cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The differential effects of intermediate complications with postoperative mortality

Most attempts at understanding perioperative mortality have been based on assessing individual patient risk factors, types of operations, and hospital characteristics. The hypothesis of this study is that there is a relationship between postoperative mortality and postoperative complications; therefore, understanding this relationship may provide a basis for prevention and rescue. Using the 2007 SemiAnnual National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Report, we obtained data for each reporting hospital's rates of observed mortality, overall observed morbidity, observed cardiac, respiratory, renal complications, venothromboemoblic events (VTEs), surgical site infections (SSIs), and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were done comparing absolute rate of observed mortality with absolute rate of observed morbidity and each morbidity group. One hundred ninety-seven hospitals were included in the study. There were statistically significant associations between observed mortality rates and observed morbidity rates, cardiac complications, respiratory complications, and VTE rates. Renal complications, SSIs, and UTIs showed no statistically significant association with observed morbidity. This study demonstrates that rates of observed morbidity, especially cardiac, respiratory, and VTE complications, are associated with observed mortality. These findings suggest that care providers should focus efforts at prevention and rescue of cardiac, respiratory, and VTE complications.
Emerging superlubricity: A review of the state of the art and perspectives on future research

We present a review of superlubricity: the state of ultra-low friction between surfaces in relative motion. Various approaches to achieving this state are considered in a broad sense, including structural superlubricity, superlubricity via normal force control, and contact actuation, as well as thermolubricity, liquid superlubricity, and quantum lubricity. An overview of the physical fundamentals associated with each approach is presented, with particular emphasis on recent theoretical and experimental developments that constitute milestones in our scientific understanding. The review also includes a discussion of perspectives on future research in the context of existing challenges. It is projected that interest in superlubricity from the basic science and engineering communities will continue to accelerate in the near future, accompanied by a transition from fundamental studies to technologically relevant applications.
Exploring the Experiences of Child Welfare-Focused Therapeutic Service Providers

The importance of mental and behavioral health for child welfare clients is well-documented; yet, little is known about the challenges therapeutic service providers (TSPs) experience working in child welfare practice. To explore this topic, five focus groups were conducted with 40 TSPs in a contracted mental and behavioral health agency and data were analyzed following an inductive thematic process. Eleven primary challenges were identified, including the difficulty of navigating numerous involved parties, an overwhelmed work environment, legal intersections common to child welfare cases, unrealistic agency expectations, and heighten case complexity when working with child welfare populations. Findings are organized across system, agency, and client levels and add to the understanding of TSP perspectives working with child welfare. Targeted interventions are discussed, such as efforts to promote realistic expectations and training strategies, as well as directions for future research to improve the intersection between child welfare and mental and behavioral health.
Neonatal Brachial Plexus Injury

1. Morgen Govindan, MD* 2. Heather L. Burrows, MD, PhD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI Neonatal brachial plexus injury presents as weakness or paralysis of the upper extremity or extremities at birth, most often related to stretching of the brachial plexus in the perinatal period. Early recognition and management in the newborn period can significantly impact outcomes. Therefore, it is important for pediatricians to be knowledgeable regarding the clinical spectrum of injury, prognosis, and treatment options. The incidence of brachial plexus injury ranges from 0.4 to 4 per 1,000 births. The primary risk factors are shoulder dystocia and macrosomia (birthweight >4,000 g). Other risk factors include maternal diabetes or obesity, prolonged labor, and delivery with forceps or a vacuum extractor. Although cesarean delivery decreases the risk of brachial plexus injury, it does not eliminate it, and it carries other risks for both mother and infant. The brachial plexus is composed of nerve roots C5 through T1 and can be divided into the upper (C5 and C6), middle (C7), and lower (C8 and T1) trunks. Peripheral nerves arising from the plexus innervate the muscles of the upper extremity. There are multiple ways to classify brachial plexus injuries. One example uses the Narakas classification system, which grades the severity of injury from group I to IV, with lower groups being associated with higher rates of spontaneous recovery. Group I represents injury to the upper trunk alone, C5 and C6. The shoulder is adducted and internally rotated with an extended elbow, commonly described as the “waiter’s tip” position known as Erb-Duchenne palsy. Function of the wrist and hand is maintained, …
Heterogeneity Profoundly Alters Emergent Stress Fields in Constrained Multicellular Systems.

Abstract Stress fields emerging from the transfer of forces between cells within multicellular systems are increasingly being recognized as major determinants of cell fate. Current analytical and numerical models used for the calculation of stresses within cell monolayers assume homogeneous contractile and mechanical cellular properties; however, cell behavior varies by region within constrained tissues. Here, we show the impact of heterogeneous cell properties on resulting stress fields that guide cell phenotype and apoptosis. Using circular micropatterns, we measured biophysical metrics associated with cell mechanical stresses. We then computed cell-layer stress distributions using finite element contraction models and monolayer stress microscopy. In agreement with previous studies, cell spread area, alignment, and traction forces increase, whereas apoptotic activity decreases, from the center of cell layers to the edge. The distribution of these metrics clearly indicates low cell stress in central regions and high cell stress at the periphery of the patterns. However, the opposite trend is predicted by computational models when homogeneous contractile and mechanical properties are assumed. In our model, utilizing heterogeneous cell-layer contractility and elastic moduli values based on experimentally measured biophysical parameters, we calculate low cell stress in central areas and high anisotropic stresses in peripheral regions, consistent with the biometrics. These results clearly demonstrate that common assumptions of uniformity in cell contractility and stiffness break down in postconfluence confined multicellular systems. This work highlights the importance of incorporating regional variations in cell mechanical properties when estimating emergent stress fields from collective cell behavior.
Estimating field-dependent nodal aberration theory coefficients from Zernike full-field displays by utilizing eighth-order astigmatism

When using freeform surfaces in optical design, the field dependence of the aberrations can become quite complex, and understanding these aberrations facilitates the design process. Here we calculate the field dependence of low-order Zernike astigmatism (Z5/6) up to the eighth order in nodal aberration theory (NAT). Expansion of NAT astigmatism terms to the eighth order facilitates a more accurate fit to the Zernike astigmatism data. We then show how this estimated field dependence can be used to quantitatively analyze a freeform telescope design. This analysis tool adds to the optical designer's arsenal when up against the challenge of designing with freeform optics.
LabGrader and nifty assignments: tutorial presentation

This tutorial will consist of a short presentation about LabGrader and its features, as well as a hands-on nifty assignment session.
DRESS syndrome: A 15 year old boy presents with fever and pruritic rash

Introduction/Background: We report a case of DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome, potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by cutaneous findings with internal organ involvement following exposure to an offending drug. With an incidence of only 0.9/100,000 adults, and thought to be more uncommon in children, DRESS is a rare, but potentially serious, condition. Case Presentation: A 15 year old boy, who 4 weeks prior started minocycline for acne, presented with fever to 103⁰F, myalgia, malaise, decreased oral intake, sore throat and loose stools for the past six days. …
New estimates of the maximal Bochner–Riesz operator in the plane

We prove new $$L^p$$ -estimates with $$1<p<2$$ for the maximal Bochner–Riesz operator in the plane.
Automated Quantitative Measures of Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution and Breast Cancer Risk-Letter.

We read with interest the recent article from Kensler and colleagues ([1][1]), “Automated measures of terminal duct lobular unit involution and breast cancer risk.” This article represents an important first effort to use computational quantitative methods to assess age-related involution of
Hospitalizations and outpatient visits for rhinovirus-associated acute respiratory illness in adults

Background Rhinovirus is linked to asthma exacerbations and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in adults. The severity and rates of rhinovirus acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) in adults are uncertain. Objectives We sought to determine rhinovirus-associated ARI rates in adults presenting for care in multiple settings and identify factors associated with rhinovirus detection. Methods This prospective, population-based cohort enrolled Tennessee residents 18 years or older in the emergency department (ED), outpatient clinics, or hospitalized for ARI from December 2008 to May 2010. Nasal/throat swabs were collected and tested for rhinovirus and other viruses by using RT-PCR. Rates of ED visits and hospitalizations were calculated and rhinovirus-positive and rhinovirus-negative patients were compared. Results Among 2351 enrollees, rhinovirus was detected in 247 (11%). There were 7 rhinovirus-associated ED visits and 3 hospitalizations per 1000 adults annually. Patients with rhinovirus, compared with virus-negative ARI, were more likely to present with wheezing (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.23-2.35; P Conclusions Rhinovirus is associated with a substantial number of ED visits and hospitalizations for ARIs in adults. There may be modifiable factors that can reduce the likelihood of presenting with rhinovirus-associated ARIs.
Reinforcement Learning in Artificial Intelligence

ABSTRACT This chapter provides an overview of an approach to the study of learning that, in broad terms, has developed as a part of the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), where it is called reinforcement learning due to its roots in reinforcement theories of animal learning. We introduce the field from the perspective of AI and engineering, describing some of its key features, providing a formal model of the reinforcement-learning problem, and defining basic concepts that are exploited by solution methods. Detailed discussion of solution methods themselves and their history are very broad topics that we do not attempt to cover here.
AN OVERVIEW OF PATTERN-DIRECTED INFERENCE SYSTEMS

Pattern-directed inference systems are programs that look for interesting or important situations occuring as patterns in their input or memory data. These patterns select pieces of program code to be executed. In this chapter a brief overview of pattern-directed inference systems is presented, including an historical perspective, a review of basic concepts, and a survey of current work in this area. Examples of the best known type of pattern-directed inference system, the production system, are presented and discussed in detail.
Post-LHC7 fine-tuning in the minimal supergravity/CMSSM model with a 125 GeV Higgs boson

The recent discovery of a 125 GeV Higgs-like resonance at LHC, coupled with the lack of evidence for weak scale supersymmetry (SUSY), has severely constrained SUSY models such as minimal supergravity (mSUGRA)/CMSSM. As LHC probes deeper into SUSY model parameter space, the little hierarchy problem---how to reconcile the $Z$ and Higgs boson mass scale with the scale of SUSY breaking---will become increasingly exacerbated unless a sparticle signal is found. We evaluate two different measures of fine-tuning in the mSUGRA/CMSSM model. The more stringent of these, ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{HS}}$, includes effects that arise from the high-scale origin of the mSUGRA parameters while the second measure, ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{EW}}$, is determined only by weak scale parameters: hence, it is universal to any model with the same particle spectrum and couplings. Our results incorporate the latest constraints from LHC7 sparticle searches, LHCb limits from ${B}_{s}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and also require a light Higgs scalar with ${m}_{h}\ensuremath{\sim}123--127\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$. We present fine-tuning contours in the ${m}_{0}$ vs ${m}_{1/2}$ plane for several sets of ${A}_{0}$ and $\mathrm{tan}﻿\ensuremath{\beta}$ values. We also present results for ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{HS}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{EW}}$ from a scan over the entire viable model parameter space. We find a ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{HS}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{3}$, or at best 0.1%, fine-tuning. For the less stringent electroweak fine-tuning, we find ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{EW}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{2}$, or at best 1%, fine-tuning. Two benchmark points are presented that have the lowest values of ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{HS}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\mathrm{EW}}$. Our results provide a quantitative measure for ascertaining whether or not the remaining mSUGRA/CMSSM model parameter space is excessively fine-tuned and so could provide impetus for considering alternative SUSY models.
AAC Intervention Mediated by Natural Communication Partners

This chapter expands on the previous chapter on naturalistic instruction by providing recommendations regarding AAC implementation with the most common communicative partners for people with ASD and CCN, their parents and peers. Peer- and parent-mediated intervention is described in detail and relevant research is reviewed.
Perioperative compartment syndrome. A report of four cases.

Compartment syndromes are usually seen following trauma to or arterial reconstruction of an extremity13,14,17,21,26,27. Since the mid-1970's, major improvements have been made in the devices used to irrigate wounds and joints and to infuse fluids. Occasionally, the use of pressurized devices to enhance the flow of fluid may be associated with the development of acute compartment syndromes. We report the cases of four patients in whom an acute compartment syndrome developed during an operative procedure and in whom a large amount of extravasated fluid was found in the soft tissue of the extremity that had been operated on. The compartment syndromes were believed to have resulted from the use of a pressurized pulsatile irrigation system (two patients), the use of a pump for the infusion of fluids into the joint during an arthroscopic procedure (one patient), and the use of a device for the pressurized intravenous infusion of parenteral fluids (one patient). We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records for each patient and obtained information about the nature of the original injury, the interval of time before the compartment syndrome developed, the reasons that a compartment syndrome was suspected, the method for the measurement of tissue pressure, and the treatment of the compartment syndrome. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, all four patients were examined by one of us to determine the functional outcome. CASE 1. A fifty-seven-year-old man who was right-hand dominant sustained a direct blow to the ulnar aspect of the right forearm, resulting in an open fracture of the diaphysis of the ulna; the defect of the skin was less than two centimeters. There was no clinical evidence of a compartment syndrome at the time of presentation. Approximately twelve hours after the injury, the patient was …
Lithium Divinylcuprate–Tributylphosphine†

[24743-97-3] C16H33CuLiP (MW 326.95) InChI = 1S/C12H27P.2C2H3.Cu.Li/c1-4-7-10-13(11-8-5-2)12-9-6-3;2*1-2;;/h4-12H2,1-3H3;2*1H,2H2;; InChIKey = XHOQHMYFXBFWOJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (phosphine-ligated divinylcuprate for 1,4-addition2 and nucleophilic substitution3) Physical Data: see entries for Lithium Divinylcuprate, Tri-n-butylphosphine. Solubility: sol ether, THF. Analysis of Reagent Purity: an assay to determine relative thermal stabilities4 can be used to estimate reagent quality and concentration: a sample of known volume and temperature is quenched with excess PhCOCl. The yield of phenyl vinyl ketone is measured by GC, the response of which is calibrated using authentic product and n-dodecane as internal standard. Preparative Methods: a round-bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring bar and rubber septum is charged with Copper(I) Iodide–Tributylphosphine.5-7 Under a nitrogen atmosphere, THF is added and the flask cooled to −78 °C; to the resultant cold solution is slowly added 2.0 equiv of Vinyllithium8 in THF. A blue–black mixture forms, which can be used immediately. Alternate preparations, by addition of 1.0 equiv of n-Bu3P to a THF slurry of CuI before addition of 2 equiv of vinyllithium, or by use of CuBr(n-Bu3P)2,9 may be possible. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: best results are obtained with high purity CuI salts,10 dry, O2-free solvents, and alkyllithium solutions free of contaminating alkoxides or hydroxides.11 Like most alkyllithium reagents, vinyllithium is pyrophoric;12 care must be exercised in its handling. Homocuprates are stabilized in the presence of stoichiometric quantities of n-Bu3P; there is no noticeable decomposition at −78 °C.6 Use in a fume hood.
“Ike” Revisited on Sport and National Fitness

(1977). “Ike” Revisited on Sport and National Fitness. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 12-18.
Oxygen consumption of frog tissues under high hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The rate of oxygen consumption of some frog tissues was measured under various hydrostatic pressures up to 500 atm. The tissues either intact, minced, or homogenized were immersed in oxygenated Ringers solution in 10 ml syringes without any gas bubbles. The syringes were immersed in water in a pressure vessel with a control in a similar vessel at atmospheric pressure. The partial pressure of the oxygen in the solution was measured with an oxygen electrode before and after a period of a few hours under pressure. In skin, liver, kidney and lung, pressure caused a decrease in oxygen consumption, but in skeletal muscle there was a 25% increase because the muscles went into a contracture. This increased the demand for oxygen in spite of a presumed inhibition of the oxidative process itself. To account for the inhibition there is presumably some point in the oxidative process which involves an increase in volume. The burning of glucose to CO 2 and water does result in a slight increase in volume.
When depressive cognitions reflect negative realities.

The cognitivist assertion that the depressive's negative cognitions are erroneous and immune to corrective environmental feedback rests on the implicit assumption that the feedback is not particularly negative in comparison to the feedback encountered by nondepressives. This paper reviews data concerning two related types of negative information available to the depressive: the actual circumstances in the depressive's life and the meanings attached to those circumstances by persons other than the depressive. It is suggested that depressed persons may be confronted by more negative information than nondepressed persons. The negative information may disconfirm positive beliefs about reality or elicit and validate negative beliefs. It is concluded that the cognitions concerning the self or the world of the depressive are not necessarily erroneous or impervious to the available information. The theoretical and clinical implications from a reciprocal influence perspective are discussed.
Mapping the global gardens

Floristic Regions of the World. By Armen Takhtajan. Translated by Theodore J. Crovello under the editorship of Arthur Cronquist. University of California Press: 1986. Pp.522. $60.00.
Construction of generalized minimum aberration designs of 3, 4 and 5 factors

Generalized resolution and minimum aberration were recently proposed and justified in Deng and Tang (Statist. Sinica 9 (1999) 1071). In this note, we construct generalized minimum aberration designs of 3, 4, and 5 factors, for any run size n that is a multiple of 4.
Noise spectra of transport at an anion membrane-solution interface

Abstract The noise spectra accompanying transport at an anion membrane-solution interface were studied as a function of pH and current density. Three transport processes were found to contribute to the noise spectra: one produces white noise, and is attributed to water dissociation; the second is attributed to diffusion; and the third may be a high current instability. The diffusion layer is found to be of the order of 1 μm in thickness, and results can be best understood if the layer is thickest in the center of the membrane, and tapers proportionally to the distance from the center. No qualitative differences are found between solutions dominated by OH− transport (pH 11.7 and 11.9), and solutions dominated by Cl− transport (pH 2.7).
Role of the 5-lipooxygenase pathway in obstructive nephropathy.

Role of the 5-lipooxygenase pathway in obstructive nephropathy. Leukotrienes are products of the 5-lipooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism that possess potent inflammatory properties. We examined the potential role of this pathway in the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) observed in rats after unilateral release of bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) of 24 hours duration. Isolated glomeruli from rats with BUO produced significantly greater amounts of leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) than glomeruli from sham-operated rats (SOR; P 4 not significantly different from those in glomeruli of SOR. Glomeruli from rats with BUO that had only total body irradiation prior to obstruction produced significantly less LTB 4 than glomeruli from untreated BUO rats, but LTB 4 production was still significantly greater than in glomeruli from SOR. There were no significant differences in GFR among SOR, SOR given MK886, and SOR subjected to total body irradiation. However, SOR given MK886 had significantly higher ERPF and lower renal vascular resistance (RVR) than SOR not pretreated with the lipooxygenase inhibitor. Rats with BUO given MK886, or subjected to total body irradiation, or both, prior to obstruction had significantly greater GFR and ERPF values and lower RVR than untreated BUO rats. Glomeruli from rats with BUO which were not pretreated had three times the leukocytes of glomeruli from SOR. This leukocyte infiltrate was composed of macrophages (about 55%) and neutrophils (about 45%). Pretreatment with the lipooxygenase inhibitor reduced the infiltrate by half, and total body irradiation practically abolished it. Cells infiltrating the kidney accounted for about two-thirds and intrinsic glomerular cells for one-third of the increase in leukotriene production in glomeruli from obstructed kidneys. This study indicates that increased synthesis of leukotrienes has a role in the hemodynamic changes seen after unilateral release of BUO of 24 hours duration.
'Molecules and Monkeys': George Gaylord Simpson and the Challenge of Molecular Evolution

In this paper, I analyze George Gaylord Simpson's response to the molecularization of evolutionary biology from his unique perspective as a paleontologist. I do so by exploring his views on early attempts to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among primates using molecular data. Particular attention is paid to Simpson's role in the evolutionary synthesis of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as his concerns about the rise of molecular biology as a powerful discipline and world-view in the 1960s. I argue that Simpson's belief in the supremacy of natural selection as the primary driving force of evolution, as well as his view that biology was a historical science that seeks ultimate causes and highlights contingency, prevented him from acknowledging that the study of molecular evolution was an inherently valuable part of the life sciences.
Bäcklund transformation as a method of decomposition and reproduction of two-dimensional nonlinear systems

Abstract General definitions of Backlund transformations (BT) in terms of monodromy data and spectral data are reviewed. BT is applied to solutions of the matrix Dirac equation and new exact lattice equivalents of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation and similar equations are presented in classical and quantum cases.
Families of univalent functions and Kleinian groups

The paper treats two topics. We obtain new characterizations of quasidiscs using theλ-lemma. We study regularb-groups by combining results on holomorphic families of injections with theorems on algebraic convergence of Kleinian groups and the structure of the Eichler cohomology spaces. We also obtain results about projective structures whose developing maps are coverings.
Heavy atom structure and conformer stabilities of cyclopropyl carbinol from rotational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

Abstract A remeasurement of the rotational spectra of the normal and hydroxyl deuterated isotopomers of cyclopropyl carbinol (cyclopropane methanol, (CH 2 ) 2 CH(CH 2 OH)) using Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy has provided refined rotational constants and centrifugal distortion constants for this molecule. Rotational constants for an additional four singly substituted 13 C isotopomers, the OD isotopomer, and the 18 O isotopomer are consistent with a conformer in which the OH group forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond with the edge of the cyclopropyl ring. The observed a -type transition frequencies for the normal and deuterated species are in reasonable agreement with a previous microwave study (although some frequencies differ by several hundred kilohertz), but the few b - and c -type lines that were measured in the range of our spectrometer were found to differ by several megahertz from the previous literature measurements, leading to A rotational constants that differ significantly from those reported previously. The refined rotational constants for the normal isotopic species are A =12470.7795(23) MHz, B =3236.4678(7) MHz, C =2894.4831(7) MHz, while those of the deuterated species are A =12069.2653(24) MHz, B =3177.1540(8) MHz and C =2826.2658(7) MHz. Results of ab initio optimizations on seven conformers for this molecule carried out at the MP2/6-311+G(d,p) level will be compared with the experimentally determined structural parameters.
13C NMR/DFT/GIAO studies of phenylene bis(1,3-dioxolanium) dications and 2,4,6-triphenylene tris(1,3-dioxolanium) trication.

The o-, m-, and p-phenylene bis(1,3-dioxolanium) dications (4−6) and 2,4,6-triphenylene tris(1,3-dioxolanium) trication (7) have been prepared by the ionization of the corresponding 2-methoxyethyl benzoates in FSO3H or CF3SO3H at 40 and 60 °C, respectively. The charge delocalization in these carbocations was probed by 13C NMR chemical shifts and substantiated by GIAO/DFT calculations. Relatively less charge is delocalized into the aromatic ring of the carbotrication 7. The rotational barrier around the C+−Ar bond for carbodications 4 and 5 was also estimated to be 8−10 kcal/mol.
Interpretive media study and interpretive social science

Described by their proponents as an alternative to positivistic perspectives on media effects that ignore audience activity, interpretive approaches center on the interpretive processes employed by audience members in their decoding of media content. Meaning is viewed as a product of the interaction between media texts and the varied, at times contradictory, interpretive strategies employed by audience members. This article defines the major theoretical influences on interpretive approaches in mass communication, examines the central concepts of these perspectives and provides a critique of these approaches. In criticizing these perspectives, this article holds that researchers often have unquestioningly adopted premises and concepts from a variety of disciplines. More broadly, the adoption of interpretive approaches in mass communication has ignored varied critiques of interpretive social science.
Efficient implementation of the spectral division method for arbitrary virtual sound fields

The Spectral Division Method is an analytic approach for sound field synthesis that determines the loudspeaker driving function in the wavenumber domain. Compact expressions for the driving function in time-frequency domain or in time domain can only be determined for a low number of special cases. Generally, the involved spatial Fourier transforms have to be evaluated numerically. We present a detailed description of the computational procedure and minimize the number of required computations by exploiting the following two aspects: 1) The interval for the spatial sampling of the virtual sound field can be selected for each time-frequency bin, whereby low time-frequency bins can be sampled more coarsely, and 2) the driving function only needs to be evaluated at the locations of the loudspeakers of a given array. The inverse spatial Fourier transform is therefore not required to be evaluated at all initial spatial sampling points but only at those locations that coincide with loudspeakers.
Model-Free vs. Model-Based Volatility Prediction

The well-known ARCH/GARCH models for financial time series have been criticized for their poor performance in volatility prediction, i.e., prediction of squared returns. Focusing on three representative data series, namely a foreign exchange series (Yen vs. Dollar), a stock index series (the S&P500 index), and a stock price series (IBM), the case is made that financial returns may not possess a finite fourth moment. Taking this into account, we show how and why ARCH/GARCH models—when properly applied and evaluated—actually do have nontrivial predictive validity for volatility. Furthermore, we show how a simple model-free variation on the ARCH theme can perform even better in that respect. The model-free approach is based on a novel normalizing and variance–stabilizing transformation (NoVaS, for short) that can be seen as an alternative to parametric modeling. Properties of this transformation are discussed, and practical algorithms for optimizing it are given.
An explanation of local duality and precocious scaling

Electroproduction local duality and precocious scaling are explained in the context of quantum chromodynamics. Comparison with experiment lends quantitative support to the analysis.
H2 evolution at Si-based metal–insulator–semiconductor photoelectrodes enhanced by inversion channel charge collection and H spillover

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a promising route for renewable production of hydrogen, but trade-offs between photoelectrode stability and efficiency have greatly limited the performance of PEC devices. In this work, we employ a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photoelectrode architecture that allows for stable and efficient water splitting using narrow bandgap semiconductors. Substantial improvement in the performance of Si-based MIS photocathodes is demonstrated through a combination of a high-quality thermal SiO2 layer and the use of bilayer metal catalysts. Scanning probe techniques were used to simultaneously map the photovoltaic and catalytic properties of the MIS surface and reveal the spillover-assisted evolution of hydrogen off the SiO2 surface and lateral photovoltage driven minority carrier transport over distances that can exceed 2 cm. The latter finding is explained by the photo- and electrolyte-induced formation of an inversion channel immediately beneath the SiO2/Si interface. These findings have important implications for further development of MIS photoelectrodes and offer the possibility of highly efficient PEC water splitting.
Sterol utilization and ecdysteroid content in the house fly, Musca domestica (L.)

Larvae of the house fly, Musca domestica were reared aseptically on diets which contained either cholesterol, campesterol or sitosterol as the dietary sterol at a concentration of 0.1% dry wt. Analysis of puraria (24 h post-pupariation) reared on campesterol or sitosterol diets revealed they contained from 2.7 to 4.6% cholesterol, indicating an ability to accumulate this sterol even where it is present in only minute quantities. Purparia on all diets produced the 27-carbon molting hormones, ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. When the concentration of campesterol was increased to 0.2% dry wt, puparia also contained the 28-carbon ecdysteroid, makisterone A, although it accounted for only 20.7% of the total ecdysteroid produced.
Force transmission via axial tendons in undulating fish: a dynamic analysis☆

Sonomicrometrics of in vivo axial strain of muscle has shown that the swimming fish body bends like a homogenous, continuous beam in all species except tuna. This simple beam-like behavior is surprising because the underlying tendon structure, muscle structure and behavior are complex. Given this incongruence, our goal was to understand the mechanical role of various myoseptal tendons. We modeled a pumpkinseed sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus, using experimentally-derived physical and mechanical attributes, swimming from rest with steady muscle activity. Axially oriented muscle-tendons, transverse and axial myoseptal tendons, as suggested by current morphological knowledge, interacted to replicate the force and moment distribution. Dynamic stiffness and damping associated with muscle activation, realistic muscle force generation, and force distribution following tendon geometry were incorporated. The vertebral column consisted of 11 rigid vertebrae connected by joints that restricted bending to the lateral plane and endowed the body with its passive viscoelasticity. In reaction to the acceleration of the body in an inviscid fluid and its internal transmission of moment via the vertebral column, the model predicted the kinematic response. Varying only tendon geometry and stiffness, four different simulations were run. Simulations with only intrasegmental tendons produced unstable axial and lateral tail forces and body motions. Only the simulation that included both intra- and intersegmental tendons, muscle-enhanced segment stiffness, and a stiffened caudal joint produced stable and large lateral and axial forces at the tail. Thus this model predicts that axial tendons function within a myomere to (1) convert axial force to moment (moment transduction), (2) transmit axial forces between adjacent myosepta (segment coupling), and, intersegmentally, to (3) distribute axial forces (force entrainment), and (4) stiffen joints in bending (flexural stiffening). The fact that all four functions are needed to produce the most realistic swimming motions suggests that axial tendons are essential to the simple beam-like behavior of fish.
Bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis improves mechanical efficiency in dilated atriopulmonary connections.

Abstract Objective: Few therapeutic options exist for patients with failing dilated atriopulmonary connections. We addressed the hypothesis that a bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis will improve the hemodynamic efficiency of dilated atriopulmonary connections while maintaining physiologic pulmonary flow distributions. Methods: Dilated atriopulmonary connections with and without a bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis were created in explanted sheep heart preparations and transparent glass models. A mechanical energy balance and flow visualization were performed for 6 flow rates (1-6 L/min), both with and without the bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, and were then compared. A novel contrast echocardiographic technique was used to quantify inferior vena cava flow (hepatic venous return) distributions into the pulmonary arteries. Results: The rate of fluid-energy dissipation was 52% ± 14% greater in the dilated atriopulmonary anastomosis than in the bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis model over the range of flow rates studied ( P = 6.3E –3 ). Total venous return passing to the right pulmonary artery increased from 41% ± 2% to 47% ± 3% ( P = 9.7E –3 ) and that for inferior vena cava flow decreased from and 42% ± 3% to 12% ± 4% ( P = 3.3E –4 ) after addition of the bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis. Flow visualization confirmed more ordered atrial flow in the bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis model, resulting from a reduction of caval flow stream collision and interaction. Conclusions: A bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis reduces fluid-energy dissipation in atriopulmonary connections, provides a physiologic distribution of total flow, and maintains some hepatic venous flow to each lung. This approach may be a technically simple alternative to atriopulmonary takedown procedures and conversions to total cavopulmonary connections in selected patients. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:681-91)
Abstract 1660: Therapeutic targeting cross talk between ROS/autophagy and apoptosis for pancreatic cancer by a herbal extract.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC 5-year survival for pancreatic cancer (PanCA) continuous to be lower than any other solid tumor due to late stage diagnosis combined with lack of effective therapeutic options. Therefore developing novel strategies possibly based on molecular targets is critical for successful management of PanCA. Recent studies from our laboratory show potential anti-pancreatic cancer activity for NexrutineR (Nx), a bark extract isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Phellodendron amurense. These studies also show that Nx reduces pancreatic fibrosis in preclinical animal model through targeting two critical oncogenic transcription factors including NF-κB and Stat3. Nonetheless, the precise molecular mechanism associated with the observed biological activity is unclear. We investigated whether Nx inhibits pancreatic cell proliferation and pancreatic fibrosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated activation of autophagy. Our data show that Nx can induce autophagy at earlier time points (4h) but inhibit autophagy at later time points (24h) in human pancreatic cancer cell lines Capan-2 and BxPC-3 as evidenced by autophagosome formation, alteration in the expression and levels of various autophagy related genes. Interestingly Nx also induced apoptosis at 24h time point but not at 4h suggesting that autophagy precedes apoptosis. Further under these experimental conditions, treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with Nx enhanced intracellular production of ROS implicating a cross talk between Nx-induced ROS, autophagy and apoptosis. Overall, our findings divulge an important role for ROS/autophagy/apoptosis in Nx-mediated anti-pancreatic cancer effects. Supported by NCCAM (APK). Citation Format: Gong Jingjing, Addanki P. Kumar. Therapeutic targeting cross talk between ROS/autophagy and apoptosis for pancreatic cancer by a herbal extract. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1660. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1660
Centrality, dominance, and interorganizational power in a network structure: Interlocking directorates among American railroads, 1886–1905

Contrary to the prevailing theory that assumes a positive relationship between an organization's structural centrality and its relational power, our analysis of the interlocking structure of major American railroad companies from 1886 to 1905 reveals that an organization's dominance within a latent class of directors is a structural variable that is more closely related to interorganizational power than overall centrality. Moreover, in one of the first longitudinal analysis of an interlocking directorate structure, we find that changes in dominance within a latent class and changes in interorganizational power are associated not only cross‐sectionally, but over time. We conclude that, while network centrality may be related to interorganizational power within a singular, monotonically hierarchical structure, in the highly clustered, or Balkanized, system like that of the American railroad system around the turn of the century, the relationship between centrality and interorganizational power dissolves. Th...
Temperature effects on cortical characteristics of Tetrahymena

Cortical characteristics of new strains of Tetrahymena pyriformis of syngens 1 and 7, grown at 15°, 25° and 30°C, are compared. Although distinctions can be made in some cases, the magnitude of the difference is very small. This result suggests that natural selection is perceptive to cytogeometric details, per se, as well as sensitive to differences in the anatomy of structural molecules.
The CALERIE Study: Design and methods of an innovative 25% caloric restriction intervention

Animal studies have shown that life span is extended by caloric restriction (CR). This manuscript describes the design and methodology of an innovative CR intervention, which is the treatment arm of the CALERIE Study. This study is a multi-center, randomized controlled trial examining the effects of 2 years of CR on biomarkers of longevity among non-obese (BMI ≥ 22 kg/m(2) and <28 kg/m(2)) adults. CALERIE is the first investigation of the effects of long-term CR on the aging process in non-obese humans. 220 healthy volunteers across 3 sites were recruited beginning in May 2007. Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio between the CR or control group (i.e., ad libitum diet). An intensive intervention was designed to assist participants in adhering to the 25% CR prescription for a two-year duration. The intervention was designed to optimize the likelihood that 25% CR would be achieved through a variety of nutritional and behavioral strategies, several of which are innovative methods for achieving CR. The intervention includes the following components: an intensive, "mixed" format schedule of group/individual sessions, meal provision phase with exposure to various diets, Personal Digital Assistants to monitor caloric intake, unique portion estimation training, tailored treatment using a computer tracking system, toolbox strategies and algorithms, as well as comprehensive coverage of nutrition and behavioral topics in order to assist participants in meeting their CR goal. This manuscript provides an overview of the CR intensive intervention and may be of assistance for other researchers and clinicians in designing future trials.
Coming to Terms With Early Sports Specialization and Athletic Injuries

The body grows stronger and performs best when appropriate loads and activities are followed by appropriate physical and mental rest and recovery. With this understanding, one has to question the true value of developing a particular sport skill set during childhood and adolescence at the expense of early injury, burnout, and lack of coping-skill development. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(6):389–390. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0109
Comment on the working set model for program behavior

In the paper “The Working Set Model for Program Behavior” by Peter Denning [Comm. ACM 11, 5 (May 1968), 323-333], an algorithm is described for the management of a paged memory under demand paging. In the process of analyzing this model, the author presents what appears to be an incorrect expression for P(t), the real-time rate at which page faults occur in the system [eq. (13)]. Under the assumptions made in the article it appears that the best one can do in this area is to place an upper and lower bound on P(t). These bounds are given below.
Light-induced alteration of low-temperature interprotein electron transfer between photosystem I and flavodoxin.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used to study light-induced electron transfer in Photosystem I−flavodoxin complexes. Deuteration of flavodoxin enables the signals of the reduced flavin acceptor and oxidized primary donor, P700+, to be well-resolved at X- and D-band EPR. In dark-adapted samples, photoinitiated interprotein electron transfer does not occur at 5 K. However, for samples prepared in dim light, significant interprotein electron transfer occurs at 5 K and a concomitant loss of the spin-correlated radical pair P+A1A− signal is observed. These results indicate a light-induced reorientation of flavodoxin in the PSI docking site that allows a high quantum yield efficiency for the interprotein electron transfer reaction.
Truncated mutants of the putative Wnt receptor LRP6/Arrow can stabilize β -catenin independently of Frizzled proteins

Secreted signaling proteins of the Wnt family are known to regulate a diverse range of developmental processes, and their signaling pathway through β-catenin is frequently activated in cancer. The identification of both Frizzled and LRP5/6 (LRP: low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein) proteins as components of cell-surface receptors for Wnt proteins has raised questions about their individual functions. We have investigated this issue through a structure–function analysis of Frizzled and LRP proteins that have been implicated in Wnt1 signaling. Consistent with other reports, we find that LRP6/Arrow proteins deleted for their extracellular domain are able to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Importantly, our results demonstrate that this signaling from LRP6/Arrow derivatives can occur in a Frizzled- and ligand-independent manner. Furthermore, we show that the PPSP motifs within the intracellular domain of LRP6 are required for signaling. In contrast to results with LRP6, overexpression of Frizzled proteins did not activate the pathway. Based on evidence of ligand binding to both Frizzled and LRP6, current models suggest that both proteins are components of a Wnt receptor complex that signals to β-catenin. In light of these models, our data imply that LRP5/6/Arrow proteins constitute the distal signal-initiating component of these receptors. The results also support the notion that LRP5/6 are candidate oncogenes.
Study of α-Crustacyanin Utilizing Halogenated Canthaxanthins

The preparations and spectroscopic characteristics of five all-trans halogenated canthaxanthins are described in this letter. The air/light-sensitive halogenated canthaxanthins were used to study α-crustacyanin, a blue astaxanthin−protein complex, which is isolated from the carapace of the lobster. Steric and electronegative effects of the halogen substituents on the noncovalent interaction between astaxanthin and the protein in α-crustacyanin were observed.