cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rat muscle microvascular PO2 kinetics during the exercise off-transient.

Dependent upon the relative speed of pulmonary oxygen consumption (VO2) and blood flow (Q˙) kinetics, the exercise off-transient may represent a condition of sub- or supra-optimal perfusion. To date, there are no direct measurements of the dynamics of the VO2/Q˙ relationship within the muscle at the onset of the work/recovery transition. To address this issue, microvascular PO2 (PO2,m) dynamics were studied in the spinotrapezius muscles of 11 female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight ∼220 g) during and following electrical stimulation (1 Hz) to assess the adequacy of Q˙ relative to VO2 post exercise. The exercise blood flow response (radioactive microspheres: muscle Q˙ increased ∼240%), and post-exercise arterial blood pH (7.40 ± 0.02) and blood lactate (1.3 ± 0.4 mM l−1) values were consistent with moderate-intensity exercise. Recovery PO2,m (i.e. off-transient) rose progressively until baseline values were achieved (Δend-recovery exercise PO2,m, 14.0 ± 1.9 Torr) and at no time fell below exercising PO2,m. The off-transient PO2,m was well fitted by a dual exponential model with both fast (τ= 25.4 ± 5.1 s) and slow (τ= 71.2 ± 34.2 s) components. Furthermore, there was a pronounced delay (54.9 ± 10.7 s) before the onset of the slow component. These data, obtained at the muscle microvascular level, support the notion that muscle VO2 falls with faster kinetics than muscle Q˙ during the off-transient, such that PO2,m increases systematically, though biphasically, during recovery.
All-arthroscopic repair of Palmer 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex tears using the FasT-Fix device.

Purpose The FasT-Fix device (Smith and Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA), initially developed for knee meniscal tears, is described for all-arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repairs. Potential benefits of this technique are ease of use, the lack of prominent suture knots, and strength of repair. This case series evaluates the early clinical outcomes of this technique. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with TFCC Palmer type 1B injuries treated by 1 hand surgeon from 2005 to 2009. The patients' charts were reviewed for postoperative complications, range of motion, grip strength (percentage of contralateral), and return to full activity. In addition, each patient completed Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand ( Quick DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires. Results Twelve patients had all-arthroscopic peripheral (1B) TFCC repairs using the FasT-Fix suture device. The mean follow-up period was 17.5 months (range, 11–27). Mean supination was 78° (± 14°), and mean grip strength was 64% (±16%) of the nonsurgical extremity by 3 months after surgery. All other range of motion was full. The mean Quick DASH score was 11 (±12), and the mean PRWE score was 19 (±14). Average time to full activity was 5 months. There were no surgical complications of the procedure. One patient complained of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain 12 months after surgery and had an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Arthroscopy at the time of the osteotomy revealed that the TFCC was stable. Conclusions At mean 1-year follow-up, 11 out of 12 patients achieved excellent subjective outcomes based on Quick DASH and PRWE questionnaires. Although range of motion and grip strength were slightly decreased compared to prior case series reports, the short-term results indicate that the FasT-Fix all-arthroscopic, all-inside technique is a safe and effective technique for repair of Palmer type 1B TFCC tears. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Development and Validation of Predictive Indices for a Continuous Outcome Using Gene Expression Profiles

There have been relatively few publications using linear regression models to predict a continuous response based on microarray expression profiles. Standard linear regression methods are problematic when the number of predictor variables exceeds the number of cases. We have evaluated three linear regression algorithms that can be used for the prediction of a continuous response based on high dimensional gene expression data. The three algorithms are the least angle regression (LAR), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and the averaged linear regression method (ALM). All methods are tested using simulations based on a real gene expression dataset and analyses of two sets of real gene expression data and using an unbiased complete cross validation approach. Our results show that the LASSO algorithm often provides a model with somewhat lower prediction error than the LAR method, but both of them perform more efficiently than the ALM predictor. We have developed a plug-in for BRB-ArrayTools that implements the LAR and the LASSO algorithms with complete cross-validation.
The Emotional Strength of Weak Ties: Reevaluating Social Support Online

While many theorists have argued that weak ties facilitate online social support, strong evidence within these communities clearly show that the distinction between weak ties and strong ties should be reexamined. After a short expose on tie strength and online social support, we give an example of how this research has operationalized weak ties only in terms of one of Granovetter's four basic components of tie strength: frequency of interaction. Furthermore, our analysis provides counterexamples against frequency of interaction as a predictor of relational closeness. While we portray past research as confounding weak and strong ties, we go on to provide examples of emerging online social support between ties that are obviously weak ties. Finally, our study points to future directions of research on online social support.
Intravenous methylene blue venography during laparoscopic paediatric varicocelectomy.

Abstract Introduction One of the challenges of varicocele surgery is to prevent hydrocele formation while still ensuring success. Methylene blue has been used to identify and preserve lymphatic vessels, and venography has been a standard component of sclerotherapy and percutaneous retrograde techniques. The authors have combined both approaches during laparoscopic varicocelectomy and report their experience. Methods A prospective study was performed of adolescents with idiopathic varicocele and spontaneous venous reflux on Doppler ultrasound. A pampiniform plexus vein was cannulated via scrotal incision before creating the pneumoperitoneum. A mixture of methylene blue and Omnipaque™ was injected into the pampiniform plexus with fluoroscopic screening. Laparoscopic selective vein ligation was then performed using 5mm endoscopic clips or a bipolar vessel sealing device such as Plasmakinetic™ or Ligasure™. Venography was repeated to confirm complete ligation of the internal testicular veins. Patients were followed-up at 3, 6, and 9months post-surgery with clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). Results Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic selective vein ligation with venography and methylene blue injection. The median age was 14.7 (14.6–15.7) years. The recurrence rate was 12%. No patients developed a hydrocele. The length of surgery was 120 (100–126) minutes. Conclusion Intra-operative intra-venous methylene blue injection and venography helps to identify venous duplications of the internal testicular veins and enhances the success rate of laparoscopic selective vein ligation. This approach prevents hydrocele formation but has a 12% recurrence rate, which appears to be higher than some techniques described in the literature.
Total quality management (TQM) movement in public health

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest better methods for monitoring the diagnostic and treatment services for providers of public health and the management of public health services. In particular, the authors examine the construction and use of industrial quality control methods as applied to the public providers, in both the prevention and cure for infectious diseases and the quality of public health care providers in such applications including water quality standards, sewage many others. The authors suggest implementing modern multivariate applications of quality control techniques and/or better methods for univariate quality control common in industrial applications in the public health sector to both control and continuously improve public health services. These methods entitled total quality management (TQM) form the foundation to improve these public services. Design/methodology/approach – The study is designed to indicate the great need for TQM analysis to utilize methods of statistic...
Challenges in Patrolling to Maximize Pristine Forest Area (Position Paper).

Illegal extraction of forest resources is fought, in many developing countries, by patrols through the forest that seek to deter such activity by decreasing its profitability. With limited resources for performing such patrols, a patrol strategy will seek to distribute the patrols throughout the forest, in space and time, in order to minimize the resulting amount of extraction that occurs or maximize the degree of forest protection, according to one of several potential metrics. We pose this problem as a Stackelberg game. We adopt and extend the simple, geometrically elegant model of (Albers 2010). First, we study optimal allocations of patrol density under generalizations of this model, relaxing several of its assumptions. Second, we pose the problem of generating actual schedules whose site visit frequencies are consistent with the analytically computed optimal patrol densities.
What Base Text to Use for the Do Not Track Compliance Specification, with Explanatory Memorandum

This document contains the decision of the Tracking Protection Working Group of the World Wide Web Consortium, as issued in July, 2013 by the co-chairs, Peter Swire and Matthias Schunter, as well as a detailed Explanatory Memorandum for that decision. In response to 27 comments and a large previous public record, the decision addresses the question of what base text to use for the Do Not Track Compliance Specification, and concludes that the draft put before the group in June (“June Draft”) will be the base text rather than the proposal submitted by the Digital Advertising Alliance and other group members (“DAA Proposal”). Part I of the Explanatory Memorandum provides history and background of the process to date, with emphasis on the issues that differ between the two texts. Part II is called “Do Not Target,” and discussing the definition of “tracking,” the means of user choice concerning targeted online advertising, and related topics. Part III is called “Do Not Collect,” and addresses issues including minimization of data collection and the use of unique identifiers. Part IV is called “Data Hygiene.” It examines a range of controls that a company may apply to de-identify data and reduce the risk that data is revealed without authorization. Parts II to IV include discussion of many of the comments submitted under the July 12, 2013 deadline concerning which base text to adopt. Part V addresses additional comments submitted, responding especially to comments that supported the DAA Proposal to become the base text.
Effects of Interfaces on the a-Si:H Schottky Barrier Characteristics

A detailed study of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) surfaces during etching and subsequent low temperature (T≤200°C) oxidation was carried out using in-situ and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The microstructural information from SE is correlated with the properties of the corresponding evaporated Pd Schottky barrier structures. Oxide layers thinner than ~ 10 A have little effect on the diode characteristics and electron surface recombination velocities. This is consistent with a porous structure for these oxides. Evidence is found from growth kinetics that higher density, compact oxide growth occurs for greater thicknesses. These oxides have a large effect on electron transport and surface recombination velocities consistent with the formation of metal-insulator-semiconductor structures.
Implementation of the WSM5 and WSM6 Single Moment Microphysics Scheme into the RAMS Model: Verification for the HyMeX-SOP1

This paper shows the results of the implementation of two widely used bulk microphysics parameterizations (BMP) into the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System to improve the Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF). The schemes are the WSM5 and WSM6 (WRF-single-moment-microphysics classes 5 and 6). The RAMS is run at high horizontal resolution (4 km) over the whole Italian territory and, to mimic the operational context, it is initialized by the analysis/forecast cycle issued at 12 UTC by the European Centre for Medium Weather Range Forecast (ECMWF). The performance of the BMP is analysed for the period of September 11 to October 31, 2012, which span most of the Special Observing Period 1 (SOP1) of the hydrological cycle in the Mediterranean experiment (HyMeX). For this period a database of daily precipitation of thousands of rain gauges over the Italian territory is available. In SOP1 few hazardous events occurred over Italy and, for one of them, the model performance is shown in detail. The potential improvement gained by combining the model outputs with different BMP in a single forecast is finally explored.
Urinary incontinence in vulnerable populations: female soldiers.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is prevalent in women of all ages. Due to the rigorous demands of military life, physical fitness requirements, and environmental barriers, female soldiers are at risk for SUI. Since it is estimated that 20% of the total U.S. military active-duty force in the future will be women, it is important to focus on this problem now.
Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial neural networks (ANN) are a form of computing for predicting a set of outputs from a set of input patterns (a set of variables). This machine learning method is motivated by the functioning of biological neural networks that consist of neurons and links (nerves). The neurons serve as the processing units and links serve as the connections between neurons. A commonly used form of ANN is a multiple-layer feedforward network in which neurons are organized into layers: one input layer, zero, one or two hidden layer(s), and one output layer. The links connect the neurons from the different layers (input to hidden and hidden to output). Most ANNs just have one hidden layer. The neurons in the input layer receive input patterns and send those inputs through the links to the neurons on the hidden layer, which then process the inputs and send the results to neurons in the output layer for processing and presentation. The application of ANN consists of two general steps: network training and network application. Network training uses samples, each of which contains an input pattern and the expected output pattern for that sample, to develop associations between a set of input patterns and a set of output patterns. The network application step uses the trained network to predict an output pattern for a given input pattern whose corresponding output pattern is unknown. Keywords: computational methods; data modeling; geocomputation; GIScience; mapping; quantitative methods; spatial analysis; statistical methods; systems and networks
Design and control of a cryogenic multi-stage compression refrigeration process

Abstract Providing refrigeration at very low cryogenic temperatures requires the use of several stages of compression refrigeration with progressively lower boiling point refrigerants in the various stages. The cascade of cycles ultimately rejects heat to cooling water, but the working fluid at each stage removes heat from a lower-temperature source and rejects this heat plus the compressor work in that stage to a higher-temperature sink. The design of these systems appears to be only qualitatively discussed in the literature, and no discussion of their plantwide dynamic control has been found. This paper presents a quantitative design of a three-stage compression refrigeration process that uses methane, ethylene and propylene as the working refrigerant fluids in the three stages. Heat is removed in the condenser of a cryogenic distillation column separating carbon monoxide and methane. The bubble-point temperature of carbon monoxide at 13.9 bar is −158 °C. The distillation column condenser is cooled by evaporating boiling liquid methane at −163 °C. The second stage has an evaporator with boiling ethylene at −106.7 °C. The final stage has an evaporator with boiling propylene at −25.9 °C. An effective plantwide control structure is developed and tested.
Lost in Transition: Organizational Practices and Formal Employment of Women in India

This paper develops and empirically evaluates a theory explaining women’s persistently low labor force participation in developing economies. I argue that lo- cal organizational practices affect la...
Computing Area-Tight Piecewise Linear Overestimators, Underestimators and Tubes for Univariate Functions

We develop algorithms computing piecewise linear, continuous overestimators, underestimators and tubes for univariate functions which minimize the area between the approximator and the function. We call such approximators area-tight. Area-tight overestimators, underestimators and tubes are of interest when solving large-scale mixed-integer non-linear programming problems (MINLPs). The function to be approximated is typically non-linear and non-convex; it should be univariate and discontinuous only at a finite number of points. The number of breakpoints for the approximation as well as the absolute allowable deviation of the approximator and the original function are input for the algorithms. The presented algorithms are fully automatic and make no assumptions on the shape of the function to be approximated. We provide computational tests for ten functions.
Pacifier Use and Early Life Weight Outcomes in the Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories Study

Abstract Background: Although widely used by infants, little is known about the long-term effects of pacifiers. We investigated relationships between pacifier use in infancy and appetite, temperament, feeding, and weight outcomes through age 2 years using data from the Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories study. Methods: Mother–newborn dyads were randomized to a responsive parenting intervention for obesity prevention or a control group. Infants with data on pacifier use (n = 250) were categorized as using a pacifier beyond early infancy (≥4 months of age) or not. Anthropometrics were measured at 6 months, 1, and 2 years with overweight defined as weight-for-length ≥95th percentile at 1 year and BMI ≥85th percentile at 2 years. Mothers completed questionnaires on temperament, appetite, and feeding. Results: Infants who used a pacifier at 4 months or later (68%) had greater conditional weight gain from birth to 6 months (p = 0.01), weight-for-length z-score at 1 year (p < 0.001...
Purinergic Signaling in Mast Cell Degranulation and Asthma

Mast cells are responsible for the majority of allergic conditions. It was originally thought that almost all allergic events were mediated directly only via the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptors. However, recent evidence showed that many other receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion channels, are also directly involved in mast cell degranulation, the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serine proteases, leukotrienes, heparin, and serotonin. These mediators are responsible for the symptoms in allergic conditions such as allergic asthma. In recent years, it has been realized that purinergic signaling, induced via the activation of G protein-coupled adenosine receptors and P2Y nucleotide receptors, as well as by ATP-gated P2X receptors, plays a significant role in mast cell degranulation. Both adenosine and ATP can induce degranulation and bronchoconstriction on their own and synergistically with allergens. All three classes of receptors, adenosine, P2X and P2Y are involved in tracheal mucus secretion. This review will summarize the currently available knowledge on the role of purinergic signaling in mast cell degranulation and its most relevant disease, asthma.
Sensory Stress and Personal Agency: Emotional Casualty Rates amongst USAAF Heavy Bomber Crews over Europe during the Second World War

The findings of psychiatrists working for the USAAF have long dominated scholarship on aerial combat stress during the Second World War, including explanations why the emotional casualty rate aboar...
A Useful Generalization by François Murat

In industry, research and development are quite distinct activities: finding a new area with oil not too deep below the ground level and exploiting an already discovered oil field have not much in common. In academia, too often what one calls research is merely a question of development: most researchers just apply ideas which already exist, to many different situations.1
Imaging Axonal Transport of Mitochondria

Neuronal mitochondria need to be transported and distributed in axons and dendrites in order to ensure an adequate energy supply and provide sufficient Ca2+ buffering in each portion of these highly extended cells. Errors in mitochondrial transport are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we present useful tools to analyze axonal transport of mitochondria both in vitro in cultured rat neurons and in vivo in Drosophila larval neurons. These methods enable investigators to take advantage of both systems to study the properties of mitochondrial motility under normal or pathological conditions.
Plasmodium Ookinete Invasion of the Mosquito Midgut

The Plasmodium ookinete is the developmental stage of the malaria parasite that invades the mosquito midgut. The ookinete faces two physical barriers in the midgut which it must traverse to become an oocyst: the chitin- and protein-containing peritrophic matrix; and the midgut epithelial cell. This chapter will consider basic aspects of ookinete biology, molecules known to be involved in midgut invasion, and cellular processes of the ookinete that facilitate parasite invasion. Detailed knowledge of these mechanisms may be exploitable in the future towards developing novel strategies of blocking malaria transmission.
Studies on exogenous cholesterol metabolism in human atherosclerosis with the aid of isotopes.

Present concepte on the rule of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in atherosclerosis are reviewed. Results are summarized from experiments on the fundamentals of cholesterol metabolism performed in humans with tritiumlabeled cholesterol. (63 references.) (C.H.)
Scheduling Big Data Workflows in the Cloud under Deadline Constraints

With the advent of cloud computing, an unbound number of compute resources can be leased from the cloud providers. In such an environment, the number of assigned resources to a workflow can be elastically scaled in and out on a demand basis using the added Quality of Service (QoS) constraints such as the budget and the deadline. The heterogeneous nature of the cloud resources makes the decision of selecting resource type for each workflow a challenging problem. Although there are several existing research studies that propose both static and dynamic scheduling algorithms for both homogeneous and heterogeneous cloud resource types, they do not take advantage of the data dependency information that is part of the workflow structure during the scheduling process. There is still room for improvement, since the scheduling problem is an NP-hard problem. In this paper we propose a new Big data wOrkflow scheduleR undeR deadlIne conStraint (BORRIS) that is used to minimize the execution cost of the workflow under a provided deadline constraint in a heterogeneous cloud computing environment. We have implemented the proposed algorithm in our big data workflow system called DATAVIEW and the experimental results show the competitive advantage of our approach.
Formulas from Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry

Readers wishing a logical development of the real number system are directed to the references at the end of the chapter. Here the real numbers are considered to be the set of all terminating and nonterminating decimals with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (except by zero) defined as usual.
Learning About Nature of Science in Undergraduate Biology Laboratories

The use of explicit and reflective (ER) instruction to promote student nature of science (NOS) understanding has emerged as the best practice in science classrooms. Despite this, teaching explicitly about NOS rarely occurs in college science courses. College lecture courses typically focus on conceptual learning objectives, while laboratories, usually taught by graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), focus on conceptual and procedural learning objectives. Although colleges increasingly use inquiry-based investigations, some still rely on expository investigations. We experimentally explored the use of an ER instruction in inquiry and expository biology laboratories to determine if this technique would be successful in a college science environment. We found that GTAs’ ability to foster meaningful class discussions was an important factor in effective implementation of an ER instruction at the college level. Our chapter relates our experiences to others interested in fostering NOS understanding in students in their college classes.
Beyond Truth and Appearance: Nietzsche’s Emergent Realism

Nietzsche should have known better. His withering critique of the Kantian Ding an sich launched the anti-foundationalism that continues to define the agenda of twentieth-century philosophy. His figural definition of truth issued marching orders to a “movable host of metaphors, metonymies, and anthropomorphisms,”3 which, having established command centers in Paris and New Haven, quickly colonized a transatlantic empire. His celebrated “perspectivism,” which is now firmly entrenched as the official dogma of post-Kantian epistemology, linked the pursuit of objectivity to the “castration of the intellect.” His textbook debunking of the metaphysical prejudices of folk psychology paved the way for behaviorism, epiphenomenalism, functionalism, eliminative materialism, and various other reductionist approaches to the philosophy of mind. His stirring exhortations to “become what we are,” and thereby own the world that we have pre-reflectively fashioned from our primitive superstitions and archaic fetishisms, have spurred the development of cottage industries in worldmaking and narrative redescription. Widely recognized as a “master of suspicion,” he is revered as the progenitor of post-modern philosophy and the arch-villain of speculative system-building. In short, his anti-metaphysical influences on the career of twentieth-century philosophy are indisputable.
Process Evaluation of a Mobile Weight Loss Intervention for Truck Drivers.

Abstract Background In a cluster-randomized trial, the Safety and Health Involvement For Truck drivers intervention produced statistically significant and medically meaningful weight loss at 6 months (−3.31 kg between-group difference). The current manuscript evaluates the relative impact of intervention components on study outcomes among participants in the intervention condition who reported for a postintervention health assessment (n = 134) to encourage the adoption of effective tactics and inform future replications, tailoring, and enhancements. Methods The Safety and Health Involvement For Truck drivers intervention was implemented in a Web-based computer and smartphone-accessible format and included a group weight loss competition and body weight and behavioral self-monitoring with feedback, computer-based training, and motivational interviewing. Indices were calculated to reflect engagement patterns for these components, and generalized linear models quantified predictive relationships between participation in intervention components and outcomes. Results Participants who completed the full program-defined dose of the intervention had significantly greater weight loss than those who did not. Behavioral self-monitoring, computer-based training, and health coaching were significant predictors of dietary changes, whereas behavioral and body weight self-monitoring was the only significant predictor of changes in physical activity. Behavioral and body weight self-monitoring was the strongest predictor of weight loss. Conclusion Web-based self-monitoring of body weight and health behaviors was a particularly impactful tactic in our mobile health intervention. Findings advance the science of behavior change in mobile health intervention delivery and inform the development of health programs for dispersed populations.
Relationship of Absolute and Relative Lower-Body Strength to Predictors of Athletic Performance in Collegiate Women Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between absolute and relative lower-body strength on predictors of athletic performance among Division II collegiate women’s soccer players. Archived pre-season testing data for seventeen (n = 17) female National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II soccer players were analyzed, including: vertical jump, 3RM back squat, 505-agility, modified T-test, 10 m and 30 m sprint, and 20 m multistage fitness test (20 m MSFT). Relative strength was calculated based on the estimated 1RM back squat divided by the athlete’s body mass. Significant correlations were discovered between absolute lower-body strength and 505-agility (Right: r = −0.51, p < 0.05; Left: r = −0.59, p < 0.05), modified T-test (r = −0.55, p < 0.05), 10 m and 30 m (r = −0.59, p < 0.05; r = −0.54, p < 0.05), and sprint performance. Relative lower-body strength showed significant correlations with vertical jump (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), 505-agility (Right: r = −0.58, p < 0.05; Left: r = −0.67, p < 0.01), modified T-test (r = −0.75, p < 0.01), 10 m and 30 m (r = −0.59 p < 0.05; r = −0.67, p < 0.01), and the 20 m MSFT (r = 0.58, p < 0.05). These results indicate that strength and conditioning coaches should emphasize the development of absolute and relative lower-body strength with their players to improve power, agility, and speed performance.
Renin-Angiotensin Inhibition and Outcomes in Nursing Home Residents With Heart Failure.

Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs-ARBs) improve outcomes in heart failure (HF). Less is known about this association in nursing home (NH) residents. Methods Of the 8024 hospitalized HF patients, 542 were NH residents, of whom 250 received ACEIs-ARBs. We assembled a propensity score-matched cohort of 157 pairs of NH residents receiving and not receiving ACEIs-ARBs balanced on 29 baseline characteristics (mean age, 83 years, 74% women, 17% African American), in which we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes associated with ACEI-ARB use. We then checked for interaction in a matched cohort of 5130 patients (378 were NH residents) assembled from the 8024 patients. Results Among 314 matched NH residents, HRs (95% CIs) for 30-day all-cause readmission, HF readmission, and all-cause mortality were 0.78 (0.47-1.28), 0.68 (0.29-1.60), and 1.26 (0.70-2.27), respectively. Respective HRs (95% CIs) at 1 year were 0.76 (0.56-1.02), 0.68 (0.42-1.09), and 1.04 (0.78-1.38). Among 5130 matched patients, ACEI-ARB use was associated with a significantly lower risk of all outcomes at both times, with no significant interactions, except for 1-year mortality, which was only significant in the non-NH subgroup (P for interaction, 0.026). Conclusions We found no evidence that the use of ACEIs or ARBs is associated with improved outcomes in patients with HF in the NH setting. However, we also found no evidence that this association is different in NH residents with HF versus non-NH patients with HF. Future larger studies are needed to demonstrate effectiveness of these drugs in the NH setting.
Predictors of anti-transgender attitudes: Identity-confusion and deception as aspects of distrust

Drawing upon the sociofunctional approach to prejudice, three studies examined distrust as a predictor of attitudes toward transgender individuals relative to sexual minorities (primarily gay men),...
Spectroscopic and Magneto-Optical Signatures of Cu1+ and Cu2+ Defects in Copper Indium Sulfide Quantum Dots.

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) of I–III–VI ternary compounds such as copper indium sulfide (CIS) and copper indium selenide (CISe) have been under intense investigation due to both their unusual phot...
Deciding to Cross: The Norms and Economics of Unauthorized Migration

Why are there so many unauthorized migrants in the United States? Using unique survey data collected in Mexico through the Mexican Migration Project, I develop and test a new decisionmaking model of unauthorized labor migration. The new model considers the economic motivations of prospective migrants, as well as their beliefs, attitudes, and social norms regarding U.S. immigration law and legal authorities. My findings show that perceptions of certainty of apprehension and severity of punishment are not significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally; however, perceptions of availability of Mexican jobs and the dangers of border crossing are significant determinants of these intentions. In addition, individuals’ general legal attitudes, morality about violating U.S. immigration law, views about the legitimacy of U.S. authority, and norms about border crossing are significant determinants of the intent to migrate illegally. Perceptions of procedural justice are significantly related to beliefs in the legitimacy of U.S. authority, suggesting that, all else being equal, procedural fairness may produce greater deference to U.S. immigration law. Together, the results show that the decision to migrate illegally cannot be fully understood without considering an individual’s underlying values and norms.
Near-Field Stationary Sample Terahertz Spectroscopic Polarimetry for Biomolecular Structural Dynamics Determination

THz polarimetry on environmentally sensitive and microscopic samples can provide unique insight into underlying mechanisms of complex phenomena. For example, near-field THz anisotropic absorption s...
A Novel Mouse Model of Radiation-Induced Cardiac Injury Reveals Biological and Radiological Biomarkers of Cardiac Dysfunction with Potential Clinical Relevance

Purpose: Radiation-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant concern in thoracic oncology patients. However, the basis for this disease pathology is not well characterized. We developed a novel mouse model of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity to investigate pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify clinically targetable biomarkers of cardiac injury. Experimental Design: Single radiation doses of 20, 40, or 60 Gy were delivered to the cardiac apex of female C57BL/6 mice ages 9–11 weeks, with or without adjacent lung tissue, using conformal radiotherapy. Cardiac tissue was harvested up to 24 weeks post-radiotherapy for histologic analysis. Echocardiography and Technetium-99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) at 8 and 16 weeks post-radiotherapy were implemented to evaluate myocardial function and perfusion. Mouse cardiac tissue and mouse and human plasma were harvested for biochemical studies. Results: Histopathologically, radiotherapy resulted in perivascular fibrosis 8 and 24 (P Conclusions: We developed and characterized a pathophysiologically relevant mouse model of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity involving in situ irradiation of the cardiac apex. The model can be used to integrate radiomic and biochemical markers of cardiotoxicity to inform early therapeutic intervention and human translational studies.
Extraction and assay of protein from single plant cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the extraction and assay of protein from single plant cells. The protein complement of an organism, an organ, or a cell defines its function. These cross-comparisons require a basis for expression, which is often protein mass. Thus, the development and improvement of methods for assaying protein mass are old and ongoing endeavors. Several methods offer the possibility of high sensitivity. It is well known that hydrophobic polymeric surfaces bind protein, which is the basis for a competitive protein micromethod. In homogenates or other complex mixtures, the differences among individual proteins may average out so that with caution these methods may be usefully applied to them. Fluorometry is more sensitive than spectrophotometry by one to several orders of magnitude. This chapter describes a method based on the hydrolysis of the protein, which is followed by the determination of the liberated glutamate by enzymatic cycling methods. The method is sensitive to less than 1 ng and has been tested on a variety of extracts and pure proteins.
Aqueous phase permeability in the region of discontinuous NAPL

In saturated soil, a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) can become a discontinuous immobile phase when capillary forces are stronger than the opposing viscous and buoyancy forces. In regions where this occurs, the aqueous phase permeability is less than the water saturated permeability of the surrounding medium, which may cause treatment to bypass the targeted contaminated region. As an in situ treatment is applied, the saturation of residual NAPL (Srn) is reduced, while the aqueous phase saturation (Sa ) and the relative permeability of the aqueous phase (kra) increases. Hence, in situ treatment of NAPL must account for various levels of heterogeneity. In this study, column experiments measure Kra‐Sa during the application of a surfactant that enhances the dissolution of NAPL Into the aqueous phase. The results indicated that the surfactant initially decreases kra followed by a steady increase as Srn is reduced. In multiphase models, it is common practice to use empirical coefficients measured from pressure‐...
Pharmacological Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Effect of Race and Demographic Variables

Existing research shows differences in medication use for Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on demographics such as race, ethnicity, and geographical location. To determine individual and community characteristics associated with differences in acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) and memantine use in AD, 3,049 AD subjects were drawn from 30 centers and evaluated using the Uniform data set (UDS). Cases were evaluated at the individual level within the context of 31 communities (one center encompassed two separate geographical regions). Multivariate analysis was used to determine the significance of individual variables on medication use. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks were less likely to use AChEI and memantine with odds ratios (OR) of 0.59 (95% CI 0.46-0.76) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.32-0.57), respectively. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Black Hispanics were less likely to use memantine (OR=0.69 (95% CI 0.49-0.98)). No association was found between the proportion of Blacks or non-Black Hispanics versus non-Hispanic Whites at an Alzheimer Disease Center and individual use of AChEI or memantine. Other significant variables include gender, age, marital status, dementia severity, source of referral, AChEI use, and education. Education and age somewhat mitigated disparity. Significant racial and ethnic differences in AChEI and memantine use exist at the individual level regardless of the racial and ethnic composition of the individual's community. Research and initiatives at the societal level may be an important consideration toward addressing these differences.
A Few Thoughts on E-Commerce

I discuss a few notions related to e-commerce, such as: trust, privacy, and the economies of piracy and anti-piracy.
Doctoring the Doctor

ing a reverence for life with the belief that death should come with dignity." An appendix includes practical details on living wills and health care proxy forms to encourage readers to adopt advance directives. Dr. Quill uses the book to issue a series of directives to the public, physicians, medical institutions, and governments to "take charge and make change" to improve the care of dying patients. The change he proposes is to support legalization of physician-assisted suicide but not active
Computer modelling of multi-step carbonium ion rearrangements

Abstract A general Monte-Carlo method computer program is described which simulates carbonium ion rearrangements via 1,2-hydride shifts and protonated-cyclopropanes. Its application in examining possible overall rearrangement mechanisms in t-amyl cation is discussed. Results from an earlier version of the program for the case of methylcyclopentyl cation are also presented.
The loss of phenotypic traits by differentiated cells

Abstract Eighty per cent of the vertebral chondrocytes are postmitotic cells synthesizing mucopolysaccharides. Freshly liberated chondrocytes reared in pellets behave similarly. The same chondrocytes reared in monolayers cease to synthesize mucopolysaccharides, but are induced to synthesize DNA. Rapidly dividing cells in monolayers lose their ability to synthesize chondroitin sulfate more rapidly than cells in pellets which divide slowly and which divide in an environment of differentiated cartilage cells. Cells which possess the same “genetic information” display different synthetic activities depending upon their external environment.
Neural networks in 2-D continuous time

We examine certain aspects of neural networks based on controlled 2D systems representable as ordinary differential equations: the use of the asymptotic behaviour of 2D dynamical systems for optimal design, and the use of optimal control of 2D controlled systems for devising learning strategies.
Reidemeister/Roseman-type Moves to Embedded Foams in 4-dimensional Space

The dual to a tetrahedron consists of a single vertex at which four edges and six faces are incident. Along each edge, three faces converge. A 2-foam is a compact topological space such that each point has a neighborhood homeomorphic to a neighborhood of that complex. Knotted foams in 4-dimensional space are to knotted surfaces, as knotted trivalent graphs are to classical knots. The diagram of a knotted foam consists of a generic projection into 4-space with crossing information indicated via a broken surface. In this paper, a finite set of moves to foams are presented that are analogous to the Reidemeister-type moves for knotted graphs. These moves include the Roseman moves for knotted surfaces. Given a pair of diagrams of isotopic knotted foams there is a finite sequence of moves taken from this set that, when applied to one diagram sequentially, produces the other diagram.
Role of reliability, risk and probabilistic analysis in the competitive environment

Summary form only given. The power industry is changing into a more competitive market. In this environment, reliability of electric power systems will be an important area of concern. There are now legitimate concerns that service reliability might be compromised because of pressures of price competition unless the relation between price and reliability is better understood and appropriate steps are taken. There is now a need to either adopt the existing techniques or develop new methods for analyzing the effects of the new structure on the reliability. Conceivably, the reliability in the new environment will not be driven by the standards set for reliability but more by the cost benefit analysis. This paper aims at promoting more activity in this area of reliability and risk analysis in the new environment.
Isoelectric Solubilization/Precipitation as a Means to Recover Protein and Lipids from Seafood By-products

Fish processing by-products (frames, heads, viscera, etc.) typically account for 60–70 % of the total fish weight after industrial filleting. This amount of by-products contains highly nutritious fish muscle proteins and fish lipids rich in heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids. The proteins and lipids could be recovered and subsequently used in the development of human food products and dietary supplements. This chapter gives an overview of a process called isoelectric solubilization/precipitation (ISP). ISP allows the efficient recovery of proteins and lipids and, therefore, has the potential to add revenue for seafood processors and also to reduce environmental pollution due to the disposal of seafood processing by-products. The commercialization of ISP has been initiated and, likely, the multifold benefits, including both economic and environmental, are forthcoming. ISP is also briefly discussed at the pilot and industrial scales. Finally, alternative applications of the recovered proteins and lipids, as well as the future market for these novel products, are reviewed.
Hypophosphatemia is Associated with the Serial Administration of Triple-Dose Gadolinium to Patients for Brain MRI.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to report a metabolic abnormality associated with frequent, triple-dose Gadolinium (TdGd) use in MS patients during BECOME trial. METHODS Potential clinical adverse events and lab abnormalities were monitored at each monthly MRI visit. Hypophosphatemia was defined as phosphate <2.5 mg/dL. Statistical analysis included McNemar's test for pairwise comparisons across visits and generalized estimating equations (GEE) to fit models over time. RESULTS Eight hundred seventy seven phosphate values were analyzed from the first 12 months. Compared with 4% of subjects at screening, an average of 15.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.4%-19.7%) of patients had hypophosphatemia at visits from months 1 to 12, during which subjects received serial TdGd. Forty four of seventy five (59%) patients developed hypophosphatemia at least once. We also found a significant increasing trend in hypophosphatemia by visit when treatment groups were evaluated together or separately (p < .001). There was a statistically significant decrease in frequency to 9.8% (95% CI: 4.6-19.8%) by month 24 (p = .005) coinciding with a period of less frequent gadolinium administration. CONCLUSIONS Serial TdGd in MS patients, unrelated to immunomodulatory treatment, was associated with increased frequency of hypophosphatemia that progressed with cumulative triple-dose and markedly decreased in second year, with less frequent triple-dose administration.
Physician gender bias in clinical decisionmaking: screening for cancer in primary care.

There has been increasing interest in gender disparities in clinical decisionmaking. Few studies have examined this issue in nationally representative samples or focussed on primary care. In addition, few of the studies have examined the role of physician gender. The 1987 National Medical Expenditur
Environmental negotiation: Its potential and its economic efficiency

Negotiation is increasingly viewed as a desirable alternative to courtroom conflict between industrialists and environmentalists. The “court battle” is often costly, time-consuming, uncertain, and all-or-nothing; negotiation promises a cheaper, quicker, mutually acceptable outcome. This paper examines the conditions under which there is scope for a negotiated compromise; and it examines the conditions under which a negotiated compromise is economically efficient. Its principal result is a warning: there is no reason to expect that environmental negotiation conducted under threat of court battle will produce a socially desirable outcome.
Measurement of blood lactate by gas chromatography

Abstract A gas chromatography technique was used for the measurement of blood lactate. This method was shown to compare favorably with the Barker-Summerson chemical method, there being no statistically significant difference between values obtained by the two methods. A micro adaptation of the method is described, which allows blood lactate analysis on a sample as small as 0.3 ml. The normal range of blood lactate levels in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized subjects was established. It was found to be essentially the same in both groups and varied from 0.6 to 2.3 mmoles/1 (5.0 to 20.5 mg/100 ml) with a mean of 1.25 mmoles/1 or 11.1 mg/100 ml.