cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New approach to breast cancer CAD using partial least squares and kernel-partial least squares

Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as a tumor-related cause of death in women. Currently, the method of choice for the early detection of breast cancer is mammography. While sensitive to the detection of breast cancer, its positive predictive value (PPV) is low, resulting in biopsies that are only 15-34% likely to reveal malignancy. This paper explores the use of two novel approaches called Partial Least Squares (PLS) and Kernel-PLS (K-PLS) to the diagnosis of breast cancer. The approach is based on optimization for the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm for linear regression and the K-PLS algorithm for non-linear regression. Preliminary results show that both the PLS and K-PLS paradigms achieved comparable results with three separate support vector learning machines (SVLMs), where these SVLMs were known to have been trained to a global minimum. That is, the average performance of the three separate SVLMs were Az = 0.9167927, with an average partial Az (Az90) = 0.5684283. These results compare favorably with the K-PLS paradigm, which obtained an Az = 0.907 and partial Az = 0.6123. The PLS paradigm provided comparable results. Secondly, both the K-PLS and PLS paradigms out performed the ANN in that the Az index improved by about 14% (Az ≈ 0.907 compared to the ANN Az of ≈ 0.8). The "Press R squared" value for the PLS and K-PLS machine learning algorithms were 0.89 and 0.9, respectively, which is in good agreement with the other MOP values.
Towards a generalized template matching algorithm for pictorial pattern recognition

This paper is concerned with the use of nonlinear regression analysis as a means for achieving pictorial pattern recognition. The object to be identified is presumed to be represented by a set of image plane coordinates representing points associated with its boundary. Regression analysis techniques are then used to produce a sequence of computationally generated templates for various types of objects. The best fitting template type determines the classification of the object. Experimental results relating to a four class problem involving ellipses, rectangles, concave cresents, and convex cresents are presented.
Inferences about correlation structure based on proof loading experiments

Abstract Units can have two or more important strength properties. A procedure is described for estimating the correlation between two strength properties that, individually, can only be observed through destructive testing. The procedure involves proof loading a unit in one failure mode and then loading survivors, in a second mode, to failure. We first review results for the case where the two strength properties follow a bivariate normal distribution. The selection of an optimal single proof load is highlighted. A new nonparametric formulation is also explored and estimation of mixed moments and the correlation considered. Some large sample estimation results are also given.
Reperfusion of ischemic corporal tissue: physiologic and biochemical changes in an animal model of ischemic priapism

Abstract Objectives To assess the physiologic and biochemical changes resulting from ischemia and reperfusion. Effective therapy for ischemic priapism reestablishes corporal venous outflow and arterial inflow and results in increased corporal partial pressure of oxygen. Data are limited concerning reperfusion injury of ischemic erectile tissue associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the potential role of ROS scavengers in the clinical therapy of ischemic priapism. Methods Anesthetized adult New Zealand white male rabbits (n = 7) were exposed to a low oxygen tension breathing gas to achieve hypoxia within the corpora cavernosa. This resulted in a mean systemic oxygen saturation of 60%. The pelvic nerve was electrically stimulated to induce penile erection, and the base of the erect penis was clamped. After varying durations of ischemia, the clamp was removed to allow reperfusion. We determined the intracavernosal oxygen tension, histologic changes, myeloperoxidase activity, and lipid peroxidation. Results Corporal partial pressure of oxygen progressively decreased as the duration of priapism increased. A statistically significant increase was noted in myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation with corporal reperfusion. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration was documented in the ischemic reperfused tissue. Conclusions In the management of ischemic priapism, reperfusion causes erectile tissue injury owing to the presence of ROS. There is a need to investigate the utility of ROS scavengers and antioxidants in the management of ischemic priapism.
Improved Klett lidar inversion techniques

Realistic inversions of lidar signals for extinction using the Klett technique must take into account both the theoretical limitations of the inversion and the experimental constraints of the hardware. A simple test of the Klett inversion algorithm s19 is performed with and without experimental limitations and uncertainties. The effect of limited accuracy in the digitization of the lidar return and limited dynamic range is presented. A simplified technique for detecting clouds in the presence of low visiblity is developed, and some limitations are presented.
CROSS SECTIONS FOR NUCLEOSYNTHESIS IN STARS AND BOMBS.

Three different processes in which nuclei are synthesized by the multiple capture of neutrons with energies in the keV range are reviewed and compared, namely the $s$-process and $r$-process in stars and the synthesis of very heavy nuclei in thermonuclear explosions. In the $s$-process, neutrons are captured by nuclei in the valley of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-stability. Knowledge of neutron capture cross sections of $s$-process nuclei can clarify such features of the $s$-process as elemental abundances, time scales, and temperatures. For producing the heaviest possible nuclei by neutron capture in thermonuclear explosions there are advantages in using the heaviest obtainable target nuclei, but for these there is the disadvantage of serious competition from neutron-induced fission. A channel theory of capture to fission ratios shows encouraging agreement with experiment. More data on capture to fission ratios would be valuable, particularly for odd-odd target nuclei. From capture to fission ratios, the number of open channels for fission can be deduced.
EFFECTS OF UV, SUNLIGHT AND X‐RAY RADIATION ON QUIESCENT HUMAN CELLS IN CULTURE

Nondividing human diploid fibroblasts (HDF) in culture have been used to study the effect on cell lethality of ultraviolet light, natural sunlight and X-rays. A lethal effect is defined as cellular degeneration, loss from the culture and inability to exclude vital strains. Far-and mid-UV have a readily observable lethal effect (cell loss), with DNA and DNA damage as the critical target and critical damage respectively. In part, natural sunlight kills cells by a similar mechanism but has an additional lethal effect at longer exposure times. This additional effect is expressed by the retention of the dead cells in culture, in contrast to the UV-induced promotion of cell degeneration and loss. Relatively large doses of X-rays that destroy proliferative capacity, have no detectable lethal effect on the maintenance of nondividing cells. The biological response of nondividing HDF to radiations from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum is dissimilar.
Extraordinarily Robust Polyproline Type I Peptoid Helices Generated via the Incorporation of α-Chiral Aromatic N-1-Naphthylethyl Side Chains

Peptoids, or oligomers of N-substituted glycines, are a class of foldamers that have shown extraordinary functional potential since their inception nearly two decades ago. However, the generation of well-defined peptoid secondary structures remains a difficult task. This challenge is due, in part, to the lack of a thorough understanding of peptoid sequence–structure relationships and, consequently, an incomplete understanding of the peptoid folding process. We seek to delineate sequence–structure relationships through the systematic study of noncovalent interactions in peptoids and the design of novel amide side chains capable of such interactions. Herein, we report the synthesis and detailed structural analysis of a series of (S)-N-(1-naphthylethyl)glycine (Ns1npe) peptoid homo-oligomers by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Four of these peptoids were found to adopt well-defined structures in the solid state, with dihedral angles similar to those observed ...
Numerical Analysis of a Hydrotreater Furnace Inlet Piping System

In the petroleum refining industry, the oil hydrotreater produces low-sulfur feed for the downstream units. An oil and hydrogen mixture is delivered by a piping system to the hydrotreater furnace. Uneven splitting and/or phase separations of the original stream can cause uneven heating as well as high furnace tube metal temperature, which can lead to shorten tube life and potentially tube rupture. In order to achieve better understanding of the current design, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) had been used to determine the two-phase flow regime throughout the piping system and report the degree to which each flow split is uneven. In this study, a three dimensional multiphase CFD model of a hydrotreater furnace had been developed. The CFD model provides detailed velocity distribution and flow patterns together with the oil concentration and pressure drops at different location of the entire piping system. The degree of uneven splitting to all the outlets had also been evaluated quantitatively. The simulation results provide thorough understanding of the operating performance, while the parametric studies offer insight into the optimization of the current piping design.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Partial purification and properties of a soil enzyme that degrades the insecticide malathion.

1. 1. An unusually stable esterase which catalyzes the hydrolysis of malathion to its monoacid was extreacted from irradiation-sterilized soil and non-irradiated soil with 0.2 M NaOH and partially purified by MnCl2 treatment, (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, dialysis and ion exchange chromatography. A 240-g sample of Chehalis clay loam yielded 28 mg of final preparation. It contained 9.8 mg of protein and hydrolyzed 31 μmoles of malathion in 4 h at pH 7.0 and 37°. Lineweaver-Burk plots obtained for two concentrations of the enzyme gave identical Km values of 2.12·10−4 M. The enzyme was optimally active around pH 7.0. The enzyme was very stable, being denatured only at temperatures above 70° and by 24-h exposures at pH 10.0. Lyophilization partially destroyed the activity but no loss of activity occurred during extended storage of enzyme solutions at 4° or frozen at − 10°. 2. 2. When partially purified enzyme was applied to soil, activity was detected for the duration of the experimental period (8 weeks). Its existence as a stable, cell-free soil enzyme is postulated from experimental evidence based on the persistence and adsorptive characteristics of the partially purified enzyme in soil. This esterase should be an excellent tool for investigating enzymatic biological transformations in soil.
Characterization of the Polarity of Natural Organic Matter under Ambient Conditions by the Polarity Rapid Assessment Method (PRAM)

The polarity rapid assessment method (PRAM) characterizes the polarity of aqueous natural organic matter (NOM) by quantifying the amount of material adsorbed onto different solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents. The analysis is performed under ambient conditions resulting in the elimination of pretreatment steps that may alter the chemical characteristics of the NOM, allowing an accurate representation of its polarity as it exists in the environment. Additionally, analysis only requires 200 mL of sample and can be performed in 2 h. In this paper, the underlying theory of the method is presented, followed by its optimization, with emphasis on the development of conditions for the analysis of NOM in natural waters. A series of organic probe compounds showed that the most important physicochemical property describing the interaction between the NOM and the SPE sorbents was the hydrophobic surface area, allowing for the estimation of the hydrophobic character under ambient conditions. Evaluation of the effect...
Effectiveness of hydrotreatment in reducing the toxicity of a coal liquefaction product to juvenile channel catfish

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotreatment in reducing the acute toxicity of a representative coal liquefaction product. Acute bioassays with juvenile channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were used to compare the toxicities of raw (nonupgraded) H-Coal oil, four samples of the same H-Coal oil subjected to different degrees of upgrading by hydrotreatment, and a petroleum crude oil. Channel catfish were chosen because they have considerable commercial and sport fisheries value and are likely to be abundant in large rivers where commercial coal liquefaction facilities will be located.
β-Endorphin. Biological activity of synthetic analogs with analgesia inhibiting property in rat vas deferens and guinea pig ileum assays

Three synthetic analogs of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) (I, [Gln8, Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2; II, [Arg9,12,24,28,29]-beta h-EP and III, [Cys11,26, Phe27, Gly31]-beta h-EP), which have been shown to possess potent inhibiting activity to beta h-EP-induced analgesia, were assayed in rat vas deferens and guinea pig ileum bioassay systems. In the rat vas deferens assay, relative potencies of these analogs were beta h-EP, 100; I, 30; II, 40; III, 1, whereas in the guinea pig ileum assay: beta h-EP, 100; I, 184; II, 81; III, 163. From previous studies on their analgesia potency in mice and opiate receptor-binding activity in rat brain membranes, their activity in rat vas deferens correlates well with the analgesic potency and the activity from guinea pig ileum assay shows good correlations with that from the opiate receptor-binding assay.
Role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the regulation of pancreatic functions

The pancreas consists of two major divisions, the exocrine and the endocrine pancreas. Recent data from our laboratory have shown that the functions of the two divisions are under modulatory regulation by separate neurocircuits that originate in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are expressed throughout the central nervous system and have been implicated in the modulation of synaptic transmission. mGluRs consist of three groups of receptors, which can be distinguished based on their pharmacological properties and second messenger systems. Group I mGluRs predominantly increase, whereas group II and III mGluRs decrease synaptic transmission. Group II and group III mGluRs are present on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic terminals impinging on pancreas-projecting DMV neurons. We have shown that group II mGluRs regulate both exocrine pancreatic secretions and insulin release, whereas group III mGluRs only regulate insulin release. Several mGluR agonists and antagonists have been shown to have clinical uses for disorders accompanied by abnormal synaptic transmission, including anxiety and Parkinson's disease. Moreover, a negative allosteric modulator of Group I mGluRs is effective in alleviating symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Since the role of the three mGluR groups in mediating different gastrointestinal (GI) functions appears to be highly specific, the use of agonists or antagonists directed at a single receptor group could potentially provide highly selective targets for the treatment of GI disorders including GERD, functional dyspepsia and acute pancreatitis.
Scattering by nonspherical particles and optical properties of Martian dust

Abstract Ultraviolet spectral reflectance data obtained from the Mariner 9 during the 1971 Mars dust storm were analyzed at two wavelengths to deduce the complex index of refraction of Martian dust. Martian dust particles were considered to be irregularly shaped and randomly oriented nonspherical particles. The analysis shows that the Mariner 9 data are consistent with the scattering by irregular particles with an index of refraction m = 1.59 − 0.0015i at λ = 0.305 μm and m = 1.55 − 0.004i at λ = 0.268 μm. Both the real and the imaginary parts of refractive index found are considerably smaller than previously reported results using a spherical shape model for Martian dust particles.
A Comparison of Treatment Modalities in Carcinoma of the Maxillary Antrum

• Sixty-two patients with carcinoma of the maxillary antrum are observed to define symptoms, physical findings, and radiologic findings suggestive of a poor prognosis. Using these poor prognostic indicators, the cases are retrospectively analyzed according to the various treatment modalities that were used. It is concluded from the accumulated data that resection of the orbital contents can be avoided in selected patients with T3 and T4 carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses. ( Arch Otolaryngol 106:625-629, 1980)
The silicon MOSFET from a transmission viewpoint

Abstract Landauer's view of conductance as a process of transmission has had a profound influence on basic transport physicists but is relatively unappreciated by device engineers. In this paper we draw attention to the new insights and perspectives that the transmission viewpoint can provide into the design of deep submicron MOSFETs. Firstly, we show that there is a fundamental limit to the minimum contact resistance (∼300 Ω-μm under moderate gate bias and ∼50 Ω-μm under high gate bias) that no amount of contact technology can overcome and that present day devices are close to this fundamental limit. Secondly we show that the saturation drain current is determined by the transmission coefficient which depends sensitively on the electric field within a mean free path of the source. Present day devices have transmission coefficients ∼50% which could be increased by increasing the electric field at the source. But the improvement is limited by the increase in quantum mechanical reflections.
Circadian and light-induced conductance changes in putative pacemaker cells of Bulla gouldiana

The ocular circadian rhythm of compound action potential frequency in Bulla gouldiana is driven by rhythmic changes in the membrane potential of putative circadian pacemaker cells. Changes in the membrane potential of these neurons is required for light-induced phase shifts of the rhythm. We have tested the proposition that these changes in membrane potential reflect underlying changes in ionic conductances. We have found that:
Integrating Patient Digital Photographs with Medical Imaging Examinations

We introduce the concept, benefits, and general architecture for acquiring, storing, and displaying digital photographs along with medical imaging examinations. We also discuss a specific implementation built around an Android-based system for simultaneously acquiring digital photographs along with portable radiographs. By an innovative application of radiofrequency identification technology to radiographic cassettes, the system is able to maintain a tight relationship between these photographs and the radiographs within the picture archiving and communications system (PACS) environment. We provide a cost analysis demonstrating the economic feasibility of this technology. Since our architecture naturally integrates with patient identification methods, we also address patient privacy issues.
The c(4 × 2) Structure of Short- and Intermediate-Chain Length Alkanethiolate Monolayers on Au(111): A DFT Study

We report on first principles density functional theory calculations for a new adatom + vacancy model (ad+va) of the c(4 × 2) structure of short- and intermediate-length alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111). This model includes the same structural motif, two thiolates bound to an Au adatom and a surface vacancy, that has been recently proposed for the low-coverage and (√3 × √3)R30° phases of short-chain alkanethiolate SAMs on Au(111). We show that the ad+va model is more stable than all available (√3 × √3)R30° one-chain models and can also satisfactorily describe the experimental scanning tunneling microscopy images of the c(4 × 2) phase.
Gravity slide origin of rift zones of some Hawaiian volcanoes

The east-trending east rift zone of Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii is 50 km long and up to 3 km wide. It consists of three elements arranged roughly in three belts from north to south: 1) eruptive fissures, cracks, faults, and narrow grabens, 2) cinder cones (produced by eruptions more localised than the fissure eruptions), and 3) pit craters. Eruptive vents, either fissure or cone, do not occur south of pit craters; vents occur on the floor of some pit craters but are conlined to the north half. Most earthquakes near the rift zone are shallow; they are abundant south of the rift zone but rare north of it.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC MORPHINE ADMINISTRATION ON GLUCOSE TOLERANCE AND INSULIN BINDING TO ISOLATED RAT ADIPOCYTES

Morphine addiction was induced in six male Wistar rats. Improved glucose tolerance (peak value less by 28%, p < 0.01) was observed in chronically morphinized rats as compared to the control rats, i...
Comparison of FSH flare with and without pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Objective To compare FSH, LH, estrogen, and P flare response following 1 mg lupron injection in poor responders with or without pretreatment with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Design Prospective study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Poor responders undergoing IVF flare protocol from October 2002 to November 2003. Intervention(s) Patients were divided into group A, who received OCPs before IVF cycle (n = 12), and group B, who did not (n = 7). One milligram Lupron was injected SC after measuring day 2 serum FSH, LH, estrogen, and P. After 24 hours, serum hormones were measured before lupron administration. Main outcome measure(s) Serum FSH, LH, estrogen, and P before and after 1 mg lupron Result(s) Basal FSH was similar in both groups (8.6 ± 4.5 vs. 9.6 ± 2.9 mIU/mL). Group A patients had significantly lower day 2 FSH (3.6 ± 3.6 vs. 10.1 ± 4.2 mIU/mL; P P Conclusion(s) Pretreatment with OCPs in GnRH agonist flare protocol suppresses pre-Lupron FSH but does not blunt FSH flare. It blunts LH flare, which may be beneficial.
lgebra for the Twenty-First Century: New Vision

Algebra is important for everyone. It provides a way to represent a sit uation so it can be analyzed carefully. In the new algebra classroom, students will be talking and listening to each other as they learn to understand problems and devise solutions. Teachers will organize tasks to help students discover that the use of symbols allows them to con trol data and use them to produce answers to real questions.
Teachable Moments, Learnable Moments: Medical Rounds as a Paradigm for Education

The medical profession has for almost a century employed various types of “Rounds” as pedagogical tools to engage physicians, physicians-in-training, and their health care teams in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients. More recently, this validated paradigm of medical rounds (MR) has been extended to the field of education, where it is being used as an effective strategy for administrators to better understand their own domain. There are four distinct types of MR which can be further analyzed to find commonalities and parallels with the domain of education. The four types of MR are (1) Morning Rounds, (2) Chart Rounds, (3) Grand Rounds, and (4) Ongoing Collaborations—each have unique pedagogical characteristics and serve different functions. They are, however, unified by common threads of dynamic and interpersonal interactions wherein teacher (physician) and learner (physician-in-training) share learning and fluidly exchange roles in the pedagogy. MR models supplant the now outmoded theory of the “empty vessel” and corroborate the concept of the teaching brain. A formal analysis of MR underscores its ongoing utility in education both for its pedagogical innovations and for the Interactive and inherently human attributes that are required between teacher and learner for its efficacy.
Generalized software components for reconfiguring hyper-redundant manipulators

An application of Operational Software Components for Advanced Robotics (OSCAR) - a generalized robotic software framework - for kinematic control of hyper-redundant, self-reconfigurable systems is presented. OSCAR includes generalized kinematics, dynamics, device interfacing, and criteria-based decision making. The developed application allows an operator to interactively reconfigure modular chains into parallel mechanisms, gait structures, and multiarm systems while maintaining full kinematic control of each chain. Examples using spatial systems with various geometries are presented with application pseudocode to illustrate high-level program development using OSCAR.
Orthopaedic infections; laboratory testing and response to therapy

Summary Orthopaedic infections can be challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. The clinician needs to use all tools available, including clinical assessments and laboratory testing. The practical ‘gold standard’ test for a clinician to judge successful treatment is response to therapy, at times irrespective of what laboratory test results may indicate.
Pregnancy outcomes among women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine whether metformin, which had facilitated conception in 72 oligoamenorrhoeic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), would safely reduce the rate of first trimester spontaneous abortion (SAB) and increase the number of live births without teratogenicity. METHODS: Seventytwo oligoamenorrheic women with PCOS conceived on metformin (2.55 g/day). They were prospectively assessed in an outpatient clinical research centre. Outcome measures included number of first trimester SAB, live births, normal ongoing pregnancies ≥13 weeks, gestational diabetes (GD), congenital defects (CD), birthweight and height, as well as weight, height, and motor and social development during the first 6 months of life. RESULTS: Of the 84 fetuses, to date there have been 63 normal live births without CD (75%), 14 first trimester SAB (17%), and seven ongoing pregnancies ≥13 weeks with normal sonograms without CD (8%). Previously, without metformin, 40 of the 72 women had 100 pregnancies (100 fetuses) with 34 (34%) live births and 62 (62%) first trimester SAB. In current pregnancies on metformin in these 40 women (46 pregnancies, 47 fetuses), there have been 33 live births (70%), two pregnancies ongoing ≥13 weeks (4%), and 12 SAB (26%) (P < 0.0001). There was no maternal lactic acidosis, and no maternal or neonatal hypoglycaemia. Fasting entry serum insulin was a significant explanatory variable for total (previous and current) first trimester SAB, odds ratio 1.32 (for each 5 µU/ml rise in insulin), 95% CI 1.09– 1.60 (P 0.005). On metformin, GD developed in 4% of pregnancies versus 26% of previous pregnancies without metformin, P 0.025. There have been no major CD in the 63 live births or CD by sonography in the seven fetuses ≤13 weeks. In the 63 live births, neither weight nor height differed from the normal neonatal population. At 6 month follow-up, height was greater (P 0.008) and weight did not differ from the normal paediatric population; motor and social development were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin therapy during pregnancy in women with PCOS was safely associated with reduction in SAB and in GD, was not teratogenic, and did not adversely affect birthweight or height, or height, weight, and motor and social development at 3 and 6 months of life.
Sensor Selection for Aircraft Engine Performance Estimation and Gas Path Fault Diagnostics

This paper presents analytical techniques for aiding system designers in making aircraft engine health management sensor selection decisions. The presented techniques, which are based on linear estimation and probability theory, are tailored for gas turbine engine performance estimation and gas path fault diagnostics applications. They enable quantification of the performance estimation and diagnostic accuracy offered by different candidate sensor suites. For performance estimation, sensor selection metrics are presented for two types of estimators including a Kalman filter and a maximum a posteriori estimator. For each type of performance estimator, sensor selection is based on minimizing the theoretical sum of squared estimation errors in health parameters representing performance deterioration in the major rotating modules of the engine. For gas path fault diagnostics, the sensor selection metric is set up to maximize correct classification rate for a diagnostic strategy that performs fault classification by identifying the fault type that most closely matches the observed measurement signature in a weighted least squares sense. Results from the application of the sensor selection metrics to a linear engine model are presented and discussed. Given a baseline sensor suite and a candidate list of optional sensors, an exhaustive search is performed to determine the optimal sensor suites for performance estimation and fault diagnostics. For any given sensor suite, Monte Carlo simulation results are found to exhibit good agreement with theoretical predictions of estimation and diagnostic accuracies.
Too Big to Fail: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Responses

Governments cannot credibly commit to eschew bailouts of creditors when large financial institutions become distressed. This too-big-to-fail (TBTF) problem distorts how markets price securities issued by TBTF firms, thus encouraging them to borrow too much and take too much risk. TBTF also encourages financial firms to grow, leading to competitive inequity and potential misallocation of credit. This review discusses evidence that such distortions are empirically relevant and also discusses the policy efforts to limit them. In the wake of the Financial Crisis of 2007–2008, it seems increased concentration in the financial industry has worsened the TBTF problem. Nevertheless, markets price the risks of large financial firms more now than before the Financial Crisis.
A rigidity theorem for simply connected manifolds without conjugate points

In this paper we show that manifolds without conjugate points exhibit rigidity phenomena similar to that studied in [ BGS , Section I.5]. The main theorem is that if $X$ is a complete, simply connected Riemannian manifold without conjugate points, and $M=X\times R$ is given the Riemannian product metric $g$, then any metric without conjugate points on $M$ which agrees with $g$ outside a compact set is isometric to $g$.
A Journey through Dangerous Places: reflections on a theory of white racial identity as political alliance

In this article, the author develops a theory of white racial identity as a political alliance. He argues that a racial identity is inherently a social relationship that is immersed in institutional and everyday power arrangements and that formulating a racial identity is an inherently political process that involves the articulation of politically committed relationships, which are alliances. Using examples from academic literature and personal experience, the author illustrates how racial identity is articulated within the constant tension between historical and institutional structures and human agency. The implications are twofold. First, whites must acknowledge and take responsibility for the historically derived systems of privilege that place them into alliances with each other. Second, whites must also understand that reformulating a racial identity entails the development of social relationships that, because they are racial in nature, are inherently political. This means that constructing a whit...
Chracterizition of Dynamic Properties of Roof Bolts and their Applications

The dynamic properties of rock bolts are characterized by measurement. The acceleration and strain of a rock bolt specimen were recorded using axial impact testing in laboratory environment. The systems dynamic properties such as natural frequencies and damping are characterized by using spectral analysis and Wavelet method. The characterized dynamic properties are used to update and calibrate a system simulation model, which is a multiple-degree-of-freedom system involving roof mass, the roof bolt, grout interface and head connections. The proposed approach enables accurately and effectively quantifying system dynamic parameters and establishing the analytical model for the design, development and performance monitoring of roof bolting systems.
Breaking new ground: Estimates of crack depth along the axial zone of the East Pacific Rise (9°12'-54'N)

Using simple fracture mechanics models, the depths of fissures that were observed along the axial zone of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) from 9”12’ to 54’N with the deep-towed Argo Z vehicle are estimated. The widest cracks (- 4-8 m) along this fast-spreading portion of the EPR are the deepest, and are spatially correlated with the broadest, youngest, and most hydrothermally active portions of the ridge crest. If the widest (deepest) cracks are not primarily eruptive, they should be most abundant in areas of older lava flows, having increased in width with time. This is not observed. Some of the widest cracks are located where the 1991 eruption of the ridge crest occurred at - 9”45’-52’N and may be deep enough to reach the sheeted dikes of Layer 2B. These cracks may have tapped melt during the eruption and facilitated the flux of vapor-rich hydrothermal fluids through overlying lava flows. The narrowest, presumably shallowest, cracks correspond to the narrowest, oldest, and least hydrothermally active portions of the ridge crest. We interpret the wide, deep cracks as primarily eruptive in origin, and suggest that they may be associated with the inflation of an axial magma chamber, whereas the narrow, shallow cracks are interpreted as primarily tectonic and are thought to be associated more with far-field plate stresses.
Learning about time within the spinal cord: evidence that spinal neurons can abstract and store an index of regularity

Prior studies have shown that intermittent noxious stimulation has divergent effects on spinal cord plasticity depending upon whether it occurs in a regular (fixed time, FT) or irregular (variable time, VT) manner: In spinally transected animals, VT stimulation to the tail or hind leg impaired spinal learning whereas an extended exposure to FT stimulation had a restorative/protective effect. These observations imply that lower level systems are sensitive to temporal relations. Using spinally transected rats, it is shown that the restorative effect of FT stimulation emerges after 540 shocks; fewer shocks generate a learning impairment. The transformative effect of FT stimulation is related to the number of shocks administered, not the duration of exposure. Administration of 360 FT shocks induces a learning deficit that lasts 24 h. If a second bout of FT stimulation is given a day after the first, it restores the capacity to learn. This savings effect implies that the initial training episode had a lasting (memory-like) effect. Two bouts of shock have a transformative effect when applied at different locations or at difference frequencies, implying spinal systems abstract and store an index of regularity (rather than a specific interval). Implications of the results for step training and rehabilitation after injury are discussed.
Management of the dairy herd treated with bovine somatotropin.

Administration of bovine somatotropin to lactating dairy cows causes an increase in milk production (10%-15%) that persists throughout the period of treatment. Maximum economic benefit from use of bovine somatotropin can be achieved by dairy managers that (1) feed cows to maximize intake of diets with appropriate nutrient content and balance, (2) maintain proper body condition of their cows, and (3) have health and reproduction management programs that prevent rather than cure problems. Efficient use of record-keeping systems that enable the manager to monitor individual cow status is advantageous.
Performance Analysis of Gas-Expanded Lubricants in a Hybrid Bearing Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Gas-expanded lubricants (GELs), tunable mixtures of synthetic oil and dissolved carbon dioxide, have been previously shown to potentially increase bearing efficiency, rotordynamic control, and long-term reliability in flooded journal bearings by controlling the properties of the lubricant in real time. Previous experimental work has established the properties of these mixtures and multiple numerical studies have predicted that GELs stand to increase the performance of flooded bearings by reducing bearing power losses and operating temperatures while also providing control over bearing stiffness and damping properties. However, to date all previous analytical studies have utilized Reynolds equation-based approaches while assuming a single-phase mixture under high-ambient pressure conditions. The potential implications of multi-phase behavior could be significant to bearing performance, therefore a more detailed study of alternative operating conditions that may include multi-phase behavior is necessary to better understanding the full potential of GELs and their effects on bearing performance. In this work, the performance of GELs in a fixed geometry journal bearing were evaluated to examine the effects of these lubricants on the fluid and bearing dynamics of the system under varying operating conditions. The bearing considered for this study was a hybrid hydrodynamic-hydrostatic bearing to allow for the study of various lubricant supply and operating conditions. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based approach allowed for a detailed evaluation of the lubricant injection pathway, the flow of fluid throughout the bearing geometry, thermal behavior, and the collection of the lubricant as it exits the bearing. This also allowed for the study of the effects of the lubricant behavior on overall bearing performance.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Biochemical Properties of Esterases in Pyrethroid-Resistant and -Susceptihle Strains of the Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)

In vitro tests using whole body homogenate of pyrethroid-resistant and -susceptible horn flies, Haematobia irritans L., indicated that nonspecific esterase activity against the substrate α-naphthyl acetate was 1.53-fold greater in the resistant strain. Most of the nonspecific esterase activity in both strains was attributable to membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Carboxylesterases (CarE) were associated primarily with the cytosolic fraction of homogenates, and resistant flies had the greatest titers of these enzymes. Permethrin esterase, assayed in the cytosol with the substrate trans-permethrin, was most active in the resistant strain. Several isozymes of CarE and AChE were resolved by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and differential staining of the gels revealed distinct differences between strains in titers of some of the isozymes.
A Kinetic Model of Nuclear Waste Glass Dissolution in Flowing Water Environments

A simple kinetic model for the description of the interaction of nuclear waste borosilicate glass with water has been developed. In the case of SRL TDS-131 glass leached in water at 70°C over a broad range of flow rates this model was found useful both in describing the evolution of leachate composition as a function of exposure time at a particular flow rate and in describing the dependence of the steady-state concentrations of the leached elements in solution on flow rate in a series of flow experiments.
Cathodic Protection Behavior with Metal-Impregnated Graphite Anode in Sea Water

The corrosion behavior of metal coupled to graphite in 3% NaCl solution has been studied by measuring the discharge characteristics of galvanic cells formed with those materials. Results indicated that the monel alloy and 18-8 stainless steel electrodes were performed anodically for the graphite electrode, but performed cathodically for the metal-impregnated graphite electrode which were prepared by impregnation of metallic Zn, Al, Sn, Pb and white metal into the pores of graphite materials at high temperature and high pressure. The corrosion of impregnated metal in the graphite electrode could be correlated with relative tendency to their electrochemical oxidation, and the rate of wear was more rapid for Zn, Al and their alloys than Sn, Pb and their alloys.
Longitudinal adverse event assessment in oncology clinical trials: the Toxicity over Time (ToxT) analysis of Alliance trials NCCTG N9741 and 979254

Summary Background Traditional methods of reporting adverse events in clinical trials are inadequate for modern cancer treatments with chronic administration. Conventional analysis and display of maximum grade adverse events do not capture toxicity profiles that evolve over time or longer lasting, lower grade toxic effects; we aimed to address this shortcoming in this study. Methods We developed an analytic approach and standardised, comprehensive format, the Toxicity over Time (ToxT) approach, which combines graphs and adverse event tabular displays with multiple longitudinal statistical techniques into a readily applicable method to study toxic effects. Plots visualising summary statistics or individual patient data over discrete timepoints were combined with statistical methods including the following longitudinal techniques: repeated measures models that describe the changes in adverse events across all cycles of treatment; time-to-event analyses of first and worst grade toxicity; and area under the curve (AUC) analyses summarising adverse event profiles over the entire course of a study, including chronic low-grade events. We applied ToxT analysis to adverse event data from two completed North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG/Alliance) trials: N9741 (NCT00003594), in which different combinations of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan were investigated for metastatic colorectal cancer, and 979254, in which survivors of breast cancer were given venlafaxine or placebo for control of hot flashes. Findings In trial NCCTG 979254 there was a higher incidence of late-occurring dry mouth in patients who were given venlafaxine than in those given placebo (week 1 [baseline]: 13% [six incidence in 48 patients, SD 5] vs 22% [11/49, SD 6]; p=0·20; week 5: 49% [24/49, 7] vs 2% [1/46, 2]; p vs 0·6 [0·7]; p vs 2·9 [4·2]; p Interpretation The ToxT analytical approach incorporates the dimension of time into adverse event assessment and offers a more comprehensive depiction of toxic effects than present methods. With new, continuously administered targeted agents, immunotherapy, and maintenance regimens, these improved longitudinal analyses are directly relevant to patients and are crucial in cancer clinical trials. Funding National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Enigma of Sexual Desire, Part 1: A Brief Review of Classical, Historical, Philosophical, and Literary Perspectives

Throughout human history and across cultures, sexual desire has been of interest to the general public and, now more recently, to the medical/psychological community. Part 1 of this two part series examines the historical aspects of the concept of sexual desire throughout its many transformations, beginning with the writings and mythologies of the ancient Greeks and extending through the ages to the present through the writings of philosophers, playwrights, novelists, and historians. We explore the concept of desire as both a tolerated and celebrated construct over the ages, discussing Western sociocultural perspectives regarding its nature and condition. In our view, such an historical perspective both provides a foundation for the scientific investigation of sexual desire and sheds light on issues currently being discussed with respect to sexual desire, as delineated in Part 2.
Detection of antisperm antibodies: their localization to human sperm antigens that are transferred to the surface of zona-free hamster oocytes during the sperm penetration assay*

The authors have developed an extension of the sperm penetration assay for detecting serum immunoglobulins to sperm antigens that are transferred to the plasma membrane of a sperm-penetrated hamster oocyte. After the hamster oocytes have been scored for sperm penetration by observing for the presence of swollen sperm heads, they are incubated in serum followed by either a 20-minute treatment with rhodamine-conjugated protein A (which binds to most subclasses of IgA, IgG, and IgM) or a 2-hour incubation in guinea pig serum (complement). Positive fluorescence indicates that the serum contains antibodies to sperm antigens that were transferred to the surface of an oocyte during gamete fusion. Complement-mediated lysis indicates that the immunoglobulin that is bound can also fix complement. The advantages of this assay for detection of serum antisperm antibodies are that it (1) is an extension of a widely used assay, (2) is rapid and requires readily available reagents and equipment, (3) can detect most subclasses of IgA, IgG, and IgM, (4) detects antibodies to those sperm antigens that may be transferred to the oocyte during fertilization, and (5) indicates whether the detected antisperm antibodies can mediate complement-dependent lysis of the fertilized oocyte.
An Examination of Income Differentials on Black Buyer Behavior of Fashions

This study examines the income effect on black women shopping behavior of fashions. Black women of all income groups are extremely interested in fashions. Discount stores are frequented by those in the lower income group and specialty stores are preferred by those in the higher income group. Various types of print and broadcast media are used by black women of all income groups to find out the introduction of the latest fashions. Advertisements with black models get more attention from black women, especially those in the lower income group.
Tessellations: A Tool for Diversity Infusions in the Curriculum

Introducing diversity topics in the natural, mathematical and computer sciences is a hard task, since these disciplines are traditionally labeled as “diversity-unfriendly”, due to their primary foci of study. In this paper we illustrate how tessellations can be used as a tool for infusion of multicultural topics, as well as a framework, designed after the Towson University course “Computers and Creativity”, where these concepts have been successfully implemented.
Violence Exposure and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in African-American Adolescents

Children continually exposed to violence develop anxiety and depression and display aggressive behavior; however, little information is available about how repeated exposure to violence affects blood pressure (BP) and development of hypertension. This study examines the association between violence exposure and ambulatory BP in 40 healthy African-American adolescents. Participants wore a 24-hr ambulatory BP monitor and completed a survey on exposure to community violence. We computed average daytime and nighttime BP values based on subjects' self-reports of awake and asleep times. There were significant correlations between nighttime BP and reports of violence victimization and witnessing of violent events. In contrast, daytime BP significantly correlated with victimization but not with witnessing violence. Children classified as nondippers (show <10% decrease in BP from awake to asleep) reported witnessing a significantly greater number of violent events than did dippers (show ≥10% decrease in BP from awake to asleep). This study is the first to demonstrate that violence exposure in African-American adolescents relates to elevated BP responses, which may increase the risk for African-American adolescents for developing hypertension and related cardiovascular complications in early adulthood.