cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An incremental evaluation of the diagnostic value of thallium single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging and lung/heart ratio concerning both the presence and extent of coronary artery disease

Abstract Background. The goal was to assess the incremental diagnostic value of thallium single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) imaging and lung/heart ratio (LHR) over other clinical and exercise electrocardiographic (ECG) variables concerning the presence and extent (three vessel/left main) of coronary artery disease. Methods and Results. Multivariable logistic regression analysis that used an incremental study design was applied to clinical, exercise test, SPECT, LHR, and catheterization data from 323 patients with suspected coronary disease. The following variables were evaluated as predictors of presence and extent of disease: clinical (age, sex, symptoms, diabetes, and smoking), exercise ECG (millimeters of ST segment depression, slope of ST segment depression, peak heart rate, change in systolic blood pressure, and metabolic equivalents of the task), and thallium (defect reversibility and intensity of hypoperfusion and LHR). Discrimination and incremental value were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. SPECT imaging (segment hypoperfusion score) was an independent predictor of both presence and extent of disease ( p p p =0.11). Thallium LHR was an independent predictor of both presence and extent of disease ( p p =0.24; disease extent—SPECT=85±2 vs SPECT plus LHR=86±2, p =0.24). However, when combined, LHR and SPECT data had significant incremental value over clinical and exercise ECG data alone concerning extent of disease (e.g., ROC curve areas: clinical plus exercise ECG=83±4 vs clinical, exercise ECG, SPECT and LHR=86±3, p =0.04). Conclusions. SPECT thallium imaging variables are independent predictors of both presence and extent of coronary disease. However, they have significant incremental value over clinical and exercise ECG data concerning only presence of disease. Thallium LHR is an independent predictor of both presence and extent of disease but adds only a small insignificant amount of incremental diagnostic information over SPECT data. However, there was significant incremental value to the addition of LHR to SPECT data concerning extent of disease.
An Emancipatory Principle for Social Work With Survivors of Male Violence

This article describes a principle to guide direct practice with survivors of male violence—undermining oppressive beliefs. This principle politicizes what has been explained at the interpersonal level as one man's violence toward one woman and the woman's psychological struggle in its wake. It also explains the cultural-political infrastructure ofmale violence and makes visible the basic injustice that is often invisible because it is woven into the fabric of Western culture. The principle rests on social constructionist ideas and calls four narrative practice processes into action.
The upper critical field of HoBa2Cu3O7−δ for H ∥ c

Abstract The upper critical field H c2 of a grain-aligned HoBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ specimen has been measured as a function of temperature near the critical temperature, T c , for applied field H [Verbar] c. H c2 exhibited a(1−T/T c ) 1/2 temperature dependence, which is expected for a thin-film superconductor. This lends support to the idea that the superconducting pair potential is changed near twinning planes in HoBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ .
The effects of estrogen on cortisol metabolism in female baboons.

Abstract We examined Cortisol (F) dynamics in female baboons (Papio anubis) treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estradiol (E2) and compared values with those previously measured in nonpregnant and pregnant animals. Five regularly menstruating baboons (12–18 kg, BW) were administered 5 mg DES daily via fruit or 0.5 mg E2/0.1ml oil sc for 30 days. Blood samples, obtained before and after treatment, were assayed for serum F concentrations and serum Cortisol binding capacity (CBC). The metabolic clearance (MCR) and production rate (PR) of F and the catabolism of i.v. administered [3H] F were examined 25 and 30 days after initiation of estrogen treatment. Compared with values in nonpregnant baboons, F metabolism in estrogen treated animals is significantly altered and is characterized by increased formation of unconjugated metabolites, decreased glucuronylation, increased excretion of unconjugated F, cortisone, and highly polar metabolites, and increased CBC. These changes induced by estrogen are similar to those observed in intact pregnant baboons and permit the suggestion that the pattern of F metabolism and the level of CBC in baboon pregnancy are the result of elevated estrogen production. However, estrogen also caused a significant decrease in the MCR and PR of F, parameters which, by contrast, are similar in intact pregnant and nonpregnant baboons. These findings indicate that while estrogen also influences the rate of F clearance and F production, these effects of estrogen are not apparent during pregnancy. Collectively, these findings allow the suggestion that estrogen is a major factor which alters F metabolism and increases serum CBC in baboon gestation. However, additional factors are operative in primate pregnancy which maintain PR and MCR of F at levels similar to those of nonpregnant baboons.
Reeling, Writhing, Drawling, Stretching, and Fainting in Coils: Oral Proficiency Interviews as Conversation

This article provides a detailed examination of the oral proficiency interview and its underlying assumptions of validity and value. An attempt is made, by looking at the interview from the inside, to understand what OPIs are and what the participants in them do. The similarities and differences between interviews and conversations are examined, and some of the major problems of proficiency interviewing are illustrated and discussed. Finally, some specific proposals are made that may lead to more effective oral interviewing procedures. In this article I want to look at oral proficiency interviews (OPIs) as instances of conversation between people. Two questions are central to this discussion: (a) Are OPIs examples of conversational language use? and (b) Is conversational language use the appropriate (or the only, or the best) vehicle to evaluate oral proficiency? The tentative answer to the first question is a qualified no, the qualification being that an OPI can and may be designed to elicit conversational language use but frequently is not. The second question is far more difficult to answer: It addresses the central issue of the construct validity of oral tests in general. However, I propose that conversation is an appropriate vehicle for the all-around display of speaking ability in context. If the latter is a definition of oral proficiency, then I think we can be reasonably sure that conversation is the best vehicle for its evaluation. To address the questions I have posed, one must obtain an "insider's view" of the OPI. To do this, I have relied on three sources of data: (a) the analysis of several OPIs I have taken as an interviewee, (b) the study of transcripts and tapes of a variety of
Contents of biologically active polyamines in duck meat and giblets after slaughter and their changes during meat storage and cooking

Abstract Dietary polyamines (PA), putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM), participate in numerous physiological roles, particularly in protein and DNA biosynthesis, but also in tumour growth. Reliable information on their content in foods is thus needed. We therefore determined PA content in duck meat and giblets (n = 15) after extraction with perchloric acid, as dansyl derivatives, using a UPLC method. Mean PUT contents ranged between 3.0 and 5.2 mg kg − 1 in meat and liver. Mean SPD values were 10.5, 5.8, 30.9, 4.1 and 4.1 mg kg − 1 and SPM values were 49.4, 24.1, 77.0, 17.5 and 12.1 mg kg − 1 in breast, thigh, liver, heart and gizzard, respectively, 24 h after slaughter. SPD and SPM contents decreased by about 25% during 6-month freeze-storage and by about 30–40% during 9-day cold-storage under aerobic or a modified atmosphere packagings. PA losses were higher in roasted than in stewed breast meat. Consumption of duck meat and particularly of liver can participate considerably in PA daily intake.
Resting blood pressure and thermal pain responses among females : effects on pain unpleasantness but not pain intensity

In order to investigate the influence of resting blood pressure on thermal pain responses among females, this experiment studied 21 pain-free, normotensive females (mean age 23) classified as having high (HBP) vs. low blood pressure (LBP) based on a median split of resting blood pressure collected prior to thermal testing. All subjects then underwent thermal pain testing, including determination of pain threshold and tolerance followed by verbal descriptor ratings of the intensity and unpleasantness of suprathreshold thermal stimuli, ranging from 45 to 49°C. Thermal stimuli were delivered to the volar forearm and the ipsilateral face using a 1 cm2 contact thermode. Results indicated that the blood pressure groups did not differ in thermal pain threshold or tolerance or on ratings of the intensity of suprathreshold thermal stimuli. However, the HBP group provided significantly lower ratings of thermal pain unpleasantness than the LBP group (P<0.01). These data indicate that resting blood pressure is inversely associated with pain sensitivity among females, but this relationship may be selective for the affective component of pain.
RATINGS OF PERCEIVED EXERTION DURING LOW- AND HIGH-INTENSITY RESISTANCE EXERCISE BY YOUNG ADULTS

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are commonly used to monitor the intensity of aerobic exercise. Whether ratings of perceived exertion can be used similarly during resistance exercise is unclear. To examine this question, perceived exertion was measured at 30% and 90% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM), while holding work constant between intensities. Ratings for the active muscles and for the overall body were examined during both intensities. 10 male (age=23.2 +/- 3.6 yr.) and nine female (age=21.8 +/- 2.7 yr.) volunteers underwent a one-repetition maximum procedure for each of the following exercises: bench press, leg press, latissimus pull down, triceps press, biceps curl, shoulder press, and calf raise. All subjects then completed two experimental trials on separate days. The high-intensity trial consisted of one set of five repetitions at 90% of the one-repetition maximum. The low-intensity trial consisted of one set of 15 repetitions at 30% of the one-repetition maximum. Active muscle and overall body ratings of perceived exertion were obtained immediately at termination of each of the seven exercises at both intensities. A two-factor (RPE x Intensity) repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed separately for each exercise. Both active muscle and overall body ratings of perceived exertion were higher (p<.01) for the high-intensity trial than for the low-intensity trial. Active muscle ratings were higher (p<.01) than overall body ratings for all exercises. Ratings of perceived exertion during resistance exercise are related to intensity of the resistance exercise (percentage of the one-repetition maximum). This information suggests that ratings of perceived exertion can provide information regarding the intensity of resistance exercise. Furthermore, sensations of exertion in the active muscles during resistance exercise are greater than sensations for the overall body.
Comparison of broadband noise mechanisms, analyses, and experiments on helicopters, propellers, and wind turbines

Experimental data on broadband noise from airfoils are compared, together with analytical methods, in order to identify the mechanisms of noise emission. Rotor noise is categorized into discrete frequency, impulsive, and broadband components, the last having a continuous spectrum originating from a random source. The results of computer simulations of different rotor blade types which produce broadband noise were compared with experimental data and among themselves in terms of predictions of the spectra obtained. Consideration was given to the overall sound pressure level, unsteady turbulence forces, rotational forces, inflow turbulence, self-generated turbulence, and turbulence in the flow. Data are presented for a helicopter rotor and light aircraft propeller. The most significant source was found to be inflow turbulence induced lift fluctuations in helicopter rotors and boundary layer trailing edge noise on large wind energy conversion systems
Computational Micromechanics for High-Temperature Constitutive Equations of Polymer-Matrix Composites With Oxidation Reaction, Damage, and Degradation

The proper determination of high-temperature constitutive properties and damage of polymer-matrix composites (PMC) in an aggressive environment is critical in high-speed aircraft and propulsion material development, structural integrity, and long-term life prediction. In this paper, a computational micromechanics study is conducted to obtain high-temperature constitutive properties of the PMC undergoing simultaneous thermal oxidation reaction, microstructural damage, and thermomechanical loading. The computational micromechanics approach follows the recently developed irreversible thermodynamic theory for polymer composites with reaction and microstructural change under combined chemical, thermal, and mechanical loading. Proper microstructural modeling of the PMC is presented to ensure that reaction activities, thermal and mechanical responses of the matrix, fibers, and fiber-matrix interface are fully addressed. A multiscale homogenization theory is used in conjunction with a finite element representation of material and reaction details to determine continuous evolution of composite microstructure change and associated degradation of the mechanical and physical properties. Numerical examples are given on a commonly used G30-500/PMR15 composite for illustration.
Synoptic-scale upwelling indices and predictions of phyto- and zooplankton populations

Abstract Seasonal upwelling is responsible for the biologically rich and productive ecosystems of coastal eastern boundary currents. In most studies of physical – biological interactions in these systems, upwelling statistics are computed on monthly, seasonal, and annual time scales, whereas upwelling naturally occurs at high frequencies (days to weeks). This simplification of the upwelling process may misrepresent relationships between upwelling and biological populations. Based on 31 years (1982–2012) of hourly-measured winds and sea surface temperature at buoys off the central-northern California coast, we characterized upwelling and relaxation events at synoptic time scales, and used event-scale statistics to relate to local lower trophic level populations. We defined three metrics to quantify synoptic-scale upwelling: (i) Intensity, a measure of cumulative wind stress forcing during each upwelling event, (ii) SSTevent, a measure of the oceanic response to wind forcing, and (iii) Nutrient Upwelling Index (NUI), a measure of the nitrate availability at the surface during upwelling events. We compared cumulative values of Intensity and NUI, and average values of SSTevent during the peak of the upwelling season (April–June in central-northern California) to proxies of phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a concentrations) and krill abundance to assess the abilities of high frequency upwelling indices to predict biology. Wind forcing alone (Intensity) did not explain population variability, but SSTevent and NUI showed excellent relationships to chlorophyll concentrations (44% and 54% of variance explained, respectively) and krill abundance (68% of variance explained). All relationships appeared to be dome-shaped, supporting the hypothesis that moderate upwelling and ocean temperature are optimal for these populations. SSTevent and NUI performed better than the traditional Bakun upwelling index in predicting populations. We conclude that investigating upwelling characteristics on event scales can improve understanding of lower trophic level dynamics in eastern boundary current systems.
Factors affecting restoration of Halodule wrightii to Galveston Bay, Texas

Experimental restoration of Halodule wrightii (shoal-grass) to its former range on Galveston Island, Texas, began in April 1994. We tested the effects of site, planting density, water depth, and fertilizer addition on survival and growth through June 1996. Temperature, salinity, light transmittance, turbidity, and sediment properties at two restoration sites, Redfish Cove and Snake Island Cove, were similar to those in naturally occurring grassbeds in nearby Christmas Bay. Halodule survival, coverage, and new shoot densities were affected by site (significantly higher at Redfish Cove than at Snake Island Cove, which eventually failed), by planting density (significantly higher when planted on 0.25-m or 0.5-m centers rather than on 1.0-m centers), and by water depth (significantly higher when planted in relatively shallow water). Propagation (spreading from transplant units) was significantly greater from 0.25-m or 0.5-m center plantings but was not consistently affected by site or water depth. Fertilizer enhanced propagation but not survival. After two years, Redfish Cove produced belowground biomass similar to that observed in Christmas Bay, but above-ground biomass remained significantly less. Snake Island Cove plant mortality in September 1995 may have been presaged by low root-rhizome carbohydrate levels observed in October 1994, but causes remain unknown. Further restoration of Halodule to Galveston Bay is possible at selected sites, but structural equivalency will take longer than two growing seasons to achieve.
Self-termination/anergic mechanisms in human basophils and mast cells.

All cellular reactions include feedback loops, both positive and negative. Following all receptor-mediated stimulation there are events that activate the cell response and events that dampen the recep
When the apple falls close to the tree: Local food systems and the preservation of diversity

Agricultural industrialization, Green Revolution technologies, environmental change and civil conflicts have all been cited as contributing to the erosion of crop biodiversity. An additional factor is change in the characteristics of markets, including distance to market. Proponents of sustainable agriculture claim that one benefit of local food systems is the preservation of crop biodiversity. This paper explores that claim, examining Ohio orchardists' understanding and valuation of apple varieties and relating these to the preservation of biodiversity. Growers provided lists of apple varieties and then performed pilesorts on them. Analysis using multidimensional scaling reveals the underlying dimensions growers use to distinguish those cultivars. Salient characteristics are taste, use and market focus. Demands of the conventional commercial market with regards to transportation, appearance and storage exclude the old varieties. On the other hand, there is a strong congruence between sales in local markets and production of old varieties. Local markets, such as roadside stands and ‘pick-your-own’ operations, play an important role in the preservation of heirloom varieties of apples.
Life Expectancy during the Great Depression in Eleven European Countries

The recent global economic recession has renewed interest in knowing whether a declining economy affects population health. Understanding the extreme case of the Great Depression may inform the current debate as well as theory regarding biological and behavioral adaptations to unwanted economic change. We test the hypothesis, recently suggested in the literature, that period life expectancy at birth improved during the Great Depression. We applied time-series methods to annual period life expectancy data of the civilian population from eleven European countries. Methods control for trends and other forms of autocorrelation in life expectancy that could induce spurious associations. We cannot reject the null hypothesis that period life expectancy at birth during the Great Depression remained within the interval forecasted from historical values. Additional analyses using an automated, rule-based methodology also cannot reject the null hypothesis. During the most severe phase of the Great Depression, period life expectancy in eleven European countries generally did not rise above expected levels.
A Framework for Multi-Platform SOA Security Analyses

The myriad of SOA platforms and the complexity of the Web services standards has meant that it is difficult for users to ensure that their deployments are appropriately secure. Despite the compilation of various SOA security "best practices''', detecting violations of such practices has proven difficult. To address this need, we developed a tool that can analyze the deployment configurations of multiple SOA platforms and report potential SOA best practice violations. In this paper, we compare, contrast and categorize SOA platforms, and describe the analysis challenges posed by each category. We describe our framework architecture for our multi-platform analyses, and further describe our prototype implementation of this architecture.
Theory of Charmless Inclusive B Decays and the Extraction of V ub

We present 'state-of-the-art' theoretical expressions for the triple differential B{yields}X{sub u}l{sup -}{nu} decay rate and for the B{yields}X{sub s}{gamma} photon spectrum, which incorporate all known contributions and smoothly interpolate between the 'shape-function region' of large hadronic energy and small invariant mass, and the 'OPE region' in which all hadronic kinematical variables scale with M{sub B}. The differential rates are given in a form which has no explicit reference to the mass of the b quark, avoiding the associated uncertainties. Dependence on m{sub b} enters indirectly through the properties of the leading shape function, which can be determined by fitting the B{yields}X{sub s}{gamma} photon spectrum. This eliminates the dominant theoretical uncertainties from predictions for B{yields}X{sub u}l{sup -}{nu} decay distributions, allowing for a precise determination of |V{sub ub}|. In the shape-function region, short-distance and long-distance contributions are factorized at next-to-leading order in renormalization-group improved perturbation theory. Higher-order power corrections include effects from subleading shape functions where they are known. When integrated over sufficiently large portions in phase space, our results reduce to standard OPE expressions up to yet unknown O({alpha}{sub s}{sup 2}) terms. Predictions are presented for partial B{yields}X{sub u}l{sup -}{nu} decay rates with various experimental cuts. An elaborate error analysis ismore » performed that contains all significant theoretical uncertainties, including weak annihilation effects. We suggest that the latter can be eliminated by imposing a cut on high leptonic invariant mass.« less
Label-retaining liver cancer cells are relatively resistant to sorafenib

Objective The standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sorafenib, with most patients experiencing disease progression within 6 months. Label-retaining cancer cells (LRCC) represent a novel subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSC). The objective was to test whether LRCC are resistant to sorafenib. Methods We tested human HCC derived LRCC and non-LRCC before and after treatment with sorafenib. Results LRCC derived from human HCC are relatively resistant to sorafenib. The proportion of LRCC in HCC cell lines is increased after sorafenib while the general population of cancer cells undergoes growth suppression. We show that LRCC demonstrate improved viability and toxicity profiles, and reduced apoptosis, over non-LRCC. We show that after treatment with sorafenib, LRCC upregulate the CSC marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, wingless-type MMTV-integration-site family, cell survival and proliferation genes, and downregulate apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, cell adhesion and stem cells differentiation genes. This phenomenon was accompanied by non-uniform activation of specific isoforms of the sorafenib target proteins extracellular-signal-regulated kinases and v-akt-murine-thymoma-viral-oncogene homologue (AKT) in LRCC but not in non-LRCC. A molecular pathway map for sorafenib treated LRCC is proposed. Conclusions Our results suggest that HCC derived LRCC are relatively resistant to sorafenib. Since LRCC can generate tumours with as few as 10 cells, our data suggest a potential role for these cells in disease recurrence. Further investigation of this phenomenon might provide novel insights into cancer biology, cancer recurrence and drug resistance with important implications for the development of novel cancer therapies based on targeting LRCC.
Racial Discrimination and Psychological Distress: The Impact of Ethnic Identity and Age Among Immigrant and United States–Born Asian Adults

The association between racial and ethnic discrimination and psychological distress was examined among 2,047 Asians (18 to 75 years of age) in the National Latino and Asian American Study, the first-ever nationally representative study of mental health among Asians living in the United States. Stratifying the sample by age in years (i.e., 18 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 75) and nativity status (i.e., immigrant vs. U.S.-born), ethnic identity was tested as either a protective or exacerbating factor. Analyses showed that ethnic identity buffered the association between discrimination and mental health for U.S.-born individuals 41 to 50 years of age. For U.S.-born individuals 31 to 40 years of age and 51 to 75 years of age, ethnic identity exacerbated the negative effects of discrimination on mental health. The importance of age and immigrant status for the association between ethnic identity, discrimination, and well-being among Asians in the United States is discussed.
Assessing Sustainability of Nontimber Forest Product Extractions: How Fire Affects Sustainability

Sustainable use of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) can be affected by levels of extractions as well as by other anthropogenic influences such as fire and grazing. We examined the effects of fire on the demography of Phyllanthus emblica, an important NTFP in the forests of Biligiri Rangan Hills, India. We then assessed demographic responses to the combined effects of fire and current fruit harvesting patterns. Fruits of Phyllanthus are commercially harvested by an indigenous forest dwelling people. Using matrix population models, we compared demographic indices across a chronosequence of time since last fire. Population growth rates (λ) ranged from 0.7692 to 1.1443 across the five times since last fire. λ was the lowest at times since last fire of 2 and 3 yr. Frequent fires increased time to maturity by altering growth and survival rates, thereby causing a demographic shift from growth to regressions or negative growth. Elasticity analysis revealed that stasis of adults makes the biggest contribution to λ. Simulations of periodic and stochastic fire regimes suggest that higher λ and population persistence can be achieved at fire-return intervals of ≥7 and ≥9 yr, respectively. These fire-return intervals became longer when the simulations included harvesting and fire. Extinction probabilities under the current fire regimes (every 2–3 yr) suggest that populations will decline to lower densities. Our findings provide critical information for developing guidelines for sustainable use and management of NTFPs in Biligiri Rangan Hills, and demonstrate the need to incorporate various human-generated physical regimes in assessing sustainability of NTFPs.
Generalized additive selection models for the analysis of studies with potentially nonignorable missing outcome data.

Rotnitzki, Robins et Scharfstein (Journal of the American Statistical Association; 1998) ont developpe une methodologie pour l'analyse de sensibilite d'etudes dans lesquelles les donnees longitudinales obtenues peuvent inclure des donnees manquantes peut-etre non-ignorables. Dans leur approche, ils specifient une classe de modeles totalement parametriques, indexes par une fonction de selection peu ou faiblement identifiee, qui indique le degre avec lequel les donnees manquantes dependent des resultats potentiellement inobservables. L'estimation des parametres utiles est effectuee en modifiant la fonction de selection dans une gamme consideree comme plausible par des experts. Dans ce papier nous nous interessons a des donnees univariees, obtenues par section croisee, et nous etendons l'approche a une classe de modeles de selection semi-parametriques, en utilisant des restrictions additives generalisees. Nous proposons un algorithme de retro-ajustement pour estimer les parametres du modele de selection additif generalise. Trois types de fonctions d'estimation sont proposees pour la moyenne : simple inverse pondere, double robuste et orthogonale. Nous presentons les resultats d'une analyse sur donnees, et une etude par simulation.
A closed-form analytical model for single nanoshells

In this paper, we develop an accurate analytical closed-form model for the frequency resonance and scattering characteristics of single nanoshells. Nanoshells, dielectric spheres that are coated with noble metal, possess excellent tunability of their resonance frequency as a function of the relative sizes of the core and the thickness of the shell. Consequently, nanoshells offer much improved sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness in their applications. Simulation results show that our new closed-form model matches very closely with the exact solution for typical nanoshell configurations used in near-infrared applications.
Frequency offset and I/Q imbalance compensation for OFDM direct-conversion receivers

Two types of RF front-end imperfections in direct-conversion receivers, namely frequency offset and I/Q imbalance, are addressed. The I/Q imbalance not only introduces an unwanted image interference, but also degrades the accuracy of carrier estimation. We propose a pilot-based scheme for both frequency offset and I/Q imbalance compensation. A nonlinear least squares (NLS) frequency estimator, robust to the I/Q imbalance, is developed. Also derived is an I/Q compensation structure that consists of two stages: the frequency dependent imbalance is compensated with an FIR filter whereas the frequency independent part is corrected with an asymmetric phase compensator. The compensation coefficients are optimized by restoring the phase rotation embedded in the pilot symbols.
Massive open online courses in public health

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) represent a new and potentially transformative model for providing educational opportunities to learners not enrolled in a formal educational program. The authors describe the experience of developing and offering eight MOOCs on a variety of public health topics. Existing institutional infrastructure and experience with both for-credit online education and open educational resources mitigated the institutional risk and resource requirements. Although learners are able to enroll easily and freely and do so in large numbers, there is considerable variety in the level of participation and engagement among enrollees. As a result, comprehensive and accurate assessment of meaningful learning progress remains a major challenge for evaluating the effectiveness of MOOCs for providing public health education.
Anticipating Market Effects of New Uses for Whey and Evaluating Returns to Research and Development

As U.S. dairy farms continue to become more productive, increasing demand is a key to improved economic prospects for the dairy industry. One way to expand demand for dairy products is to find new, economically viable uses for milk. Ex ante economic analysis of new uses for agricultural products anticipates the potential market effects of innovations, and provides a basis for evaluating investment in research and development and setting research priorities. This study evaluated potential economic effects of new applications of films and coatings made from whey protein. An economic simulation model was used to predict the likely effects of the innovations on dairy markets. Cost comparisons with existing technologies and interviews with industry officials were the basis for evaluating potential for commercial adoption of the innovations. The economic simulation model traces the projected increased demand for whey through the markets for dairy products and milk. The associated increased demand for milk could result in benefits to U.S. milk producers of $123.0 million in present value terms, compared to a research cost of $ 4.9 million, with the dairy industry, consumers, and taxpayers all contributing. Interpreting the cost of the research program as an investment on behalf of milk producers, the benefits to producers from development of new whey uses represent an annual rate of return between 28 and 33%. These results are useful for evaluating further investment in the whey research program. The methods illustrated here are applicable to the evaluation of a wide range of research and promotion efforts.
Finite element modeling of facial deformation in videos for computing strain pattern

We present a finite element modeling based approach to compute strain patterns caused by facial deformation during expressions in videos. A sparse motion field computed through a robust optical flow method drives the FE model. While the geometry of the model is generic, the material constants associated with an individualpsilas facial skin are learned at a coarse level sufficient for accurate strain map computation. Experimental results using the computational strategy presented in this paper emphasize the uniqueness and stability of strain maps across adverse data conditions (shadow lighting and face camouflage) making it a promising feature for image analysis tasks that can benefit from such auxiliary information.
Benzidine-Congener-Based Azo Dyes: Assays for Purity and Residues in Feces from Dosed Rats

Analytical methods were required to determine purities of benzidine-congener-based azo dyes and residues of the intact dyes in feces from rats before valid metabolism studies of such compounds could be conducted. A procedure is described for purity assays based on reduction of the dyes with stannous chloride followed by gas chromatography of the released free amine. Sixteen different samples of commercial dyes based on three benzidine congeners were assayed; purities ranged from 26.4 to 83.4%. Several dyes were also shown to be partially purified by cold water washes. A method to determine two intact dyes in feces from dosed rats, which consisted of extraction with dimethylformamide: water, clean-up by a rapid procedure using an octadecylsilane column, and quantification by ion-pair high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is reported. minimum detectable levels of both dyes in feces are 0.2 ppm. Excretion profiles based on parallel HPLC and radioassays of feces from rats dosed with 14C-labeled Direct Blue 15 and Direct Red 2 are presented. Based on radioassays, about 74% of each dose was excreted via the feces; however, HPLC assays showed that only about 11% of each dose was present as intact dye in the excrement.
Trypanosome Lytic Factor-1 Initiates Oxidation-stimulated Osmotic Lysis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

Human innate immunity against the veterinary pathogen Trypanosoma brucei brucei is conferred by trypanosome lytic factors (TLFs), against which human-infective T. brucei gambiense and T. brucei rhodesiense have evolved resistance. TLF-1 is a subclass of high density lipoprotein particles defined by two primate-specific apolipoproteins: the ion channel-forming toxin ApoL1 (apolipoprotein L1) and the hemoglobin (Hb) scavenger Hpr (haptoglobin-related protein). The role of oxidative stress in the TLF-1 lytic mechanism has been controversial. Here we show that oxidative processes are involved in TLF-1 killing of T. brucei brucei. The lipophilic antioxidant N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine protected TLF-1-treated T. brucei brucei from lysis. Conversely, lysis of TLF-1-treated T. brucei brucei was increased by the addition of peroxides or thiol-conjugating agents. Previously, the Hpr-Hb complex was postulated to be a source of free radicals during TLF-1 lysis. However, we found that the iron-containing heme of the Hpr-Hb complex was not involved in TLF-1 lysis. Furthermore, neither high concentrations of transferrin nor knock-out of cytosolic lipid peroxidases prevented TLF-1 lysis. Instead, purified ApoL1 was sufficient to induce lysis, and ApoL1 lysis was inhibited by the antioxidant DPPD. Swelling of TLF-1-treated T. brucei brucei was reminiscent of swelling under hypotonic stress. Moreover, TLF-1-treated T. brucei brucei became rapidly susceptible to hypotonic lysis. T. brucei brucei cells exposed to peroxides or thiol-binding agents were also sensitized to hypotonic lysis in the absence of TLF-1. We postulate that ApoL1 initiates osmotic stress at the plasma membrane, which sensitizes T. brucei brucei to oxidation-stimulated osmotic lysis.
The effect of mixing method, slab temperature, and humidity on the properties of zinc phosphate and zinc silicophosphate cement.

Abstract No Abstract Available. This investigation was supported by NIH research grant number DE 02668 from the National Institute of Dental Research and by NIH grant number RR 05333 from the Divis...
Marine Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Better Use of Science Information

With the start of the twenty-first century, the international environmental policy world began to establish multiple assessment platforms, mechanisms and processes, all of which generate and consume science information. The Inter-governmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), launched in April 2012, is the latest in this series of initiatives. In many ways, IPBES picks up where the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) left off in 2005. The MA was designed to provide reliable scientific data for environmental policy makers through a “comprehensive global evaluation of the condition of the five major ecosystems: forests, freshwater systems, grassland, coastal areas and agroecosystems.” Yet another initiative, the World Ocean Assessment (WOA) will be “the first global integrated assessment of the state of the marine environment, including socio-economic aspects” and is to be completed by 2014.Given the range and growing number of these science information assessments and platforms, this paper examines their legal character, suggesting ways in which the information they generate can be used for more than the purposes underlying each individual program. The paper first summarizes the cohesive network of international biodiversity agreements and how they have devoted considerable effort to better coordinating the national reporting and other information requirements that they generate, focusing on the marine environment. It then proposes how the international community can foster useful information sharing between the different science entities, treaty bodies, international organizations and other groups involved in these information platforms. The paper suggests that a sectoral focus on marine biodiversity has the potential to give these platforms more practical effect than when they are applied broadly to all biodiversity concerns.This paper was presented at the tenth in a series of annual international conferences organized and sponsored or co-sponsored by the Law of the Sea Institute, School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, USA. The May 2012 conference was jointly sponsored and co-organized in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, formerly KORDI), and hosted by KIOST on May 21-24, 2012 in Seoul, Korea. This was the third LOSI- KIOST collaboration in conferences and publications. Conference papers are available at http://www.law.berkeley.edu/15589.htm
To be or not to be: How ethnic/racial stereotypes influence ethnic/racial disidentification and psychological mood.

Objectives The current study explores disidentification. Ethnic/racial disidentification is defined as psychological distancing from a threatened social identity to preserve a positive sense of self. The first study goal was to explore how daily ethnic/racial stereotype appraisal is related to ethnic/racial disidentification. The second goal was explore the association between disidentification and psychological mood. In both cases, centrality and private regard were considered individual differences that might moderate daily associations. Method Ethnic/racial minority young adults (Mage = 20.63 years, SD = 1.49; N = 129) completed a 21-day daily diary, including ethnic/racial stereotype appraisal, ethnic/racial disidentification, and mood. At the end of the study, participants completed measures of ethnic/racial centrality and private regard. Results The effect of daily stereotype appraisal on disidentification depended on feelings of centrality and private regard. Young adults reporting high centrality and high private regard reported higher disidentification on days on which they reported more stereotype appraisal. These same young adults also reported higher negative mood on days on which they reported disidentification. Young adults reporting high private regard reported less positive mood on days on which they reported disidentification, whereas those reporting low private regard reported more positive mood. Conclusion This article discusses the role of ethnic/racial disidentification as a normative negotiation of threats to ethnic/racial identity development. For young adults who report high levels of centrality and private regard, daily encounters with ethnic/racial stereotypes are associated with more disidentification, but that disidentification comes at a cost in the form of more negative daily mood.
Sistema americano de Derechos Humanos en Centro América como medio para su democratización y protección

El presente articulo analiza la efectividad de los procedimientos y metodologias empleadas por el Sistema de Proteccion de Derechos Humanos, como medios para la democratizacion y proteccion a los Derechos Humanos en Centroamerica. La Comision Interamericana de Derechos Humanos en Centro America ha emitido una serie de informes como resultado de investigaciones sobre la proteccion y cumplimiento de los Derechos Humanos en laregion. Estos informes de la Comision Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y de las visitas “in loco” en la region se encuentran asociados especialmente con los cambios institucionales de caracter democratico y de positivizacion de los derechos humanos en las constituciones e instituciones encargadas de velar por el cumplimiento de Derechos Fundamentales del ser humano.
Movement of Insect Predators from Grain Sorghum to Cotton

Probably the most effective method of pest management in cotton in the western United States is the strip cutting of alfalfa adjacent to cotton described by Stern et al. (1967). When a stand of alfalfa is maintained in uneven growth stages, the lygus bugs ( Lygus spp.), mainly L. hesperus Knight, that prefer the alfalfa are retained in the alfalfa where they do little if any harm and do not migrate to the cotton. Fye (1971) described a system in which populations of insect predators increased by feeding on Biotype C of the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), in grain sorghum and then migrated to adjacent cotton as the grain sorghum matured. Thus, a strong potential for development of large populations of predators was evident. The study reported here was made primarily to determine the distance such predators might move, and secondly to determine the effect of the timing of the plantings of the 2 crops involved in the interchange.
Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting isolate glomerular podocyte in double fluorescent reporter mice

Objective: To describe a double fluorescent reporter mouse model to establish optimized protocol for GFP labeled podocyte isolation. Methodology: Based on fluorescent reporter transgenic mouse model together with modified extraction protocol,we demonstrated stable method to isolate podocyte using Fluorescence-activated cell sorting( FACS). Results: The efficient single cell dissociation to yield more than 300 000 purified podocytes per mouse were obtained allowing for global,unbiased downstream applications. Efficiency and purity could be monitored by evaluating sorted cells under a fluorescence microscope. Conclusion: We demonstrate that podocyte specific gene were highly enriched in GFP+fraction utilizing FACS,which was sufficient for further transcriptome profiling as well as quantitative proteomic analysis in omics approach.
Finite Resolutions of HMF Modules

The main result of this chapter is the construction of the finite minimal free resolution of a higher matrix factorization module in Theorem 3.1.4. We will prove that any such module is the module of a strong matrix factorization in Sect. 5.3
A Four-Moment Capital Asset Pricing Model

Having completed our interlude on time series methodology and the theoretical insights of time series modeling of asymmetric volatility, I now return to a strictly spatial topic left open by Part 2 of this book and not completely answered by the first chapters in Part 3. In this chapter and the next, I will use the behavior of single-sided beta to extrapolate a logical progression from the conventional two-moment specification of the CAPM to a four-moment CAPM.
Newly Diagnosed Sellar Tumors in Patients with Cancer: A Diagnostic Challenge and Management Dilemma

Background The use of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography for staging in patients with cancer and the widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging has led to increased detection of incidental sellar masses. The imaging findings can be suggestive of a benign pituitary tumor, but metastasis can never be completely ruled out with noninvasive work-up. Appropriate diagnosis of sellar masses is critical, as the treatment paradigm might change in the presence of a pituitary metastasis. Definitive tissue diagnosis might prevent unnecessary radiotherapy to the skull base or the need for systemic treatment when benign pituitary disease is confirmed. Methods A retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2015 of all patients with recently diagnosed cancer and undergoing surgery for sellar region masses was performed. Results There were 9 patients (3 female and 6 male) identified. Lung cancer was the primary condition in 4 patients; the remaining 5 patients had breast cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, cutaneous melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. On final pathology, the sellar mass was a benign pituitary adenoma in 5 patients, metastatic cancer in 3 patients, and a granular cell tumor in 1 patient. Conclusions Surgical resection of a sellar mass in patients with known cancer helps in the definitive diagnosis, relieves compressive symptoms, and avoids unnecessary empiric radiotherapy in cases of confirmed benign pituitary disease.