cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Behavior of Rubber-Modified Pavements:

Over the last 18 years, a number of rubberized pavement projects have been built in Alaska. Initial laboratory and field investigations sponsored by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF) and conducted by Raad et al. indicated improved fatigue performance of the rubberized sections in comparison with conventional asphalt concrete pavements. The results of a follow-up investigation to develop design equations for rubberized pavements in Alaska are presented. Laboratory studies were conducted on field specimens using the flexural fatigue test in the controlled-displacement mode. Specifically, the rubberized mixes included asphalt-rubber concrete with AC-2.5 (wet-process) and PlusRide RUMAC with AC-5. Tests were performed for a range of temperatures varying between 22°C and —29°C. Fatigue relationships were developed in terms of repeated flexure strain, dynamic flexure stiffness of the mix, and repetitions to failure. Relationships for the dynamic flexure stiffness as a func...
Influences of Matrixes on Nylon-Encapsulated Pharmaceuticals

The preparation and properties of nylon microcapsules containing three different matrixes (formalized gelatin, calcium alginate, and calcium sulfate) are described. Microcapsules containing each matrix were dense and free flowing and could be made of very small diameter by controlling the stirring speed during nylon formation. The preparation of microcapsules containing calcium alginate employed freeze-drying procedures. Lyophilization was not necessary with the formalized gelatin and calcium sulfate systems. Various representative drugs (anionic, cationic, nonionic, quaternary, and amphoteric compounds) were used in the formulation studies. The effects of pH, matrix, and encapsulated species on retention of drug in the microcapsules are described. In addition, the surface morphology of the microcapsules was examined using scanning electron microscopy.
Preoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure affects outcome of laparoscopic esophageal myotomy for achalasia

The primary aim of this study was to identify factors that influence outcome of the surgical treatment of achalasia. A secondary aim was to compare outcomes after laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication using either a Dor or Toupet hemifundoplication. Between 1994 and 2002, a total of 78 patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and partial fundoplication. Preoperative investigations included esophageal manometry, a videoesophogram, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy. In 64 patients (35 males and 29 females), telephone contact was possible at a median 24 months (IQR 14–34). A Dor fundoplication was performed in 41 patients and a Toupet fundoplication in 23. Symptoms were assessed prior to surgery and at follow-up by an independent physician using standardized definitions to grade the severity of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. To assess outcome, dysphagia was categorized as persistent or resolved. Persistent was defined as dysphagia that occurred on a weekly or daily basis. Resolved was defined as dysphagia that occurred occasionally or not at all. At follow-up, patients were asked to make a personal evaluation of their outcome as to whether (1) their swallowing was improved by the procedure, (2) they were satisfied with the outcome, and (3) they would undergo surgery again under the same circumstances. There was a significant improvement in dysphagia and regurgitation scores after surgery (P<0.05). The scores for chest pain/heartburn remained unchanged. By physician assessment, dysphagia was resolved in 49 patients (77%) and persisted in 15 (33%). By patient assessment, 62 patients (97%) reported an improvement in the symptom of dysphagia, and 60 (94%) stated that they were satisfied with their improvement and would undergo surgery if they had to make the choice again. On univariate analysis, patients who had resolution of their dysphagia had a significantly higher resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure prior to myotomy (P=0.01) and on multivariate analysis only a high resting LES pressure prior to surgery was a predictor of resolution of dysphagia (P=0.015). Outcome comparison of patients with Dor and Toupet fundoplications showed no significant differences in physician assessment of postoperative symptom scores and resolution of dysphagia, patient assessment of outcome, or postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors. Ninety-four percent of patients are satisfied with their surgical myotomy for achalasia. By physician assessment dysphagia was resolved in 77% of patients. Ahigh LES resting pressure before surgery predicted resolution of dysphagia.
Community Service within the Urban University A Case Study with a Political Message

The resources and expert knowledge of a university can be employed in "activist research" in the community.
Modelling competition and hybridization between native cutthroat trout and nonnative rainbow and hybrid trout.

Native salmonid fish have been displaced worldwide by nonnatives through hybridization, competition, and predation, but the dynamics of these factors are poorly understood. We apply stochastic Lotka–Volterra models to the displacement of cutthroat trout by rainbow/hybrid trout in the Snake River, Idaho, USA. Cutthroat trout are susceptible to hybridization in the river but are reproductively isolated in tributaries via removal of migratory rainbow/hybrid spawners at weirs. Based on information-theoretic analysis, population data provide evidence that hybridization was the primary mechanism for cutthroat trout displacement in the first 17 years of the invasion. However, under some parameter values, the data provide evidence for a model in which interaction occurs among fish from both river and tributary subpopulations. This situation is likely to occur when tributary-spawned cutthroat trout out-migrate to the river as fry. The resulting competition with rainbow/hybrid trout can result in the extinction of ...
Some observations on supervisory policies that enforce liveness in partially controlled Free-Choice Petri nets

Every arc from a place to a transition in a Free-Choice Petri net (FCPN) is either the unique output arc of the place, or, the unique input arc to the transition [M.H.T. Hack, Analysis of production schemata by Petri nets, Master's thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, February 1972; W. Reisig, Petri Nets, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1985; T. Murata, Petri nets: properties, analysis and applications, Proc. IEEE 77 (4) (1989) 541-580]. We consider FCPNs that are not live [J.L. Peterson, Petri Net Theory and the Modeling of Systems, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1981; W. Reisig, Petri Nets, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1985; T. Murata, Petri nets: properties, analysis and applications, Proc. IEEE 77 (4) (1989) 541-580], and we investigate the existence of supervisory policies that can enforce liveness in partially controlled FCPNs. The external agent, or supervisor, can only prevent the firing of some (i.e. not all) transitions in a partially controlled FCPN. We first present an observation on supervisory policies that enforce liveness in partially-controlled FCPNs. Using this observation, we solve the supervisory synthesis problem for the family of c hoice-controlled FCPNs, defined in this paper. We then identify a new, sub-class of partially-controlled FCPNs that posses an easily-characterized (and easily-enforced) supervisory policy that enforces liveness.
Superheated microdrops as cold dark matter detectors

It is shown that, under realistic background considerations, an improvement in cold dark matter sensitivity of several orders of magnitude is expected from a detector based on superheated liquid droplets. Such devices are totally insensitive to minimum ionizing radiation while responsive to nuclear recoils of energies ; few keV. They operate on the same principle as the bubble chamber, but offer unattended, continuous, and safe operation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. @S0556-2821~96!50214-6#
Expected likelihood support for blind SIMO channel identification

SIMO channel identification problems arise in many practical applications, such as geolocation of HF sources propagated via the multi-layer ionosphere. In this case, memory of the channel (often modeled as a finite impulsive response (FIR) channel) makes the traditional assumptions on the channel estimation training samples as independent and identically distributed (i.i.d) invalid. This potentially precludes the use of statistical characteristics typically derived under the i.i.d. assumption, including the Expected Likelihood quality assessment technique. In this paper, we introduce a likelihood-like criteria for this circumstance and demonstrate the practical invariance properties of its distribution for the Expected Likelihood condition, met when the estimated parameters are statistically equivalent to the true ones.
Decoding Dexterous Finger Movements in a Neural Prosthesis Model Approaching Real-World Conditions

Dexterous finger movements can be decoded from neuronal action potentials acquired from a nonhuman primate using a chronically implanted Utah Electrode Array. We have developed an algorithm that can, after training, detect and classify individual and combined finger movements without any a priori knowledge of the data, task, or behavior. The algorithm is based on changes in the firing rates of individual neurons that are tuned for one or more finger movement types. Nine different movement types, which consisted of individual flexions, individual extensions, and combined flexions of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, were decoded. The algorithm performed reliably on data recorded continuously during movement tasks, including a no-movement state, with an overall average sensitivity and specificity that were both >;92%. These results demonstrate a viable algorithm for decoding dexterous finger movements under conditions similar to those required for a real-world neural prosthetic application.
The S2 star as a probe of the accretion disc of Sgr A

How accretion proceeds around the massive black hole in the Galactic center and other highly sub-Eddington accretors remains poorly understood. The orbit of the S2 star in the Galactic center passes through the accretion disk of the massive black hole and any observational signature from such interaction may be used as an accretion probe. Because of its early stellar type, S2 is expected to possess a fairly powerful wind. We show here that the ram pressure of the accretion disk shocks the stellar wind fairly close to the star. The shocked fluid reaches a temperature of ~ 1 keV and cools efficiently through optically thin, thermal bremsstrahlung emission. The radiation from the shocked wind peaks around the epoch of the pericenter passage of the star at a luminosity potentially comparable to the quiescent emission detected from Sgr A*. Detection of shocked wind radiation can constrain the density of the accretion disk at a distance of several thousands of gravitational radii from the black hole.
The neurotoxin domoate causes long-lasting inhibition of the kainate receptor GluK5 subunit.

Abstract Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are responsible for fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain, and are critical regulators of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. The three main types of iGluRs (AMPA, NMDA, and kainate receptors) are composed of distinct subunit populations. The tetrameric kainate receptors can be assembled from a combination of five different types of subunits (GluK1–GluK5). GluK1–3 subunits are able to produce functional homomeric receptors, while GluK4–5 are obligate heteromers, and must assemble with a GluK1–3 subunit. The neurotoxin domoate is widely used as an agonist at kainate-type receptors because it produces a less desensitizing response compared to glutamate. We have identified an additional, subunit-dependent action of domoate at recombinant kainate receptors. When applied to heteromeric GluK2/K5 receptors, domoate generates a small, long-lasting, tonic current. In addition, brief exposure to domoate inhibits the GluK5 subunit, preventing its activation by other agonists for several minutes. These characteristics are not associated with the GluK1, K2, or K4 subunits and can be prevented by a mutation in GluK5 that reduces agonist binding affinity. The results also show that the domoate-bound, GluK2/K5 heteromeric receptors can be fully activated by agonists acting through the GluK2 subunit, suggesting that the subunits within the tetramer can function independently to open the ion channel, and that the domoate-bound state is not a desensitized or blocked conformation. This study describes new properties associated with domoate action at kainate receptors, and further characterizes the distinct roles played by different subunits in heteromeric receptors.
Mental illness stigma and ethnocultural beliefs, values, and norms: An integrative review

The current literature on the problem of mental illness stigma in the United States must be expanded to better account for the role of culture. This article examines the relationship between mental illness stigma and culture for Americans of American Indian, Asian, African, Latino, Middle Eastern, and European descent. In this review, culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, and norms of a given racial or ethnic group. The reviewed literature indicates that there are differences in stigma among the various cultural groups; however, explanations as to why these differences exist are scant. Qualitative and quantitative studies indicate that cultural values are important with regard to stigma, particularly for Asian Americans and African Americans. Less is known about the interaction between cultural values and mental illness stigma for other cultural groups. Continued research in the area requires better organization and more exploration of the role of cultural history and values as they relate to mental illness stigma. To that end, a detailed, systematic approach to future research in the area is proposed.
Models explaining motor vehicle death rates in the United States

This paper is a selective survey of models explaining motor vehicle death rates in the United States. First, it reviews Peltzman's 1975 study of the effect of automobile safety regulation and critiques of the study. Then it summarizes several subsequent statistical studies of highway fatalities. The surveyed studies are typically regression analyses of the impact of various factors on motor vehicle deaths. They are categorized in this paper according to which of three types of data they utilized: time-series; cross-sectional; or pooled time-series, cross-sectional. This paper notes what can be inferred collectively from the surveyed studies regarding the impacts of various factors on highway fatalities. It also discusses certain shortcomings of the studies in general along with possible remedies, and makes recommendations regarding future research. Tabular summaries of the statistical studies surveyed in this paper are included in the Appendix.
Reactions of CpFe(CO)2()+, CpFe(CO)2[C(SMe)2]+ and related carbene complexes with reducing agents and nucleophiles. The structure of {CpFe(CO)2[C(SMe)2]}PF6

Abstract The reduction of CpFe(CO)2( COCH 2 CH 2 O )+ (I) with one equivalent of sodium naphthalenide (NaNp) yields [CpFe(CO)2]2 (II), CO2 and C2H4. The same reduction of CpFe(CO)2[C(SMe)2]+ (X), however, gives II, CpFe(CO)2[C(SMe)3] (XII), CpFe(CO)[C(SMe)(SMe)2] (XIII) and [CpFe(CO)- (SMe)]2. Small amounts (0.1 equivalent) of NaNp catalyze reactions of I and X with phosphines to give a mixture of CO- and carbene-substituted products, CpFe(CO)(L)( COCH 2 CH 2 O )+, CpFe(CO)2(L)+, Cp- Fe(CO)(L)2+ and CpFe(CO)(L)[C(SMe)2]+ (L = PMePh2); a mechanism involving radical intermediates is proposed for the reactions. Complex I reacts with anions (I−, Cl−, MeO−, NCS−, PhCH2S−) to give the ring-opened alkoxycarbonyl complexes CpFe(CO)2- [C(O)OCH2CH2X]. With oxidizing agents such aa Me3NO, the dioxycarbene ligand in I is converted to ethylene carbonate, O COCH 2 CH 2 O . An X-ray diffraction study of X shows the carbene moiety to be planar with the SMe groups in a syn and anti conformation. The plane of the carbene ligand is oriented ‘crosswise’ with respect to the CO groups.
Prazosin: Effect on psychomotor-stimulant cues and locomotor activity in mice☆

Mice trained to discriminate 1 mg/kg d-amphetamine from saline, or the selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, nisoxetine, from saline, cross-generalized to the alternate drug. They also generalized to 5.6 mg/kg cocaine. The cues produced by amphetamine were antagonized by the selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin, and slightly potentiated by the selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine. The nisoxetine cue was also antagonized by prazosin. In contrast, the peripherally acting sympathomimetics, p-hydroxyamphetamine and phenylpropranolamine, failed to substitute for, and pimozide and propranolol failed to block, either drug cue. In addition, prazosin, at a dose that did not affect either saline-associated locomotor behavior in mice or the locomotor-activity increase produced by the dopamine uptake inhibitor, bupropion, also antagonized the locomotor stimulation produced by amphetamine and cocaine. Thus, in mice, both the cues and locomotor stimulation produced by amphetamine and cocaine appear to be at least partially mediated by central alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation secondary to increased central synaptic concentrations of norepinephrine.
Glycotherapy: New Advances Inspire a Reemergence of Glycans in Medicine

The beginning of the 20th century marked the dawn of modern medicine with glycan-based therapies at the forefront. However, glycans quickly became overshadowed as DNA- and protein-focused treatments became readily accessible. The recent development of new tools and techniques to study and produce structurally defined carbohydrates has spurred renewed interest in the therapeutic applications of glycans. This review focuses on advances within the past decade that are bringing glycan-based treatments back to the forefront of medicine and the technologies that are driving these efforts. These include the use of glycans themselves as therapeutic molecules as well as engineering protein and cell surface glycans to suit clinical applications. Glycan therapeutics offer a rich and promising frontier for developments in the academic, biopharmaceutical, and medical fields.
Changes of soluble protein expression and leaf metabolite levels in Arabidopsis thaliana grown in elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide

Abstract Plant responses to elevated atmospheric CO2 vary with species and with environmental conditions. Rates of dry matter formation were initially enhanced in response to CO2 enrichment but these accelerated growth rates typically were not maintained over long periods of time. The objective of this study was to better understand the basis for this acclimation process. Changes of metabolite levels and of total protein expression in response to CO2 enrichment were studied using biochemical assays and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Henyh. (Columbia ecotype) plants were grown for 2–6 weeks in controlled environment chambers providing 36 (ambient) or 100 (elevated) Pa CO2. Averaged over all harvest dates above-ground biomass was greater (P
Effect of Mixed Macromolecular Crowding Agents on Protein Folding

In cells, proteins fold and unfold in the presence of macromolecules with various sizes and shapes. Recent experiments by Liang and coworkers (J Biol Chem 2004;279:55109-55116; J Mol Biol 2006;364:469-482) show that protein refolding is enhanced by a mixture of two different crowding agents relative to the individual crowding agents and an optimal mixing ratio exists. Here, we present a theory that predicts the existence of an optimal mixing ratio. The theory is based on models for calculating the changes in the chemical potentials of the folded and unfolded states by a mixture of crowders. The existence of an optimal mixing ratio results from the dependences of these chemical-potential changes on crowder sizes and concentrations, which can be argued to be quite general. We further predict that, for any crowding agent, the stabilizing effect can be optimized both by varying the molecular weight and the mixing ratio of two species with different molecular weights.
A role for right medial prefrontal cortex in accurate feeling-of-knowing judgments: evidence from patients with lesions to frontal cortex

The hypothesis that prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in accurate predictions of episodic memory performance was tested using the feeling-of-knowing (FOK) paradigm. Fourteen patients with a broad spectrum of damage to the frontal cortex and matched controls read sentences and later were tested for recall memory, confidence judgments, and FOK accuracy using as cues the sentences with the final word missing. While frontal patients were impaired at recall and recognition memory, they were able to make accurate confidence judgments about their recall attempts. By contrast, as a group, the patients were markedly impaired in the accuracy of their prospective FOK judgments. Lesion analysis of frontal patients with clear FOK impairment revealed an overlapping region of damage in right medial prefrontal cortex. These findings provide functional and anatomical evidence for a dissociation between recall confidence and prospective memory monitoring and are discussed in terms of familiarity and access theories of FOK predictions.
Biological control and precipitation effects on spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe): empirical and modeling results

The literature is inconsistent regarding the ability of herbivory to control or reduce densities of a major invasive plant species of North America, spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe). Here, findings from experimental manipulations of spotted knapweed and long-term monitoring of seed production and insect abundance were used to parameterize a population matrix model for this species. Model predictions were compared against spotted knapweed densities observed in permanent transects, which were established after the release of biological controls. The model incorporated population-level compensation for adult mortality (increased growth from juveniles to adults). The model also incorporated newly reported results showing an interaction between precipitation and biological control impacts. We compared predictions from four alternate models against the observed population densities; models were: conspecific density-dependence, the effects of biological controls, precipitation, and biological control-precipitation interaction. The best model to explain population declines included the effects of biological control agents. Declines in population growth rates (λ < 1) were only predicted when reduced seed production and increased plant mortality due to biological controls were included. Results suggest that biological controls contributed to declines observed in field studies, and support the contention that biological control attenuates the ability of spotted knapweed to exploit favorable climatic conditions. The results also demonstrate that spotted knapweed control (i.e., conditions where λ < 1) depends upon a relatively large impact of biological control agents through high densities or large per capita impact; both of which are known to vary at our site and elsewhere. At our site spotted knapweed in certain habitats (e.g., disturbed riparian areas) is unlikely to be eradicated by insect herbivory, but spotted knapweed densities found in most other habitats can be reduced by biological control agents. Regardless, the management implications from these findings are that biological controls can intensify the efficacy of other control methods.
Genetics of somatic mammalian cells. IX. Quantitation of mutagenesis by physical and chemical agents

The system previously described for inducing single gene mutations in Chinese hamster cells has been extended to produce additional auxotrophic mutants. An improved method for quantitating the efficiency of single gene mutation to specific auxotrophies has been developed. Mutagenesis in the forward direction has been measured after treatment of these cells with ethyl methanesulfonate, N-methyl-N1-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, hydroxylamine, an acridine mustard (ICR-191), caffeine and ultraviolet- and X-irradiation. For each agent, the single cell survival curve and the efficiency of chromatid breakage and rearrangement were measured. Similar measurements were also carried out with a water-soluble carcinogen N-nitrosomethylurea, which was shown to be effective in producing auxotrophic, somatic mutations. These results offer promise of illuminating the relationships between cell killing, chromosomal aberration, single gene mutations and carcinogenesis produced by various agents. The methods described can be used in routine testing of drugs, food additives, and environmental pollutants for mutagenic action in mammalian cells in vitro.
A new species of Nebria Latreille (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Nebriini) from the Grand Canyon, Arizona

ABSTRACT Nebria georgei, new species (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Nebriini), is described from the riparian zone along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona (type locality = Arizona, Coconino County, Grand Canyon National Park, Colorado River). The first new Nebria described from North America in more than two decades, this species is most closely related to Nebria desolata Kavanaugh and Nebria navajo Kavanaugh, based on characters of external and male and female genitalic form and structure, and on preliminary DNA-sequence comparisons. This species is named in honor of George Eugene Ball, who first recognized specimens of this taxon, sent to him for identification, as likely representing an undescribed species.
Duration dependence in real estate investment trusts

Hazard models are used to test for duration dependence in the market for real estate investments trusts. Duration dependence implies an ability to predict the turning points of a cycle. In a sense, these models attempt to predict the timing of mean reversion of the market indices. Since the only sample information used in these tests is the length of time between turning points of the cycle, this methodology avoids the more challenging task of modelling the quantitative values of the series, and should provide relatively robust results because of the relatively weak structure imposed on the estimation process. Empirical evidence of duration dependence is found for all samples except mortgage REIT expansions.
FiGHTS: A preliminary screening tool for adolescent firearms-carrying

Abstract Study objective Adolescent firearms-carrying is a risk factor for serious injury and death. Clinical screening tools for firearms-carrying have not yet been developed. We present the development of a preliminary screening test for adolescent firearms-carrying based on the growing body of knowledge of firearms-related risk factors. Methods A convenience sample of 15,000 high school students from the 1999 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey was analyzed for the purpose of model building. Known risk factors for firearms-carrying were candidates for 2 models predicting recent firearms-carrying. The "brief FiGHTS score" screening tool excluded terms related to sexual behavior, significant substance abuse, or criminal behavior (Fi=fighting, G=gender, H=hurt while fighting, T=threatened, S=smoker). An "extended FiGHTS score," which included 13 items, was developed for more precise estimates. Results The brief FiGHTS score had a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 71%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.84. The extended FiGHTS score had an area under the ROC curve of 0.90. Both models performed well in a validation data set of 55,000 students. Conclusion The brief and extended FiGHTS scores have high sensitivity and specificity for predicting firearms-carrying and may be appropriate for clinical testing.
General Methodologies for Incompressible Flow Design Problems

Two design methodologies based on Incomplete-Gradient adjoint approaches for flow problems governed by the incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are presented. The main features of the algorithms is that they avoid solving the adjoint equations, saving an important amount of CPU time. Furthermore, the methodologies are general in the sense that they do not depend on the geometry representation, and all the gridpoints on the surface to be optimized can be chosen as design parameters. The partial derivatives of the flow equations with respect to the design parameters are computed by finite differences. In this way, this computation is independent of the numerical scheme employed to obtain the flow solution and the type of mesh. Once the sensitivities and the direction of movement have been computed, the new solid surface is obtained with a pseudo-shell approach in such a way that local singularities, which can degrade or inhibit the convergence to the optimal solution, are avoided. Furthermore, this surface parametrization allows to impose the problem geometrical restrictions in a very easy manner. The volume mesh is updated to fix the new boundary using an innovative level approach, which allows to compute the sensitivity contribution of the interior mesh points by using finite differences in a very fast manner. The methodologies can deal with multi-objective function problems, and flow restrictions such as constant lift, etc. Some 2D and 3D numerical examples are shown.
A Surgical Method for the Separation of Urine and Feces in Young Chickens

ABSTRACT RESEARCH in avian physiology has been hampered by the lack of a satisfactory method for separation of urine and feces in birds. A number of surgical methods for the separation have been described for mature chickens, but none is readily adaptable to growing chicks. Milroy (1901), Paraschtschuk (1902), Voltz (1910) and Katayama (1924) have described techniques for production of an artificial anus. Rothchild (1947) reviewed the various techniques that have been used and described his own modifications for the operation. The essentials of this method were to exteriorize the rectum through an incision into the abdomen and suture the severed rectum to the edges of the incision. The cloacal stump was closed and urine was collected from the natural anal opening. Davis (1927), Coulson and Hughes (1930), and Pitts (1938) have described a method for collecting urine from a hen without surgery. This method is not adaptable to young birds . . .
An Efficient Spectral Dynamical Core for Distributed Memory Computers

Abstract The practical question of whether the classical spectral transform method, widely used in atmospheric modeling, can be efficiently implemented on inexpensive commodity clusters is addressed. Typically, such clusters have limited cache and memory sizes. To demonstrate that these limitations can be overcome, the authors have built a spherical general circulation model dynamical core, called BOB (“Built on Beowulf”), which can solve either the shallow water equations or the atmospheric primitive equations in pressure coordinates. That BOB is targeted for computing at high resolution on modestly sized and priced commodity clusters is reflected in four areas of its design. First, the associated Legendre polynomials (ALPs) are computed “on the fly” using a stable and accurate recursion relation. Second, an identity is employed that eliminates the storage of the derivatives of the ALPs. Both of these algorithmic choices reduce the memory footprint and memory bandwidth requirements of the spectral transf...
Generating Functions of Switched Linear Systems: Analysis, Computation, and Stability Applications

In this paper, a unified framework is proposed to study the exponential stability of discrete-time switched linear systems and, more generally, the exponential growth rates of their trajectories under three types of switching rules: arbitrary switching, optimal switching, and random switching. It is shown that the maximum exponential growth rates of system trajectories over all initial states under these three switching rules are completely characterized by the radii of convergence of three suitably defined families of functions called the strong, the weak, and the mean generating functions, respectively. In particular, necessary and sufficient conditions for the exponential stability of the switched linear systems are derived based on these radii of convergence. Various properties of the generating functions are established, and their relations are discussed. Algorithms for computing the generating functions and their radii of convergence are also developed and illustrated through examples.
The Evolution of Geometry

Geometry is concerned primarily with the spatial properties of objects and with the endless stream of abstract generalizations to which these properties give rise. Modem geometry is an extremely active field of research by pure and applied mathematicians, and it also has significant applications in physics and engineering. In the present book, we will explore in a physical manner the geometrical properties of curves and surfaces, and will discuss in detail concepts that are essential to modem geometry.
Effect of Atropine on Impaired Auriculoventricular Conduction in Rheumatic Fever

SummaryImpairment of A-V conduction in rheumatic fever often, though not invariably, can be diminished or abolished by atro-pine. Inasmuch as acceleration in rate and decrease in conduction time do not always parallel one another in degree or duration, it appears that these 2 effects are not necessarily directly related. The exact mechanism involved is a matter for speculation. It is conceivable either that the release of the vagus lowers the threshhold for conduction through the junctional tissues, possibly through some chemical action; or that the strength of the excitatory impulse is augmented to such an extent that it can pass an area which offers increased resistance. Further observations along these lines are in progress.
Modeling and Forecasting Time Series Using Transfer Function and Intervention Methods

Abstract Time series analysis methods have been applied to a large number of practical problems, including modeling and forecasting economic time series and process and quality control. One aspect of time series analysis is the use of discrete linear transfer functions to model the interrelationships between input and output time series. This paper is an introduction to the identification, estimation, and diagnostic checking of these models. Some aspects of forecasting with transfer function models are also discussed. A survey of intervention analysis models in which the input series is an indicator variable corresponding to an isolated event thought to influence the output is also given. Familiarity with univariate autoregressive integrated moving average modeling is assumed. Extensions to more general multiple time series analysis methods are also briefly discussed.
Ultra-thin TaN films as diffusion barriers for Cu metallization

The Cu metallization in future VLSI technology requires a liner or diffusion barrier. We have studied TaN thin Films of thickness from 5 nm to 3 nm as the diffusion barrier. We deposited sandwiched TaN/Cu/TaN thin films on oxidized Si wafers, annealed them in air with ramping temperature, and measured in-situ resistance changes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopes were used to characterize the surface and microstructure of the thin films and Rutherford backscattering spectrometer (RBS) was used to profile the elemental composition and after oxidation. The oxidation of the Cu sandwiched between TaN films of 5, 10, 20, and 30 nm occurs at 300, 400, 450 and 475°C, respectively. The activation energy of oxidation of Cu with the TaN barrier of 10, 20, and 30 nm are 1.73, 2.13, and 2.26 eV, respectively, but the 5 nm TaN was not calculated due to large data scattering. For comparison, the oxidation temperature and activation energy for bare Cu films in air are 250°C and 0.74 eV, respectively. It suggests that 20 nm of TaN is quite effective as a barrier layer. However, the reaction between Cu and the underlying SiO 2 /Si layers was also detected in RBS; this may arise as another serious reliability criterion to the system.
Use of Botulinum a Toxin in the Urethral Sphincter

The initial use of botulinum A toxin in the extraocular eye muscles to correct strabismus demonstrated effectiveness in reducing or eliminating unwanted muscle activity. I In recent years, the toxin has been used to correct muscle hyperactivity in blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, torticollis, leg muscle spasticity associated with cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, and sphincter muscle (anal or urethral) hyperactivity.2,3
Occurrences of Compassion

This chapter considers the conditions that may prevent emotional involvement. Particularly sad or prosperous circumstances may not produce compassion because the power of those conditions makes it problematic for individuals to imagine alternatives. Because authors of neorealist works, such as Millu’s Il fumo di Birkenau (Smoke over Birkenau) and Levi’s Se questo e un uomo (Survival in Auschwitz), often propose situations in which the circumstances of individuals’ lives are made brutally sad, this explanation is noteworthy. This chapter explores whether such extreme conditions can create compassion and whether those reactions can modify the ways individuals relate to each another.
Circulation's vision for cardiac surgery

The complexity and global scope of cardiovascular disease have reached unparalleled heights. No sooner do we achieve success in treating and managing some forms of cardiovascular disease than new ones such as metabolic stress-induced pathologic remodeling emerge with alarming incidence and severity. To address these evolving challenges head on, a multidisciplinary strategy is required. Physicians and surgeons, scientists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and pharmacists are working together around the world to prevent disease or, when present, to slow, halt, and even reverse its progression. It is the aspiration, indeed firm commitment, of the Circulation editorial team to foster this progress across the full spectrum of cardiovascular professional activities. We will work hard to …
The Robustness of Marginal-Cost Taxes in Affine Congestion Games

The network routing literature contains many results showing that tolls can be used to improve the efficiency of network traffic routing. These results typically require toll-designers to have an exact characterization of the network and user population. We relax this strict informational dependence and present a simple setting in which scaled marginal-cost tolls can be guaranteed to provide significant efficiency improvements over the un-tolled case, even if the toll-sensitivities of the users are unknown.
Irreversible Electroporation: Defining the MRI Appearance of the Ablation Zone With Histopathologic Correlation in a Porcine Liver Model.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MRI appearance of the irreversible electroporation zone in porcine liver, with histopathologic correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Nine irreversible electroporation ablations were percutaneously created in two Yorkshire pigs. Irreversible electroporation was performed with a bipolar 16-gauge electrode with 3-cm exposure tip and fixed 8-mm interpolar distance. Gadoxetate disodium–enhanced 3-T MRI was performed 50 hours after irreversible electroporation. Livers were harvested immediately after MRI for histopathologic analysis. Ablation zone size was measured on each pulse sequence and correlated with pathologic ablation zone size. Qualitative MRI features of the ablation zone were assessed, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation and t tests. RESULTS. Histopathologically, three distinct layers were present in the irreversible electroporation ablation zone: an inner layer of coagulative nec...
Diffraction of elastic waves by the core of the Earth

Abstract The problem of the diffraction of a seismic pulse by the core of the Earth is investigated theoretically. The result is compared to that of diffraction by a half-plane. The differences are striking. Laboratory model experiments have been performed to verify the theoretical approximations in their regions of validity, and to complement the theory elsewhere. The curves, thus obtained, of the theoretical amplitude distribution in the shadow of the Earth9s core agree very well with the observations of Gutenberg. It is therefore concluded that diffraction is a completely adequate explanation for the amplitude distribution in the shadow zone.
Featured Article: Trajectories of Glycemic Control Over Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: An 11-Year Longitudinal Study of Youth With Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective To identify trajectories of glycemic control over adolescence and emerging adulthood and to test whether demographic and psychosocial variables distinguished these trajectories. Methods We enrolled 132 youth with type 1 diabetes when they were average age 12 and followed them for 11 years. We used group-based trajectory modeling to identify distinct patterns of glycemic control, and examined whether age 12 demographic and psychosocial variables distinguished the subsequent trajectories. Results We identified 5 trajectories of glycemic control: stable on target, stable above target, volatile late peak, stable high, and inverted U. Parent social status and household structure distinguished the more problematic trajectories from the stable on target group. Friend conflict, psychological distress, unmitigated communion, and self-care behavior at age 12 distinguished problematic glycemic control trajectories from the stable on target group. Conclusions These results can be used to identify youth who are at risk for deteriorating glycemic control over adolescence.
Functional role and therapeutic targeting of microRNAs in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, primarily consisting of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The complex nature of the disease, as well as the limited therapeutic options characterized by low efficiency and major side effects, highlights the importance of developing novel strategies of therapeutic intervention in IBD. Susceptibility loci related to IBD are present only in a small percentage of IBD patients, implying that epigenetic modifications could influence the pathogenesis of the disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate multiple molecular pathways involved in IBD pathobiology. MiRNA inhibitors targeting the IBD-activated miRNAs could have therapeutic value for IBD patients. This review provides an overview of the recent advances in miRNA biology related to IBD pathogenesis and the pharmacological development of miRNA-based therapeutics.
The Eponymous Cofactors in Cytochrome P460s from Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Are Iron Porphyrinoids Whose Macrocycles Are Dibasic.

The enzymes hydroxylamine oxidoreductase and cytochrome (cyt) P460 contain related unconventional “heme P460” cofactors. These cofactors are unusual in their inclusion of nonstandard cross-links between amino acid side chains and the heme macrocycle. Mutagenesis studies performed on the Nitrosomonas europaea cyt P460 that remove its lysine–heme cross-link show that the cross-link is key to defining the spectroscopic properties and kinetic competence of the enzyme. However, exactly how this cross-link confers these features remains unclear. Here we report the 1.45 A crystal structure of cyt P460 from Nitrosomonas sp. AL212 and conclude that the cross-link does not lead to a change in hybridization of the heme carbon participating in the cross-link but rather enforces structural distortions to the macrocycle away from planarity. Time-dependent density functional theory coupled to experimental structural and spectroscopic analysis suggest that this geometric distortion is sufficient to define the spectroscop...
The heart of control: Proactive cognitive control training limits anxious cardiac arousal under stress

Research and theory suggest that anxious people employ cognitive control on a relatively late and transient basis. This tendency may impair emotion regulation that depends on early, persistent implementation of cognitive control. We examined whether anxious people could be trained to apply cognitive control proactively (i.e., in advance of goal-related action) and whether such training limited anxiety’s rise during stress. In Study 1, 96 high trait-anxious participants completed proactive or reactive training followed by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) with measurement of subjective anxiety, heart rate, and skin conductance level (SCL). In Study 2, 59 high trait-anxious participants completed a proactive or no-instruction training for 4 days and then completed the TSST. For Study 2 but not Study 1, the proactive versus control training was associated with lower stress-related increases in subjective anxiety and heart rate, but not sympathetically mediated SCL. Exercising proactive control may leverage the parasympathetic nervous system to inhibit the escalation of anxious arousal during stress.
Exploring the practice of corporate venturing: Some common forms and their organizational implications

This study explores the domain of corporate venturing using a theoretically grounded classification typology as an organizing scheme. The typology is applied in a field study of corporations that a...
Indications for MARS-MRI in Patients Treated With Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Currently, there are no universally accepted guidelines on when to obtain metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MARS-MRI) in metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) patients. Our primary aims were to identify which patient and clinical factors are predictive of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) and create an algorithm for indicating MARS-MRI in patients with Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) HRA. The secondary aim was to compare our algorithm to existing guidelines on when to perform MARS-MRI in MoM HRA patients. Methods The study cohort consisted of 182 patients with unilateral ASR HRA from a prospective, multicenter study. Subjects received MARS-MRI at a mean of 7.8 years from surgery, regardless of symptoms. We determined which variables were predictive of ALTR and generated cutoffs for each variable. Finally, we created an algorithm to predict ALTR and indicate MARS-MRI in ASR HRA patients using these cutoffs and compared it to existing guidelines. Results We found high blood cobalt (Co) (odds ratio = 1.070; P = .011) and high blood chromium (Cr) (odds ratio = 1.162; P = .002) to be significant predictors of ALTR presence. Our algorithm using a blood Co cutoff of 1.15 ppb and a Cr cutoff of 1.09 ppb achieved 96.6% sensitivity and 35.3% specificity in predicting ALTR, which outperformed the existing guidelines. Conclusion Blood Co and Cr levels are predictive of ALTR in ASR HRA patients. Our algorithm considering blood Co and Cr levels predicts ALTR in ASR HRA patients with higher sensitivity than previously established guidelines.
Analytic torsion and automorphic forms

In this note we prove a vanishing theorem for the analytic torsion of a locally symmetric space.
Random Variables, Elements, and Measurable Maps

In this chapter, we will precisely define a random variable. A random variable is a real valued function with domain Ω which has an extra property called measurability that allows us to make probability statements about the random variables.