cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of involved free light chain (FLC) levels in patients achieving normal FLC ratio after initial therapy in light chain amyloidosis (AL)

Achievement of a normal FLC ratio (FLCr) following treatment indicates hematologic response and suggests better outcomes in light chain amyloidosis (AL). We examined if elevated involved free light chain (hiFLC) impacts outcomes in patients achieving normal FLCr. We retrospectively analyzed 345 AL patients who were diagnosed within a 10-year period (2006-2015) and had 2 consecutive normal FLCr values after 1st line treatment. Among these, patients with hiFLC at 1st reading of normal FLCr (hiFLC1; n = 166; 48.1%) were compared to those who did not (n = 179; 51.9%). Patients with AL who have hiFLC1 after initial therapy had higher rates of multi-organ involvement (63.3 vs 46.4%; P = .002) and patients in advanced Mayo stage (42.9 vs 32.2%; P = .04) at diagnosis. The median progression free survival [PFS; 38.2 (95%CI; 26.4, 55.4) vs 67.1 (95%CI; 55.8, 88) months; P = .0002] and overall survival [OS; 94.4 (95%CI; 78, 107.1) vs not reached (NR, 95%CI; 116.1, NR) months; P < .0001] were lower in those who had hiFLC1. A more stringent comparison for patients with 2 consecutive hiFLC (hIFLC2; n = 111; 32.2%) versus not (n = 2234; 67.8%) showed consistent results [PFS; 27.1 (95%CI; 23, 53.8) vs 63.3 (95%CI; 55.4, 77) months; P < .0001 and OS; 78 (95% CI; 54.6, 98.8) vs NR (95%CI; NR, NR); P < .0001]. This poor prognostic impact of hiFLC on survival was independent of serum creatinine, Mayo stage, negative immunofixation status and inclusion of transplant in initial therapy on multivariate analysis. Hence, persistent elevation of iFLC predicts poor prognosis even among patients achieving normal ratio after initial therapy in AL.
A self-consistent integral equation framework for simulating optically-active media

Here we consider a disordered system of interacting quantum dots — nanoscale semiconductors with wide applicability in systems ranging from lasing to quantum computing to biological contrast imaging and next-generation displays. Quantum dots facilitate absorptive and emissive processes at specific frequencies over timescales independent of those in the incident radiation; by treating the system semiclassically we maintain the discrete dynamics inherent to quantum objects without resorting to second quantization to describe electromagnetic fields (i.e. fields behave classically). Our solution to the coupled system proceeds via (1) determination of source wave functions through evolution of the differential Liouville equations, and (2) evaluation of radiation patterns through well-known computational electromagnetics techniques. We employ a highly-tuned predictor-corrector integration scheme to advance the source wave functions in time; the polarizations that arise then serve as sources within the time domain integral equations that we use to propagate the field. This coupled solution produces a complete description of both the quantum and electromagnetic dynamics at each timestep which gives rise to lasing effects, nonlinear propagation, coupled Rabi oscillations, and other optical phenomena. This paper presents the theory, computational framework, and interesting physical observations for several such systems.
Teaching utility applications of power electronics in a first course on power systems

Power electronics applications in utility systems are growing very rapidly and promise to change the landscape of future power systems in terms of generation, operation, and control. This paper attempts to justify the importance of introducing undergraduates to these applications in the first course in power systems, so they become familiar with current and future practices and technologies. It presents a roadmap of doing so, taking a top-down approach where first various utility applications of power electronics are briefly described along with the role of power electronics as an interface, and then the power electronics systems are discussed in appropriate detail to fulfill these roles.
A Conceptual Model of Organizational Citizenship Behavior Motives

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) creates social capital in the organization and facilitates organizational success. While much is known about the antecedents of OCB, little is known about the motives underlying OCB. This limits our understanding on why employees engage in OCB, and our ability to promote OCB. To address this, I present a theoretical model that explains how self-identity levels (collective, relational, and individual) predict different OCB motives (organizational concern, prosocial, and impression management) among employees. I argue that the collective identity leads to an organizational concern motive, which in turn predicts a preference for and greater engagement in OCB-Organizational (OCBO), while relational identity creates a prosocial motive that predicts a preference for and greater engagement in OCB-Interpersonal (OCBI). Next, I propose temporal orientation as a first-stage moderator between individual self-identity and impression management motive, where employees high on ...
Proteomics analysis of human breast milk to assess breast cancer risk

Detection of breast cancer (BC) in young women is challenging because mammography, the most common tool for detecting BC, is not effective on the dense breast tissue characteristic of young women. In addition to the limited means for detecting their BC, young women face a transient increased risk of pregnancy-associated BC. As a consequence, reproductively active women could benefit significantly from a tool that provides them with accurate risk assessment and early detection of BC. One potential method for detection of BC is biochemical monitoring of proteins and other molecules in bodily fluids such as serum, nipple aspirate, ductal lavage, tear, urine, saliva and breast milk. Of all these fluids, only breast milk provides access to a large volume of breast tissue, in the form of exfoliated epithelial cells, and to the local breast environment, in the form of molecules in the milk. Thus, analysis of breast milk is a non-invasive method with significant potential for assessing BC risk. Here we analyzed human breast milk by mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to build a biomarker signature for early detection of BC. Ten milk samples from eight women provided five paired-groups (cancer versus control) for analysis of dysregulatedproteins: two within woman comparisons (milk from a diseased breast versus a healthy breast of the same woman) and three across women comparisons (milk from a woman with cancer versus a woman without cancer). Despite a wide range in the time between milk donation and cancer diagnosis (cancer diagnosis occurred from 1 month before to 24 months after milk donation), the levels of some proteins differed significantly between cancer and control in several of the five comparison groups. These pilot data are supportive of the idea that molecular analysis of breast milk will identify proteins informative for early detection and accurate assessment of BC risk, and warrant further research. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD007066.
An Online Peer Educational Campaign to Reduce Stigma and Improve Help Seeking in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Abstract Background: Although at least 1 in 10 veterans meet criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to their military service, treatment seeking is strikingly low due to perceive...
Constitutive Modeling of Advanced High-Strength Steels for Springback Simulation

A new anisotropic material hardening model is introduced in this study for springback simulation. It is modified from the Mroz multi-yield surface hardening model and incorporated more realistic Bauschinger effect for cyclic loading and anisotropic yield surfaces for sheet metals. The model is targeted for sheet metal forming simulations where the accurate springback predictions are important, and where materials have more rapid hardening characteristics and ability to sustain higher stresses such as so-called Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS). The constitutive integration algorithm is derived and it is numerically implemented in the commercial FEA code via a user-material subroutine. The new model is applied to a U-channel forming test with DP600 steel. Experiments are conducted and springback results are compared with numerical prediction to demonstrate the new model’s effectiveness.
Measurements of Linear and Nonlinear Structures with Distributed Shell Sensors (Distributed Sensing and Identification)

Structures are distributed and continuous in nature, i.e., structural behaviors are functions of spatial and time variables, and they are usually classified as continua or distributed-parameter systems (DPS’s). Distributed vibration identification and control of distributed parameter systems always represents a challenge, both in theory and practice. Theoretical development for control of distributed parameter systems has been constantly advancing during the past three decades. However, due to practical limitations, e.g., availability of distributed sensors and actuators, real world applications are still relatively limited. Note that conventional sensors and actuators are mostly discrete types which measure or control spatially discrete locations. These devices are ineffective if they are placed at modal nodes or lines. One solution to this problem is to use distributed sensors and actuators which are spatially distributed, so that they are sensitive to spatially distributed structural behaviors. In this study, a generic deep elastic shell continuum laminated with distributed piezoelectric layers is regarded as a generic DPS from which distributed sensing theory is derived, based on the direct piezoelectric effect. Note that the generic shell can be easily simplified to many other common continua or structures, e.g., plates, cylinders, spheres, etc., by using four system parameters, i.e., two radii and two Lame parameters [1].
Is immunotherapy toxicity associated with improved overall survival among older adults with advanced cancer

6580Background: There is growing evidence that checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (IO) toxicity is associated with improved treatment response. There is a paucity of evidence examining the relation...
Passenger hotspot mutations in cancer driven by APOBEC3A and mesoscale genomic features

Cancer drivers require statistical modeling to distinguish them from passenger events, which accumulate during tumorigenesis but provide no fitness advantage to cancer cells. The discovery of driver genes and mutations relies on the assumption that exact positional recurrence is unlikely by chance; thus, the precise sharing of mutations across patients identifies drivers. Examining the mutation landscape in cancer genomes, we found that many recurrent cancer mutations previously designated as drivers are likely passengers. Our integrated bioinformatic and biochemical analyses revealed that these passenger hotspot mutations arise from the preference of APOBEC3A, a cytidine deaminase, for DNA stem-loops. Conversely, recurrent APOBEC-signature mutations not in stem-loops are enriched in well-characterized driver genes and may predict new drivers. This demonstrates that mesoscale genomic features need to be integrated into computational models aimed at identifying mutations linked to diseases.
A uniformly charged circular disk with an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential

Abstract We consider a uniformly charged circular disk containing elementary charges that interact with an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential. Such an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential has been recently considered within the framework of a two-dimensional system of electrons in the quantum Hall regime. The anisotropy of the potential is introduced by a phenomenological parameter that can be tuned continuously as to incorporate the standard isotropic Coulomb interaction potential as a special case. The energy of the uniformly charged circular disk is calculated exactly for the given anisotropic interaction potential as a function of the anisotropy parameter. The results obtained are related to electrostatic problems that involve uniformly charged flat elliptical plates and may be useful to understand finite two-dimensional systems of electrons in the quantum Hall regime in which all point charges interact with the anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential presently considered.
A Case Report of a Rapidly Growing Giant Pilomatrixoma on the Posterior Shoulder in a 12-Year-Old Male Patient.

Introduction: Giant pilomatrixomas are quite rare and can be clinically challenging to diagnose. Case Presentation: Here, we report a case of a rapidly growing mass on the shoulder of a 12-year-old previously healthy boy. The lesion on his right shoulder appeared as a painless, pink-blue-colored solitary mass that started 6 months ago and rapidly enlarged to 4.5 × 6 cm in size. Previous biopsy results were inconclusive, showing only hypercellular spindle cell proliferation in a collagenous stroma. There was concern for malignancy versus mixed lymphatic venous malformation or benign soft tissue tumor. An excisional biopsy was done and demonstrated features of a pilomatrixoma. Complete surgical removal with clear margins was curative. Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of rapidly enlarging skin lesions in children can be difficult for clinicians and dermatopathologists. Excisional biopsy can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. A timely exclusion of malignancy is of utmost importance.
Recurring vomiting, skin discolouration: the easily overlooked thermal element of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

A 27-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of intractable nausea and vomiting. These had been recurring symptoms over an 18-month period. Her symptoms were initially attributed to acute cholecystitis, based on her epigastric pain, vomiting and a positive sonographic Murphy’s sign,
The challenges of future foods from prevention of nutrient deficiencies to the management of diabetes

Abstract With rise of global populations, food demand is expected to increase correspondingly. Concurrently, the number of people with chronic metabolic diseases, specifically diabetes, is also on the rise. Since the discovery of insulin exactly 100 years ago, every aspect of society including food industry has evolved drastically. Hormones, and pesticides have been introduced constantly to increase food production for consumptions. Additionally, the changes of biodiversity in agriculture might have incorporated certain foods and excluded others selectively in diets, which probably results in the production of food with more calories, but less essential nutrients. These might have affected systemic functions in the body and contributed to the development of chronic metabolic diseases. Moreover, genetic and epigenetic factors have had impacts on disease susceptibility, which has challenged the protective mechanisms that have been established in the human genome during evolution. Here, we try to summarize certain changes of systematic, environmental, metabolic, and physiological factors that may have potential effects on human diets and metabolism, and in turn, contributed to the current epidemic of chronic metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In so doing, we hope to bring the attention of colleagues to develop future foods that not only eliminate malnutrition, but also reduce the incidence of metabolic diseases.
From the other side of the river : Re-conceptualizing the educational mission of libraries

Summary Loyal to long-held convictions of what undergraduates need intellectually, academic librarians ignore the critical signs that they may be failing students and faculty. Unless librarians are willing to question assumptions about how students think, what they value, and how external incentives shape their behavior in the information environment, they will find themselves increasingly at the margins of students' academic life. If there are important questions that beg for answers before librarians can redefine the teaching role of libraries, librarians have probably never been in a stronger position as a profession to engage in the research necessary for meaningful solutions.
Theory as Criticism: Bersani and Dutoit's Forms of Being

Leo Bersani and Ulysse Dutoit _Forms of Being: Cinema, Aesthetics, Subjectivity_ London: British Film Institute, 2004 ISBN 1844570150 185 pp.
Rheology of Food Gum and Starch Dispersions

Gums and starches are used extensively as thickening and gelling agents in foods. Therefore, understanding their rheological characteristics is of considerable interest. Because many food gums in dispersions have random coil configuration and starch dispersions have granules, it would be better to study their rheological behavior separately.
Producing timely recommendations from social networks through targeted search

There has been a significant increase in interest and participation in social networking websites recently. For many users, social networks are indispensable tools for sharing personal information and keeping abreast with updates by their acquaintances. While there has been research on understanding the structure and effects of social networks, research on using social networks for developing targeted referral systems are few even though this can be valuable because of the abundance of information about user preferences, activities and choices. The goal of this research is to develop agent-based referral systems that learn user preferences based on past rating activities and caters to an individual user's interests by selectively searching the contributions posted by other users in close proximity in this user's social network. In particular, we are interested in fast notification of relevant activities in the social network that will enhance user awareness, satisfaction, and currency. In this paper, we propose keeping different trust values for a friend on different topics of interest and emphasize its importance with empirical results. We have developed an online photo referral system that identifies photos of possible interest to a user based on meta-data and comments on the pages of linked users on a popular photo sharing social website (flickr.com). We develop a probabilistic category determination mechanism that allows us to identify the possible categories an item belongs to by examining its tags. We use comments as an indirect measure of user preference for a photo. Empirical results show that our Social Network-based Item Recommendation (SNIR) system outperforms a content-based approach as well as the current recommendation schemes.
Sensory function and gating of histaminergic neuron C2 in Aplysia

This paper explores the possible sensory function of the identified histaminergic neuron C2. Mechanical stimulation of a narrow region around the mouth of the animal (perioral zone) elicits brief depolarizing potentials in C2. Extracellular recordings from the peripheral axons of C2 indicate that the depolarizing potentials are due to action potentials that are conveyed from the periphery but do not invade the cell body, since they fail at a region with a low safety factor within the cerebral ganglion. These blocked axonal spikes (A- spikes) function as if they were excitatory synaptic inputs to C2, since the synaptic output of C2 does not occur unless the A-spikes succeed in evoking full action potentials in the soma (or an electrically close initial segment) of C2. Furthermore, like synaptic potentials, the A-spikes exhibit temporal and spatial summation, and facilitation. C2 receives both tonic and phasic inhibitory synaptic potentials, which can decrease the summation of A-spikes and thereby alter the frequency-filtering properties of C2 or block its synaptic output. Thus, C2 appears to be an unusual proprioceptive afferent that has a high degree of integrative function and may provide critical gating that is dependent on a variety of external and internal conditions.
DNA Technology: Asilomar Conference and ‘Moratorium’ on Use

The 1975 Asilomar conference is seen a landmark in the history of genetic engineering, an event that served as an influential model for policy making at that time. Its role as a model for future policy making on DNA technologies has been broadly questioned, particularly since commercial and military interests have been seen as major influences on the field's development. Keywords: Asilomar; Paul Berg; genetic engineering; biological weapons; human genetic modification
Toward human level machine intelligence - is it achievable?

Achievement of human level machine intelligence has long been one of the basic objectives of AI. Officially, AI was born in 1956. Since then, very impressive progress has been made in many areas - but not in the realm of human level machine intelligence. Anyone who has been forced to use a dumb automated customer service system will readily agree. The Turing test lies far beyond. Today, no machine can pass the Turing test and none is likely to do so in the foreseeable future.To make progress toward achievement of human level machine intelligence, AI must add to its armamentarium concepts and techniques drawn from other methodologies, especially evolutionary computing, neurocomputing and fuzzy logic. A key contribution of fuzzy logic is the machinery of Computing with Words (CW) and, more generally, NL-Computation. This machinery opens the door to mechanization of natural language understanding and computation with information described in natural language. Addition of this machinery to the armamentarium of AI would be an important step toward the achievement of human level machine intelligence and its applications in decision making, pattern recognition, analysis of evidence, diagnosis and assessment of causality. Such applications have a position of centrality in our info-centric society.
NHE isoform switching and KChIP2 upregulation in aging porcine atria.

Aging increases the risk of cardiac pathologies including atrial fibrillation and can alter myocardial responsiveness to therapeutic agents. Here, seeking molecular correlates of myocardial aging processes, we performed global “whole transcript” analysis of 25,388 genes using 572,667 probes to compare the left atrial (LA) transcriptomes of young adult (9 months old) versus elderly (10 years old) female swine. NHE2 (>9-fold) and KChIP2 (3.8-fold) exhibited the highest aging-related expression increases. Real-time qPCR recapitulated these findings and indicated a 50% decrease in LA NHE1, a twofold increase in right atrial KChIP2, but no significant changes for these transcripts in either ventricle. Notably, even in young adult pigs, NHE2 transcript was detectable and enriched in the atria over the ventricles. NHE1, the recognized cardiac isoform of the sodium hydrogen exchanger, has proven a compelling but clinically disappointing therapeutic target with respect to reperfusion arrhythmias. Our data challenge the dogma that NHE1 is alone in the myocardium and suggest that NHE2 could negatively impact the pharmacological responsiveness of atrial tissue to NHE1-specific inhibitors. KChIP2 is a cytosolic β subunit essential for generation of Ito. The increased KChIP2 expression we observed with aging substantially shortened in silico atrial myocyte action potential duration, a predisposing factor in atrial fibrillation. Consistent with this, 4/5 elderly swine sustained pacing-induced AF≥15 s after cessation of stimulation, compared to 0/3 young swine. Our findings uncover potential molecular bases for increased arrhythmogenicity and reduced pharmacologic efficacy in the aging atrium, in a large animal model of human cardiac physiology.
LONI Visualization Environment

Over the past decade, the use of informatics to solve complex neuroscientific problems has increased dramatically. Many of these research endeavors involve examining large amounts of imaging, behavioral, genetic, neurobiological, and neuropsychiatric data. Superimposing, processing, visualizing, or interpreting such a complex cohort of datasets frequently becomes a challenge. We developed a new software environment that allows investigators to integrate multimodal imaging data, hierarchical brain ontology systems, on-line genetic and phylogenic databases, and 3D virtual data reconstruction models. The Laboratory of Neuro Imaging visualization environment (LONI Viz) consists of the following components: a sectional viewer for imaging data, an interactive 3D display for surface and volume rendering of imaging data, a brain ontology viewer, and an external database query system. The synchronization of all components according to stereotaxic coordinates, region name, hierarchical ontology, and genetic labels is achieved via a comprehensive BrainMapper functionality, which directly maps between position, structure name, database, and functional connectivity information. This environment is freely available, portable, and extensible, and may prove very useful for neurobiologists, neurogenetisists, brain mappers, and for other clinical, pedagogical, and research endeavors.
Bridging with Pyrroudines

Abstract The synthesis of benzodicyclicpyrrolidines 7 and 9 of specific stereochemistry such as N-Substituted-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-endo or exo-(3′,4′-pyrrolidine)-1,4-dihydronaphthalene is described. These have analgesic activity. The precursors 3, 4, 5, and 6 and a novel Diels-Alder reaction are discussed.
Changes in self-efficacy beliefs over time: Contextual influences of gender, rank-based placement, and social support in a competitive orchestra environment:

This research adds to the growing body of music self-efficacy literature by profiling changes in instrumental performance self-efficacy perceptions of 157 high school student musicians over the course of a 3-day competitive honor orchestra festival in order to clarify contextual influences upon self-efficacy perceptions within a high-stakes music performance environment. Student participants completed surveys, participated in interviews, and were observed by a team of researchers over the course of the festival. Reported instrumental performance self-efficacy beliefs were profiled over time by characteristics of gender, orchestra placement, and influence of competitive environment versus social support. Repeated measures analysis revealed a significant general increase in students’ instrumental performance self-efficacy beliefs over time, with a delayed increase in self-efficacy beliefs of females placed in the top orchestra. Qualitative data from interviews, observations, and open-ended survey responses ...
Abstract 633: Synergistic interplay between long-term overweight and long menstrual years in endometrial cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Long-term exposure to estrogen is one of the established mechanisms underlying the development of endometrial cancer. Early menarche, late menopause, low number of pregnancies, and obesity, as risk factors of endometrial cancer, are all linked to this mechanism. However, the synergy among these factors is still less clear. To evaluate the interplay among long-term overweight, menstrual and reproductive features in endometrial cancer, a population-based case-control study was conducted with 668 incident cases and 674 age-matched population controls. Information on menstrual and reproductive features, anthropometric measurements in each decade of adult life as well as hormone replacement therapy was ascertained through a structured questionnaire administered by interviewers. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to examine the associations of these factors with endometrial cancer. As expected, the results show that early menarche, late menopause, low number of pregnancies and live births, and long-term overweight were associated with increased risk. To assess all the menstrual and reproductive factors together, we calculated net menstrual years by subtracting age at menarche from age at menopause, which was further subtracted by the total years of pregnancy. Women with long net menstrual years (> 38 years) had nearly two-fold increases in risk of endometrial cancer (95% CI: 1.43-2.41) compared to those with shorter years (<35 years). Approximately a 3.5-fold increase in risk (95% CI: 2.79-7.04) was observed in those who were overweight since ages 20's or 30's compared to those who maintained BMI under 25 throughout life. Women with both long net menstrual years and long-term overweight combined had over 7-fold increases in risk compared to those with short years and normal weight. These finding suggest that long-term overweight and long menstrual years may have a synergistic effect on endometrial cancer risk. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 633. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-633
Persistence of ethnic stereotypes and the relative importance of positive and negative stereotyping for association preferences.

The stereotyping of 10 ethnic groups by American college students over a 30-yr. period was examined by comparing data from 1932, 1950, and 1961. There was much variation among the time periods but persisting, “core” stereotypes were found for 8 of the groups. Evaluative stereotyping was highly related to preferences for association with ethnic group members in both 1932 and 1961. Subdivision of evaluative stereotyping into its positive and negative components showed that associative preferences were virtually completely predicted by the negative component. The positive component was unrelated to association preferences and served to weaken the predictive power of the negative component when combined with it. The interpretation is offered that substantial stereotyping and prejudice remain among college students but that students are becoming increasingly sophisticated and subtle in their manifestations of them.
Comparative relaxant effects of nitroglycerin in isolated rings from various canine vascular beds.

Abstract 1. 1. The potency of nitroglycerin to block contractions produced by norepinephrine, serotonin and KCl, was examined in isolated large artery rings obtained from the coronary, femoral, mesenteric and renal vascular bed of the dog. 2. 2. Nitroglycerin was a more potent antagonist (10–10,000 fold) of contractions produced by norepinephrine in the large coronary artery than in the other three vascular beds. 3. 3. Similarly, nitroglycerin blocked responses to serotonin and KCl (40 mM) more effectively in the coronary vs the femoral artery. 4. 4. These results suggest that nitroglycerin has selectivity for the large coronary artery of the dog in blocking contractions produced by three constrictor substances that have been implicated in coronary vasospasm.
Effects of sex of defense attorney, sex of juror, and age and attractiveness of the victim on mock juror decision making in a rape case.

In an experimental study, mock jurors heard a 50-minute audiotape of a rape trial and saw pictures of the victim and defendant. The factors in the design were sex of the defense attorney, age of the victim (early 20s or 60s), attractiveness of the victim, and sex of the juror. The most striking finding was a higher acquittal rate under the female defense attorney condition (71%) than under the male defense attorney condition (49%). This may be an instance of the recently described “talking platypus” phenomenon. Main effects for juror's sex, age of the victim, and attractiveness of the victim were not significant, but these factors showed complex interactions. Internal-external scores did not predict decisions. The most frequent reasons given for acquittals were reasonable doubt and the victim's not resisting.
A Humanist Ethic of Ubuntu: Understanding Moral Obligation and Community

The secular conception of ubuntu, as proffered by Thaddeus Metz, supplies a foundation for a humanist argument that justifies obligation to one’s community, even apart from a South African context, when combined with Kwasi Wiredu’s conception of personhood. Such an account provides an argument for accepting the concept of ubuntu as humanistic and not necessarily based in communalism or dependent upon supernaturalism. By re-evaluating some core concepts of community as they are presented in Plato’s Republic, I argue that this account of ubuntu fits as the basis from which to understand obligation to community from a secular humanist perspective.
Pneumomediastinum in blunt trauma: A review

Pneumomediastinum (PM) is an uncommon finding after blunt trauma to the neck or chest. Motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause in adults, while falls are the most common in children. The majority of traumatic PM results from medial tracking of air from a concomitant pneumothorax. The Macklin effect, of air tracking medially along peribronchial sheaths from alveolar rupture, is responsible for most other cases. Chest pain is the most common symptom, and crepitus the most common sign. The majority of PM will resolve spontaneously, and requires no specific intervention. Only 1—6% of cases result from rupture of the larynx, trachea, bronchi or oesophagus. Hoarseness, dyspnea, persistent lung collapse or air leak should increase suspicion for aerodigestive injury. Computed tomography (CT) can help differentiate benign etiology from those that require surgical correction. High suspicion for aerodigestive injury based on clinical and/or CT findings should prompt diagnostic bronchoscopy and/or oesophagram.
N1-sterically hindered 2H-imidazol-2-one angiotensin II receptor antagonists: The conversion of surmountable antagonists to insurmountable antagonists

Abstract The surmountable (competitive) N 1 -(2-methylphenyl)-2H-imidazol-2-one angiotensin II receptor antagonist SC-54628 is converted to an insurmountable (noncompetitive) antagonist SC-54629 by the addition of a methyl group at the 6-position of the phenyl ring.
Quantum key distribution limits by using multichannel spectral- space scheme and entangled photons in optical fibers

We discuss achievable limits for high-speed quantum key distribution (QKD) over optical fibers serving as an optical quantum channel and the ways to achieve high rates in secure QKD over non-regenerative optical fiber links. The multicarrier transmission is a viable option to increase the secure rate and it can be combined by the employment of the orbital angular momentum of the photons in order to further increase the total secure rate. Our numerical results indicate that it is possible to achieve QKD transmission rate that exceeds 100 Mb/s over non-regenerative optical fiber links, which could scale above 50 km of deployed fibers. The higher speed QKD with enhanced security could be achieved in a similar manner by employing the total angular momentum and a modified BB84 protocol.
Natural Antioxidant Extract from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) for Ground Beef Patties

Ground beef patties (75% lean) containing synthetic antioxidants, or Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) extracts were cooked to internal temperature 70°C, and evaluated for storage stability at 4°C. Thiobarbituric acid values of raw or cooked samples containing fenugreek extracts were lower than controls (P<0.05). Fenugreek extracts delayed the induction period of oxidative rancidity. No differences were observed in psychrotrophic bacterial counts, and samples containing fenugreek extracts had lower Hunterlab “a” and higher “b” values. Samples with Fenugreek extracts had better oxidative stability and Fenugreek may be a promising natural antioxidant source.
The biasing scheme in N-body simulations

A popular prescription for the galaxy formation, i.e., identifying peaks in the linear density field as sites of galaxy formation, is numerically justified under the Cold Dark Matter cosmogony. In particular, the peak-background scheme, originally developed to simplify analytic calculations of peak properties in a Gaussian random density field, is proven to be an excellent prescription for assigning peak tracers in low-resolution N-body simulations through many statistical comparisons. It is found that statistical properties of peak tracers allocated by the peak-background scheme closely resemble those of true peaks when the background smoothing length is about three times the galaxy scale and the correspondence improves as they evolve gravitationally. It is also shown that these peak particles are indeed strongly associated with nonlinear objects that are presently collapsed.
THE K-AUGER SPECTRUM OF ARSENIC.

Abstract The relative intensities and energies of the KLL Auger transitions of 75 As ( Z = 33) were measured by means of an iron-free, double-focussing β-spectrometer. The measured energies agree well with those calculated semi-theoretically by Hornfeldt. A graphical summary of KLL Auger relative intensities is presented. It compares the experimental values (including those of this work) to some of the most recent theoretical values. The ratio of the KLM to the KLL intensity was measured to be 0.24±0.04.
Insect Infestations, Incidence of Viral Plant Diseases, and Yield of Winter Wheat in Relation to Planting Date in the Northern Great Plains

Planting date effects on arthropod infestation and viral plant disease are undocumented for winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. Winter wheat was planted over three dates (early, middle, and late; generally from late August to late September) to determine the effect on abundance of insect pests, incidence of plant damage, incidence of viral plant disease, and grain yield. The study was conducted simultaneously at two sites in South Dakota over three consecutive cropping seasons for a total of six site yr. Cereal aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) were abundant in three site yr. Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), bird cherry-oat aphid, was the most abundant cereal aphid at the Brookings site, whereas Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), greenbug, predominated at Highmore. Aphid-days were greater in early versus late plantings. Aphid abundance in middle plantings depended on aphid species and site, but it usually did not differ from that in early plantings. Incidence of Barley yellow dwarf virus (family Luteoviridae, genus Luteovirus, BYDV) declined with later planting and was correlated with autumnal abundance of cereal aphids. Incidence of BYDV ranged from 24 to 81% among 1999 plantings and was <8% in other years. Damage to seedling wheat by chewing insects varied for two site-years, with greater incidence in early and middle plantings. Wheat streak mosaic virus, spring infestations of cereal aphids, wheat stem maggot, and grasshoppers were insignificant. Yield at Brookings was negatively correlated with BYDV incidence but not cereal aphid abundance, whereas yield at Highmore was negatively correlated with aphid abundance but not BYDV incidence. Planting on 20 September or later reduced damage from chewing insects and reduced cereal aphid infestations and resulting BYDV incidence.
Field, Impurity, and Other Effects on Cyclotron Resonance in Silicon Inversion Layers,

Abstract : The density and field (frequency) dependences of the cyclotron effective mass of the electrons in Si(001) inversion layers measured recently by Wagner, Kennedy, McCombe, and Tsui are analyzed theoretically in consideration of finite thickness, plasmon, and impurity effects. When frequency is increased, the effective mass decreases several percent. Temperature, valley occupancy transition, and other effects on cyclotron resonance are discussed. The width function is evaluated explicitly as a function of impurity potentials.
Considering how morphological traits of urban fabric create affordances for complex adaptation and emergence

This paper examines how physical and material properties of the urban fabric help enable the evolution of programmatically coherent spatial districts. It considers how contingent and non-linear pro...
Fractography of unidirectional graphite-epoxy as a function of moisture, temperature and specimen quality

Optical microscopy and SEM have been used to examine the tensile failure surfaces of (0-deg)8 T300/5208 graphite-epoxy specimens, and fractography is employed to determine how moisture content and temperature, together with specimen preparation, affect failure modes. A low energy failure morphology is noted in defective specimens; specimens made from nondefective prepregs appeared to exhibit a decrease in flaw sensitivity and increasing strength with either temperature or moisture, although moisture also seemed to increase interfacial debonding between filament and matrix. The combination of temperature and moisture degraded performance by increasing interfacial debonding, and rendering the epoxy more prone to fracture.
Degeneration affects the anisotropic and nonlinear behaviors of human anulus fibrosus in compression

Abstract Axial and radial specimens of non-degenerate and degenerate human anulus fibrosus (AF) were tested in confined compression to test the hypothesis that degeneration significantly affects the compressive properties of AF. Due to the highly oriented structure of AF, a secondary objective was to investigate anisotropic behaviors of AF in compression. Uniaxial swelling and stress–relaxation experiments were performed on site-matched samples of anulus from the anterior outer region of L2–3 intervertebral discs. The experimental stress–relaxation behavior was modeled using the finite deformation biphasic theory and a finite-difference approximation scheme. Significant effects of degeneration but not orientation were detected for the reference stress offset, σ offset , and parameters describing the compressive stiffness (i.e. reference aggregate modulus, H A0 , and nonlinear stiffening coefficient, β ). Average values were 0.13±0.06 and 0.05±0.05 MPa for σ offset , 0.56±0.21 and 1.10±0.53 MPa for H A0 and 2.13±1.48 and 0.44±0.61 for β for all normal and degenerate specimens, respectively. No significant effect of degeneration or orientation were detected for either of the parameters describing the strain-dependent permeability (i.e. reference permeability, k 0 , and strain-dependent permeability coefficient, M with average values for all specimens of 0.20±0.10×10 -15 m 4 /N–s and 1.18±1.30 for k 0 and M , respectively. The loss of σ offset was compensated with an elastic stiffening and change in the shape of the equilibrium stress–strain curve with H A0 for degenerate tissues almost twice that of normal tissues and β less than one sixth. The increase in reference elastic modulus with degeneration is likely related to an increase in tissue density resulting from the loss of water content. The significant effects of degeneration reported in this study suggested a shift in load carriage from fluid pressurization and swelling pressure to deformation of the solid matrix of the AF. The results also suggest that the highly organized and layered network of the anulus fibrosus, which gives rise to significant anisotropic effects in tension, does not play a major role in contributing to the magnitude of compressive stiffness or the mechanisms of fluid flow of the anulus in the confined compression configuration.
Sexual Motivations and Engagement in Sexual Behavior During the Transition to College

Motivations for and against sex are salient predictors of engaging in or abstaining from sex in cross-sectional studies. Participants (N = 637, 41.4% male) provided data on their motivations for and against sex and lifetime sexual behavior prior to entering college and six months into the first year in college. Longitudinal data were used to examine differences on motivations for and against sex reported the summer before college entrance for students who continued to abstain (Nevers, 44.7%), transitioned to sexual behavior in the following months (Transitioners, 11.0%), and who were previously sexually active (Actives, 44.3%). Multivariate analysis of variance analyses indicated that Transitioners evidenced mean-level differences in motivations surrounding sex (greater intimacy and enhancement motives for sex, lower values motives against sex) prior to their behavioral initiation compared to Nevers. In addition, Transitioners reported greater changes in motivations from pre-college to the six-month follow-up, including increased enhancement motivations for sex and decreased values and not ready motivations against sex. Men reported more important motivations for sex and less important motivations against sex than women, with an interaction showing that sexually experienced women reported more important intimacy motivations and sexually inexperienced men reported more important coping motivations for sex. Identifying salient motivations associated with imminent changes in sexual behavior may support the development of sexual health promotion programs that seek to reach sexually inexperienced individuals at important times of transition.
Science in Flux

To what extent and in what respect is science intellectually valuable? This is a controversial matter. What is hardly disputed is that what is alterable in science is of mere ephemeral value; and what is valuable in it is that which is more universal and permanent, that which is more solid and lasting. One of the very few philosophers who oppose this accepted view is Sir Karl Popper. In his view, science is so valuable because of its open- mindedness, because any of its achievements may at any time be given up and newer achievements may be hoped for to replace the relinquished ones. Science, says Popper, is at constant war with itself, and it progresses by revolutions and internal conflicts.
Barriers to therapeutic clinical trials enrollment: Differences between African-American and white cancer patients identified at the time of eligibility assessment

BackgroundClinical trials (CTs) are the mechanism by which research is translated into standards of care. Low recruitment among underserved and minority populations may result in inequity in access to the latest technology and treatments, compromise the generalizability, and lead to failure in identification of important positive or negative treatment effects among under-represented populations.MethodsData were collected over a 39-month period on patient eligibility for available therapeutic cancer CTs. Reasons for ineligibility and refusal were collected. The data were captured using an automated software tool for tracking eligibility pre-enrollment. We examined characteristics associated with being evaluated for a trial, and reasons for ineligibility and refusal, overall and by patient race.ResultsAfrican-Americans (AAs) were more likely than Whites to be ineligible (odds ratio, (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0–1.58) and if eligible, to refuse participation (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.27–2.52)...
Chronic Oral Toxicities of Surface-Active Agents.

Data are given on the effects of the oral administration of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium lauryl sulfate for two years and the oral administration of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonate, polyethylene glycol monoisooctyl phenol ether, and sulfoethyl methyl olylamide for four months. The results of the chronic study indicate a high degree of toxicity for alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. It was toxic to rats at a concentration of 0.063% or more in the diet. Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate was slightly toxic at a concentration of 1%. Sodium lauryl sulfate showed no toxic effect at a dosage level of 1%. In the subacute experiment sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate was toxic at all dosages, sodium lauryl sulfate decreased the growth rate at the 4% concentration, and the other three surface-active agents produced an effect on growth at the 2% concentration.