cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical strategies for generating rank-1 split cuts in mixed-integer linear programming

In this paper we propose practical strategies for generating split cuts, by considering integer linear combinations of the rows of the optimal simplex tableau, and deriving the corresponding Gomory mixed-integer cuts; potentially, we can generate a huge number of cuts. A key idea is to select subsets of variables, and cut deeply in the space of these variables. We show that variables with small reduced cost are good candidates for this purpose, yielding cuts that close a larger integrality gap. An extensive computational evaluation of these cuts points to the following two conclusions. The first is that our rank-1 cuts improve significantly on existing split cut generators (Gomory cuts from single tableau rows, MIR, Reduce-and-Split, Lift-and-Project, Flow and Knapsack cover): on MIPLIB instances, these generators close 24% of the integrality gap on average; adding our cuts yields an additional 5%. The second conclusion is that, when incorporated in a Branch-and-Cut framework, these new cuts can improve computing time on difficult instances.
A thermodynamic chemomechanical constitutive model for conducting polymers

Abstract Conducting polymers undergo volumetric expansion through redox-mediated ion exchange with an electrolyte under an applied electrical field. The resulting ion transport processes control the conformational relaxation of the polymer backbone and regulate the generated stress and strain. In this paper, a constitutive model has been developed from first principles to examine coupled chemomechanical response for a polypyrrole-based conducting polymer actuator. The mechanics of charge ingress and egress is used to compute chemomechanical coupling coefficient of a polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonate (PPy(DBS)) cantilever actuator and the resulting values are compared with experimental data over a range of sodium chloride (NaCl) electrolyte concentrations from 1 mM to 1 M. The model predicts concentration dependent strain and chemomechanical coupling coefficient for the actuator and it is observed that the strain generated by the actuator saturates above a certain value of cation concentration in the electrolyte. The maximum strain developed by the conducting polymer is found to be dependent on the volume of the PPy(DBS) layer and it is estimated that the chemomechanical coupling coefficient varies between 0.016 and 0.023 dm 3 /mole as a function of electrolyte concentration (0.001 to 1 M). A mechanistic approach to interpret the results from the model and experiments is proposed and correlations between structure (number of redox sites in the polymer, packing density), input (electrolyte concentration, electrical potential), output (strain) and constitutive relation (chemomechanical coupling coefficient) are derived.
“Great Calcite Belt” encircles Southern Ocean

Coccolithophores, a type of single-celled phytoplankton, produce 2-micrometer-diameter carbonate shells known as coccoliths. The distribution of coccolithophores is influenced by nutrient availability and physical stratification of the ocean. Moreover, their ability to produce coccoliths could be affected by ocean acidification. The abundance and distribution of these plankton can provide important information about the marine carbon cycle and may be affected by future acidity of the oceans.
Hydrocortisone and triiodothyronine regulate hyaluronate synthesis in a tissue-engineered human dermal equivalent through independent pathways.

Hydrocortisone (HC) and triiodothyronine (T3) have both been shown to be capable of independently inhibiting hyaluronate (HA, hyaluronic acid) synthesis in a self-assembled human dermal equivalent (human dermal matrix). We sought to investigate the action of these two hormones in concert on extracellular matrix formation and HA inhibition in the tissue engineered human dermal matrix. To this end, neonatal human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in defined serum-free medium for 21 days in the presence of each hormone alone, or in combination, in varying concentrations. Through a process of self-assembly, a substantial dermal extracellular matrix formed that was characterized. The results of these studies demonstrate that combinations of the hormones T3 and hydrocortisone showed significantly higher levels of hyaluronate inhibition as compared to each hormone alone in the human dermal matrix. In order to gain preliminary insight into the genes regulating HA synthesis in this system, a differential gene array analysis was conducted in which the construct prepared in the presence of 200 μg/mL HC and 0.2 nM T3 was compared to the normal construct (0.4 μg/mL HC and 20 pM T3). Using a GLYCOv4 gene chip containing approximately 1260 human genes, we observed differential expression of 131 genes. These data suggest that when these two hormones are used in concert a different mechanism of inhibition prevails and a combination of degradation and inhibition of HA synthesis may be responsible for HA regulation in the human dermal matrix.
Origami lithium-ion batteries

There are significant challenges in developing deformable devices at the system level that contain integrated, deformable energy storage devices. Here we demonstrate an origami lithium-ion battery that can be deformed at an unprecedented high level, including folding, bending and twisting. Deformability at the system level is enabled using rigid origami, which prescribes a crease pattern such that the materials making the origami pattern do not experience large strain. The origami battery is fabricated through slurry coating of electrodes onto paper current collectors and packaging in standard materials, followed by folding using the Miura pattern. The resulting origami battery achieves significant linear and areal deformability, large twistability and bendability. The strategy described here represents the fusion of the art of origami, materials science and functional energy storage devices, and could provide a paradigm shift for architecture and design of flexible and curvilinear electronics with exceptional mechanical characteristics and functionalities.
Amaurosis Fugax in a Patient with a Left Ventricular Endocardial Pacemaker

A transvenous left ventricular endocardial pacemaker catheter is a potential source of systemic arterial embolization. The case of a woman who presented with left-eye amaurosis fugax is reported. The patient had a history of contralateral carotid atherosclerosis; however, the digital subtraction angiography of the carotid arteries was not sufficiently abnormal to account for her present symptoms. The patient had a history of two myocardial infarctions and the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome for which she was treated with a demand ventricular pacemaker. The chest x-ray and electrocardiogram suggested pacemaker catheter malposition. By M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, the catheter was shown to cross the atrial septum and the mitral valve to implant in the left ventricular endocardium. The approach to diagnosis and therapy that led to surgical removal of the pacing catheter is presented. The causes of the electrocardiographic right bundle branch block pattern in cardiac pacing and the usefulness of echocardiography in evaluating pacing catheters are discussed.
Multilevel socioeconomic effects on quality of life in adolescent and young adult survivors of leukemia and lymphoma

Purpose Cancer registry survival analyses have shown that adolescent and young adult patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have reduced survival compared to those with higher SES. The objective of this study was to determine whether neighborhood- (nSES) and/or individual-level SES (iSES) also predicted current quality of life in adolescent and young adult survivors.
Detection of malignant hematopoietic cells in cerebral spinal fluid previously diagnosed as atypical or suspicious.

BACKGROUND Involvement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by hematopoietic malignancies may be difficult to document by morphology alone. In cases with low numbers of cells or ambiguous morphology, the diagnoses of “atypical” or “suspicious” may be used. The significance of these diagnostic terms in this scenario has not been well established. METHODS Between January 2000 and July 2004, 32 patients with known lymphoma or leukemia and an initial diagnosis of “atypical” or “suspicious” using morphologic criteria were identified. Subsequent flow cytometry (FC) and cytologic data from these patients were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 32 patients with an initial diagnosis of “atypical” or “suspicious,” 40.6% (n = 13) had negative first and subsequent FC and morphologic evaluation of their CSF samples with follow-up up to 1 year. Nineteen patients (59.4%) had malignant hematopoietic cells identified in subsequent CSF samples by cytology and/or FC. CONCLUSIONS In patients with a previous history of lymphoma or a hematopoietic malignancy, a majority of the patients (59.4%) with an “atypical” or “suspicious” diagnosis on CSF will ultimately have malignant cells identified in the CSF by cytology and/or FC. Many of these patients can be identified more expediently with the concurrent utilization of flow cytometry. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2006. Published 2006 by the American Cancer Society.
An Introduction to Smart Structure and Its Application in Nanotechnology

The use of smart materials for the control of shape, vibration, and stability of structural systems has become more prevalent in recent years. Nanotechnology is regarded worldwide as the technology of the 21st century. As nanotechnology begins to unfold, smart materials will also play a key role in revolutionizing the productivity of emerging nano applications. To ensure the progress and success of smart-structure technology, engineering and technology educators need to make strong efforts to educate the students. At Jackson State University (JSU), two course modules have been developed and added to existing technology course that have helped undergraduate students develop hands-on experience as well as strengthen students’ foundation in smart materials and structures. The modules consist of lectures and laboratory activities. The lecture materials cover core concepts. The laboratory activities give students hands-on skills with observing, measuring and controlling the behavior of smart structures. The effectiveness of these modules has been assessed. Responses and feedback from students who have taken these modules are very positive.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Interactive presentation: Automatic test pattern generation for maximal circuit noise in multiple aggressor crosstalk faults

Decreasing process geometries and increasing operating frequencies have made VLSI circuits more susceptible to signal integrity related failures. Capacitive crosstalk is one of the causes of such kind of failures. Crosstalk fault results from switching of neighboring lines that are capacitively coupled. Long nets are more susceptible to crosstalk faults because they tend to have a higher coupling capacitance to overall capacitance ratio. A typical long net has multiple aggressors. In generating patterns to create maximal crosstalk noise, it may not be possible to activate all aggressors at the same time. Therefore, pattern generation must focus on activating a maximal subset of aggressors weighted by actual coupling capacitance values. This is a variant of max-satisfiability problem. Unlike a traditional max-satisfiability problem, here we must deal with signal propagation to an observable output. In this paper, we present a novel solution that combines 0-1 Integer Linear Program (ILP) with traditional stuck-at fault ATPG. The maximal aggressor activation is formulated as a linear programming problem while the fault effect propagation is treated as an ATPG problem. The problems are separated by min-cut circuit partitioning technique based on Kernighan-Lin-Fiduccia-Mattheyses (KLFM) method. This proposed technique was applied to ISCAS 85 benchmark circuits. Results indicated that 75-100% of the aggressors could be switched for generating crosstalk noise while satisfying requirement of sensitizing a path to the output.
Individual differences in luminous efficiency measured by flicker photometry

Individual differences in luminous efficiency were determined for color-normal observers at photopic and mesopic light levels by flicker photometry. The standard deviations of the settings made by 52 observers at photopic levels did not exceed 0.1 log unit. Variability was greatest at the extremes of the spectrum, and it did not increase appreciably at mesopic levels. Heterochromatic matches made by one observer using flicker photometry would probably be acceptable to most other observers. The variability has heretofore been assumed to be greater than it apparently is because of conventions used in reporting the data.
Formation of [8,8-η2-{(μ-Cl)2Ru(η6-p-cym)Ph2PCH2PPh2}-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10], a bimetallic derivative of the novel species [8,8-(η2-dppm)-8-(η1-dppm)-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10]

Abstract Treatment of [8,8-(η2-dppm)-8-(η1-dppm)-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10] (I) with [Ru(η6-p-cym)Cl2]2 leads to the formation of a new bimetallic complex, [8,8-η2-{(μ-Cl)2Ru(η6-p-cym)Ph2PCH2PPh2}-nido-8,7-RhSB9H10], (II) containing the group [(μ-Cl)2Ru(η6-p-cym)Ph2PCH2PPh2] that coordinates in a multidentate mode to Rh.
Occurrence of agglutinins in the pallial cavity mucus of oysters

Abstract Mucus and fluid from the pallial (mantle) cavity of eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica Gmelin from Chesapeake Bay and Galveston Bay were found to agglutinate a variety of vertebrate erythrocytes (RBC) and bacteria. Agglutinating activity of pallial cavity fluid was probably due to dissociation of agglutinins from mucus on the external surfaces of organs. Agglutination titers of pallial cavity fluid from individual Galveston Bay oysters for six different RBC were positively correlated with high significance, indicating a strong interdependence regardless of RBC specificity. The relative agglutinating activity for different RBC by tissue explants and homogenized tissues (mantle, gill, digestive gland and adductor muscle) was similar to the relative activity of the pallial cavity fluid; mantle and gill tissue had the greatest agglutinating capacity over all RBC, whereas the adductor muscle had the least. Positive correlation was detected between agglutination titers of pallial cavity fluid (for different RBC) and titers of hemolymph agglutinins from the same oysters. It is hypothesized that agglutinins in the pallial cavity and hemolymph have a common source. The results of the explant and homogenate assays can be interpreted to suggest that the source is mantle and gill tissues.
Answering to God, or to Senator Grassley?: How Leading Christian Health and Wealth Ministries' Website Content Portrayed Social Order and Financial Accountability Following a Federal Investigation

This research deals with six renewalist evangelical Christian ministries that were subject to a three-year U.S. Senate inquiry for alleged failure to account for donations and spending. This research was conducted within the framework of social order theory. Using a content analysis of ministry Web sites, it illustrates how targeted ministries portrayed their relationships with believers and addressed financial accountability issues raised during the Senate inquiry. Findings show that individual ministries responded with positive compliance, hostile resistance, or strategic silence. Four of the six ministries' online responses violated professionally accepted guidelines for public relations crisis response. The ministries' responses to Senator Grassley's inquiry may suggest how the organizations might respond in future crisis situations.
The possible application of Nb-W-Cr alloys in high-temperature air

Alloys from the Nb-W-Cr system have been investigated for possible application at temperatures above 1,000°C. In this study, Nb-20W-5Cr (compositions are in weight percent) and Nb-20W-10Cr alloys were exposed to air for both 24 hours and 168 hours in a temperature range of 700°C to 1,400°C in order to determine the oxidation resistance. Although extensive powder formation at temperatures below 1,000°C has been observed, the alloys show improvement in oxidation resistance as the oxidation temperature increases from 1,200°C to 1,400°C. The formation of various oxides of niobium, chromium, and tungsten has been detected. The solubility of oxygen in niobium and large differences in percent linear thermal expansion of the oxides play an important role in the oxidation process.
Transforming a Traditional Introductory Materials Engineering Course to an Active, Learner Centered Environment Using Computer Based Technology Tools

Over the past three years, the Introduction to Materials Engineering and Science course at Western Washington University has been transformed from a traditional lecture delivery format course to an active, “learner centered” environment course. Several computer based technology tools have been used to make that transition possible. A Classroom Response System (CRS), the BlackBoard® Course Management System, MP3 audio files, and narrated, archived PowerPoint presentations have all been used to make better connections to the students and to make the course active and concept based. The initial assessment data is encouraging in that it shows improving student scores on traditional exam questions for classical problems, students more involved in their own learning, students rating teacher involvement and understanding of their needs higher, and a deeper conceptual understanding of the course material. In addition, the students were able to complete a much more challenging design problem at the end of the term. The drawback, of course, is that transforming the course and incorporating all these computer tools, active learning exercises and conceptual/peer learning into the course consumes an enormous amount of development time. Given that the potential gains for the students are really quite large and given that the technology used is already transforming our communication environment, the investment is a worthy one for any faculty member. This paper describes not only the specifications for the computer technology tools, but it also explains the needed development activities also necessary for reshaping the course, especially those needed for a concept based course. This approach is innovative because it combines the more traditional transformation approach to active learning with a computer tool centric approach to active and conceptual learning.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Brief Communication: Hematogenous Dissemination in Early Lyme Disease

In this study, 43.7% of 213 untreated adults with erythema migrans had spirochetemia. Spirochetemic patients were more likely to have multiple erythema migrans lesions, to remember a tick bite at t...
Management of Advanced Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary

Juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs) of the ovary are rare. They usually present in children and adolescents. About 90% are diagnosed in early stage (FIGO I) with a favorable prognosis. More advanced stages (FIGO II-IV) have a poor clinical outcome. We report two cases of short-term, disease-free survival of teenagers with Stage III JGCTs treated with aggressive debulking and thorough staging but conservative surgery relative to the uterus and contralateral tube and ovary plus carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. These results are encouraging, but the best treatment for extensive and recurrent disease has yet to be determined.
The Effect of Comb and Wattle Removal Upon Testicular Activity in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract DURING the past decade evidence has been accumulating that there is a relation between comb and wattle size and testis weight and that the removal of the head appendages may influence both body and gonad weights. Little information, however, is available concerning comb and wattle removal and testis function. If testis size is increased following dubbing it would seem logical to expect some changes in testis activity. The objectives of this experiment, therefore, were to determine the effects of dubbing upon semen production, as well as testis size and histology. Various workers, including Buckner, Insko, and Martin (1933), Parhon and Coban (1934), Zawadowsky (1935–1935a), Zawadowsky and Slavine (1935), and Marlow and Payne (1940) have reported an increase in testis weight following dubbing. Hoskins and Koch (1939) found that in only one of five trials did dubbing increase testis weight and that in this case, body weight was likewise increased. . . .
Synergistic Effects of Chemical Enhancers and Therapeutic Ultrasound on Transdermal Drug Delivery

The effects of (i) a series of chemical enhancers and (ii) the combination of these enhancers and therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.4 W/cm2, continuous) on transdermal drug transport are investigated. A series of chemical enhancer formulations, including (i) polyethylene glycol 200 dilaurate (PEG), (ii) isopropyl myristate (IM), (iii) glycerol trioleate (GT), (iv) ethanol/pH 7.4 phosphate buffered saline in a 1:1 ratio (50% EtOH), (v) 50% EtOH saturated with linoleic acid (LA/EtOH), and (vi) phosphate buffered saline (PBS), as a control, are evaluated using corticosterone as a model drug. LA/EtOH is the most effective of these enhancers, increasing the corticosterone flux by 900-fold compared to that from PBS. Therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.4 W/cm2, continuous) increases the corticosterone permeability from all of the enhancers examined by up to 14-fold (LA/EtOH) and increases the corticosterone flux from the saturated solutions by up to 13000-fold (LA/EtOH), relative to that from PBS. Similar enhancements are obtained with LA/EtOH with and without ultrasound for four other model drugs, dexamethasone, estradiol, lidocaine, and testosterone. The permeability enhancements for all of these drugs resulting from the addition of linoleic acid to 50% EtOH increase with increasing drug molecular weight. Likewise, the permeability enhancement attained by ultrasound and LA/EtOH relative to passive EtOH exhibits a similar size dependence. A mechanistic explanation of this size dependence is provided. It is suggested that bilayer disordering agents, such as linoleic acid and ultrasound, transform the SC lipid bilayers into a fluid lipid bilayer phase or create a separate bulk oil phase. The difference in diffusivity of a given solute in SC bilayers and in either fluid bilayers or bulk oil is larger for larger solutes, thereby producing greater enhancements for larger solutes.
Dendritic and axonal targeting of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter to membranous cytoplasmic organelles in laterodorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei.

Autoregulation of cholinergic neurons in the laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) and pedunculopontine (PPT) nuclei has been implicated in many functions, most importantly in drug reinforcement and in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This autoregulation is attributed to the release of acetylcholine, but neither the storage or release sites are known. To determine these sites, we used electron microscopy for the immunocytochemical localization of antipeptide antiserum raised against the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAchT) that is responsible for the uptake of acetylcholine into storage vesicles. The cellular and subcellular distribution of VAchT was remarkably similar in the two regions by by using each of two methods, immunogold and immunoperoxidase. In both PPT and LDT nuclei, VAchT labeling was seen mainly on membranous organelles including the trans-Golgi network in many somata. VAchT-immunoreactive tubulovesicles resembling saccules of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were often seen near the plasma membrane in dendrites. The VAchT-containing dendrites comprised almost 50% of the labeled profiles (1027/2129) in PPT and LDT nuclei. The remaining VAchT-immunoreactive profiles were primarily small unmyelinated axons and axon terminals. In axon terminals, VAchT was densely localized to membranes of small synaptic vesicles. The VAchT-immunoreactive axon terminals formed either symmetric or asymmetric synapses. The postsynaptic targets of these axon terminals included dendrites that were with (36/110) or without (74/110) VAchT immunoreactivity. Our results suggest that dendrites, as well as axon terminals, have the potential for storage and release of acetylcholine in the LDT and PPT nuclei. The released acetylcholine is likely to play a major role in autoregulation of mesopontine cholinergic neurons.
ALTERNATIVE MORTGAGE INSTRUMENTS: COMPARISONS AND A PROPOSAL

Personal income growth since 1950 has been similar to increases in housing prices. In recent years, however, increases in interest rates due to inflation have prevented many individuals from purchasing a home. In this paper, a framework of analysis based on variable coefficient difference equations is presented and used to evaluate a number of alternative mortgage instruments. As an extension of this analysis, a superior mortgage is proposed. Simulations are presented that quantify the advantages of this new mortgage.
The certification of SRM 1546 – Meat Homogenate, a new reference material for nutrients in a high protein, high fat matrix

In response to reference material needs expressed by the food industry and government regulators, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new Standard Reference Material (SRM) consisting of a canned meat product with certified and reference values for a large number of constituents. SRM 1546 Meat Homogenate consists of a mixture of finely ground pork and chicken prepared and canned by a commercial process. NIST determined the concentration levels of cholesterol, sodium, calcium, iron, and seven fatty acids in this SRM using well defined methods and procedures. These analytes as well as 34 other constituents or properties were determined in an interlaboratory comparison exercise involving 21 laboratories, most of which are associated with the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) Food Industry Analytical Chemists Subcommittee (FIACS). From statistical analysis of the data, NIST assigned certified concentrations for the eleven analytes measured at NIST and reference concentrations for the proximates, six additional fatty acids, seven minerals, and seven water-soluble vitamins. Information values without uncertainties are provided for the concentrations of six additional constituents for which the uncertainties could not adequately be assessed. SRM 1546 will provide laboratories with a means to evaluate the accuracy of the methods they use to assign nutrient levels to processed meats and similar products.
C/EBPα or C/EBPα oncoproteins regulate the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways by direct interaction with NF-κB p50 bound to the bcl-2 and FLIP gene promoters

C/EBPα or C/EBPα oncoproteins regulate the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways by direct interaction with NF-κB p50 bound to the bcl-2 and FLIP gene promoters
Chachapoya mortuary behavior: A consideration of method and meaning

La region de los Chachapoya ubicada en el norte del Peru se caracteriza por una gran diversidad de tradiciones y estilos mortuorios. El proposito de este articulo se centra en un solo aspecto del comportamiento mortuorio Chachapoya: presencia/ausencia de metodos de momificacion. Complejos fardos funerarios antropogenicos han sido recuperados en la Laguna de los Condores, mientras que contextos preincaicos no bien documentados de cuerpos y restos esqueletales contenidos en sarcofagos, chullpas y campamentos abiertos han sido descritos. En este estudio entregamos una sintesis general del comportamiento mortuorio Chachapoya, y luego se presenta el estudio de caso del sitio funerario, Intermedio Tardio, Laguna Huayabamba, donde se han recuperado restos humanos momificados. La relacion entre los cuerpos momificados y los restos esqueletales, de este sitio, se interpreta como diferentes fases de un mismo contexto ritual, estructurado por lazos de parentesco para permitir un acceso continuo a contextos mortuorios especificos.
LCAO-MO-SCF-CI semi-empirical π-electron calculations on heteroaromatic systems part III. Azines

Semi-empirical π-electron calculations using a modification of the Pariser-Parr-Pople method have been carried out on the mono-, di-, tri and tetrazines. Core integrals have been defined so that they are essentially independent of molecular geometry and orthogonalized Slater orbitals are used. In the configuration interaction treatment of the problem the configurations considered are those arising from single electron excitations between the two highest occupied and the two lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. There is in general good agreement between calculated and observed electronic spectra, and calculated values for molecular ionization potentials agree very well with experimental values.
Tributaries to West Antarctic ice Streams: Characteristics Deduced from Numerical Modelling of Ice Flow

A network of relatively fast-flowing tributaries in the catchment basins of the West Antarctic ice streams transport ice from the inland reservoir to the heads of the ice streams. Branches of the network follow valleys in basal topography but not all valleys contain tributaries. We investigate the circumstances favoring tributary flow upstream of Ice Streams D and E, using a combination of observation and numerical modelling. No consistent pattern emerges. The transition from tributary to ice-stream flow occurs smoothly along the main tributary feeding into the onset of Ice Stream D, with ice thickness being relatively more important upstream, and sliding being relatively more important downstream. Elsewhere, the downstream pattern of flow is more complicated, with local increases and decreases in the contribution of sliding to ice speed. Those changes may be due to variations in basal water storage, subglacial geologic properties or a combination of the two.
Predicting stock price movements from past returns: The role of consistency and tax-loss selling

The consistency of positive past returns and tax-loss selling significantly affects the relation between past returns and the cross-section of expected returns. Analysis of these additional effects across stock characteristics, seasons, and tax regimes provides clues about the sources of temporal relations in stock returns, pointing to potential explanations for this relation. A parsimonious trading rule generates surprisingly large economic returns despite controls for confounding sources of return premia, microstructure effects, and data snooping biases.
Medical problems of wind players: a musician’s perspective

The medical problems that affect brass wind instrument players are presented by a musician. The dynamics and proper techniques of playing are explained. Various disorders that are especially troublesome to wind players (including asthma, colds, palate closure, dental malocclusion, and stage fright) and their treatment are discussed.
Linear learning control of robot motion

For the trajectory following problem of a robot manipulator, a new linear learning control law, consisting of the conventional proportional-integral-differential (PID) control law, with respect to position tracking error, and an iterative learning term is provided. The learning part is a linear feedback control of position, velocity, and acceleration errors (PDD2). It has been shown that, under the proposed learning control, the position, velocity, and acceleration tracking errors are asymptotically stable in the presence of highly nonlinear dynamics. The proposed control is robust in the sense that exact knowledge about nonlinear dynamics is not required except for the bounding functions on their magnitudes. Further, neither is linear approximation of nonlinear dynamics nor repeatability of robot motion required.
Urologic complications of high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.

Abstract Objective. This study reviews the incidence and management of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in a group of patients who received high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Methods. The records of 217 consecutive patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation were reviewed. The incidence, degree, and management of hematuria in this group of pancytopenic and immunocompromised patients were recorded. Results. Despite prophylaxis, cystitis developed in 58 of these 217 patients (27%) . In 12 patients (6%) the cystitis was severe. These patients had gross hematuria, clot retention, and drop in hematocrit necessitating blood transfusion. These patients were managed with continuous bladder irrigation, alum irrigation, and when less aggressive approach was unsuccessful, with intravesical formalin instillation. Alum irrigation was used in 5 patients, and was successful in only 1 patient. Six patients required intravesical formalin instillation to control the hematuria. Formalin solution 2–5% was instilled initially. When lower-concentration formalin failed, 5–10% formalin was used progressively. Conclusions. Patients with bone marrow transplantation in whom severe hemorrhagic cystitis develops should be managed aggressively early. Intravesical formalin appears to be the most effective regimen in controlling profuse, persistent hematuria.
Reappraisal of the interspecific prediction of parasite-mediated sexual selection: Opportunity knocks

Parasite-mediated sexual selection (PMSS) has been hypothesized to occur when individuals choose mates on the basis of parasite-indicative secondary sexual traits in order to acquire “good-genes” for parasite resistance, protection from parasite transmission, or healthy mates for assistance in parental care. Interspecific studies of PMSS test the prediction that parasite load and the extent of sexual selection, or “showiness”, are positively correlated across host species. The assumption inherent in this prediction is that larger parasite loads cause more intense sexual selection because larger loads have a greater effect on the mean fitness of host populations. This assumption is invalid on theoretical grounds: selection is not governed by mean fitness, but by variance in relative fitness, or the “opportunity for selection”. In this paper we model the potential influence of parasites on host fitness and examine the relationship of two measures of parasite load, prevalence and intensity, to the opportunity for parasite-mediated selection (I). Our results indicate that prevalence and intensity covary with I in some cases, but not others, depending on the precise effect of the parasite on host fitness and how this effect varies across host species. On the basis of these results, the interspecific prediction of PMSS is not necessarily warranted. The relationship of parasites to sexual selection, and hence the predicted relationship of parasites to showiness, depends on the nature of host-parasite interactions.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Neurointensive Care and Aneurysm Repair

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is often a neurologic catastrophe. Diagnosing SAH can be challenging, and treatment is complex, sophisticated, multidisciplinary, and rarely routine. This review emphasizes treatment in the intensive care unit, surgical and endovascular therapeutic options, and the current state of treatment of major complications such as cerebral vasospasm, acute hydrocephalus, and rebleeding. Outcome assessment in survivors of SAH and controversies in screening of family members are discussed.
The effect of pre-strain and strain-path changes on ductile fracture: experiment and computational modeling

Abstract Based on experiments and computational modeling, this study examines the failure behavior of structural steel, HY-100, which has been pre-strained at a high stress triaxiality and subsequently failed at a lower stress triaxiality. Both tensile tests of circumferentially notched specimens and the associated fractography show that even a small pre-strain at high stress triaxiality promotes an extension of the low ductility, ‘void-sheet’ mode of failure to lower stress triaxialities. Thus, there is a decrease in the failure strain compared to that if the material is deformed only at the lower stress triaxiality. These results imply that the pre-strain damage nucleates elongated voids whose growth is critical to the development of void-sheet failure. Micro-mechanical modeling using finite element analysis confirms that localization of plastic flow should occur between elongated ‘hole shaped voids’, despite their rather small initial cross-section size (2.5 μm) and comparatively large spacing (70 μm). Furthermore, employing a local failure criterion, the computational analysis predicts failure strains which are in good agreement with those observed after the pre-strain and strain-path change.
Introduction to Tensions, Emergence, and Generative Mechanisms in Complex Sociotechnical Systems Minitrack

Tensions, emergence, and generative mechanisms are ubiquitous in complex sociotechnical systems in wide ranging contexts including but not limited to e-health, mobile platforms, integrated supply chains, innovation ecosystems, and online communities. Conflicting demands, contradictory practices, and competing views create tension that can energize or inhibit the emergence of effective action and create unintended consequences in complex socio-technical systems. There is a growing literature on tensions, duality, emergence, and generative mechanisms as alternatives to contingency and structural theories. Likewise, complexity theory and agent based modeling are increasingly being used to understand complex social phenomena in information systems and organizational research, particularly in the areas of interdependencies, emergence, and generative science. The track focuses on papers that theoretically or empirically advance our understanding of how tensions, emergence, and generative mechanisms can be leveraged, enhanced, and honed to create new and frame-breaking opportunities, enhance their understanding, and ensure successful coevolution of complex sociotechnical systems in dynamic environments.
Prolongation of Near-Normoglycemic Remission in Black NIDDM Subjects With Chronic Low-Dose Sulfonylurea Treatment

Microvascular and neuropathic complications of diabetes mellitus can be significantly decreased by long-term, near-normoglycemic regulation in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Prevention or delay of onset of hyperglycemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients should reduce morbidity and mortality from these complications. NIDDM can be nearly normoglycemic when diagnosed by screening before its symptomatic stage or when clinically hyperglycemic NIDDM goes into remission. One potential strategy to delay the onset of hyperglycemia in individuals at high risk is chronic low-dose sulfonylurea therapy. Thirty black NIDDM subjects who recently had developed near-normoglycemia were followed with no treatment or were randomly assigned to a 3-year, double-blind glipizide or placebo treatment. Baseline and follow-up parameters included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, plasma insulin, and glucose responses to an oral glucose tolerance test and insulin action, as determined by the euglycemic insulin clamp. Baseline FPG and HbA1c for all three groups were 107 mg/dl and 4.7%, respectively. Relapse to hyperglycemia was defined as an FPG level > or = 140 mg/dl on several consecutive visits or an FPG level > or = 140 mg/dl and symptoms of hyperglycemia. During the course of the treatment and follow-up, hyperglycemia occurred in 6 of 10 subjects in the no treatment group, 6 of 10 in the placebo group, and 2 of 10 in the glipizide treatment group. Prolongation of near-normoglycemia was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by low-dose (2.5 mg/day) glipizide compared with placebo treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Activation of glycogen phosphorylase in rat caudate nucleus slices by L-isopropylnorepinepherine and dibutyryl cyclic AMP.

—l-Isopropylnorepinepherine (IPNE), 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and N6,O2′-dibutyryl cyclic AMP have been found to stimulate the conversion of glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) from b to a forms in rat caudate nucleus slices. The average percentage of total GPase in the a form in control incubations was 32%. The percentage of total GPase in the a form was increased to 1.5 times the control value in the presence of 1 mM-IBMX, to twice the control value in the presence of 0.05 mM-IPINE and to 2.5 times the control in the presence of 0.05 mM-IPNE and 1 mM-IBMX in combination. The increase in GPase activation correlated well with the elevation of cyclic AMP levels by these agents in caudate slices. The percentage of total GPase in the a form was also increased to 2.5 times the control by 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Dopamine (DA) and 2-chloroadenosine (2-CI-Ado), which also elevate cyclic AMP levels in rat caudate slices, were without significant effect on GPase. The results indicate that the β-adrenergc adenylate cyclase in the rat caudate nucleus plays a role in the regulation of glycogen metabolism, while the DA-stimulated adenylate cyclase is not significantly involved. 2-CI-Ado does have effects on glycogen metabolism in the caudate, but these effects do not appear to be mediated by GPase activation.
Influence of landscape pattern in flour residue amount and distribution on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) response to traps baited with pheromone and kairomone

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle, is a major pest of food facilities and is typically monitored using traps that capture walking individuals. In flour mills the accumulation of residues of flour on surfaces has the potential to influence beetle movement and response to trap attractants. Different flour residue landscapes of habitat (flour) within a matrix of no flour with the following characteristics were created: low abundance (10% coverage) and fragmented distribution, high abundance (30% coverage) and fragmented distribution, low abundance and clumped distribution, high abundance and clumped distribution, 0% coverage, and 100% coverage. Response of individual beetles to traps placed on top of these landscapes was evaluated; traps were either baited with aggregation pheromone and kairomone or contained no attractants. Encounters with the two types of traps were not significantly different for any of the specific landscapes, but greater numbers tended to encounter traps with attractants on fragmented landscapes and 100% flour landscapes. Combining landscape types, the proportion of beetles encountering pheromone þ kairomone-baited traps (0.61) was not greater than the proportion encountering empty traps (0.50). However, when combining just the fragmented landscapes there was a significantly greater response to traps with attractants (78%) than traps without (50%), but no difference in response on the combined clumped landscapes. Movement pathways, analyzed using video recordings of beetles, showed a general trend for 0% and 100% habitat landscapes to be most different from each other and 10% and 30% habitat landscapes tended to group together, but only for maximum distance traveled in an interval, velocity, and mean turn angle were significant differences observed. Results suggest that fragmented landscapes may have some impact on beetle response to attractants, but a potential mechanism for this needs further evaluation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Evidenced-based Treatments for Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders: Family Therapy and Family-facilitated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This article summarizes recent research on effective treatments for children and adolescents with eating disorders and illustrates two of the main evidenced based approaches through case descriptions. There are few systematic studies of treatments for children and adolescent eating disorders despite the serious medical and psychological problems attendant to them. One form of family therapy developed at the Maudsley Hospital in London has been the subject of several small to medium sized studies that support the effectiveness of the approach for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. The main tenets of the approach include parental empowerment to be active in re-feeding their emaciated children through decreasing parental guilt and anxiety. There are no published controlled trials of any treatment for adolescent Bulimia Nervosa (BN). There are, however, a large number of treatment studies of adults with BN suggesting that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for the disorders. A case description of the use of a modified form of CBT for adolescent BN is provided.
The effects of genetic manipulation of putrescine biosynthesis on transcription and activities of the other polyamine biosynthetic enzymes

We have studied the effects of overproduction of putrescine (Put) via transgenic expression of a mouse ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) gene on the expression of native genes for four enzymes involved in polyamine biosynthesis in hybrid poplar (Populus nigra x maximowiczii) cells. An examination of the transcript levels of arginine decarboxylase (ADC), ODC, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) and spermidine synthase (SPDS), as well as their enzyme activities (except SPDS), showed that the expression of different members of the SAMDC and SPDS gene families was affected differently in response to alteration of the cellular Put content. It was further observed that there was a strong correlation between transcript levels and the activity of the respective enzyme in the cells. Moreover, there was no feedback inhibition of the expression of the native ODC or the ADC genes or their enzyme activities by increased Put in the cells.
Enhanced probabilistic packet marking for IP traceback

A novel mechanism based on probabilistic packet marking (PPM) for IP traceback is presented. Our proposal enhances the performance of PPM in the following aspects. First, PPM can effectively trace denial of service (DoS) attacks and small-scale distributed DoS (DDoS) attacks only while our proposal may also be used to tackle large-scale DDoS attacks. Second, our scheme eliminates a serious vulnerability of PPM, i.e., spoofed marking inscribed by the attacker intentionally. Third, by optimizing the marking probability and refining the marking mechanism, our scheme can significantly reduce the number of packets required for path reconstruction. In comparison with PPM, as many as 41.31% of marked packets required for a single path reconstruction may be reduced using our scheme.