cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rare B Decays and V ub from CLEO

CLEO has measured the CKM matrix element V ub using data from inclusive and exclusive semileptonic b → u decays. In both cases, the measurements are consistent with a value of about 3 × 10−3. CLEO has also reported on searches for many rare B decay modes. Results for the particular decays: B →ππ, Kπ, KK will be given here. In addition, the status of b → sy will be discussed.
People with disabilities and sport: An exploration of topic inclusion in sport management

Abstract Sport management curriculum standards (COSMA, 2016) require sport management programs to prepare students to work in a “diverse sport management environment” (p. 54). People with disabilities in sport is a growing segment of the sport business industry with viable jobs and careers for graduates. There is also a movement to include people with disabilities in “mainstream” sport. Sport management professionals must be informed of these current trends and issues. Thus, it is crucial to examine course content in relation to diversity, specifically disability sport. This study explored if sport management faculty included any content about people with disabilities and sport, what topics or content is included, and how it is included. Specifically, this study was limited to the one course in which an overview of the sport business industry and the study of sport management are introduced, the traditional introduction to sport management course. Result show inclusion of topics such as the Paralympic Games or Paralympic sport, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Special Olympics International, and inclusion/integration of disabled athletes. A total of 16% of respondents indicated they do not include disability sport content in their introduction class. The connection of this content to sport management curriculum standards, methods of teaching disability sport, and implications for curriculum development are discussed.
Obesity: Obesity and cardiometabolic disease - more than meets the eye.

Whether obesity is a cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease or a shared risk factor has been an enduring subject of debate. Lyall and colleagues have used Mendelian randomization to conclude that there is a causal relationship between obesity and cardiometabolic disease. However, the analyses fail key inherent assumptions. The article does not negate a large body of data indicating that insulin resistance is the primary mechanism driving the progression of cardiometabolic disease.
Hunter-gatherer populations inform modern ecology.

Our species Homo sapiens is extraordinarily successful, yet we are still subject to the same environmental constraints, such as famine and disease, as all other organisms (1). Fundamental approaches from ecology and evolution have proven useful for understanding how interactions with biotic (other species) and abiotic (physical) surroundings influence humanity’s trajectory (e.g., refs. 2 and 3). Additionally, disentangling the forces that have limited human populations in the past has much potential to provide novel insights into how technological innovations have shaped human societies today (4). However, the utility of studying humans to address the large-scale ecological patterns and processes that determine species’ abundances (numbers) and distributions (geographic ranges) is generally overlooked. A study by Tallavaara et al. (5) in PNAS provides an instructive example of the dual value of studying human ecology. Humans are an abundant, widely distributed, and well-studied species. We know our physiological limits. Our ecological interactions with other species, especially our diseases, are comparatively well understood. There are good data on the abundances and global distributions of humans spanning hunter-gatherers (6, 7) to modern societies (Fig. 1 A and B ). Tallavaara et al. (5) leverage the former to identify the complex interactions between climatic and biotic factors that constrain hunter-gatherer densities worldwide. Their primary motivation is to test a longstanding idea proposed by archeologist and late National Academy of Sciences member, Lewis Binford (6). In doing so, Tallavaara et al. (5) also provide one of the most detailed evaluations of what may be a widespread phenomena in biogeography (see below). Their work highlights intriguing questions for understanding how humans have rapidly transitioned from a sparsely inhabited planet of hunter-gatherers to the densely populated agricultural and industrial lifestyles of today. Fig. 1. Predicted densities of hunter-gatherers ( A ), modern humans in 2015 ( B ), and the difference in relative densities between … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: jrburger{at}email.unc.edu or tfristoe{at}email.wustl.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Comparison of shallow and deep neural networks for network intrusion detection

The increasing complexity and malice of modern computer and network attacks drives a need and search for more adaptive and smarter intrusion detection methods. Neural networks can provide a useful, self-learning approach to threat detection for network intrusion. After testing a variety of simple shallow and deep neural networks on the well-known NSL-KDD dataset comprised of network traffic capture containing 148,000 observations and 41 features with 22 specific attacks, we confirm the findings of previous researchers [15] that shallow neural networks are better suited for network intrusion detection than deep neural networks. Shallow networks were able to more accurately classify network data and produced lower error rates compared to deep networks.
Who Really Cares? The Disenfranchisement of African American Males in PreK-12 Schools: A Critical Race Theory Perspective.

Background/Context: Despite recent gains from a number of students in U.S. schools, African American males continue to underachieve on most academic indices. Despite various interventions that have attempted to transform the perennial disenfranchisement, their school failure has persisted. Conversely, their failure in schools frequently results in poor quality of life options. Purpose/Objective/Focus of Study: The objective of this study was to use critical race theory as a paradigmatic lens to examine the schooling experiences of African American males in PreK-12 schools. The focus of the study was to shed light on how African American males believe race and racism play as factors in their schooling experiences. Research Design: The article includes qualitative data from a case study of African American males who offer counterstorytelling accounts of their schooling experiences. This article also explores the utility and appropriateness of critical race theory as a methodological tool to examine and disrupt the disenfranchisement of African American males in U.S. public schools. Findings/Results: The results from this study revealed that the participants were keenly aware of how race shaped the manner in which they were viewed by their teachers and school administrators. The data also revealed how the participants explicitly fought to eradicate negative racial stereotypes held about African American males. Finally, the use of counterstorytelling within a critical race theory framework seemed to provide the participants a platform to discuss race-related issues in a manner that many of the participants felt was lacking in their school environments.
Color, Relativism, and Realism

It is plausible to think that some animals perceive the world as coloreddifferently from the way humans perceive it. I argue that the best way ofaccommodating this fact is to adopt perceiver-relativism, the view that colorpredicates express relations between objects and types of perceivers.Perceiver-relativism makes no claim as to the identity of color properties;it is compatible with both physicalism and dispositionalism. I arguehowever for a response-dependence version of it according to which an object counts as red (for a type of perceiver) iff it standardly looks red to normal perceivers (of that type). Finally, I develop a notion of minimal realism on which this account counts as realist despite its subjectivist elements, in that it is committed to the objectivityof truth.
Effects of defaunation and various nitrogen supplementation regimens on microbial numbers and activity in the rumen of sheep.

Five sheep (average BW 62 kg) were fed 65% roughage: 35% concentrate diets (CP = 15%) in a 5 x 5 Latin square design to study the effects of combinations of defaunation and N supplements (soybean meal [SBM], corn gluten meal [CGM], blood meal [BM], urea, and casein) differing in ruminal degradation on ruminal microbial numbers and activity. Diets were fed twice daily (DM intake 1,759 g/d). Defaunation was accomplished with doses of 30 ml of alkanate 3SL3.sheep-1.d-1 for 3 d with 2 d of fasting. Treatment 1 (control) involved feeding faunated sheep a diet in which the supplemental N was 67% SBM N and 33% urea N. Treatment 2 involved feeding defaunated sheep the same diet as the control. Treatments 3, 4, and 5 involved feeding defaunated sheep diets in which the supplemental N source was either 67% CGM-BM N (CGM and BM combined on a 1:1 N ratio): 33% urea N, or 33% CGM-BM N:67% urea N or 33% CGM-BM N:33% urea N:33% casein N, respectively. Compared with the faunated control, defaunation (Treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5) increased (P less than .05) total direct counts of ruminal bacteria (2.7 vs 1.3 x 10(11)/ml), fungal zoospores (2.8 vs 1.4 x 10(5)/ml), and ruminal microbial protease activity (1.4 vs 1.0 mg azocasein/[ml ruminal fluid.h]). Defaunation did not have a consistent effect on ruminal microbial deaminase activity. Compared with the control, defaunation resulted in lower (P less than .05) total perchloric acid-soluble amino N in ruminal fluid at 4 and 10 h after the morning feeding. Defaunation did not decrease (P greater than .05) total free amino acid concentrations in ruminal fluid, but it altered the profile of free amino acids. Although defaunation increased (P less than .05) ruminal bacterial numbers, no increases in total microbial CP or OM concentrations in ruminal contents were observed.
Policy of prevention: Medical utilization under a wellness plan.

Wellness programs constitute central components of disease prevention efforts under the Affordable Care Act and are likely to remain a component of employer provided health insurance. This paper evaluates the impact of such programs on medical utilization 4 to 7 years after enrollment in the plan. Using a unique suited data provided by a large private employer, I analyze medical expenditure and utilization for individuals enrolled in a wellness plan. The analysis compares expenditures and visits between wellness members and nonmembers who are matched through propensity score methods. The results show that although the wellness program increases utilization of preventive and outpatient care, by as much as 1.57 visits per year, there is no comparable decline in emergency or inpatient care, resulting in an overall increase in medical expenditure of around $507 per person per year. The increase in medical expenditure persists even 6 to 7 years of continued enrollment in wellness. I find some evidence of improved health, as diagnoses of diabetes decline 0.8 percentage points among wellness members. The results suggest that employer savings stemming from improved health and more judicious use of medical services are not likely to materialize in this wellness program.
A Note on Erdös and Kac’s Identity: Boundary Crossing Probabilities of Brownian Motion Over Constant Boundaries

The finite Markov chain imbedding technique is an emerging approach for calculating boundary crossing probabilities for high-dimensional Brownian motion and certain one-dimensional diffusion processes. In 1996, Erdos and Kac produced an infinite series for the crossing probability of Brownian motion over a two-sided constant boundary. We derive this classic result based on a unified formula from the finite Markov chain imbedding technique. Also, an eigenvalues-and-eigenvectors approximation is given for fast computation. The main purpose of this paper is to show the versatility of the finite Markov chain imbedding technique.
Sexual Health Education in OB-Gyn Residencies—The Program Directors’ Survey

Objective: To evaluate U.S. obstetrics-gynecology (OB-Gyn) program Director appraisal of resident physician female sexual health training. Methods: An OB-Gyn resident sexual health curriculum surve...
Assessment Processes in Social Work Education: A Review of Current Methods

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the process of assessment in social work education programs throughout the United States. Following the guidelines of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), social work education has switched from student learning outcomes to competency-based measures. Included in this study is a literature review on current assessment practices and results of a research project on assessment practices in social work education programs nationwide. The findings may be useful to social work educators in addressing programmatic changes and revisions based on the 2015 EPAS.
Conclusion: From the Postwar to Today

This chapter concludes this book with a case study of one of the few physical library reconstruction projects UNESCO undertook during the postwar years. The example of the library in Valognes, France, badly damaged by Allied bombardment during liberation, is used to illustrate inherent unfairness and perceived biases within UNESCO at the time. The conflict heightened around 1951 with the downsizing of UNESCO’s Reconstruction Program. War-devastated countries felt the shift away from their ongoing issues was occurring too quickly while those from the growing number of recently decolonized countries pushed for the prioritization of other needs. The chapter also addresses present-day governmental and societal treatment of and approaches to books, libraries, and information in the United States, arguing for their continued significance and relevance, particularly during difficult and chaotic times.
Abstract 3890: Pharmacodynamic and proteomic analysis of combined gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenograft models

Gemcitabine (GEM) combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel nanoparticles (nab-PTX) is the first-line therapy for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the in vivo mechanisms of drug action and interaction have not been investigated quantitatively for this combination. We evaluated the effects of GEM (100 mg/kg iv weekly) and nab-PTX (equivalent to 30 mg/kg PTX iv weekly), alone or combined, on tumor volume progression in 3 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) PDAC models in SCID mice. The MS1-based quantitative proteomic analysis (IonStar), which offers highly reproducible and accurate quantification with extremely low missing data ( Citation Format: Jin Niu, Xue Wang, Shichen Shen, Ju Qu, Donald Mager, Robert M. Straubinger. Pharmacodynamic and proteomic analysis of combined gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenograft models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3890.
Karl Jaspers’ Philosophical Faith for the Global Age: The Idea of Civilizational Continuity

In the post-World War II era, Jaspers attempted to reformulate Western Christianity for an increasingly globalizing world. He was especially focused on overcoming its anti-Semitic legacy. His solution to it was the idea of civilizational continuity. Through it, he tried to reverse the directions of the German debate on civilization which had been dominated by Weimar historicists, especially Oswald Spengler and Ernst Troeltsch. While the latter emphasized the utter uniqueness of each civilization and thus denied any common elements between civilizations, Jaspers rejected their isolationist tendency by pointing to the historical reality of civilizational continuity. He found its best advocates in the Buddha.
Validation of the FRAiL model to predict non-vertebral and hip fractures in nursing home residents

Abstract Objective Tools were unavailable to assess fracture risk in nursing homes (NH); therefore, we developed the Fracture Risk Assessment in Long term care (FRAiL) model. The objective of this validation study was to assess the performance of the FRAiL model to predict 2-year risk of non-vertebral and hip fractures in a separate large cohort of NH residents. Methods This retrospective cohort study included most long-stay NH residents in the United States (N = 896,840). Hip and non-vertebral fractures were identified using Medicare claims. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) was used to identify characteristics from the original FRAiL model. Multivariable competing risk regression was used to model risk of fracture. Results Mean age was 83.8 years (±8.2 years) and 70.7% were women. Over a mean follow-up of 1.52 years (SD 0.65), 41,531 residents (4.6%) were hospitalized with non-vertebral fracture (n = 30,356 hip fractures). In the fully adjusted model, 14/15 model characteristics remained significant predictors of non-vertebral fracture. Female sex (HR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.52, 1.59), wandering (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.26, 1.34), and falls (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.26, 1.31) were strongly associated with non-vertebral fracture rate. Total dependence in ADLs (versus independence) was associated with a decrease in non-vertebral fracture rate (HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.52, 0.64). Discrimination was moderate in men (C-index = 0.68 for hip, 0.66 for non-vertebral) and women (C-index = 0.68 for hip, 0.65 for non-vertebral), and calibration was excellent. Conclusions Our model comprised entirely from routinely collected data was able to identify NH residents at greatest risk for non-vertebral fracture.
Effects of composition on the mechanical properties and negative thermal expansion in martensitic TiNb alloys

Abstract Certain martensitic alloys demonstrate significant crystalline anisotropy in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), including very large negative ( 100 ppm) CTEs along specific crystallographic orientations. In polycrystals, martensite detwinning during deformation imparts texture changes resulting in directional negative/positive thermal expansions. Several compositions of TiNb martensitic alloys were examined here for the compositional dependence of their degree of crystalline anisotropy in CTE and mechanical properties. Results indicated that increasing Nb content decreases detwinning stress and increases crystalline CTE anisotropy. An atomistic mechanism based on statistical thermodynamics was proposed to describe the reasons for anisotropic CTE in martensitic alloys.
Using the Xenopus Oocyte Toolbox

The Xenopus oocyte is a unique model system, allowing both the study of complex biological processes within a cellular context through expression of exogenous mRNAs and proteins, and the study of the cell, molecular, and developmental biology of the oocyte itself. During oogenesis, Xenopus oocytes grow dramatically in size, with a mature oocyte having a diameter of ∼1.3 mm, and become highly polarized, localizing many mRNAs and proteins. Thus, the mature oocyte is a repository of maternal mRNAs and proteins that will direct early embryogenesis prior to zygotic genome transcription. Importantly, the Xenopus oocyte also has the capacity to translate exogenous microinjected RNAs, which has enabled breakthroughs in a wide range of areas including cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, and physiology. This introduction outlines how Xenopus oocytes can be used to study a variety of important biological questions.
Heartbeat: risk of stroke in patients with heart failure

In patients with heart failure (HF), the increased risk of ischaemic stroke often is attributed to coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF). To test the hypothesis that there is a higher risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with HF, even in the absence of AF, Chou and colleagues1 used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance programme. Over 12 000 patients with newly diagnosed HF were matched by propensity score to the same number of patients without HF, after excluding patients with AF or atrial flutter at baseline or during the follow-up period, as well as patients with previous stroke or acute myocardial infarction. The risk of stroke over a mean follow-up of about 6 years in those with HF was higher than in those without HF (subdistribution HR (SHR)=1.51, 95% CI: 1.37 to 1.66). There also was a higher cumulative risk of stroke and acute myocardial infarction in those with HF (figure 1). In those with HF, multivariable risk factors for stroke were older age, male sex, diabetes and hypertension. These data support the author’s hypothesis that HF itself is associated with a higher risk of stroke in the absence of AF. Figure 1 Cumulative incidence of ischaemic stroke (A) and acute myocardial infarction (B) in individuals with HF or without HF by propensity score matching. HF, heart failure. In an editorial, Nelson and …
Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICE) and Associated Cargo Genes within and across Hundreds of Bacterial Genera

Horizontal gene transfer mediated by integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) is considered an important evolutionary mechanism of bacteria. It allows organisms to quickly evolve new phenotypic properties including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence. The rate of ICE-mediated cargo gene exchange has not yet been comprehensively studied within and between bacterial taxa. In this paper, we report a big data analysis of ICE and associated cargo genes across over 200,000 bacterial genomes representing 1,345 genera. Our results reveal that half of bacterial genomes contain one or more known ICE features ("ICE genomes") and that the associated genetic cargo may play an important role in the spread of AMR genes within and between bacterial genera. We identify 43 AMR genes that appear only in ICEgenomes and never in non-ICE genomes. A further set of 95 AMR genes are found >5x more often in ICE versus non-ICEgenomes. In contrast, only 29 AMR genes are observed more frequently (at least 5:1) in non-ICE genomes compared toICE genomes. Analysis of NCBI antibiotic susceptibility assay data reveals that ICE genomes are also over-represented amongst phenotypically resistant isolates, suggesting that ICE processes are critical for both genotypic and phenotypic AMR. These results, as well as the underlying big data resource, are important foundational tools for understanding bacterial evolution, particularly in relation to important bacterial phenotypes such as AMR.
Direct Immunofluorescence Findings in 145 Consecutive Patients Receiving a Conjunctival Biopsy for Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis.

To the Editor,Table 1. Summary of direct immunofluorescence findings of 145 conjunctival biopsies submitted to the University of Illinois at Chicago Skin Immunology lab. Cases with multiple linear ...
Ada Rapoport-Albert, Hasidim ve-Shabeta'im, anashim ve-nashim [Studies in Hasidism, Sabbatianism and Gender]: . edited by Assaf, David and Immanuel Etkes (editors), Jerusalem, The Zalman Shazar Center, 2015, 522 pp. List price: 118 NIS ISBN: 978-965-227-317-8

There is hardly a student of Hasidism out there, whether in social or intellectual history, in literary or women’s studies, who has not encountered the work of Ada Rapoport-Albert (1945–2020). For ...
Age at Immigration and Depression: The Mediating Role of Contemporary Relationships with Adult Children among Older Immigrants.

Objectives For the growing population of older immigrants in the United States, both age at immigration and familial relationships are important factors affecting psychological well-being. This study explores how age at immigration and contemporary relationships with adult children combine to explain older immigrants' depressive symptoms. Method This study uses 2014 Health and Retirement Study data from a sample of 759 immigrants age 65 and older who have at least one adult child age 21 or older. A series of ordinary least squares regressions and mediational analyses were conducted. Results Findings indicate that structural solidarity significantly mediates the association between age at immigration and depressive symptoms. Specifically, immigrating in later life was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms through its relationship with structural solidarity. In addition, giving monetary support to children and providing care for grandchildren may alleviate depressive symptoms for older immigrants. Discussion This study suggests that relationships with adult children may differ with age at immigration. The types of support that older immigrants provide to their adult children may be crucial because such support may instill a sense of obligation and reciprocity that may be beneficial to the psychological well-being of older immigrants.
Gender-Based Inequality in the Modern American Society

Gender relationships significantly changed over the course of the twentieth century and inequalities between women and men are continually challenged in all spheres of life in the twenty-first century. Yet, gender gaps and inequalities persist: full-time working women make only 85 cents for every dollar that their male counterparts earn, women continue to shoulder most of the domestic load (e.g., childcare, housework) in their partnerships, and women are less likely to hold executive positions in corporate America or represent large constituencies as elected officials. How do these gaps persist in an advanced industrialized country that has enjoyed social and economic transformation in the modern era? Enduring gender stereotypes are largely responsible for these stubborn inequities that frame how women and men interact with one another and inform our beliefs about the roles each is permitted to inhabit. This chapter will explore theoretical perspectives from sociology, psychology, political science, and social cognition that elucidate how gender differences and hierarchies function and persist over time. The intersectionality of racial categories, socio-economic status, and gender further contributes to overt and systemic privilege and discrimination in the American context. Cumulative disadvantage is utilized as a case study to illustrate the ways in which gender stereotypes produce inequities across a woman’s career. This example reinforces the fact that gender-based inequality continues to be the norm rather than the exception.
Is Someone Listening?: Audio-Related Privacy Perceptions and Design Recommendations from Guardians, Pragmatists, and Cynics

Smart devices with the capability to record audio can create a trade-off for users between convenience and privacy. To understand how users experience this trade-off, we report on data from 35 interview, focus group, and design workshop participants. Participants' perspectives on smart-device audio privacy clustered into the pragmatist, guardian, and cynic perspectives that have previously been shown to characterize privacy concerns in other domains. These user groups differed along four axes in their audio-related behaviors (for example, guardians alone say they often move away from a microphone when discussing a sensitive topic). Participants surfaced three usage phases that require design consideration with respect to audio privacy: 1) adoption, 2) in-the-moment recording, and 3) downstream use of audio data. We report common design solutions that participants created for each phase (such as indicators showing when an app is recording audio and annotations making clear when an advertisement was selected based on past audio recording).
Breast Lesion Localization

With the advent of routine screening mammography, the identification of nonpalpable lesions has increased, and surgeons have had to rely on techniques other than palpation-guided methods to identify these lesions during surgery. Nonpalpable breast cancers account for approximately one third of all diagnosed breast cancers. The focus of this chapter is to review the localization techniques for breast lesions that can be used in the operating room. Ultrasound localization will not be covered in this chapter since it is being covered in a separate chapter.
In Vitro Amino Acid Transport by Renal Tubules of Prenatally Protein-Deprived Fetal Rats

Amino acid transport in the renal tubules of 21-day fetal offspring of protein-deprived (4% casein diet) and adequately fed (24% casein diet) rats was studied by measuring the in vitro accumulation of glycine and the amino acid analog, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB). The prenatally protein-deprived (PPD) fetuses were smaller than the controls with a mean weight of 3.8 g compared to 5.5 g, and their kidneys were 0.4% of body weight, compared to 0.5% of body weight in the control group. Assessment of the renal proximal tubule transport mechanisms indicated that they were capable of transporting glycine and AIB at day 21 of gestation. There were no differences between the two groups in total water content or extracellular fluid content of the renal cortical tissue slices. The samples from PPD fetuses were able to accumulate concentrations of amino acids equal to or greater than those of control fetuses. The accumulation of AIB per gram of tissue was almost twice as great in the PPD tissue slices as in the control slices, whereas the accumulation of glycine per gram of tissue was equal in the two groups. Comparison of the fluid content and extracellular space of the PPD and control tissues suggests that this difference in uptake was not due to changes in the fluid distribution. It is proposed that the increase in AIB absorption by PPD renal tissue is related to retardation in maturation of the tissue. Transport of glycine, which matures later in development, may be immature in both groups. The greater amino acid uptake may conserve amino acids and thus have survival value in PPD young.
Progress report: improving the stock price forecasting performance of the bull flag heuristic with genetic algorithms and neural networks

We back-test a pattern-based heuristic from stock market technical analysis on price and volume time series data for Alcoa Aluminum Company's common stock. Promising results are obtained using a pattern matching approach implemented with spreadsheet technology. Improvement in these results are attained through the application of neural networks and genetic algorithms. Results are confirmed statistically.
Electrode kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction at NiCo2O4 from 30% KOH.: Dependence on temperature☆

Abstract Mixed oxides, particularly with a spinel or perovskite structure, are the most promising candidates for reversible oxygen electrodes. Previous investigations of Tseung and co-workers on nickel-cobalt oxide (NiCo 2 O 4 ) with a spinel structure confirm this view. The present work consists of investigations of the electrode kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction on this spinel from KOH as a function of temperature (0–230°C), of the long-term evaluation of this material as an anode electrocatalyst in a small single-cell water electrolyzer. Teflon-bonded test electrodes on nickel screens were fabricated from high surface powder of NiCo 2 O 4 prepared by the freeze-drying technique. The first set of experiments were carried out in a pressure vessel using the potentiostatic method. Electrode sizes were scaled up from 1 to 10 cm 2 for the electrolyzer studies. Dual Tafel slopes were observed at all temperatures. Except at 230°C, the Tafel slopes changed from RT / F at lower current densities to 2 RT / F at higher values. At 230°C Tafel slopes are RT /2 F followed by RT / F . This result was interpreted on the basis of a change in valence state of the oxide. The electrolyzer experiments revealed a 100–150 mV lower overpotential and also a significantly more stable potential as a function of time on NiCo 2 O 4 than on the Ni screen.
Integrating Visual and Range Data for Robotic Object Detection

The problem of object detection and recognition is a notoriously difficult one, and one that has been the focus of much work in the computer vision and robotics communities. Most work has concentrated on systems that operate purely on visual inputs (i.e., images) and largely ignores other sensor modalities. However, despite the great progress made down this track, the goal of high accuracy object detection for robotic platforms in cluttered real-world environments remains elusive. Instead of relying on information from the image alone, we present a method that exploits the multiple sensor modalities available on a robotic platform. In particular, our method augments a 2-d object detector with 3-d information from a depth sensor to produce a “multi-modal object detector.” We demonstrate our method on a working robotic system and evaluate its performance on a number of common household/office objects.
Competition between and within teams

Abstract We consider the effect of team size, the observability of effort, and the competitiveness of the team's environment in determining team-members' allocations of effort between team-oriented and selfish efforts.
Effect of postanesthetic suggestion of postoperative voiding in gynecologic surgery

Abstract Recognizing that a patient who has had gynecologic surgery frequently has difficulty voiding postoperatively and is endangered with bacteriuria introduction from use of an indwelling catheter, postanesthetic suggestion was used as a means to promote spontaneous voiding. Sixty-four patients scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy, anterior-posterior colporrhaphy, or for abdominal hysterectomy were divided into two groups: (1) 32 patients having vaginal surgery and (2) 32 patients having abdominal surgery. Each of these groups was divided into: (1) an experimental group of 16 patients who had no indwelling catheter inserted postoperatively and who received suggestion in the postanesthetic period to promote voiding and (2) a control group of 16 patients who had an indwelling catheter inserted postoperatively but received no suggestion. The results strongly suggest that when patients receive suggestion in a fixed level of consciousness and have no catheter inserted as compared to those patients who do not receive suggestion and have a catheter inserted there is: (1) a significantly different lower number of hours to void postoperatively and (2) fewer catheterizations required for comfort after 48 hours postoperation.
Temporal trends in population-based death rates associated with chronic liver disease and liver cancer in the United States over the last 30 years.

BACKGROUND The health and economic burden from liver disease in the United States is substantial and rising. The objective of this study was to characterize temporal trends in mortality from chronic liver disease and liver cancer and the incidence of associated risk factors using population-based data over the past 30 years. METHODS Population-based mortality data were obtained from the National Vital Statistics System, and population estimates were derived from the national census for US adults (aged >45 years). Crude death rates (CDRs), age-adjusted death rates (ADRs), and average annual percentage change (AAPC) statistics were calculated. RESULTS In total, 690,414 deaths (1.1%) were attributable to chronic liver disease, whereas 331,393 deaths (0.5%) were attributable to liver cancer between 1981 and 2010. The incidence of liver cancer was estimated at 7.1 cases per 100,000 population. Mortality rates from chronic liver disease and liver cancer increased substantially over the past 3 decades, with ADRs of 23.7 and 16.6 per 100,000 population in 2010, respectively. The AAPC from 2006 to 2010 demonstrated an increased ADR for chronic liver disease (AAPC, 1.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.3%-2.8%) and liver cancer (AAPC, 2.6%; 95% confidence interval, 2.4%-2.7%). CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive approach that involves primary and secondary prevention, increased access to treatment, and more funding for liver-related research is needed to address the high death rates associated with chronic liver disease and liver cancer in the United States. Cancer 2014;120:3058–3065. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
3D Photonic Integrated Circuits for WDM Applications

The wafer fusion technique for realization of compact waveguide switches, filters and 3D photonic integrated circuits is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Calculations based on the beam propagation method show that very short vertical directional couplers with 40-220 μm coupling lengths and high extinction ratios from 20 to 32 dB can be realized. These extinction ratios can be further improved using a slight asymmetry in waveguide structure. The optical loss at the fused interface was investigated by comparison of the transmission loss in InGaAsP-based ridge-loaded waveguide structures with and without a fused layer near the core region. This reveals an excess loss of 1.1 dB/cm at 1.55 μm wavelength due to the fused interface. Fused straight vertical directional couplers have been fabricated and characterized. Waveguides separated by 0.6 μm gap layer exhibit a coupling length of 62 μm and a switching voltage of about 12 volts. Since GaAs and InP have different material dispersion at 1.55 μm wavelength, a combination of InP and GaAs couplers is used to demonstrate an inherent polarization independent and narrowband filter.
Alexithymia and Impairment of Decoding Positive Affect: An fMRI Study

Previous research has implicated alexithymia as a psychological impairment to accurately decode emotional messages. This study attempted to explore potential neurological reasons for this impairment. Using functional brain imaging procedures, an experimental design was undertaken to assess group differences between individuals high and low in alexithymia on brain activation while viewing images of individuals displaying neutral or positive affect. While controlling for activation due to neutral affect images, results showed less activation for alexithymic versus nonalexithymic individuals due to positive affect images in several areas of the brain, including the amygdala and the hippocampus. Several implications and directions for future research are also discussed.
Miracle Stories and Causality in the Qur'anic Traidition: A Philosophical and Theological

This study suggests a model of reconciliation of faith and reason by addressingthe challenging issue of miracle stories in the Qur’ān. The dissertation employs threemethods. First, it offers an analysis of scriptural interpretation and reception history ofthe Qur’ān. The second is philosophical analysis: in the light of medieval Musliminterpretations the study analyzes the epistemological implications of miracle stories. Thethird method is to observe an application of pragmatic theory of meaning to the Qur’ānicinterpretation.In the first part of the dissertation (chapters one and two) we analyze a medievalMuslim debate concerning interpretation of miracle stories. The debate is betweenGhazali (d. 1111) and Ibn Rushd (d. 1198) concerning whether any interruption in thenormal course of nature is possible. We note that this debate on interpretation of scriptureis in fact also a debate concerning epistemology of natural causation: the question of howwe come to know and predict the world around us.In order to clarify the epistemological issues that arose in this medieval debate, inthe second part of the dissertation (chapters three and four), we turn to David Hume (d.1776) and Charles S. Peirce (d. 1914). Hume’s analysis of causation and Peirce’sdiscussion of scientific inquiry suggest the need to move away from naive realism anddogmatic rationalism. They suggest a ‘fallible epistemology,’ which overlaps withGhazali’s epistemological breakthrough reflected in his discussion of causality andmiracles.In the final fifth chapter, we discuss how Nursi, in line with a ‘fallibleepistemology,’ suggests that these stories in the Qur’ān have two major pragmaticiiimplications: (1) By suggesting the interruptibility of natural order, these stories enableone to receive the continuation of the natural order as a gift, (2) These stories indirectlyencourage one to develop technology and ‘actively pray’ for creation of similar wondersin nature.In sum, miracle narratives call for a refined epistemology, a non-necessitarianview of nature, and renewed sense of ordinary as worthy of attention and gratitude. Thus,crucial epistemological and theological implications lurk behind the apparently naive andeven superstitious surface of miracle narratives in the Qur’ān.
Theoretical investigation of the stereoselective stepwise cope rearrangement of a 3-vinylmethylenecyclobutane

The potential energy surface of the rearrangement of 3-vinylmethylenecyclobutane to 4-methylenecyclohexene has been studied computationally using density functional theory (B3LYP) and complete active space ab initio methods (CASSCF and CASPT2). The parent reaction is nonconcerted and occurs through several parallel diradical pathways. Transition structures and diradical intermediates are highly comparable in energy, with no deep potential energy well on the potential energy surface. In the substituted system, stereoelectronic effects of the trialkylsiloxy group regulate torquoselectivity in the bond-breaking processes and this, combined with low barriers to cyclization, leads to a stepwise Cope rearrangement that is, nevertheless, stereoselective.
Free carrier absorption due to electron-(magneto) plasmon interaction: Effect of impurity scattering

Abstract The interpretation of structure in the infrared absorption spectrum of InSbin terms of electron-(magneto) plasmon interaction is considered in light of the question of separability of plasmon and center of mass degrees of freedom. The presence of impurities is shown to prohibit this separation and to remove the associated exact cancellation obtained for a perfect continuum.
Neurophysiological assessment of brain function and maturation II. A measure of brain dysmaturity in healthy preterm neonates

Severe brain disorders can be expressed as markedly abnormal encephalopathic EEG patterns in neonates who are usually neurologically depressed, with abnormal levels of reactivity and tone. This symptomatic group is now a minority of medically ill neonates as a result of more vigorous fetal and neonatal resuscitative efforts. Most neonates alternatively express brain dysfunction as more pervasive alterations in EEG-sleep organization or maturation, usually in the absence or after resolution of abnormal clinical signs. One form of dysfunction is expressed as neurophysiologic dysmaturity. Brain dysmaturity may reflect altered rates of development in infants who sustained prenatal or postnatal stresses, as discussed in the first part of this review. We now summarize our findings of dysmature EEG-sleep development at conceptional term ages in an asymptomatic preterm cohort during a prolonged extrauterine period before discharge from the nursery. Dysmaturity of EEG-sleep function was expressed as delayed and/or accelerated physiologic behaviors, as compared with behaviors expected for the conceptional age. Dysmature brain function at conceptional term ages was also associated with poorer neurodevelopmental performances at 12 and 24 months of age. Neuronal pathways which subserve state-specific neurophysiologic behaviors will functionally adapt to stress by either slowing or accelerating neurological maturation. Through ontogenetic brain adaptation, which continues during postnatal development, a balance is maintained between the needs of the present developmental stage and anticipated needs during subsequent stages of maturation. How medical complications and environmental influences interact to promote greater brain dysmaturity in the neonate is still unknown. EEG sleep study can serve as a useful neurophysiologic screening procedure for the child suspected of having a subclinical presentation of an emerging static encephalopathy; longitudinal studies will then document deviations from expected ontogeny in the vulnerable child who is later stressed by environmental and socioeconomic factors.
Genetic counseling and hereditary cancer

They also provide supportive counseling to those whoalready have an affected child or family member.Genetic counseling is sometimes compared with discussions withpatients about genetic conditions, which occur in many medical set-tings. Most physicians and nurses provide some amount of geneticinformation in response to their patients’ queries, but this is in sharpcontrast to the lengthy process of assessing and addressing hereditaryrisks in an individual or family as carried out by trained, dedicatedgenetic professionals. Yet, despite the extensive clinical care and com-mitment that genetic counselors give their clients, there remain manyunknowns about the effectiveness and efﬁcacy of genetic counseling.
REGIONAL MYOCARDIAL SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE WORKING ISOLATED CANINE LEFT VENTRICLE.

Angiographic experiments were performed on isolated canine left ventricle preparations using donor dog to supply blood to the coronary circulation via a rotary pump to control coronary flow. The angiographic record was transferred from video tape to video disk for detailed uninterrupted sequential analysis at a frequency of 60 fields/sec. It is shown that the use of a biplane X-ray technique and a metabolically supported isolated canine left ventricle preparation provides an angiographically ideal means of measuring the mechanical dynamics of the myocardium while the intact left ventricular myocardial structure and electrical activation pattern retain most of the in situ ventricular characteristics. In particular, biplane X-ray angiography of the left ventricle can provide estimates of total ventricular function such as ejection fraction, stroke volume, and myocardial mass correct to within 15% under the angiographically ideal conditions of the preparation.
Identification of a direct interaction between interleukin 2 and the p64 interleukin 2 receptor gamma chain.

Abstract The interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) consists of at least two subunits, alpha and beta, both of which can bind interleukin 2 (IL-2). Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of a third subunit, a 64-kDa molecule termed IL-2R gamma chain, and have suggested that gamma chain functions to regulate the rate of IL-2 dissociation from the receptor. In the present report we have addressed whether the gamma chain modulates IL-2R affinity by contributing contact sites for IL-2 binding. Using reagents that allow the IL-2R complex to be immunoprecipitated through the IL-2 molecule itself, we demonstrate the existence of a stable IL-2-IL-2R gamma-chain complex. These studies thus establish that the IL-2R gamma chain directly contributes to the IL-2-binding site, consistent with the hypothesis that gamma chain influences IL-2R affinity through its direct interaction with IL-2.