cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental determination of the strain transfer across a flexible intermediate layer in thin-film structures

The mechanical properties of thin films, and thin film-substrate mechanical interaction and adhesion is important for the design of interconnects with good thermal and mechanical stability. As a result, there have been many studies on the residual stress and properties of polyimide (PI) thin films [1-3], metal thin films [4-8], and on the chemical interactions between PI and metal thin films [9, 10]. In addition, several tests have been developed to study the metal-PI adhesion [11]. However, to date there has been no in situ measurement of the actual strain transfer through an intermediate PI layer. In this study an in situ X-ray tensile test was applied to three-layer structures of Ni-PI thin film-Cu thin film to measure, for the first time, the strain transfer through a PI layer. The geometry of the samples is shown in Fig. 1. The experimental procedure was as follows. Nickel dogbone samples with gauge length dimensions of 29mm × 6.4 m m x 0.8 mm were polished to a 1/tm mirror finish. PMDA-ODA (5878) was spun on at 3000 r.p.m, for 30 s, resulting in 6 #m PI. After curing the PI at a maximum temperature of 380 °C, 4 #m Cu was evaporated on to the PI. The mechanical test involved loading the substrate with a mini-tensile tester equipped with a load cell. The applied strain was monitored with a resistive strain gauge on the back of the sample. At each increment of applied strain the X-ray stress was calculated for both the Ni and the Cu layers from the change in the lattice spacings. The X-ray stress was determined by using a standard 6 tilt d versus sin2~p analysis on the Cu 331 and Ni 420 peaks. The d versus sin2~p behaviour was linear, there was no texture in the metals and the X-ray elastic constants were calculated theoretically, and verified experimentally. The details of X-ray stress analysis are reviewed in [6]. Consider the stress-strain transfer geometry in a multilayer thin film structure (Fig. 2). Stress/strain is
A Field Study of Factors Related to Supervisors' Willingness to Mentor Others.

Abstract Factors thought to be related to intention to mentor and perceived barriers to mentoring (i.e., willingness to mentor) were examined among 607 state government supervisors. Previous experience as a mentor, previous experience as a protege, education level, and quality of relationship with supervisor were related to willingness to mentor others. Additionally, age, locus of control, and upward striving were related to supervisors’ intention to mentor others, but not to their perceptions of barriers to mentoring others. Job-induced tension was related to perceived barriers to mentoring, but not to intention to mentor others. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are presented.
Collision-broadened linewidths of tetrahedral molecules. III - Dispersion and induction interactions

Expressions for the interruption functions S2(b) have been derived for the dispersion interaction between a tetrahedral molecule and a linear molecule, and for the interaction between the octopole moment of a tetrahedral molecule and the octopole-induced dipole moment in a perturbing molecule.
Geometrically Exact, Intrinsic Theory for Dynamics of Curved and Twisted Anisotropic Beams

A formulation is presented for the nonlinear dynamics of initially curved and twisted anisotropic beams. When the applied loads at the ends of, and distributed along, the beam are independent of the deformation, neither displacement nor rotation variables appear: an intrinsic formulation. Like well-known special cases of these equations governing nonlinear dynamics of rigid bodies and nonlinear statics of beams, the complete set of intrinsic equations has a maximum degree of nonlinearity equal to two. Advantages of such a formulation are demonstrated with a simple example. When the initial curvature and twist are constant along the beam, two space-time conservation laws are shown to exist, one being a work-energy relation and the other a generalized impulse-momentum relation. These laws can be used, for example, as benchmarks to check the accuracy of any proposed solution, including time-marching and finite element schemes. The structure of the intrinsic equations suggests parallel approaches to spatial and temporal discretization. A particularly simple spatial discretization scheme is presented for the special case of the nonlinear static behavior of end-loaded beams that, by virtue of the Kirchhoff analogy, leads to a time-marching scheme for the dynamics of a pivoted rigid body in a gravity field. This time-marching scheme conserves both the angular momentum about a vertical line passing through the pivot and total mechanical energy, whereas the analogous spatial discretization scheme for the nonlinear static behavior of end-loaded beams satisfies analogous integrals of deformation along the beam span. Remarkably, a straightforward generalization of these discretization schemes is shown to satisfy both space-time conservation laws for the nonlinear dynamics of beams when the applied loads are constant within a space-time element.
Calcium Elevation at Fertilization Coordinates Phosphorylation of XErp1/Emi2 by Plx1 and CaMK II to Release Metaphase Arrest by Cytostatic Factor

Summary Background: Vertebrate oocytes are arrested at second meiotic metaphase by cytostatic factor (CSF) while awaiting fertilization. Accumulating evidence has suggested that inhibition of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is responsible for this arrest. Xenopus polo-like kinase 1 (Plx1) is required for activation of the APC/C at the metaphase-anaphase transition, and calcium elevation, upon fertilization/activation of eggs, acting through calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is sufficient to activate the APC/C and terminate CSF arrest. However, connections between the Plx1 pathway and the CaMKII pathway have not been identified. Results: Overexpression of Plx1 causes CSF release in the absence of calcium, and depletion of Plx1 from egg extracts blocks induction of CSF release by calcium and CaMKII. Prior phosphorylation of the APC/C inhibitor XErp1/Emi2 by CaMK II renders it a good substrate for Plx1, and phosphorylation by both kinases together promotes its degradation in egg extracts. The pathway is enhanced by the ability of Plx1 to cause calcium-independent activation of CaMKII. The results identify the targets of CaMKII and Plx1 that promote egg activation and define the first known pathway of CSF release in which an APC/C inhibitor is targeted for degradation only when both CaMKII and Plx1 are active after calcium elevation at fertilization. Conclusions: Plx1 with an intact polo-box domain is necessary for release of CSF arrest and sufficient when overexpressed. It acts at the same level as CaMKII in the pathway of calcium-induced CSF release by cooperating with CaMKII to regulate APC/C regulator(s), such as XErp1/Emi2, rather than by directly activating the APC/C itself.
Dynamic Analysis of Economic Systems

Summary Economists build dynamic models for studying cycles, forecasting, simulating alternative policies and generally understanding the structure of complicated systems. Mathematical, statistical and numerical methods are used for this kind of analysis and are described in this paper. This is just one aspect of the use of mathematical methods in economics, but it is one that is attracting increasing attention at the present time. In theoretical dynamic economics, mathematical solutions for these problems have been worked out in full for linear systems and in special cases for non‐linear systems. These solutions are generally for deterministic systems, but in econometrics, where we are trying to model the real world and estimate the models from actual data, it is necessary to consider stochastic systems. Some theoretical results can be worked out for stochastic systems, but empirical work with numerical simulations and calculations of spectral densities seem to be more fruitful. A survey is given of meth...
Knotting of a Ureteric Stent in a Child

Knotting of ureteric stents is an unusual complication of their use and has not previously been reported in a child. We present a case of a 4-year-old that developed symptomatic hydronephroureter following removal of a multilength stent, which had knotted at the proximal loop. The child made a full recovery but knotting must be considered if resistance is encountered during stent removal.
Orinoco and Amazon

Although much of the research being done on these rivers is still in its early stages, the misprint in the 1983 AGU Fall Meeting abstracts issue of Eos (November 8, 1983, p. 697) appears to be correct: These rivers are topical as well as tropical. The series of papers by Meade, Nordin, Dunne, and Mertes provided some interesting observations (for example, the rivers exhibited complicated longitudinal variations in sediment storage). R. F. Stollard presented an excellent paper on mixing in large tropical rivers. The Orinoco and Amazon Rivers have fairly low sinuosities, and high width/depth ratios. These characteristics might be responsible for the observations made by Hilerio and Stallard that the tributary water chemistry is not mixed across the main channel for distances of several hundred kilometers.
Global Issues and Perspectives on Working with Women

Because social workers and their clients are primarily women, women's concerns should be moved from the periphery of the profession to its center. This issue is linked in this article to existing global political realities regarding women and social work policies and practice. In this regard, three concepts are discussed: the historical division between sex and race, which has reached international proportions, the social work ethic of self-determination, and the primacy of perceptions of and about women.
A propensity-matched comparison of cost and outcomes after esophageal stent placement or primary surgical repair for iatrogenic esophageal perforation

Objectives Esophageal stent placement has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for acute esophageal perforation in selected patients. However, a comparison between surgical repair and stent placement has not been reported. This investigation compares the outcomes and costs of the 2 treatment modalities. Methods The Premiere database for a single health system's hospitals was used to identify patients undergoing treatment for an acute intrathoracic esophageal perforation over a 4-year period. Patient cohorts for stent placement or surgical repair were formed using propensity matching. The 2 cohorts were compared for length of stay, morbidity, mortality, and costs. Results Between 2009 and 2012, 60 patients undergoing esophageal stent placement or surgical repair were propensity matched. Mean patient age and Charlson comorbidity scores did not differ significantly ( P = .4 and P = .4, respectively). Significant differences in morbidity (4% vs 43%; P = .02), mean length of stay (6 vs 11 days; P = .0007), time to oral intake (3 vs 8 days; P = .0004), and cost ($91,000 vs $142,000; P Conclusions Esophageal stent placement for the treatment of an acute esophageal perforation seems to be as effective as surgical repair when compared between propensity-matched patients. However, stent placement resulted in a shorter length of stay, lower rates of morbidity, and lower costs when compared with traditional surgical repair.
Computation of internal turbulent flow with a large separated flow region

An implicit two-equation turbulence solver in generalized coordinates has been developed and is used in conjunction with the three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes solver, INS3D, to calculate the internal flow in one channel and in an additional channel with a sudden 2:3 expansion. A new and consistent boundary procedure for a low Reynolds number form of the kappa-epsilon turbulence model is chosen to integrate the equations up to the wall. The high Reynolds number form of the equations are integrated using wall functions. The latter approach yields a faster convergence to the steady state solution than the former. For the case of channel flow, both the wall function and wall boundary condition approaches yield results in good agreement with the experimental data. the back-step (sudden expansion) flow is calculated using wall function approach. The predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.
Population Control II: The Population Establishment Today

Although population assistance represents a relatively small share of official development assistance, it influences many other aspects of development planning. The organizations that comprise the population establishment have a common purpose--the reduction of population growth in the Third World--but they are not homogeneous and sometimes have conflicting goals and strategies. National governments, multilateral agencies, nongovernmental organizations, foundations, academic centers, and pressure groups all contribute to creating and sustaining what has become a virtual population control industry. Through scholarships, travel grants, awards, and favorable publicity, Third World elites have been encouraged to join the population establishment. The World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.N. Fund for Population Activities have pursued explicit strategies for pressuring Third World governments to design and implement population policies, most recently in Africa.
The Semantics of Mass-Predicates*

‘gold’, ‘trash’, ‘gravel’, ‘clothing’, ‘furniture’, ‘music’, and ‘information’. 1 Some standardly have only count-occurrences, e.g. ‘thunderstorm’, ‘river’, ‘person’, ‘circle’, ‘molecule’, ‘word’, ‘line’, and ‘definition’. Others standardly have both kinds of occurrences, e.g. ‘hair’, ‘chicken’, ‘carrot’, ‘apple’, ‘proof’ and ‘truth’. In each group, there are some nouns which denote concrete things ~e.g. ‘snow’, ‘river’, ‘chicken’ ! and some which denote abstract entities ~e.g. ‘information’, ‘line’, ‘proof’ !. 2
Molecular Pathways in Invasive Bladder Cancer: New Insights Into Mechanisms, Progression, and Target Identification

Papillary and invasive cancers of the urinary bladder appear to evolve and progress through distinct molecular pathways. Invasion in bladder cancer forebodes a graver prognosis, and these tumors are generally characterized by alterations in the p53 and retinoblastoma (RB) pathways that normally regulate the cell cycle by interacting with the Ras-mitogen activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway. Tumor angiogenesis further contributes to the neoplastic growth by providing a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. Distinct epigenetic and genetic events characterize the interplay between the molecules involved in these pathways, thus affording their use as indicators of prognosis. Efforts are now underway to construct molecular panels comprising multiple markers that can serve as more robust predictors of outcome. While clinical trials for targeted chemotherapy for bladder cancer have commenced, novel genetic and pharmacologic agents that can target pathway-specific molecules are currently under development. The next generation of clinical management for urothelial carcinoma will witness the use of multimarker panels for prognostic prediction and combination therapy directed at novel molecular targets for treatment.
Intramolecular catalysis—V: Neighboring group facilitation in the esterification of o-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid

Abstract Evidence is presented for the view that acid-catalyzed esterification of the carboxyl group of o -hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid is facilitated by the neighboring phenolic hydroxyl group, and that the facilitated esterification proceeds via formation of the intermediate γ-lactone.
Population Genetic Analysis of the Uncoupling Proteins Supports a Role for UCP3 in Human Cold Resistance

Production of heat via nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) is critical for temperature homeostasis in mammals. Uncoupling protein UCP1 plays a central role in NST by uncoupling the proton gradients produced in the inner membranes of mitochondria to produce heat; however, the extent to which UCP1 homologues, UCP2 and UCP3, are involved in NST is the subject of an ongoing debate. We used an evolutionary approach to test the hypotheses that variants that are associated with increased expression of these genes (UCP1 � 3826A, UCP2 � 866A, and UCP3 � 55T) show evidence of adaptation with winter climate. To that end, we calculated correlations between allele frequencies and winter climate variables for these single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which we genotyped in a panel of 52 worldwide populations. We found significant correlations with winter climate for UCP1 � 3826G/A and UCP3 � 55C/T. Further, by analyzing previously published genotype data for these SNPs, we found that the peak of the correlation for the UCP1 region occurred at the disease-associated � 3826A/G variant and that the UCP3 region has a striking signal overall, with several individual SNPs showing interesting patterns, including the � 55C/T variant. Resequencing of the regions in a set of three diverse population samples helped to clarify the signals that we found with the genotype data. At UCP1, the resequencing data revealed modest evidence that the haplotype carrying the � 3826A variant was driven to high frequency by selection. In the UCP3 region, combining results from the climate analysis and resequencing survey suggest a more complex model in which variants on multiple haplotypes may independently be correlated with temperature. This is further supported by an excess of intermediate frequency variants in the UCP3 region in the Han Chinese population. Taken together, our results suggest that adaptation to climate influenced the global distribution of allele frequencies in UCP1 and UCP3 and provide an independent source of evidence for a role in cold resistance for UCP3.
Prospective memory in the rat

The content of prospective memory is comprised of representations of an action to perform in the future. When people form prospective memories, they temporarily put the memory representation in an inactive state while engaging in other activities, and then activate the representation in the future. Ultimately, successful activation of the memory representation yields an action at an appropriate, but temporally distant, time. A hallmark of prospective memory is that activation of the memory representation has a deleterious effect on current ongoing activity. Recent evidence suggests that scrub jays and non-human primates, but not other species, are capable of future planning. We hypothesized that prospective memory produces a selective deficit in performance at the time when rats access a memory representation but not when the memory representation is inactive. Rats were trained in a temporal bisection task (90 min/day). Immediately after the bisection task, half of the rats received an 8-g meal (meal group) and the other rats received no additional food (no-meal group). Sensitivity to time in the bisection task was reduced as the 90-min interval elapsed for the meal group but not for the no-meal group. This time-based prospective-memory effect was not based on response competition, an attentional limit, anticipatory contrast, or fatigue. Our results suggest that rats form prospective memories, which produces a negative side effect on ongoing activity.
CdS/CdTe solar cells by RF sputtering and by laser physical vapor deposition

Th authors have used excimer laser physical vapor deposition (LPVD) and RF magnetron sputtering for the growth of both CdS and CdTe films. In this paper, they discuss the essential features of these two techniques, address their differences, and compare some of the materials properties and device characteristics of solar cells fabricated by these two methods. Thus far, the authors have fabricated a 10.5% efficiency cell by LPVD and a 10.4% efficiency cell by RF sputtering. >
Review article: epidemiology, pathogenesis and potential treatments of paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Summary Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of paediatric liver disease. Similar to NAFLD in adults, NAFLD in children is associated with obesity and insulin resistance and requires liver histology for diagnosis and staging. However, significant histological differences exist between adult and paediatric NAFLD to warrant caution in extrapolation of adult data. Aim To review the available data on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of paediatric NAFLD. Methods Relevant articles were identified by Medline searches using the keywords: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, obesity and children. Results The rise in childhood obesity has been accompanied by an increase in paediatric NAFLD. Age, gender and race/ethnicity are significant determinants of risk, and sex hormones, insulin sensitivity and adipocytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of paediatric NAFLD. There is no consensus for treatment of NAFLD; however, data suggest that diet, exercise and some pharmacological therapies may be of benefit. Conclusions To evaluate and effectively treat paediatric NAFLD, the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease should be clarified and non-invasive methods for screening, diagnosis, and longitudinal assessment developed. Randomized, controlled, double-blind trials of pharmacological therapies in children with biopsy-proven disease are necessary.
Phenolic anti-inflammatory antioxidant reversal of Aβ-induced cognitive deficits and neuropathology

Both oxidative damage and inflammation have been implicated in age-related neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The yellow curry spice, curcumin, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities which confer significant protection against neurotoxic and genotoxic agents. We used 22 month Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to compare the effects of the conventional NSAID, ibuprofen, and curcumin for their ability to protect against amyloid beta-protein (Abeta)-induced damage. Lipoprotein carrier-mediated, intracerebroventricular infusion of Abeta peptides induced oxidative damage, synaptophysin loss, a microglial response and widespread Abeta deposits. Dietary curcumin (2000 ppm), but not ibuprofen, suppressed oxidative damage (isoprostane levels) and synaptophysin loss. Both ibuprofen and curcumin reduced microgliosis in cortical layers, but curcumin increased microglial labeling within and adjacent to Abeta-ir deposits. In a second group of middle-aged female SD rats, 500 ppm dietary curcumin prevented Abeta-infusion induced spatial memory deficits in the Morris Water Maze and post-synaptic density (PSD)-95 loss and reduced Abeta deposits. Because of its low side-effect profile and long history of safe use, curcumin may find clinical application for AD prevention.
Studies of Feeding Aldrin to Dairy Cows

Summary No Aldrin was detected in the milk of cows fed hay made from forage sprayed with 3.9 oz. of Aldrin per acre and harvested 7 days after spraying. No Aldrin was detected in the milk of cows fed less than 0.8 mg. of Aldrin per kilogram of body weight, or 28 p.p.m. of the diet. When 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.2 mg. of Aldrin per kilogram of body weight were fed, the average concentrations of Aldrin in the fat-corrected milk were 3.8, 4.3, 6.4, and 12.6 p.p.m., respectively. From 11 to 14% of the Aldrin administered was excreted in the milk. No Aldrin was detected in samples taken 18 days after cessation of Aldrin feeding. One animal that received 2.2 mg. of Aldrin per kilogram of body weight showed symptoms of toxicity on the 27th day of feeding and died after 29 days of feeding at this level of intake.
State, Federal, and Industry Efforts at Paratuberculosis Control

Paratuberculosis control in the United States has a long history, but only since 2002 has the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) had a formal control program in place. Modeled after work by the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), the program continues to be a voluntary effort by states and producers. Education on paratuberculosis continues to be heavily emphasized by states.
Optimization of aperiodic waveguide mode converters

Stepped aperiodic waveguide structures are designed for mode conversion by numerical optimization coupled with a mode matching solver. Several configurations and design goals are evaluated for performance and dimensional tolerances. Results are validated against a FDTD code.
Fluctuated Cooling Conditions and Solid Shell Resistance in Continuously Cast Steel Slabs

AbstractMathematical models have been coupled and applied to evaluate the fluctuated cooling conditions and to determine heat flow and solid shell resistance of continuously cast steel slabs. Comparisons with previous surface temperature measurements verify the predictions of the heat flow model. The effects of the changes in the cooling conditions, casting speeds and various isotherms on the neutral axis of effective solid shell and the solid shell resistance I c were examined and discussed. The model predictions indicate that parameters affecting the solid shell resistance are the effective solid shell thickness and its temperature gradient distribution. The results illustrate that the solid shell resistance decreases with increasing in the reheating of slab surface and increases with increasing in the cooling surface. Also, the results point out that the surface temperature profile has a significant effect on the solid shell resistance with the distance from the meniscus. Furthermore, the results indic...
Estimating age from adult occlusal wear: a modification of the miles method.

The Miles method of age estimation relies on molar wear to estimate age and is widely used in bioarcheological contexts. However, because the method requires physical seriation and a sample of subadults to estimate wear rates it cannot be applied to many samples. Here, we modify the Miles method by scoring occlusal wear and estimating molar wear rates from adult wear gradients in 311 hunter-gatherers and provide formulae to estimate the error associated with each age estimate. A check of the modified method in a subsample (n = 22) shows that interval estimates overlap in all but one case with age categories estimated from traditional methods; this suggests that the modifications have not hampered the ability of the Miles method to estimate age even in heterogeneous samples. As expected, the error increases with age and in populations with smaller sample sizes. These modifications allow the Miles method to be applied to skeletal samples of adult crania that were previously only amenable to cranial suture age estimation, and importantly, provide a measure of uncertainty for each age estimate. Am J Phys Anthropol 149:181–192, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local hydraulic gradient estimator analysis of long-term monitoring networks.

Three measurements of head at unique locations form a three-point estimator of the local magnitude and orientation of the hydraulic gradient. The relative head measurement error (RHME) is defined here as the measurement error normalized by the head drop across the three-point estimator. Monte Carlo simulation results show that estimators with base to height ratios between 0.5 and 5.0 and that are large enough to keep the RHME below 0.05 create the most accurate gradient estimates and provide criteria for identifying good estimators. These criteria are applied to an example ground water monitoring network design problem in the Culebra dolomite near the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant repository to both analyze temporal changes and modify and expand the current monitoring network. Limiting the three-point estimators to those that meet the shape and RHME criteria reduces the number of possible estimators by >50% and leads to ∼1 order of magnitude decrease in the average estimated magnitude of the gradient relative to using all estimators. Application of these criteria also reduces the variability in estimated gradient magnitude and orientation between the two time periods of measurements. Redundant wells in the network are identified by removing each existing well in turn and determining which removals yield the smallest decrease in the number of acceptable estimators. Optimal new well locations are identified by mapping the increase in total number of acceptable estimators for a single new well placed in the study domain.
Effect of Variegation on Stem Exudates of Coleus and Life History Characteristics of Citrus Mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Both defensive and nutritional hypotheses have been used to explain the improved performance of sucking insects on variegated plants. With portions of leaves unable to photosynthesize, variegated plants are likely to have less carbon assimilate to allocate to the production of defensive compounds than green plants. Alternatively, like plants grown in the shade, improved response of sucking insects on variegated plants may be caused by greater mobility of amino acid nitrogen and carbohydrates in the phloem to fuel compensatory production of leaves. We examined amino acid and sucrose content of stem exudate collected from red-variegated, yellow-variegated, and green-leafed coleus plants, Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd, and their relation to life history characteristics of citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso), to test these defensive and nutritional hypotheses. Although higher concentrations of both total amino acids and sucrose were found in green- and red-leaved plants, these quantitative measures were uncorrelated with life history parameters of mealybugs. In contrast, our analysis of qualitative measures of amino acid composition supported both defensive and nutritional hypotheses. Green-leafed plants had the greatest levels of shikimic acid precursors and lowest levels of other nonessential amino acids. Life history characteristics of citrus mealybugs were correlated negatively with increasing proportions of shikimic acid precursors and positively with increasing proportions of other nonessential amino acids. Thus, our studies of life history and stem chemistry indicate that improved suitability of variegated plants is consistent with both carbon- and nutrient-based theories of plant defense.
Vertical Restraints and the Effects of Upstream Horizontal Mergers

The downstream effects of mergers between manufacturers of differentiated consumer products are partly determined by the relationship between the merging manufacturers and retailers. The relationship may be such that the retail price effects of the merger are exactly those if the manufacturers sold directly to consumers, and that relationship may be such that the merger produces similar effects with subtle differences, including the possibility of price decreases for non-merging products. Alternatively, that relationship may be such that consumer prices do not change following a merger.
Factors affecting fledging weight of Adélie penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae ) chicks: a modeling study

An individual-based model is developed to examine mechanisms that potentially underlie the observed constancy in fledging weight (2.8–3.2 kg) of Adelie (Pygoscelis adeliae) penguin chicks, in spite of large variability in the abundance of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), the primary food source. The model describes the energetic requirements of the chick, with growth resulting from the difference between assimilated energy and respiration. Parameterizations of these metabolic processes are based upon experimental and field observations. Ingestion of Antarctic krill by the chick is dependent on the frequency of food delivery to the chick by the adults, which is based on measured foraging times. The mass, size, and size frequency distribution of Antarctic krill fed to the chick are specified using empirical data. The energy content of the Antarctic krill provided to the chick is taken to be constant or allowed to vary with size. The simulations show that food availability is most critical in the latter portion of chick development, when growth rates and food demands are high. Low food availability during this time must be compensated by either feeding chicks with larger krill of higher caloric value or by increased assimilation efficiency. Periods when small krill with lower caloric value dominate require more frequent feeding of the chicks in order to attain their observed fledging weight. Thus, although the total food energy given to the chick is the main factor determining chick growth, the distribution of food availability relative to chick size (i.e., different net growth rates) and food quality are also factors influencing the fledging weight of penguin chicks. The simulations provide insight into the compensating effects of food delivery, food quality, and metabolic processes that allow Adelie penguin chicks to reach their observed fledging weight in spite of considerable environmental variability in food supply.
Enclosing the Subject

This paper draws from contemporary psychoanalytic theory as well as nineteenth-century crowd theory to critique Louis Althusser’s account of the ideological interpellation of the subject. I argue that rather than ideology interpellating the individual as a subject, bourgeois ideology interpellates the subject as an individual. By “bourgeois ideology” I mean the loose set of ideas and apparatuses associated with European modernity, an instrumental concept of reason, and the emergence of the capitalist mode of production. The advantage of reversing the Althusserian account is that the subject is not pre-constrained to the individual form, a form that is itself always already as failing and impossible as it is assumed and demanded. In Althusser’s version, the individuality that emerges in history is posited as universal, a given. In mine, the individual form is itself the problem; it’s a coercive and unstable product of the enclosure of the common in never-ceasing efforts to repress, deny, and foreclose coll...
TCTAP C-048 Treatment of Distal Left Main True Bifurcation Involving LAD CTO Lesion by the Retrograde Approach and Culotte Stenting

With the advent of high-throughput sequencing, the availability of genomic sequence for comparative genomics is increasing exponentially. Numerous completed plant genome sequences enable characterization of patterns of the retention and evolution of genes within gene families due to multiple polyploidy events, gene loss and fractionation, and differential evolutionary pressures over time and across different gene families. In this report, we trace the changes that have occurred in 12 surviving homoeologous genomic regions from three rounds of polyploidy that contributed to the current Glycine max genome: a genome triplication before the origin of the rosids (~130 to 240 million years ago), a genome duplication early in the legumes (~58 million years ago), and a duplication in the Glycine lineage (~13 million years ago). Patterns of gene retention following the genome triplication event generally support predictions of the Gene Balance Hypothesis. Finally, we find that genes in networks with a high level of connectivity are more strongly conserved than those with low connectivity and that the enrichment of these highly connected genes in the 12 highly conserved homoeologous segments may in part explain their retention over more than 100 million years and repeated polyploidy events.
Effects of intraaortic protamine on lung permeability index and plasma level of thromboxane A2 in infants during open heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass

Objectives To observe the effects of intraaortic protamine on lung permeability index and thromboxane A2(TXA2) level in infants during open heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass,and to prove its protective function for lung.Methods Totally 60 infants(age ≤12 months,weight ≤10 kg) undergone open heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass in Shenzhen Children's Hospital were randomized into intraaortic protamine group(test group,n=30) and intravenous protamine group(control group,n=30).Lung permeability indexes were compared between test group and control group before cardiopulmonary bypass and 6 hours after injecting protamine.Plasma levels of TXA2 were compared between test group and control group before cardiopulmonary bypass and 1 hour after injecting protamine.Results Lung permeability index of test group was markedly lower compared with that of control group 6 hours after injecting protamine(0.021 ±0.008 vs.0.039 ±0.006,P 0.05).Plasma level of TXA2 of test group was markedly lower compared with that of control group 1 hour after injecting protamine [(43.3±2.5)ng/L vs.(64.2±2.1)ng/L,P 0.05].Conclusions Intraaortic protamine is a good way for lung protection as it decreases lung tissue injury in infants during open heart operation by cardiopulmonary bypass.
Membrane chromatography for protein purifications from ligand design to functionalization

ABSTRACTProtein-based therapeutics, in particular monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), are in high demand for treating a variety of conditions. Here, membrane chromatography for protein purifications is reviewed. In particular, current status and development for various capture and polishing steps including protein A, ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) are discussed. In addition, new developments in ligand design and membrane functionalization for membrane chromatography are discussed. In-depth discussions on polymeric ligands with UV-initiated polymerization or atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are included. Finally in silico simulations to help design new ligands and elucidate the binding interactions are also briefly reviewed.
Multidimensional Family Therapy: Evidence Base for Transdiagnostic Treatment Outcomes, Change Mechanisms, and Implementation in Community Settings

This article summarizes the 30+-year evidence base of Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), a comprehensive treatment for youth substance abuse and antisocial behaviors. Findings from four types of MDFT studies are discussed: hybrid efficacy/effectiveness randomized controlled trials, therapy process studies, cost analyses, and implementation trials. This research has evaluated various versions of MDFT. These studies have systematically tested adaptations of MDFT for diverse treatment settings in different care sectors (mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice, and child welfare), as well as adaptations according to treatment delivery features and client impairment level, including adolescents presenting with multiple psychiatric diagnoses. Many published scientific reviews, including meta-analyses, national and international government publications, and evidence-based treatment registries, offer consistent conclusions about the clinical effectiveness of MDFT compared with standard services as well as active treatments. The diverse and continuing MDFT research, the favorable, multi-source independent evaluations, combined with the documented receptivity of youth, parents, community-based clinicians and administrators, and national and international MDFT training programs (U.S.-based organization is MDFT International, www.mdft.org; and Europe-based organization is www.mdft.nl) all support the potential for continued transfer of MDFT to real-world clinical settings.
Hindcast modeling of oil slick persistence from natural seeps

Abstract Persistence of oil floating in the ocean is an important factor for evaluating hydrocarbon fluxes from natural seeps and anthropogenic releases into the environment. The objective of this work is to estimate the surface residence-time of the oil slick and to determine the importance of wind and surface currents on the trajectory and fate of the released oil. Oil slicks released from natural hydrocarbon seeps located in Green Canyon 600 lease block and its surrounding region in the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed. A Texture Classifying Neural Network Algorithm was used to delineate georectified polygons for oil slicks from 41 synthetic aperture radar images. Trajectories of the oil slicks were investigated by employing a Lagrangian particle-tracking surface oil drift model. A set of numerical simulations was performed by increasing hindcast interval in reverse time order from the image collection time in order to obtain the closest resemblance between the simulated oil pathways and the length and shape of the oil slicks observed in synthetic aperture radar images. The average surface residence-time predicted from the hindcast modeling was 6.4 h (± 5.7 h). Analysis of a linear regression model, including observed oil slick lengths and variables of wind, surface current, and their relative direction, indicated a statistically significant negative effect of wind speed on the surface oil drift. Higher wind speed (> 7 m s − 1 ) reduced length of the oil slicks. When wind and surface currents were driving forces of the surface oil drift model, a good agreement between simulated trajectories and subsequent satellite observations (R 2 = 0.9) suggested that a wind scaling coefficient of 0.035 and a wind deflection angle of 20° to the right of the wind direction were acceptable approximations for modeling wind effects in this study. Results from the numerical experimentation were supported by in situ observations conducted by a wind-powered autonomous surface vehicle (SailDrone). Results indicated that the surface currents are, indeed, responsible for stretching oil slicks and that surface winds are largely responsible for the disappearance of the oil slicks from the sea surface. Under conditions of low wind and strong current, natural seeps can produce oil slicks that are longer than 20 km and persist for up to 48 h.
A high-power photomixer with plasmonic contact electrodes

We demonstrate continuous-wave terahertz generation from a photomixer with plasmonic contact electrodes that offers record-high radiation powers as high as 17 μW at 1 THz and a 2 THz frequency tuning range.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) variant of primary rectal lymphoma: a review of the English literature.

Primary rectal lymphoma (PRL) is the third most common cause of rectal cancer following adenocarcinoma (90–95 %) and carcinoid (5 %). The most common variant of PRL is the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. To date, no study has been able to recommend an optimal treatment algorithm for this rare disease. The aim of our study was to review the English literature on primary rectal MALT lymphoma. A review of the English literature was conducted to identify articles describing the MALT variant of PRL. Fifty-one cases were identified. A complete response was achieved in 12 of 19 cases treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, 5 of 6 with radiation, 2 of 4 cases with chemotherapy, 2 of 4 with endoscopic resection, 6 of 8 cases with surgical resection, and all 8 with combination therapies. Cases failing initial therapies were responsive to various second-line treatments. Two cases spontaneously regressed with observation alone. Complete regression of primary rectal MALT lymphoma was achieved using various therapeutic strategies, although the numbers of different treatment modalities are too small to draw definitive conclusions.
Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Intravenous Contrast Media Administration

Study objective The study objective was to determine whether intravenous contrast administration for computed tomography (CT) is independently associated with increased risk for acute kidney injury and adverse clinical outcomes. Methods This single-center retrospective cohort analysis was performed in a large, urban, academic emergency department with an average census of 62,179 visits per year; 17,934 ED visits for patients who underwent contrast-enhanced, unenhanced, or no CT during a 5-year period (2009 to 2014) were included. The intervention was CT scan with or without intravenous contrast administration. The primary outcome was incidence of acute kidney injury. Secondary outcomes included new chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and renal transplantation at 6 months. Logistic regression modeling and between-groups odds ratios with and without propensity-score matching were used to test for an independent association between contrast administration and primary and secondary outcomes. Treatment decisions, including administration of contrast and intravenous fluids, were examined. Results Rates of acute kidney injury were similar among all groups. Contrast administration was not associated with increased incidence of acute kidney injury (contrast-induced nephropathy criteria odds ratio=0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.85 to 1.08; and Acute Kidney Injury Network/Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria odds ratio=1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.16). This was true in all subgroup analyses regardless of baseline renal function and whether comparisons were made directly or after propensity matching. Contrast administration was not associated with increased incidence of chronic kidney disease, dialysis, or renal transplant at 6 months. Clinicians were less likely to prescribe contrast to patients with decreased renal function and more likely to prescribe intravenous fluids if contrast was administered. Conclusion In the largest well-controlled study of acute kidney injury following contrast administration in the ED to date, intravenous contrast was not associated with an increased frequency of acute kidney injury.
Incidence and Radiographic Predictors of Valgus Tibiotalar Tilt After Hindfoot Fusion.

Background:The development of valgus tibiotalar tilt following hindfoot arthrodesis is rarely discussed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of valgus tibiota...
The Common Law Corporation: The Power of the Trust in Anglo-American Business History

This Essay challenges a central narrative in the history of Anglo-American business by questioning the importance of the corporate form. The corporate form was not, as we have long believed, the exclusive historical source of powers such as limited liability, entity shielding, tradable shares, and legal personhood in litigation. These powers were also available throughout modern history through a little-studied, but enormously important, device known as the common law trust. The trust was widely and very effectively used to hold the property of unincorporated partnerships and associations in England and the United States both long before and long after the passage of general incorporation statutes in the mid-nineteenth century. The trust’s success in wielding corporation-like powers suggests that the corporation’s role in legal history was smaller than — or at least different from — the one we have long assigned to it. This Essay thus lays the groundwork for a new account of the corporate form and its place in the development of modern business.