cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An economy with infinite dimensional commodity space and empty core

Abstract We present an example of a two person pure exchange economy having an infinite dimensional commodity space and without core allocations.
Global equity offerings, corporate valuation, and subsequent international diversification

Researchers have long wondered why U.S. firms offer their equity in multiple global capital markets even though they have access to a deep domestic capital market. Based on a propensity score-matching sample of IPOs for U.S. firms from 1990 to 2003, this paper offers some potential answers. We find strong evidence that issuers who choose global equity offerings experience higher valuations at the IPO stage, as measured by Tobin's q. Our evidence also shows that global equity offerings serve as a deliberate strategic tool to increase issuers' international visibility and their propensity to diversify operationally to international markets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non-equilibrium transport phenomena of partially ionized argon

Abstract Non-equilibrium transport properties of partially ionized argon and the nature of relaxation of electrons at a cooled surface were studied with measurements made on a steady flow two-dimensional arc-heated channel. Study consists of extension of boundary-layer theory to the case of flow of an ionized gas over a cooled wall, and evaluation of transport properties by an iterative solution of equations of momentum integral method. Results show that although the atom and ion temperatures decrease significantly toward the cooled wall, the electron temperature, concentration, and the thermal and electrical conductivities stay at much higher values than those based on equilibrium electron concentration.
Interaction of adsorbates on strained metallic layers

To relieve strain, metal surfaces under tensile or compressive stress often develop periodic two-dimensional patterns of dislocations. Recently, we have seen new developments in the characterization of strained layers, their theoretical simulations and their applications for growth of self-assembled cluster arrays. The atomic resolution imaging of clean and adsorbate-covered strained surfaces using scanning tunneling microscopy has allowed the identification of reactive sites and the structural characterization of growing clusters.
Atrial volume reduction following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and relation to reduction in pulmonary vein size: an evaluation using magnetic resonance angiography.

Introduction: Catheter ablation to achieve pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has become an increasingly used treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of segmental isolation of PVs on volume of left atrium and its relation to the decrease in the size of the pulmonary veins.
Cross-species comparison of in vivo PK/PD relationships for second-generation antisense oligonucleotides targeting apolipoprotein B-100

The in vivo pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2'-MOE) modified antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), targeting apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100), were characterized in multiple species. The species-specific apoB antisense inhibitors demonstrated target apoB mRNA reduction in a drug concentration and time-dependent fashion in mice, monkeys, and humans. Consistent with the concentration-dependent decreases in liver apoB mRNA, reductions in serum apoB, and LDL-C, and total cholesterol were concurrently observed in animal models and humans. Additionally, the long duration of effect after cessation of dosing correlated well with the elimination half-life of 2'-MOE modified apoB ASOs studied in mice (t(1/2) congruent with 20 days) and humans (t(1/2) congruent with 30 days) following parental administrations. The plasma concentrations of ISIS 301012, observed in the terminal elimination phase of both mice and monkeys were in equilibrium with liver. The partition ratios between liver and plasma were similar, approximately 6000:1, across species, and thus provide a surrogate for tissue exposure in humans. Using an inhibitory E(max) model, the ASO liver EC(50s) were 101+/-32, 119+/-15, and 300+/-191 microg/g of ASO in high-fat-fed (HF) mice, transgenic mice containing the human apoB transgene, and monkeys, respectively. The estimated liver EC(50) in man, extrapolated from trough plasma exposure, was 81+/-122 microg/g. Therefore, extraordinary consistency of the exposure-response relationship for the apoB antisense inhibitor was observed across species, including human. The cross-species PK/PD relationships provide confidence in the use of pharmacology animal models to predict human dosing for second-generation ASOs targeting the liver.
Histologic features distinguish microsatellite-high from microsatellite-low and microsatellite-stable colorectal carcinomas, but do not differentiate germline mutations from methylation of the MLH1 promoter

The detection of microsatellite-unstable (microsatellite instability [MSI]) colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) has prognostic value and can help screen for Lynch syndrome. We determined which histologic features are associated with MSI status and presence of germline mutation and/or methylation of MLH1 promoter. Patients diagnosed with CRC were offered participation in the Columbus-area hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome study regardless of age or family history. Tumors were evaluated for MSI using a modified Bethesda panel of microsatellite markers. Methylation status of the MLH1 promoter was evaluated by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfite PCR followed by restriction digestion of tumor DNA. All patients with microsatellite-unstable tumors underwent mutation analysis of the MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 genes by full sequencing of genomic DNA and by multiplex ligation probe assay of MLH1 and MSH2. Histologic end points were tumor type, grade, percentage of mucin, border, and lymphoid host response. Of the 482 CRCs, 87 were MSI with 69 MSI high (MSI-H), 18 MSI low (MSI-L), and 395 microsatellite stable (MSS). Of 87 MSI tumors, 12 had germline mutations and 34 had methylation of the MLH1 promoter. Younger age, but not histologic features, was significantly associated with a germline mutation. Percentage of mucin, histologic type, grade, and lymphoid host response differed significantly between MSI-H when compared with MSI-L or MSS. No difference was found between MSI-L versus MSS. Histologic features are associated with MSI-H CRC and are helpful to differentiate MSI-H from MSI-L and MSS. These features are not useful to distinguish MSI-L from MSS carcinomas, and those with a deleterious germline hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome mutation from those with methylation of the MLH1 promoter region.
Growth and leaf elemental composition of snapbeans as affected by applied zinc and interacting fertilizers

Abstract ‘Bush Blue Lake 47’ snapbeans were grown in 1980 with 12 fertilizer treatments at 3 sites in production areas of northeastern Pennsylvania where the soil pH was 6.6–6.7 and soil P levels were high. The application of Zn at 11.2 kg/ha as sulfate, chloride, oxide or chelate did not increase snapbean yields. Leaf Zn was increased more effectively by applied zinc sulfate or chloride than by zinc oxide while zinc chelate did not increase leaf Zn. The application of P lowered leaf Zn at 2 sites. Nitrogen applied as ammonium sulfate increased leaf Zn and Mn but when N was applied as urea, only leaf Mn was enhanced. When lime was applied, leaf Zn and Mn were lowered at only one site.
Gene organization and chromosome location of the neural-specific RNA binding protein Elavl4

Abstract We have isolated the gene that encodes the neural-specific RNA binding protein HuD in the mouse (Elavl4), and have mapped its location to the mid-distal region of chromosome 4, close to the neurological mutant clasper. The coding region of the Elavl4 gene covers approximately 44 kb; the first two RNA binding domains (RBDs) that are homologous to the two RBDs found in the Drosophila sex-lethal gene are each encoded in two exons, whereas the third RBD is encoded in a single exon. Elavl4 mRNAs are alternatively spliced in the region between RBDs 2 and 3 due to the variable use of two micro-exons, and RNase protection analysis indicates that two of four possible splice variants are the predominant isoforms expressed in the central nervous system. The high degree of sequence conservation between the Hu proteins suggests that the exon organization of all the Hu protein genes will be similar, if not identical, to the Elavl4 gene.
The reliability of DSM impact estimates

Demand-side management (DSM) critics continue to question the reliability of DSM program savings, and therefore, the need for funding such programs. In this paper, the authors examine the issues underlying the discussion of reliability of DSM program savings (e.g., bias and precision) and compare the levels of precision of DSM impact estimates for three utilities. Overall, the precision results from all three companies appear quite similar and, for the most part, demonstrate reasonably good precision levels around DSM savings estimate. The conclude by recommending activities for program managers and evaluators for increasing the understanding of the factors leading to DSM uncertainty and for reducing the level of DSM uncertainty.
Sample Size Determination in NT-Net Quasi-Monte Carlo Simulation

Monte Carlo (MC) technique prevails in probabilistic design simulation, such as in statistical tolerance analysis and synthesis. A quasi-Monte Carlo (e.g., number theoretic net method (NT-net)) with better computation efficiency over MC has recently attracted interests in application. In spite of a comprehensive case study (Huang et al., 2004, “Tolerance Analysis for Design of Multistage Manufacturing Processes Using Number-Theoretical Net Method (NT-net),” Int. J. Flexible Manuf. Syst., 16, pp. 65–90 and Zhou et al., 2001, “Sequential Algorithm Based on Number Theoretic Method for Tolerance Analysis and Synthesis,” ASME J. Manuf. Sci. Eng., 123(3), pp. 490–493) for comparison between NT-net and MC, a method for sample size determination of NT-net is still not available. Combinatorial theory and the solution of occupancy problem are used for estimating equivalent sample sizes of MC and NT-net, allowing the NT-net sample size determination in application. A multivariate Chebyshev polynomial with variant coefficients is used to represent generic design functions for validation. The results are verified by case studies.
In vitro fusion of lung lamellar bodies and plasma membrane is augmented by lung synexin

Lamellar bodies of lung epithelial type II cells undergo fusion with plasma membrane prior to exocytosis of surfactant into the alveolar lumen. Since synexin from adrenal glands promotes aggregation and fusion of chromaffin granules, we purified synexin-like proteins from bovine lung cytosolic fraction, and evaluated their effect on the fusion of isolated lamellar bodies and plasma membrane fractions. Synexin activity, which co-purified with an approx. 47 kDa protein (pI 6.8), was assessed by following calcium-dependent aggregation of liposomes prepared from a mixture of phosphatidylcholine: phosphatidylserine (PC: PS, 3:1, mol/mol). Lung synexin caused aggregation of liposomes approximating lung surfactant lipid-like composition, isolated lamellar bodies, or isolated plasma membrane fraction. Lung synexin promoted fusion only in the presence of calcium. It augmented fusion between lamellar bodies and plasma membranes, lamellar bodies and liposomes, or between two populations of liposomes. However, selectivity with regard to synexin-mediated fusion was observed as synexin did not promote fusion between plasma membrane and liposomes, or between liposomes of surfactant lipid-like composition and other liposomes. These observations support a role for lung synexin in membrane fusion between the plasma membrane and lamellar bodies during exocytosis of lung surfactant, and suggest that such fusion is dependent on composition of interacting membranes.
Destruction, Alteration, Simples and World-Stuff

When a tree is chopped to bits, or a sweater unravelled, its matter still exists. Since antiquity, it has sometimes been inferred that nothing has really been destroyed: what has happened is just that this matter has assumed new form. Contemporary versions hold that apparent destruction of a familiar object is just rearrangement of microparticles or of ‘physical simples’ or ‘world–stuff’. But if destruction of a familiar object is genuinely to be reduced to mere alteration of something else, we must identify an alteration proper to the career, the course of existence, of this something else; relatedly, the alteration must be characterizable without asserting the existence of the familiar object. All contemporary views fail one of these requirements.
Trans , saturated, and unsaturated fat in foods in the united states prior to mandatory trans -fat labeling

On July 11, 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a final rule amending its food-labeling regulations to require that trans FA be declared in the nutrition label of conventional foods and dietary supplements. The effective date of this final rule is January 1, 2006. This places some urgency on increasing the number and types of currently available foods for which there are trans-fat data. Compositional databases on trans fat content of food are currently limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the trans-fat content of a wide range of foods prior to the effective date of the new regulation. AOAC Official Method of Analysis 996.01 was modified for the analysis of trans fat in noncereal products. Food products for analysis were selected on the basis of market share and data from the USDA's 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals. Foods were purchased from local supermarkets, weighed, hydrolyzed, converted to FAME, and analyzed by GC. The results showed that trans fat (g/100 g fat) ranged from 0.0 to 48.8 in bread, cake, and related products; from 14.9 to 27.7 in margarines; from 7.7 to 35.3 in cookies and crackers; from 24.7 to 38.2 in frozen potatoes; from 0.0 to 17.1 in salty snacks; from 0.0 to 13.2 in vegetable oils and shortenings; from 0.0 to 2.2 in salad dressings and mayonnaises; and from 0.0 to 2.0 in dry breakfast cereals. Serving sizes for the foods included in this survey ranged from 12 to 161 g, and trans-fat levels ranged from 0.0 to 7.2 g/serving. The significant differences in trans-fat content in products within each food category are due to differences in the type of fats and oils used in the manufacturing processes.
Pulmonary manifestations of neuromuscular disease with special reference to Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy

Deterioration of respiratory function in patients with neuromuscular disorders is primarily responsible for the high mortality associated with these diseases. A review of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, the leading neuromuscular disorders affecting children, will be followed by a critical analysis of the various pathophysiological mechanisms underlying respiratory manifestations in these patients. Among such mechanisms, the role of muscular weakness in preservation of lung function, mucociliary clearance, gas exchange at rest and during exercise, and respiratory control during wakefulness and sleep will be examined in detail. In addition, the potential benefits of respiratory muscle training and of early diagnosis and clinical intervention will be delineated. This review underscores the importance of periodic assessment of pulmonary function during wakefulness and sleep in children affected by neuromuscular diseases as an essential component of multidisciplinary care aimed at improving long-term morbidity, survival, and quality of life.
The tenure trap: The vulnerability of renters to joint natural and technological disasters

Natural disasters can result in releases of toxic materials that pose a grave threat to populations exposed to them. The authors provide evidence from California and Louisiana to show that in compa...
Personal Determinants of the First Postretirement Move

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of preretirees that predict perception of the likelihood of their making a move at retirement. The random sample included employees, 40 years or older, of nine land grant universities. Data were collected from 5,662 people via a mail survey and analyzed by frequency distributions and multiple classification analysis. Twenty-six characteristics of preretirees were divided into four variable groups for separate multiple classification analyses. The 10 best predictors were then segregated from their variable groups and combined for a final analysis. Together, they explained 31.1% of the variance in perceived likelihood of postretirement migration. A model of personal determinants of the first postretirement move was created to conceptualize how the characteristics of preretirees interact in producing postretirement migration decisions. The four best predictors were in the perceptions of retirement and relocation variables group. Also, people who thought they would not experience difficulty in makings move, who had decided when to retire but not where, were renters, or who preferred to be near oceans rather than mountains were more likely to perceive that they were likely to move on retirement. Further research could determine if perceptions of likelihood of moving result in an actual move.
An integer programming approach for finding the most and the least central cliques

We consider the problem of finding the most and the least “influential” or “influenceable” cliques in graphs based on three classical centrality measures: degree, closeness and betweenness. In addition to standard clique betweenness, which is defined as the proportion of shortest paths between any two graph nodes that pass through the clique, we also consider its optimistic and pessimistic versions, where outside nodes may favor or try to avoid shortest paths passing through the clique, respectively. We discuss the computational complexity issues for these problems and develop linear 0–1 programming formulations for each centrality metric. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the developed formulations on real-life and synthetic networks, and provide some interesting insights based on the obtained results. In particular, our findings indicate that there are considerable variations between the centrality values of large cliques within the same networks. Moreover, the most central cliques in graphs are not necessarily the largest ones.
A Characterization of Majority Rule for Hierarchies

The majority rule has been a popular method for producing a consensus classification from several different classifications, when the classifications are all on the same set of objects and are structured as hierarchies. In this note, a new axiomatic characterization is proved for this consensus method on hierarchies.
The generalized point-vortex problem and rotating solutions to the Gross–Pitaevskii equation on surfaces of revolution

Abstract We study the generalized point-vortex problem and the Gross–Pitaevskii equation on a surface of revolution. We find rotating periodic solutions to the generalized point-vortex problem, which have two rings of n equally spaced vortices with degrees ±1. In particular we prove the existence of such solutions when the surface is longitudinally symmetric. Then we seek a rotating solution to the Gross–Pitaevskii equation having vortices that follow those of the point-vortex flow for e sufficiently small.
High-temperature fourier transform infrared study of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of polystyrene (PS)/poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) miscible blends as a function of temperature are presented. Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) little change is observed in the interaction spectrum obtained via digital subtraction techniques. Once above the LCST, the magnitude of the interaction spectrum decreases as a result of the phase separation process. Comparison of the behavior of the ether CO stretching band in the reference PVME and in the blends has yielded a lower limit estimate for the interaction energy of about 0.15 kcal/mol.
Understanding Older Adults' Attitudes and Adoption of Residential Technologies

The main goal of this research was to understand older adults' attitudes and interests in residential technology products and services that have been adopted by them at a rate of less than 50%. This study explored the potential of these technology products and services to assist with aging in place. Early adopters of computer technologies are perceived as persons with early knowledge of newly introduced residential technologies. Moreover, considering older adults' preference for aging in place, assistance with technologies in residential settings would appear to have great potential. The results from this study have limitations in generalizing to all older adults, because a convenience sample was used. Although studies of early adopters may not provide information that can be generalized to the entire population, this study provides insight useful in understanding and estimating future trends for this population.
Dynamic actin structures stabilized by profilin.

Abstract We describe the production and analysis of clonal cell lines in which we have overexpressed human profilin, a small ubiquitous actin monomer binding protein, to assess the role of profilin on actin function in vivo. The concentration of filamentous actin is increased in cells with higher profilin levels, and actin filament half-life measured in these cells is directly proportional to the steady-state profilin concentration. The distribution of actin filaments is altered by profilin overexpression. While parallel actin bundles crossing the cells are virtually absent in cells overexpressing profilin, the submembranous actin network of these cells is denser than in control cells. These results suggest that in vivo profilin regulates the stability, and thereby distribution, of specific dynamic actin structures.
Io: Geochemistry of sulfur

The evidence from Voyager imaging, Earth-based spectral reflectivity studies, and thermal emission measurements combine to suggest an extremely fresh, volcanically recycled sulfur-rich crust for Io, with very shallow large-scale melting. Two present styles of volcanism are possible, depending on the thickness of local deposits of sulfur: shallow liquid sulfur magma generation with quiescent flooding, and high-temperature volcanism with violet eruption of a sulfur-iron magma driven by SO2. Evolutionary considerations preclude direct derivation of Io's lithosphere from any metal-bearing chondritic source material. Metal-free C3V- or C2M-type parent material of either primary or secondary origin is the most plausible direct antecedent of the present sulfur-rich crust. Sulfates are almost certainly important constituents of the mantle, and can participate in the recycling of reduced, dense sulfide species to prevent total extraction of sulfur into the core.
Safe across the border: : the continued significance of the democratic peace when controlling for stable borders

We investigate the research findings reported in Gibler () that suggest the democratic peace is in fact a spurious artifact of stable borders. If corroborated, this set of findings would mark an important reorientation for the field. However, we show that the research design used in Gibler () suffers from several problems, including omitting the lower order terms of interaction variables and inappropriately assuming cross-dyad independence of artificially created dyadic democracy scores. Our replication and extension shows that even when controlling for stable border variables, democracy continues to be a consistently useful predictor of international conflict. Further, the stable border variables themselves prove to be less consistent predictors of both peace and democracy as compared to previous research. These results suggest that both territorial issues and democracy can coexist as explanations for interstate bellicosity.
THE AESTHETIC DIMENSION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

(1971). THE AESTHETIC DIMENSION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. Religious Education: Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 385-389.
Periodic shock with added clock.

Periodic shock in rats maintained on variable-interval schedule of reinforcement interspersed with sequence of three different stimulus conditions
Open Circuit Resonant (SansEC) Sensor for Composite Damage Detection and Diagnosis in Aircraft Lightning Environments

Composite materials are increasingly used in modern aircraft for reducing weight, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing the overall design, performance, and manufacturability of airborne vehicles. Materials such as fiberglass reinforced composites (FRC) and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are being used to great advantage in airframes, wings, engine nacelles, turbine blades, fairings, fuselage and empennage structures, control surfaces and coverings. However, the potential damage from the direct and indirect effects of lightning strikes is of increased concern to aircraft designers and operators. When a lightning strike occurs, the points of attachment and detachment on the aircraft surface must be found by visual inspection, and then assessed for damage by maintenance personnel to ensure continued safe flight operations. In this paper, a new method and system for aircraft in-situ damage detection and diagnosis are presented. The method and system are based on open circuit (SansEC) sensor technology developed at NASA Langley Research Center. SansEC (Sans Electric Connection) sensor technology is a new technical framework for designing, powering, and interrogating sensors to detect damage in composite materials. Damage in composite material is generally associated with a localized change in material permittivity and/or conductivity. These changes are sensed using SansEC. Unique electrical signatures are used for damage detection and diagnosis. NASA LaRC has both experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that SansEC sensors can be effectively used for in-situ composite damage detection.
ELECTRON INTERACTION IN RARE-EARTH METALS.

We discuss from a unified point of view various aspects of the $s\ensuremath{-}f(s\ensuremath{-}d)$ exchange interaction in the ferro-magnetically spin-ordered states of rare-earth metals, such as (1) the indirect Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida-type exchange interaction between localized $4f$ spins, (2) the spin-wave spectrum of the localized spins, and (3) the interaction between conduction electrons mediated by the exchange of spin waves of the localized spins. The present problem is very similar to that of the electron-phonon interaction in metals, and to obtain the electron-electron interaction we employ a similar method of using a cononical transformation. The electron interaction obtained leads to a repulsion between electrons of opposite spins at the same atomic site in the vicinity of the Fermi surface. The self-energy due to this effective electron interaction is calculated for a simplified model, and we discuss the possibility of an appreciable enhancement of the specific heat.
Baboon immunoglobulin variable region heavy chains: identification of genes homologous to members of the human IGHV1-IGHV7 subgroups

Baboons are increasingly used as animal models in studies that require the assessment of specific antibody responses. The complete analysis of these responses includes the characterization of antibody variable region genes and their usage. Therefore, we cloned and sequenced a total of 27 immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain (IGHV) genes using cDNA obtained from a single baboon (Papio cynocephalus anubis). Comparison of baboon and human IGHV sequences shows that the percent of identity varies between 86% and 96% at the nucleotide level and between 80% and 95% at the amino acid level. The various baboon IGHV genes can be grouped into one of seven subgroups corresponding to the human IGHV1-IGHV7 subgroups. The only baboon cDNA sequence belonging to the IGHV7 subgroup is homologous to the human IGHV7-81 gene, for which no transcripts have been described. Similarly to their human counterparts, all baboon IGHV genes cluster into three clans, with one clan including the IGHV1, IGHV5 and IGHV7 subgroups, one clan including the IGHV2, IGHV4 and IGHV6 subgroups, and one clan including the IGHV3 subgroup. These data indicate that baboons may represent valuable models to analyze the antibody repertoire generated in response to immunization strategies developed for human use.
Landscape cartography: A coarse survey of gauge group rank and stabilization of the proton

The landscape of string/M theory is surveyed over a large class of type IIB flux compactification vacua. We derive a simple formula for the average size of the gauge group rank on the landscape under assumptions that we clearly state. We also compute the rank under the restriction of small cosmological constant, and find a slight increase. We discuss how this calculation could impact proton stability by computing the suppression factor for the number of vacua with additional gauge group rank that could be used to protect the proton. Finally, we present our views on the utility and limitations of landscape averages, especially in the context of this analysis.
Development of Identity: Gender Makes a Difference

Abstract Gender-based differences in the relation between Identity status and personality configurations of 200 male and female college students were studied. For statuses based on commitment (the Achieved and Foreclosed identities), the personality configuration of males and females was more similar than that of males and females in statuses lacking commitment (Moratorium and Diffused). Further, the importance of four personality dimensions that had been hypothesized (Grotevant, 1987) to promote identity development (ego-resilience, openness to experience, self-esteem, and self-monitoring) was found to vary as a function of gender, as did the self-descriptions of males and females in each identity status.
X-ray studies on T5 Bacteriophage.

Abstract 1. 1. The destruction of the infectivity of T 5 bacteriophage of Escherichia coli by irradiation with 0.25 A. x-rays was found to be an exponential function of dose over an extremely wide range of doses, when the bacteriophage was suspended in 4% broth solution during the irradiation. 2. 2. The rate of thermal destruction of the infectivity of the survivors of the x-ray treatment, under the condition described in 1 , was indistinguishable from that of unirradiated bacteriophage. 3. 3. This result is consistent with the target theory for the special case that target size is identical with characteristic particle size, for in such a case the first ionization to occur in a characteristic particle should inactivate it, thus precluding the possibility of any ionization having occurred in the survivors. 4. 4. The inactivation of T 5 bacteriophage by x-rays departed from the exponential relationship to dose when the experiments were carried out with the virus suspended in 0.8% broth solution. 5. 5. Most of the survivors of irradiation carried out under the conditions described in 4 were inactivated thermally at a much higher rate than unirradiated virus. 6. 6. The effects described in 4 and 5 can be interpreted in terms of the indirect effect, namely, inactivation produced by some chemical material formed in the medium as a result of the irradiation.
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology in Chronic Kidney Disease: Opportunities to Transition from Disease to Health

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, and is associated with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. This cardiovascular risk is incompletely explained by traditional risk factors, calling attention to a need to better understand the pathways in CKD contributing to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Findings Pathophysiological derangements associated with CKD, including disordered sodium, potassium, and water homeostasis, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic activity, anemia, bone and mineral metabolism, uremia, and toxin accumulation may contribute directly to progression of cardiovascular disease and adverse outcomes. Conclusion Improving cardiovascular health in patients with CKD requires improved understanding of renocardiac pathophysiology. Ultimately, the most successful strategy may be prevention of incident CKD itself.
Geochemical and Strontium Isotope Characterization of Produced Waters from Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Extraction

Extraction of natural gas by hydraulic fracturing of the Middle Devonian Marcellus Shale, a major gas-bearing unit in the Appalachian Basin, results in significant quantities of produced water containing high total dissolved solids (TDS). We carried out a strontium (Sr) isotope investigation to determine the utility of Sr isotopes in identifying and quantifying the interaction of Marcellus Formation produced waters with other waters in the Appalachian Basin in the event of an accidental release, and to provide information about the source of the dissolved solids. Strontium isotopic ratios of Marcellus produced waters collected over a geographic range of ∼375 km from southwestern to northeastern Pennsylvania define a relatively narrow set of values (eSrSW = +13.8 to +41.6, where eSrSW is the deviation of the 87Sr/86Sr ratio from that of seawater in parts per 104); this isotopic range falls above that of Middle Devonian seawater, and is distinct from most western Pennsylvania acid mine drainage and Upper De...
Functional Dissection of the Human TNRC6 (GW182-Related) Family of Proteins

Argonaute (Ago) proteins through their association with small RNAs perform a critical function in the effector step of RNA interference. The TNRC6 (trinucleotide repeat containing 6) family of proteins have been shown to stably associate with Agos in mammalian cells. Here, we describe the isolation and functional characterization of TNRC6B- and TNRC6C-containing complexes. We show that TNRC6B and TNRC6C proteins associate with all four human Agos which are already loaded with microRNAs. Detailed domain analysis of TNRC6B protein indicated that distinct domains of the protein are required for Ago binding and P-body localization. Functional analysis using reporter constructs responsive to TNRC6B tethered through an MS2-binding domain indicates that neither the Ago-binding nor the P-body localization domains are required for translational silencing. In contrast, the C-terminal domain containing the RNA recognition motif plays a critical role in the silencing mediated by the TNRC6B protein.
Going to Extremes: Correcting Simulation Bias in Exotic Option Valuation

Monte Carlo simulation is widely used in practice to value exotic options for which analytical formulas are not available. When valuing those options that depend on extreme values of the underlying asset, convergence of the standard simulation is slow as the time grid is refined, and even a daily simulation interval produces unacceptable errors. This article suggests approximating the extreme value on a subinterval by a random draw from the known theoretical distribution for an extreme of a Brownian bridge on the same interval. This approach provides reliable option values and retains the flexibility of simulations, in that it allows great freedom in choosing a price process for the underlying asset or a joint process for the asset price, its volatility, and other asset prices.
Nonadaptive group testing with random set of defectives via constant-weight codes

In a group testing scheme, set of tests are designed to identify a small number t of defective items that are present among a large numberN of items. Each test takes as input a group of items and produces a binary output indicating whether any defective item is present in the group. In a non-adaptive scheme the tests have to be designed in one-shot. In this setting, designing a testing scheme is equivalent to the construction of a disjunct matrix, anM N binary matrix where the union of supports of anyt columns does not contain the support of any other column. In principle, one wants to have such a matrix with minimum possible number M of rows. In this paper we consider the scenario where defective items are random and follow simple probability distributions. In particular we consider the cases where 1) each item can be defective independently with probability t N and 2) each t-set of items can be defective with uniform probability. In both cases our aim is to design a testing matrix that successfully identifies the set of defectives with high probability. Both of these models have been studied in the literature before and it is known that O(t logN) tests are necessary as well as sufficient (via random coding) in both cases. Our main focus is explicit deterministic construction of the test matrices amenable to above scenarios. One of the most popular ways of constructing test matrices relies on constant-weight error-correcting codes and their minimum distance. In particular, it is known that codes result in test matrices with O(t 2 logN) rows that identify anyt defectives. We go beyond the minimum distance analysis and connect the average distance of a constant weight code to the parameters of the resulting test matrix. Indeed, we show how distance, a pairwise property of the columns of the matrix, translates to a (t+1)-wise property
Arterial laser welding with a 1.9 micrometer Raman-shifted laser

A new 1.9 micron Raman-shifted neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser was used for small vessel welding. Bursting pressures and stresses of sutured and laser-welded arteriotomies created in the rat femoral artery and aorta were measured. Sutured arteriotomies had a significantly higher burst stress than laser-welded arteriotomies. Although there were no significant differences in burst stress at the various laser powers tested, an optimal power was identified. The laser was also used to weld transected rat aortas. The average power delivered was 200 mW for 30 seconds per anastomosis. The average time for completing an anastomosis was 6 minutes compared with 18 minutes when sutures were used. In relation to proximal aortic diameter, there was a 7.9% decrease at the anastomosis immediately (n = 4), and a 6.6% and 4.9% increase occurred at 24 hours (n = 4) and 10 weeks (n = 5), respectively. Acute anastomotic compliance, and compliance at 24 hours and 10 weeks were decreased by 47.2%, 39.5%, and 47.8%, respectively, and were similar to sutured anastomoses. Histology showed little thermal denaturation of the aorta within 0.6 mm of the anastomosis, approximately 1 mm of medial cell death, and nearly normal elastic fiber alignment. One focal false aneurysm was noted at 10 weeks. Although the sutured and laser-welded anastomoses share similar compliance changes, the laser-welded anastomoses are more isodiametric. This preliminary experience with the 1.9 micron laser shows the distinct advantages of a handheld fiber, no requirement for cooling irrigation, speed, and no difference in compliance from sutured anastomoses.
Transition Curve Analysis of Linear Fractional Periodic Time-Delayed Systems Via Explicit Harmonic Balance Method

This paper presents a technique to obtain the transition curves of fractional periodic time-delayed (FPTD) systems based on a proposed explicit harmonic balance (EHB) method. This method gives the analytical Hill matrix of FPTD systems explicitly with a symbolic computation-free algorithm. Furthermore, all linear operations on Fourier basis vectors including fractional order derivative operators and time-delayed operators for a linear FPTD system are obtained. This technique is illustrated with parametrically excited simple and double pendulum systems, with both time-delayed states and fractional damping.
The effects of topic familiarity on information search behavior

We describe results from a preliminary investigation of the relationship between topic familiarity and information search behavior. Two types of information search behaviors are considered: reading time and efficacy. Our results indicate that as one's familiarity with a topic increases, one's searching efficacy increases and one's reading time decreases. These results suggest that it may be possible to infer topic familiarity from information search behavior.
Development and Clinical Outcomes of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic

The authors describe the first 6 months of a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) clinic operated by trainees in a general adult psychiatry residency program. The purpose of this report is to provide a model for the creation and maintenance of a formalized resident DBT clinic. Residents participated in the DBT clinic, attended a weekly combined lecture series and consultation group supervised by the clinic director, and completed a 20-hour online Continuing Medical Education course in DBT skills training. Eight residents participated in the clinic, each carrying one patient with Borderline Personality Disorder. The clinic did not experience any major administrative problems during 6 months of operation. A Resident DBT Clinic was successfully implemented as an elective rotation in the adult psychiatry residency training program at the University of Utah.
Lysosomal Enzymes Are Released From Cultured Human Macrophages, Hydrolyze LDL In Vitro, and Are Present Extracellularly in Human Atherosclerotic Lesions

Objective— Human atherosclerotic lesions have been shown to contain lipid droplets and vesicles resembling those of in vitro enzymatically modified LDL. However, little is known about the hydrolytic enzymes in the arterial intima that induce fusion of LDL particles and so produce lipid droplets or that induce foam cell formation. Methods and Results— Human coronary atherosclerotic lesions obtained at surgery and at autopsy were stained for lysosomal acid lipase and cathepsin D. The extracellular areas of macrophage-rich intimal regions of the atherosclerotic lesions stained positively for both cathepsin D and lysosomal acid lipase, whereas normal arteries were negative. When monocyte-derived macrophages were incubated with opsonized zymosan to stimulate the release of lysosomal enzymes from the cells and LDL was incubated with the macrophage-conditioned media, the apolipoprotein B-100, cholesteryl esters, and triacylglycerols of LDL were hydrolyzed. These hydrolytic modifications rendered the LDL particles unstable and induced their fusion. Cultured macrophages and smooth muscle cells took up the hydrolase-modified LDL particles avidly and were transformed into foam cells. Conclusions— Our in vivo and in vitro results suggest that lysosomal enzymes released from macrophages may induce hydrolytic modification of LDL and foam cell formation in the human arterial intima.
Rapid reduction of sulfones to sulfides using LiAlH4–TiCl4

A variety of sulfones are reduced rapidly to sulfides in high yields using lithium aluminium hydride–titanium tetrachloride in tetrahydrofuran.
Clinic Variation in the Cost-Effectiveness of Contingency Management

This study determined whether, and by how much, the cost-effectiveness of contingency management (CM) varied across the eight clinics in the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network MIEDAR trial. Incremental costs, incremental outcomes, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of CM compared to usual care were calculated, compared and contrasted for each of the clinics. Results showed that the incremental cost of using CM compared to usual care varied by a factor of 1.9 across the clinics, ranging from an additional $306 to an additional $582 per patient. The effect of CM on the longest duration of continuous stimulant abstinence (LDA) varied by a factor of 8.0 across the clinics, ranging from an additional 0.5 to an additional 4.0 weeks. The ICERs for the LDA varied by a factor of 4.6 across the clinics, ranging from $145 to $666. These results show that the cost-effectiveness of CM varied widely among the clinics in the MIEDAR trial. Future research should focus on identifying the sources of this variation, perhaps by identifying clinic-level best practices and/or identifying those subgroups of patients that respond the most cost-effectively, with the ultimate goal of improving the cost-effectiveness of CM overall.
Are a Speculum Examination and Wet Mount Always Necessary for Patients With Vaginal Symptoms? A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The suggested evaluation of vaginal symptoms is based on the wet mount diagnosis of candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. We wondered if patients with vaginal symptoms could be managed initially based solely on symptoms. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2 urban family practice clinics and enrolled 46 premenopausal, nonpregnant women with acute vaginal symptoms. In the control arm, women were managed based on a speculum examination and wet mount. In the intervention arm, women were managed based on symptoms. Women were tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis and called 2 weeks later to assess symptom resolution, adverse medication effects, need for revisit, and satisfaction with care. Results: Forty-one of 44 women (93%) felt better 2 weeks after the visit; 28 (64%) had complete resolution of symptoms. The intervention arm had slightly better resolution of symptoms (P = .046); there were other no differences between the 2 arms. Three women were diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea). Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that in selected women it may be reasonable to initially manage vaginal complaints based on symptoms. These results should be confirmed in other larger trials. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases is important in our population.
A case report comparing clinical, imaging and neuropsychological assessment findings in twins discordant for the VCP p.R155C mutation

Abstract Inclusion body myopathy, Paget disease of bone and/or frontotemporal dementia is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the Valosin Containing Protein (VCP) gene. We compared clinical findings including MRI images and neuropsychological assessment data in affected and unaffected twin brothers aged 56 years from a family with the p.R155C VCP gene mutation. The affected twin presented with a 10 year history of progressive proximal muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, gastroesophageal reflux, fecal incontinence, and peripheral neuropathy. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing revealed rapid cognitive decline in the absence of any behavioral changes in a span of 1 year. This case illustrates that frontotemporal dementia related cognitive impairment may precede behavioral changes in VCP disease as compared with predominance of behavioral impairment reported in previous studies. Our findings suggest that there is a need to establish VCP disease specific tools and normative rates of decline to detect pre-clinical cognitive impairment among affected individuals.
Temporally coded flash illumination for motion deblurring

We use temporally sequenced flash illumination to capture coded exposure images of fast-moving objects in low light environments. These coded flash images allow for accurate estimation of blur-free latent images in the presence of object motion. By distributing flashes over a window of time, we lessen eye safety concerns associated with powerful all-at-once flashes. We show how our flash-based coded exposure system has better robustness to increasing object velocity than shutter-based exposure coding, thereby obviating the need for pre-exposure velocity estimation. We also show that the quality of the estimated sharp image is robust to varying levels of ambient illumination. This and other benefits of our coded flash system are demonstrated with real images acquired using prototype hardware.
Imperialism, economic development and social change in West Africa

This is a collection of twenty articles previously published by historian Raymond Dumett in a number of edited volumes and scholarly journals, here thematically organised and distributed over nine ...