cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unconditionally stable sequential schemes for all-way coupled thermoporomechanics: Undrained-adiabatic and extended fixed-stress splits

Abstract We propose two sequential methods for the all-way coupled thermoporomechanical problems: the undrained-adiabatic split that combines together the undrained and adiabatic methods of poromechanics and thermomechanics, respectively, and the extended fixed-stress split. We perform nonlinear stability analysis for the two sequential methods, introducing a new extended norm that can encompass the all-way coupled thermoporomechanical problems. We find that the two sequential methods are unconditionally stable if α ≥ 0 . 5 , where α is the parameter of time discretization for the generalized midpoint rule at t n + α . We also perform the spectral analysis in order to further investigate stability and convergence of the two methods. The spectral analysis shows unconditional stability of the two sequential methods, which yields the magnitudes of the amplification factor less than unity. We then show numerical examples, which support the a priori stability and convergence estimates.
Case Study: An 85-Year-Old Immigrant from the Former Soviet Union

Katerina Fyodorova, an 85-year-old Russia immigrant, came to the United States in 1998 with the wave of immigrants coming from the former Soviet Union (FSU) with the collapse of the Soviet regime. Katerina is commonly referred to as a babushka or grandmother. She is widowed, her parents are deceased, and she has no living siblings and has no children.
Why let resources idle? aggressive cloning of jobs with dolly

Despite prior research on outlier mitigation, our analysis of jobs from the Facebook cluster shows that outliers still occur, especially in small jobs. Small jobs are particularly sensitive to long-running outlier tasks because of their interactive nature. Outlier mitigation strategies rely on comparing different tasks of the same job and launching speculative copies for the slower tasks. However, small jobs execute all their tasks simultaneously, thereby not providing sufficient time to observe and compare tasks. Building on the observation that clusters are underutilized, we take speculation to its logical extreme--run full clones of jobs to mitigate the effect of outliers. The heavy-tail distribution of job sizes implies that we can impact most jobs without using much resources. Trace-driven simulations show that average completion time of all the small jobs improves by 47% using cloning, at the cost of just 3% extra resources.
Large-Scale Regularized Sumcor GCCA via Penalty-Dual Decomposition

The sum-of-correlations (SUMCOR) generalized canonical correlation analysis (GCCA) aims at producing low-dimensional representations of multiview data via enforcing pairwise similarity of the reduced-dimension views. SUMCOR has been applied to a large variety of applications including blind separation, multilingual word embedding, and cross-modality retrieval. Despite the NP-hardness of SUMCOR, recent work has proposed effective algorithms for handling it at very large scale. However, the existing scalable algorithms are not easy to extend to incorporate structural regularization and prior information - which are critical for real-world applications where outliers and modeling mismatches are present. In this work, we propose a new computational framework for large-scale SUMCOR GCCA. The algorithm can easily incorporate a suite of structural regularizers which are frequently used in data analytics, has lightweight updates and low memory complexity, and can be easily implemented in a parallel fashion. The proposed algorithm is also guaranteed to converge to a Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) point of the regularized SUMCOR problem. Carefully designed simulations are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Chapter 184 - X c,v Mammalian MAP Kinases

MAP kinases are critical mediators of signal transduction in mammalian cells. The MAP kinases are encoded by a group of genes that are related in sequence. These enzymes are also functionally related. There are three major groups of mammalian MAP kinases, the extracellular signal regulated protein kinases (ERK), the p38 MAP kinases, and the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK). These groups of MAP kinases can be distinguished by the sequence of the dual phosphorylation motif that mediates MAP kinase activation: Thr-Glu-Tyr (ERK), Thr-Gly-Tyr (p38), and Thr-Pro-Tyr (JNK). In addition, there are several protein kinases that are related to the MAP kinases with similar dual phosphorylation motifs: Thr- Glu-Tyr (MAK and MOK), Thr-Asp-Tyr (ICK, KKIAMRE, KKIALRE), and Thr-His-Glu (NLK). This chapter reviews the properties of these MAP kinases and MAP kinase-related protein kinases.
FRISER-IRMIX Database: A Web-Based Support System with Implications in Planetary Mineralogical Studies, Ground Temperature Measurements and Astrobiology

The existing IR spectral data of Martian dust, rocks and sediments allow for comparing the Martian spectra with the spectra of different terrestrial minerals and lithologies, and those of their alteration and weathering products. The FRISER-IRMIX database contains FTIR spectra of a set of selected minerals (oxides, oxi/hydroxides, sulfates, chlorides, carbonates, sulfides, opal, clays, etc) and basalt (as the main and widespread volcanic Martian rock), that are more representative of Martian conditions. These spectra were measured, considering different mineralogical mixtures, and covering the specific working wavelength range of the REMS-GTS in the NASA’s MSL (Curiosity) rover, which is currently operating on Mars. At present, FRISER-IRMIX comprises more than 400 FT-IR spectra and circa 3,000 cells of data.
Particle Correlations in Saturated QCD Matter

We study quantitatively angular correlations in the two-particle spectrum produced by an energetic probe scattering off a dense hadronic target with sizeable saturation momentum. To this end, two parton inclusive cross sections for arbitrary projectiles with small color charge density are derived in the eikonal formalism. Our results are the following: For large momenta of the observed particles, the perturbative limit with characteristic back-to-back correlation is recovered. As the trigger momenta get closer to the saturation scale Qs, the angular distribution broadens. When the momenta are significantly smaller than Qs, the azimuthal distribution is broad but still peaked back-to-back. However, in a narrow momentum range (0.5 ÷1.5) Qs, we observe that the azimuthal correlation splits into a double peak with maxima displaced away from 180 ◦ . We argue that it is the soft multiple scattering physics that is responsible for the appearance of this shift in the angle of maximal correlation. We also point out that when the physical size of the projectile is particularly small, the double peak structure persists in a significantly wider range of final state momenta.
The Role of Screening in Depression Diagnosis and Treatment in a Representative Sample of US Primary Care Visits

Primary care providers encounter a large proportion of the population with depression. Yet, many primary care patients with depression remain undiagnosed and untreated. This study aims to examine depression screening patterns and the role of screening in depression diagnosis and treatment in the outpatient primary care setting. This is a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data of visits to outpatient physician offices from the 2005 to 2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys. The sample included the first visit in the past year to a primary care provider by patients 12 years and older (N = 16,887). The associations of visit characteristics with depression screening and of depression screening with depression diagnosis and treatment during the visit were assessed using logistic regression. Logistic regression with propensity score weighting was used to estimate the odds of depression diagnosis and treatment under the counterfactual scenario in which patients who visited providers with lower depression screening rates had visited providers with higher screening rates instead. All models were adjusted for patient and visit characteristics. A small proportion of sample visits involved depression screening (3.0%). Visits by patients with depressive symptom complaints were associated with higher odds of depression screening than other visits. When visits were weighted to have similar demographic and clinical characteristics, visits to providers with higher screening rates had higher odds of diagnosis (OR = 1.99, p < 0.001) and treatment (OR = 1.61, p = 0.001) compared to visits to providers with lower screening rates. Physicians appear to use depression screening selectively based on patients’ presenting symptoms. Higher screening rates were associated with higher odds of depression diagnosis and treatment, and even modest increases in screening rates could meaningfully increase population-level rates of depression identification and treatment in primary care. Future research is needed to identify barriers to depression care and implement systematic interventions to improve services and patient outcomes.
General Revelation, Science and integration: Objections and opportunities:

Recent controversies over integrating modern science and Scripture have led to faculty firings and wholesale changes in academic programs. An underlying question is the relationship between science...
Genetics of Primary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

In this chapter we describe the genes responsible for familial or primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and the clinical and laboratory features that are associated with each syndrome. Additionally, we place primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis into four distinct categories, depending on the presence or absence of hypopigmentation and susceptibility to Epstein–Barr virus-induced lymphoproliferative disease.
Lignocellulose-stabilized iron-palladium nanomagnetic biocomposites

Abstract In this study we report the synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic Fe-Pd (1–75 at.% Fe) nanomagnets grown within a lignocellulose fiber matrix for future advanced material applications. The small (~5 nm diameter) Fe-Pd nanoparticles are crystalline with spherical shape and evenly dispersed throughout the lignocellulose support while preserving the structure of the biopolymer matrix. Material characterization of the as-formed biocomposites confirms primarily zero-valent Pd-Fe alloy with a thin surface oxide layer. Normal superparamagnetic behavior consistent with extremely small nanoparticle size is measured, including increasing measured blocking temperature with increasing Fe concentration. Finally, important mass loading effects of metallic nanoparticles within the lignocellulose matrix are measured and discussed.
CARDIAC DEFECTS IN CONGENITAL RUBELLA SYNDROME: 46 YEARS WITHOUT DIAGNOSIS

Cardiac defect is part of the classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Rubella was eliminated from the United States in 2004; however, with the resurgence of patients forgoing vaccinations, any diagnosis of CRS should prompt investigation for cardiac defects. A 46-year-old female with
Chronic Post-Surgical Pain in the Frail Older Adult

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population and surgical procedures in this group increase each year. Chronic post-surgical pain is an important consideration in the older adult as it affects recovery, physical functioning, and overall quality of life. It is increasingly recognized as a public health issue but there is a need to improve our understanding of the disease process as well as the appropriate treatment and prevention. Frailty, delirium, and cognition influence post-operative outcomes in older adults and have been implicated in the development of chronic post-surgical pain. Further research must be conducted to fully understand the role they play in the occurrence of chronic post-surgical pain in the older adult. Additionally, careful attention must be given to the physiologic, cognitive, and comorbidity differences between the older adult and the general population. This is critical for elucidating the proper chronic post-surgical pain treatment and prevention strategies to ensure that the older adult undergoing surgical intervention will have an appropriate and desirable post-operative outcome.
The impact of summer programming on the obesogenic behaviors of children: behavioral outcomes from a quasi-experimental pilot trial

Children from low-income families experience accelerated BMI gain and learning loss during summer. Healthy Summer Learners (HSL) addresses accelerated BMI gain and academic learning loss during summer by providing academic- and health-focused programming. This manuscript reports the effects of HSL on underlying obesogenic behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, diet) that lead to accelerated summer BMI gain, a necessary first step to informing a future randomized controlled trial of HSL. In the summer of 2018 and 2019 using a quasi-experimental study design, 180 children (90 per summer, 7.9 years [SD = 1.0], 94% non-Hispanic Black, 40% male) at two schools (i.e., one per summer) who were struggling academically (25–75% on a standardized reading test) were provided a free, school-based 6-week health- and academic-focused summer program (i.e., HSL, n = 60), a 4- to 6-week academic-focused summer program (i.e., 21st Century Summer Learning program (21C), n = 60), or no summer program (n = 60). Children wore the Fitbit Charge 2™ over a 10-week period during the summers (June–Aug) of 2018–2019. Differences within (within child days attend vs. not attend) and between (differences between groups attend vs. not attend) were evaluated using mixed effects linear regression. Regression estimates indicated that, on days attending, HSL children experienced a greater reduction in sedentary minutes (− 58.6 [95% CI = − 92.7, − 24.4]) and a greater increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (36.2 [95% CI = 25.1, 47.3]) and steps (2799.2 [95% CI = 2114.2, 3484.2]) compared to 21C children. However, both HSL and 21C children were more active (i.e., greater MVPA, total steps) and less sedentary (i.e., less sedentary minutes and total screen time) and displayed better sleeping patterns (i.e., earlier and less variability in sleep onset and offset) on days they attended than children in the control. HSL produced greater changes in physical activity than 21C. However, attendance at either HSL or 21C leads to more healthy obesogenic behaviors. Based on the behavioral data in this pilot study, a larger trial may be warranted. These results must be considered along with the pending primary outcomes (i.e., academics and BMI z-score) of the HSL pilot to determine if a full-scale trial is warranted. NIH-NCT03321071 . Registered 25 October 2017
Estimation of the critical external heat leading to the failure of lithium-ion batteries

A detailed experimental investigation on the critical external heat leading to the failure of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries was conducted using an Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Several types of commercial Li-ion batteries were selected for the study, including an iron phosphate Li-ion battery (LFP), a lithium-titanate battery (LTO), and a lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide battery (NMC). Each battery was placed in a specially designed sealed steel canister and heated in the ARC. Battery voltage throughout the test was monitored and used to indicate the time to a battery failure. Three thermocouples, one attached to the battery surface, one measuring air temperature inside the canister, and one attached to the canister's internal surface, were used to record temperature changes during the heating tests. Different thermal behaviors were observed for the various battery types. An analytical model was developed to estimate the total external heat received by the battery using the measured temperatures. Experimental data ranked the batteries tested in terms of the heat to failure as: LFP 26650 (11 kJ) > LFP 18650 (4.3 kJ) > NMC 18650 MH1 (3.6 kJ) ≈ LTO 18650 (3.6 kJ) > NMC 18650 HG2 (3 kJ). Total heat normalized to the battery nominal energy capacity was also calculated and ranked as: LTO 18650 ≈ LFP 26650 ≈ LFP 18650 > NMC 18650 MH1 ≈ NMC 18650 HG2. The test and analysis method developed can be extended to other types of batteries with a cylindrical shape. Results from this work provide insights to the thermal safety of Li-ion batteries and can help enhance battery thermal design and management.
Kinetics Genetics and Heterosis

Heterosis is the phenomenon that hybrids exhibit greater biomass and fertility than either of the parents. A consensus has not coalesced about the genetic and molecular basis despite over a century of investigation. Some recent studies of the so-called single-gene heterosis and large-scale genomic/phenomic studies have suggested that genes typically involved with quantitative traits seem to be the major determinants of heterosis rather than complementation of random mutations in a variety of functions. As usual, once a new insight emerges, one can recognize prescient experimental results in the classical studies that foreshadow such realizations. Here, we trace the history of these prescient results and relate them to new ideas about how quantitative traits are evaluated with a special emphasis on heterosis. Many questions remain in terms of the details of the mechanism. The prospects for genetic engineering and gene editing to foster heterosis are challenging but some possibilities are emerging.
Planktonic and Biofilm Activity of Eravacycline against Staphylococci Isolated from Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

MIC and minimum biofilm bactericidal concentration (MBBC) values of eravacycline against 185 staphylococci from periprosthetic joint infections were determined. Staphylococcus aureus had MICs of ≤0.25 μg/ml. MICs for methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis were ≤1 and ≤2 μg/ml, respectively. S. aureus and S. epidermidis MBBC50 and MBBC90 values were 8 and 16 μg/ml for each, showing poor anti-staphylococcal biofilm activity using the method studied.
An in vitro system to investigate IOL: Lens capsule interaction.

Abstract Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication associated with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Unfortunately, current in vitro models cannot be used to assess the potential of PCO due to their failure to simulate the posterior curvature of the lens capsule (LC) and IOL, a factor known to affect PCO pathogenesis in clinic. To overcome such a challenge, a new system to study IOL: LC interaction and potentially predict PCO was developed in this effort. It is believed that the interactions between an IOL and the lens capsule may influence the extent of PCO formation. Specifically, strong adhesion force between an IOL and the LC may impede lens epithelial cell migration and proliferation and thus reduce PCO formation. To assess the adhesion force between an IOL and LC, a new in vitro model was established with simulated LC and a custom-designed micro-force tester. A method to fabricate simulated LCs was developed by imprinting IOLs onto molten gelatin to create simulated three dimensional (3D) LCs with curvature resembling the bag-like structure that collapses on the IOL post implantation. By pushing the LC mold vertically downward, while measuring the change in position of the bending bar with respect to its start position, the adhesion force between the IOLs and LCs was measured. An in vitro system that can measure the adhesion force reproducibly between an IOL and LC with a resolution of ~1 μN was established in this study. During system optimization, the 10% high molecular weight gelatin produced the best LC with the highest IOL: LC adhesion force with all test lenses that were fabricated from acrylic foldable, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and silicone materials. Test IOLs exerted different adhesion force with the 3D simulated LCs in the following sequence: acrylic foldable IOL > silicone IOL > PMMA IOL. These results are in good agreement with the clinical observations associated with PCO performance of IOLs made of the same materials. This novel in vitro system can provide valuable insight on the IOL: LC interplay and its relationship to clinical PCO outcomes.
Personal Bankruptcy and Race: When the Public-Private Welfare State is Predatory

This article argues that personal bankruptcy is part of a “dual state,” that simultaneously provides welfare to some while being predatory to others. Viewed from within the tradition of the revisionist welfare state literature, which argues that the American welfare state is larger than it initially appears because of hidden, submerged, delegated, and public-private components, personal bankruptcy matches the definition of a public-private welfare state institution. Scholars argue that personal bankruptcy provides social insurance by forcing private creditors to become “insurers of last resort,” for unfortunate debtors and the outcomes surrounding personal bankruptcy conform to the predictions of revisionist welfare state literature. These outcomes, however, raise questions about whether personal bankruptcy should legitimately be considered as part of the welfare state. Applying critical race theory helps us to see that the social contract underlying the public side of personal bankruptcy is a racial contract and that capitalism, underlying the private side, is racial capitalism. For race-class subjugated populations, personal bankruptcy is part of a predatory credit regulatory regime in which the state is clearly implicated.
Assessment of Perceived Executive Functioning: Implications for Clinical Practice.

This trio of articles focused on self-reported executive functioning (EF), a transdiagnostic construct related to many psychological and neurological disorders. Two of the articles address the need...
Genetics of Associated Syndromes

Congenital anomalies of the upper extremity (CAUE) are seen in a number of syndromes, either as an occasional feature or as a major or even presenting feature. In this chapter, only the syndromes in which the CAUE are defining or major features are included. For each of these syndromes, the genetic basis, including specific genes, if known, is included. The syndromes are reviewed by their involvement of the major types of CAUE: polydactyly, syndactyly, brachydactyly, oligodactyly, or reduction defects. In addition, the genetics of isolated brachydactyly and polydactyly is included.
Product of Nature Doctrine: Myriad's Effect Beyond Nucleic Acids

Subject matter eligibility doctrine is dubbed “the ‘substantive due process’ of patent law.” And this is not without good reason. The Patent Act of 1952 broadly details categories of eligible subject matter, but the wrinkles appear in the judicially-created exceptions that are excluded from eligible subject matter: “laws of nature, physical phenomena, and abstract ideas.” From these exclusions, the products of nature doctrine evolved. Though recent scholars question this doctrine’s foundation in case law, it can be traced back to 1889. Broadly, this doctrine excludes from patent-eligible subject matter products of nature. Within this doctrine, though, is the “isolation or purification” exception: Some courts permit patenting of “purified” or “isolated” natural products. The USPTO embraced this line of decisions in 2001, and issued revised Utility Examination Guidelines supporting the eligibility of patents covering isolated, naturally-occurring DNA. This exception also extends to isolated stem cells, and isolated amino acid products (e.g., proteins, antibodies, polypeptides). The patent-eligibility of isolated DNA recently came under attack in Ass’n for Molecular Pathology v. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, 702 F. Supp. 2d 181 (S.D.N.Y. 2010). The ACLU, along with other plaintiffs, challenged Myriad’s patents covering, inter alia, the isolated BRCA1/2 gene and gene segments, and the corresponding cDNA, arguing that the claims covered products of nature outside the scope of §101. The case has made its way to the Supreme Court. Both parties, and the Government in an amicus brief, interpret the product of nature doctrine as applied to isolated nucleic acids. However, no brief considers the effect of this holding on products other than nucleic acids. This Paper fills the void by conducting an empirical study that quantifies the effect of the narrow view of the product of nature doctrine that disallows patents on natural products based on isolation or purification. Part I traces the product of nature doctrine from its inception to the 2001 USPTO Utility Guidelines. Part II details the Myriad litigation, from the district court through oral arguments in front of the Supreme Court, and outlines the Government’s and each party’s position on the product of nature doctrine. Part III presents the results of a novel empirical study that analyzes each recently issued patent containing “isolated” or “purified” in the claims to determine whether the patent would pass the ACLU’s stringent test for the subject matter eligibility that effectively reads out the "isolation" or "purification" exception from the products of nature exclusion. Surprisingly, this study finds that the vast majority of patents would be ineligible.
Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase: Allosteric Regulation of a Dissociating Enzyme

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP; EC 2.4.2.1) catalyzes the phosphorolysis of (d)guanosine or inosine to form the base (guanine or hypoxanthine) and (d)ribose-1-P; the enzyme has therefore been defined as catabolic (1,2). The enzyme may also be considered as biosynthetic, since the salvage of purines to form nucleotides is largely via a one step phosphoribosyltransferase reaction. Reports characterizing this enzyme have not been consistent. Based on the native Mr, the enzyme has been reported as a trimer, a dimer, or a monomer (references in #3). Also, some studies have reported negative cooperativity with phosphate (references in #4), or nucleosides (references in #4). Some ambiguity about the above results arose when other studies reported no cooperativity with phosphate, or with nucleosides (references in #4).
Characterization of insoluble elastin from copper-deficient pigs. Its usefulness in elastin sequence studies.

Abstract Insoluble elastin from copper-deficient animals has an amino acid composition intermediate between mature elastin and salt-soluble elastin (a higher lysine content and correspondingly low number of cross-links relative to the normal protein) and is solubilized by successive treatment with trypsin and chymotrypsin at 4 and 37°C. Small amounts of B3H4 (11 mg–2 g of elastin) reduced allysine, allysine aldol, dehydronorleucine, and dehydromerodesmosine in insoluble elastin from copper-deficient pig aorta. In contrast, desmosine and isodesmosine were reduced only when a large excess of reductant (400 mg borohydride) was included in the reaction mixture. Reduction studies indicated that lysinonorleucine and merodesmosine were present in their dehydro forms to a greater extent in copper-deficient pig elastin than in normal elastin. After reduction with borohydride approximately 35% of the reduced form of the insoluble elastin remained insoluble after digestion with trypsin and chymotrypsin. A peptide containing the aldehyde oxidation product of lysine (allysine) and demonstrating an enrichment in glutamic acid was purified from the reduced form of copper-deficient pig elastin and partially sequenced. Its sequence (Gly-Ala-Glu-allysine-(Glu)…) and amino acid composition suggest: (1) clustering of glutamic acid residues in the elastin molecule, and (2) that allysine residues are not restricted to the alanine-enriched sites described for other elastin crosslinks. Insoluble elastin from copper-deficient animals promises to be a useful tool for elastin sequence studies.
Long-Distance Contacts, Elite Aspirations, and the Age of Discovery in Cosmological Context

It is readily apparent that in traditional societies interregional interactions are complex activities that can be undertaken for many reasons by various types of actors and may occur in a variety of formats or structural relationships, ranging from mutual give-and-take to distinctly one-sided associations. The investigation of these phenomena can also proceed along diverse lines. A number of scholars have placed interregional interactions within frameworks of political economy, considering the exchange or acquisition of valuable material resources as an important motive for interregional or long-distance contacts and assessing the usefulness of such acquisitions in the political careers of local and regional elites. I have no quarrel with this perspective, but I believe we can add another major dimension to our understanding of the nature and significance of long-distance or interregional contacts by considering these interactions within a framework of political ideology. In this chapter I wish to broaden emphasis beyond resource acquisition per se to consider both the “meaning” of the distant domains from which such goods are obtained and the “meaning” of the activities involved in contacting such domains.
The first clinical application of planning software for laparoscopic microwave thermosphere ablation of malignant liver tumours.

Abstract Background Liver tumour ablation is an operator‐dependent procedure. The determination of the optimum needle trajectory and correct ablation parameters could be challenging. The aim of this study was to report the utility of a new, procedure planning software for microwave ablation (MWA) of liver tumours. Methods This was a feasibility study in a pilot group of five patients with nine metastatic liver tumours who underwent laparoscopic MWA. Pre‐operatively, parameters predicting the desired ablation zones were calculated for each tumour. Intra‐operatively, this planning strategy was followed for both antenna placement and energy application. Post‐operative 2‐week computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to evaluate complete tumour destruction. Results The patients had an average of two tumours (range 1–4), measuring 1.9 ± 0.4 cm (range 0.9–4.4 cm). The ablation time was 7.1 ± 1.3 min (range 2.5–10 min) at 100W. There were no complications or mortality. The patients were discharged home on post‐operative day (POD) 1. At 2‐week CT scans, there were no residual tumours, with a complete ablation demonstrated in all lesions. Conclusions This study describes and validates pre‐treatment planning software for MWA of liver tumours. This software was found useful to determine precisely the ablation parameters and needle placement to create a predicted zone of ablation.
Expression of Ion Channels in Xenopus Oocytes

Xenopus oocytes have been widely used for studying ion channels in a controlled in vivo environment since the system was initially developed for this purpose by Miledi and coworkers [1, 2]. There have been at least five major types of studies using oocytes to examine ion channel expression. The earliest use was to examine the properties of specific ion channels in a living cell free from other responses. The oocytes were injected with RNA isolated from whole brains, and the responses were analyzed using the two-microelectrode whole cell voltageclamp [2, 3], the patch clamp [4], or a variety of biochemical techniques [5, 6]. Once the responses were isolated, Xenopus oocytes were then used in a second type of study as an assay system to isolate cDNA clones encoding the proteins involved. For example, cDNA clones encoding the 5-HT1C receptor were isolated using electrophysiological assays, both by hybrid depletion [7] and by directly transcribing RNA from a cDNA library and injecting the transcripts into oocytes [8]. These types of studies are much less commonly used now because of the large number of available heterologous expression systems and cDNA clones encoding ion channels. The third major type of study for which the Xenopus oocyte expression system has been, and continues to be, particularly useful is the correlation of molecular structure with electrophysiological function of a specific channel. The two basic approaches have been to construct defined mutations whose effects are determined by expression in oocytes, and to construct chimeric molecules between two closely related channels or receptors followed by expression in oocytes and electrophysiological analysis. These types of approach are still commonly used but with more sophisticated structural alterations and functional analyses. The fourth general approach utilizing expression in oocytes is to determine the functional effects of mutations that cause human diseases. These types of studies are also performed using expression in other heterologous systems such as mammalian cells, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be discussed in Section 1.5.3. 1
Progress toward the evolution of a Stirling space engine

Following the successful testing of the 25 kWe Space Power Demonstrator (SPD) engine in 1985, a Stirling Space Engine (SSE) technology advancement program was initiated. The program`s objective was to advance free-piston Stirling engine/alternator technology sufficiently so that a Stirling engine system may become a viable candidate for space power applications. Evolution of the SSE technology is planned to occur at three different engine heater temperature levels: 650, 1050, and 1300 K. These temperatures define three phases of technology development with the first phase involving the 650 K SPD engine. Technology development of the 650 K engine and preliminary design of the 1050 K engine will be discussed in this paper.
Secondary transfer effect of contact: Do intergroup contact effects spread to noncontacted outgroups?

This paper reviews the evidence for a secondary transfer effect of intergroup contact. Following a contact’s typical primary reduction in prejudice toward the outgroup involved in the contact, this effect involves a further, secondary reduction in prejudice toward noninvolved outgroups. Employing longitudinal German probability samples, we found that significant secondary transfer effects of intergroup contact exist, but they were limited to specific outgroups that are similar to the contacted outgroup in perceived stereotypes, status or stigma. Since the contact-prejudice link is bidirectional, the effect is inflated when prior prejudice reducing contact is not controlled. The strongest evidence derives from experimental research. Both cognitive (dissonance) and affective (evaluative conditioning) explanations for the effect are offered.
Muscarinic M1 receptors stimulate phosphoinositide hydrolysis in bovine cerebral arteries.

Abstract The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M produced a concentration-dependent increase in phosphoinositide hydrolysis in bovine pial arteries. The maximal effect was 5.9 ± 0.89 fold over basal levels, and the EC 50 for oxotremorine-M was 8.9×10 −6 M. The phosphoinositide response in arteries with the luminal endothelium removed was similar to the response in intact arteries. The specific muscarinic antagonists pirenzepine, 4-DAMP and methoctramine produced parallel shifts of the concentration-response curve to oxotremorine-M, with the following order of potency (pK B ): 4-DAMP (8.59 ± 0.10 > pirenzepine (8.12 ± 0.11) > methoctramine (6.77 ± 0.20). These results indicate that muscarinic stimulation activates phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cerebral arteries, and that the muscarinic receptors mediating this increase are similar to the M 1 subtype.
Autokinetic Word Writing as a Function of Variations in Instructions

An attempt was made to determine whether or not variation in autokinetic word writing (AWT) instructions would increase word production. Normative characteristics of 99 Ss' word productions are pre...
National institutions, public–private knowledge flows, and innovation performance: A comparative study of the biotechnology industry in the US and France

Abstract The biotechnology industry is a striking example of the disconnect between the location of knowledge creation and its commercial development. I argue that national technological performance in biotechnology is critically affected by institutions governing scientific careers, which shape the professional identities and boundary-spanning activities of research scientists. I test this in a comparison of the United States and France. Drawing on fieldwork and analysis of patent data, I compare institutional frameworks and estimate models of forward patent citations. The models show that entrepreneurial firms are associated with high-performing innovations in this sector whereas large established firms perform poorly in both countries, and highlight the importance of institutions in creating country-specific combinations of human capital with organizational capabilities.
Rethinking Sex Differences in Aggression: Aggressive Behavior in the Absence of Social Roles

Two studies investigated the influence of social roles on sex differences in aggression, the first focusing on expectations and the second on behavior In both studies, deindividuation was used to remove the influence of social roles. In Study 1, implicit theories about sex differences in aggression were examined by asking people to predict aggression by males and females in individuated and deindividuated conditions. People expected men to be more aggressive than women but did not show an appreciation of the disinhibiting effects of deindividuation. In Study 2, deindividuation was manipulated in the laboratory to assess its effects in an aggression-eliciting situation. As predicted, men aggressed more than women in the individuated condition, but this difference was eliminated in the deindividuated condition. Subjects' perceptions of their behavior were more consistent with the implicit theories documented in Study I than with how they actually behaved.
A Decision Analysis for Treatment of Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preferred treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. DESIGN: Cancer grade, patient age, and comorbidities are considered in a Markov model with Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses. Large and recent pooled analyses and patient-derived utilities are included. RESULTS: Principal findings suggest benefit for radical prostatectomy relative to watchful waiting for men under 70 years of age with low to moderate comorbidity. Men older than 70 with high comorbidity and disease of low to moderate grade do better with watchful waiting. CONCLUSIONS: Cohort-level sensitivity analyses suggest a quality-adjusted treatment benefit for radical prostatectomy for younger men and treatment harm for older men. Tailored patient and clinician decisions remain necessary, especially for men older than 70 in good health but with aggressive cancers.
The Effects of Health Literacy on Asthma Self-management:

The purpose of this inquiry was to explore, analyze, and synthesize the current research findings regarding the role of low health literacy in asthma self-management. The authors obtained relevant articles by conducting a search in the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed Plus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included combinations of asthma, peak flow, inhaler, asthma action plan, management, and literacy. The search was restricted to English-language publications and to studies recently conducted in the United States. Ten articles were retained that met these inclusion and exclusion criteria. Taken together, these data indicate that low health literacy is associated with less accurate metered-dose inhaler technique, less use of peak flow meters and asthma action plans, less ability to calculate peak flow zones, higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma, and less desire to participate in decision making. Low ...
Conditioned locomotor stimulant effects of cocaine in rats do not result from interference with habituation.

Rationale: Classical conditioning has been proposed to account for the hyperactivity observed in drug-free rats when placed in an environment previously paired with cocaine administration. However, an alternative explanation is that hyperactivity results from an inability of rats to habituate to the environment under the influence of cocaine. Objectives: In this study, preconditioning exposure to the test environment was increased from one session (standard procedure) to seven (modified procedure) to test the "antihabituation" hypothesis. Methods: After preconditioning exposure, six conditioning sessions took place over a 10-day to 13-day period. Paired rats received 10 mg/kg cocaine i.p. prior to activity sessions and saline i.p. upon return to the colony room. Unpaired rats received saline prior to and cocaine after activity sessions. Time-off rats were withheld from the activity boxes, but were subject to all other procedures during conditioning. On the test day, all rats received saline prior to activity sessions. Results: In the standard procedure, paired rats exhibited significantly greater activity than unpaired rats on the test day, consistent with previous reports. In the modified procedure, mean activity (all rats) decreased between the first and last preconditioning sessions. Still, the paired group exhibited greater activity than the unpaired group on the test day, suggesting that a conditioned stimulant effect developed in habituated rats. Activity in the time-off group did not significantly differ from the unpaired group demonstrating the habituation had not dissipated over this time period. Conclusions: These results support the conclusion that hyperactivity observed on the test day was not a result of antihabituation effects of cocaine.
UTILITY OF THE DISPLACEMENT EFFECT IN THE ROUTINE OPTIMIZATION OF SEPARATIONS BY PREPARATIVE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract The utility of the displacement effect, previously observed between the first- and the second-eluted components of a particular binary mixture (“sample self-displacement effect”), is demonstrated by a further series of experiments. The use of this phenomenon is shown to be an effective, general approach for the separation of a binary mixture. When practical, it considerably facilitates the optimization of experimental conditions for a high production rate of very pure fractions, while permitting the achievement of high recovery yields. Using a 750 × 21.4 mm I.D. silica column, separations of several two-component mixtures were achieved for loads as high as 6 g per injection. A good recovery of the first-eluting component with a purity higher than 99% is easily achieved. As the loading increases, tailing of the first component into the second band can reduce the production of the second component. Nevertheless, the recoveries for both components can be substantially greater than those achieved with conventional elution chromatography. Factors found to influence recovery yield are α, k′ and the mobile phase flow-rate. Guidelines are presented that can be used routinely to induce the self-displacement separation mode.
Correlations and Fluctuations in STAR

We report measurements for the balance function and pt fluctuations from Au+Au collisions at √{sNN} = 20, 130 and 200 GeV as well as p+p and d+Au collisions at √{sNN} = 200 GeV using STAR at RHIC. For Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV, we observe a narrowing of the balance function in central collisions. We observe dynamic pt fluctuations at all incident energies. Observables related to pt fluctuations are similar for peripheral Au+Au collisions and inclusive p+p collisions while central Au+Au collisions deviate significantly from HIJING predictions.
Springback in plane strain stretch/draw sheet forming

Abstract Accurate prediction of springback is essential for the design of tools used in automotive sheet stamping operations. The plane strain stretch/draw operation presents a complex form of springback occurring in sheet metal forming since the sheet undergoes stretching, bending and unbending deformations. The two-dimensional draw bending is an example of such an operation in which the complex stress-strain states in the sheet cause the formation of side wall curls after the sheet is allowed to unload. Accurate prediction of the side wall curl requires using finite element shell models which can account for curvature and through-thickness stresses caused by bending and unbending of the sheet. Since such models are generally slow and expensive to use, an alternative and efficient method of predicting side wall curls will be desirable. This paper describes a novel and robust method for predicting springback in general and side wall curls in the two-dimensional draw bending operation as a special case, using moment-curvature relationships derived for sheets undergoing plane strain stretching, bending and unbending deformations. This model modifies a membrane finite element solution to calculate through-thickness strains and stresses and springback. Accuracy of this model's predictions are verified by comparisons with finite element (ABAQUS) and experimental results.
Sea surface height variations in the South China Sea from satellite altimetry

Abstract Sea surface elevation in the South China Sea is examined in the Topex/Poseidon altimeter data from 1992 to 1995. Sea level anomalies are smoothed along satellite tracks and in time with tidal errors reduced by harmonic analysis. The smoothed data are sampled every ten days with an along-track separation of about 40 km. The data reveal significant annual variations in sea level. In winter, low sea level is over the entire deep basin with two local lows centred off Luzon and the Sunda Shelf. In summer, sea level is high off Luzon and off the Sunda Shelf, and a low off Vietnam separates the two highs. The boundary between the Vietnam low and Sunda high coincides with the location of a jet leaving the coast of Vietnam described in earlier studies. Principal component analysis shows that the sea level variation consists mainly of two modes, corresponding well to the first two modes of the wind stress curl. Mode 1 represents the oscillation in the southern basin and shows little inter-annual variation. The mode 2 oscillation is weak in the southern basin and is strongest off central Vietnam. During the winters of 1992–1993 and 1994–1995 and the following summers, the wind stress curl is weak, and the mode 2 sea level variation in the northern basin is reduced, resulting in weaker winter and summer gyres. Weakening of the Vietnam low in summer implies diminishing of the eastward jet leaving the coast of Vietnam. The results are consistent with model simulations.
Mirroring governance: archives, inventories and political knowledge in early modern Switzerland and Europe

The comparative study of archival inventories in early modern Switzerland reveals that three major regimes of inventorying logic emerged from the late fifteenth to the early eighteenth century. Early inventories constructed as lists gave way first to ideal-topographical inventories that relied on a double mapping of conceptual spaces against archival space and inventory pages, succeeded eventually by taxonomic inventories oriented around an active state apparatus and its needs. Synchronic and diachronic comparisons that focus on major reorganizations have proven effective in illustrating the scope and effectiveness of each of the successive regimes. A similar approach applied to major inventory projects across early modern Europe may identify further systems for making accumulating documents accessible to rulers, and may also allow us to trace genealogies of inventory practice regimes as they appeared in different regions, at different scales, and in diverse political contexts.