cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fractional moment estimation of linnik and mittag-leffler parameters

It is shown that Linnik and Mittag-Leffler distributions are geometric stable (GS). An estimation method for the parameters of Linnik and Mittag-Leffler distributions, based on fractional moments, is proposed. Algorithms for simulation of Linnik and Mittag-Leffler distributions, based on their representations as mixtures of Laplace and exponential distributions, are presented. The estimation procedure is validated on simulated data, and its potential applications are illustrated with S&P index data, that is shown to be consistent with a two-parameter Linnik model.
Mortality and morbidity of aortic regurgitation in clinical practice. A long-term follow-up study.

Background —The outcome of aortic regurgitation conservatively followed in clinical practice is poorly defined. Methods and Results —Long-term outcome of 246 patients with severe or moderately severe aortic regurgitation diagnosed by color Doppler echocardiography was analyzed. With conservative management, mortality rate was higher than expected (at 10 years, 34±5%, P P P P =0.033), atrial fibrillation ( P =0.002), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter corrected for body surface area ( P =0.025). Ejection fraction was also an independent predictor of overall survival, including postoperative follow-up of surgically treated patients ( P P P =0.02) and in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular ejection fraction P =0.03) or with end-systolic diameter normalized to body surface area ≥25 mm/m 2 (7.8% yearly, P =0.004). Surgery performed during follow-up was independently associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.54; P =0.048). Conclusions —Patients diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation in clinical practice incur excess mortality and high morbidity, underscoring the serious prognosis of the disease. Surgery, which reduces cardiac mortality rates, should be considered promptly in high-risk patients.
Now that we all agree, let’s talk epistemology: a commentary on the invited articles

In this commentary we will address some common themes evident across articles in this special issue, and suggest that moving beyond the qualitative–quantitative distinction to epistemology is a more fruitful way to ‘reframe’ the discussion about quantitative or qualitative methods. We then provide some practical messages for readers of this special issue. We hope our thoughts and impressions will further the dialogue among all researchers interested in furthering our understanding of sport and exercise behaviour.
El rol de los medios en los procesos de estratificación social en el contexto migratorio : espacios mediáticos y consumos culturales

Este trabalho tem como objetivo tracar linhas de investigacao a partir de estudos qualitativos sobre o papel da midia no processo de estratificacao social no contexto da imigracao latino-americana na Europa e na America do Norte. Argumenta -se que para analisar e compreender as praticas comunicativas da diaspora latino-americana e necessario construir abordagens interdisciplinares para estruturar um olhar abrangente e critica ( Retis , 2013a , 2011, 2006) . Os processos de globalizacao economica precisam repensar a forma tradicional de observar sociedades nacionais para lhes tornar redes de sistemas ( Castells, 2006 ), que levaram a desterritorializacao da vida social , transformando as suas dimensoes culturais ( Appadurai , 1997) e reconfigurar os nos no contexto de cidades globais ( Sassen , 2001 ) . Neste contexto, as relacoes estabelecidas entre o desenho e as redes de imigracao sao novos espacos diasporicos em que os circuitos de informacao e comunicacao sao suportados ( RETIS de 2008 ).
Mediators of transdiagnostic group cognitive behavior therapy

The efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety is well established. Investigations into the mechanisms of change in CBT report changes in cognitive vulnerabilities mediating improvements over the course of treatment. As anxiety disorders share certain risk factors, there is a trend toward CBT emphasizing these vulnerabilities, including negative affectivity (NA) and also more specific constructs such as anxiety sensitivity (AS) and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). The purpose of this investigation was to analyze potential mediators of anxiety reduction over the course of transdiagnostic group CBT. NA, AS, and IU all decreased over the course of treatment. Among the potential mediators, change in NA had a significant relationship with change in anxiety but change in AS and change in IU did not. Neither the main effect of primary diagnosis nor the interactions between potential mediators and primary diagnoses were significant, indicating that there were no differential changes in anxiety or the potential mediators across primary diagnoses. Results strongly point toward NA as an overarching mediator of anxiety reduction during transdiagnostic group CBT.
Arms production in the third tier: An analysis of opportunity and willingness

Major determinants of third world military industrialization operate at the domestic, regional, and global levels. I summarize these and then examine their relative importance by analyzing time‐series cross‐section data for twelve arms producers from 1968 to 1990. Overall, there is considerable support for the various factors identified in the literature. However, my findings do highlight the importance of opportunity, perhaps more than willingness, as an explanation for changing levels of third tier arms production. Resolution of the tensions that drive regional militarization and the eruption of military conflict should have some positive effects ‐on restraining the expansion of arms production capacity. But there also seems to be a certain inevitability to the process, a process that is limited primarily by states' resources, industrial capacities, and access to weapons‐production technologies.
The effect of temperature on the rate of metabolism of lipids and glycogen in diapausing southwestern corn borer, Diatraea grandiosella

Abstract 1. 1. Diapausing southwestern corn borer larvae lost dry weight 3–5 times faster at 16°C compared to those held at 4 C. Fresh weight of larvae held at 16 C increased and that of the 4°C larvae decreased. 2. 2. Total body fatty acid calories of larvae held at 21°C for 60 days decreased. Elevation of the temperature to 27°C increased the rate almost 200%. The fatty acid metabolism of larvae held at 4°C for 60 days, then elevated to 27 C was arrested. 3. 3. The rate of change in DNA and RNA contents was not significantly different in all laboratory tests. However, field diapausing larvae showed a significant difference (P
Low signal-to-noise-ratio underwater acoustic communications using direct-sequence spread-spectrum signals

Direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) uses a code sequence to spread the symbols at the transmitter and a de-spreader at the receiver to recover the transmitted symbols. The de-spreader via a correlator or a matched filter provides a processing gain (matched filter gain) which enhances the symbol energy over noise thus allowing communications at low input signal-to-noise ratio. This paper analyzes DSSS data collected during the TREX04 experiment and determine the bit error rate as a function of input SNR The data analyzed cover a total of 1160 packets with input SNR ranging from 23 dB to as low as -15 dB.
On the Computational Complexity of Consumer Decision Rules

A consumer entering a new bookstore can face more than 250,000 alternatives. The efficiency of compensatory and noncompensatory decision rules for finding a preferred item depends on the efficiency of their associated information operators. At best, item-by-item information operators lead to linear computational complexity; set information operators, on the other hand, can lead to constant complexity. We perform an experiment demonstrating that subjects are approximately rational in selecting between sublinear and linear rules. Many markets are organized by attributes that enable consumers to employ a set-selection-by-aspect rule using set information operations. In cyberspace decision rules are encoded as decision aids.
Interaction between the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor and prepulse parameters on prepulse inhibition in two inbred rat strains and the F1 generation of a cross between them.

Abstract Levels of prepulse inhibition (PPI) depend on the interval between the startling and prepulse stimuli. Brown Norway rats show less PPI of the acoustic startle response than Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats when the interval between the prepulse and startling stimulus is 100 ms. Central administration of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) decreases PPI at this inter-stimulus interval. Here, the effect of CRF on PPI over a range of inter-stimulus intervals was examined in WKY and BN rats, and in the F1 generation of a cross between them. Rats received an intracerebroventricular infusion of either saline or CRF 30 min prior to testing PPI. Test trials included startle stimulus alone trials, and trials on which a prepulse stimulus of either 6, 12, or 15 dB above background preceded the startling stimulus by either 20, 75, 100, 500 or 2000 ms. CRF decreased PPI in WKY rats at all inter-stimulus intervals and all prepulse intensities, while the effect of CRF on PPI in BN rats only occurred at intermediate intervals. BN and WKY rats showed different levels of PPI only at the intermediate intervals. Baseline PPI in the F1 rats resembled the WKY phenotype. The CRF-induced change in PPI in the F1 generation has some qualities of the effects in each of the progenitor strains. These results suggest that both the effect of rats strain and of CRF on PPI depend on the inter-stimulus interval, and that there is an interaction between prepulse stimulus intensity and the inter-stimulus interval.
Experimental evaluation of a hybrid position and force surface following algorithm for unknown surfaces

This paper experimentally implements a surface following algorithm for unknown surfaces under a hybrid position and force scheme. The mechanization uses a low friction roller at the end of a two-link manipulator so that primarily the normal force is measured. With the normal force information and joint angle information, the surface normal direction is calculated and a position reference is calculated along the surface tangent. Experimental evaluation shows the algorithm works for a line, a concave arc, and a convex arc. Also, when different force levels are commanded or different controllers are used, the algorithm still performs well. Thus, the algorithm allows a constant force to be applied while following a surface whose shape is not known a priori.
Adaptive Two-Dimensional Tree Encoding of Images Using Spatial Masking

An adaptive approach to two-dimensional tree encoding of images is presented based upon the use of spatial masking concepts. Specifically, we make use of an adaptive encoding filter of the smoothing variety whose smoothing action is controlled by the local visibility of the encoding noise. The approach is an attempt to obtain an optimum compromise between slope overload and granular noise characteristics associated with existing two-dimensional tree encoding schemes. We demonstrate that this adaptive approach can provide improved overall image coding performance, both objectively and subjectively, compared to existing tree encoding schemes at a reduced order of complexity. The subjective improvements are clear and striking to the eye.
Multidimensional trellis-coded PSK

A new multidimensional trellis-coded modulation (TCM) for phase shift keying (PSK) systems is proposed in which the designs of the trellis encoder and the multi-D signal set partitioning are tied together by introducing additional redundancy. It reduces the complexity by eliminating the necessity of the multidimensional signal set mapper used in moist multi-D TCM systems. The method works for both an odd and an even number of inputs. The flexibility is thus increased. Its performance is comparable with methods reported in the literature. >
Perceiving Penn State The Formative Role of Interpersonal Discussion in Third-Person Perceptions in the Wake of a Sexual Abuse Scandal

We examine the role of interpersonal discussion in an attempt to better understand talk’s contribution to perceived media impacts related to the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State University. Through the use of a survey conducted both in the state of Pennsylvania and nationally, we analyze how interpersonal discussion, issue involvement, media exposure, and affinity for the Penn State football team influence third-person perceptions (TPPs) related to the Penn State case. By examining a dynamic and polarizing social issue involving a previously well-regarded athletic program facing intense social and criminal scrutiny, we are able to better understand how TPPs are formed in the midst of an ongoing scandal. Results reveal the influence of interpersonal discussion—and especially interpersonal disagreement—as a key moderating variable in forming these perceptions of media influence.
Frozen section diagnosis of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma in pelvic lymphadenectomy compared with nomogram prediction of metastasis.

Abstract Objectives. To compare the sensitivity and negative predictive values of frozen section analysis of pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate adenocarcinoma with the predictive power of published nomograms for metastasis to lymph nodes. Methods. A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate adenocarcinoma between 1991 and early 1997. The sensitivity and negative predictive values were computed comparing frozen section analysis, and patients were grouped by risk stratification. Comparison was made using the McNemar text. Results. The sensitivity for detecting lymph node metastasis on frozen section analysis for all risk groups was 33% (9 of 27). The sensitivity for identifying patients at high risk of having nodal metastasis by published nomograms alone was 67% (18 of 27) ( P = 0.04). The overall negative predictive value for frozen section analysis was 96.5% (503 of 521). The negative predictive value for uninvolved lymph nodes, using low and intermediate-risk groups stratified by published nomograms, was 97.9% (436 of 445). Conclusions. Frozen section analysis of pelvic lymph nodes to detect metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma is less sensitive in determining which patients will have lymph nodes involved by metastatic adenocarcinoma than using risk stratification by published nomograms. The negative predictive value of frozen section analysis in all risk groups was very high, up to 97.9%.
The relationship of sequential filter theory to information theory and its application to the detection of signals in noise by Bernoulli trials

In this paper the problem of detecting signals in noise by the method of sequential filtering is formulated. A slicing operator for converting a given random variable into a Bernoulli random variable is defined. A method for choosing an optimum slicing operator in a certain prescribed sense is given. It is also shown that the Bernoulli sequential test is defined by three parameters a (p_0, p_1, \alpha, \beta), b(p_0, p_1, \alpha, \beta) , and c(p_0, p_1) rather than four, as one would normally expect. The significance of these transformations is briefly discussed. Finally, the theory of Bernoulli sequential detection is applied to the detection of a sine-wave carrier in noise when the signal-to-noise ratio is less than one. The efficiency of this detector is calculated and compared with the results of others. Curves of the significant Bernoulli sequential detector characteristics are given for this problem.
Risks of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Sphincterotomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disorders, but it has significant rates of complications, including hemorrhage, perforation, pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cholecystitis. As advances continue to be made in less invasive technologies, it remains important to understand the complications of ERCP and how best to avoid them.
When Europe Matters: The Impact of Political Information on Voting Behaviour in EU Referendums

This article investigates how voters decide in referendums on European integration. More specifically, it analyses how political information influences voting behaviour. It argues that political information conditions the way in which people make decisions in referendums. The impact of political information is examined not only at the individual, but also at the contextual level. It is hypothesized that variations in the context of the referendum – the intensity of the campaign – produce differences in the way in which citizens act in referendums. As the intensity of the referendum campaign increases, more information is available to citizens and voters will rely more heavily on sophisticated criteria, such as attitudes and issue positions on the European Union (EU). While the informational context influences voting patterns, individuals also vary in their awareness of politics. It is argued that people with high levels of political awareness receive more information and consequently rely more on their ow...
Communicating sudden change in tasks and culture: The Inglis Montmagny story

The socio-technical system, which views production systems as being composed of both technological and social parts, is discussed. Socio-technical systems theory became the foundation of self-directed work teams-a way of working also known as 'autonomous,', 'composite,' and 'self-regulating.' Most literature on the subject suggests using a process approach to implementing any change to a self-regulating work style and phasing in the process over a period of from two to five years. However, it is shown how one factory prepared its workers for such a change in a much shorter period of time. >
Direct observations of the sintering of silver nanoparticles on single crystal copper by in-situ uhv tem

Using a novel ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) transmission electron microscope with in-situ UHV sputtering attachment we have studied the sintering of copper and silver nanoparticles with single crystal copper substrates. Copper and silver particles deposited on (001) copper initially assume random orientations. Upon annealing, however, the particles reorient and assume an epitaxial orientation with the substrate. In the case of copper on copper, homoepitaxy occurs by a process involving sintering and grain growth. In the case of silver on copper, we have observed the particles to wet the substrate surface and sinter to form a thin epitaxial film with the orientation relationship (111) Ag // (001) Cu , [110] Ag // [110] Cu .
Inversion of flexible manipulator dynamics via the trajectory pattern method

In this paper, the trajectory pattern method (TPM) (an inversion technique for nonlinear, including nonminimum phase, control systems) is utilized as a technique for synthesizing motion trajectories and generating inverse dynamics model based feedforward control signals for vibration-free maneuvers of multilink flexible manipulators. Specifically, using this method, a stable inverse for the flexible manipulator dynamics is obtained. The efficacy of this scheme is illustrated through experimental results on a two-link flexible manipulator at the Control/Robotics Research Laboratory (CRRL).
The Microstructure and Grain Size of Jet Electroplated Copper Films in Damascene Trench Features

The brightening additive level and dc current density of electroplating baths are two parameters that affect the gap-filling capability and the degree of impurity incorporation in electroplated copper films. Additive incorporation can inhibit grain growth during the room temperature recrystallization process and therefore affect the final grain size. This investigation explores the grain size and microstructure of dc jet-electroplated copper films in 0.35 and 0.50 μm Damascene trenches as a function of current density and brightening additive level after first receiving a high-temperature anneal. Unlike a previous study that explored these variables in blanket Cu films [J. Electrochem. Soc., 152, C101 (2005)], the results of this study suggest that current density, and to a lesser extent additive level, play a role in determining the final grain size in Damascene trenches. In 0.5 μm trench structures it was found that only higher dc current density levels produce larger cross-sectional grain sizes. In 0.35 μm trenches, however, both the current density and brightening additive level affected the final grain size. It thus appears that the level of geometrical constraint, the number of available nucleation sites, the amount of stored energy in the microstructure, and the degree of remnant additive incorporation are factors that could influence the final grain size.
Impact of oligohydramnios on maternal and perinatal outcomes of spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes at 18-28 weeks.

Objective: We compare the maternal and perinatal outcomes between 69 patients with oligohydramnios and 49 patients with adequate fluid at the time of initial evaluation for PROM.Methods: One hundred and eighteen patients with spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) at 18-28 weeks are included in the study. Inclusion criteria are singleton gestation, normal fetal anatomical survey and normal amniotic fluid prior to PROM, and absence of labor or abruption at the time of PROM. Oligohydramnios is defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) <5 cm of measurable pockets of amniotic fluid which are free of umbilical cord. Expectant management was carried during the 3-year period. The overall perinatal survival is 66%. Pulmonary hypoplasia is present in 18%, and skeletal deformities in 3% of all neonates.Results: There is no significant difference between the two groups in the mean gestational ages at PROM (172 ± 17 d vs. 171 ± 14 d), latency periods (9 ± 14 d vs. 8 ± 13 d), incidences of chorioamnionit...
Screening Sexual Slavery? Southeast Asian Gonzo Porn and US Anti-Trafficking Law

Do videotaped scenes of Southeast Asian prostitutes intimately engaging western sex tourists provide evidence of victimization by sex trafficking? Scenes presented in popular ‘gonzo’ or professional—amateur pornography of Southeast Asian sex tourism tell a more complex story that requires a critical visual reading practice not only of prostitution but of pornography and slavery. Looking at the particular case of the sexual imaging of Asian women, I show how we need to develop ways of critical reading that do not simply diagnose pornography as racism, prostitution as victimization, or sex as slavery, but as complex scenes of power, agency, and difference. I illustrate the historical use of Asian women’s images to establish how sexuality is tied to racial sexual difference and interrogate scenes of gonzo porn in which the prostitutes engage the camera. I argue that by employing ‘intimate literacy’, we can attend to what the prostitute might be saying through pornography.
A volumetric/iconic frequency domain representation for objects with application for pose invariant face recognition

A novel method for representing 3D objects that unifies viewer and model centered object representations is presented. A unified 3D frequency-domain representation, called volumetric frequency representation (VFR), encapsulates both the spatial structure of the object and a continuum of its views in the same data structure. The frequency-domain image of an object viewed from any direction can be directly extracted employing an extension of the projection slice theorem, where each Fourier-transformed view is a planar slice of the volumetric frequency representation. The VFR is employed for pose-invariant recognition of complex objects, such as faces. The recognition and pose estimation is based on an efficient matching algorithm in a four-dimensional Fourier space. Experimental examples of pose estimation and recognition of faces in various poses are also presented.
Computationally efficient winding loss calculation with multiple windings, arbitrary waveforms, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional field geometry

The squared-field-derivative method for calculating eddy-current (proximity-effect) losses in round-wire or litz-wire transformer and inductor windings is derived. The method is capable of analyzing losses due to two-dimensional and three-dimensional field effects in multiple windings with arbitrary waveforms in each winding. It uses a simple set of numerical magnetostatic field calculations, which require orders of magnitude less computation time than numerical eddy-current solutions, to derive a frequency-independent matrix describing the transformer or inductor. This is combined with a second, independently calculated matrix, based on derivatives of winding currents, to compute total AC loss. Experiments confirm the accuracy of the method.
A maximum-likelihood method to estimate a single ADC value of lesions using diffusion MRI.

PURPOSE Design a statistically rigorous procedure to estimate a single apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of lesion from the mean lesion signal intensity in diffusion MRI. THEORY AND METHODS A rigorous maximum-likelihood technique that incorporated the statistics of the mean lesion intensity and accounted for lesion heterogeneity was derived to estimate the ADC value. Performance evaluation included comparison with the conventionally used linear-regression and a statistically rigorous state-of-the-art ADC-map technique using realistic and clinically relevant simulation studies conducted with assistance of patient data for homogeneous and heterogeneous lesion models. RESULTS The proposed technique outperformed the linear-regression and ADC-map approaches over a large spectrum of signal-to-noise ratio, ADC, lesion size, image-misalignment parameters, including at no image misalignment, and different amounts of lesion heterogeneity. The method was also superior at different sets of b values and in studies from specific patient-image-derived data. The technique took less than a second to execute. CONCLUSIONS A rigorous, computationally fast, easy-to-implement, and convenient-to-use maximum-likelihood technique was proposed to estimate a single ADC value of the lesion. Results provide strong evidence in support of the method. Magn Reson Med 76:1919-1931, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract Background: Lifestyle interventions that encourage increasing physical activity (PA) and losing weight are critical for overweight and obese youth with comorbid conditions. Assessing PA within such lifestyle intervention efforts requires measurement tool(s) that are both accurate and appropriate for these youth. This research compares PA levels and sedentary behavior in an ethnically diverse cohort of overweight/obese youth with type 2 diabetes using both accelerometry and a questionnaire previously validated in the general youth population. Methods: Spearman's correlations were used to compare time spent sedentary and in different PA intensities between a questionnaire, the three-day PA recall (3DPAR), and an objective PA measure, the ActiGraph accelerometer, in 236 overweight/obese youth with diabetes. Results: Spearman correlations between 3DPAR and accelerometer results for total PA were small and not significant (rho = 0.11, p > 0.05 for males and females). Correlations for specific PA inten...
Role of Ca2+ fluctuations in L6 myotubes in the regulation of the hexokinase II gene

Expression of the hexokinase (HK) II gene in skeletal muscle is upregulated by electrically stimulated muscle contraction and moderate-intensity exercise. However, the molecular mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Alterations in intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis accompany contraction and regulate gene expression in contracting skeletal muscle. Therefore, as a first step in understanding the exercise-induced increase in HK II, the ability of Ca(2+) to increase HK II mRNA was investigated in cultured skeletal muscle cells, namely L6 myotubes. Exposure of cells to the ionophore A-23187 resulted in an approximately threefold increase in HK II mRNA. Treatment of cells with the extracellular Ca(2+) chelator EGTA did not alter HK II mRNA, nor was it able to prevent the A-23187-induced increase. Treatment of cells with the intracellular Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA-AM) also resulted in an approximately threefold increase in HK II mRNA in the absence of ionophore, which was similar to the increase in HK II mRNA induced by the combination of BAPTA-AM and A-23187. In summary, a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) is not necessary for the A-23187-induced increase in HK II mRNA, and increases in HK II mRNA occur in response to treatments that decrease intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores may be one mechanism by which muscle contraction increases HK II mRNA.
Impact of duration of mitral regurgitation on outcomes in asymptomatic patients with myxomatous mitral valve undergoing exercise stress echocardiography.

Background Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) typically occurs as holosystolic (HS) or mid‐late systolic (MLS), with differences in volumetric impact on the left ventricle (LV). We sought to assess outcomes of degenerative MR patients undergoing exercise echocardiography, separated based on MR duration (MLS versus HS). Methods and Results We included 609 consecutive patients with ≥III+myxomatous MR undergoing exercise echocardiography: HS (n=487) and MLS (n=122). MLS MR was defined as delayed appearance of MR signal during mid‐late systole on continuous‐wave Doppler while HS MR occurred throughout systole. Composite events of death and congestive heart failure were recorded. Compared to MLS MR, HS MR patients were older (60±14 versus 53±14 years), more were males (72% versus 53%), and had greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation (16% versus 7%; all P <0.01). HS MR patients had higher right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) at rest (33±11 versus 27±9 mm Hg), more flail leaflets (36% versus 6%), and a lower number of metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved (9.5±3 versus 10.5±3), compared to the MLS MR group (all P <0.05). There were 54 events during 7.1±3 years of follow‐up. On step‐wise multivariable analysis, HS versus MLS MR (HR 4.99 [1.21 to 20.14]), higher LV ejection fraction (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94 [0.89 to 0.98]), atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.59 [1.33 to 5.11]), higher RVSP (HR, 1.05 [1.03 to 1.09]), and higher percentage of age‐ and gender‐predicted METs (HR, 0.98 [0.97 to 0.99]) were independently associated with adverse outcomes (all P <0.05). Conclusion In patients with ≥III+myxomatous MR undergoing exercise echocardiography, holosystolic MR is associated with adverse outcomes, independent of other predictors.
The Classical Theory of Economic Policy: Non-Legal Social Control

The objective of this essay is to suggest the necessity of a definition of wider scope for the concept, ‘theory of economic policy’, particularly in the case of the classical economists. The conventional definition of ‘theory of economic policy’ limits its scope to the role of law. Thus Lord Robbins defines the concept as ‘the general body of principles of governmental action or inaction — the agenda or non-agenda of the state as Bentham called them — in regard to economic activity’.1 This definition, it is contended, is incomplete for it does not adequately acknowledge the fact that the state is but one reciprocally interacting part of a larger structure of power which comprises the total system of social control.
A study on resonance light scattering spectrometry of 4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol

Resonance light scattering teachnique is a light scattering analysis technique measured by general flourometer.Resonance light scattering spectrometry of PAR is analyzed;the formation and influencial factors of scatter intensity are probed.
Perspective-Taking in Comprehension, Production, and Memory: An Individual Differences Approach

The ability to take a different perspective is central to a tremendous variety of higher level cognitive skills. To communicate effectively, we must adopt the perspective of another person both while speaking and listening. To ensure the successful retrieval of critical information in the future, we must adopt the perspective of our own future self and construct cues that will survive the passage of time. Here we explore the cognitive underpinnings of perspective-taking across a set of tasks that involve communication and memory, with an eye toward evaluating the proposal that perspective-taking is domain-general (e.g., Wardlow, 2013). We measured participants' perspective-taking ability in a language production task, a language comprehension task, and a memory task in which people generated their own cues for the future. Surprisingly, there was little variance common to the 3 tasks, a result that suggests that perspective-taking is not domain-general. Performance in the language production task was predicted by a measure of working memory, whereas performance in the cue-generation memory task was predicted by a combination of working memory and long-term memory measures. These results indicate that perspective-taking relies on differing cognitive capacities in different situations.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the continuum of renal dysfunction

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat diverse inflammatory diseases because of their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), which constitutes the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthetic cascade of prostaglandin (PG). However, NSAID therapy is associated with adverse changes in renal function. Most prominent are changes in electrolyte homeostasis and impaired renal perfusion. PGs such as PGE 2 , PGF 2 , and PGI 2 (prostacyclin) modulate many renal physiologic effects, including renal haemodynamics and renal tubular function. Consequently, one would anticipate that impairment of the synthesis of such PGs would adversely affect renal function. About one fourth of NSAID-treated patients have sodium retention, regardless of the type of NSAID being used. NSAID therapy may also cause blood pressure destabilization. This destabilization is attributable to the well defined ability of NSAIDs to attenuate the antihypertensive effects of several agents including diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Because an estimated 14 million Americans are treated with both antihypertensive drugs and NSAIDs, the public health implications are clear. Finally, NSAIDs may occasionally produce acute renal failure. The pathogenesis is believed to be renal vasoconstriction secondary to inhibition of vasodilatory PGs with unopposed vasoconstrictor forces including angiotensin II, catecholamines and enhanced sympathetic activity.
Stream Interception and Identification

An adaptation service must be able to identify data streams that are likely to be aided by available adaptations and intercept each stream, forcing the data to flow through an appropriate set of adaptors. Since most adaptors are designed to adapt a particular type of protocol, a particular version of a protocol, or a particular type of data being transported, accurate and fine-grained stream type identification allows the right set of adaptors to be selected. In addition, to the degree that intercepted streams incur additional overhead costs, type identification can lower overheads by reducing the number of streams that are intercepted but cannot be adapted.
A critical analysis of melanoma malpractice litigation: Should we biopsy everything?

Objectives/Hypothesis The aim of this study was to evaluate factors raised in malpractice litigation related to the diagnosis and management of melanoma and to further assess issues impacting outcome. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Methods The Westlaw legal database was searched for malpractice litigation resolved over the last 20 years relating to melanoma. Cases were evaluated for allegations, defendant specialty, outcome, and other issues raised. Results Of the 80 cases evaluated, 49% were resolved in the defendants' favor. In greater than 80% of cases, there was alleged misdiagnosis. In 35% of cases, the patient had expired secondary to melanoma at the time of litigation. There was no statistical difference in payments upon comparison of cases with and without mortality. A greater proportion of cases with dermatologists and pathologists as defendants involved alleged misdiagnosis. The most common locations for melanoma were the extremities and the head-and-neck region, at 32.5% and 22.5%, respectively. Location did not significantly impact the outcome of cases. Conclusion Malpractice litigation relating to melanoma involves numerous physicians, including dermatologists, pathologists, and otolaryngologists. Alleged misdiagnosis of a pigmented lesion was the most common cause of litigation and involved physicians from numerous specialties. Patients who were misdiagnosed had a significantly higher likelihood of having active disease at the time of litigation. Ultimately improved methods of detecting concerning pigmented lesions need to be developed. Factors such as death and poor cosmetic outcome did not significantly impact litigation outcome. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 127:134–139, 2017
Obesity-Related Diseases and Syndromes: Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, and Metabolic Syndrome

Fat accumulates within the body of a person who is overweight or obese until many small physiological changes accumulate to a tipping point where adipose tissue becomes “sick.” Adisopathy or “sick fat” leads to a host of other obesity-related diseases. In this chapter the development of adisopathy is discussed in detail with an emphasis on insulin resistance and the role of mitochondria, hormones, inflammatory markers and leptin. This chapter describes the mechanisms of disease for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and explores the concept of metabolic syndrome. It also explains the pathophysiology of obesity as it relates to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The chapter ends with specific discussions about the relationships between obesity and other obesity-related diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke.
Palifermin For Prevention Of Oral Mucositis Has No Negative Effect On Long-Term Outcome In Patients With Hematological Malignancies Undergoing HSCT - Long-Term Follow-Up To 15 Years

Background Palifermin has been shown to reduce the incidence and duration of severe oral mucositis in hematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. A follow-up study was performed to rule out a potential long-term safety risk of palifermin use. Objectives to compare long-term disease outcome (overall survival, disease progression and incidence of secondary malignancies) between palifermin and placebo. Methods This is a long-term follow-up study of patients with hematological malignancies undergoing HSCT and treated with palifermin or placebo to prevent oral mucositis. The aim of the study was to detail any potential late complications due to palifermin exposure. Patients were enrolled between 1997-2003 into four randomized, placebo-controlled phase II/III studies conducted at 31 sites in Australia, Europe and the US. The survival outcomes were compared using hazard ratios (HRs) estimated with Cox model including the treatment group, baseline age, disease type (Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia), ECOG performance status, country and presence of prior radiotherapy as covariates. The incidence of secondary malignancies was compared with chi-squared test. Results A total of 672 patients were randomized to the parent studies (429 palifermin, 243 placebo) and 543 (345, 198) were enrolled to the long-term follow-up. The median follow-up time for subjects alive was 7.9 years (range 0.1-14.9) for palifermin and 8.8 (0.1-14.8) for placebo. No significant differences were seen for either overall survival (HR = 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.31; p=0.921) or progression-free survival (HR=1.04; 95% CI 0.83-1.31; p=0.733). Secondary malignancies were reported by 13% (palifermin) vs. 11% (placebo) of the patients (p=0.477). The most common secondary malignancies were acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (5% vs. 5%) and skin cancers (2% vs. 2%). Conclusion The overall survival, progression-free survival, and the incidence of secondary malignancies were comparable between palifermin and placebo in patients undergoing HSCT. After a follow-up of up to 15 years, no negative effect of palifermin on long-term outcomes was observed. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Socialization in the Institution: A Working Group’s Journey to Bring Public Engagement Into Focus on Campus

For over 3 years, 6 faculty members and 1 graduate student have gathered as a working group applying an interdisciplinary focus to public engagement projects involving immigrant families in the rural Midwest. One dimension of the group’s effort has been to involve faculty, staff, and students from many disciplines in its examination of pertinent issues related to engaged scholarship. To support this goal of socialization in the institution, the interdisciplinary group hosted a 1-day workshop to explore engaged scholarship at the university. Through a survey and targeted interviews, working definitions for engagement and prospective areas of interest were explored during and after the workshop.
Dual Site Phosphorylation of Caspase-7 by PAK2 Blocks Apoptotic Activity by Two Distinct Mechanisms

Caspases, the cysteine proteases that execute apoptosis, are tightly regulated via phosphorylation by a series of kinases. Although all apoptotic caspases work in concert to promote apoptosis, different kinases regulate individual caspases. Several sites of caspase-7 phosphorylation have been reported, but without knowing the molecular details, it has been impossible to exploit or control these complex interactions, which normally prevent unwanted proliferation. During dysregulation, PAK2 kinase plays an alternative anti-apoptotic role, phosphorylating caspase-7 and promoting unfettered cell growth and chemotherapeutic resistance. PAK2 phosphorylates caspase-7 at two sites, inhibiting activity using two different molecular mechanisms, before and during apoptosis. Phosphorylation of caspase-7 S30 allosterically obstructs its interaction with caspase-9, preventing intersubunit linker processing, slowing or preventing caspase-7 activation. S239 phosphorylation renders active caspase-7 incapable of binding substrate, blocking later events in apoptosis. Each of these mechanisms is novel, representing new opportunities for synergistic control of caspases and their counterpart kinases.
Reforming Fannie and Freddie

There is a growing consensus that reform is needed for the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is often suggested that the connections between the GSEs and the federal government should be permanently severed and the firms reduced in size so that their instability will no longer threaten the broader housing market; however, political realities block that policy option. This article instead recommends that the firms' mortgage insurance and securitization business for be transferred to a government agency, where it would operate much like the longstanding and successful FHA and Ginnie Mae programs for lower-income mortgages. The retained mortgage portfolios would be spun off to the GSEs' shareholders, with no explicit or implicit links to the federal government.
Attention bias towards negative emotional information and its relationship with daily worry in the context of acute stress: An eye-tracking study.

Cognitive theories of anxiety psychopathology cite biased attention towards threat as a central vulnerability and maintaining factor. However, many studies have found threat bias indices to have poor reliability and have failed to observe the theorized relationship between threat bias and anxiety symptoms; this may be due to the non-unitary nature of threat bias and the influence of state-level variables on its expression. Accumulating data suggests that state anxious mood is important for the robust expression of threat bias and for relations to emerge between threat bias and symptoms, though this possibility has not been experimentally tested. Eye-tracking was used to assess multiple forms of threat bias (i.e., early vigilance, sustained attention, facilitated engagement, delayed disengagement) thought to be related to anxiety. A non-clinical sample (N = 165) was recruited to test the hypothesis that biased attention towards threat, but not dysphoric or positive emotional stimuli, during an anxious mood induction, but not at a pre-stress baseline, would prospectively predict greater worry symptoms on days in which more naturalistic stressors occurred. Results revealed the hypothesized moderation effect for sustained attention towards threat after the mood induction but not at baseline, though sustained attention towards dysphoric stimuli also moderated the effect of stressors on worry. Worry-relevant sustained attention towards negative emotional stimuli may be a partially mood-context dependent phenomenon.
Pivoting toward Asia: Comparing the Canadian and American Policy Shifts

Both Canada and the United States have “pivoted” toward Asia in their foreign policy over the past decade, although emphases in those pivots differed between the two countries. The former focuses o...