cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety First? The Role of Emotion in Safety Product Betrayal Aversion

Consumers often face decisions about whether to purchase products that are intended to protect them from possible harm. However, safety products rarely provide perfect protection and sometimes "betray" consumers by causing the very harm they are intended to prevent. Examples include vaccines that may cause disease and air bags that may explode with such force that they cause death. Expanding research on betrayal aversion, this study examines the role of emotions in consumers’ tendency to choose safety options that provide less overall protection in order to eliminate a very small probability of harm due to safety product betrayal. In five studies we find that betrayal aversion is reduced and safer alternatives are selected when factors that dampen the emotional response to potential betrayals are introduced or taken into account. These factors include changing the betrayal from an action to an omission (study 1), introducing positive imagery (study 2), introducing visual representations of risk (study 3), making the decision for another rather than oneself (study 4), and intuitive thinking style (study 5).
Effect of High Dietary Copper on Fatty Acid Composition of the Chick

Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of varying levels of dietary copper on fatty acid composition of adipose and liver tissue of male broiler chicks. Chicks were fed the experimental diets to 4 weeks at which time leg adipose and liver samples were obtained for fatty acid determination. Adding 500 or more ppm copper to either a practical or corn starch-soy basal diet caused significant changes in fatty acid composition, but the differences were variable perhaps due to a depression of growth caused by these levels of copper. Fatty acid composition of the tissues was not greatly affected by adding 250 ppm of copper to the practical diet which contained 1.5% poultry fat. When a corn starch-soy diet was fed with 0, 2, or 8% added corn oil, the ratio of 16:0 + 18:0 to 16:1 to 18:1 was not lowered in leg adipose lipids by copper supplementation (250 ppm) with any level of added corn oil. With liver lipids copper appeared to reduce the ratios in birds fed the diets with 0 or 2% added corn oil, but the differences were not statistically significant. The results indicate that using copper levels in practical diets that do notmore » depress growth rate will not have much effect on fatty acid composition of carcass lipids and probably not on physical characteristics of the fat. 13 references, 11 tables.« less
SU‐C‐211‐08: Deformable Registration and Analysis of Small Animal 18F‐FLT and 18F‐FDG PET/CT Images

Purpose: To utilize serial PETimaging it is important to minimize the effect of repositioning errors and anatomical changes. Compensating for these errors requires an objective and reliable method of deformable image registration. Here we report on the methodology used to deformably co‐register serial PETimages using CTanatomy and compare intratumoral distributions of FDG and FLT as imaged in the same animal with PET/CT on two consecutive days. Methods: Nude mice bearing FaDu (human H&N) tumor xenografts were imaged with 18F‐FDG and 18F‐FLT on two consecutive days using a dedicated small animal PET/CT scanner (Siemens Inveon). Both data sets were reconstructed and loaded into Pinnacle 9.1. Despite careful repositioning of the animal using an animal‐specific pad with recorded landmarks, misalignment of FDG and FLT PETimages hindered direct voxel‐by‐voxel analysis. To perform an objective co‐registration of the PETimages, we relied on associated CTimages. Animal bodies and tumors were contoured on both CT scans. A mesh was generated from the contours for visualization purposes. The CTimages were deformably registered with a demons algorithm, and the resulting displacement vector field was applied to the FLT image, allowing for voxel‐by‐voxel analysis of co‐registered FLT and FDG PETimages in Matlab. Results: Based off of visual inspection, the deformable image registration tools available in Pinnacle are adequate for co‐registration of the animal PET/CT images despite the deformations caused by repositioning. Voxel‐by‐voxel analysis of co‐registered FLT and FDG PET/CT images produced correlation coefficients ranging from .45 to .55, p<10–4. Conclusions: Using corresponding CTanatomy with the tools in Pinnacle 9.1 to generate deformation matrices is a viable approach to deformable PETimage registration. The images produced facilitated a voxel‐by‐voxel comparison of FLT vs. FDG.
PERSPECTIVE---Collective Intelligence in the Organization of Science

Whereas some suggest that consensus is the desirable end goal in fields of science, this paper suggests that the existing literature on collective intelligence offers key alternative insights into the evolution of knowledge in scientific communities. Drawing on the papers in this special issue, we find that the papers fall across a spectrum of convergent, divergent, and reflective activities. In addition, we find there to be a set of ongoing theoretical tensions common across the papers. We suggest that this diversity of activities and ongoing theoretical tensions---both signs of collective intelligence---may be a far more appropriate measure than consensus of the health of a scientific community.
Surgical resectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: CTA

Imaging studies play an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) is the most widely available and best validated modality for imaging these patients. Meticulous technique following a well-designed pancreas protocol is essential for maximizing the diagnostic efficacy of CT. After the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is made, the key to management is staging to determine resectability. In practice, staging often entails predicting the presence or absence of vascular invasion by tumor, for which several radiologic grading systems exist. With advances in surgical techniques, the definition of resectability is in evolution, and it is crucial that radiologists have an understanding of the implications of findings that are relevant to the determination of resectability.
Interplay between phosphoinositide lipids and calcium signals at the leading edge of chemotaxing ameboid cells

The chemotactic migration of eukaryotic ameboid cells up concentration gradients is among the most advanced forms of cellular behavior. Chemotaxis is controlled by a complex network of signaling proteins bound to specific lipids on the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane at the front of the cell, or the leading edge. The central lipid players in this leading edge signaling pathway include the phosphoinositides PI(4,5)P2 (PIP2) and PI(3,4,5)P3 (PIP3), both of which play multiple roles. The products of PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, diacylglycerol (DAG) and Ins(1,4,5)P3 (IP3), are also implicated as important players. Together, these leading edge phosphoinositides and their degradation products, in concert with a local Ca2+ signal, control the recruitment and activities of many peripheral membrane proteins that are crucial to the leading edge signaling network. The present critical review summarizes the current molecular understanding of chemotactic signaling at the leading edge, including newly discovered roles of phosphoinositide lipids and Ca2+, while highlighting key questions for future research.
A Dichotic Index of Laterality That Scores Linguistic Errors

The measure of cerebral laterality most commonly used in dichotic listening to detect ear advantages does not take errors into consideration. Experimental data were used to compare the laterality coefficient measure commonly used with a new method which scores error responses using linguistic rules. This new method produced significant results when applied to data for which the traditional measure found no significant effects. This suggests that on dichotic tasks where only one response is required, the traditional method of computing ear asymmetry by excluding errors may overlook a significant amount of information in these responses, information which is recoverable with the linguistically based scoring system.
Monoclinic Crystal Structures of ZrO2 and HfO2 Refined from X-ray Powder Diffraction Data

The crystal structures of ZrO2 and HfO2 (P21/c) were refined in detail from X-ray powder diffraction data. The precision obtained for the atom positions for both compounds is comparable to that of previous single-crystal work.
Nucleon-nucleon boundary condition methods for nuclear matter☆

Abstract It is shown that, as a consequence of the energy independence of the boundary condition f on the radial Schroedinger wave function u at r 0 , u = 0 for r r 0 , and that the boundary condition is equivalent to replacing Vu , in the equation for u in r r 0 , by an expression linear in u ( r 0 + ϵ ) and u ′( r 0 + ϵ ). The Bethe-Goldstone wave function u N is determined by the same replacement in its integral equation. But u N ≠ 0 in r r 0 , so that u N depends on an extra parameter b , the boundary condition at r 0 − ϵ . Pseudopotentials at r 0 which give the boundary condition exactly are presented. The self-consistent single particle potential energy in nuclear matter is investigated with a simple S state boundary condition, without a potential tail. The effective mass approximation is found inadequate. For the same interaction, the effect of summing the hole-hole contributions is found to be important for the two-body correlations, and small but significant for the saturation and binding energy. A calculation is made with a more realistic model with a potential tail. A modified Moszkowski-Scott type expansion, separated at r 0 , is used. Convergence is poor and binding is not obtained. More recent nucleon-nucleon boundary condition models may give convergence and binding.
Emotions, Retribution, and Punishment

I examine emotional reactions to wrongdoing to determine whether they offer support for retributivism. It is often thought that victims desire to see their victimizer suffer and that this reaction offers support for retributivism. After rejecting several attempts to use different theories of emotion and different approaches to using emotions to justify retributivism, I find that, assuming a cognitive theory of emotion is correct, emotions can be used as heuristic guides much as suggested by Michael Moore. Applying this method to the actual emotional reactions of victims’ relatives, however, does not find support for retributivism. Instead, it suggests punishment should be understood as part of a process of recovery with a complex set of demands. Retributive concerns can play a role in the process, but they don't have the priority that retributivism requires.
The Effects of Intravenous Apresoline (Hydralazine) on Cardiovascular and Renal Function in Patients with and without Congestive Heart Failure

Intravenous Apresoline is a powerful renal vasodilator in cardiac as well as in noncardiac patients. In hypertensive patients in congestive heart failure, the drug produces a striking improvement in both cardiovascular and renal function. The increases in renal plasma flow are inconsistently related to changes in arterial pressure and cardiac output Unlike many hypotensive drugs, Apresoline usually causes no decrease in the renal excretion of sodium and water. Circulatory collapse produced by the drug may occur in the presence of an increased cardiac output but is accompanied by a deterioration of the arterial pressure pulse and a reduction in sodium and water excretion.
Dehydrogenation of ammonia by early transition metals: formation of metal nitride clusters

The dehydrogenation of NH3 by Ti, Zr, and Nb cations, produced in a laser-induced plasma reactor, is found to form both neutral and cationic clusters. Depending on the conditions, either the production of neutral metal nitride clusters is favored or, the formation of cationic `precursor' metal nitride clusters containing additional intact NH3 is observed. The neutral clusters are formed when full dehydrogenation of the NH3 is achieved, while the cationic precursor species are formed under conditions where a large fraction of the NH3 remains intact. Metastable dissociation studies show that intact NH3 molecules are bound to the developing transition metal nitride clusters.
Electrochemical and ESR Characterization of C84 and Its Anions in Aprotic Solvents

Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry studies on the D2 and D2d isomers of C84 are reported in pyridine, benzonitrile, acetonitrile/toluene (15/85), dimethylformamide/toluene (15/85...
Measurements of sulfate aerosol and its acidity in the SO2 source region of Chestnut Ridge, PA

A study of acidic sulfate aerosol was conducted at two sites (8 km apart) along Chesnut Ridge in western Pennsylvania during November 1987. Fine (<2.5 μmad) aerosol composition was measured using dichotomous samplers with Teflon membrane filters. Three 8-h samples per day were collected for 10 days. The major species were SO42− and NH4+, which averaged about 95 and 70 neq m−3, respectively, at both sites. The particulate acidity was less than 15 per cent of sulfate equivalents; the averages were 6–14 neq m−3 (<1.0 μg m−3 as H2SO4). Acidity exceeded this level only 30% of the sampling intervals at one site, with the peak value ≈ 50 neq m−3. This site received a higher frequency of upper level winds from the direction of several nearby coal-fired power plants (the nearest 5 km away), and the period of highest acidity was observed concurrently with elevated SO2. The 3 × daily data suggest that higher acidity occurred in the overnight period (midnight to 8 a.m.) in the late fall, while sulfate had its highest levels in the morning to afternoon period.
Stochastic frequency signature for chemical sensing using noninvasive neuronelectronic interface

The detection of chemical agents is important in many areas including environmental pollutants, toxins, biological and chemical pollutants. As "smart" cells, with strong information encoding ability, neurons can be treated as independent sensing elements. A hybrid circuit of a semiconductor chip with dissociated neurons formed both sensors and transducers. Stochastic frequency spectrum was used to differentiate a mixture of chemical agents with effect on the opening of different ion channels. The frequency of spike trains revealed the concentration of the chemical agent, where the characteristic tuning curve revealed the identity. "Fatigue" experiment was performed to explore the "refreshing" ability and "memory" effect of neurons by cyclic and cascaded sensing. "Neuronelectronic noses" such as this should have wide potential applications, most notably in environmental and medical monitoring.
Assessment of Falls Risk in the Balance Disorders Laboratory

Abstract Falls in the elderly result in significant morbidity and mortality. They also may represent sentinel events suggesting a significant change in the health of an elderly patient. Aside from ...
Can a teaching assistant experience in a surgical anatomy course influence the learning curve for nontechnical skill development for surgical residents

The foundation upon which surgical residents are trained to work comprises more than just critical cognitive, clinical, and technical skill. In an environment where the synchronous application of expertise is vital to patient outcomes, the expectation for optimal functioning within a multidisciplinary team is extremely high. Studies have shown that for most residents, one of the most difficult milestones in the path to achieving professional expertise in a surgical career is overcoming the learning curve. This view point commentary provides a reflection from the two senior medical students who have participated in the Student-as-Teacher program developed by the Department of Anatomy at Mayo Clinic, designed to prepare students for their teaching assistant (TA) role in anatomy courses. Both students participated as TAs in a six week surgical anatomy course for surgical first assistant students offered by the School of Health Sciences at Mayo Clinic. Development of teaching skills, nontechnical leadership, communication, and assessment skills, are discussed in relation to their benefits in preparing senior medical students for surgical residency.
Novel design and alignment of wire-grid diffraction gratings on a visible focal plane array

A pixelated, wire-grid diffraction grating is designed, fabricated, aligned, and mounted on an active focal plane array of a camera operating in the visible. The resulting design of the pixelated wire-grid polarizer array eschewed the need for fine translational alignments and drastically reduced cross-talk between pixels detecting differing polarization states. Using common optomechanical elements in conjunction with a novel correlation-based alignment metric, we are able to achieve repeatable angular alignments to better than 0.004 deg between the focal plane array and the pixelated wire-grid polarizer array, both featuring 6.45 μm pixels. An on-chip, four-state, linear snapshot polarimeter is yielded in the detailed processes and raw image data from the instrument are presented.
The solution of Dirac’s equation in Kerr geometry

Dirac’s equation for the electron in Kerr geometry is separated; and the general solution is expressed as a superposition of solutions derived from a purely radial and a purely angular equation.
K+ Depletion and the Progression of Hypertensive Disease or Heart Failure The Pathogenic Role of Diuretic-Induced Aldosterone Secretion

After the introduction of chlorothiazide in 1958,1 as the first of many sulfonamide thiazide diuretics, these orally active diuretics rapidly became the cornerstone for treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and other edematous states. These diuretics were also widely adopted for primary or adjuvant antihypertensive drug therapy. Since the beginning, it was recognized that such natriuretic-diuretic therapy in both of these disorders is regularly accompanied by demonstrable body potassium and magnesium deficiencies, often reflected by significant, albeit generally mild, observed decrements in plasma K+ and Mg2+ levels. But because no particular problems were recognized with broad use of these diuretics, over the years physicians became increasingly sanguine about their occurrence. Accordingly, thiazide diuretics and then, beginning in 1966, the similar but more powerful loop diuretics (eg, furosemide) also became broadly used as primary or adjuvant treatments for high blood pressure and for the edematous state of CHF, cirrhosis with ascites, and nephrotic syndrome. The first selective aldosterone receptor antagonist, spironolactone (Aldactone), was introduced in clinical medicine in 1958.2 By blocking the action of aldosterone, it proved to be a potent natriuretic-diuretic and K+-retaining agent. Thus, it produced diuresis and weight loss with no loss of K+ or Mg2+, something our group views as a great conceptual therapeutic advantage over thiazides. The lack of any demonstrable morbidity from thiazide-induced K+ depletion and the impressive prompt diuresis that these drugs produced at a low cost, however, carried the sulfonamide diuretics into a leadership position for treatment of hypertension or edematous states that continues today. Our preference for the aldosterone antagonist approach, however, was enhanced by 2 facts. First, in outpatient trials, in >20 reports of head-to-head comparisons of spironolactone with a thiazide diuretic, spironolactone proved to be at least as …
A multi-center cardiac registry. A method to assess outcome of catheterization intervention or surgery

Abstract This report describes a multi-institutional study of outcomes of pediatric-aged patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and cardiac operation. The data collected and analysis systems including adjustment for case-mix are described. The data are used by individual centers to assess the nature and quality of their services as well as to contribute to the literature. Because of the large number of patients (63,181) on whom we have data, the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium has the ability to address important clinical problems presented by various cardiac anomalies or patient groups.
Performance of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Cockcroft-Gault Equations in the Estimation of GFR in Health and in Chronic Kidney Disease

The performance of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equations as compared with measured 125 I-iothalamate GFR (iGFR) was analyzed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in potential kidney donors. All outpatients ( n = 1285) who underwent an iGFR between 1996 and 2003 were considered for analysis. Of these, 828 patients had CKD and 457 were potential kidney donors. Special emphasis was put on the calibration of the serum creatinine measurements. In CKD patients with GFR 2 , the MDRD equation performed better than the CG formula with respect to bias (−0.5 versus 3.5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively) and accuracy within 30% (71 versus 60%, respectively) and 50% (89 versus 77%, respectively). Similar results are reported for 249 CKD patients with diabetes. In the kidney donor group, the MDRD equation significantly underestimated the measured GFR when compared with the CG formula, with a bias of −9.0 versus 1.9 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively ( P
Numerical Simulation of Waveguides of Arbitrary Cross-Section

Abstract Finite difference equations are derived for the simulation of dielectric waveguides using an Hz-Ez formulation defined on a nonuniform triangular grid. The resulting equations may be solved as a banded eigenproblem for waveguide structures of arbitrary shape composed of regions of piecewise constant isotropic dielectric, and all transverse fields then computed from the solutions. Benchmark comparisons are presented for problems with analytic solutions, as well as a sample calculation of the propagation loss of a hollow Bragg fiber.
17α-Estradiol Is a Biologically Active Estrogen in Human Breast Cancer Cells in Tissue Culture*

The biological effects of 17 alpha-estradiol (17 alpha-E) and its interaction with estrogen receptors were studied in the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Competition for [3H]17 beta-estradiol ([3H]17 beta-E) binding shows that 17 alpha-E binds to receptor with high affinity and has a dissociation constant (Kd) estimated to be 0.7 nM. Upon binding with 17 alpha-E, the cytosol receptor is translocated to the nucleus and is then rapidly depleted or processed in the same manner as the 17 beta-E-receptor complex. The nuclear 17 alpha-E-receptor complex was determined to be biologically active by its ability to stimulate an increase in the progesterone receptor content and to reverse antiestrogen inhibition of cellular proliferation and DNA polymerase activity. The estrogenic potency of 17 alpha-E, estimated from the dose-response curves as the median effective dose in stimulating progesterone receptor content and in reversing antiestrogen inhibition, is about one tenth the potency of 17 beta-E. Competition curves show that 17 alpha-E binds to the cytosol estrogen receptor with about one third the affinity of 17 beta-E, so the correlation between relative binding affinity and biological potency is not perfect. The correlation, however, is reasonably good compared with that in animal studies, in which 17 alpha-E displays negligible biological activity. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry rule out the possibility that the observed estrogenic activity of 17 alpha-E was due to contamination of the preparation with the more active 17 beta-E. The enhanced estrogenic potency of 17 alpha-E in MCF-7 cells raises the question of whether the stereospecificity and, thus, the sensitivity of the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells may be different than those in normal target tissues. Enhanced estrogenic activity may also be due simply to the nature of the tissue culture system, which allows continuous exposure of the cells to hormone; a condition which may not be achieved in some animal studies.
Shifts in Dominant Nest Predators Along a Rural-To-Urban Landscape Gradient

Abstract. In urban landscapes, predators are often more abundant or diverse than in rural areas, but few studies have examined how the identity of actual nest predators varies with urbanization. From 2007 to 2010, we used time-lapsed video to record activity at nests of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), and Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) in riparian forests in urban and rural landscapes of Ohio, and we examined the extent to which predator identity was predicted by landscape composition. In 99 records of depredation, we identified 21 species of nest predators (17 in rural, 15 in urban). No single species dominated, though the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater; 18% of recorded depredations) and northern raccoon (Procyon lotor; 11%) were the most commonly recorded predators. Birds were responsible for 62% of depredations, followed by mammals (36%) and snakes (2%). By category of predator, mesopredators were ...
An automatic high frequency radio network for the Military Airlift Command

The authors describe the initial design of an automatic high-frequency (HF) radio network for the Military Airlift Command (MAC). The network design incorporates new technology that will make HF communications more reliable. The network uses the Automatic Communications processor (ACP) developed for MAC to perform adaptive frequency selection and automatic link establishment (ALE). The MAC network functions with decentralized control performed by network control computers at each node, which carry out networking functions such as automatic route selection and message relaying. Simulation results show that an automated HF radio network provides significant improvement in message delivery compared with a network that uses only point-to-point links. >
High-performance thin-film polarizing beam splitter operating at angles greater than the critical angle

A new type of thin-film polarizing beam splitter (PBS) is proposed that is based on the effects of light interference and frustrated total internal reflection. This PBS has a significantly better performance than conventional thin-film PBS’s. It is nonabsorbing, broadband, and wide angle and has high extinction ratios in both the transmitted and the reflected beams. The principles and theory of this PBS are described in detail. Several PBS’s designed for the visible and the infrared spectral regions are described. The measured results for a prototype visible PBS of this type are presented as well.
Recessions, Poverty, and Mortality in the United States: 1993–2012

Prior studies suggest that higher unemployment rates reduce mortality, but newer research suggests this relationship may have attenuated in recent decades. Moreover, individual-level evidence shows...
How Does Product Preparation Affect Sensory Properties? An Example with Coffee

Many products are sold that will be prepared by consumers in ways that suit their particular needs. For example, coffee may be prepared in a variety of different ways depending on the occasion and the purpose, even when sensory testing is conducted. This study identified how the sensory properties of a preparation method used in a controlled sensory study or a quality grading system compared to those used with consumer preparation methods for three different high quality coffees. Colombian coffees prepared using a consumer drip coffee maker, a home or food service automated espresso machine, a coffee grader “cupping” method and a filtered infusion method were tested by trained panelists. The cupping method produced a higher intensity for the “roasted” flavor attribute across all samples. This method also tended to produce higher scores for burnt and acrid than other brewing methods. Flavor and aroma attributes both varied with preparation methods, but not necessarily in the same ways. Surprisingly, the drip brewing method showed the most differences in the three coffee samples for aroma, flavor and aftertaste attributes, but other methods may be appropriate depending on the objectives. Practical Applications Results suggest that differences in the intensity of flavor and mouthfeel attributes of coffee samples depend on the brewing method used to prepare them. Thus, using only one method when conducting sensory or quality testing can be a limiting component in the information gathered in a sensory study, in this case, coffee. The brewing method is a critical factor to consider in future coffee studies with the best method used depending on the objectives of each researcher and the ultimate goal of each study.
Immunologic studies on the mechanism of action of erythropoietin.

SummaryInjections into normal mice of serum obtained from rabbits previously immunized with human urinary erythropoietin results in a progressive daily decrease in the relative numbers of erythroid cells in the bone marrow. Injections of this serum into polycythemic mice 24 to 44 hours after initiation of a wave of erythropoiesis with erythropoietin has no effect on the magnitude of the erythropoietic response, although injections of the serum one hour before or at the same time that exogenous erythropoietin is administered completely abolish the erythropoietic response. These results support the concepts that erythropoietin is involved in normal regulation of red cell production and that this regulation is the result of the effect of erythropoietin on the differentiation of stem cells. Some speculative interpretations of the effect of injections of the immune serum in polycythemic mice during the first 18 hours after injection of exogenous erythropoietin are also presented.
Modeling of impulsive propellant reorientation

The impulsive propellant reorientation process is modeled using the (Energy Calculations for Liquid Propellants in a Space Environment (ECLIPSE) code. A brief description of the process and the computational model is presented. Code validation is documented via comparison to experimentally derived data for small scale tanks. Predictions of reorientation performance are presented for two tanks designed for use in flight experiments and for a proposed full scale OTV tank. A new dimensionless parameter is developed to correlate reorientation performance in geometrically similar tanks. Its success is demonstrated.
Natural Disaster: Much Space for Progress!

In the Journal of Geography & Natural Disasters, I had the opportunity to read the editorial of David Alexander titled “ Disasters: Lesson Learned?” In the editorial, the author has argued that “ events are capable to teach us, and experience can be valuable if we heed what it has to say to us”.
Racial/ethnic disparities in self-reported short sleep duration among US-born and foreign-born adults

ABSTRACTObjective. Racial/ethnic health disparities are infrequently considered by nativity status in the United States, although the immigrant population has practically doubled since 1990. We investigated the modifying role of nativity status (US- vs. foreign-born) on racial/ethnic disparities in short sleep duration (<7 h), which has serious health consequences.Design. Cross-sectional data from 23,505 US-born and 4,326 foreign-born adults aged ≥ 18 years from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey and multivariable log-linear regression were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for reporting short sleep duration and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results. After controlling for sociodemographic covariates, short sleep was more prevalent among blacks (PR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.21-1.37), Hispanics (PR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.29), and Asians (PR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.61) than whites among US-born adults. Short sleep was more prevalent among blacks (PR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.38, 2.13) and Asians (PR...
Research and Practice of Finance Shared Services Model

Shared Services is a kind of new management practice for multinational corporations. It can significantly reduce the cost of day-to-day operations, improve efficiency, and implement the business strategies. So shared services is both theoretical and practical. This paper first gives an overview on shared services theory and applications, and then analyzes the best practice case in ZTE Corporation. In the analysis, a financial shared services center methodology is summarized and created from ZTE management innovation road map. Based on the research, domestic and foreign enterprises competitive environments are compared and a services model is presented which is suitable for Chinese enterprises. Some problems are also pointed out which can improve the financial management and guarantee effective implementations.
Hemodynamic response to treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pulmonary arterial hypertension: longitudinal insights from an implantable hemodynamic monitor

Despite new therapeutic options, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a progressive disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. As such, additional strategies for monitoring and adjunctive management of this disease are important. A 59-year-old woman with scleroderma-associated PAH received an implantable hemodynamic monitor (IHM) as part of a research protocol at our institution. Pulmonary artery pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output (sensor-based algorithm) were measured on a daily basis, and parameters of right ventricular (RV) performance and afterload were calculated. At the time of IHM implant, the patient had functional class III symptoms, was receiving triple-drug therapy, and had normal hemoglobin levels. Four months after implant, and with further optimization of prostacyclin therapy, she had improvement in her symptoms. However, shortly thereafter, while the patient was receiving stable drug therapy, her case regressed with worsening symptoms, and the patient received a new diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Oral iron supplementation resulted in normalization of hemoglobin levels and improvement in the patient's iron profile. A gradual and sustained reduction in pulmonary pressures was noted after initiation of oral iron accompanied by increased RV performance and favorable reduction in RV afterload. The patient had significant symptomatic improvement. Iron deficiency is an underappreciated yet easily treatable risk factor in PAH. Use of IHM in this case longitudinally illustrates the optimization of pulmonary hemodynamics and RV afterload in tandem with clinical improvement achieved by a simple therapy.
Political Culture and Corruption Issues in State Politics: A New Measure of Corruption Issues and a Test of Relationships to Political Culture

To what extent does variation in political culture influence the number and types of corruption issues arising in U.S. states? Drawing upon Daniel Elazar’s enduring typology of American political subcultures and using a new news-based measure of corruption issues, we find that political culture remains a “sticky” deep determinant of the distribution of corruption issues across states. Unlike previous empirical studies we do not treat political culture as a set of consensus values, but rather emphasize tensions that can arise when multiple political cultures coexist in a state. Our findings are of interest not only with respect to the enduring role of culture itself, but also in terms of how it might help us understand the growing number of actions that are legal, yet still seen by many as corrupt.
Asynchronous Sequential Machine Design and Analysis: A Comprehensive Development of the Design and Analysis of Clock-Independent State Machines and Systems

Asynchronous Sequential Machine Design and Analysis provides a lucid, in-depth treatment of asynchronous state machine design and analysis presented in two parts: Part I on the background fundamentals related to asynchronous sequential logic circuits generally, and Part II on self-timed systems, high-performance asynchronous programmable sequencers, and arbiters.Part I provides a detailed review of the background fundamentals for the design and analysis of asynchronous finite state machines (FSMs). Included are the basic models, use of fully documented state diagrams, and the design and characteristics of basic memory cells and Muller C-elements. Simple FSMs using C-elements illustrate the design process. The detection and elimination of timing defects in asynchronous FSMs are covered in detail. This is followed by the array algebraic approach to the design of single-transition-time machines and use of CAD software for that purpose, one-hot asynchronous FSMs, and pulse mode FSMs. Part I concludes with the analysis procedures for asynchronous state machines.Part II is concerned mainly with self-timed systems, programmable sequencers, and arbiters. It begins with a detailed treatment of externally asynchronous/internally clocked (or pausable) systems that are delay-insensitive and metastability-hardened. This is followed by defect-free cascadable asynchronous sequencers, and defect-free one-hot asynchronous programmable sequencers--their characteristics, design, and applications. Part II concludes with arbiter modules of various types, those with and without metastability protection, together with applications.Presented in the appendices are brief reviews covering mixed-logic gate symbology, Boolean algebra, and entered-variable K-map minimization. End-of-chapter problems and a glossary of terms, expressions, and abbreviations contribute to the reader's learning experience. Five productivity tools are made available specifically for use with this text and briefly discussed in the Preface.Table of Contents: I: Background Fundamentals for Design and Analysis of Asynchronous State Machines / Introduction and Background / Simple FSM Design and Initialization / Detection and Elimination of Timing Defects in Asynchronous FSMs / Design of Single Transition Time Machines / Design of One-Hot Asynchronous FSMs / Design of Pulse Mode FSMs / Analysis of Asynchronous FSMs / II: Self-Timed Systems/ Programmable Sequencers, and Arbiters / Externally Asynchronous/Internally Clocked Systems / Cascadable Asynchronous Programmable Sequencers (CAPS) and Time-Shared System Design / Asynchronous One-Hot Programmable Sequencer Systems / Arbiter Modules
What is the Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients Treated With Selective Internal Radiation Therapy?

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Contributions: (I) Conception and design: MD Chuong, A Engelman, N D’Emic; (II) Administrative support: MD Chuong, FM Moeslein, NK Sharma; (III) Provision of study materials or patients: MD Chuong; (IV) Collection and assembly of data: N D’Emic, A Engelman; (V) Data analysis and interpretation: A Hanlon, N D’Emic, A Engelman, J Molitoris, MD Chuong; (VI) Manuscript writing: All authors; (VII) Final approval of manuscript: All authors. *These authors contributed equally to this work. Correspondence to: Michael Chuong, MD. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Email: mchuong@umm.edu.
The roles of surface chemistry, dissolution rate, and delivered dose in the cytotoxicity of copper nanoparticles

The understanding of nanoparticle (NP) cytotoxicity is challenging because of incomplete information about physicochemical changes particles undergo once they come into contact with biological fluids. It is therefore essential to characterize changes in NP properties to better understand their biological fate and effects in mammalian cells. In this paper, we present a study on the effect of particle surface oxidation and dissolution rates of Cu NPs. Particle dissolution, cell-associated Cu doses, and oxidative stress responses in A549 luciferase reporter cells were examined for Cu NPs modified with mercaptocarboxylic acids with different carbon chain lengths and a thiotic acid appended-PEG ligand (TA). We found that these Cu NPs released ionic species together with small particles upon oxidation and that surface chemistry influenced the morphology and dissolution rate. The dissolution rate was also shown to impact both the cellular Cu dosimetry and associated oxidative stress responses. The convergent results from dissolution and dosimetry measurements demonstrate that both intracellular and extracellular (i.e., NP uptake-independent) release of ionic species from Cu NPs greatly affect the cytotoxicity.
Driven “Home”: Stories of Voluntary and Involuntary Reasons for Returning Among Migrants in Jalisco and Oaxaca, Mexico

Recent studies suggest a major shift in the Mexico-U.S. migratory circuit: that more Mexican nationals are returning to Mexico than are migrating to the U.S. With a focus on undocumented returnees, who face unique challenges to future re-migration to the U.S. given the current border restrictions, this chapter considers why they return to Mexico from the U.S. when they do. To answer this question, the discussion in the chapter draws on data collected via 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork in 10 hometowns of returnees in Jalisco and Oaxaca, Mexico, including 50 interviews with deportees and voluntary returnees. These data illuminate a multiplicity of circumstances under which undocumented migrants go back to Mexico. In particular, the circumstances that primarily drive these migrants to return fall under three broad categories: their participation in the market economy in the U.S.; their participation in a gift economy with family and community members in Mexico; and their encounters with the U.S. state’s system of immigration enforcement. These findings problematize the voluntary/involuntary binary, complicating our understanding of what it means to return to Mexico “voluntarily” or “involuntarily”, as well as what comprises “home” for Mexican migrants.
Approximation algorithms in partitioning real-time tasks with replications

Today is an era where multiprocessor technology plays a major role in designs of modern computer architecture. While multiprocessor systems offer extra computing power, it also opens a new range of...
Losartan for the nephropathy of sickle cell anemia: A phase-2, multicenter trial.

Nephropathy is a common and progressive complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA). In SCA mice, we found that hyperangiotensinemia in the absence of hypertension underlies nephropathy, and its downregulation by losartan, an angiotensin-II-receptor-1 blocker, reduced albuminuria and progression of nephropathy. Therefore, we performed a phase-2 trial of oral losartan, given for 6 months, to explore whether it reduced albuminuria in children and adults with SCA. Participants were allocated to groups defined by class of baseline urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): no albuminuria (NoA), microalbuminuria (MicroA), and macroalbuminuria (MacroA). The primary endpoint was a ≥25% reduction UACR from baseline. There were 32 evaluable participants (mean age 24 years; NoA=14, MicroA=12, MacroA=6). The primary endpoint was met in 83% of the MacroA group (P 25% (142➝104 mL/minute/1.73 m2), N=1; rise in serum creatinine >50% (0.2➝0.3 mg/dL), N=1]. Albuminuria was associated with diastolic dysfunction and impaired functional capacity, although cardiopulmonary status was unchanged after 6 months of losartan therapy. In summary, losartan decreased urinary albumin excretion in most participants with albuminuria. Those with macroalbuminuria had the greatest benefit. This study forms the basis for a phase-3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of losartan for the nephropathy of SCA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A New Species of Dicathais (Gastropoda:Muricidae) From the Pliocene Tamiami Formation of Southern Florida

Dicathais, a thaidine gastropod genus presently restricted to the Recent of Australia, New Zealand, Norfolk, Lord Howe, and Kermadec Islands (Phillips et al., 1973), is herein reported from the Pliocene Tamiami Formation of southern Florida. Dicathais handgenae, n. sp., represents the first record of the genus outside Australasia and only the second known fossil occurrence of the genus. Suter (1913) and Beu and Maxwell (1990) have listed Thais orbita (Gmelin, 1791), the type species of Dicathais, as ranging from early Pliocene to Recent in New Zealand. To date, no other references to fossil Dicathais have been found.
Fluorinated Thiophene Units Improve Photovoltaic Device Performance of Donor-Acceptor Copolymers

Fluorinated conjugated polymers leading to enhanced photovoltaic device performance has been widely observed in a variety of donor–acceptor copolymers; however, almost all these polymers have fluorine substituents on the acceptor unit. Building upon our previously reported PBnDT-FTAZ, a fluorinated donor–acceptor conjugated polymer with impressive device performance, we set this study to explore the effect of adding the fluorine substituents onto the flanking thiophene units between the donor unit (BnDT) and the acceptor unit (TAZ). We developed new synthetic approaches to control the position of the fluorination (3′ or 4′) on the thiophene unit, and synthesized four additional PBnDT-TAZ polymers incorporating the fluorine-substituted-thiophene (FT) units, 3′-FT-HTAZ, 4′-FT-HTAZ, 3′-FT-FTAZ, and 4′-FT-FTAZ. We discover that relocating the fluorine substituents from the acceptor to the flanking thiophene units have a negligible impact on the device characteristics (short circuit current, open circuit volta...
Wieacker–Wolff syndrome with associated cleft palate in a female case

Wieacker-Wolff syndrome is a rare congenital syndrome with few reported cases in the current literature. It is traditionally described in males as an X-linked recessive disorder associated with congenital contractures of the feet, progressive neurologic muscular atrophy, and intellectual delay caused by ZC4H2 mutations. The purpose of this paper is to present a female individual with a classic phenotype and cleft palate, a previously undescribed finding in this syndrome. Recent reports have demonstrated that females are rarely severely affected and phenotypic expression is difficult to predict [Zanzottera et al. (); American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A 173A: 1358-1363]. This case supports the unpredictability of Wieacker-Wolff syndrome severity and prompts future questions regarding female mutations and phenotypic expression.
Metastatic “Burned Out” Seminoma Causing Neurological Paraneoplastic Syndrome—Not Quite “Burned Out”

A 44 year old man presented with cerebellar ataxia and limbic encephalitis and was ultimately diagnosed with metastatic germ cell neoplasm resulting from a "burned out" primary testicular tumor. The patient had progressive ataxia, leading to a thorough investigation for infectious, autoimmune, metabolic and malignant causes of acquired cerebellar ataxia that revealed no significant findings. Testicular sonography demonstrated a possible right testicular lesion that was not confirmed on radical inguinal orchiectomy. F18-FDG PET/CT scan revealed a solitary retroperitoneal lesion, concerning for metastatic disease but not amenable to percutaneous biopsy. A robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed and pathology revealed a CD117 positive metastatic seminoma leading to appropriate germ cell tumor-directed chemotherapy. After completing chemotherapy and during 1 year of follow up, there has been a gradual improvement of the patient’s neurological manifestations.