cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate-Driven Variability and Trends in Mountain Snowpack in Western North America*

Records of 1 April snow water equivalent (SWE) are examined here using multiple linear regression against reference time series of temperature and precipitation. This method permits 1) an examination of the separate roles of temperature and precipitation in determining the trends in SWE; 2) an estimation of the sensitivity of SWE to warming trends, and its distribution across western North America and as a function of elevation; and 3) inferences about responses of SWE to future warming. These results emphasize the sensitivity to warming of the mountains of northern California and the Cascades of Oregon and Washington. In addition, the contribution of modes of Pacific climate variability is examined and found to be responsible for about 10%–60% of the trends in SWE, depending on the period of record and climate index.
Aqueous-based synthesis of gallium tungsten oxide thin film dielectrics

An aqueous-based approach to the deposition of gallium tungsten oxide thin film dielectrics was developed where the metal content (Ga2−xWx/2O3−δ, x = 0.31–0.66) can be controlled by the initial precursor concentrations, while the oxygen deficiency (δ) can be controlled by post annealing. The spin-coated precursor converts to an amorphous oxide thin film with uniform distribution of metal cations after heating to 400 °C. The Ga2−xWx/2O3−δ band gap decreased with increasing W content from 4.9 eV for the undoped film (Ga2O3) to 4.6 eV for the film with the highest W content (Ga1.34W0.33O3−δ). The electronic properties of the dielectric films significantly improved with incorporation of W, where a decrease in leakage current and an increase in breakdown field strength from 2.9 MV cm−1 (Ga2O3) to 5.2 MV cm−1 (Ga1.34W0.33O3−δ) was observed. Prior studies have suggested that Ga2−xWx/2O3−δ thin films can form dense low-k dielectric materials, where the relative amount of W in the film can significantly modify the dielectric constant. However our studies found no significant decrease in the dielectric constant with W doping of Ga2O3. We found that annealing the films >400 °C in air resulted in the formation of sub-stoichiometric WOx and metallic W throughout the films which may complicate dielectric measurements.
Successful Coil Embolization of a Large Ascending Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Following Explantation of the EXCOR Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device in a Patient With Acute Fulminant Myocarditis

Mechanical ventricular assistance has become a reliable tool for the support of children and infants with heart failure. The devices have shown efficacy both as a bridge to transplantation and as a bridge to recovery. The potential complications that may occur with long-term support have not been fully described. This article reports the occurrence of a large pseudoaneurysm associated with the ascending aorta following explantation of the EXCOR Pediatric ventricular assist device. A management strategy for this potentially lethal complication is described.
Practice-based Research Networks at the Crossroads of Research Translation

Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are “experimental farms” for research that matters in clinical practice. One of the defining characteristics of PBRNs is their ability to operate across a wide range of the bidirectional “pipeline of research translation,” from clinical trials to informing health care policy. Developing effective translational approaches requires significant experimentation with new or innovatively combined research methods and theoretical frameworks. While the first decades of PBRN research generated a substantial body of evidence for improving individual practices (horizontal movement), PBRNs now find themselves at the multidimensional crossroads of patient-centeredness and community/population health (vertical movement). This practice-based research theme issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine provides a rich, cross-sectional synopsis of PBRN activities encompassing T2 translation, core practice-based research, implementation and dissemination research, community practice, and contributions to health care policy.
Primary cilia dynamics instruct tissue patterning and repair of corneal endothelium

Primary cilia are required for several signaling pathways, but their function in cellular morphogenesis is poorly understood. Here we show that emergence of an hexagonal cellular pattern during development of the corneal endothelium (CE), a monolayer of neural crest-derived cells that maintains corneal transparency, depends on a precise temporal control of assembly of primary cilia that subsequently disassemble in adult corneal endothelial cells (CECs). However, cilia reassembly occurs rapidly in response to an in vivo mechanical injury and precedes basal body polarization and cellular elongation in mature CECs neighboring the wound. In contrast, CE from hypomorphic IFT88 mutants (Tg737orpk) or following in vivo lentiviral-mediated IFT88 knockdown display dysfunctional cilia and show disorganized patterning, mislocalization of junctional markers, and accumulation of cytoplasmic acetylated tubulin. Our results indicate an active role of cilia in orchestrating coordinated morphogenesis of CECs during development and repair and define the murine CE as a powerful in vivo system to study ciliary-based cellular dynamics.
Rapid Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis Using Microchip Electrophoresis of PCR Products

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the most common cause of acute sporadic encephalitis in the United States. PCR of DNA extracted from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) allows for reliable diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). A faster turnaround time for HSE testing would improve patient management and lead to better outcomes. The aims of this study, therefore, were to develop a microchip-based electrophoretic method for rapid detection of HSV PCR products, and to compare the performance characteristics of liquid hybridization/gel retardation as an established clinical PCR product detection method with the new microchip-based method. Methods: The study examined archival DNA from 33 selected CSF specimens submitted for HSV PCR testing to the clinical laboratory. One aliquot of the HSV PCR product was analyzed by liquid hybridization/gel retardation analysis, and a second PCR aliquot was analyzed directly with a microchip capillary electrophoresis system using an instrument built in-house. PCR samples were introduced directly into the microchip without a desalting step by use of a novel fluidic interface. Channel surfaces on the glass microchip were silanized, followed by derivatization with polyvinylpyrrolidone. Results: Of the 33 CSF specimens tested by liquid hybridization analysis of HSV PCR products, 10 tested positive for HSV DNA, 2 gave a weakly positive result, and 21 tested negative. Total analysis time for detection of HSV DNA by gel retardation assay was 18 h. Microchip electrophoresis provided identical results in <110 s/sample, achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity compared with the established method. Conclusions: Microchip-based electrophoresis can rapidly and accurately separate HSV PCR products, giving results identical to those obtained by liquid hybridization but with substantially decreased turnaround time. Clinical implementation of the new method will help to improve patient management and outcomes.
Identification of a common autoantigenic epitope of protein disulfide isomerase, golgin-160 and voltage-gated potassium channel in type 1 diabetes.

Abstract A common epitope of proteins golgin-160, voltage-gated potassium channel and disulfide isomerase was identified by screening with autoantibodies of a type 1 diabetic (T1D) patient a λUni-Zap cDNA library from human diabetic islets. The significance of the identified autoantigens to the disease pathogenesis remains to be elucidated.
Aseptic Meningitis after Intraventricular Administration of Gentamicin

Infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is a major cause of morbidity in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts. Intraventricular administration of gentamicin, in combination with systemic antibiotics and shunt removal, may be beneficial in treating these infections. A young child was treated successfully for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection while receiving systemic nafcillin and intraventricular gentamicin. During treatment she developed CNS toxicity resembling aseptic meningitis. Based on CSF gentamicin levels and differential white blood cell counts, it was suspected that gentamicin was causing meningeal inflammation. Discontinuation of the drug relieved her symptoms. Rebound CSF leukocytosis associated with lymphocyte increase, despite a negative CSF culture, can indicate aseptic meningitis when drugs are administered intraventricularly. Clinicians should evaluate CSF cell count differentials before concluding treatment failure when administering antibiotics intraventricularly for meningitis.
Articulation: an integrated approach to the diagnosis, replanning, and rescheduling of software process failures

The paper presents an integrated approach to articulate software process plans that fail. Articulation repairs a plan when a diagnosed failure occurs and reschedules changes that ensure the plan's continuation. In implementing articulation, we combine diagnosis, replanning, and rescheduling into a powerful mechanism supporting adaptive process-based software development. Use of articulation in plan execution supports recovery and repair of anticipated failures, as well as revising and improving the plans to become more effective. We also describe how a prototype knowledge-based system we developed implements the articulation approach. >
The dependence of exchange constants and electronic structure of manganese ferrite on the scaling factor

The exchange constants and electronic structure of manganese ferrite (MnFe/sub 2/O/sub 4/) are calculated using a modified Becke three-parameter exchange-correlation functional. The electronic structure parameters, on-site Coulomb repulsion (U) and bandgap (E/sub g/), are deduced from the calculated density of states (DOS). The dependence of exchange constants and electronic structure parameters on the weight of Fock exchange (w) in the exchange-correlation functional and the scaling factor of 3d orbital of Fe/sup 3+/ ion (/spl alpha/) are modeled in this paper.
Investigation of a safety-engineered device to prevent needlestick injury: why has not StatLock stuck?

Objective This article sought to define whether an alternative safety-engineered device (SED) could help prevent needlestick injury (NSI) in healthcare workers (HCWs) who place central venous catheters (CVCs). Design The study involved three phases: (1) A retrospective analysis of deidentified occupational health records from our tertiary care urban US hospital to clearly identify NSI risk and rates to an HCW during invasive catheter placement; (2) 95 residents were surveyed regarding their knowledge and experience with NSIs and SEDs; (3) A random sample of six residents participated in a focus group session discussing barriers to the use of SED. Setting A single urban US tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants A retrospective analysis of NSI to HCWs in a tertiary care urban US hospital was conducted over a 4-year period (July 2007–June 2011). Ninety-five residents from specialties that often place CVC during training (surgery, surgical subspecialties, internal medicine, anaesthesia and emergency medicine) were surveyed regarding their experience with NSIs and SEDs. A random sample of six residents participated in a focus group session discussing barriers to the use of SED. Results 314 NSIs were identified via occupational health records. 16% (21 of 131) of NSIs occurring in residents and fellows occurred during the securement of an invasive catheter such as a CVC. If an SED device had been used, the 5.25 NSIs/year could have been avoided. Each NSI occurring in an HCW incurred at least $2723 in charges. Thus, utilisation of the SED could have saved a minimum of $57 183 over the 4-year period. Conclusions SEDs are currently available and can be used as an alternative to sharps. If safety and efficacy can be demonstrated, then implementation of such devices can significantly reduce the number of NSIs.
Hybrid Timing Analysis of Modern Processor Pipelines via Hardware/Software Interactions

Embedded systems are often subject to constraints that require determinism to ensure that task deadlines are met. Such systems are referred to as real-time systems. Schedulability analysis provides a firm basis to ensure that tasks meet their deadlines for which knowledge of worst-case execution time (WCET) bounds is a critical piece of information. Static timing analysis techniques are used to derive these WCET bounds. A limiting factor for designing realtime systems is the class of processors that can be used. Typically, modern, complex processor pipelines cannot be used in real-time systems design. Contemporary processors with their advanced architectural features, such as out-of-order execution, branch prediction, speculation, prefetching, etc., cannot be statically analyzed to obtain tight WCET bounds for tasks. This is caused by the non-determinism of these features, which surfaces in full only at runtime. In this paper, we introduce a new paradigm to perform timing analysis of tasks for real-time systems running on modern processor architectures. We propose minor enhancements to the processor architecture to enable this process. These features, on interaction with software modules, are able to obtain tight, accurate timing analysis results for modern processors. We also briefly present analysis techniques that, combined with our timing analysis methods, reduce the complexity of worst-case estimations for loops. To the best of our knowledge, this method of constant interactions between hardware and software to calculate WCET bounds for out-of-order processors is the first of its kind.
Haploinsufficiency in DNA Polymerase β Increases Cancer Risk with Age and Alters Mortality Rate

This study uses a base excision repair (BER)-deficient model, the DNA polymerase beta heterozygous mouse, to investigate the effect of BER deficiency on tumorigenicity and aging. Aged beta-pol(+/-) mice express 50% less beta-pol transcripts and protein (P < 0.05) than aged beta-pol(+/+) mice, showing maintenance of the heterozygous state over the life span of the mouse. This reduction in beta-pol expression was not associated with an increase in mutation rate but was associated with a 100% increase in the onset of hypoploidy. Aged beta-pol(+/-) mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in developing lymphoma (P < 0.01). Accordingly, 38% of beta-pol(+/-) mice exhibited lymphoid hyperplasia, whereas none of the beta-pol(+/+) exhibited this phenotype. beta-pol(+/-) mice were also more likely to develop adenocarcinoma (2.7-fold increase; P < 0.05) and more likely to develop multiple tumors, as 20% of the beta-pol(+/-) animals died bearing multiple tumors compared with only 5% of the beta-pol(+/+) animals (P < 0.05). In spite of accelerated tumor development, no gross effect of beta-pol heterozygosity was seen with respect to life span. However, the survival curves for the beta-pol(+/+) and beta-pol(+/-) mice are not identical. A maximum likelihood estimation analysis showed a modest but significant (P < 0.05) acceleration of the age-dependent mortality rate in beta-pol(+/-) mice. Thus, the beta-pol(+/-) mouse represents a model in which mortality rate and tumor development are accelerated and provides evidence supporting the role of genomic maintenance in both aging and carcinogenesis.
Health services received by individuals with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy

Introduction Anecdotal reports from families and care providers suggest a wide variation in services received by individuals with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD). Methods We documented the type and frequency of health services received by individuals with DBMD using the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) interview data released in June 2012. Interviews with eligible caregivers from 5 sites (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, and western New York) were conducted from April 2007 to March 2012. Results Two hundred ninety-six caregivers (66% of those contactable) participated in the interview. There were significant differences among sites in the specialists seen and services received. Concurrence with cardiac recommendations was higher than that with respiratory recommendations. Conclusions The results of this survey support and quantify the anecdotal reports from families and care providers regarding the disparities in services received by individuals with DBMD. It remains to be determined whether these differences affect outcomes.
El Cambio, el Callejón, el Pueblo, y la Migra*: An Examination of Ecological Influences on Immigrant Latino Families' Adjustment in North Central Indiana

This study examined the adjustment experiences of immigrant Latino families in a rural Midwestern community during a time of major demographic changes, economic instability, and a sometimes hostile social and political climate. The sample consisted of 63 immigrant Latino parents who resided in North Central Indiana. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model as a guide and ethnographic methodology, we explored (a) immigrants’ experiences within the social, economic, and political landscapes of their new community, and (b) the effect of these influences on immigrant adjustment. Findings demonstrated that familismo proved to be a source of social capital for the families. Other findings are discussed, as well as suggestions for working with immigrant families.
Opening Proprietary Ecologies

In this chapter I outline a multidimensional approach to doing participatory action design research (PADR) with young people learning in what I theorize as “proprietary ecologies”. Proprietary ecologies are the multidimensional ecosystems of privatized data flows within which everyday life increasingly takes place. I use proprietary strategically to describe media that is privately owned and controlled through capitalist property regimes such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents. I theorize this as an “ecology” because the concept bridges an IT discourse of information systems that interact at various scales (i.e. information ecology) with a spatial understanding of the relations of production and reproduction at various scales (i.e. political ecology).
Application of the Invader RNA assay to the polarity of vertebrate mRNA decay.

The inability of structural elements within a reporter mRNA to impede processive decay by the major 5′ and 3′ exonucleases has been a major obstacle to understanding mechanisms of vertebrate mRNA decay. We present here a new approach to this problem focused on quantifying the decay of individual portions of a reporter mRNA. Our approach entails two parts. The first involves the use of a regulated promoter, such as one controlled by tetracycline, to allow reporter gene transcription to be turned off when needed. Cells stably expressing the tetracycline repressor protein are transiently or stably transfected with tetracycline-regulated beta-globin genes in which the sequence element under study is cloned into the 3′-UTR. The second involves the quantification of beta-globin mRNA using the Invader RNA assay, a sensitive and quantitative approach that relies on signal amplification instead of target amplification. Because the Invader RNA assay does not depend on downstream primer binding the use of multiple probes across the reporter beta-globin mRNA allows for quantification of the decay of individual portions of the mRNA independent of events acting at other sites.
Abstract P273: Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Mortality in the Northern Manhattan Study

Introduction: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) provides multiple health benefits, including a reduction in mortality. Fewer studies however have examined whether the health benefits of LTPA are modified by other risk factors for mortality, such as obesity. Methods: We collected baseline socio-demographics and cardiovascular risk factor data in a population-based, tri-ethnic prospective cohort (Northern Manhattan Study) using self-report and objective measures for vital signs and anthropometrics. The primary exposure was self-reported leisure-time physical activity and the outcomes of this analysis were total, vascular, and non-vascular deaths. Leisure-time physical activity was defined categorically as any activity versus none, and by quartiles of the Metabolic equivalents (MET)-score (weighted by total activity and intensity).We calculated the association of LTPA with the risk of mortality using multi-variable Cox-proportional hazards models, and examined interactions between leisure-time physical activity and body mass index (BMI) Results: A total of 3298 participants were enrolled (mean age 69, 52% Hispanic, 63% women) and followed over a mean of 11.8 years with 1589 total deaths (641 vascular, 819 non-vascular). In multi-variable models, compared to no LTPA, any activity (adjusted HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.75-0.94) and the upper quartile of the MET-score (adjusted HR 0.79, 95%CI 0.69-0.91) were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. There were similarly significant findings for non-vascular deaths, but the results for vascular death did not reach statistical significance (any activity versus none HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.76-1.08; upper quartile of the MET-score HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.71-1.10). We found that the effects of LTPA for risk of all-cause and vascular mortality were modified by obesity (all p for interactions Discussion: We found that the survival benefit of LTPA depends on BMI, with no definite evidence of a benefit among the obese. The health benefits of exercise should be considered in the context of the ameliorating other cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Synthesis of Logic Interpretations

Logic interpretations define the relationships between real-world entities and their logic representations. We introduce an explicit structure for documenting interpretations based on real-world types. As we have demonstrated previously, the benefits of using real-world types can be considerable, but the effort required might deter programmers. In this paper, we introduce a semi-automated mechanism that: (a) synthesizes candidate real-world types, (b) infers real-world type bindings for program variables, and (c) synthesizes candidate type rules from verified or trusted programs. We illustrate the synthesis approach using an open-source project for which we have previously developed a complete real-world type system.
Association of age with timing and amplitude of reflected pressure waves during exercise in men.

BACKGROUND Increased elastic conduit artery stiffness with aging is associated with early wave reflection and increased wasted left ventricular pressure energy (LVE(W)). The effects of aging on central hemodynamics during exercise have not been well characterized. This study sought to investigate changes in central hemodynamics during cycle exercise in young, middle-aged, and older men. METHODS Central blood pressure and wave reflection characteristics were measured noninvasively using radial artery applanation tonometry at rest and during cycling exercise (45, 55, and 65% of predicted maximum heart rate (HR(max))) in 14 young (24 ± 1 years), 16 middle-aged (49 ± 2 years) and 13 older (73 ± 2 years) men. RESULTS Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant group-by-time interactions for heart rate, central diastolic blood pressure (DBP), central pulse pressure (PP), PP amplification (PPA), central aortic pressure augmentation (AP), aortic augmentation index (AI(X)), and LVE(W). Magnitude of change from baseline was significantly different in the older group compared to young and middle-aged groups in response to exercise at 65% of predicted HR(max) for AP (+3 ± 1 mm Hg vs. -7 ± 1, P < 0.001 and -3 ± 1 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and LVE(W) (+724 ± 215 dynes s/cm(2)·min vs. -494 ± 199, P < 0.001 and -315 ± 192, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that changes in the timing and amplitude of reflected pressure waves during exercise alter the hemodynamic response to exercise with aging. In response to exercise, AP and LVE(W) increased in older subjects while young and middle-aged subjects exhibited a decline in AP and no change in LVE(W).
Building potential for graphene photodetectors

Photodetectors are ubiquitous, found in everyday products such as TV remotes, disc players and digital cameras as well as specialized devices for fiber optic communications and astronomical observations. Similarly, graphene has seen a quick emergence in a range of prototypic devices due to its attractive electronic, optical and mechanical properties.1 Using graphene in photodetection utilizes its high carrier mobility and zero bandgap that—among other advantages—show promise for wide-spectrum, high-speed, low-cost and flexible photosensors. Graphene-based photodetectors have typically relied on Schottky barriers formed near the metal–graphene contacts, where a built-in potential drives the separation and transport of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. However, symmetric metal–graphene–metal devices generate an equal positive and negative flow with a net zero photocurrent (Figure 1a). Using metals with asymmetric band structures breaks this equilibrium2 (Figure 1b) at the cost of additional fabrication steps and is limited by the maximum difference in barrier heights. Recently, Liu and co-workers3 from Peking University presented a step forward by creating a single p–n junction in graphene itself.
The Anti-inflammatory Effect of Qishenhuoxue Granule on Severe Sepsis

Objective:To study the anti-inflammatory effect of Qishenhuoxue Granule on severe sepsis,and the influence on calculations of Marshall score、 APACHE Ⅱ score and ICU stay.Methods:110 patients with severe sepsis or severe trauma from 4 hospital were randomly divided into two groups: 52 in control group (B group)and 58 in herbal group(A group).Patients were monitored for changes in laboratory variables (including TNF-a、 IL-6、 IL-10 et al),and calculations of Marshall score、 APACHE Ⅱ score and the length of stay in ICU.Results:In A group,IL-6 and TNF-a levels were significantly decreased and the length of stay in ICU was shortened after therapy.Conclusion:The chinese herbal preparation Qishenhuoxue Granule could reduce the blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-a,shorten the length of stay in ICU,and has significiant therapeutic effects on patients with severe sepsis.
Help for the hurting elderly. Safe use of drugs to relieve pain.

PreviewPrescribing drugs for pain in the elderly is difficult. Older patients are much more likely than younger ones to experience gastrointestinal and other problems from drug use and to be taking other necessary agents that interact with analgesics. In addition, age-related metabolic changes affect the potency and accumulation of drugs. Dr Egbert addresses these issues and gives practical tips for stepwise prescription of analgesics and adjuvant agents that may help control pain.
Pteridines produced by Methylococcus capsulatus. Isolation and identification of a neopterin 2′:3′-phosphate

Three pteridines have been isolated from the methane- or methanol-oxidizing bacterium Methylococcus capsulatus. Two of these are known compounds, 2-amino-6-carboxy-4-hydroxypteridine and 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methylpteridine. The third is shown by degradative and synthetic experiments to be l-threo-neopterin 2':3'-phosphate. Labelling experiments show that both the pteridine moiety and phosphate residue are derived from a single GTP molecule. The possible metabolic significance of these compounds in methanol oxidation is discussed.
The impact of PSA on prostate cancer management. Can we abandon routine staging pelvic lymphadenectomy

Despite a negative metastatic evaluation, up to 100% of patients with high-grade tumors are found to harbor metastatic disease within the pelvic lymph nodes at the time of surgery. This article reviews the literature regarding efforts to refine noninvasive preoperative staging through the use of serum tumor markers, improved radiologic imaging, and histologic analysis of the biopsy specimens. A discussion of the renewed controversy regarding the role of pelvic lymphadenectomy in the management of adenocarcinoma of the prostate follows.
Motivated for Action and Collaboration: The Abrahamic Religions and Climate Change

Leaders of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have publicly advocated action to mitigate the adverse effects of human-forced climate change. Particularly prominent prior to, during, and after the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change were Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Pope Francis, and Patriarch Bartholomew. Also prominent was a group of Islamic clerics, leaders of organizations, and scholars who collaborated in issuing a declaration on climate change three months prior to COP 21. Informed by the Earth sciences, these leaders shared their faith-based rationales for acting locally to internationally as indicated in the documents explored in this article. Examples of organizations motivated by their leaders’ faith perspectives demonstrate their readiness to act informed by scientists. To work effectively, these religious leaders and activist groups require well-substantiated conclusions from data collected to counter unsubstantiated claims by climate skeptics. Earth scientists will find among the religious leaders and groups allies in the quest for a flourishing planet.
Regional myocardial flow and capillary permeability-surface area products are nearly proportional

Analyses of data on the transcapillary exchange and cellular uptake in the normal heart have generally been based on the assumption that local membrane conductances and volumes of distribution are everywhere the same. The question is whether such an assumption is justified in view of the marked (sixfold) heterogeneity of local blood flows per gram tissue. The method was to estimate both flow and capillary membrane permeability-surface area products (PS) locally in the heart. For each of five dogs running on a sloped treadmill, the deposition of tracer microspheres and of [131I]iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (IPPA), after left atrial injection, was determined in 256 pieces of left ventricular myocardium by killing the animals at approximately 100 s after radiotracer injection. A hydraulic occluder stopped the flow to a portion of the myocardium supplied by the left circumflex coronary artery 30 s before tracer injection. Regional flows ranged from 0.1 to 7.0 ml.g-1.min-1. IPPA extractions ranged from 20 to 49%. Using the known flows, we assumed the applicability of an axially distributed blood-tissue exchange model to estimate the PS for the capillary (PSc) and the parenchymal cell. It was impossible to explain the data if the PSc values for membrane transport were uniform throughout the organ. Rather, the only reasonable descriptors of the data required that local PSc values increase with local flow, almost in proportion. Current methods of analysis using data based on deposition methods need to be revised to take into account the near proportionality of PS to flow for at least some substrates.
Modeling and Specification of a Data-Centric Web Service

In order to formally specify a data-centric Web service, we need first to model the data managed by a service. The model should accommodate different data infrastructures and should support the formal definition of data-related business rules. The model should be also flexible enough to support different levels of abstraction. In the remainder of this manuscript, we will use the term Web service to refer to an operation that is invoked remotely over the Web. While a WSDL file can contain the description of more than one operation. We choose to refer to each operation as a Web service for simplicity.
Giving the Average Investor the Keys to the Kingdom: How the Federal Securities Laws Facilitate Wealth Inequality

Wealth inequality is one of the most pressing issues facing America today. Currently, the top ten percent of American households control over 84 percent of all American wealth, a proportion that has increased over 300 percent since 1986. While this issue continues to generate intense scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle, the role the federal securities laws play in facilitating wealth inequality goes largely unnoticed. In their present form, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 1 Bender: Giving the Average Investor the Keys to the Kingdom: How the Fede Published by Digital Commons at Michigan State University College of Law, 2016 2 Journal of Business & Securities Law [Vol. 15 contain exemptions to their registration and disclosure requirements that apply only to private placements—securities offerings and investment funds not offered for sale on a public securities marketplace. In the interest of investor protection, the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act prevent all but the extremely wealthy from investing in these private placements. Over the past two decades, wealthy investors comprising no more than the top ten percent of all Americans have been able to use the advantages of private placements to accumulate investment returns denied to the average middle class investor. This Note will outline how the exclusive private placement kingdom has contributed to wealth inequality in America and why the time has come to give the average investor the keys to this kingdom.
A segmentation editing framework based on shape change statistics

Segmentation is a key task in medical image analysis because its accuracy significantly affects successive steps. Automatic segmentation methods often produce inadequate segmentations, which require the user to manually edit the produced segmentation slice by slice. Because editing is time-consuming, an editing tool that enables the user to produce accurate segmentations by only drawing a sparse set of contours would be needed. This paper describes such a framework as applied to a single object. Constrained by the additional information enabled by the manually segmented contours, the proposed framework utilizes object shape statistics to transform the failed automatic segmentation to a more accurate version. Instead of modeling the object shape, the proposed framework utilizes shape change statistics that were generated to capture the object deformation from the failed automatic segmentation to its corresponding correct segmentation. An optimization procedure was used to minimize an energy function that consists of two terms, an external contour match term and an internal shape change regularity term. The high accuracy of the proposed segmentation editing approach was confirmed by testing it on a simulated data set based on 10 in-vivo infant magnetic resonance brain data sets using four similarity metrics. Segmentation results indicated that our method can provide efficient and adequately accurate segmentations (Dice segmentation accuracy increase of 10%), with very sparse contours (only 10%), which is promising in greatly decreasing the work expected from the user.
Gratitude in buyer-seller relationships: a dyadic investigation

In addressing the call for research to understand affect in sales, this research uses moral affect theory and literature on emotional contagion to examine the effects of salesperson gratitude and customer gratitude on downstream relationship outcomes. The findings of this work suggest that salesperson prosocial behaviors account for the positive association between salesperson gratitude and customer gratitude. These prosocial behaviors – information sharing and extra-role behaviors – combined with customer gratitude serve as explanatory mechanisms for the positive effects of salesperson gratitude on customer commitment, which is an important result of buyer-seller interactions and an essential component of long-term relationships. Further, this research finds that salesperson extra-role behaviors and relationship length interact such that salesperson extra-role behaviors cultivate customer gratitude within developing and established relationships, but that these behaviors are particularly beneficial for l...
A novel interleaved non-isolated high-gain DC-DC boost converter with Greinacher voltage multiplier cells

This paper presents a novel interleaved high-gain DC-DC boost converter with Greinacher voltage multiplier cells (GVMC). The proposed topology consists of two stages: an interleaved boost stage to reduce the AC ripple on the input current and the voltage multiplier circuit to increase the voltage gain ratio. The voltage stress on active switches is lower than that from the conventional boost converter, which allows selection of efficient components. The interleaved boost stage contains two inductors and two switches with the capability of being fed by either a single or two sources. Steady-state analysis and design of active and passive components are illustrated. A 20 to a 400 V dc converter model is simulated, and A 200 W, prototype is experimentally implemented to verify the theory and simulation.
Alpha Synuclein Fibrils Contain Multiple Binding Sites for Small Molecules

The fibrillary aggregation of the protein alpha synuclein (Asyn) is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, and the identification of small molecule binding sites on fibrils is essential to the development of diagnostic imaging probes. A series of molecular modeling, photoaffinity labeling, mass spectrometry, and radioligand binding studies were conducted on Asyn fibrils. The results of these studies revealed the presence of three different binding sites within fibrillar Asyn capable of binding small molecules with moderate to high affinity. A knowledge of the amino acid residues in these binding sites will be important in the design of high affinity probes capable of imaging fibrillary species of Asyn.
Differentiating Intrarenal Ectopic Adrenal Tissue From Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Kidney.

Background. Adrenal rest (AR) is the presence of ectopic adrenal cortical tissue, often identified incidentally during autopsy (20% of postmortem examination). In the kidney, AR can be found in 6% ...
Psychological Perspectives on Technology as Societal Option, Source of Hazard and Generator of Environmental Impacts

Technology assessment (TA), risk assessment (RA), and environmental impact assessment (EIA) constitute distinctive but related mechanisms for promoting a proper relation of technology to society and the environment. Respectively, they treat technology as societal option (TA), as source of hazard (RA), and as generator of environmental impacts (EIA). Each of these activities raises psychological issues that are being usefully addressed in research programs.
Determination of Nutrients in Foods: Factors That Must Be Considered

The importance and awareness of nutrition in public health issues has resulted in increased demands for knowledge of the nutrient content of foods. This knowledge is required by scientists conducting research in such areas as nutrition, food science, clinical chemistry, and epidemiology. Dieticians and other professionals responsible for formulating diets are requesting detailed information about the nutrient content of foods. Food industry personnel and government officials concerned with nutrient labeling also have an increased need for detailed nutrient composition data.
Seymour's Second Neighborhood Conjecture for Subsets of Vertices

Seymour conjectured that every oriented simple graph contains a vertex whose second neighborhood is at least as large as its first. In this note, we put forward a conjecture that we prove is actually equivalent: every oriented simple graph contains a subset of vertices $S$ whose second neighborhood is at least as large as its first. This subset perspective gives some insight into the original conjecture. For example, if there is a counterexample to the second neighborhood conjecture with minimum degree $\delta$, then there exists a counterexample on at most ${\delta + 1 \choose 2}$ vertices. Given a vertex $v$, let $d_1^+(v)$ and $d_2^+(v)$ be the size of its first and second neighborhoods respectively. A digraph is $m$-free if there is no directed cycle on $m$ or fewer vertices. Let $\lambda_m$ be the largest value such that every $m$-free graph contains a vertex $v$ with $d_2^+(v) \geq \lambda_m d_1^+(v)$. The second neighborhood conjecture implies $\lambda_m = 1$ for all $m \geq 2$. Liang and Xu provided lower bounds for all $\lambda_m$, and showed that $\lambda_m \to 1$ as $m \to \infty$. We improve on Liang and Xu's bound for $m \geq 3$ using this subset perspective.
A Literature Review of Family Firm Boards: An Input-Mediator-Output-Input Perspective

Employing a synthesis model, this chapter examines the relationship between board structure and board processes within family firms. By reviewing the family firm governance literature from the past 20 years, we apply the Ilgen et al. (Annu Rev Psychol 56:517–543, 2005) input-mediator-output-input framework to identify heterogeneous family processes which ultimately impact the forming, functioning, and finishing stages of boards of directors in family firms. In doing so, we help to answer questions of why family firm boards are effective rather than what predicts board effectiveness, as well as provide guidance for future research.
5.31 Spousal Testimonial Privilege

This article addresses the spousal testimonial privilege. It discusses the rationale and history of the privilege as well as its current requirements. The privilege allows a spouse to refuse to testify against the other spouse in a criminal proceeding, but does not allow a criminal defendant to block the testimony by his or her spouse if the testifying spouse chooses to waive the privilege. The privilege requires a lawful marriage and does not apply to sham marriages.
Prostitución y ordenanzas cívicas: de regular "sobre" a regular "con"

This article analyses the different ideological positions that exist in relation to the approach to prostitution and its incidence in legal systems and in persons who practice prostitution. Likewise, the current model in Spain and the different strategies that the public authorities have adopted against prostitution are analysed, depending on whether they are state, autonomous or local subjects, focusing on the regulation promoted by civic ordinances and their social and legal projection. By way of conclusion, we question the current system in order to propose the empowerment of this group through the reforms introduced by Law 39/2015, of October the 1st, about the Common Administrative Procedure of Public Administrations, regarding the preparation of it regulations and their need for citizen participation, leading to a paradigm shift, to go to regulate "with" them instead of to regulate "over" them.
Ferroelectrics and Other Ferroic Materials

Dielectric polarization can be traced to several atomic mechanisms [1]. When an electric field is applied to a solid, electric charge is displaced, creating polarization. The field-induced dipole moment p is proportional to the local electric field, E loc: $$ p = \alpha {E_{loc}} $$ The total polarizability a can be written as the sum of four terms representing the most important contributions to the polarization. $$ \alpha = {\alpha _e} + {\alpha _i} + {\alpha _d} + {\alpha _s} $$
Epileptic Spasms Predict Poor Epilepsy Outcomes After Perinatal Stroke

Perinatal stroke is a significant cause of severe epilepsy, including epileptic spasms. Although epileptic spasms due to underlying structural lesion often respond poorly to treatment and evolve into drug-resistant epilepsy, outcomes are not uniformly poor, and predictors of outcomes are not well described. We performed a single-institution retrospective review of epileptic spasms following perinatal stroke to determine if outcome depended on vascular subtype. We identified 24 children with epileptic spasms due to perinatal ischemic stroke: 11 cases of perinatal arterial stroke and 13 cases of perinatal venous infarct. Initial response to treatment was similar between groups; however, although children with perinatal arterial stroke who responded to epileptic spasms therapy had high rates of seizure freedom, many children with perinatal venous infarct, regardless of initial response, had residual drug-resistant epilepsy. We consider whether the mechanism for epileptogenesis may be different between arterial and venous strokes, and whether these 2 groups should be monitored for epileptic spasms, and subsequent epilepsy, differently.
Estimating Personal Resting Heart Rate from Wearable Biosensor Data

To date, there has not been a comprehensive evaluation of how to best characterize resting heart rate (RHR), which varies over time and between individuals with different activity/rest habits. Current methods for obtaining RHR require hands-on clinical measurements or utilize proprietary methods based on wearable device data. To increase the accessibility of RHR as a digital biomarker and to move toward a standardized and consistent RHR calculation method, we propose a novel model for estimating personal RHR from consumer wearable device data. Motivated by previous literature on how the magnitude and deviation of heart rate changes with different physical activity levels, this model uses optimal daytime activity-related parameter values to estimate RHR. Additionally, we propose several metrics for evaluating this model and conclude that our model contributes a reasonable starting point for systematically estimating personal RHR from wearable biosensor data.
Wake steering optimization under uncertainty

Abstract. Turbines in wind power plants experience significant power losses when wakes from upstream turbines affect the energy production of downstream turbines. A promising plant-level control strategy to reduce these losses is wake steering, where upstream turbines are yawed to direct wakes away from downstream turbines. However, there are significant uncertainties in many aspects of the wake steering problem. For example, infield sensors do not give perfect information, and inflow to the plant is complex and difficult to forecast with available information, even over short time periods. Here, we formulate and solve an optimization under uncertainty (OUU) problem for determining optimal plant-level wake steering strategies in the presence of independent uncertainties in the direction, speed, turbulence intensity, and shear of the incoming wind, as well as in turbine yaw positions. The OUU wake steering strategy is first examined for a two-turbine test case to explore the impacts of different types of inflow uncertainties, and it is then demonstrated for a more realistic 11-turbine wind power plant. Of the sources of uncertainty considered, we find that wake steering strategies are most sensitive to uncertainties in the wind speed and direction. When maximizing expected power production, the OUU strategy also tends to favor smaller yaw angles, which have been shown in previous work to reduce turbine loading. Ultimately, the plant-level wake steering strategy formulated using an OUU approach yields 0.48 % more expected annual energy production for the 11-turbine wind plant than a strategy that neglects uncertainty when considering stochastic inputs. Thus, not only does the present OUU strategy produce more power in realistic conditions, but it also reduces risk by prescribing strategies that call for less extreme yaw angles.