cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Centralized versus Decentralized Competition for Price and Lead-Time Sensitive Demand†

We study two firms that compete on price and lead-time decisions in a common market. We explore the impact of decentralizing these decisions, as made by the marketing and production departments, respectively, with either marketing or production as the leader. We compare scenarios in which none, one, or both of the firms are decentralized to see whether decentralization can be the equilibrium strategy. We find that under intense price competition, with intensity characterized by the underlying parameters of market demand, firms may suffer from a decentralized structure, particularly under high flexibility induced by high capacity, where revenue-based sales incentives motivate sales/marketing to make aggressive price cuts that often erode profit margins. In contrast, under intense lead-time competition, a decentralized strategy with marketing as the leader can not only result in significantly higher profits, but also be the equilibrium strategy. Moreover, decentralization may no longer lead to lower prices or longer lead-times if the production department chooses capacity along with lead-time.
Analysis of planar microstrip structures of arbitrary shape — To be, or not to be in the spectral domain?

The spectral domain Galerkin approach has mostly been used in conjunction with entire-domain basis functions. Occasionally, subsectional expansion functions defined over rectangular domains have also been employed. However, a rectangular mesh is not suitable for modeling microstrip structures having arbitrary or irregular shapes, which are more readily approximated in terms of triangular elements. Therefore, in this paper we explore the feasibility of using the spectral domain Galerkin method in conjunction with vector basis functions defined over triangular subdomains, such as those commonly used in the space domain approach based on the mixed-potential integral equation.
Long-term decline in renal function is more significant after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract Objective It is not clear whether endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) results in an increase in renal insufficiency during the long term compared with open repair (OR). We reviewed our experience with AAA repair to determine whether there was a significant difference in postoperative and long-term renal outcomes between OR and EVAR. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who underwent AAA repair between January 1993 and July 2013 at a tertiary referral hospital. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative laboratory values, morbidity, and mortality were collected. Patients with ruptured AAAs, preoperative hemodialysis, juxtarenal or suprarenal aneurysm origin, and no follow-up laboratory values were excluded. Preoperative, postoperative, 6-month, and yearly serum creatinine values were collected. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated on the basis of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was classified using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Change in GFR was defined as preoperative GFR minus the GFR at each follow-up interval. Comparison was made between EVAR and OR groups using multivariate logistics for categorical data and linear regression for continuous variables. Results During the study period, 763 infrarenal AAA repairs were performed at our institution; 675 repairs fit the inclusion criteria (317 ORs and 358 EVARs). Mean age was 73.9 years. Seventy-nine percent were male, 78% were hypertensive, 18% were diabetic, and 31% had preoperative renal dysfunction defined as GFR below 60 mL/min. Using a multivariate logistic model to control for all variables, OR was found to have a 1.6 times greater chance for development of immediate postoperative AKI compared with EVAR ( P = .038). Hypertension and aneurysm size were independent risk factors for development of AKI ( P = .012 and .022, respectively). Using a linear regression model to look at GFR decline during several years, there was a greater decline in GFR in the EVAR group. This became significant starting at postoperative year 4. AKI and preoperative renal dysfunction were independent risk factors for long-term decline in renal function. Conclusions Although AKI is less likely to occur after EVAR, patients undergoing EVAR experience a significant but delayed decline in GFR over time compared with OR. This became apparent after postoperative year 4. Studies comparing EVAR and OR may need longer follow-up to detect clinically significant differences in renal function.
Kant’s “Other Nature”

“Kant’s ‘Other Nature’” explores the “alternative” view of nature and cosmology that emerges in Kant’s Critique of Judgment to supplement the mechanistic or scientific view of the Critique of Pure Reason. The essay argues for a different intellectual approach to nature, namely, one based not on mechanistic causality but on the concept of “purposiveness.” This approach accounts for a nature and cosmos understood in terms of beauty and sublimity, individuality, and self-organizing beings. We find, then, an interaction between mind and nature as an aesthetic unity, as well as the idea of an aesthetic cosmos that provides the very possibility for the transcendental project. The essay extends this reading of Kant to Toulmin’s ideas of a “new cosmology,” offering a critical Kantian response to the current compartmentalization and specialization of the natural sciences. By way of conclusion, the essay argues that Kant’s transcendental perspective does allow for a concept of nature that has a value of its own, independently of human mental faculties. It is, then, within this broader nature that we can define ourselves.
Frequency Domain Control of Femtosecond Pulse Trains with Fabry-Perot Reference Cavities for Optical Frequency Metrology

We demonstrate control and stabilization of the carrier frequency, phase, and repetition rate of femtosecond light pulses from a Kerr-lens mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser utilizing a Fabry-Perot reference cavity for use in precision optical frequency measurements.
Patient Preferences for Surgery or Antibiotics for the Treatment of Acute Appendicitis.

Importance Studies have compared surgical with nonsurgical therapy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis, but none of these studies have a patient-centered perspective. Objectives To evaluate how patients might choose between surgical and nonsurgical therapy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis and to identify targets to make antibiotic treatment more appealing. Design, Setting, and Participants This study comprised an online survey and an in-person sensitivity analysis survey. For the web survey, a convenience sample of 1728 respondents were asked to imagine that they or their child had acute uncomplicated appendicitis, provided information about laparoscopic and open appendectomy and antibiotic treatment alone, and asked which treatment they might choose. The web survey was open from April 17, 2016, through June 16, 2016, and was disseminated via email link, a poster with a Quick Response code, and social media. For the sensitivity analysis, 220 respondents were given the same scenario and options. Those who chose surgery were asked whether certain factors influenced their decision; each factor was incrementally improved during questioning about whether respondents would consider switching to antibiotics. These participants were recruited at public venues from June 3, 2016, to July 31, 2016. Web survey data were analyzed from June 17, 2016, to September 21, 2017. Sensitivity analysis data were analyzed from August 1, 2016, to September 21, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Treatment preferences. Results Among the 1728 web survey respondents, 1225 (70.9%) were female and 500 (28.9%) were male (3 [0.2%] either did not answer or responded as “gender fluid” within the comments section of the survey), and most self-reported being between 50 and 59 years of age (391 [22.6%]) and being non-Hispanic white (1563 [90.5%]). For themselves, 1482 respondents (85.8%) chose laparoscopic appendectomy, 84 (4.9%) chose open appendectomy, and 162 (9.4%) chose antibiotics alone. For their child, 1372 respondents (79.4%) chose laparoscopic appendectomy, 106 (6.1%) open appendectomy, and 250 (14.5%) antibiotics alone. Respondents were somewhat more likely to choose antibiotics for themselves if they had education beyond college (105 [12.6%];P Conclusions and Relevance Most patients may choose surgical intervention over antibiotics alone in treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis, but a meaningful number may choose nonoperative management. Therefore, from a patient-centered perspective, this option should be discussed with patients, and future research could be directed at reducing the failure and recurrence rates of antibiotic treatment for appendicitis.
Human Trafficking: A Health and Human Rights Agenda.

In their article, Judge and colleagues analyzed the nature, scope, and challenges associated with caring for victims of human trafficking. The editorialists discuss the report and the need for empi...
Serotonin and Tryptophan

Serotonin and in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been implicated in the occurrence of movement disorders with reports ranging from akathisia, myoclonus, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, and mixed disorders. Studies have focused on the characterization of these reactions in terms of onset, duration, treatment, and outcome, as well as potential predisposing factors. There are indicators, that SSRI-induced extrapyramidal symptoms are probably related to agonism of serotonergic input to dopaminergic pathways within the CNS. Several patient-dependent and pharmacokinetic variables may determine the likelihood that EPS will emerge. Although these side effects are infrequent, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of their occurrence.
Climate Change and the Energy Economy

There is a robust scientific consensus that human-induced climate change is occurring. The recently released Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC states with “very high confidence,” that human activity has caused the global climate to warm. Many well-documented observations show that fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and other industrial processes are rapidly increasing the atmospheric concentrations of CO$2$ and other greenhouse gases. An increasing body of observations and modeling results shows that these changes in atmospheric composition are changing the global climate and beginning to affect terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In this talk, I’ll review observed and projected changes to the US climate, discuss the sectoral contributions to US greenhouse gas emissions and speculate about the future of the US carbon economy.
Retrospective Study of Raptors Treated at the Southeastern Raptor Center in AUBURN, Alabama

Raptor rehabilitation programs allow thousands of raptors to be released back into the wild each year that otherwise would have perished without medical treatment. Although species-specific and age-specific results from research conducted across the nation vary greatly, there is a general consensus that raptor rehabilitation is an important part of raptor conservation. We investigated differences in diagnoses and treatment outcomes, along with survival and release rates for 1225 individuals of 17 species admitted between 2010 and 2014 to the Southeastern Raptor Center (SRC), a raptor rehabilitation center in the southeastern United States, to identify trends related to age, species, and activity type (diurnal vs. nocturnal). Adult nocturnal raptors were admitted more frequently than young birds, but we found the opposite trend for diurnal raptors. Young diurnal raptors had higher release rates than adults, likely due to their less-severe injuries. Nocturnal species were more often involved in vehicle collisions than diurnal raptors and were admitted most commonly for head trauma. Diurnal birds were more frequently shot than nocturnal raptors, but were treated most often for fractures, body trauma, and other injuries and illnesses. The SRC had an overall raptor release rate of 38%, which is higher than that of many other rehabilitation centers, and a survival rate of 42%. These results, based on a large number of individuals and a wide diversity of raptor species, may be helpful for informing and improving raptor rehabilitation efforts in the region.
Association of delays in time to surgery for resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer with survival.

e20056Background: Delay in time to surgery (TTS) for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may impact survival; however the effect of delayed TTS for patients with stage IIIA NSCLC is uncl...
CD47 Protects Synapses from Excess Microglia-Mediated Pruning during Development

Microglia regulate synaptic circuit remodeling and phagocytose synaptic material in the healthy brain; however, the mechanisms directing microglia to engulf specific synapses and avoid others remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that an innate immune signaling pathway protects synapses from inappropriate removal. The expression patterns of CD47 and its receptor, SIRPα, correlated with peak pruning in the developing retinogeniculate system, and mice lacking these proteins exhibited increased microglial engulfment of retinogeniculate inputs and reduced synapse numbers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. CD47-deficient mice also displayed increased functional pruning, as measured by electrophysiology. In addition, CD47 was found to be required for neuronal activity-mediated changes in engulfment, as microglia in CD47 knockout mice failed to display preferential engulfment of less active inputs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CD47-SIRPα signaling prevents excess microglial phagocytosis and show that molecular brakes can be regulated by activity to protect specific inputs.
Treatment on Neuroblastoma Cancer Cells Using Atmospheric Cold Plasma

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma is an ambient temperature ionized gas acquiring significant attention as a favorable addition to anti-tumor treatment mainly due to the capability to produce and regulate delivery of ions, excited molecules, UV photons, and reactive species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) to a targeted site. The heterogeneous composition of non-thermal atmospheric plasma offers the opportunity to intervene numerous signaling pathways that control tumor cells. Subsequently, the array of non-thermal atmospheric plasma generated products has limited the identification of the mechanisms of action on tumor cells. In this work, we will present the results of non-thermal plasma jet treated on neuroblastoma cells using a murine neuroblastoma line derived from AJ mice and cultured in D10 media. The goal of this work is to determine the cell death response of neuroblastoma cells by using a non-thermal plasma jet. The effect of variable treatment dosage levels of non-thermal plasma was tested in neuroblastoma cells. The number of viable cells was evaluated, while apoptosis and necrosis was assessed. Our observations indicate that increased treatment dosage levels of non-thermal plasma jet caused varied results from no significant changes to apoptotic characteristics to induction of necrosis at extended dosages. Overall the results suggest that non-thermal plasma jet can be of significant application to the treatment of neuroblastoma cancer cells.
Factor Structure of the Attentional Control Scale in Younger and Older Adults: Relationships with Anxiety and Depression

The Attentional Control Scale (ACS) is a self-report questionnaire that is used to measure individual differences in attentional control. Despite its widespread use, there is limited and conflicting data regarding the factor structure of the ACS. Further, the psychometric properties of the ACS have yet to be evaluated in an older adult sample. The current study compared the factor structure of the ACS in younger (n = 411) and older adult samples (n = 366) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a reduced 13-item, two-factor model comprised of “shifting” and “focusing” subscales. It was found that the ACS subscales were negatively related to anxiety and depression in both samples, with more robust relationships observed between anxiety and depression with focusing in both samples. Future research should explore whether AC is a useful treatment target in older adults with anxiety and/or depression.
Investigational drugs for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction: focus on antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents.

Background Advances in our understanding of the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for high-risk atherosclerotic plaque rupture resulting in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have led to the development of numerous antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents for treatment of AMI. Areas covered We review various antithrombotic drugs which were recently investigated for the treatment of AMI. A MEDLINE search for relevant articles on newer antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants drugs for the treatment of AMI was performed, and important original investigations were reviewed. We also briefly discuss agents that completed evaluation and were recently recommended by expert guidelines. Expert opinion The antiplatelet agents cangrelor and vorapaxar and the anticoagulant rivaroxaban, have shown promise for the reduction of ischemic events when administered during, and in the acute phase following AMI. However, these agents have not been compared with more potent P2Y12 inhibitors, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Finding an optimum combination of these agents to achieve an appropriate risk (bleeding) - benefit (reduction in ischemic events) balance is challenging. Further evaluation of agents that show promise is important for enhancing our armamentarium of pharmacologic agents for the successful treatment of AMI.
The influence of first language polysemy and first language and second language lexical frequencies on second language learners’ use of false cognates:

Aims and objectives:This study examines second language (L2) bilinguals’ use of words that have the same or similar forms in their two languages but whose meaning extensions differ – that is, false...
Area Deprivation and Inequalities in Health and Health Care Outcomes

The editorialists believe that Jencks and colleagues' findings shed light on whether the rate-setting system is fair to safety-net hospitals, but the nature of the total effect of neighborhood disa...
Safety of Arthroscopic Versus Open or Combined Heterotopic Ossification Removal Around the Elbow.

Purpose To analyze the complications of arthroscopic heterotopic ossification (HO) excision and compare them with those of open removal of HO or a combined open-arthroscopic approach. Methods We performed a retrospective review of elbow HO removal cases performed by a single surgeon from 1997 to 2014. In all cases studied, the intention was to restore range of motion owing to the presence of HO causing functional impairment. The arthroscopic, open, and combined treatment groups were compared. Results The study cohort consisted of 223 surgical procedures performed on 213 elbows in 211 patients. Fifty major complications occurred in 46 cases (21%): 17 hematomas (8%) treated by irrigation and debridement, 8 cases of HO requiring reoperation (4%), 7 deep infections (3%), 4 contractures (2%), 3 cases of delayed-onset ulnar neuritis (1%), 2 cases of distal humeral avascular necrosis (1%), 2 tendon ruptures (1%), 2 cases of instability requiring reconstruction (1%), 2 postoperative fractures (1%), 1 intraoperative fracture ( Conclusions The use of arthroscopy—or a combination of arthroscopic and open techniques—to remove HO around the elbow by a surgeon skilled in both arthroscopic and open elbow surgery does not increase the risk of major complications or need for reoperation compared with traditional open surgery. Preventive strategies, such as avoiding raising skin flaps by using multiple separate incisions for open and prophylactic ulnar nerve decompression in arthroscopic cases, were developed during the study period. These strategies were monitored prospectively and found to be effective in preventing two-thirds of the major complications needing reoperation with both open and arthroscopic HO removal. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study of prospectively collected data.
Dietary Oxalate Induces Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans.

Introduction Crystalluria is thought to be associated with kidney stone formation and can occur when urine becomes supersaturated with calcium, oxalate, and phosphate. The principal method used to identify urinary crystals is microscopy, with or without a polarized light source. This method can detect crystals above 1 μm in diameter (microcrystals). However, analyses of calcium oxalate kidney stones have indicated that crystallite components in these calculi are 50–100 nm in diameter. Recent studies have suggested that nanocrystals ( Methods Healthy subjects consumed a controlled low-oxalate diet for 3 days before a dietary oxalate load. Urinary crystals were isolated by centrifugation and assessed using NTA before and 5 hours after the oxalate load. The morphology and chemical composition of crystals was assessed using electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ion chromatography-mass spectrometry (IC–MS). Results Urinary calcium oxalate nanocrystals were detected in pre-load samples and increased substantially following the oxalate load. Conclusion These findings indicate that NTA can quantify urinary nanocrystals and that meals rich in oxalate can promote nanocrystalluria. NTA should provide valuable insight about the role of nanocrystals in kidney stone formation.
Mapping the switch that drives the pre-metastatic niche

The pre-metastatic niche is a complex microenvironment formed by the influence of tumor-derived factors on stromal and immune cells at distant sites of disseminated tumor-cell colonization. Signaling through the kinase p38α and regulation of the type I interferon receptor are now linked to formation of the pre-metastatic niche.
Metabolic and Neurocognitive Changes Following Lifestyle Modification: Examination of Biomarkers from the ENLIGHTEN Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise (AE) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can improve neurocognition. However, the mechanisms by which lifestyle improves neurocognition have not been widely studied. We examined the associations between changes in metabolic, neurotrophic, and inflammatory biomarkers with executive functioning among participants from the Exercise and Nutritional Interventions for Neurocognitive Health Enhancement (ENLIGHTEN) trial. Objective To examine the association between changes in metabolic function and neurocognition among older adults with cognitive impairment, but without dementia (CIND) participating in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. Methods ENLIGHTEN participants were randomized using a 2×2 factorial design to receive AE, DASH, both AE+DASH, or a health education control condition (HE) for six months. Metabolic biomarkers included insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA-IR]), leptin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1); neurotrophic biomarkers included brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and inflammatory biomarkers included interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Results Participants included 132 sedentary older adults (mean age = 65 [SD = 7]) with CIND. Results demonstrated that both AE (d = 0.48, p = 0.015) and DASH improved metabolic function (d = 0.37, p = 0.039), without comparable improvements in neurotrophic or inflammatory biomarkers. Greater improvements in metabolic function, including reduced HOMA-IR (B = -2.3 [-4.3, -0.2], p = 0.033) and increased IGF-1 (B = 3.4 [1.2, 5.7], p = 0.004), associated with increases in Executive Function. Conclusion Changes in neurocognition after lifestyle modification are associated with improved metabolic function.
Carl Menger’s Grundsätze as a Foundation for Contemporary Entrepreneurship Research

This paper takes the subjective value theory, conception of economic goods, and the hierarchy of needs from Carl Menger’s _Grundsatze der Volkswirtschaftslehre_ (1871) to elaborate a model of strategic entrepreneurship. Menger’s account of subjective valuation by buyers of goods in market exchange fills a gap in most conceptual approaches to entrepreneurship, which are based on a highly impermeable boundary around the entrepreneurial firm. We examine how this account “closes” an economic model of entry for an entrepreneurial firm in an existing rivalry network by making the assessment of value explicit with respect to buyer needs relative to goods sold by incumbent firms. A formal representation of Menger’s needs hierarchy in the face of qualitatively different market goods is the centerpiece of the strategic entrepreneurship model. This conceptual model is tied to methods of eliciting subjective valuations of product attributes and buyer needs fulfilment from the literatures of consumer behavior, marketing, and organizational psychology. This serves as a methodological basis for scholarship in entrepreneurship.
Lessons Learned Over A Twenty Year Experience in the Utilization of Advanced Practice Providers in a Large Academic Pediatric Critical Care Medical Setting

Purpose: In 1999 to 2000, a large tertiary academic pediatric hospital expanded clinical coverage of medically complex and critically ill patients from 24 to 36 beds. Without additional resident, fellow, or faculty physician coverage allocated to the unit, the hospital incentivized 6 pediatric intensive care unit Registered Nurses to complete their pediatric nurse practitioner training. They were offered a two-year commitment and employment as Advanced Practice Provider (APP) faculty for the Department of Pediatrics to form a new service line. During the first …
Values, Conflict, and Trust in Participatory Environmental Planning

The need for greater public involvement in environmental decisionmaking has been highlighted in recent high-profile research reports and emphasized by leaders at all levels of government. In some cases, environmental agencies have opened the door to greater participation in their programs. However, there is relatively little information on what can be gained from greater public involvement and what makes some programs work while others fail. This article presents an evaluation of public participation in several cases of environmental planning in the Great Lakes region, focusing on how effectively these efforts introduced public values into government decisionmaking, resolved conflict among stakeholders, and built trust in environmental agencies. Data for the analysis came from a “case survey” method in which the authors systematically coded information from previously written case studies. The research findings support an optimistic view of public participation — although not without important caveats — and emphasize the importance of communication and commitment in the participatory process.
Detection of Series Faults in High-Temperature Superconducting DC Power Cables Using Machine Learning

A novel method to detect series faults in multi-strand high-temperature superconducting (HTS) power cables, based on monitoring the transmission characteristics as an indirect way to detect the magnetic signature, is reported. The efficacy of the non-destructive detection method was studied using finite element analysis (FEA) and measurements on a model cable with a varying number of disconnected strands. An S-parameter model block was implemented, and the changes in the magnetic signature resulting from the failed superconducting strands in the cable were investigated. The transmission characteristics of the cable were experimentally analyzed with various types of series faults. The S-parameters obtained experimentally on the model cable were analyzed, and the output of the implemented linear time-invariant (LTI) system was evaluated with the experimental data. A machine learning tool was developed to predict the type of series fault with a regression algorithm based on the Scikit-learn library. The reported method has the potential of enhancing HTS power system reliability by providing early indications of series faults in HTS cables.
Can multi-angular polarimetric measurements in the oxygen-A and B bands improve the retrieval of aerosol vertical distribution?

Abstract Based on the multi-angle measurements at the top of the atmosphere including radiance and polarization in O2 A and B absorption bands simulated by forward model UNL-VRTM, the information content and posterior uncertainties about the altitude of peak aerosol extinction (Hpeak) and half-width (w) characterizing quasi-Gaussian aerosol vertical profiles are analyzed for different observation combinations. Although the information content described as degree of freedom for signal (DFS) for Hpeak and w increases with the number of angles, this increase reaches a limit when more than around six angles are used, regardless of surface type (ocean, vegetation or soil). Due to high surface reflectance of vegetation in O2 A band, the DFS of Hpeak from multi-angle measurements could be lower than 0.8, whereas the DFS > 0.9 for soil and ocean. At a single angle, polarization measurement is more sensitive to Hpeak than radiance when Hpeak is near the surface. Compared with single-angle radiance in O2 A band, adding multi-angle radiances reduces retrieval uncertainty for Hpeak by 10–20%, larger than that from only adding polarization at a single angle (
Impact of sleeve gastrectomy on bone outcomes in adolescents vs. adults with obesity

Abstract Background Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) procedure in adolescents and adults. Only few studies have assessed bone outcomes following SG and it is unknown whether skeletal changes differ by age group. Recent studies have identified marrow adipose tissue (MAT) as a novel biomarker for bone quality with studies in adults showing high MAT in those with visceral adiposity and a reciprocal increase in MAT with bone loss. Objective To determine the impact of SG on volumetric BMD (vBMD) and MAT in adolescents and adults with obesity. We hypothesized that SG would lead to a decrease in vBMD and increase in MAT but that these changes would be less pronounced in adolescents compared to adults. Materials and methods The study was IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant. Written informed consent/assent was obtained. We examined 10 adolescents (mean age 17.8 ± 2.5 years, mean BMI 43.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2) and 10 sex, race, and BMI-matched adults (mean age 49.5 ± 13.6 years, mean BMI 43.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2), before and 12 months after SG. At baseline and 12 months, subjects underwent quantitative CT of the lumbar spine (L1−L2) to assess trabecular vBMD, single voxel proton MR spectroscopy at 3 T (PRESS pulse sequence without water suppression) at L1-L2 to quantify MAT, and MRI of the abdomen to assess visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Results At baseline, adolescents had lower MAT (p = 0.0002) and higher vBMD (p = 0.050) compared to adults. Adolescents and adults lost 27.9 ± 6.5 vs. 25.0 ± 11.2% of body weight (p Conclusion SG in adolescents and adults with severe obesity is associated with a reduction in lumbar vBMD and an increase in lumbar MAT, although the reduction in adolescents did not reach statistical significance, with no significant differences in these endpoints between groups. Our results suggest detrimental effects of bariatric surgery on bone for patients across the life span.
Noise Exposure and Evaluation at Tire- Changing Facilities

Thirty (30) personal noise-exposure samples were collected on 20 tire-changing and repair technicians in three tire-changing facilities to determine their personal noise exposures and to estimate the maximum number of tire changes that could be performed without exceeding occupational exposure limits. Of the 30 projected 8-h time-weighted average noise samples, none exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Permissible Exposure Limit, 1 (3%) exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Action Level, and 18 (60%) exceeded the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold limit Value of 85 dBA, indicating the need for a hearing loss prevention program. The average shift time for the technicians was 6 h and 42 min and the average number of tire changes was 18. Based on the projected 8-h noise exposure 95% upper confidence limits, the estimated maximum number of tires that could be changed without exceeding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's noise action level was 32 tires, the permissible exposure limit greater than 40 tires, and the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists' Threshold Limit Value was less than 20 tires. In addition, area noise samples of tire-changing equipment were taken with a sound-level meter to identify the noise sources that contributed to the tire technicians' exposures. The air ratchet, tire-changing machine, and tire-bead seater were measured at noise levels >85 dBA, increasing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss to the technicians.
Chondrocyte Tsc1 controls cranial base bone development by restraining the premature differentiation of synchondroses.

Abstract Cranial base bones are formed through endochondral ossification. Synchondroses are growth plates located between cranial base bones that facilitate anterior-posterior growth of the skull. Coordinated proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in cranial base synchondroses is essential for cranial base bone growth. Herein, we report that constitutive activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling via Tsc1 (Tuberous sclerosis 1) deletion in chondrocytes causes abnormal skull development with decreased size and rounded shape. In contrast to decreased anterior-posterior growth of the cranial base, mutant mice also exhibited significant expansion of cranial base synchondroses including the intersphenoid synchondrosis (ISS) and the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS). Cranial base synchondrosis expansion in TSC1-deficient mice was accounted for by an expansion of the resting zone due to increased cell number and size without alteration in cell proliferation. Furthermore, our data showed that mTORC1 activity is inhibited in the resting and proliferating zone chondrocytes of wild type mice, and Tsc1 deletion activated mTORC1 signaling of the chondrocytes in the resting zone area. Consequently, the chondrocytes in the resting zone of TSC1-deficient mice acquired characteristics generally attributed to pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes including high mTORC1 activity, increased cell size, and increased expression level of PTH1R (Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor) and IHH (Indian hedgehog). Lastly, treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, rescued the abnormality in synchondroses. Our results established an important role for TSC1-mTORC1 signaling in regulating cranial base bone development and showed that chondrocytes in the resting zone of synchondroses are maintained in an mTORC1-inhibitory environment.
The Ottoman Road to War in 1914: 1914: war with Greece?

The Treaty of Constantinople officially ended the Second Balkan War for the Ottoman Empire, but not, as we have seen, the conviction on the part of an aggrieved public that more war was necessary. And indeed in the months between September 1913 and August 1914, the empire teetered on the brink of war with Greece, which had captured several Aegean islands during the First Balkan War. Throughout these ten months, the foreign ministry worked hard to attract Great Power support for their return. At issue were the islands of Chios and Mytilene, within sight of the Ottoman coast, and the island of Limnos. All three were of critical strategic importance, with Limnos commanding the mouth of the Dardanelles. A war between Greece and the Ottoman Empire contained the potential to draw in the Powers. In the event of war, the Sublime Porte would certainly close the Straits, as it had done briefly after Italy invaded its North African province of Tripoli (Libya) in 1911. Russia could not remain on the sidelines if the war closed the Straits; 50 percent of all its exports, including 90 percent of its grains, shipped through it.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE EFFECTS OF FISCAL POLICY: Economic Growth and the Effects of Fiscal Policy

The macroeconomic effects of fiscal policy are analyzed using a Keynesian growth model. Comparative static analysis shows that the long-run effects of an increase in public spending and a decrease in taxation on economic growth and government budget balance depend on the relative size of marginal propensity to consume and invest and could be positive under certain conditions. Empirical estimates show that consumption and production structure have changed significantly from 1930s to 2007; both positive and negative effects on growth and budget balance of the same fiscal policy are found in different time periods.
Climate change management strategies

Abstract Climate change management strategies, which are intended to stabilize, slow or prevent global warming through global reductions in the production or presence of greenhouse gases, are currently under discussion in the context of a Framework Convention on Climate Change. This article addresses the concept of ‘scale’ and its relevance to the design and implementation of policy. Paul R. Schulman's ‘theory of large-scale policy’ is used to illuminate both prospects and problems of implementing climate change management strategies. This approach helps to highlight practical reasons why it will be a challenge to build or sustain international support for efforts to prevent or slow climate change.
Issues and Techniques of CASE Integration With Configuration Management

Abstract : Commercial computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool technology has emerged as an important component of practical software development environments. Issues of CASE tool integration have received heightened attention in recent years, with various commercial products and technical approaches promising to make inroads into this difficult-problem. One aspect of CASE integration that has not been adequately addressed is the integration of CASE tools with configuration management (CM)-including both CM policies and systems. Organizations need to address how to make CASE tools from different vendors work effectively with an organization's CM policies and tools (in effect, integrate CASE with CM) within the context of the rapidly evolving state of commercial integration technology. This report describes key issues of the integration of CASE with CM from a third-party integrator's perspective, i.e., how to approach the integration of CASE and CM in such a way as to not require fundamental changes to the implementation of the tools or CM systems themselves.
The Authentic Village and the Modern City: The Space-Time of Class Identities in Urban Western Ukraine

With increasing migration, the divisions between rural and urban spaces are becoming both more pronounced and more ambiguous, complicating territorial bases of the nation-state. In Ukraine, the nation is intimately rooted in the rural, however, this same rurality can also be viewed as a hindrance to the nation becoming an equal member in the global community. These competing notions of Ukrainian identity can be seen in how teenagers view themselves as members of a wider, global community, and their views of the opportunities and life trajectories available to them as members of the Ukrainian nation. Western Ukrainian teenagers’ perceptions of rural and urban places include notions of temporality that are associated with each kind of space and the inhabitants of each space. Competing discourses of the Ukrainian nation can be better understood by examining how debates over the role of the village reflect underlying notions of temporal and spatial meaning, which help shape how young people come to define who they are and who they hope to become. I propose that the incorporation of the rural as a site for creating and sustaining a Ukrainian identity differs among urban teenagers in western Ukraine due to socioeconomic class. While both working and middle class teenagers view the Ukrainian nation as borne of a rural pastoral, they construct different paradigms of the rural and its relationship to the urban spaces in which they live. Those of the middle class see rural spaces as “lost in time,” places that have been unaffected by the rest of modern society. The working class, in contrast, continues to view rural spaces, and the people that inhabit them, as valuable in sustaining authentic Ukrainian culture, which they see as threatened by the anonymity of modern urban life. I apply a chronotopic lens of analysis to show how these different paradigms of the rural and urban are connected to different understandings of Ukrainian identity, history, and the aspirations of the Ukrainian nation.
α-Hydroxyglutarate Oxidoreductase of Pseudomonas putida

Oxidation of d-α-hydroxyglutarate to α-ketoglutarate is catalyzed by d-α-hydroxyglutarate oxidoreductase, an inducible membrane-bound enzyme of the electron transport particle [ETP; a comminuted cytoplasmic membrane preparation with enzymic properties and chemical composition resembling beef heart mitochondrial ETP (1)] of Pseudomonas putida P2 (P2-ETP). Treatment of P2-ETP with a nonionic detergent yields a preparation with the sedimentation characteristics of a soluble enzyme, but which retains an intact electron transport chain. Oxygen acts solely as a terminal electron acceptor and may be replaced by ferricyanide, 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol, or mammalian cytochrome c . The oxidoreductase is specific for the d-isomer ( K m = 4.0 × 10 −4 m for dl-α-hydroxyglutarate) and is distinct both from l- and d-malate dehydrogenases. Spectral studies suggest that the carrier sequence is substrate → flavine or nonheme iron → cyt b → [cyt c] → oxygen.
Addressing the Safety of Transportation Cyber-Physical Systems: Development and Validation of a Verbal Warning Utility Scale for Intelligent Transportation Systems

As an important application of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), advances in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) improve driving safety by informing drivers of hazards with warnings in advance. The evaluation of the warning effectiveness is an important issue in facilitating communication of ITS. The goal of the present study was to develop a scale to evaluate the warning utility, namely, the effectiveness of a warning in preventing accidents in general. A driving simulator study was conducted to validate the Verbal Warning Utility Scale (VWUS) in a simulated driving environment. The reliability analysis indicated a good split-half reliability for the VWUS with a Spearman-Brown Coefficient of 0.873. The predictive validity of VWUS in measuring the effectiveness of the verbal warnings was verified by the significant prediction of safety benefits indicated by variables, including reduced kinetic energy and collision rate. Compared to conducting experimental studies, this scale provides a simpler way to evaluate overall utility of verbal warnings in communicating associated hazards in intelligent transportation systems. This scale can be further applied to improve the design of warnings of ITS in order to improve transportation safety. The applications of the scale in nonverbal warning situations and limitations of the current scale are also discussed.
The Local Group as a time machine: studying the high-redshift Universe with nearby galaxies

We infer the UV luminosities of Local Group galaxies at early cosmic times ($z \sim 2$ and $z \sim 7$) by combining stellar population synthesis modeling with star formation histories derived from deep color-magnitude diagrams constructed from Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations. Our analysis provides a basis for understanding high-$z$ galaxies - including those that may be unobservable even with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) - in the context of familiar, well-studied objects in the very low-$z$ Universe. We find that, at the epoch of reionization, all Local Group dwarfs were less luminous than the faintest galaxies detectable in deep HST observations of blank fields. We predict that JWST will observe $z \sim 7$ progenitors of galaxies similar to the Large Magellanic Cloud today; however, the HST Frontier Fields initiative may already be observing such galaxies, highlighting the power of gravitational lensing. Consensus reionization models require an extrapolation of the observed blank-field luminosity function at $z \approx 7$ by at least two orders of magnitude in order to maintain reionization. This scenario requires the progenitors of the Fornax and Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxies to be contributors to the ionizing background at $z \sim 7$. Combined with numerical simulations, our results argue for a break in the UV luminosity function from a faint-end slope of $\alpha \sim -2$ at $M_{\rm UV} < -13$ to $\alpha \sim -1.2$ at lower luminosities. Applied to photometric samples at lower redshifts, our analysis suggests that HST observations in lensing fields at $z \sim 2$ are capable of probing galaxies with luminosities comparable to the expected progenitor of Fornax.
Plasma-screening effects on the electron-impact excitation of hydrogenic ions in dense plasmas

Plasma-screening effects are investigated on electron-impact excitation of hydrogenic ions in dense plasmas. Scaled cross sections Z(exp 4) sigma for 1s yields 2s and 1s yields 2p are obtained for a Debye-Hueckel model of the screened Coulomb interaction. Ground and excited bound wave functions are modified in the screened Coulomb potential (Debye-Hueckel model) using the Ritz variation method. The resulting atomic wave functions and their eigenenergies agree well with the numerical and high-order perturbation theory calculations for the interesting domain of the Debye length not less than 10. The Born approximation is used to describe the continuum states of the projectile electron. Plasma screening effects on the atomic electrons cannot be neglected in the high-density cases. Including these effects, the cross sections are appreciably increased for 1s yields 2s transitions and decreased for 1s yields 2p transitions.
Release of Cr(III) from Cr(III) picolinate upon metabolic activation

Hexavalent and trivalent chromium are released into the environment from a number of different industrial activities. It is known that Cr(VI) can be reduced and subsequently complexed by humic acids to produce Cr(III) humic acid complexes in the soil and aquatic environments. The metabolic fate of Cr(III) humic acid complexes and other Cr(III) organic complexes in mammalian systems is unknown. Therefore, Cr(III) picolinate was chosen as a model complex for Cr(III) humic acid complexes and other environmentally relevant Cr(III) complexes. Both human hepatocyte microsomes and primary cultures of chick hepatocytes were used to generate metabolites of Cr(III) picolinate. The results from both of these treatments show that a significant amount of Cr(III) is released (66 and 100%, respectively) and that N-1-methylpicotinamide is the primary organic metabolite from this compound. These data suggest that the populations of humans who are exposed Cr(III) picolinate or other environmentally relevant organic Cr(III) complexes, such as Cr(III) humic acid complexes, are potentially accumulating high levels of Cr(III) intracellularly. This intracellular accumulation of Cr(III) can result in the formation of covalent bonds between Cr(III) and DNA and/or other macromolecules, causing genotoxic effects. These data should be considered when assessing the risk of an area contaminated with chromium.