cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some extensions of the elementary divisor theorem of linear algebra

Abstract In this paper, the matrix of diagonal form in the elementary divisor theorem [6] will be called the matrix of elementary divisors . The main aim of this paper is to establish elementary divisor theorems for direct sums and tensor products of finite number of families of free modules with finite bases over a commutative Euclidean ring. In these theorems the relationships between nonzero entries in a family of the matrices of elementary divisors with respect to two families of modules and the nonzero entries of the matrix of elementary divisors with respect to direct sums or tensor products of the families of modules are stated.
GEOENGINEERING: COULD - OR SHOULD - WE DO IT?

Schemes to modify large-scale environment systems or to control climate have been seriously proposed for over 50 years, some to (1) increase temperatures in high latitudes, (2) increase precipitation, (3) decrease sea ice, (4) create irrigation opportunities or to offset potential global warming by spreading dust in the stratosphere to reflect away an equivalent amount of solar energy. These and other proposed geoengineering schemes are briefly reviewed from a historical perspective. More recently, many such schemes to advertently modify climate have been proposed as cheaper methods to counteract inadvertent climatic modifications than conventional mitigation techniques such as carbon taxes or pollutant emissions regulations. Whereas proponents argue cost effectiveness, critics of geoengineering argue that there is too much uncertainty to either (1) be confident that any geoengineering scheme would work as planned, or (2) that the many decades of international political stability and cooperation needed for the continuous maintenance of such schemes to offset century long inadvertent efforts is problematic. Moreover, there is potential for transboundary conflicts should negative climatic events occur during geoengineering activities since, given all the large uncertainties, it could not be assured to victims of such events that the schemes were entirely unrelated to their damages. Nevertheless, although I believe it would be irresponsible to implement any large-scale geoengineering scheme until scientific, legal and management uncertainties are substantially narrowed, I do agree that, given the potential for large inadvertent climatic changes now being built into the earth system, more systematic study of the potential for geoengineering is probably needed.
Family variation in gas exchange, growth and leaf traits of black locust half-sib families

Variations in several growth, gas exchange and leaf traits among greenhouse-grown black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings from 11 half-sib families were investigated. Three weeks after germination, early growth rates ranged from a minimum of 1 cm d(-1) in the slowest growing family, to a maximum of 3 cm d(-1) in the fastest growing family. Significant family variation in net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (P(N)), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, height, diameter, stem dry weight and total dry weight was observed. Net photosynthetic rate declined with seedling age. Net photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area was significantly correlated (r /= 0.55) between P(N) x total leaf area and growth traits (height, stem dry weight, foliage dry weight and total dry weight). The study indicated that variation in leaf area among the families was one reason for the lack of a strong relationship between P(N) and growth.
Positron Annihilation Lifetimes from F-Center Related Bound States of Alkali Halides

First-principle density functional calculations of positron annihilation lifetimes have been carried out for the positron bound F-center defects in alkali halides. The system is modeled as an electron with basis functions only on the halide vacancy in a simplified cluster-embedding scheme. The rest of the crystal is modeled as 1) point-ions located on the lattice positions and 2) the frozen-orbital ions derived from an energy band calculation of the pure crystal. Both calculations are carried out within the self-interaction corrected local spin density approximation and incorporate an electron-positron correlation functional. We analyze the effect of the model assumptions on calculated positron lifetimes and demonstrate the sensitivity of the results to the inclusion of the crystal field. Our results show that the electron-positron correlation is the most significant ingredient on the positron annihilation on the F-center and the agreement from the comparison to other empirical calculations and the experi...
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Ponies with Surgically Induced Strangulation Obstruction of the Small Intestine

Total strangulation obstruction (S/O) of the jejuno-ileum was produced in a group of randomly selected ponies. Peripheral blood samples were collected prior to surgery and at 3-hour intervals following obstruction. A coagulation profile consisting of platelet count, fibrinogen titer (FT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and serial dilution protamine sulfate test (SDPS) for fibrin monomers (FM) and/or early fibrin degradation products (fdp) was evaluated. The packed cell volume (PCV) and total plasma protein (TPP) were also determined. Concurrent peritoneal fluid samples were assessed grossly. Sham-operated (sham) ponies were treated in a similar manner, excluding the production of a strangulation obstruction of the small intestine. Notable coagulopathies occurred in the S/O group. PT and APTT were increased significantly in samples collected within 6 hours of death. All S/O horses developed strongly positive SDPS reactions, while sham ponies, presurgical S/O ponies, and early S/O postsurgical samples were unremarkable. There were no significant shifts in the fibrinogen titer. Platelet counts were significantly decreased during the final 10% of sampling time in S/O horses. The coagulopathies observed in the S/O ponies appear to be secondary to the pathophysiologic changes produced by the S/O and not related to surgical trauma.
The Role of Internists During Epidemics, Outbreaks, and Bioterrorist Attacks

Internists are well-positioned to play significant roles in recognizing and responding to epidemics, outbreaks, and bioterrorist attacks. They see large numbers of patients with various health problems and may be the patients’ only interaction with the medical community for symptoms resulting from infectious diseases and injuries from radiation, chemicals, and/or burns. Therefore, Internists must understand early warning signs of different bioterrorist and infectious agents, proper reporting channels and measures, various ways that they can assist the public health response, and roles of different local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, it is important to understand effects of a public health disaster on clinic operations and relevant legal consequences.
Comparative dynamics (sensitivity analysis) in optimal control theory

Abstract This paper considers an optimal control problem with a parameter and develops a systematic method for comparative dynamics. A sufficient condition for the optimum solution to be differentiable with respect to the parameter is provided. Formulas for computing the derivative are given in the form of initial-value problems of linear differential equations. The possibility of discontinuous optimal controls is fully taken care of. An example of the comparative dynamics is given in terms of a model of optimal capital accumulation.
Type 2 Diabetes Pharmacoepidemiology Update 2014: Safety Versus Efficacy

The number of available options for type 2 diabetes has increased steadily over the last decade. These include the insulins, metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, incretin-based therapies, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. In this paper, the safety and efficacy of these agents are reviewed with a view on updated findings that have emerged over the last few years. Most drugs for type 2 diabetes effectively lower glycated hemoglobin. Their efficacy is in the range of approximate 0.8–1.5 % reduction in glycated hemoglobin for most agents. No drug for type 2 diabetes has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in a clinical trial which represents a gap in the therapeutic armamentarium for type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence has linked the thiazolidinediones to bladder cancer and raised concerns about pancreatic cancer with incretins, which requires further confirmation. The rapidly emerging evidence in the field of pharmacoepidemiology of diabetes will continue to provide answers to important questions on safety and efficacy in 2015 and beyond.
Everyday Mysticism: Spiritual Development in Later Adulthood

Most cultures contain a belief that aging, with its long span of life experience, can lead to spiritual growth or development. Theories of spiritual development have focused primarily on stages of spiritual growth, with less attention to its relation to the cultural life course. This paper posits that contemplative, mystical experience is the primary psychological dynamic that enables the qualitative change in life perspective that we associate with spiritual growth. While theoretically possible at any adult age, this shift in perspective is correlated with physical and psychological aging, with the relaxation of social demands that typifies the life stages of later adulthood, and with the simple, close-to-home lives led by many individuals after age 75.
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN THE ELDERLY

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia seen in clinical practice. Although it occurs in any age patients, its frequency increases with age and is very common in the elderly. Atrial fibrillation causes substantial symptoms and morbidity and is an important cause of thromboembolism and stroke. The two approaches for therapy in those patients with intermittent or persistent atrial fibrillation are (1) maintenance of sinus rhythm with an antiarrhythmic drug or nonpharmacologic therapy, and (2) maintenance of atrial fibrillation with rate control. At the present time there are no data about the best approach and therapy must therefore be individualized.
Strategies For Multicultural Management: Communication And A Common Set Of Values

In the last 30 years, there has been a shift towards using multicultural strategies. The constant shifts taking place in multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multinational workforces indicate that both administrators of these organizations and higher education practices must evolve to adapt to needs for changing skill sets. In the future, multicultural management practices will continue to impact the way that businesses reach out to various stakeholders. Multicultural management strategies can be effective in creating a unique work environment that embraces various attributes of the culture groups comprising the workforce. To meet these challenges, leaders must be trained and educated to develop flexibility, understanding, and acceptance of alternate values when working in foreign locations or multi-national organizations. Moreover, they should be open to new ideas. Trends indicate that multicultural management strategies will become more common based on a central language, technological enhancements of communication, and establishing new traditions based on a combination of cultural values designed to reduce conflict and increase collaboration.
PRACTICE PARAMETER: EVALUATION OF THE CHILD WITH MICROCEPHALY (AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW): REPORT OF THE QUALITY STANDARDS SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY AND THE PRACTICE COMMITTEE OF THE CHILD NEUROLOGY SOCIETY

Objective: To make evidence-based recommendations concerning the evaluation of the child with microcephaly. Methods: Relevant literature was reviewed, abstracted, and classified. Recommendations were based on a 4-tiered scheme of evidence classification. Results: Microcephaly is an important neurologic sign but there is nonuniformity in its definition and evaluation. Microcephaly may result from any insult that disturbs early brain growth and can be seen in association with hundreds of genetic syndromes. Annually, approximately 25,000 infants in the United States will be diagnosed with microcephaly (head circumference 2 SD). Few data are available to inform evidence-based recommendations regarding diagnostic testing. The yield of neuroimaging ranges from 43% to 80%. Genetic etiologies have been reported in 15.5% to 53.3%. The prevalence of metabolic disorders is unknown but is estimated to be 1%. Children with severe microcephaly (head circumference 3 SD) are more likely (80%) to have imaging abnormalities and more severe developmental impairments than those with milder microcephaly ( 2t o3 SD; 40%). Coexistent conditions include epilepsy (40%), cerebral palsy (20%), mental retardation (50%), and ophthalmologic disorders (20% to 50%). Recommendations: Neuroimaging may be considered useful in identifying structural causes in the evaluation of the child with microcephaly (Level C). Targeted and specific genetic testing may be considered in the evaluation of the child with microcephaly who has clinical or imaging abnormalities that suggest a specific diagnosis or who shows no evidence of an acquired or environmental etiology (Level C). Screening for coexistent conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and sensory deficits may also be considered (Level C). Further study is needed regarding the yield of diagnostic testing in children with microcephaly. Neurology ® 2009;73:887–897
Oxidative Modification of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

Our understanding of the biological effects of reactive oxidants has deepened considerably over the past decade. Less the indiscriminate loose cannons we previously imagined, both superoxide and hydrogen peroxide appear to target relatively specific molecular structures. Perhaps the most consequential of such targets within proteins is the reduced sulfhydryl of cysteine residues. Because protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) all harbor an absolutely conserved catalytic cysteine residue, oxidation of this residue inactivates PTPs, rendering tyrosine kinase signaling pathways highly sensitive to the local redox environment. Therefore, tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling involving receptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Abl, Src, and Pyk2 is known to be initiated or amplified by reactive oxidants. We describe a nonradioisotopic method that discriminates between reduced and oxidatively modified tyrosine phosphatases, thus facilitating studies that may mechanistically link oxidant activity with specific signaling pathways.
Clustering of Long-term Trends in Metabolic Syndrome Variables from Childhood to Adulthood in Blacks and Whites The Bogalusa Heart Study

Clustering of long-term rates of change in metabolic syndrome variables (body mass index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and mean arterial pressure) from childhood to adulthood was evaluated longitudinally (1982-2003) in a cohort of 389 Blacks and 631 Whites who were examined 3-6 times both as children (ages 4-17 years) and as adults (ages 18-38 years) over an average of 16 years (3,874 observations). The incremental area under the growth curve was used as a measure of long-term rates of change in risk variables since childhood. Intraclass correlations, a measure of the degree of clustering, among the four variables were significant (p < 0.001) for childhood, adulthood, and incremental area values and were higher in adulthood than in childhood. Blacks showed a higher degree of clustering of long-term rates of change in risk variables than did Whites. Adjustment for body mass index reduced the degree of clustering by approximately 50%. These results show that metabolic syndrome variables coexist in terms not only of their levels in childhood and adulthood but also of long-term rates of change. Obesity is of critical importance in the development of metabolic syndrome, and its prevention beginning in childhood needs to be addressed.
A gut feeling you should never ignore

Gastroen Question: A 59-yearold woman presented with a 12-month history of bothersome nausea and periumbilical pain occurring after most meals. The symptoms occurred within 30-60 minutes of eating and lasted 3 hours. She also reported early satiety, followed by vomiting after larger meals. Not every meal caused the symptoms, and occasionally she reports pain unrelated to meals. She denied overt sitophobia. She had lost 48 kg over the last 12 months. Her past medical history was notable for constipation, depression, and nicotine dependence. She receives regular surveillance for a 4-cm aortic abdominal aneurysm. On examination, her weight was 68 kg, and her body mass index was 25 kg/m. She had no carotid bruits and her heart sounds were normal. A widespread wheeze was noted throughout both lung fields. The abdomen was soft and nontender. Investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 14.3 g/dL, creatinine of 0.7 mg/dL, and thyroid-stimulating hormone of 4.4 mIU/L. The abdominal aortic aneurysm was palpable but no bruits were noted. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and showed marked mucosal abnormalities (Figure A, B). What is the diagnosis? See the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
Serum proteins facilitate neutrophil induction of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1

Background: Although the individual actions of neutrophils and serum proteins such as complement in acute inflammation are well characterized, less is known about their effects in combination. We investigated the combined effects of neutrophil contact and active serum proteins on the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM-1). Methods: Confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were incubated with neutrophils in the presence and absence of fresh human serum. Flow cytometry was used to assess expression of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and ELAM-1. In addition, neutrophils were retained in a semipermeable insert, which allowed their secretions to contact the endothelium but restricted neutrophil-endothelial contact. Results: ELAM-1 expression was significantly increased on the cells coincubated with neutrophils and fresh human serum (25.8%; p 0.01). In the absence of neutrophil contact, ELAM-1 expression was increased only in the presence of fresh human serum (9.6%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that serum proteins may potentiate the volume or potency of neutrophil-derived diffusable mediators of ELAM-1 expression. These effects are eliminated with the heat inactivation of serum proteins, implicating a heat sensitive mediator such as the complement cascade. (Surgery 1998;123:199-204.)
An Economist's Guide to Visualizing Data

Abstract Once upon a time, a picture was worth a thousand words. But with online news, blogs, and social media, a good picture can now be worth so much more. Economists who want to disseminate thei...
A comparison of four methods of analgesia in cats following ovariohysterectomy.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative administration of oral carprofen, subcutaneous ketoprofen, and local nerve block with bupivacaine in preventing postoperative pain-associated behavior in cats after ovariohysterectomy. Animals Fifty-two female intact cats. Materials and methods Cats received butorphanol (0.44 mg kg−1 IM), carprofen (2.2 mg kg−1 PO), ketoprofen (2.2 mg kg−1 SQ), or bupivacaine infiltration block (1.1 mg kg−1 SQ) before surgery. Cortisol and drug concentrations and visual analog scale (VAS) and interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) pain-associated behavior scores were measured 2 hours before and 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after ovariohysterectomy. Results Cats receiving butorphanol had significantly increased IVAS scores 2 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements. Cats receiving carprofen, ketoprofen, and bupivacaine had significant increases from baseline in VAS and IVAS scores 1 and 2 hours after surgery. VAS and IVAS scores for cats receiving bupivacaine were significantly greater 1 and 2 hours after surgery than for cats that received butorphanol. Cats receiving carprofen had significant increases in cortisol 1 hour after surgery and significant decreases 24 hours after surgery compared with baseline measurements. Conclusions and clinical relevance Preoperative carprofen and ketoprofen have effects on pain-associated behavior similar to butorphanol in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Cats receiving bupivacaine blocks may require additional analgesics immediately after surgery.
Impact of the 7.62-mm APM2 projectile against the edge of a metallic target

The core of the 7.62-mm, armor-piercing APM2 projectile is very strong, but also brittle. A combined analytical, numerical and experimental investigation examined the conditions to fracture the core. The analytical model is based on a Timoshenko beam analysis, where the projectile is idealized as a semi-in"nite cylinder. A 3-D numerical model of the core, impacting against the edge of a metallic plate, was then used to investigate transient e!ects, the in#uence of constitutive model assumptions, and the in#uence of target properties on the magnitude of projectile bending strains. Results are then compared to experimental data. Numerical simulations of the full (jacketed) projectile were also investigated, and it is demonstrated that the erosion strain of the jacket is a critical parameter for successful simulations. 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Linear compensator designs based exclusively on input-output information are never robust with respect to unmodeled dynamics

The effects of unmodeled, higher-order dynamics or parasitics on the stability of linear control systems are investigated. A description is first given of a class of perturbations of a given state equation that cannot be distinguished from the original on the basis of input-output measurements alone. Then it is shown that given any plant-compensator pair, perturbations of each system of this type can always be found that destabilize the closed-loop configuration. The effect of destabilizing perturbations on output behavior is explored. >
Barriers and Facilitators to End-of-Life Care Communication for Patients with COPD

Objective Patients with COPD frequently do not discuss end-of-life care with physicians; therefore, we sought to identify the barriers and facilitators to this communication as a first step to overcoming barriers and capitalizing on facilitators. Design Fifteen barriers and 11 facilitators to patient-physician communication about end-of-life care were generated from focus groups of patients with COPD. We subsequently conducted a cross-sectional study of 115 patients with oxygen-dependent COPD and their physicians to identify the common barriers and facilitators and examine the association of these barriers and facilitators with communication about end-of-life care. Participants and setting Patients with oxygen-dependent COPD were recruited from clinics at a university, county, and Veterans Affairs teaching hospital, and an oxygen delivery company. We also recruited the physician identified by each patient as the doctor primarily responsible for their lung disease. Measurements and results Patients were interviewed by trained research interviewers. Physician data collection was completed by mail survey. Participation rates were 40% for patients and 86% for physicians. Only 32% of patients reported having a discussion about end-of-life care with their physician. Two of 15 barriers and 8 of 11 facilitators were endorsed by > 50% of patients. The most commonly endorsed barriers were "I'd rather concentrate on staying alive," and "I'm not sure which doctor will be taking care of me." Two barriers were significantly associated with lack of communication, as follows: "I don't know what kind of care I want," and "I'm not sure which doctor will be taking care of me." The greater the number of barriers endorsed by patients, the less likely they were to have discussed end-of-life care with physicians (p Conclusion Although patients endorsed many barriers and facilitators, few barriers were endorsed by most patients. Barriers and facilitators associated with communication are targets for interventions to improve end-of-life care, but such interventions will likely need to address the specific barriers relevant to individual patient-physician pairs.
The impact of education and literacy levels on cancer screening among older Latin American and Caribbean adults.

Background: There is limited information related to the effects of education and literacy on cancer screening practices among older adults in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Methods: To determine the association between education and cancer screening use, we developed a cross-sectional study using data from the Health, Well-Being and Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean Study. The sample included 4,183 men and 6,708 women aged 60 years and older from seven cities. The outcomes are mammogram and Pap smear use in women and prostate examination use in men within the last 2 years. Results: In general, illiterate or lower-educated older men and women have the lowest rates of cancer screening use compared with higher-educated counterparts. Multivariate logistic models, by city and in a combined sample of six cities showed that high education is associated with higher odds of having a mammogram or a Pap smear in women and a prostate examination in men. Conclusions: Older adults with low educational or literacy levels should be targeted for screening programs in these populations.
Central Bank Independence as Agency Capture: A Review of the Empirical Literature

This article questions the model of central bank independence by considering the mainstream empirical literature that purports to correlate central bank independence with lower inflation rates. The studies, conducted mostly prior to the 2008 financial crisis, mimic the flaws in the risk management models that contributed to the crisis by relying on far too limited time periods of historical data. By so doing, these models overlooked the possibilities of so-called “black swans” – those outlier events that do not fit neatly within the bell-shaped curves of probabilities, but which occur and reoccur in history. Studies conducted since the 2008 collapse largely overlook the role of independent central banks in fueling unsustainable bubbles and bailing out private sector actors, while also missing the rise of China and other major economic powers without central bank independence. The lessons of the financial crisis, its contributing factors and aftermath, suggest that the Federal Reserve (and other major central banks, such as the European Central Bank) are not all that independent of the private financial interests that dominate its own governing boards. The line between regulator and regulated industry has become blurred as the central bank enabled the housing bubble with low interest rates and ever-lower lending standards, and then provided trillions of dollars in opaque subsidies on its private constituencies.
Human Rights Violations and Competitive Elections in Autocracies

Recent work suggests that dictators commit human rights violations when and where political opposition groups exist. However, investigation into when and why dictators use such repression is still scarce. Drawing on existing studies, this paper focuses on elections, the institutionalized involvement of opposition groups in politics, and examines the conditions under which dictators commit human rights violations around elections. We expect that dictators who compete with opposition candidates in electoral contests are more likely to commit human rights violations to secure their electoral victory than their counterparts without opposition candidates. Further, among dictators competing with opposition candidates, we argue that autocrats who are less uncertain about electoral outcomes and the election process are more comfortable holding competitive elections without human rights violations. We test our expectations using quantitative methods and find mixed support for our argument.
Utilizing Combined Methodologies to Define the Role of Plasma Membrane Delivery During Axon Branching and Neuronal Morphogenesis

During neural development, growing axons extend to multiple synaptic partners by elaborating axonal branches. Axon branching is promoted by extracellular guidance cues like netrin-1 and results in dramatic increases to the surface area of the axonal plasma membrane. Netrin-1-dependent axon branching likely involves temporal and spatial control of plasma membrane expansion, the components of which are supplied through exocytic vesicle fusion. These fusion events are preceded by formation of SNARE complexes, comprising a v-SNARE, such as VAMP2 (vesicle-associated membrane protein 2), and plasma membrane t-SNAREs, syntaxin-1 and SNAP25 (synaptosomal-associated protein 25). Detailed herein isa multi-pronged approach used to examine the role of SNARE mediated exocytosis in axon branching. The strength of the combined approach is data acquisition at a range of spatial and temporal resolutions, spanning from the dynamics of single vesicle fusion events in individual neurons to SNARE complex formation and axon branching in populations of cultured neurons. This protocol takes advantage of established biochemical approaches to assay levels of endogenous SNARE complexes and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy of cortical neurons expressing VAMP2 tagged with a pH-sensitive GFP (VAMP2-pHlourin) to identify netrin-1 dependent changes in exocytic activity in individual neurons. To elucidate the timing of netrin-1-dependent branching, time-lapse differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy of single neurons over the order of hours is utilized. Fixed cell immunofluorescence paired with botulinum neurotoxins that cleave SNARE machinery and block exocytosis demonstrates that netrin-1 dependent axon branching requires SNARE-mediated exocytic activity.
Models of Mixed Metal-Oxide Interfaces for Atomistic Materials Simulations

Nuclear fuels and materials present special problems to atomistic-scale modeling. At a metal-metal-oxide interface, the metal centers are charged on the oxide side, but neutral on the metallic side. The intimate contact necessitates that atomistic models for these materials be both compatible and consistent with one another at some level. A new “fragment” Hamiltonian (FH) model, at the atomistic level, is presented that reduces qualitatively to existing, successful models for metals, such as the embedded atom method, and ceramics, such as the charge equilibration models. Moreover, the FH model possesses both electron hopping and fundamental gaps that appear as separate terms in a generalized embedding function. The electron hopping contributions come from both one-electron and two-electron sources. These contributions appear as a result of the FH point of view, rather than being postulated. The model obeys certain wellknown theoretical limits that come from the nonlinearity of electron hopping processes as the volume of a crystal is changed. The generalized notion of embedding entails two variables instead of one. The ability to account for multiple charge states in the cations leads to the capability within the model to distinguish the qualitative differences among metallic, ionic, and covalent bonding environments. The details of all of these energies, among with fragmentfragment interactions, combine to determine the state of the atom in the material.
Strip distributed transfer function method for analysis of complex 2-D structures

An innovative semi-analytical solution technique, called the strip distributed transfer function method, is developed for static and dynamic analysis of complex two-dimensional flexible structures. The method is capable of modeling elastic continua of complex geometry and arbitrary boundary conditions, delivering highly accurate numerical, and saving tremendous computer storage. In the analysis, a complex elastic region is first divided into a number of subregions; each subregion is then divided into finite strips. Through introduction of strip distributed transfer functions, the response of every subregion is presented in a semi-exact and closed form; the whole region is systematically assembled from the subregions, leading to a dynamic equilibrium equation. Solution of the equilibrium equation yields the semi-exact displacements and stresses of the elastic body. The proposed method is illustrated in numerical examples, and compared with the finite element method and the finite strip method.
CFD Modeling of Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Slug Flow Using VOF Method in Microchannels

Despite of the fact that numerical simulation of two-phase flows in microchannels has been attempted by many investigators, most efforts seem to have failed in correctly capturing the flow physics, especially the slug flow regime characteristics. The presence of a thin liquid film in the order of 10 μm around the bubble (sometimes called gas pocket or gas slug) may be a contributing factor to the above difficulty. Typically, liquid films have a significant effect on the flow field. Thus, there is a strong motivation to employ numerical simulation methods in order to avoid some of the experimental difficulties. In this paper, the characteristics of two-phase slug flows in microchannels are calculated with the help of the Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) method. Formation of the slugs for different superficial velocities, Capillary numbers, and gas volume fractions are investigated. The minimum mesh resolution required to capture the liquid film surrounding the gas bubble is reported employing a dynamic mesh adaption methodology with interface tracking. Results are shown to be in good agreement with experimental data and empirical correlations.© 2009 ASME
Effect of rose bengal and ultra violet light on porphyrin excretion in rabbits.

Summary and ConclusionsThe administration of Rose Bengal and ultraviolet irradiation in rabbits results in rapid and marked increase in the excretion of urinary coproporphyrin Type III to values 17 to 40 times those in the controls, returning to normal by the 5th day. Neither the dye alone nor the irradiation alone had any effect.Simple hemolysis by distilled water had no effect upon the urinary coproporphyrin excretion. Phenylhydrazine produced a slight delayed increase of coproporphyrin excretion believed to be due largely to an increase of coproporphyrin Type I, as a result of increased erythropoiesis.Additional studies are being undertaken in an attempt to discover the origin of the coproporphyrin excreted and the effects of other photodynamic compounds.These results constitute the first demonstration that photodynamic activity causes a marked increase in the excretion of coproporphyrin III.
388 OSTEOPOROSIS IN EMMETT, IDAHO.

Purpose of Study Emmett, Idaho has a large elderly population that suffers from osteoporosis and osteopenia. A health information article was written for the local newspaper to educate the community on osteoporosis. Methods After seeing a large number of elderly patients in the Emmett Medical Center with osteopenia and osteoporosis, the topic was discussed with a local physician on what type of information patients needed in order to understand what osteoporosis is, how it is diagnosed and treated, how it is caused, and how it can be prevented. A literature search was conducted using PubMed to examine what research had been done on the topic of osteoporosis and what information was relevant to patients. Using this information, an article was written for the local newspaper at an appropriate intellectual level for the residents of Emmett. Results After the article was published, members of the community and local physicians gave positive feedback on the article. The article was easy to understand and appropriate for the audience for whom it was designed. Conclusions Health information articles can be a valuable and accessible way to disperse information that can be used by the community to make educated decisions about health care. It is important that the article was written at a level that could be understood by the community it was intended to reach and that it provided relevant information.
On the design of CMOS phase shifters with small insertion‐loss variation for phased arrays and its validation at 24 GHz

Body-floating technique applied to n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors and transistor-size optimization is studied for minimizing the insertion-loss variation in phase shifters. A CMOS radio frequency integrated circuit 4-bit digital phase shifter with low insertion-loss variation across different phase states is designed at 24 GHz using a 0.18-μm SiGe BiCMOS technology to verify the concepts. The phase shifter shows a measured insertion-loss variation of 13 ± 2.5 dB, root mean square (RMS) amplitude error of 1.7 dB, and input 1-dB power compression (P1dB) higher than 12.5 dBm across different phase states at 24 GHz. The measured input/output return loss better than 10 dB and RMS phase error of 2.4–26° over 21 to 27 GHz are obtained. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 58:2203–2210, 2016
Looking Forward: Unfinished Agendas and New Models

Nonetheless, honour must be given where honour is due, and it is definitely due here. Whatever else can and cannot be said about this New Labour government, one thing at least is very clear: this is a government of high intellectual capacity and moral purpose, one whose policies are sustained and underpinned by analysis of unprecedented quality and range. We are not dealing with stupidity here, or with the politics of soundbites, as arguably was the case in Labour governments in the past. There is real force in the arguments that New Labour politicians make about the novelty of the agenda posed by changes in the global economy, and by the rising expectations of an increasingly sophisticated and affluent electorate. There is real force in their ruminations on how best to modernize the provision of public services, the better to maintain public support for the social democratic principles underpinning their provision. There is real force in their argument that productivity growth holds the key to employment and affluence over time. Even its critics must concede that this is a government that has built its policies on the basis of careful and complex analyses of the origins and character of the problems that those policies are designed to redress; and that this is a government which, once it settled upon those policies, has demonstrated an unusually sustained capacity to hold to them, and to maintain their coherence over time.
Monitoring tool wear using classifier fusion

Abstract Real time monitoring of manufacturing processes using a single sensor often poses significant challenge. Sensor fusion has thus been extensively investigated in recent years for process monitoring with significant improvement in performance. This paper presents the results for a monitoring system based on the concept of classifier fusion, and class-weighted voting is investigated to further enhance the system performance. Classifier weights are based on the overall performances of individual classifiers, and majority voting is used in decision making. Acoustic emission monitoring of tool wear during the coroning process is used to illustrate the concept. A classification rate of 87.7% was obtained for classifier fusion with unity weighting. When weighting was based on overall performance of the respective classifiers, the classification rate improved to 95.6%. Further using state performance weighting resulted in a 98.5% classification. Finally, the classifier fusion performance further increased to 99.7% when a penalty vote was applied on the weighting factor.
Nonlinear deformation analyses of an embankment dam on a spatially variable liquefiable deposit

Abstract Nonlinear deformation analyses of an embankment dam on a spatially variable (stochastic), liquefiable alluvial deposit are presented and compared to results of analyses using uniform properties for the same deposit. The results are used to examine the basis for selecting representative properties (as a percentile of the stochastic distributions), which when used in uniform models, produces embankment deformations consistent with the median response of the stochastic models. Analyses are performed for four different sets of realizations for the stochastic alluvial deposit and a range of shaking intensities. The results suggest that the use of 33rd percentile properties for representing stochastic deposits in uniform models is reasonable to slightly conservative for cases where the length scale of the deformation mechanism is significantly greater than the scale of fluctuation in the deposit.
Abstract 311: Cardiac Hypertrophy and Epicardial Fat Inflammation in Vitamin D-Deficient and Hypercholesterolemic Swine

Introduction: Vitamin D is a sectosteroid that functions through Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor, which controls the transcription of many targets genes. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure and coronary artery disease. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 regulates different biological processes such as inflammation and cellular differentiation and is an endogenous negative regulator of cardiac hypertrophy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency causes decreased expression of VDR and SOCS-3 in cardiomyocytes, and this correlates with cardiac hypertrophy and increased pro-inflammatory profile in epicardial adipose tissue. Methods: Eight female Yucatan miniswine were fed vitamin D-sufficient (900 IU/d) or vitamin D-deficient hypercholesterolemic diet. Complete lipid profile, comprehensive metabolic panel, and serum 25(OH)D levels were regularly measured. After 12 months animals were euthanized and histological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on myocardium and epicardial fat. The mRNA transcripts of VDR and SOCS-3 in the myocardium and epicardial fat tissue were quantified by qPCR. Results: Histological studies showed cardiac hypertrophy, as judged by cardiac myocyte cross sectional area, in vitamin D-deficient group. Immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analyses showed significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of VDR and SOCS-3 in cardiomyocytes of vitamin D-deficient animals. Epicardial adipose tissue from vitamin D-deficient group had significantly higher expression of TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and adiponectin in association with increased inflammatory cellular infiltrate. Interestingly, epicardial fat from vitamin D-deficient group had significantly decreased expression of SOCS-3. Conclusion: These data suggest that vitamin D deficiency induces hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes which is associated with decreased expression of VDR and SOCS-3. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with increased inflammatory markers in epicardial fat. Activity of VDR in the body is controlled through regulation of vitamin D metabolites. Therefore, restoration of VDR function by supplementation of VDR ligands in vitamin D- deficient population might be helpful in reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Piezoelectric and elastic properties of multiwall boron-nitride nanotubes and their fibers: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Piezoelectric and elastic properties of multiwall boron-nitride nanotubes are studied using a classical molecular dynamics model with an incorporated strain-dependent dipole potential energy term. The results are applied to predict the piezoelectric and elastic properties of a boron-nitride nanotubes fiber with experimentally obtained diameter and wall number distribution of the nanotubes synthesized by high-temperature pressure methods. Nanotubes of (m, 0)-type (zig-zag nanotubes) of up to 10 wall layers and up to 7 nm in diameter are simulated in tension along the tube axis. While the tensile stiffness of all of the simulated nanotubes increases linearly with their radius and the number of wall layers, a substantial difference in the piezoelectric response is found between nanotubes of even and odd number of wall layers due to the particular stacking sequence of the boron-nitride layers. The piezoelectric polarization per unit length of odd-layer boron-nitride nanotubes increases linearly with the tube radius, but decreases with the number of layers. By contrast, the piezoelectric polarization of even-layer nanotubes is independent of the radius, but increases linearly with the number of layers. Analytical expressions for the multiwall boron-nitride nanotubes stiffness and piezoelectric coefficients are provided for use in continuum mechanics finite-element models.
Foraging traits modulate stingless bee community disassembly under forest loss.

Anthropogenic land use change is an important driver of impacts to biological communities and the ecosystem services they provide. Pollination is one ecosystem service that may be threatened by community disassembly. Relatively little is known about changes in bee community composition in the tropics, where pollination limitation is most severe and land use change is rapid. Understanding how anthropogenic changes alter community composition and functioning has been hampered by high variability in responses of individual species. Trait-based approaches, however, are emerging as a potential method for understanding responses of ecologically similar species to global change. We studied how communities of tropical, eusocial stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) disassemble when forest is lost. These bees are vital tropical pollinators that exhibit high trait diversity, but are under considerable threat from human activities. We compared functional traits of stingless bee species found in pastures surrounded by differing amounts of forest in an extensively deforested landscape in southern Costa Rica. Our results suggest that foraging traits modulate competitive interactions that underlie community disassembly patterns. In contrast to both theoretical predictions and temperate bee communities, we found that stingless bee species with the widest diet breadths were less likely to persist in sites with less forest. These wide-diet-breadth species also tend to be solitary foragers, and are competitively subordinate to group-foraging stingless bee species. Thus, displacement by dominant, group-foraging species may make subordinate species more dependent on the larger or more diversified resource pool that natural habitats offer. We also found that traits that may reduce reliance on trees—nesting in the ground or inside nests of other species—correlated with persistence in highly deforested landscapes. The functional trait perspective we employed enabled capturing community processes in analyses and suggests that land use change may disassemble bee communities via different mechanisms in temperate and tropical areas. Our results further suggest that community processes, such as competition, can be important regulators of community disassembly under land use change. A better understanding of community disassembly processes is critical for conserving and restoring pollinator communities and the ecosystem services and functions they provide.