 diabetes patients at a U.S. public hospital. We performed path analysis to compare two competing models to explain glycemic control. The direct effects model estimated how education was related to HbA1c; the mediational model estimated the strength of the direct relationship when the additional pathway from education to literacy to HbA1c was added. Results. Both the model with a direct effect of education on HbA1c and the model with literacy as a mediator were supported by good fit to observed data. The mediational model, however, was a significant improvement, with the additional path from literacy to HbA1c reducing the discrepancy from observed data (p0.01). After including this path, the direct relationship between education and HbA1c fell to a non-significant threshold. Conclusions. In a low-income population with diabetes, literacy mediated the relationship between education and glycemic control. This finding has important implications for both education and health policy.
Effect of maternal ethanol consumption on foetal and neonatal rat hepatic protein synthesis

Effects of maternal ethanol consumption were investigated on the rates of protein synthehsis by livers of foetal and neonatal rats both in vivo and in vitro, and on the activities of enzymes involved in protein synthesis and degradation. The rates of general protein synthesis by ribosomes in vitro studied by measuring the incorporation of [14C]leucine into ribosomal protein showed that maternal ethanol consumption resulted in an inhibition of the rates of protein synthesis by both foetal and neonatal livers from the ethanol-fed group. The rates of incorporation of intravenously injected [14C]leucine into hepatic proteins were also significantly lower in the foetal, neonatal and adult livers from the ethanol-fed group. Incubation of adult-rat liver slices with ethanol resulted in an inhibition of the incorporation of [14C]leucine into hepatic proteins; however, this effect was not observed in the foetal liver slices. This effect of externally added ethanol was at least partially prevented by the addition of pyrazole to the adult liver slices. Pyrazole addition to foetal liver slices was without significant effect on the rates of protein synthesis. Cross-mixing experiments showed that the capacity of both hepatic ribosomes and pH5 enzyme fractions to synthesize proteins was decreased in the foetal liver from the ethanol-fed group. Maternal ethanol consumption resulted in a decrease in hepatic total RNA content, RNA/DNA ratio and ribosomal protein content in the foetal liver. Foetal hepatic DNA content was not significantly affected. Ethanol consumption resulted in a significant decrease in proteolytic activity and the activity of tryptophan oxygenase in the foetal, neonatal and adult livers. It is possible that the mechanisms of inhibition of protein synthesis observed here in the foetal liver after maternal ethanol consumption may be responsible for at least some of the changes observed in 'foetal alcohol syndrome'.
Randomness Required for Linear Threshold Sharing Schemes Defined over Any Finite Abelian Group

Some secret sharingsc hemes can be used with only certain algebraic structures (for example fields). Group independent linear threshold sharing(GIL TS) refers to a t out of n linear threshold secret sharing scheme that can be used with any finite abelian group. Although group independent secret sharing schemes have long existed, here we formally introduce the definition of group independent linear threshold sharing. Using tools developed by [18], we develop some new necessary conditions for a GILTS. In addition, we develop lower bounds concerning the amount of randomness required within a GILTS.
Resolving the Class Action Crisis: Mass Tort Litigation as Network

In the last few decades, mass tort litigation has wrestled with widespread, multijurisdictional problems that have greatly stressed the caseloads of courts. Certifying for trial multiple-incident, product-liability class actions for personal injuries has promised the resolution of expansive problems. But as appellate courts have increasingly held, these actions are not appropriate for class treatment because they involve numerous individualized issues that require unmanageable individualized adjudication. Without a perceived workable alternative, many trial courts have continued to try radical class action trial plans that violate state substantive law and federal constitutional law, but which bring tremendous pressure to settle upon defendants who fear they may not be able to obtain appellate review. Attempting to defuse this crisis, Congress recently passed the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, greatly expanding federal jurisdiction for class actions. Once class actions are removed to federal court, however, the Act still provides no alternative for federal courts to the Hobson's choice framed by plaintiffs' counsel: certify a class, or be inundated with thousands of unmanageable, wasteful, and repetitive individual cases. But that is a false dichotomy. This article argues that the alternative to mass tort class actions is not such isolated repetitive litigation, but instead an expansive set of litigation networks of counsel, judges, and clients, using recent advances in information technology, that provide much of the efficiency promised by class actions without violating state substantive or federal constitutional law. As an example, the article discusses the functioning of litigation networks in the ongoing litigation concerning phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an ingredient in cough and cold remedies and appetite suppressants that has been alleged to cause stroke. By sharing information, pooling resources, developing specialized expertise, and coordinating strategy, these networks not only reduce the costs and improve the representation of individual litigation, but also develop accurate claim values for settlement of numerous cases and allow for improved case management over time through pragmatic experimentation. The article concludes that mass tort litigation networks provide a fruitful alternative to impermissible product-liability class actions for personal injuries, and that judges should deny requests to certify such class actions and instead encourage and assist in the creation and functioning of litigation networks.
Nearctic Spiders of the Genus Wubana

The genus Wubana represents a distinct group of spiders in the Micryphantidae. Only two species have been heretofore known. Four new species from the western United States brings the present number up to six. Other species will undoubtedly be added in the future.
Fatal Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection Initially Reported as a Bacillus Species, Ohio, 2013

A fatal case of melioidosis was diagnosed in Ohio one month after culture results were initially reported as a Bacillus species. To identify a source of infection and assess risk in patient contacts, we abstracted patient charts; interviewed physicians and contacts; genetically characterized the isolate; performed a Burkholderia pseudomallei antibody indirect hemagglutination assay on household contacts and pets to assess seropositivity; and collected household plant, soil, liquid, and insect samples for culturing and real-time polymerase chain reaction testing. Family members and pets tested were seronegative for B. pseudomallei. Environmental samples were negative by real-time polymerase chain reaction and culture. Although the patient never traveled internationally, the isolate genotype was consistent with an isolate that originated in Southeast Asia. This investigation identified the fifth reported locally acquired non-laboratory melioidosis case in the contiguous United States. Physicians and laboratories should be aware of this potentially emerging disease and refer positive cultures to a Laboratory Response Network laboratory.
Interaction of feed intake level on comparative ruminal and total tract digestion of dry-rolled and steam-flaked corn.

Four Holstein steers (208 kg) with "T" cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the interaction of feed intake level on comparative ruminal and total tract digestion of dry-rolled and steam-flaked corn. The basal diet contained (DM basis) 6% alfalfa hay, 6% sudangrass hay, 75% corn, 2% yellow grease, 5% cottonseed meal, 3% cane molasses, and 3% supplement. The corn portion of the diet was provided as either dry-rolled (density = .54 kg/L) or steam-flaked (density = .36 kg/L). Dry matter intake was restricted to allow for .64 vs 1.28 kg/d of weight gain (1.6 vs 2.4% of BW). Ruminal digestibility of OM, starch, and feed N were not affected (P > .10) by DMI. Postruminal digestion of OM and N and total tract digestibility of OM and DE decreased (P .10) by DMI. Steam flaking corn increased (P < .05) ruminal digestibility of OM and starch and postruminal and total tract digestibility of OM, starch, N, DE, and ME. Increasing DMI and steam flaking decreased (P < .05) ruminal pH and molar proportion of acetate. It is concluded that corn processing is the primary factor influencing site and extent of starch digestion. Decreasing DMI increases DE value of the diet; however, ME value is not affected because of increased energy loss as methane.
Complications Assessment and Their Management of Transcatheterclosure of Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect

Objective To assess the complications of transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect(VSD) in children and discuss the treatment experience.Methods Fifty cases of children in transcatheter closure of VSD compare the rate of complications in or after the operation with 105 cases in surgery. The chi-square test is used in the comparison of the rate of the complications between the two groups.Results Left anterior bundle branch block and complete left bundle branch block in or after the closure occur more often in the group of the closure. There were no significant difference between the two groups in the rate of complications including the second surgery, residual shunt, bleeding, nerve injury, hemolysis,Ⅲ atrioventricular block, pneumothorax, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, aortic vavle insufficiency and infection.Conclusion To Compare surgical operation,transcatheter closure of VSD is a safe and small-cut operation.
Design and Selection of ±160 kV XLPE Insulated Cable System for Multi-terminal VSC HVDC Power Transmission System

In Nanao ±160 kV multi-terminal voltage source converter(VSC) HVDC power transmission pilot project in China, multiple converter stations cannot be connected by full cable lines due to the geographical conditions. To solve this problem, we designed a scheme that combined cross-linked polyethylene(XLPE)-insulated HVDC cables and overhead lines, as well as the surge arrester configuration. We also calculated the maximum switching/lightning impulse overvoltage that the operating HVDC cables could carry based on simulations in PSCAD/EMTDC. The calculation results indicate that the insulation design of the ±160 kV HVDC cable system in the proposed connection design is mainly determined by the same polarity switching impulse overvoltage and the opposite polarity lightning induced overvoltage, of which the amplitudes are 285.6 kV and 336.7 kV, respectively. Taking the overall insulation coordination of converter stations' main equipment into consideration, we propose the switching/lightning impulse protection levels of surge arresters to be 295 kV/325 kV. Consequently, the superimposed switching impulse withstand voltage and the superimposed opposite polarity lightning impulse withstand voltage are confirmed to be 450 kV and 390 kV, respectively. The proposed design has been successfully deployed to the pilot project, and it can be used as references for designing future VSC-HVDC cable systems of higher voltage levels.
Effects of different bacterial chaff fertilizer on absorption and transfer of heavy metals by corn in sewage irrigation pollution soil

Pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different bacterial chaff fertilizer on maize growth,absorption and transfer of heavy metals(Cu,Pb,Cr)in different parts of maize(root,stem,leaf,ear). Results show that,compared with the control,by application of different bacterial chaff fertilizer,the various parts of corn dry weight and plant high increased; The mass fractions of Cu and Pb in underground part increased by 11.20%,17.12%,Cr decreased by 24.13%,the mass fraction of Cu and Pb in above ground part decreased,Cr in maize leaf increased. The transfer coefficient and enrichment coefficient of Cu reduced,and were both less than 1;Transfer coefficient and enrichment coefficient of Pb reduced,while the transfer coefficient of Pb was greater than 1,the transfer coefficient and enrichment coefficient of Cr both increased,the transfer coefficient was greater than 1. The results indicate that the bacterial chaff fertilizer can effectively reduce the absorption of Cu,Pb and Cr,and reduce the Cu and Pb transfer rate to the aboveground,fix the Cr in maize leaf,reduce the Cr content in other parts.
A Novel Case of Myelodysplastic Syndrome With Isolated del(5q) and Concomitant CALR Mutation

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are subgroups of myeloid neoplasms with chronic clinical courses. MDSs are characterized by simultaneous proliferation and apoptosis of hematopoietic cells and peripheral blood cytopenias. MDS with isolated del(5q) is a specific subtype of MDS that occurs primarily in older women, and is characterized by macrocytic anemia, increased platelet count, micromegakaryocytes, and favorable clinical course. …
Management of acute arterial insufficiency.

The abrupt termination of flow through a major artery is a clinical emergency. The surgeon may have to act promptly in order to salvage a limb, prevent a stroke, or save life itself. It is important for him to be familiar with the general principles of management of acute arterial insufficiency. This article concerns the management of acute ischemia of the limbs, brain, kidney, and gut.
Frege’s Basic Logics (without Wertverläufe)

In 1879 Frege set forth a monograph: Begsriffsschrift: a formal language, modeled on that of arithmetic, for pure thought. This concept-writing and its proof theory is very unusual compared to modern symbolic logic. The notational and axiomatic changes he made to the system in subsequent years — in his Die Grundlagen der Arithmetik and later in Grundgesetze der Arithmetik — have a central role to play in current debates about Frege’s philosophy of arithmetic. In this chapter, we set out the basic logics involved in these systems.
Single-chip cloud computer, an IA tera-scale research processor

As part of our Tera-scale Computing Research Program, Intel Labs has created a second generation experimental "Single-chip Cloud Computer" (SCC). It contains the most Intel Architecture cores ever integrated on a silicon CPU chip: 48 cores. It incorporates technologies intended to scale multi-core processors to 100 cores and beyond, such as an on-chip network, advanced power management technologies and support for message-passing. Architecturally, SCC is a microcosm of a cloud data-center. Each core can run a separate OS and software stack and act like an individual compute node that communicates with other compute nodes over the on-die packet-based network fabric, thus supporting the "scale-out" message passing programming models that have been proven to scale to 1000s of processors in cloud data-centers. The SCC serves as an experimental platform for a wide range of software research and is currently being used by a worldwide community of academic and industry co-travelers. This talk will describe the architecture of the SCC platform and discuss its role in the broader context of our Tera-scale research. For more information, see www.intel.com/info/scc
Adolescents with at-risk eating and lifestyle behaviors are affected by after school schedules across the clinical weight spectrum

Abstract Objective Evaluate adolescent lifestyle patterns to develop more effective health promotion programs. Methods An interview approach was employed to gain in-depth understanding of eating and activity behaviors. Adolescents aged 13–18 years (n = 43) from clinically normal and obese weight categories were enrolled. Nutrient intake and food group servings were obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. Results Four participant subgroups were identified and labeled: “Idle, Engaged, Balanced and Working.” “ Idle” adolescents were sedentary, sometimes napped, and often snacked after dinner. “Engaged” adolescents participated in extra-curricular activities for the majority of their after school hours. “Balanced” adolescents participated in a single after-school activity followed by sedentary time; they consumed meals consistently and often snacked after dinner. “Working” adolescents were the least sedentary with limited sleep duration and inconsistent meals; they often substituted a meal with a snack. Weight status did not differentiate subgroups effectively. Conclusions Each group demonstrated at-risk behaviors for obesity. Future programs should consider after-school schedules and use activity and meal pattern assessments, not simply weight status, for program tailoring. Practice implications Pediatric health care providers could identify at-risk behaviors through routine assessment of diet and activity patterns in combination with weight monitoring.
A Speckle Patterning Study for Laboratory-Scale DIC Experiments

A “good” speckle pattern enables DIC to make its full-field measurements, but oftentimes this artistic part of the DIC setup takes a considerable amount of time to develop and evaluate for a given optical configuration. A catalog of well-quantified speckle patterns for various fields of view would greatly decrease the time it would take to start making DIC measurements. The purpose of this speckle patterning study is to evaluate various speckling techniques we had readily available in our laboratories for fields of view from around 100 mm down to 5 mm that are common for laboratory-scale experiments. The list of speckling techniques is not exhaustive: spray painting, UV-printing of computer-designed speckle patterns, airbrushing, and particle dispersion. First, we quantified the resolution of our optical configurations for each of the fields of view to determine the smallest speckle we could resolve. Second, we imaged several speckle patterns at each field of view. Third, we quantified the average and standard deviation of the speckle size, speckle contrast, and density to characterize the quality of the speckle pattern. Finally, we performed computer-aided sub-pixel translation of the speckle patterns and ran correlations to examine how well DIC tracked the pattern translations. We discuss our metrics for a “good” speckle pattern and outline how others may perform similar studies for their desired optical configurations.
Heterostructure and Quantum Well Physics

Publisher Summary Heterostructures are the building blocks of the most advanced semiconductor devices being developed and produced. They are essential elements of the highest-performance optical sources and detectors, and are being employed in high-speed and high-frequency digital and analog devices. The use of heterostructures is that they offer precise control over the states and motions of charge carriers in semiconductors. A heterostructure is defined as a semiconductor structure in which the chemical composition changes with position. The simplest heterostructure consists of a single heterojunction, which is an interface within a semiconductor crystal across which the chemical composition changes. Most devices and experimental samples contain more than one heterojunction. Closely matching the lattice constants of the participating semiconductors—good lattice matching—is a necessary condition for the fabrication of high-quality heterojunctions. Heterostructures are fabricated by an epitaxial growth process. Most of the established epitaxial techniques have been applied to the growth of heterostructures. These include molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) is an older heterostructure technology, which has been supplanted by MBE and MOCVD because it does not permit as precise control of the fabricated structure.
Acoustic wave propagation in disordered microscale granular media under compression

We investigate the effect of dynamic and uniaxial static loading on the wave speeds and rise times of laser generated acoustic waves traveling through a disordered, multilayer aggregate of 2 $$\mu {\mathrm {m}}$$ diameter silica microspheres, where the excited dynamic amplitudes are estimated to approach the level of the static overlap between the particles caused by adhesion and externally applied loads. Two cases are studied: a case where the as-fabricated particle network is retained, and a case where the static load has been increased to the point where the aggregate collapses and a rearrangement of the particle network occurs. We observe increases in wave speeds with static loading significantly lower than, and in approximate agreement with, predictions from models based on Hertzian contact mechanics for the pre- and post-collapse states, respectively. The measured rise time of the leading pulse is found to decrease with increasing static load in both cases, which we attribute to decreased scattering and stiffening of the contact network. Finally, we observe an increase in wave speed with increased excitation amplitude that depends on static loading, and whether the system is in the pre- or post-collapse state. The wave speed dependence on amplitude and static load is found to be in qualitative agreement with a one-dimensional discrete model of adhesive spheres, although the observed difference between pre- and post-collapse states is not captured. This investigation, and the approach presented herein, may find use in future studies of the contact mechanics and dynamics of adhesive microgranular systems.
The Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Context of Love and Fear

Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are distinct molecules; these peptides and their receptors [OT receptor (OTR) and V1a receptor (V1aR)] also are evolved components of an integrated and adaptive system, here described as the OT-VP pathway. The more ancient peptide, VP, and the V1aRs support individual survival and play a role in defensive behaviors, including mobilization and aggression. OT and OTRs have been associated with positive social behaviors and may function as a biological metaphor for social attachment or "love." However, complex behavioral functions, including selective sexual behaviors, social bonds, and parenting require combined activities of OT and VP. The behavioral effects of OT and VP vary depending on perceived emotional context and the history of the individual. Paradoxical or contextual actions of OT also may reflect differential interactions with the OTR and V1aR. Adding to the complexity of this pathway is the fact that OT and VP receptors are variable, across species, individuals, and brain region, and these receptors are capable of being epigenetically tuned. This variation may help to explain experience-related individual and sex differences in behaviors that are regulated by these peptides, including the capacity to form social attachments and the emotional consequences of these attachments.
Direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection in the kidney transplant recipient

Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is a common comorbidity in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with recipients who do not have chronic HCV infection. Because interferon-α-based therapies can precipitate acute rejection, they are relatively contraindicated after kidney transplantation. Thus, the majority of kidney transplant recipients with HCV remain untreated. There are now all-oral, interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapies for HCV infection that are extremely effective and well tolerated in the general population. Recent reports in the literature demonstrate that direct-acting antiviral therapies effectively cured HCV in 406 of 418 kidney transplant recipients (97%); the majority were treated with sofosbuvir-based regimens. Smaller numbers of kidney transplant recipients have been treated with paritaprevir-ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir, elbasvir-grazoprevir, or glecaprevir-pibrentasvir with excellent success. Direct-acting antiviral therapies were well tolerated and did not increase the rate of acute rejection. The latest advances include approval of regimens that can treat patients with advanced allograft dysfunction (eGFR 2 ) and "pan-genotypic" regimens that have activity against all 6 major genotypes of HCV. This review summarizes what is known about the epidemiology of HCV infection in kidney transplant recipients, and presents the landscape of direct-acting antiviral therapies and areas in need of further investigation.
Abstract 3391: A Constitutively Active Kinase Produced During Ischemia by Proteolytic Processing of PKC{alpha} is Cardiomyopathic

Myocardial ischemia causes calcium overload, activating protein kinase C (PKC) and calcium-dependent proteases (calpains). Roles for calpains in myocardial stunning, and PKC α in contractile dysfunction, are known; a functional interaction in cardiac signaling has not been described. PKCs are “hinged” molecules in which N-terminal regulatory/RACK binding and C-terminal catalytic domains interact to prevent spontaneous PKC substrate phosphorylation. Calcium and phospholipid reduce these intra-molecular interactions, translocating PKCs to subcellular domains and permitting phosphorylation of local substrates. In vitro studies: Purified calpain 1 cleaved PKC α at the hinge region, releasing two ~40 kDa fragments. Relieved of normal intra-molecular inhibition, the C-terminal catalytic domain can be a promiscuous, constitutively active kinase. Alanine mutagenesis within the hinge region abolished calpain-mediated PKC α proteolysis. In vivo studies: Transgenic mouse hearts conditionally overexpressing calpain 1 in the heart exhibited proteolytic PKC α cleavage after global ischemia, whereas hearts expressing calpastatin (endogenous calpain inhibitory protein) did not. Calpain 1 transgenic mice had increased mortality (13/19 dead) within 24 hours of experimental myocardial infarction, increased remodeling, and larger infarcts (28±4% vs 17±3% control, P=0.048). To determine if ischemic sensitivity was related to proteolytic processing of PKC α , full-length PKC α , the N-terminal (PKC α NT), or the C-terminal (PKC α CT) fragments were conditionally expressed in mouse hearts. Overexpressed full-length PKC α caused an asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (%FS 35±2 vs 63±2 control, P α NT did not alter heart structure or function. PKC α CT for the same period, at a fraction of those levels, caused massive bi-ventricular dilation, severe systolic dysfunction (%FS=16±1 vs 70±1 in controls, p Conclusion : This is an entirely new mechanism for post-ischemic cardiomyopathy, wherein myocardial calpain activation by calcium overload cleaves PKC α and produces a damaging, constitutively active rogue kinase.
New insights into the separation of Nd from Pr in hydrochloric and sulfuric acid solutions

Abstract The solvent extraction separation of Nd from Pr with commercially available organic extractants has been studied using statistical design of experiments. In this regard, Taguchi’s L16 (44 × 21) orthogonal array was used to determine the optimum conditions for maximizing the separation factor between Nd and Pr (βNd/Pr). The effects of controllable operating experimental parameters including initial pH of the aqueous solutions (A: 2–5), concentration of rare earth element (B: 10–40 ppm), extractant type (C: DEHPA, PC88A, TOPO, and Cyanex 572), extractant concentration (D: 10–60 mM), and acid type (E: sulfuric and hydrochloric acid) on the separation performance were studied. Under selected experimental conditions Nd and Pr do not form any major chloride species, whereas both of the elements form cationic and anionic complexes in sulfate solutions (NdSO4+, PrSO4+, Nd(SO4)2−, and Pr(SO4)2−). The optimum operating conditions for maximizing the separation of Nd from Pr occurred at the experimental condition A4B3C1D3E2, where a maximum separation factor of 2.72 was achieved, which was higher than any values reported in the literature. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that pH, extractant type, and acid type had the most influential effect on the separation of Nd and Pr. DEHPA and hydrochloric acid were found to be the best organic extractant and aqueous solution, respectively. The separation performance of organic extractants followed the order DEHPA > PC88A > Cyanex 572 > TOPO, indicating that the new acidic extractant Cyanex 572 does not perform well for the separation of Nd and Pr.
The Gibbs Canonical Ensembles

The birth certificate of statistical mechanics is [Gibbs, 1902]. As posted in its subtitle, the work was “developed with special reference to the rational foundation of thermodynamics”. Gibbs proposed three “ensembles”, which he called microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical. As we often did in the previous chapters, we defer the discussion of the semantics, and first present the syntax. The mathematical context is that of conservative Hamiltonian mechanics, with phase-space Γ and time-independent Hamiltonian H. Typically in Gibbs, Γ = T*Λ = R n × Λ = {(p, q)} where the configuration space Λ ⊂ R n is a bounded closed region; for the time being n is any integer with n > 2. The Hamiltonian is supposed to be a function defined on Γ and possibly depending, in addition, on finitely many external parameters {a i | 1 ≤ I < ∞}. It is sometimes useful, but in general not necessary, to consider the tidy circumstance where the Hamiltonian splits nicely in kinetic (T) and potential energy (V) with H(p, q; a) = K(p) + V (q; a).
Prognostic Implications of Mucinous Differentiation in Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma Can Be Explained by Distinct Molecular and Clinicopathologic Characteristics.

Abstract Background The mucinous histologic subtype accounts for 5% to 20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases but remains poorly characterized. The present study characterized the baseline characteristics, mutational profile, and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with mucinous CRC. Materials and Methods We identified 1877 patients with metastatic CRC with available histologic findings and molecular profiling and summarized the baseline clinical and pathologic characteristics and overall survival (OS) stratified by the histologic type. The data from separate cohorts with consensus molecular subtype (CMS) and CpG island methylator information were also summarized. Results The mucinous histologic type was found in 277 of the 1877 patients (14.8%) and was associated with an increased prevalence of microsatellite instability (P Conclusion Compared with nonmucinous adenocarcinoma, the mucinous histologic type is associated with a worse prognosis, even when controlling for known prognostic features. This unique biologic behavior should be considered in the treatment and prognostic assessment of patients with CRC.
Financial Crisis Contagion

Whereas the analysis of finance rests on rationality, its lived experience is one of euphorias and crashes that can have devastating consequences. This chapter discusses the evidence of crashes and the safeguards that the legal system uses, especially in light of the experience with the financial crisis of 2008, which circumvented the safety measures that had been designed largely in response to the Great Depression.
Introduction — Global Psychedelia and Counterculture

When we first talked about the idea of a special issue of Rock Music Studies on the topic of “Global Psychedelia and Counterculture,” the journal’s editors advised maintaining reasonable expectatio...
The Microstructural Evolution of Rapidly Solidified Powder Aluminum 2024 During Thermal Processing

Gas-atomized metallic powders are commonly used in solid-state deposition processes, such as cold spray and additive friction stir. While their post-process consolidated properties are widely studied, there is little research on the properties of the powders before processing. Understanding the powder characteristics before use in additive manufacturing could lead to fine-tuning properties of additively manufactured materials. This research studied the effect of various thermal treatment processes on the characteristics and microstructural evolution of powder aluminum alloy 2024. Treatment times and temperatures were guided by thermodynamic modeling. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry were used to evaluate each condition. Thermodynamic models were used to predict the phase stability in these powders and were calibrated using the experimental results to give a more complete understanding of the phase transformations during thermal processing.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) regulate substance P release in adult spinal sensory neurons.

NGF increases expression and content of substance P in developing and mature spinal sensory neurons. The role this neurotrophin plays in peptide release, however, is less clear. Accordingly, we examined substance P release from cultures of mature rat sensory neurons, which do not require NGF for survival. Neurons grown without NGF have a low but detectable basal release, which increases with depolarization by KCl (50 mM) but never achieves statistical significance. In contrast, basal release is 3 times higher from neurons that have been cultured in the presence of NGF, and KCl depolarization triples the amount of SP released. Stimulation with capsaicin (10−7 M) yields similar results. Residual peptide remaining after capsaicin stimulation is refractory to release for up to 24 h. Bradykinin does not induce SP secretion from mature neurons nor does it potentiate the action of capsaicin. GDNF, which also increases SP content, mimics NGF. Addition of NGF to the bath during release does not directly induce SP secretion, nor does it alter the effects of KCl, capsaicin, or bradykinin. It appears therefore that NGF increases SP release indirectly by increasing intracellular stores.
Intent-to-treat analysis of cluster randomized trials when clusters report unidentifiable outcome proportions.

BackgroundCluster randomized trials are designed to evaluate interventions at the cluster or group level. When clusters are randomized but some clusters report no or non-analyzable data, intent-to-...
Relationship between structural parameters and the Néel temperature in Sr 1 − x Ca x MnO 3 ( 0 x 1 ) and Sr 1 − y Ba y MnO 3 ( y 0 . 2 )

The crystal and magnetic structures of newly synthesized ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{x}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ $(0l~xl~1)$ and ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}y}{\mathrm{Ba}}_{y}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ $(yl~0.2)$ perovskite materials (of the $\mathrm{AB}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ type) were investigated using neutron and synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction at temperatures between 10 and 530 K. Upon decreasing the size of the A-site ion (or the unit-cell size) a series of structural transitions appears at room temperature from cubic $\mathrm{Pm}3\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}m$ to tetragonal $I4/mcm$ (at $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.3)$ to orthorhombic Pbnm at $x\ensuremath{\sim}0.4.$ In agreement with neutron-diffraction data, resistive and magnetic measurements show that the samples are antiferromagnetic with N\'eel temperatures ${T}_{N},$ varying from 233 to \ensuremath{\sim}125 K and from 233 to 212 K by increasing the Ca and Ba contents, respectively. The observed variation of ${T}_{N}$ cannot be solely explained by the changes of the unit-cell size or the average Mn-O-Mn bond angle \ensuremath{\theta}. The behavior of ${T}_{N}$ can be satisfactorily described as a function of $〈{\mathrm{cos}}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}〉$ related to the superexchange interaction integral, and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2},$ the A-site ionic size variance [L. M. Rodriguez-Martinez and J. P. Attfield, Phys. Rev. B 54, R15 622 (1996)] regardless of the structural symmetry of the perovskite material.