cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internal Medicine Attendings' Perception of Barriers to Outpatient Exam Room Presentations in Resident Continuity Clinic.

Outpatient exam room presentations (OERPs) in resident continuity clinic (RCC) can operationalize competency-based medical education and enhance patient satisfaction. We aimed to assess current OERP use and OERP barriers by surveying internal medicine attendings prior to and following a 4-week pilot of OERPs in RCC. Twenty-six out of an eligible 35 attendings completed the pre-pilot survey. Twenty attendings participated in the pilot and completed the post-pilot surveys. On the pre-pilot survey, 65% (17/26) of participants reported never using OERPs. Attendings’ perception of learner discomfort with OERPs as somewhat of or a significant barrier significantly decreased from pre-pilot to post-pilot (96% (25/26) v. 65% (13/20), p = 0.03). Time, feedback, and sensitive topics were frequently rated as barriers on both the pre-pilot and post-pilot surveys. On the post-pilot survey, most participants reported patient discomfort with OERPs, attending physician discomfort with OERPs, difficulty writing attestations during OERPs, and difficulty teaching during OERPs were not barriers. Additionally, 45% (9/20) reported planning to use OERPs in the future. Despite benefits of OERPs, there are several barriers to OERPs that need to be addressed prior to more routine implementation in resident continuity clinic. Further research should focus on strategies for overcoming barriers and maximizing benefits of OERPs as well as developing a set of OERP best practices to support routine implementation in RCC.
Adding Extra Knowledge in Scalable Learning of Sparse Differential Gaussian Graphical Models

We focus on integrating different types of extra knowledge (other than the observed samples) for estimating the sparse structure change between two p-dimensional Gaussian Graphical Models (i.e. differential GGMs). Previous differential GGM estimators either fail to include additional knowledge or cannot scale up to a high-dimensional (large p) situation. This paper proposes a novel method KDiffNet that incorporates Additional Knowledge in identifying Differential Networks via an Elementary Estimator. We design a novel hybrid norm as a superposition of two structured norms guided by the extra edge information and the additional node group knowledge. KDiffNet is solved through a fast parallel proximal algorithm, enabling it to work in large-scale settings. KDiffNet can incorporate various combinations of existing knowledge without re-designing the optimization. Through rigorous statistical analysis we show that, while considering more evidence, KDiffNet achieves the same convergence rate as the state-of-the-art. Empirically on multiple synthetic datasets and one real-world fMRI brain data, KDiffNet significantly outperforms the cutting edge baselines concerning the prediction performance, while achieving the same level of time cost or less.
FRA1 modulates cortical microtubule localization of CMU proteins

ABSTRACT Construction of the cell wall demands harmonized deposition of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides. Cortical microtubules orient the deposition of cellulose by guiding the trajectory of plasma membrane-embedded cellulose synthase complexes. Vesicles containing matrix polysaccharides are thought to be transported by the FRA1 kinesin to facilitate their secretion along cortical microtubules. The cortical microtubule cytoskeleton thus provides a platform to coordinate the delivery of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that the tail region of the FRA1 kinesin physically interacts with CMU proteins which are important for the microtubule-dependent guidance of cellulose synthase complexes. Interaction with CMUs did not affect microtubule binding or motility of the FRA1 kinesin but had an opposing effect on the cortical microtubule localization of CMU1 and CMU2 proteins, thus regulating the lateral stability of cortical microtubules. Phosphorylation of the FRA1 tail region by CKL6 inhibited binding to CMUs and consequently reversed the extent of cortical microtubule decoration by CMU1 and CMU2. Genetic experiments demonstrated the significance of this interaction to the growth and reproduction of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. We propose that modulation of CMU’s microtubule localization by FRA1 provides a mechanism to control the coordinated deposition of cellulose and matrix polysaccharides.
King, Marx, and the Revolution of Worldwide Value

This essay considers how Martin Luther King Jr.’s well-known call for a “revolution of values” is complicated by the production and circulation of value in a capitalist society. By approaching King’s work through the lens of value-form theory, and building explicitly on the emerging literature on racial capitalism and the Black radical tradition, the paper contributes to both the resurgence of interest in Marxist thought and the ongoing recovery of the radical and internationalist dimensions of King’s legacy. It also underscores the importance of anchoring contemporary Black politics within a critical theory of global economic crisis.
Machine-learning prediction for quasiparton distribution function matrix elements

There have been rapid developments in the direct calculation in lattice QCD (LQCD) of the Bjorken-$x$ dependence of hadron structure through large-momentum effective theory (LaMET). LaMET overcomes the previous limitation of LQCD to moments (that is, integrals over Bjorken $x$) of hadron structure, allowing LQCD to directly provide the kinematic regions where the experimental values are least known. LaMET requires large-momentum hadron states to minimize its systematics and allow us to reach small-$x$ reliably. This means that very fine lattice spacing to minimize lattice artifacts at order $({P}_{z}a{)}^{n}$ will become crucial for next-generation LaMET-like structure calculations. Furthermore, such calculations require operators with long Wilson-link displacements, especially in finer lattice units, increasing the communication costs relative to that of the propagator inversion. In this work, we explore whether machine-learning algorithms can make predictions of correlators to reduce the computational cost of these LQCD calculations. We consider two algorithms, gradient-boosting decision tree and linear models, applied to LaMET data, the matrix elements needed to determine the kaon and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{s}$ unpolarized parton distribution functions (PDFs), meson distribution amplitude (DA), and the nucleon gluon PDF. We find that both algorithms can reliably predict the target observables with different prediction accuracy and systematic errors. The predictions from smaller displacement $z$ to larger ones work better than those for momentum $p$ due to the higher correlation among the data.
Accurate Uncertainty Propagation for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems Using Differential Inequalities With Model Redundancy

This article presents new methods for computing tight interval enclosures of the reachable sets of discrete-time nonlinear systems subject to bounded uncertainties. These methods are motivated by effective methods for continuous-time systems based on differential inequalities (DI). Modern DI methods, particularly those using refinement techniques based on redundant model equations, have demonstrated very sharp enclosures at low cost for several challenging test cases. However, they rely on key properties of continuous-time systems that do not hold generally in discrete time. Nevertheless, we show that discrete-time analogues of these methods do provide valid enclosures for systems satisfying certain monotonicity conditions. We show that these conditions are always satisfied for systems obtained by forward Euler discretization of continuous-time models with step sizes below a computable upper limit. New refinement algorithms are presented for exploiting redundant model equations in the discrete-time setting. The resulting discrete-time DI methods are compared to existing algorithms using several case studies.
Positive follow-up blood cultures identify high mortality risk among patients with Gram-negative bacteraemia

Abstract Objectives The role of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in the management of Gram-negative bacteraemia (GNB) is poorly understood. We aimed to determine the utility of FUBCs in identifying patients with increased mortality risk. Methods An observational study with a prospectively enrolled cohort of adult inpatients with GNB was conducted at Duke University Health System from 2002 to 2015. FUBCs were defined as blood cultures performed from 24 hours to 7 days from initial positive blood culture. Results Among 1702 patients with GNB, 1164 (68%) had FUBCs performed. When performed, FUBCs were positive in 20% (228/1113) of cases. FUBC acquisition was associated with lower all-cause in-hospital mortality (108/538, 20%, vs. 176/1164, 15%; p 0.01) and attributable in-hospital mortality (78/538, 15%, vs. 98/1164, 8%; p Conclusions Rates of positive FUBCs were high and identified patients at increased risk for mortality. Clinical variables can identify patients at high risk for positive FUBCs. FUBCs should be considered in the management of GNB.
Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Cardiac Surgery: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature

The number of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and a history of prior cardiac surgery has increased. Prior cardiac surgery increases the risk of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. To evaluate the impact of prior cardiac surgery on clinical endpoints in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) versus surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), we performed a literature search using PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The clinical endpoints included in our study were 30-day mortality, 1–2-year mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), bleeding, stroke, procedural time, and duration of hospital stay. Seven studies, which included a total of 8221 patients, were selected. Our study found that TAVR was associated with a lower incidence of stroke and bleeding complications. There was no significant difference in terms of AKI, 30-day all-cause mortality, and 1–2-year all-cause mortality between the two groups. The average procedure time and duration of hospital stay were 170 min less (p ≤ 0.01) and 3.6 days shorter (p < 0.01) in patients with TAVR, respectively. In patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft and severe AS, both TAVR and SAVR are reasonable options. However, TAVR may be associated with a lower incidence of complications like stroke and perioperative bleeding, in addition to a shorter length of stay.
1627. Tedizolid is Well-tolerated Among Patients Receiving Prolonged Treatment Courses, Including Those Who are Intolerant of Alternative Agents

Background Tedizolid (TZD) is approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI), but often used for complicated infections to avoid linezolid (LZD) adverse events (AE), particularly when long-term treatment is indicated. This studied aimed to characterize the tolerability of TZD, including patients (pts) receiving prolonged treatment.
Investigating groundwater: Middle school students’ mapping data-driven, computer-based models to socio-hydrologic phenomena

Groundwater is a critical component of the global water cycle and standards-based topic within science education. However, students articulate an array of ideas about groundwater systems, including...
Guidance of Neural Crest Migration

The vertebrate neural crest is first recognizable at the onset of neurulation as the neural folds appose to form the neural tube. Neural crest cells emigrate from the dorsal neural tube shortly after tube closure. From this site of origin, they migrate extensively and differentiate into a wide variety of derivatives. Neural crest-derived cell types include neurons and supportive cells of the peripheral nervous system, melanocytes, several neurosecretory cell types, bone and car tilage of the face, and adrenal chromaffin cells. Because of the migratory ability of neural crest cells and the diversity of crest derivatives, this transient embryonic structure provides an important model system for studying interactions involved in cell movement and differentiation.
An adaptive method of tracking anatomical curves in x-ray sequences

Tracking anatomical structures in X-Ray sequences has broad applications, such as motion compensation for dynamic 3D/2D model overlay during image guided interventions. Many anatomical structures are curve-like such as ribs and liver dome. To handle various types of anatomical curves, a generic and robust tracking framework is needed to track shapes of different anatomies in noisy X-ray images. In this paper, we present a novel tracking framework, which is based on adaptive measurements of structures' shape, motion, and image intensity patterns. The framework does not need offline training to achieve robust tracking results. The framework also incorporates an online learning method to robustly adapt to anatomical structures of different shape and appearances. Experimental results on real-world clinical sequences confirm that the presented anatomical curve tracking method improves the tracking performance compared to a baseline performance.
Data-driven optimization approaches for optimal power flow with uncertain reserves from load control

Aggregations of electric loads, like heating and cooling systems, can be controlled to help the power grid balance supply and demand, but the amount of balancing reserves available from these resources is uncertain. In this paper, we investigate data-driven optimization methods that are suited to dispatching power systems with uncertain balancing reserves provided by load control. Specifically, we consider a chance-constrained optimal power flow problem in which we aim to satisfy constraints that include random variables either jointly with a specified probability or individually with different risk tolerance levels. We focus on the realistic case in which we do not have full knowledge of the uncertainty distributions and compare distribution-free approaches with several stochastic optimization methods. We conduct experimental studies on the IEEE 9-bus test system assuming uncertainty in load, load-control reserve capacities, and renewable energy generation. The results show the computational efficacy of the distributionally robust approach and its flexibility in trading off between cost and robustness of solutions driven by data.
Enabling a community to dissect an organism: overview of the Neurospora functional genomics project.

A consortium of investigators is engaged in a functional genomics project centered on the filamentous fungus Neurospora, with an eye to opening up the functional genomic analysis of all the filamentous fungi. The overall goal of the four interdependent projects in this effort is to acccomplish functional genomics, annotation, and expression analyses of Neurospora crassa, a filamentous fungus that is an established model for the assemblage of over 250,000 species of nonyeast fungi. Building from the completely sequenced 43-Mb Neurospora genome, Project 1 is pursuing the systematic disruption of genes through targeted gene replacements, phenotypic analysis of mutant strains, and their distribution to the scientific community at large. Project 2, through a primary focus in Annotation and Bioinformatics, has developed a platform for electronically capturing community feedback and data about the existing annotation, while building and maintaining a database to capture and display information about phenotypes. Oligonucleotide-based microarrays created in Project 3 are being used to collect baseline expression data for the nearly 11,000 distinguishable transcripts in Neurospora under various conditions of growth and development, and eventually to begin to analyze the global effects of loss of novel genes in strains created by Project 1. cDNA libraries generated in Project 4 document the overall complexity of expressed sequences in Neurospora, including alternative splicing alternative promoters and antisense transcripts. In addition, these studies have driven the assembly of an SNP map presently populated by nearly 300 markers that will greatly accelerate the positional cloning of genes.
Viruses, Vectors, and Vegetation: An Autobiography

Publisher Summary This chapter is an autobiography of Karl Maramorosch with a prime focus to highlight the advances in virus research. Author's journey as a child to an adult is described along with the various phases of his life. The chapter also highlights his experiences and contributions at Brooklyn botanical garden and at Cold Spring Harbor. It later illustrates his educational qualifications and know-how of virus nomenclature and classification and also of insect viruses and cell culture. His association and international connections are discussed along with the events related to them.
Using Essence Reflection Meetings in Team-based Project Courses

Background Many software engineering curriculum contain a team-based project course. This is the case of Carnegie Mellon University Silicon Valley's masters of science in software engineering. In this context, we have been using Essence Reflection Meetings for five semesters with 17 teams and approximately 70 students. During these meetings, the teams reflect on various project's dimensions based on a systems thinking framework. The positive results have been published in research papers. Activity and Discussions Participants will learn about Essence Reflection Meetings for team-based project courses by practicing in a classroom environment. They will discuss challenges and solutions for team-based project courses, and how the proposed approach could potentially be leveraged in their own teaching environment. Organization We will start the tutorial with a discussion revealing the participants positive and negative experiences with team-based projects. After briefly introducing the Essence's systems thinking framework and our research results, we will use hands-on training exercises to demonstrate how to use the approach. This will be followed with guided debriefing. Finally, we will go deeper into the Essence framework, and discuss our research results and their applicability in various teaching environments. Learning Objectives By the end of the tutorial, participants will be familiar with a systems thinking framework that they can leverage to coach their students teams and monitor their progress. They will be able to articulate the pros and cons of applying the approach in their own teaching environment.
“Too Many Notes”? An Empirical Study of Advocacy in Federal Appeals

The warp and woof of U.S. law are threaded by the appellate courts, generating precedents on constitutional provisions, statutory texts, and common-law doctrines. Although the product of the appellate courts is regularly the subject of empirical study, less attention has been given to the sources and methods of appellate advocacy. Given the paramount place of written briefs in the appellate process, we should examine seriously the frequent complaint by appellate judges that briefs are too long and that prolixity weakens persuasive power. In a study of civil appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, we discover that, for appellants, briefs of greater length are strongly correlated with success on appeal. For the party challenging an adverse decision below, persuasive completeness may be more important than condensed succinctness. The underlying cause of both greater appellant success and accompanying longer briefs may lie in the typically complex nature of the reversible civil appeal. In light of our findings, the current proposal to reduce the limits on number of words in federal appellate briefs may cut more sharply against appellants. Experienced appellate advocates submit that familiarity with appellate courts, the honed ability to craft the right arguments with the appropriate style in briefing, and expertise in navigating the appellate system provide superior legal representation to clients. Our study lends support to this claim. We found a positive correlation between success and experience for lawyers representing appellees, thus warranting further study of lawyer specialization.
Avoiding the software model-clash spiderweb

Experience and studies of software-model clashes confirm that every software project is unavoidably confronted by a spiderweb of potential model clashes derived from the success models of the project's key stakeholders. These stakeholders usually include the software system's users, acquirers, developers and maintainers. Additional key stakeholders can include venture capitalists, marketers, proprietors of mutually developed interoperating systems, and the general public when issues such as safety and privacy arise. The authors offer two techniques for avoiding the conflicting assumptions that often snare software projects in a costly and time-consuming spiderweb.
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1-deficient mice show decreased anxiety and colonic sensitivity.

Abstract Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is an important mediator in the stress response. Previous studies in rodent models demonstrated that stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity was inhibited by CRF1 receptor antagonism. As CRF1R-deficient mice have an impaired stress response our goal was to further explore the importance of CRF1R in the development of colonic hypersensitivity. Using conscious CRF1R (+/+), CRF1R (+/−) and CRF1R (−/−) mice colonic sensitivity was assessed via a visceromotor behavioural response (VMR) induced by colorectal distension (CRD, 0–60 mmHg). In the CRF1R (+/+) mice there was a pressure-dependent increase in the VMR to CRD that was moderately attenuated in the CRF1R (+/−) mice. However in the CRF1R (−/−) mice a VMR to CRD was only observed at the highest distension pressure (60 mmHg). A CRF1R antagonist, NBI 30775 (30 mg kg−1 i.p.) significantly decreased the VMR to CRD in CRF1R +/+ mice. An identical inhibitory effect of NBI 30775 was observed in 43% of the CRF1R +/− mice. This study provides pharmacological and genetic evidence for the importance of CRF1R in colonic sensitivity and suggests a link between stress and visceral perception.
Sampled‐data feedback control of a binary distillation column

The design of sampled-data controllers for a binary distillation column was studied for several types of controllers and for various control tray locations, sampling rates and disturbances. Minimal prototype control was superior to continuous PI control under some conditions but, as expected, was only satisfactory for a specified disturbance. dual “A” control scheme that compensates for both setpoint and load disturbances was developed. Two separate algorithms are implemented simultaneously, one receiving its input signal from the setpoint and the other from the measured variable. Dual control is superior to continuous control, particularly when both disturbances are encountered at the same time, and is superior to the “switching” method proposed by Mosler et al. On a etudie la conception de controleurs de donnees prelevees pour une colonne de distillation binaire, en employant plusieurs genres de controleur, divers emplacements pour les plateaux de controle ainsi que differents taux d'echantillonnage et perturbations. Le controle du prototype minimal s'est avere superieur au controle absolu (P) dans certaines conditions, mais, comme il fallait s'y attendre, il n'a ete satisfaisant que dans le cas d'une perturbation specifiee. On a mis au point un systeme de controle double qui compense pour les perturbations embrassant le point d'ajustement et la charge. On a mis en oeuvre deux algorithmes simultanement; l'un recevant son signal d'entree du point d'ajustement et l'autre de la variable mesuree. Le controle double s'est avere superieur au controle continu, surtout lorsqu'on faisait face aux deux perturbations en meme temps; il s'est aussi avere superieur a la methode “de manoeuvre” proposee par Mosler et autres.
PATTERN OF DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS: Preferential Involvement of Distal Finger-joints

Abstract The preferential involvement of the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers in osteoarthritis is unexplained. Experimental work suggests that repetitive high stresses due to impulsive loading is a mechanism of joint degeneration. Biomechanical analysis of the forces acting across the finger-joints in grasp indicates that the distal interphalangeal joints sustain the greatest pressures and would be the most subject to wear. This is even more evident in precision grip than in power grip, which may well explain the female preponderance of arthritic involvement of the distal finger-joint.
Policy Wars for Peace: Network Model of NGO Behavior

The challenge of orchestrating coordination and cooperation among the many international organizations active in international development has attracted much interest from academics and practitioners alike. This study addresses a particular piece of the larger puzzle: as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and their donors, each usually with much different policy orientations, coalesce within interorganizational networks, what determines whose policy preferences are pursued, implemented, and delivered on the ground? Within the network-based model of NGO behavior introduced in this article, certain attributes and the internal institutional composition of NGO–donor policy networks are significant determinants in shaping opportunities for NGOs and in giving both NGOs and donors leverage over the policy process. The model focuses specifically on demonstrating the effects of a network on NGO autonomy—that is, an NGO's ability to advance its own policy preferences regardless of their congruency with those of its donors. The network typology presented in this study identifies the comparative advantages of distinct network types in which the NGO is most empowered as an autonomous policy actor and is best equipped to withstand parochial donor preferences. Using network analysis and the proposed network-based model, this research takes the form of a comparative study of four NGO–donor policy networks from the postconflict microfinance sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study also charts new research paths toward developing network-based approaches to the study of international institutions.
mRNA Leapfrogs DNA to Show Promise for Therapeutic Gene Transfer

The notion of expressing genetically engineered therapeutic protein products in vivo from messenger RNA (mRNA)—notorious for its nuclease-sensitivity—is arguably counterintuitive. However, in an article appearing in an upcoming issue, Kariko and colleagues1 show that systemic administration of erythropoietin (EPO)-encoding mRNA to mice results in a sustained expression of EPO protein in the circulation that is accompanied by a significant increase in reticulocyte counts and hematocrits. The study shows that using mRNA as template for therapeutic gene transfer not only is efficient and capable of eliciting biologically significant effects but may prove in some instances superior to DNA-based therapy.
Fast backface culling using normal masks

This paper presents a novel method for fast and efficient backface culling: we reduce the backface test to one logical operation per polygon while requiring only two bytes extra storage per polygon. The normal mask is introduced, where each bit is associated with a cluster of normals in a normal-space partitioning. A polygon's normal is approximated by the cluster of normals in which it falls; the cluster's normal mask is stored with the polygon in a preprocessing step. Although conceptually the normal masks require as many bits as the number of clusters, we observe that only two bytes are actually necessary. For each frame (and for each viewing volume), we calculate the backface mask by ORing the normals masks of all normal clusters that are backfacing. The backface test finally reduces to a single logical AND operation between the polygon's normal mask and the backface mask. CR
The effect of Tropical Cyclone Larry on tooth-billed bowerbird Scenopoeetes dentirostris court attendance and decoration

The effect of Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry on tooth-billed bowerbird court attendance and decoration was assessed for 32 courts located on the southern Atherton Tablelands. Numbers of active courts and the number of leaves on courts were compared with the two previous court attendance seasons. Compared with the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons, when court attendance was well established by mid-September, tooth-billed bowerbirds commenced court attendance late in the 2006/2007 season that followed Cyclone Larry. There were no courts active in mid-September, and few were active in the first week of October. Twenty-five percent fewer courts were active over the course of the 2006/2007 season than in the 2005/2006 season. For most of the 2006/2007 season, the average number of leaves on courts was significantly lower than in the previous two seasons. The 2006/2007 tooth-billed bowerbird court attendance season appears to have been affected by direct disturbance to court sites and by the fruit shortage that followed the cyclone.
Concerning non-measurable subsets of a given measurable set

Let R, μ and Mμ denote the set of real numbers, Lebesgue outer measure and the class of Lebesgue measurable subsets of R respectively. It is easy to prove that the complement Ec of E ∈ Mμ is a set of Lebesgue measure zero if the inequality holds for some δ > 0 and all intervals I of R. However, in Hewitt [1], raised a problem whether the result is still true if E is not a priori measurable set. In this paper, a negative answer to this question is given through a counter-example. Also, it is proved that for a given set E ∈ M,μ with μ(E) > 0 there is a non-measurable subset A of E satisfying μ(E)
The effect of the anion on the absorption of tetracycline from the rat stomach.

The absorption of tetracycline from the rat stomach has been investigated at acid pH values. The absorption is dependent on the anion of the buffer and appears to be related to the surface activity of the buffer.
Locating the instability of the topic places: Rhetoric, phronesis and neurobiology

Theory in the cognitive sciences around schemas, neural networks, and mapping supports and complements a hermeneutic rhetoric's championing of informal and practical reasoning against more rigid structures of logic, where concept, category, and judgment are born out of contingency and the to and fro of discursive practice. Contingency is not some extrinsic nuisance to adaptation for a neurobiological theory that posits a labile and dynamic structuring of cognition in the ongoing interaction of organism and environment. The endless reconfiguration and enrichment of neural patterns that come about through experience are born out of contingency and are suggestive, at their own level, for the performative view of rhetoric as the medium of reason at the level of discourse. This venture into cognitive science and neurobiology is undertaken to illuminate and develop our understandings of topical invention in rhetoric.
A numerical study of a 3D bioheat transfer problem with different spatial heating

We develop numerical methods for the computer simulation and modeling of a three dimensional heat transfer problem in biological bodies. The technique is intended for the temperature predications and parameter measurements in thermal medical practices and for the studies of thermomechanical interaction of biological bodies at high temperature. We examine a mathematical model based on the classical well-known Pennes equation for heat transfer in biological bodies. A finite difference discretization scheme is used to discretize the governing partial differential equation. A preconditioned iterative solver is employed to solve the resulting sparse linear system at each time step. Numerical results are obtained to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed numerical methods.
Scale economies, consistent conjectures and teams

This paper models the behavior of team members in a consistent conjectures equilibrium. When subject to scale economies, team members produce more than Nash and when subject to scale diseconomies, they produce less than Nash. Moreover, even when effort levels of team members are perfect substitutes in production, they can be strategic complements in the face of scale economies. Finally, with sufficient scale economies, the complementarity eliminates free-riding and the team optimum is obtained.
Developmental seizure models

Seizures frequently occur in children. There are significant differences in the generation, expression and modification of seizures as a function of age. Animal models of epilepsy should depict these age-related differences. In this paper, we summarize the main features of generalized flurothyl, pentylenetetrazol, bicuculline and picrotoxin-induced seizures in adult and immature rats as well as the characteristics of focal seizures induced by amygdala kindling, systemic NMDA and kainic acid. Some of the models may be more advantageous for screening antiepileptic drug effects whereas other models may be more helpful in studying the basic mechanisms of epilepsy.
Personal and social motivations as predictors of substance use among college students.

The Drug Use Survey was administered via a direct mail to a simple random sample of 2200 students enrolled at a large southwestern U.S. university. A purpose of the study was to determine the predictability of self-reported drug use utilizing motivations (personal and social) commonly reported by substance users. Two subscales were developed, one for each category of motivations. Reliability for each subscale as estimated by coefficient alpha was .80 and .86, respectively. A series of step-wise multiple regression analyses were computed in which individual drug use indices served as criterion variables, while the predictor variables were the personal motivations subscale (PMS) and the social motivation subscale (SMS) for each model. The results indicated that the PMS was the stronger predictor in every model with the exception of the model that predicted the alcohol use index. The SMS was the best predictor for alcohol use.
Index method of determining the sample size

To quantify how worthy and reliable an interval estimate of a parameter, an index is defined. This index is derived for estimating the mean μ of a normal population. Using this index, a method is devised for determining the sample size formula. Advantages of this new sample size formula are pointed out.
A Bowen Family Systems Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Romantic Relationship Distress

Many individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) do not respond well to currently available treatments. Moreover, treatments are less effective when GAD is accompanied by romantic relationship distress. In order to develop effective treatments for GAD and relationship distress, it is necessary to conduct theory-based research to identify links common to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Drawing on Bowen's family systems theory, the roles of family abuse/violence and differentiation in GAD and romantic relationship distress were examined using existing data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (n = 2,312; 2005). As predicted, family abuse/violence was directly linked to both GAD and romantic relationship distress. Differentiation mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and GAD, and partially mediated the relationship between family abuse/violence and romantic relationship distress. Findings suggest that current and past relationship processes may help maintain chronic anxiety and that Bowen's theory may be a useful framework for developing couple therapy treatment of GAD and romantic relationship distress.
Undernutrition, the Acute Phase Response to Infection, and Its Effects on Micronutrient Status Indicators

Infection and undernutrition are prevalent in developing countries and demonstrate a synergistic relation. Undernutrition increases infection-related morbidity and mortality. The acute phase response (APR) is an innate, systemic inflammatory reaction to a wide array of disruptions in a host’s homeostasis, including infection. Released from immune cells in response to deleterious stimuli, proinflammatory cytokines act on distant tissues to induce behavioral (e.g., anorexia, weakness, and fatigue) and systemic effects of the APR. Cytokines act to increase energy and protein requirements to manifest fever and support hepatic acute phase protein (APP) production. Blood concentrations of glucose and lipid are augmented to provide energy to immune cells in response to cytokines. Additionally, infection decreases intestinal absorption of nutrients and can cause direct loss of micronutrients. Traditional indicators of iron, zinc, and vitamin A status are altered during the APR, leading to inaccurate estimations of deficiency in populations with a high or unknown prevalence of infection. Blood concentrations of APPs can be measured in nutrition interventions to assess the time stage and severity of infection and correct for the APR; however, standardized cutoffs for nutrition applications are needed. Protein-energy malnutrition leads to increased gut permeability to pathogens, abnormal immune cell populations, and impaired APP response. Micronutrient deficiencies cause specific immune impairments that affect both innate and adaptive responses. This review describes the antagonistic interaction between the APR and nutritional status and emphasizes the need for integrated interventions to address undernutrition and to reduce disease burden in developing countries.
A three-dimensional optical interconnection architecture with minimal growth rate of system size

Abstract We present a three-dimensional optical interconnection architecture that can potentially approach the least possible system size of any architecture within a numerical factor of the order of ∼ 10. This architecture can provide an arbitrary pattern of connections among a three-dimensional array of points.
Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Haylage-Dairy Waste Fiber Mixtures for Dairy Heifers

Abstract The objective was to study the influence of adding dairy waste fiber to alfalfa of two maturities on nutrient intake and digestibility by Holstein heifers. Changes associated with delayed harvest of first spring-growth alfalfa also were characterized. Spring growth of alfalfa from a common field was cut at two maturities, late bud and 50% flower. Fresh dairy waste fiber was obtained by processing manure, by a roller press liquid/solid separator, from lactating Holstein cows fed a 57% roughage diet. Alfalfa haylage was mixed and ensiled with three concentrations of dairy waste fiber (0, 20, or 40% dry matter). Thirty-five Holstein heifers (initial weight 339kg) consumed one of six diets (early cut control, no waste; early cut, low waste; early cut, high waste; late cut control, no waste; late cut, low waste; late cut, high waste) ad libitum in a 19-day digestion study. Delaying first harvest of alfalfa increased concentrations of stems, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin and decreased concentrations of leaves, total nitrogen, and calcium. Increasing dietary concentrations of dairy waste fiber decreased dry matter intakes and digestibilities and increased dietary fiber concentrations and ratios of acetate:propionate. Apparent nitrogen digestibility decreased as dairy waste fiber increased. Heat damage was in all diets with controls containing .87% acid detergent insoluble nitrogen. It appears that alfalfa-dairy waste fiber mixtures can be ensiled successfully but that utilization of the mixtures by dairy heifers is impaired because of either heat damage or nature of the fiber in dairy waste.
Mill on Liberty, Speech, and the Free Society

Contre l'interpretation traditionnelle de la doctrine liberale de Mill, fondee sur le principe de moindre mal et l'action individuelle, l'A. defend une version du liberalisme chez Mill qui revendique les droits fondamentaux, tels que la liberte d'expression, comme condition de la societe libre.
On the predictability, sensitization, and habituation of aggression in male bettas (Betta splendens).

The winners of dyadic contests between male bettas (Betta splendens) were fish that in a 30-min prefight test spent a greater amount of time approaching a conspecific male that was confined behind clear glass. Approach duration was shown also to be a stable characteristic over periods as long as 30 days. Finally, approach durations and fight outcomes were influenced by both prior fighting and exposure to conspecifics behind glass. The nature of this influence, however, was dependent on the duration of an animal's approach duration in a 1/2-hr pretreatment test. Fish with low approach durations were influenced far more extensively by social experiences than were animals with high approach durations
Intrapersonal Contributors to Drug Use: The Willing Host

Although social-environmental factors play a large role in the development of substance use and abuse, other important contributors reside within the individual. These intrapersonal factors help determine certain aspects of the social environment, which may in turn alter the probability of drug use and abuse. In addition, these intrapersonal factors alter chances of initiation, the transition from initiation to regular use of a drug, and the transition from regular drug use to problem use. These factors include (but are not limited to) personality, cognitions, affect, problem behaviors, demographics, and bonding. We explore the potential role of each of these intrapersonal factors in a larger, biopsychosocial model of drug use and abuse. We also discuss the implications of each of these factors for prevention.
Average shear stress yield criterion and its application to plastic collapse analysis of pipelines

Abstract It is known that available analytical and empirical solutions for the burst pressure of defect-free line pipes cannot broadly fit experimental data for different materials. Usually the Tresca prediction provides a lower bound to the burst pressure, and the von Mises prediction provides an upper bound to the burst pressure. A new multiaxial yield criterion, referred to as the average shear stress yield (ASSY) criterion for isotropic hardening materials, is developed in this paper based on the traditional Tresca and von Mises yield criteria so that the burst pressure of a pipeline at plastic collapse can be accurately predicted. As an application of the proposed criterion to the plastic collapse analysis of pipelines, an ASSY-based solution for defect-free line pipes is obtained and formulated as a function of the pipe geometry, the strain hardening exponent and the ultimate tensile stress. Extensive experimental results are then adopted to validate the proposed solutions. Comparisons indicate that (1) the ASSY criterion can well fit the classical experimental data of different ductile metals for both initial and subsequent plastic yielding of a material; and (2) the ASSY-based solution of pipeline burst pressure closely matches the average experimental data for the burst pressure of defect-free pipes for various pipeline steels.
Early effects of illumination on the activity of some photosynthetic enzymes.

Leaves of dark-grown corn ( Zea mays ) were illuminated for periods ranging from 3 minutes to 12 hours. The changes in the activities of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase, ribulose-5-phosphate kinase, and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase were followed. The activity of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase did not change significantly until between 12 and 24 hours of illumination. An increase in ribulose-5-phosphate kinase activity occurred after a lag of about 6 hours. The increase in carboxylase activity began after 3 minutes of illumination and increased until after 3 to 6 hours in the light, after which it began to decline. The increases in these enzymes appear to be the result of protein synthesis.
Mechanisms of amoeboid chemotaxis: An evaluation of the cortical expansion model

In this work we evaluate the cartical expansion model for amoeboid chemo-taxis with regard to new information about molecular events in the cytoskeleton following chemo-tactic stimulation of Dictyostelium amoebae. A rapid upshift in the concentration of chemoattrac-tant can be used to synchronize the motile behavior of a large population of cells. This synchrony presents an opportunity to study the biochemical basis of morphological changes such as pseudopod extension that are required for amoeboid chemotaxis. Changes in the composition and activity of the cytoskeleton following stimulation can be measured with precision and correlated with important morphological changes. Such studies demonstrate that activation of actin nucleation is one of the first and most crucial events in the actin cytoskeleton following stimulation. This activation is followed by incorporation of specific actin cross-linking proteins into the cytoskeleton, which are implicated in the extension of pseudopods and filopods. These results, as well as those from studies with mutants deficient in myosin, indicate that cortical expansion, driven by focal actin polymerization, cross-linking and gel osmotic swelling, is an important force for pseudopod extension. It is concluded that whereas three forces, frontal sliding, tail contraction, and cortical expansion may cooperate to produce amoeboid movement, the cortical expansion model offers the simplest explanation of how focal stimulation with a chemoat-tractant causes polarized pseudopod extension.
Verbal and nonverbal strategies of rapport in cross-cultural interviews

This article identifies verbal and nonverbal strategies of rapport, their environments, and their consequences in order to illustrate the existence of a rapport system in face-to-face interaction. Building on Brown and Levinson's (1978) model for politeness and on Goffman (1981), this article describes the rapport system used by native and nonnative speakers of English in cross-cultural gatekeeping interviews at a large university. Two Foreign Student Advisors interviewed 16 foreign students: 7 native students (NS's) from Canada and Great Britain and 9 nonnative speakers (NNS's) of English from Taiwan. These interviews were videotaped, and playback sessions with students and advisors were audio-recorded. Two types of activities in the rapport system were identified and contrasted: rapport-building and rapport-maintaining.
Lysozyme pattern formation in evaporating drops.

Liquid droplets containing suspended particles deposited on a solid, flat surface generally form ringlike structures due to the redistribution of solute during evaporation (the “coffee ring effect”). The forms of the deposited patterns depend on interactions between solute(s), solvent, and substrate. In this study, deposition patterns from droplets of a simplified model biological fluid (DI water + lysozyme) are examined by scanning probe and optical microscopy. The overall lysozyme residue morphology is complex (with both a perimeter “rim” and undulating interior) but varies little with concentration. However, the final packing of lysozyme molecules is strongly dependent on initial concentration.
Computed Tomography Staging of Renal Carcinoma

The ability of fast thire-and fourth-generation scanning devices to supply images of sufficient quality to delineate the kidney, its vascular supply, and surrounding fascial envelope has provided a modality which permits preoperative staging of tumors of the kidney with an accuracy of about 90% in limited series of 20 specimen cases. The unreliability of bolus injection to evaluate tumor extension to the renal vein accounted for two errors.