cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A stereological model of the degree

A simple geometric model of pore and grain structure has been used to explain the experimentally observed constancy of the degree of grain boundary-pore contact,R, throughout intermediate and final stage sintering. As modeled, constancy ofR in the final stage requires a balance among the number of pores per grain, the ratio of the pore and grain sizes, and the relative frequencies of pore locations at grain corners, edges, and surfaces. Experimentally, these location frequen- cies were found to remain constant for both pure and MgO-doped A12O3, over the observed range from 91 to 99.8 pct of full density. The number of pores per grain increased and the pore/grain size ratio decreased over this period for both materials. Employing experimental microstructural data for the above parameters in the model yielded the predicted linear plots, with intercepts givingR values very close to the values measured by direct stereological means. The model also yielded reasonable, constant values ofR for intermediate stage sintering and explains the constancy ofR throughout the transition from intermediate to final stage.
Multiplicative Measurements of a Trait Anxiety Scale as Predictors of Burnout

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether combining the two dimensions of anxiety (i.e., intensity and direction) by using a multiplicative model would strengthen the prediction of burnout. Collegiate athletes (N = 157) completed the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire as well as a trait version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2D. Three separate hierarchical regression analyses with four blocks were conducted to predict each one of the burnout subscales from anxiety intensity and direction while controlling for gender. The multiplicative variable for cognitive anxiety was a significant predictor of reduced sense of accomplishment (p < .01). Self-confidence was the only directional scale that predicted reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional/physical exhaustion, and devaluation (p < .01). In addition, gender was found to predict overall burnout in all three subscales as a control variable (p < .05). Conclusions and applied implications are drawn based on the results.
The role of television advisories and ratings in parent‐child discussion of television viewing choices

This study examined the effect of violence advisories and MPAA ratings on both parent‐child television viewing choices and on their verbal interactions while making those choices. Seventy parent‐child dyads were videotaped while reading, discussing and filling out a TV Guide booklet. There were several pages in the booklet. One set of choices contained program descriptions of 3 violent shows with no advisory or rating; one set of descriptions contained 3 violent programs, one of which had an advisory; and a third set of program descriptions contained 3 violent programs, one of which had a “PG‐13” rating, while the other two had a “PG” rating. Parent‐child dyads disproportionately avoided programs with either advisories or more restrictive MPAA ratings. Parents mainly made negative comments about the advisories and restrictive ratings whereas children, especially older children, were more likely to make positive comments about the advisories and ratings. In addition, the presence of an advisory or MPAA rat...
Uterine motility in the cow during the estrous cycle. III. Effects of oxytocin, xylazine, and adrenoceptor blockers

Abstract Intrauterine pressure (IUP) was recorded in nonlactating dairy cows using an intraluminal catheter with two micropressure transducers located 15 cm apart at the distal end. There was a significant increase (P The effect of pretreatment with adrenoceptor-blocking agents on IUP changes induced by xylazine and oxytoxin was evaluated. Alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade (prazosin) had no effect on IUP following xylazine treatment. However, alpha-2 adrenoceptor blockade (yohimbine) resulted in a reduction (P
Durable and Regenerable Antibacterial Finishing of Fabrics with a New Hydantoin Derivative

Durable and regenerable antibacterial fabrics were prepared by using an innovative chemical technology employing a precursor biocidal agent, dimethylol dimethylhydantoin (DMDMH), in a chemical finishing process. The method resulted in significant add-on rates of hydantoin groups on cellulose and established a durable antimicrobial functionality, once the grafted heterocyclic compounds were chlorinated by diluted chlorine bleaching. Both cotton fabrics and polyester/cotton fabrics exposed to treatment baths containing from 2 to 10% of DMDMH acquired a powerful inactivating capacity against a wide range of food-borne and water-borne infectious disease agents. The biocidal functions are regenerable by regular laundry exposure to chlorine bleach and can withstand over 50 standard machine washes without appreciable deterioration. In addition to their powerful antimicrobial efficacy, the fabrics exhibited improved wrinkle resistance and maintained appropriate mechanical properties, making them ideal for medical...
Leaf carbon isotope ratios in three landscape species growing in an arid environment

Abstract The effect of leaching fraction (LF = drainage volume/irrigation volume) and tree planting size on the carbon isotope ratio measured in leaves of live oak ( Quercus virginiana ), desert willow ( Chilopsis linearis ) and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ; LF only) were investigated in an arid climate. Irrigations were applied to maintain LFs of +0·25, 0·00 or −0·25 (theoretical). Live oak and desert willow were planted as 3·8, 18·9 or 56·8 l nursery container plants in lysimeters where hydrologic balances were maintained weekly. Leaf carbon isotope ratios varied by species across the three LFs (live oak>desert willow>tall fescue). In live oak, leaf carbon isotope ratios increased as LF decreased but did not change with planting size. In desert willow the ratios increased with decreasing LF and with increasing planting size. In tall fescue the leaf carbon isotope ratio decreased as the LF increased. Leaf carbon isotope ratios also varied with stomatal conductance, leaf xylem water potentials and water-use efficiency (WUE). In live oak, both average midday stomatal conductance and leaf xylem water potential decreased with increasing leaf carbon isotope ratio. Average stomatal conductance for live oak was negatively correlated with average leaf WUE. Average leaf WUE in live oak and tall fescue were correlated with average leaf carbon isotope ratios. However, in tall fescue leaf WUE increased as the leaf carbon isotope ratio became more negative. In live oak the ratio became more positive as leaf WUE increased. This study has demonstrated that leaf carbon isotope ratios can be used as a way of screening plant response for low water-use landscapes, but only after careful correlations for each species have been established between growth form and growing conditions.
Approaches to perioperative care for esophagectomy.

DESPITE ITS LONGSTANDING RECOGNITION, esophageal carcinoma remains a highly lethal disease that affects thousands of patients annually. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports heterogenous development of mortality from esophageal cancer over time (Fig 1). Although improvements over time have been made in the mortality rates of black women and men, the mortality for white men actually has increased in the last decade of the 20th century. In 2010, death rates from esophageal cancer were approximately 40/100,000 for men Z 65 years of age and about 10/100,000 for women Z 65 years of age. In 1990, death rates were significantly higher for black than for white patients; in 2010 the death rates were similar (Fig 1). Perioperative mortality for esophagectomy is the highest among elective procedures, and has been reported from 1% to 3% in contemporary single-center studies and between 3.4% high-volume hospitals and 17.3% in low-volume hospitals in a large multicenter retrospective study assessing cancer outcomes from 1984 to 1993 in patients older than 65. A recent study looking at trends and outcomes of esophageal surgery in the United States examined the national inpatient sample database to analyze results for patients with esophageal cancer treated with either total or partial esophagectomy. Between 2001 and 2010 in the United States, 15,190 esophagectomies were performed. Although numbers increased progressively during this period, mortality decreased from 8.3% to 4.2%.
Dynamic power management algorithms in maximizing net profit

In this paper, we study energy management algorithms for job scheduling. In our model, each job has a release time, a processing time, a reward, and a deadline. The objective is to maximize net profit, defined as the difference between the total reward achieved by completing jobs by their deadlines and the total energy consumption accrued during this course. The net profit model generalizes the well-studied minimum-energy model (Irani and Pruhs, ACM SIGACT News 2005, Baptiste et al. ESA 2007). For the net profit model, we discuss the hardness of the general case and design polynomial-time algorithms for a few important variants.
Do assisted reproductive technologies cause adverse fetal outcomes

Treatment for infertility using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is highly successful and has been used to help a steadily growing number of couples worldwide. In 1999, in the United States, more than 86,000 treatment cycles were performed resulting in the birth of more than 30,000 babies. Despite this widespread application, few follow-up studies of children conceived through ART have been performed, and more rigorous investigation of this important issue has clearly been needed. In recent months, three studies linking ART with several complications have been published in high profile and widely read general medical journals: Schieve et al. (1) reported that singletons conceived using ART were at an increased risk for low birth weight, whereas Hansen et al. (2) suggested an increased risk of major birth defects. Finally, Stromberg et al. (3) concluded that children conceived through IVF have an increased risk of neurological problems, especially cerebral palsy.
Toxicokinetics and biotransformation of p-nitrophenol in the black turban snail (Tegula funebralis)

Abstract An acute study was carried out to determine the toxicokinetics and biotransformation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) in the black turban snail (Tegula funebralis), an intertidal gastropod mollusc. Snails (n = 80), in four groups of 20, were exposed to 10 mg/l of [U-14C]PNP for 24 h in a static chamber in order to measure bioconcentration (total concentration factor, TCF); the absorption rate constant (Ka); the conditional uptake clearance (Ku), which represents the volume of water cleared of PNP per hour; the elimination rate constant (Ke); and the elimination half-life ( t 1 2 ). Following exposure, the snails were transferred to a flow-through metabolism chamber for an additional 24 h. All eliminated residues were collected via Amberlite XAD-7 resin, identified by high-pressure liquid co-chromatography, and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Using simplified equations, the ka, ku, ke, t 1 2 , and TCF were calculated to be 0.06 ± 0.01/h, 3.28 ± 0.62 ml/g h−1, 0.84 ± 0.10/h, 0.84 ± 0.11h, and 0.13 ± 0.02, respectively. The snails depurated 89% of the retained residues, of which the majority remained unchanged PNP (96.1%); metabolites were identified to be p-nitrophenyl sulfate (1.7%),p-acetomidophenol (1.4%), p-nitroanisole (0.5%), and p-aminophenol (0.3%).
Time-resolved X-ray studies of structure development in poly(butylene terephthalate) during isothermal crystallization

Isothermal melt crystallization in poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) homopolymers and glass-fiber-filled composite was studied by time-resolved simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) methods using synchrotron radiation. During primary crystallization, both average long period and lamellar thickness exhibit a significant decrease. During secondary crystallization, the long period and lamellar thickness show a smaller decrease over a longer period of time, which is approximately linear with log time. Similar to other semicrystalline polymers, the morphology of PBT formed during isothermal crystallization can be best described by a dual-lamellar stack model. In this model, primary lamellar stacks are formed first comprising thicker crystalline lamellae, whereas secondary lamellar stacks are formed later between the primary lamellar stacks (as observed by the small change of the interlayer amorphous thickness with time). In addition, no isothermal lamellar thickening is observed. From SWAXS measurements, the appearance of the SAXS peak appears to occur prior to WAXD crystal reflection peaks, suggesting that density fluctuations are probably present before melt crystallization. The lamellar morphology and crystallization rate is found to be a function of molecular weight. The glass filler in the PBT composites has no obvious effect on the lamellar structure, but it appears to act as a nucleating agent.
Cost-effectiveness of in vitro fertilization.

Objective To estimate the cost per woman delivered of pregnancies from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, and to assess what factors contribute to the cost. Methods The cost during 2 years' experience of a single IVF program was analyzed retrospectively. Cost analysis included cost of the IVF procedure itself as well as costs incurred because of maternal and neonatal complications. Results The major contributor to the total cost of IVF was high-order multiple pregnancies. The cost per woman delivered of singleton or twin pregnancies was approximately $39,000, whereas the cost per woman delivered of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies was approximately $340,000. Conclusion In vitro fertilization can be cost-effective if steps are taken to minimize high-order multiple (triplet or more) pregnancies.
Roles of Inhibition in Creating Complex Auditory Responses in the Inferior Colliculus: Facilitated Combination-Sensitive Neurons

We studied roles of inhibition on temporally sensitive facilitation in combination-sensitive neurons from the mustached bat's inferior colliculus (IC). In these integrative neurons, excitatory resp...
ELR-Negative CXC Chemokine CXCL11 (IP-9/I-TAC) Facilitates Dermal and Epidermal Maturation during Wound Repair

In skin wounds, the chemokine CXCR3 receptor appears to play a key role in coordinating the switch from regeneration of the ontogenically distinct mesenchymal and epithelial compartments toward maturation. However, because CXCR3 equivalently binds four different ELR-devoid CXC chemokines (ie, PF4/CXCL4, IP-10/CXCL10, MIG/CXCL9, and IP-9/CXCL11), we sought to identify the ligand that coordinates epidermal coverage with the maturation of the underlying superficial dermis. Because CXCL11 (IP-9 or I-TAC) is produced by redifferentiating keratinocytes late in the regenerative phase when re-epithelialization is completed and matrix maturation ensues, we generated mice in which an antisense construct (IP-9AS) eliminated IP-9 expression during the wound-healing process. Both full and partial thickness excisional wounds were created and analyzed histologically throughout a 2-month period. Wound healing was impaired in the IP-9AS mice, with a hypercellular and immature dermis noted even after 60 days. Re-epithelialization was delayed with a deficient delineating basement membrane persisting in mice expressing the IP-9AS construct. Provisional matrix components persisted in the dermis, and the mature basement membrane components laminin V and collagen IV were severely diminished. Interestingly, the inflammatory response was not diminished despite IP-9/I-TAC being chemotactic for such cells. We conclude that IP-9 is a key ligand in the CXCR3 signaling system for wound repair, promoting re-epithelialization and modulating the maturation of the superficial dermis.
Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss

In reply: We thank Dr Barnett for bringing up an excellent point regarding the importance of weight loss in the overall management of OSA. We did not intend to overlook its importance. We fully agree with Dr Barnett that weight loss should be emphasized and encouraged in all overweight patients with OSA. Weight loss in those with OSA may help decrease comorbidity burden, improve breathing parameters during sleep, and possibly expand the role for non-CPAP options in the treatment of OSA. Unfortunately, few patients successfully maintain weight loss.1 Furthermore, many sleep facilities do not have well-developed referral links to successful weight loss programs. Even dramatic weight loss via bariatric surgery may not cure OSA. A recent meta-analysis2 of 12 studies encompassing 342 patients that examined the effect of bariatric surgery on OSA revealed that only 25% of patients achieved resolution of OSA after surgery, even with a mean body mass index decrease of 16.9 kg/m2. For all these reasons, there is a sobering tendency to quickly look beyond weight loss when reviewing OSA management options.
Reducing dating anxiety: A meta‐analysis

A meta‐analysis was used to summarize the existing research on methods of reducing heterosexual dating anxiety. Twenty studies were identified as relevant for this analysis. The average positive effect (r = .336) demonstrates that intervention techniques successfully reduce dating anxiety and increase the dating behavior of the participants. The implications of this finding for issues surrounding the link between communication competence and sexual coercion/date rape are discussed.
Thrombin Receptor Actions in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Abstract Previous studies established that thrombin stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and modulates contractile function in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The present study further defines the signaling pathways activated by the thrombin receptor and their role in thrombin’s actions in cardiac myocytes. The thrombin receptor–derived agonist peptide (TRAP, a portion of the tethered ligand created by thrombin’s proteolytic activity) stimulates the rapid and transient accumulation of inositol bis- and tris-phosphates (IP2 and IP3, respectively), which is followed by the more gradual and sustained accumulation of inositol monophosphate (IP1). TRAP elicits a larger and more sustained accumulation of IP1 than does thrombin. Thrombin and TRAP also activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Differences in the kinetics and magnitude of thrombin- and TRAP-dependent inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation are paralleled by differences in the kinetics and magnitude of thrombin- and TRAP-dependent activation of MAPK. Pretreatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) to downregulate protein kinase C (PKC) attenuates thrombin- and TRAP-dependent activation of MAPK, although small and equivalent effects of thrombin and TRAP to stimulate MAPK persist in PMA-pretreated cells. These results support the notion that the thrombin receptor activates MAPK through PKC-dependent and PKC-independent pathways and that the incremental activation of MAPK by TRAP over that induced by thrombin is the consequence of enhanced activation through the PKC limb of the phosphoinositide lipid pathway. TRAP also increases the beating rate of spontaneously contracting ventricular myocytes and elevates cytosolic calcium in myocytes electrically driven at a constant basic cycle length. The effects of TRAP to modulate contractile function and elevate intracellular calcium are not inhibited by tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate (D609, to block TRAP-dependent IP accumulation) or pretreatment with PMA (to downregulate PKC). The TRAP-dependent rise in intracellular calcium also is not inhibited by verapamil or removal of extracellular calcium but is markedly attenuated by depletion of sarcoplasmic reticular calcium stores by caffeine. Patch-clamp experiments demonstrate that TRAP elevates intracellular calcium in cells held at a membrane potential of −70 mV. Taken together, these results support the conclusion that the thrombin receptor modulates contractile function by mobilizing intracellular calcium through an IP3-independent mechanism and that this response does not require activation of voltage-gated ion channels.
The highly conserved Gln49 and Ser50 of mammalian connexin43 are present in chick connexin43 and essential for functional gap junction channels.

In an attempt to compare the regulation of chick connexin43 channels to those of mammalian connexin43, we found that the nucleotide sequence reported for chick connexin43 differs from that of the chick connexin gene by two codons that had been entered as histidine49 (H49) and valine50 (V50) (accession no. M29003), but are in fact glutamine49 (Q49) and serine50 (S50). Neuro2A cells were transfected with corrected wild-type (Q49/S50) chick connexin43 (accession no. AF233738), the double-replacement Q49H/S50V connexin43, or the single replacement of Q49H or S50V. All clones had gap junctions in membrane based on immunocytochemistry and immunoblots of the triton-resistant membrane fraction. Wild-type transfectants had three conductance states with a predominant channel conductance of 85 &#45 5 pS. Cells producing the Q49H-Cx43 or the double-replacement Q49H/S50V-Cx43 protein had no detectable connexin43 channels. In contrast, cells expressing S50V-Cx43 gap junctions had channels with reduced conductances (75 ...
The What, the Why, and the How: A Review of Racial Microaggressions Research in Psychology

Since the publication of Sue et al. (Am Psychol 62:271–286, 2007a, b) seminal article, there has been an enormous scholarly interest in psychology on this construct of racial microaggressions—subtle everyday experiences of racism. In this paper, we provide a review of racial microaggressions research literature in psychology since 2007, following the publication of the first comprehensive taxonomy of racial microaggressions, which provided a conceptual framework and directions for research related to racial microaggressions. However, our review suggests that important conceptual and methodological issues remain to be addressed in the three domains: (1) what are racial microaggressions and who do they impact; (2) why are racial microaggressions important to examine; and (3) how are racial microaggressions currently studied and how might we improve the methodologies used to study racial microaggressions. We propose recommendations to further facilitate racial microaggressions research, improve the scientific rigor of racial microaggressions research, and contribute toward a more complete and sophisticated understanding of the concept and consequences of racial microaggressions—a construct that is undoubtedly salient and psychologically relevant among many members of racial minority groups.
Causality in Genetics: The Gradient of Genetic Effects and Back to Koch's Postulates of Causality

See Research Commentary, p e2 Genetics provide a robust scientific platform for establishing a relationship between a cause, for example, a genetic variant, and an effect, such as a disease phenotype. Yet, causality in genetics is a probabilistic and rarely a deterministic certainty. The causal relationship between a genetic variant and a phenotype is provisional to the conditions and the environment, such as the genetic backgrounds, in which the causal variants and the phenotype operate. The degree of probabilistic causality is, in part, determined by the effect sizes of the genetic variants, which typically follow a gradient ranging from minimal to large.1,2 Genetic variants (single nucleotide variants, small insertion/deletions, and structural variations) with large effect sizes are highly penetrant, as exemplified by variants that are responsible for the single gene disorders with Mendelian patterns of inheritance. In such circumstances, the cause-and-effect relationship is best analyzed through cosegregation and linkage analyses, whereby a logarithm of odds score of ≥3 is considered strong evidence of a genetic linkage but not necessarily a definitive indicator of causality. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the variants that exert modest effect sizes and, hence, are less penetrant. In such cases, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship is more challenging, because such low-penetrant variants typically do not show a clear cosegregation with the phenotype and are often found in the general population as well. Establishing the causal role of the variants is more challenging in small families, and even more so in a single individual. Further compounding the ascertainment of causality is the influence of the genetic backgrounds (modifier genetic variants) and the environmental factors, which are expected to exert greater influence when the effect sizes of the causal genetic variants are rather small. Hence, a genetic variant with a small or moderate …
Soft Delay Error Analysis in Logic Circuits

In this paper, we present an analysis methodology to compute circuit node sensitivity due to charged particle induced delay (timing) errors, Soft Delay Errors (SDE). We define node sensitivity metric and describe a step by step procedure to compute node sensitivity. We use mixed-mode simulations to extract accurate current pulses for the characterization of SDE. A technique for logic cell library characterization for SDE is described. Our approach is orders of magnitude faster than using Spice based analysis and its accuracy is close to Spice. Using our approach, we provide distribution of nodes sensitivity for various ISCAS85 circuits and two adders. Such analysis is important to employ node hardening techniques on selected nodes to increase the reliability of CMOS circuits. We use two test circuits to apply a node hardening technique on the highly sensitivy nodes which were determined by our approach. Results are provided for the reduction of the circuit sensitivity.
Investment and information value for a risk averse firm

This paper analyzes the problem faced by a risk-averse firm considering how much to invest in a risky project. The firm receives a signal about the value of the project. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions on the signal distribution such that (i) the agent’s investment is nondecreasing in the realization of the signal, and (ii) different signals can be ranked according to their ex ante information value. Finally, we provide conditions under which it is possible to compare the incentive to acquire information across agents with different risk preferences, and we identify a class of utility functions for which agents who are less risk averse purchase more information.
Low power IC design for energy harvesting wireless biosensors

Advances in energy harvesting, low-power radios, and biometric sensing have enabled new applications in medical and scientific monitoring. In medicine, unobtrusive biosensors promise to wirelessly relay critical patient information including temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure. This paper describes key technologies needed to integrate complex, wirelessly-powered health monitors.
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE SKIN OF THE FROG (RANA PIPIENS).

Abdominal skin of frogs (Rana pipiens) was processed for light and electron microscopy. The skin consists of a thin cornified layer overlying a stratified squamous epithelium that differs from many others in the presence of distinct intracytoplasmic mucin granules. The fine structure of the epidermal cells and of their intercellular contacts is described. The epidermis rests on a distinct basement membrane that separates the squamous cells from the corium in which the melanocytes, mucous glands, and blood vessels are surrounded by a loose connective tissue. The fine structure of this membrane, often utilized in studies on salt and water transport, is compared with that of other biologic membranes engaged in transport.
Assessing Clinical Mental Health Counseling Skills and Practice Standards in Distance Education

The Council of Accreditation in Counseling and Related Educational Programs (2009) Standards emphasize the assessment of student learning outcomes (SLOs) regarding program-specific knowledge, skills, and practice. The skills and practice dimensions for each program’s standards may prove challenging for online and hybrid programs to assess, given that the ability to observe students’ counseling skills can be limited within a distance learning environment. Using one hybrid-based mental health counseling program’s as a case example, the authors provide recommendations for distance learning programs that are working to address gaps in assessing SLOs related to counseling skills.
EVOLUTIONARY RELATIONSHIPS OF FOUR SPECIES OF HAWAIIAN DROSOPHILA AS MEASURED BY DNA REASSOCIATION

ABSTRACT Four species of the Hawaiian Drosophila planitibia subgroup which are homosequential in their polytene chromosomes are resident on the islands of Molokai, Maui and Hawaii. Comparisons of DNA sequence divergence in these four have been made by hybridization of total single-copy radiolabeled tracer DNA from each of the species with excess nonlabeled DNA from each of the species, and measurement of the reduction of average melting temperature (ΔTma) was made in 2.4 m tetraethyl ammonium chloride. The mean ΔTma between either D. heteroneura or D. silvestris and either D. planitibia or D. differens was found to be 1.06°, whereas the difference between D. planitibia and D. differens in 0.65° and between D. heteroneura and D. silvestris is 0.75°. These measurements taken together with the distances calculated from isozyme studies, chromosomal relationships, as well as the island locations indicate that the ancestor of these species diverged from other planitibia subgroup flies on Molokai [age 1.8 million years before present, (My BP)]. We hypothesize that one line became the present-day D. differens and diverged probably at the time of formation of East Maui (0.8-1 My BP) to form the species D. planitibia . Flies from the other line migrated to Hawaii soon after its formation (0.7 My BP) to form the two species D. heteroneura and D. silvestris .
You Don't Have to be German to be a “Hidden Champion”

The “hidden champions” among Germany's medium-sized companies are becoming a by-word for students of management. But do hidden champions exist outside Germany? What management processes distinguish them from other companies? And are there lessons from their success for other companies? This article, extracted from the author's forthcoming book, summarises his answers to these questions.
Anticipatory Guidance for the Adolescent Parents' Concerns

Parents' opinions regarding anticipatory guidance for adolescents have not been adequately investigated. In this study, 932 parents of adolescents completed a computerized questionnaire listing 30 common psychosocial-medical concerns of adolescence. Respondents were asked how important it is for private pediatricians to discuss these topics with their teenagers during regular checkups. Ten items were rated important by ≥ 90% of parents, 22 items by ≥ 80%, and 29 items by ≥ 66%. Heeding parents' expectations and concerns, pediatricians should incorporate discussions of psychosocial-medical issues as a meaningful component of routine adolescent health care.
Chimera or Not Chimera

To the Editor: The article entitled “Evidence for Cardiomyocyte Repopulation by Extracardiac Progenitors in Transplanted Human Hearts” by Laflamme et al,1 published in Circulation Research , confirms our early observations2 that cardiac chimerism occurs after transplantation of a female heart in a male patient. These results are also in agreement with the detection of chimerism in multiple organs after bone marrow transplantation.3 The authors of the study in Circulation Research are perturbed by the low frequency of chimerism in their samples compared with ours2 (as well as in a subsequent recent report3). They attribute this discrepancy to “…technical differences…” (pages 637 and 638) between the two studies. …
Using geographic information systems to support student learning through urban ecology

This paper describes our urban street tree curriculum project in which we engage students in an ecological and economic evaluation of trees in highly populated areas through the use of Geographic Information Systems and modeling technologies. In particular, students conduct a tree inventory of the grounds surrounding their school and then use an urban tree modeling extension in ArcView called CITYGreen to evaluate the value of their neighborhood trees. Using these technological tools students are able to ask "what if" scenarios and evaluate the impact of redesigning the green space around their school. Using a mixed method approach we have found that students show significant increases in learning outcomes and express considerable interest in becoming caretakers for their urban environment.
On Black Sexuality and Amber Rose's Rebellion

On October 3, 2015, model and public personality Amber Rose hosted a feminist protest in downtown Los Angeles, CA. Known as a SlutWalk, Rose adopted the protest model originally conceptualized from a group of college students in Toronto, Ontario in 2011 in response to a disparaging remark from a Toronto police officer stating that, “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized” (Slutwalk Toronto Website, 2011). A critical difference between previous Walks and the one hosted by Rose is the increased number of women of color who participated, particularly Black women. In the past, Black women shied away from being in such spaces to discuss issues regarding sexuality despite having the highest numbers of sexual assault and rape statistics in the nation. The public response to Rose’s event was polarizing. While many praised Rose for her work, others were very critical in linkage of the concept of a SlutWalk to the Black female body. Such a reception can be linked to several theories on how Black people interact with and respond to Black sexuality such as Cornel West’s essay “On Black Sexuality” from his critically acclaimed book, Race Matters. The following research will analyze the Black public response to Amber Rose’s SlutWalk and its connection to Black Sexuality and Sex Positive feminist theory. My thesis is because of a history of negative associations of Black sexuality to Black pain and trauma, Black people are resistant to the creation of ideological safe spaces to discuss and embrace Black sexuality.
Amoxicillin–Clavulanate-Induced Liver Injury

Background and Aims Amoxicillin–clavulanate (AC) is the most frequent cause of idiosyncratic drug-induced injury (DILI) in the US DILI Network (DILIN) registry. Here, we examined a large cohort of AC-DILI cases and compared features of AC-DILI to those of other drugs.
Hemiparkinsonism after unilateral traumatic midbrain hemorrhage in a young woman

The relationship between head trauma and parkinsonism has been debated since James Parkinson's first description of the shaking palsy in the late 19th century. We observed in our outpatient clinic a young woman in whom hemiparkinsonism developed within 3 weeks of sustaining closed head trauma with loss of consciousness. The patient had a discrete unilateral midbrain hemorrhage on head MRI which involved the contralateral substantia nigra. The condition responded well to carbidopa/levodopa. This patient is a convincing example of posttraumatic midbrain hemorrhage causing parkinsonism.
Principles of metadata organization at the ENCODE data coordination center

The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Data Coordinating Center (DCC) is responsible for organizing, describing and providing access to the diverse data generated by the ENCODE project. The description of these data, known as metadata, includes the biological sample used as input, the protocols and assays performed on these samples, the data files generated from the results and the computational methods used to analyze the data. Here, we outline the principles and philosophy used to define the ENCODE metadata in order to create a metadata standard that can be applied to diverse assays and multiple genomic projects. In addition, we present how the data are validated and used by the ENCODE DCC in creating the ENCODE Portal (https://www.encodeproject.org/). Database URL: www.encodeproject.org.
Ultrahigh efficiency EUV contact-hole printing with chromeless phase shift mask

Contact-hole layer patterning is expected to be one of the first applications for EUV lithography. Conventional darkfield absorber masks, however, are extremely inefficient for these layers, placing even more burden on the already challenging source power demands. To address this concern, a checkerboard phase shift mask configuration has been proposed yielding theoretical throughput gains of 5x assuming a thin-mask modeling. In this manuscript we describe the fabrication of such a mask and demonstrate its imaging performance using the SHARP EUV microscope and MET exposure tool at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. For 25-nm dense features, the phase shift mask was shown to provide a throughput gain of 8x based on SHARP and 7x based on the Berkeley MET. The higher then predicted gain is expected to be due to the fact that the thin mask modeling used in the initial prediction misses shadowing effects.
Novel Concept and Method of Endoscopic Urethral Stricture Treatment Using Liquid Buccal Mucosal Graft

Purpose: We describe a novel method of urethral stricture treatment using liquid buccal mucosal grafts to augment direct vision internal urethrotomy.Materials and Methods: A rabbit stricture model was used to test this method. In phase 1 the concept of endoscopic liquid buccal mucosal graft implantation was tested by performing direct vision internal urethrotomy in 3 rabbits with immediate intraurethral injection of autologous liquid buccal mucosal grafts suspended in fibrin glue. Animals were sacrificed at 2 to 3 weeks and the urethras were examined for the presence of buccal mucosa engraftment. In phase 2 strictures were induced by electroresection in 9 rabbits divided into 2 groups, including 1) 6 rabbits treated with direct vision internal urethrotomy and liquid buccal mucosal grafts, and 2) 3 controls that underwent direct vision internal urethrotomy and injection of fibrin glue only. Two treated and 1 control animals were sacrificed at 8, 16 and 24 weeks each. Prior to sacrifice the animals underwen...
Opting for the Poor: A Social-Historical Analysis of the Changing Brazilian Catholic Church

The preferential option for the poor, which is becoming increasingly evident in the Catholic Church in Latin America, has led to the encouragement of grassroots movements for social change, as well as to conflict between the Church and military governments. Although the institutionalization of this new ecclesial position occurred at the Second General Conference of the Latin American Bishops in Medellin, Colombia, in 1968, signs of its development had already appeared several years earlier in Brazil. The present study utilizes a Gramscian approach to investigate the politicaleconomic and religious-institutional conditions in that country that provided the context for the emergence of the option for the poor. Documentation is drawn both from published sources and from this author's field research, which included participant observation in basic ecclesial communities and sixty-four interviews with lay people, sisters, priests, and bishops. In recent years there has been a growing body of theory and research related to the role of the Latin American Catholic Church in promoting social change (see Vallier, 1970; Bruneau, 1974, 1982; De Souza, 1978, 1982; Lima, 1979; Maduro, 1979; Levine, 1981). This role, which represents a departure from the hierarchy's traditional alliance with social elites, is visible in the strong statements on human rights made by conferences of bishops, the development of liberation theology, and the convergence between basic ecclesial communities (CEBs) and popular movements. The term used within the Church to include all these patterns is the preferential option for the poor. This new ecclesial position is leading to questioning of social structures that perpetuate poverty and repression, as well as to the questioning of the traditional structures of religious authority. Among social scientists and religious writers, there are a number of explanations as
Contemporary Upper Lid Blepharoplasty—Tissue Invagination

Blepharoplasty is the most commonly performed operation to enhance facial appearance. Controversy arises over the need for tissue invagination as opposed to simple tissue excision. This article focuses on advanced invagination-type blepharoplasty, discussing who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Nuances in the changing epidemiology of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies caused by the traditional risk factors of tobacco, alcohol, and poor oral hygiene, as well as more recently identified roles of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).[1-3] We commend Kim and colleagues on their comprehensive review of the epidemiology of HNSCC. There has been a clear change in the epidemiology of HNSCC which has further accentuated differences in etiology, survival, and demographics among HNSCC patients. We will discuss several important nuances of this changing epidemiology, including the role of tobacco, race, sexual behavior, and gender, as well as HNSCC in nonsmokers and nondrinkers.
Basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in men with idiopathic infertility *

Basal serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) concentrations and the 17-OHP response to acute adrenocorticotropic hormone administration were studied in infertile men with idiopathic oligospermia to determine the prevalence of attenuated 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Mean (± standard error of the mean) basal serum 17-OHP levels in 50 infertile men (1.17 ± 0.06ng/ml) and 25 normal volunteers (1.09 ± 0.08ng/ml) were indistinguishable (not significant). However, two infertile men had 17-OHP levels which were above the normal range. Following the intravenous administration of 0.25mg of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (cosyntropin) to these two men and to eight additional infertile men, the mean increase in 17-OHP concentrations was 0.84 ± 0.15ng/ml, a response which was similar to that of normal men (0.94 ± 0.26ng/ml). No patient demonstrated the minimum fourfold rise in 17-OHP previously reported in men with attenuated 21-hydroxylase deficiency, suggesting the absence of this disorder among these subjects. This study suggests that subtle 21-hydroxylase deficiency is rare among infertile men with idiopathic infertility.
Cerebral edema among adults with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome: Incidence, characteristics, and outcomes†

Ischemic stroke is an uncommon complication among adults with DKA, that confers a worse prognosis. Traditional risk factors for stroke including older age, stroke history, hypertension and hyperlipidemia appear to predict the risk of IS in these patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome patients, with and without cerebral edema.
Recent Advances in Graphene-Based Pressure Sensors

With the promising applications in artificial intelligence systems and wearable health care devices, great efforts have been devoted to develop advanced pressure sensors. Graphene-based materials are promising pressure sensor materials due to the excellent electrical conductivity, outstanding mechanical properties and large surface area. This review summarizes the recent advances and progress in graphene and graphene-based pressure sensors. Perspectives and challenges in this exciting field are also highlighted and discussed.
The impact of irritable bowel syndrome on daily functioning: Characterizing and understanding daily consequences of IBS

Background Despite the well-documented economic and psychosocial burden of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), few studies have focused on the impact of IBS on daily activities. This study aims to quantitate impairment in daily activities among IBS patients and to evaluate the relationship between impairment, IBS, quality of life, and psychiatric symptoms. Methods A total of 179 participants meeting ROME-III criteria for IBS completed an online research survey evaluating the following variables: (i) the impact of IBS on daily activities, (ii) comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, (iii) symptom severity, (iv) quality of life, and (v) symptom-specific cognitive affective factors related to IBS. Key Results This sample reported a high degree of impairment due to IBS, with 76% of the sample reporting some degree of IBS-related impairment in at least five different domains of daily life. Rates of impairment were significantly higher for participants who met criteria for anxiety, depression, and/or panic disorder. Conclusions & Inferences This study contributes to existing literature by demonstrating a high level of daily impairment among patients with IBS, particularly those who meet criteria for anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. These findings support the importance of integrated psychosocial and medical care for IBS patients, and highlight the utility of evaluation and intervention for behavioral avoidance/impairment especially among those who exhibit signs or symptoms of psychiatric diagnoses.
Distributed stochastic multicommodity flow optimization

In this paper we are concerned with a class of stochastic multicommodity network flow problems, the so called capacity expansion planning problems. We consider a two-stage stochastic optimization formulation that incorporates uncertainty in the problem parameters. To address the computational complexity of these stochastic models, we propose a decomposition method to divide the original problem into smaller, tractable subproblems that are solved in parallel at the network nodes. Unlike relevant techniques in existing literature that decompose the problem with respect to the possible realizations of the random parameters, our approach can be applied to networked systems that lack a central processing unit and require autonomous decision making by the network nodes. Our method relies on the recently proposed Accelerated Distributed Augmented Lagrangians (ADAL) algorithm, a dual decomposition technique with regularization, which achieves very fast convergence rates.
Reinforcement Learning Control with Time-Dependent Agent Dynamics

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Q-Learning Sampled Data Q-Learning System Dynamics Approximation Closing Remarks References ]]>
Leveraging social big data for performance evaluation of E-commerce websites

E-commerce plays a key role in business success nowadays. Therefore, the performance of E-commerce websites is critical. E-commerce websites generate a large amount of data that is often used for performance evaluation. Many website evaluation methods have been proposed, but the social media factor is usually not taken into consideration. In this paper, Twitter data is utilized for big data analytics and several Twitter performance indexes are proposed to assist the website performance evaluation. The result is compared with the performance evaluation result using several commercial tools for 13 selected E-commerce websites in Saudi Arabia.
Fiduciary Duties in Social Enterprise

This chapter examines theoretical and practical issues relating to fiduciary administration in social enterprise. It argues that social enterprise often calls for fiduciary administration on a hybrid model, combining elements of service-type administration and governance-type administration. Like standard service-type situations, social enterprise calls for administration in the interests of a defined constituency (ordinarily, shareholders). However, hybridity is introduced through the commitment to general public-oriented purposes that distinguish social enterprise from conventional business organizations. We will show that, contrary to common opinion, the fiduciary hybridity found in social enterprise is neither unique nor unworkable. We will briefly discuss other examples of hybrid fiduciary relationships and institutions, and we will explain the value of hybridity and how problems attributed to it are, or may be, resolved.