cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maximal orbital analysis of molecular wavefunctions

We describe a new way to decompose one-electron orbitals of a molecule into atom-centered or fragment-centered orbitals by an approach that we call "maximal orbital analysis" (MOA). The MOA analysis is based on the corresponding orbital transformation (COT) that has the unique mathematical property of maximizing any sub-trace of the overlap matrix, in Hilbert metric sense, between two sets of nonorthogonal orbitals. Here, one set comprises the molecule orbitals (Hartree-Fock, Kohn-Sham, complete-active-space, or any set of orthonormal molecular orbitals), the other set comprises the basis functions associated with an atom or a group of atoms. We show in prototypical molecular systems such as a water dimer, metal carbonyl complexes, and a mixed-valent transition metal complex, that the MOA orbitals capture very well key aspects of wavefunctions and the ensuing chemical concepts that govern electronic interactions in molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pushing a Green Agenda: Explaining Shifting Public Support for Environmental Spending:

Although mass opinion on many political issues is generally stable, Americans’ beliefs about environmentalism have undergone dramatic changes in recent decades. Many studies of attitudinal change i...
Raster Search Resolution Analysis for Fast Motion Estimation in HD Video Compression

HD Video Motion estimation is the main part of both video compression standards – HEVC and H.264 in terms of power and processing time. Fast Motion Estimation Algorithms use techniques to reduce the computation with a minimal quality loss. Often the Search Process is performed in several phases through only a subset of the possible options to reduce time, power and cost. In the case where quality is critical, the first pass can be a more detailed search, the step of which has quadratic impact on the computation and from there on power. This paper presents an analysis of the optimal steps for HD video, which allow reduction in computation in the range of 16-89%, just before the quality starts to drop significantly. Full Search quality is the ultimate goal, but its computation is orders of magnitude higher than Fast Motion Estimation methods. The search step is applied in both X and Y directions of an HD frame search, so its impact on computation and power is quadratic in time and complexity. The pervasiveness of battery operated devices like cell phones with HD cameras, which need to process, store and transmit HD video, emphasizes the importance of this analysis. Our analysis shows that the optimal step before the start of a noticeable quality loss is in the range of 6-8 pixels.
Mechanism of allosteric modulation of P-glycoprotein by transport substrates and inhibitors

The ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein plays a central role in clearance of xenobiotics in humans and is implicated in cancer resistance to chemotherapy. We used double electron electron resonance spectroscopy to uncover the basis of stimulation of P-glycoprotein adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis by multiple substrates and illuminate how substrates and inhibitors differentially affect its transport function. Our results reveal that substrate-induced acceleration of ATP hydrolysis correlates with stabilization of a high-energy, post-ATP hydrolysis state characterized by structurally asymmetric nucleotide-binding sites. By contrast, this state is destabilized in the substrate-free cycle and by high-affinity inhibitors in favor of structurally symmetric nucleotide binding sites. Together with previous data, our findings lead to a general model of substrate and inhibitor coupling to P-glycoprotein.
Developing a quantitative mudrock calibration for a handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer

Abstract Handheld energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (hhEDXRF) spectrometers enable rapid and non-destructive means of quantifying the elemental composition of rocks. Advances in hhEDXRF technology have resulted in their widespread usage in the geological sciences. Currently, most popular hhEDXRFs lack lithology-specific calibrations and in turn acquire datasets with high precision but in many cases with unknown or low accuracy. This study derives a methodology to create an internal regression-based mudrock calibration for a hhEDXRF analyzer, with the aim of increasing the analytical quality of elemental data collected from core and outcrop samples. For this study we utilize 64 compositionally diverse Middle Devonian mudrock samples from four cored locations within the central Appalachian basin. Samples were analyzed on both a hhEDXRF and a quantitatively superior bench-top wavelength-dispersive XRF (WDXRF) spectrometer. Utilizing linear regressions, hhEDXRF values were calibrated to the values of the WDXRF for individual elements. Measurements from the two XRF modes record the following coefficients of determination: Zn, Mo, and Ca (r2 > 0.99), Al, K, Ti, Fe, Ni, V, Cu, and Pb (r2 > 0.92), Zr and Si (r2 > 0.78), and Cr (r2 = 0.56). To assess precision, relative standard deviations (RSD) were calculated for each element based on repeated measurements collected on internal reference samples. All elements recorded RSD values of 20%, outside of the acceptable limit. The internal mudrock calibration creates high analytical quality datasets for more robust analyses when compared to previous approaches.
Типы организационной культуры как предикторы корпоративной социальной ответственности

Corporate social responsibility has recently become an important part of any organization’s activities. However, organizational culture is undoubtedly crucial and fundamental for the sustainable functioning of organizations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational culture and corporate social responsibility. Linear regression analysis was used to achieve this goal. Data on four types of organizational culture and the opinions of employees from different enterprises in eight industries were compared using ANOVA variance analysis. Three hypotheses have been put forward that: all types of organizational culture predict the direction of corporate social responsibility “the effectiveness of the organization’s activities in relation to social issues»; all types of organizational culture predict the direction of corporate social responsibility “the organization meets the interests of its agents”; different types of organizational culture dominate in different industries. An empirical study of enterprises in eight industries has shown the relationship between types of organizational culture and corporate social responsibility. Different types of organizational culture dominate in different branches of industry. In addition, certain types of organizational culture are more important for different areas of corporate social responsibility. In the course of the research, the results were obtained, which showed that all the analysed types of organizational culture predict the directions of corporate social responsibility that are responsible for the effectiveness of the organization’s work in relation to social issues and show its effective implementation. The “clan”, “hierarchy”, and “bureaucracy” types of organizational culture provide an opportunity of anticipation of circumstance that the organization respects the interests of its agents. As a result, a model has been developed, that shows their relationship.
Study of Microgrid Resilience Through Co-Simulation of Power System Dynamics and Communication Systems

Smart grid technologies are deepening the interdependence of electric power and communication systems, but that interdependence is difficult to quantify. In the case of microgrids, communication systems can be essential to maintaining stability during islanded operations. Though many power system studies assume the presence of perfect communication networks, detailed modeling of power and communication systems for dynamic studies of microgrids is rare. This article develops a framework, for power and communication system co-simulation, to study the effects of communication systems on microgrid stability. An operational use case is examined, in which a battery energy storage system operates to offset the loss of generation in an islanded microgrid. The framework is evaluated for different communication technologies, network structures, and communication media.
The Effects of Paternal Seizure Disorders and Antiseizure Medication Use on Offspring Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Psychiatric Comorbidities, and Sexual Health. (4262)

Objective: To determine if men with epilepsy on antiseizure medications at the time of conception have difficulty conceiving children, both due to biological and psychological impediments. Additionally, the neurodevelopmental outcomes of their offspring are analyzed, as are the incidences of psychiatric comorbidities and altered sexual performance. Background: There are few studies that evaluate the effects of antiseizure medications on men and their offspring. Design/Methods: A total of 450 male patients with and without epilepsy at one hospital were provided questionnaires to determine demographic characteristics, epilepsy history, type of antiseizure medication at the time of conception, subsequent childhood birth and developmental history, and sexual health. Survey data was evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis: Student’s t-test for continuous variables and Fischer’s exact test for categorical variables. Prevalence odds ratio (pOR) were calculated to determine associations between the measured data. Results: After matching by age, we analyzed a total of 110 males with epilepsy and 110 without epilepsy. Keppra and lacosamide were the most common antiseizure medications used in the epilepsy group. A higher rate of autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays were seen in offspring conceived by men on antiseizure medication when compared to control groups (N=17, pOR 8.44; 95% IC: 0.99–72.03, p=0.03). There was a higher rate of psychiatric comorbidities such as major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation in participants with epilepsy when compared to the control group (N=110; pOR 3.39; 95% IC: 1.87–6.13, p Conclusions: The present study suggests men with epilepsy on antiseizure medications have higher rates of developmental disorders in their offspring, an increased incidence of psychiatric comorbidities, and changes in sexual performance, specifically erectile dysfunction, when compared with men without epilepsy. Disclosure: Dr. Lemus Esquivel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casale has nothing to disclose. Dr. Young has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marcuse has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yoo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mueller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fields has nothing to disclose.
The esophageal mucosal barrier in health and disease: mucosal pathophysiology and protective mechanisms

Diseases of the esophagus, such as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), can result in changes to mucosal integrity, neurological function, and the microbiome. Although poorly understood, both age and GER can lead to changes to the enteric nervous system. In addition, the esophagus has a distinct microbiome that can be altered in GER. Mucosal integrity is also at risk due to persistent damage from acid. Diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory pH/impedance testing and esophageal mucosal impedance, can assess short-term and longitudinal GER burden, which can also assess the risk for mucosal compromise. The quality of the mucosal barrier is determined by its intercellular spaces, tight junctions, and tight junction proteins, which are represented by claudins, occludins, and adhesion molecules. Fortunately, there are protective factors for mucosal integrity that are secreted by the esophageal submucosal mucous glands and within saliva that are augmented by mastication. These protective factors have potential as therapeutic targets for GER. In this article, we aim to review diagnostic tools used to predict mucosal integrity, aging, and microbiome changes to the esophagus and esophageal mucosal defense mechanisms.
Mechanisms of bone blood flow regulation in humans.

The current study is the first one to noninvasively investigate control of bone blood perfusion in vivo in humans, on a moment-by-moment basis. Our results indicate that tibial bone vasculature dem...
Large lakes harbor streamlined free-living nitrifiers

Abstract Microbial nitrification is a critical process governing nitrogen availability in aquatic systems and provides energy for aphotic carbon fixation. Nitrifiers are phylogenetically and physiologically diverse, but the factors controlling this diversity, and its biogeochemical implications, are poorly understood, particularly in freshwater systems. Here, we characterized the taxonomic, genomic, and metabolic diversity of free-living nitrifiers across Earth’s largest freshwater system, the Laurentian Great Lakes. Surprisingly, ammonia oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) related to Nitrosospira dominated over ammonia oxidizing Archaea (AOA) at most stations, even in oligotrophic lakes with extremely low substrate concentrations. Nitrite oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) Ca. Nitrotoga and Nitrospira each dominated a subset of stations, even switching within a lake. Among four ecotypes of Nitrosospira we identified, one encodes proteorhodopsin, which could enhance survival of this AOB in transparent, low nutrient lakes. Genome reconstructions for free-living AOA, AOB, and NOB indicate small genomes across all taxa and diverse adaptations to sunlight and oxidative stress. Our findings expand the known functional diversity of nitrifiers and provide the first integrated picture of freshwater nitrifier genomics and ecology. As lakes worldwide undergo rapid environmental change, understanding the relationship between microbial biodiversity and nitrogen cycling is essential for predicting future ecosystem health and services.
Changing Intellectual Property and Corporate Legal Structures to Promote the U.S. Environmental Management and Technology Systems Industry

This Article posits that for the U.S. environmental management and technology industry to enjoy success comparable to the that of the biotechnology and semiconductor industries requires critical examination of current law to enable market-based and regulatory incentives, which would position U.S. industry to compete with equal strength against global competitors in global markets. This Article explains that the legal community, along with the environmental science and engineering disciplines, must guide both growth and market dominance of this industry in the global marketplace. The Article examines three areas of the law critical to the U.S. Environmental Technology Management System (EMTS) industry—intellectual property, tax, and corporate law—and provides examples of how corporate and governmental lawyers can employ current law, absent any new major legislative initiatives, to promote the U.S. EMTS industry to global success and predominance on par with the commercial success of the U.S. semiconductor and biotechnology industries.
Predictive and prognostic biomarkers with therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer: A 2021 update on current development, evidence, and recommendation:

Although therapeutically actionable molecular alterations are widely distributed across many cancer types, only a handful of them show evidence of clinical utility and are recommended for routine clinical practice in the management of cancers of colon and rectum (CRC). This 2021 update aims to provide a succinct summary on the use of prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers (expanded RAS, BRAF, microsatellite-high [MSI-H] or deficient mismatch repair [dMMR], neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase [NTRK] fusion genes, and human epidermal growth factor receptor type II [HER2] gene amplification) associated with CRC. Therapeutic implications of each relevant predictive or prognostic biomarker for patients with CRC are described, along with discussion on new developments on (1) biomarker-driven therapies such as testing of BRAF, MLH1 promoter methylation and MMR germline genes in differentiating sporadic CRC or hereditary conditions such as Lynch syndrome; (2) first-line use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic CRC; (3) risk stratification and therapy selection based on primary tumor location (left-sided vs. right-sided colon cancer); (3) atypical BRAF mutations; (4) use of EGFR directed therapy in the perioperative oligometastatic disease setting; (5) re-challenge of EGFR directed therapy and (6) personalizing therapy of fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan based on new evidence in pharmacogenomic testing. Data are collected and analyzed from available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of treatments with known therapeutic targets in CRC, which may be associated with predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers. Discussions are presented in an application-based format, with goal to empower pharmacists or other clinicians to gain awareness and understanding in biomarker-driven cancer therapy issues.
Is Simpler Always Better? Accounting Reporting Complexity and Bank Loans Contracting

We argue that both overly complex and oversimplified financial statements have a negative impact on firms’ information environment and cost of financing. Consistent with this view, we find that banks increase loan spreads and impose more restrictive loan terms as the complexity of borrowers’ financial reports deviates from moderate levels. Using a quasi-discontinuity design, we also show that banks exploit their control rights to moderate reporting complexity after firms violate a covenant. That is, firms’ reporting complexity moves toward the median after a covenant violation. Overall, our study contributes to a better understand of the consequences of accounting reporting complexity
Investigating Resiliency of Infrastructure Against Hurricane Events: A Review

The resilience of infrastructure, communities, and the environment in the face of hurricane events has increasingly become of public interest in the wake of recent natural disasters and environmental activism. Communities affected by natural or human-induced disasters require resources in order to recover from and withstand such disasters. Previous literature has quantified resilience for various infrastructure and disaster scenarios through the development of resilience functions and frameworks. This comprehensive review summarizes previous literature evaluating the recovery, loss, and resilience of infrastructure against hurricane events.
Axial variation in flexural stiffness of plant stem segments: measurement methods and the influence of measurement uncertainty.

BACKGROUND Flexural three-point bending tests are useful for characterizing the mechanical properties of plant stems. These tests can be performed with minimal sample preparation, thus allowing tests to be performed relatively quickly. The best-practice for such tests involves long spans with supports and load placed at nodes. This approach typically provides only one flexural stiffness measurement per specimen. However, by combining flexural tests with analytic equations, it is possible to solve for the mechanical characteristics of individual stem segments. RESULTS A method is presented for using flexural tests to obtain estimates of flexural stiffness of individual segments. This method pairs physical test data with analytic models to obtain a system of equations. The solution of this system of equations provides values of flexural stiffness for individual stalk segments. Uncertainty in the solved values for flexural stiffness were found to be strongly dependent upon measurement errors. Row-wise scaling of the system of equations reduced the influence of measurement error. Of many possible test combinations, the most advantageous set of tests for performing these measurements were identified. Relationships between measurement uncertainty and solution uncertainty were provided for two different testing methods. CONCLUSIONS The methods presented in this paper can be used to measure the axial variation in flexural stiffness of plant stem segments. However, care must be taken to account for the influence of measurement error as the individual segment method amplifies measurement error. An alternative method involving aggregate flexural stiffness values does not amplify measurement error, but provides lower spatial resolution.
Black Lives Matter!: Systems of Oppression Affecting Black Youth: “[E]ven Though We Don’t Have Everything…We Build Our Own Thing”: Exploring Black Girl Space

In a racially stratified and oppressive society, Black youth must figure out who they are and what they can achieve while navigating dehumanizing stereotypes that devalue and disregard Black lives. In the current paper, we analyze focus group interviews with Black students at a predominately Black, all-girls high school to understand the meaning, significance, and potential of Black girl space through an intersectional and developmental lens. Results revealed the challenges and opportunities particularly with regard to the relational space (peers, sexuality, identity) and the structural space (extracurriculars, policies, and building structure). We discuss the potential of Black girl space and the broader implications for educational spaces to support Black girls' development to create a more equitable and impactful developmental science.
Vaginal and Rectal HIV Transmission in Humanized Mice

Mucosal HIV exposures account for the vast majority of the 2.5 million new HIV transmissions that occur annually worldwide. The ability to accurately model mucosal HIV transmission in vivo using animal models such as humanized mice is important for understanding this process. Humanized mice have shown to be susceptible to HIV infection after either vaginal or rectal exposure and have been utilized for a number of mucosal transmission studies with primary HIV isolates, laboratory HIV isolates and, more recently, transmitted founder HIV isolates. Many studies of mucosal HIV transmission in humanized mice have focused on testing prevention, interventions, as well as the transmission of antiviral drug-resistant strains. The breadth of the studies reviewed here emphasizes the versatility of these models for future research evaluating mucosal HIV transmission and its prevention.
Hypoprolactinemia Does Not Prevent Restoration of Normal Spermatogenesis in Gonadotropin‐Suppressed, Testosterone‐Replaced Rats

We have previously shown that suppression of gonadotropins and spermatogenesis can be produced in rats by immunization against gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Administration of testosterone (T) alone is effective in restoring complete spermatogenesis in these rats, although it is not effective in doing so in chronically treated hypophysectomized rats. This suggests that a pituitary factor(s) other than luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is required to restore normal spermatogenesis. The studies described herein test the hypothesis that prolactin (PRL) is the additional requirement for complete restoration of spermatogenesis. Twenty rats were immunized against GnRH, and four groups of five each received either 1) 24-cm T-filled Silastic implant (TSl), 2) TSl plus bromocriptine pellet (B), 3) B plus empty Silastic implant (Sl), or 4) Sl alone. Five nonimmunized rats received Sl alone and served as controls. All rats were sacrificed 2 months after treatment. GnRH immunization and B administration suppressed gonadotropins and PRL levels, respectively, and advanced spermatids were not detectable in these rats. Testis weight was suppressed to about 19% of controls. The number of advanced spermatids in control rats was 220 +/- 23 x 10(6). TSl administration restored advanced spermatids to numbers comparable to controls in GnRH-immunized rats whether the rat received B (191 +/- 17 x 106) or not (217 +/- 18 x 10(6)). Additionally, we determined mRNA levels for PRL and FSH beta subunit (FSH beta) in the pituitary by Northern blot and densitometric scanning. The mRNA levels of PRL mirrored serum PRL levels, and the same was true for FSH beta subunits and serum FSH levels. These data show that suppression of PRL has no effect on the ability of T to restore complete spermatogenesis in GnRH-immunized rats. This observation mitigates against the hypothesis that PRL is the pituitary factor required to allow complete restoration of spermatogenesis to occur.
Tax Expenditures and Global Labor Mobility

Governments often deliver social welfare benefits through “tax expenditures,” provisions of the tax code (such as home mortgage deductions) designed to serve social policy objectives. This Article considers the criteria for granting tax expenditures to individuals who work abroad. International tax norms currently assign the primary entitlement to tax labor income to the state where the taxpayer works, but they assign the obligation to confer personal tax expenditures exclusively to the state where the taxpayer resides. At a time when leading tax treaty policymakers have begun to question this allocation rule, this Article examines its normative underpinnings, and concludes the current practice is efficient, fair, and simple. In constructing the efficiency arguments, this Article introduces the concepts of “labor export neutrality” and “labor residence neutrality” as tools for analyzing government policies that affect global labor mobility. A policy is labor export neutral if it does not distort taxpayers’ decisions about where to work. A policy is labor residence neutral if it does not distort taxpayers’ decisions about where to reside.
A theoretical model for intelligent CAD

We present a model for future CAD systems which aid the designer by combining conventional CAD techniques with expert problem solving and design planning tools. Dialog with these tools is directed at the application level and all tools provide explanation. We describe how two models of the design process, the goal tree model of Mostow and problem solving by debugging almost right plans of Sussman and Steele, Jr., can be integrated to support both high and low level planning of engineering design. We suggest a set of paradigms for integrating the model.
Differences between Liver and Hepatoma Cells in Their Complements of Adenosine 3':5'-Monophosphatebinding Proteins and Protein Kinases

Abstract The soluble fractions from both rat liver and an established hepatoma cell line (HTC cells) contain protein kinases and proteins which bind adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Liver cytosol exhibits somewhat more binding activity and less protein kinase activity than HTC cells. Protein kinase activity from both sources is stimulated by cyclic AMP. Scatchard plots for the binding of cyclic AMP have been compared at pH 4 and 6.5. At both pH values, liver shows nonlinear plots which are increased in curvature and apparent affinities by prior dialysis of the samples, mostly because of the removal of endogenous cyclic AMP. For HTC cells the Scatchard plot at pH 4 is also nonlinear and exhibits high binding affinity (Kd l 0.5 nm), but prior dialysis is unnecessary and the shape of the curve differs from that of liver. At pH 6.5, the binding affinity observed in HTC extracts (Kd g 10 nm) is lower than seen with liver and is insensitive to dialysis for a day or 2. However, this binding can be partially converted to higher affinity by aging or by overnight treatment at pH 4. The binding activity present in liver extracts is considerably less stable than that from HTC cells at pH 4 in the absence of cyclic AMP. Increasing the pH and adding cyclic AMP stabilize the binding activities from both sources. Much of the nonlinearity observed in the Scatchard binding plots is in the opposite direction from that caused by the instability of binding components at low concentrations of cyclic AMP. Chromatography on DEAE-cellulose shows that HTC extracts lack one of two major cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase fractions which are present in liver. The deficiency seems to be due primarily to the absence of a cyclic AMP-binding fraction. Chromatographically analogous protein kinase peaks are present in both HTC and liver extracts, although their proportions differ. The cyclic AMP-binding fraction which is present only in liver is very labile at pH 4 and accounts for the greater instability of binding activity in liver extracts compared with HTC samples. HTC cells and liver also differ in the properties of the cyclic AMP-stimulated protein kinase fraction which is common to both. The activity of this chromatographic fraction from HTC cells is less responsive to cyclic AMP and has a lower binding affinity than that from liver. This lower HTC binding affinity can be increased by the same treatments which are effective with unfractionated extracts.
Effect of Repeated Testicular Biopsy on Testis Function and Semen Quality in Dogs

The study was designed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of repeated testicular biopsy of avascular areas by the open method on spermatogenesis, semen quality, and sperm output in dogs. After a 5-week standardization period of semen collections 3x per week, 10 sexually mature Beagle dogs were divided into two groups, approximately equalized based on previous sperm output. Semen collections were continued for 20 weeks. One group was controls without treatment until unilaterally orchidectomized after weeks 16 and 20; a second group had one testis biopsied on weeks 1, 5, and 9 and removed after week 16, with the second testis removed after week 20. Sperm output per week during the summer declined in the control group from 851 x 10 6 to 725 x 10 6 (15%). The decline in the biopsied control group collected simultaneously was 22%, presumably reflecting a seasonal effect plus a possible small treatment effect. At 16 weeks, the testes removed from the controls averaged 7.1 g and the testes biopsied three times in the second group averaged 6.4 g (P > 0.05). Scrotal-testicular measurements taken in live animals were correlated with testicular weights at orchidectomy (r = 0.81). An average of 36.7 mg of tissue was removed at each biopsy, sufficient to evaluate 100 to >200 seminiferous tubules in cross-section. Sperm motility and frequency of all stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium were similar between control and biopsied dogs. It is concluded that repeated testicular biopsy of avascular areas can provide sufficient tissue for histopathologic evaluation without significant interference with spermatogenesis.
Packaging technology for smart power applications

The author briefly reviews packaging technology for smart power applications. Attention is given to packaging for low to medium voltages and for high voltages; to protective networks; and to smart power hybrids. >
The Macroeconomics of Fiscal Consolidation in the European Union

We show that in the EU there were diverse causes for the sovereign debt crisis. Yet, fiscal austerity was hastily imposed assuming that the multiplier would be weak and fiscal consolidation could quickly be achieved. Yet, it turned out that fiscal consolidation is state dependent: It is substantially more contractionary if undertaken during a recession than during an expansion. There is no single multiplier for all times. The fiscal multiplier is regime dependent and depends on the economic environment and business cycle regimes. The success of the multiplier and the debt stabilization depend on financial stress, credit spreads, the vulnerability of the banking system, monetary policy actions, the state of internal and external demand, exchange rates and so on. Empirical studies are reviewed that have used regime change models and Multi-Regime VARs (MRVARs) to estimate and evaluate state dependent fiscal and monetary policies. We show that consolidation policies in certain regimes can be strongly contractionary which is replicated in a dynamic model using a new solution method. Furthermore, not only are the contractionary impacts of aggregate fiscal policy (public expenditure and revenue) to be considered, but also the composition of fiscal consolidations affecting health, education, infrastructure and public consumption as well as distributional impacts of consolidation policies.
Cost-sensitive cache replacement algorithms

Cache replacement algorithms originally developed in the context of simple uniprocessor systems aim to reduce the miss count. However, in modern systems, cache misses have different costs. The cost may be latency, penalty, power consumption, bandwidth consumption, or any other ad-hoc numerical property attached to a miss. In many practical situations, it is desirable to inject the cost of a miss into the replacement policy. In this paper, we propose several extensions of LRU which account for nonuniform miss costs. These LRU extensions have simple implementations, yet they are very effective in various situations. We first explore the simple case of two static miss costs using trace-driven simulations to understand when cost-sensitive replacements are effective. We show that very large improvements of the cost function are possible in many practical cases. As an example of their effectiveness, we apply the algorithms to the second-level cache of a multiprocessor with superscalar processors, using the miss latency as the cost function. By applying our simple replacement policies sensitive to the latency of misses we can improve the execution time of some parallel applications by up to 18%.
Multi-swarm Optimization of a Graphene FET Based Voltage Controlled Oscillator Circuit

The lack of well defined abstraction levels and immature design tools have made the custom design and optimization of analog circuits slow, complex and laborious. Furthermore, CMOS technology beyond 10 nm faces fundamental limits which may restrict its applicability for future devices. In this paper, a Graphene Field Effect Transistor (GFET) based cross-coupled LC circuit is used as case study to design a mixed-signal integrated circuit. A Multi-Swarm Optimization (MSO) algorithm is used for fast exploration of the design space for the GFET based LC-VCO to maximize its operating frequency given phase noise and power dissipation as optimization constraints. The length (L) and width (W) of the graphene channel are selected as the design variables. The phase noise is kept below-80 dBc/Hz and power dissipation is less than 16 mW. The design optimization flow results in a maximum frequency of 2.58 GHz for L = 3.35 µm and W = 1.82 µm and the phase noise and power dissipation constraints are well below the guard limits.
Ballistic Injury Biomechanics

Penetrating and non-penetrating injuries can result from a ballistic impact. Typical gun shot wounds are the penetrating type. However, when a bullet designed to penetrate hits a piece of personnel protective equipment the result can be a blunt impact injury. Blunt impact injuries can also occur with less-lethal kinetic energy devices. Injuries that result from these high rate impacts are dependent on many factors including: the energy imparted to the body, the surface area that this energy is focused upon as well as the region of the body impacted. Research in the areas of gun shot wounds, direct and indirect impacts to the long bones, behind armor blunt trauma and blunt ballistic impacts will be discussed.
When Is an Abortion Not an Abortion

Discussion about the similarities and differences between abortion and multi-fetal pregnancy reduction, including the tug-of-war over naming, highlights ongoing contestation about the relationship between the law, ethics, and women's bodies. Ultimately, the law must root itself in the realities of pregnancy including the physical and social consequences that any pregnancy creates for the woman who carries it.
Diet, body size and menarche in a multiethnic cohort.

A multiethnic cohort of 1378 Southern California school girls aged 8-13 years was followed for 4 years to evaluate factors predicting age at menarche, a risk factor for breast cancer. Height and weight were measured and dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Of 939 girls providing data on menarcheal status, 767 were premenarcheal at the start of the study; 679 girls provided acceptable dietary data and were included in the analyses. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship between diet, body size, ethnicity and age at menarche. Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Island and African-American girls were more likely to experience early menarche than non-Hispanic white girls. Tall (> 148.6 cm) versus short ( 20.7) versus low QI ( 12,013 kJ vs < 7004 kJ) was associated with a delay in menarche (RH = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9); this finding was limited to a subset of heavy Hispanic girls who appeared to underreport their dietary intake.
Pleural Fluid pH in Parapneumonic Effusions

The pH and carbon dioxide tension were measured in 24 consecutive parapneumonic effusions, along with the leukocyte count, leukocytic differential count, and levels of glucose and protein. Three categories of parapneumonic effusions were characterized: (1) empyemas; (2) benign (nonloculated) effusions; and (3) loculated effusions. A pH greater than 7.30 was present in all ten benign effusions, and spontaneous resolution occurred in each case. All ten empyemas and the four loculated effusions had a pH less than 7.30. All four loculated effusions required drainage with a chest tube for resolution. The pH of the pleural fluid alone separated the empyemas and loculated effusions from benign effusions. The early separation of parapneumonic effusions on the basis of the pleural fluid appears useful. If the pH is greater than 7.30, a benign effusion is present, and spontaneous resolution is likely. If the pH is less than 7.30, loculation of the pleural space may occur, regardless of whether the effusion fulfills the criteria for empyema.
A hierarchical minicomputer system for continuous post-surgical monitoring.

Abstract A patient monitoring system is described which has been implemented with interconnected minicomputers organized in a functional two-level hierarchy. Data acquisition, preliminary analysis using algorithmic signal processing techniques, output displays, and user interaction are functions of the minicomputer at the first level of the hierarchy, the patient preprocessor (PP). An important capability of this system is that waveform data is sampled and analyzed continuously. The encoded compressed data output from each patient preprocessor is transmitted to the Inquiry Station (IS), the minicomputer at the next higher level of the hierarchy. It serves as an extension of preprocessorlike functions which can be more efficiently time-shared within one computer. The inquiry station provides secondary mass storage for data in all eight trend displays, additional algorithmic processing for ECG arrhythmias, and the generation and transmission of appropriate physiologic and data-quality alarm messages to personnel at the bedside. Medications, nurses' notes, fluid input-output, and similar data for the patient's chart are entered into the charting system. Display summaries of this data are available for correlation with data collected and stored in the monitoring system.
An unusual presentation of a rectal duplication cyst.

a b s t r a c t INTRODUCTION: Intestinal duplications are rare developmental anomalies that can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. Rectal duplication cysts account for approximately 4% of all duplication cysts. They usually present in childhood with symptoms of mass effect, local infection or more rarely with rectal bleeding from ectopic gastric mucosa. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 26 year old male presented with a history of bright red blood per rectum. On examination a mucosal defect with an associated cavity adjacent to the rectum was identified. This was confirmed with rigid proctoscopy and CT scan imaging. A complete transanal excision was performed. DISCUSSION: Rectal duplication cysts are more common in pediatric patients. They more frequently present with symptoms of mass effect or local infection than with rectal bleeding. In adult patients they are a rare cause of rectal bleeding. Definitive treatment is with surgical excision. A transanal, transcoc- cygeal, posterior sagittal or a combined abdominoperineal approach may be used depending on anatomic characteristics of the duplication cyst. CONCLUSION: We present a rare case of a rectal duplication cyst presenting in adulthood with rectal bleeding, managed with transanal excision. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Surgical Associates Ltd.
Assessment of interfacial fracture toughness in concrete composites

Abstract Interfaces, such as mortar-aggregate interfaces and cement paste-fiber interfaces, affect the mechanical behavior of concrete composites. Characterization of interfacial behavior is needed to study the role of the interfaces on the global behavior of concrete composites as a basis for the development of high-performance cementitious materials. In this paper, an interface fracture mechanics-based methodology is presented to assess the fracture toughness of mortar-aggregate interfaces. First, sandwich specimens used to develop the fracture toughness curves of mortar-aggregate interfaces are described. Then, an experimental and numerical simulation study is presented of a two-phase beam composite model consisting of a mortar matrix and an aggregate inclusion to investigate the crack penetration versus crack deflection scenarios in the interfacial regions. The results from the composite model study are correlated with those obtained from testing sandwich specimens.
Autocorrelation functions and the consistency of memory moments

Abstract A new derivation of the continued fraction representation in the theory of relaxation is shown to suggest consistency conditions which lead to relations between the frequency moments of the power spectrum and the friction (or dissipation) coefficient. Comparisons of the resulting autocorrelation functions with molecular dynamics simulations indicate an improvement over the corresponding Mori continued fraction truncations with the same input data.
Space Interferometry Mission (SIM)-Lite Status

The SIM-Lite mission has finished its technology programme and continues with an engineering risk reduction activity while waiting for the results of the 2010 decadal review. One of the last remaining activities is work on the SCDU testbed, which is designed to calibrate the spectral bias in interferometric astrometry to 0.1 microarcsec. This talk will provide a summary of engineering activities on building flight-like prototypes of the key interferometer subassemblies, as well as an overview of the types of problems one encounters when attempting to do astrometry below 1 microarcsec, as well as their solution.
Disclosure of distress among anxiety-disordered youth: Differences in treatment outcome

The present study evaluated treatment outcome differences in anxiety-disordered youth who differed in their disclosure of internal distress as measured in a structured diagnostic interview. One hundred and seventy-one clinic-referred, anxiety-disordered children served as participants. Participants' primary diagnoses were one of three anxiety disorders: separation anxiety, generalized anxiety/overanxious, or social phobia/avoidance. At a pretreatment assessment, children and their parents were interviewed separately using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) to determine the child's diagnosis. The child's status as a discloser of high distress or discloser of low distress was determined by the parents' endorsement of an anxiety disorder and the child's endorsement or lack of endorsement of an anxiety disorder, respectively. Parents, teachers, and children also completed measures assessing the child's psychopathology (e.g., Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, Child Behavior Checklist). In general, findings indicated that the level of distress reported by the children moderated treatment outcome. Although both groups benefited from treatment, the children disclosing high distress experienced greater treatment gains than the children disclosing low distress.
Multi-fidelity optimization strategies using genetic algorithms and sequential kriging surrogates

Many engineering problems use high-fidelity simulations for analysis; these simulations may have long runtimes and may have inherent discontinuities. Engineering design problems may also involve discrete variables. Population-based methods, such as the genetic algorithm, can perform design optimization for these kinds of problems. In spite of its advantages in handling discontinuities in the functions and/or variables, a notable disadvantage of using such optimization methods is the large number of function evaluations (cost) associated with them. This study approaches the issue by formulating and implementing two multi-fidelity optimization strategies that use a genetic algorithm framework in which sequentially-updated Kriging surrogates provide low-fidelity function evaluations to reduce the computation time for the optimal search. Space-filling sampling methods help to obtain good design space coverage for the initial Kriging models. The two multi-fidelity strategies are compared to the binary-coded genetic algorithm on a number of analytic test functions and engineering problems, including an aircraft-sizing problem. Results showcase how the two strategies perform as well as the binary-coded genetic algorithm in finding solutions at a fraction of the computational cost.
SSRC committee for research on global environmental change1

Abstract In 1989 the US Social Science Research Council (SSRC) appointed a new Committee for Research on Global Environmental Change and charged it to foster collaborative research. 1 The National Science Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation have provided support for the Committee 's work, as has SSRC itself. 2 A proposal for renewal of core support is pending with the National Science Foundation. The Committee has organized research consortia on social learning in the management of global environmental risk; the national implementation of international environmental accords; and land use changes. It is also working on sustainable development; the comparative examination of landed property rights; population change; and conflict and cooperation. Among the planned initiatives are new projects on organization of interdisciplinary research; adoption of technological innovations; economic and other impacts of global warming; and design of case-study replications.
A method for studying the three-dimensional organization of cytoskeletal elements of cells: improvements in the polyethylene glycol technique.

SUMMARY A method utilizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an extractable embedment for electron microscopy is described. Tissues are fixed according to conventional protocols, embedded in PEG, and sectioned. Sections (ranging from 100 to 500 nm in thickness) are mounted on grids, divested of their PEG matrix, critical-point-dried, and examined stereoscopically. This method greatly facilitates studies on the three-dimensional organization of cytoskeletal and cytoplasmic contractile systems in both muscle and nonmuscle cells.