cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tectonic Controls on Mudrock Geochemisry, Mesozoic Rocks of Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho, U.S.A.: Implications for Cordilleran Tectonics

Abstract Tectonic models for the Mesozoic evolution of accreted island arcs and subduction complexes in the Blue Mountain Province (BMP) of eastern Oregon and western Idaho vary widely. The BMP is situated between coeval accreted terranes of southern British Columbia and the western U.S., and is critical for interpreting Mesozoic paleogeography of the U.S. Cordillera. In this study, we interpret the Triassic–Jurassic evolution of the BMP using geochemistry as a tool to evaluate the provenance of mudrocks in fine-grained turbidites. Temporal and spatial variations in mudrock geochemistry indicate that during Late Triassic to Early Jurassic time the Wallowa terrane was an intra-oceanic island arc and the Olds Ferry terrane was a pericratonic (continental-fringing) island arc. Subsequently, a regionally extensive Middle to Late Jurassic marine basin received input from continental sources and sediment may also have been derived from coeval terranes to the south. Comparison of provenance data from the BMP with similar data from accreted terranes to the north and south suggests that Triassic–Jurassic basins of the western U.S. share a long-term provenance history within a complex system of continent-fringing and intra-oceanic island arcs. In contrast, it appears that the Quesnel terrane of southern British Columbia had a distinct provenance with a more direct link to Laurentia during Triassic time. Early to Middle Jurassic sedimentary rocks from southern British Columbia and the western U.S. show a high degree of geochemical provenance similarity. This may indicate reorganization of formerly discrete tectonic regions into a nascent, integrated western Laurentian margin prior to complete development of a Cretaceous Andean-type margin. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of mudrock geochemistry in tectonic analyses and show that major- and trace-element geochemistry of mudrocks is useful for developing a comprehensive understanding of regional tectonic evolution.
An online approximator-based fault detection framework for nonlinear discrete-time systems

In this paper, a fault detection scheme is developed for nonlinear discrete time systems. The changes in the system dynamics due to incipient failures are modeled as a nonlinear function of state and input variables while the time profile of the failures is assumed to be exponentially developing. The fault is detected by monitoring the system and is approximated by using online approximators. A stable adaptation law in discrete-time is developed in order to characterize the faults. The robustness of the diagnosis scheme is shown by extensive mathematical analysis and simulation results.
Aggressive thresholds in Dendropsophus ebraccatus: habituation and sensitization to different call types

Males in many chorusing anuran species use aggressive calls during defense of calling spaces from other males. The minimal intensity of another male’s vocalizations that elicits an aggressive call response has been termed the aggressive threshold. Previous studies of aggressive thresholds have shown that they are plastic: males habituated (increased their aggressive thresholds) in response to repeated presentation of stimuli above initial threshold levels. Habituation likely contributes to the stable chorus structure of these species, in which aggressive calling is rare compared to advertisement calls. I have observed high levels of aggressive calling in the treefrog Dendropsophus ebraccatus, suggesting that males of this species do not habituate. In this study, I investigated the plasticity of aggressive thresholds in D. ebraccatus. I measured the aggressive thresholds of males before and after suprathreshold stimulation by both advertisement and aggressive calls. I found that the different call types had different effects: males habituated to advertisement calls but lowered their aggressive thresholds in response to aggressive calls. I consider the latter response to be an example of sensitization, a behavior that has been documented infrequently in vocalizing anurans. Sensitization is a plausible mechanism responsible for the high levels of aggressive calling observed in this species. Given the high costs of aggressive calling, however, it is unclear why a mechanism that increases aggressive call output would be maintained.
INTERRESPONSE‐TIME SENSITIVITY DURING DISCRETE‐TRIAL AND FREE‐OPERANT CONCURRENT VARIABLE‐INTERVAL SCHEDULES

Two experiments investigated the sensitivity of pigeons' choice to elapsed time since the last response (i.e., to inter-response time [IRT]) during concurrent variable-interval variable-interval schedules. Experiment 1 used a two-key discrete-trial procedure with variable intertrial intervals. Experiment 2 employed a three-key free-operant procedure. In both experiments choice was found to be a function of the active-schedule IRT, defined as the time since the most recent response. Monte Carlo simulations show how this finding permits the joining of several seemingly incompatible data sets held to both support and contradict a kind of choice strategy, termed momentary maximizing, which attempts to maximize momentary reinforcement probabilities. The studies suggest that only two variables are needed to describe the static molecular structure of concurrent variable-interval choice: active-schedule IRTs and "response states" consisting of the last one or two schedule choices.
Nanostructure and magnetic properties of FePt:C cluster films

Magnetic properties and nanostructure of FePt:C cluster-deposited films with C volume fraction of 7%, 14%, 33%, and 45% have been studied. As-deposited FePt:C films were prepared by a multilayer method in which FePt layers were deposited from a cluster source employing a gas-aggregation technique and C layers from a normal sputtering gun. In the as-deposited films, FePt clusters with fcc structure are embedded in the C matrix. The high anisotropy FePt L1/sub 0/ cluster structure was realized in the films via post-deposition annealing and the nanostructure of the films was observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results for a film with 45 vol. % C showed that FePt clusters are well separated by C matrix and the cluster diameter is about 4.5 nm. The coercivity increases with increase of annealing temperature; coercivities larger than 9 kOe were achieved in the films after annealing at a temperature of 700/spl deg/C and above. Magnetization reversal of the films was studied by moment-decay measurements and the data were fitted with the Sharrock formula. For the film with 45 vol. % C annealed at 625/spl deg/C, the thermal stability factor K/sub u/V/sup *//k/sub B/,T activation volume V/sup */, and anisotropy constant K/sub u/ are 231, 0.83/spl times/10/sup -18/cm/sup 3/ and 1.2/spl times/10/sup 7/ erg/cm/sup 3/, respectively.
Cooperative learning and classroom climate

Abstract The impact of two cooperative learning techniques, Student Teams-Achievement Divisions and Teams-Games-Tournaments, on classroom climate among students was compared to a traditional whole-class format. Thirty-five student teachers were randomly assigned to one of the three classroom structures. Their pupils were 864 second-through sixth-grade students, including 288 non-Anglo (black and Mexican American) students. A new measure of classroom climate, the Classroom Attitudes Scale, was developed that produced two attitude factors: Social Relations and School-work Cooperative techniques generally produced a slightly more favorable climate on both dimensions, and especially for females on Social Relations. Of the cooperative methods, Teams-Games-Tournament produced a significantly more favorable climate for Anglo-American students. The results support the conclusion that choice of classroom structure can bias classroom climate in favor of or against different ethnic groups.
Prevalence, Correlates, Disability, and Comorbidity of DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse and Dependence in the United States: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Background Current and comprehensive information on the epidemiology of DSM-IV 12-month and lifetime drug use disorders in the United States has not been available. Objectives To present detailed information on drug abuse and dependence prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity with other Axis I and II disorders. Design, Setting, and Participants Face-to-face interviews using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in a large representative sample of US adults (N = 43 093). Main Outcome Measures Twelve-month and lifetime prevalence of drug abuse and dependence and the associated correlates, treatment rates, disability, and comorbidity with other Axis I and II disorders. Results Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime drug abuse (1.4% and 7.7%, respectively) exceeded rates of drug dependence (0.6% and 2.6%, respectively). Rates of abuse and dependence were generally greater among men, Native Americans, respondents aged 18 to 44 years, those of lower socioeconomic status, those residing in the West, and those who were never married or widowed, separated, or divorced (all P Conclusions Most individuals with drug use disorders have never been treated, and treatment disparities exist among those at high risk, despite substantial disability and comorbidity. Comorbidity of drug use disorders with other substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder, as well as dependence with mood disorders and generalized anxiety disorder, appears to be due in part to unique factors underlying each pair of these disorders studied. The persistence of low treatment rates despite the availability of effective treatments indicates the need for vigorous educational efforts for the public and professionals.
Benefit-Risk Summary of Nivolumab for Patients With Metastatic Squamous Cell Lung Cancer After Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Report From the US Food and Drug Administration.

Importance Metastatic squamous non–small-cell lung cancer (SQ NSCLC) is a serious and life-threatening malignant condition with unmet medical need. In late December 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) obtained the data monitoring committee report of a planned interim analysis of a trial in second-line SQ NSCLC (CM017) that demonstrated an overall survival benefit for patients treated with nivolumab compared with docetaxel. Observations In that trial, 272 patients with metastatic SQ NSCLC patients had been randomized to receive nivolumab (n = 135) or docetaxel (n = 137). Median overall survival was 9.2 months for patients randomized to nivolumab and 6.0 months for those randomized to docetaxel (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.79; P Conclusions and Relevance The FDA granted nivolumab traditional approval on March 4, 2015, for treatment of metastatic SQ NSCLC with progression during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. The approval provides an important treatment option for these patients, affecting routine care and clinical trials.
Black Men, An Endangered Species: Who's Really Pulling the Trigger?.

Black men in today's society remain a population at risk. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon are discussed, and recommendations are made for helping service professionals, parents, and Black men themselves.
Bioremediation of Organic and Metal Co-contaminated Environments: Effects of Metal Toxicity, Speciation, and Bioavailability on Biodegradation

The current body of knowledge concerning metal effects on biodegradation is still in its infancy, yet the timely and cost-effective remediation of metal and organic co-contaminated sites will require a lucid understanding of factors important in determining the extent to which toxic metals inhibit organic biodegradation. Past attempts to measure impacts of metals on biodegradation are difficult to interpret, because they have generally been based on total metal rather than solution phase or bioavailable metal concentrations. This has resulted in reported inhibitory concentrations of metals that vary by as many as 5 orders of magnitude. A critical first step will be to consistently report solution phase or bioavailable metal concentrations so that legitimate comparisons of biodegradation behaviors in co-contaminated sites can be made. Currently, a useful approximation is to measure and use solution phase metal data; however, new methods of defining and determining bioavailable metal are rapidly being developed. Despite the enormous variance among reported inhibitory concentrations of metals, it remains clear that metals have the potential to inhibit organic biodegradation in both aerobic and anaerobic systems. The mechanisms and patterns by which metals inhibit biodegradation vary with the composition and complexity of each system and include both physiological and ecological components. A more thorough understanding of these systems, taking into account various levels of complexity, is needed to develop new approaches to bioremediate co-contaminated sites. Nevertheless, there already exist several approaches including addition of metal resistant microorganisms and additives that reduce metal bioavailability. Field trials are needed to validate these approaches.
Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry, 11th Revised Edition: The New Guidelines for the Lodging Industry

Consistency, objectivity, reliability, relevancy; all are commonly used to describe good accounting work and are integral characteristics of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). As ...
Effects of Malnutrition on Brain Development

Human experience indicates that conditions of insufficient food, hunger, and starvation occur quite commonly in many parts of the world. The United States has been spared devastating famines or war damages for a long time and enjoys the best agriculture and an ample food supply. However, this has not been the case in Europe, devastated by two world wars in recent history, or Africa and Asia which have faced many acute food shortages, sometimes due to natural calamities and sometimes manmade. As mentioned earlier, the impact of nutritional deficiencies is felt most in infants and children because their nervous systems are still developing, whereas, in adults the brain is usually spared the effects of malnutrition. The war years in Europe and the eruption of famine conditions in other countries have provided the bases for evaluating the effects of caloric insufficiency [and in some cases protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), and a lesser degree of essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency] on some parameters of brain damage, behavioral change, and intelligence (IQ tests).
Paired and Group Oral Assessment

The assessment of second language (L2) speaking has long been an important yet challenging area of research in language testing. L2 testers are often concerned with designing authentic speaking tasks that resemble real-life speaking activities so that score interpretations are generalizable to non-test contexts. The conversational nature of speaking skills has promoted the widespread integration of more authentic and interactive assessment tasks, such as paired or group orals. Such direct test formats typically “involve candidates interacting together to perform a task while one or more examiners observe their performances and rate their language proficiency” (Van Moere, 2013, p. 1).
On the adaptive scheme of a stage forecasting Muskingum model

A simple real-time stage forecasting model recently proposed for equipped river reaches with significant lateral inflows is here modified in order to improve the rising limb future estimate. The model is based on the Muskingum formulation and requires the estimation of five parameters when the downstream rating curve is unknown. The parameter involved in the lateral inflow representation is computed for each time of forecast on the basis of new observations acquired in real-time. The procedure for its estimate is here modified considering the slope of the hydrograph just before the time origin of forecast. This new adaptive procedure is tested through application of the model under real-time forecasting conditions for some flood events occurred in two equipped river reaches of the Upper Tiber basin, in Central Italy. The mean value of stage errors in magnitude and of the coefficient of persistence, both of them computed for all forecasts carried out up to the peak time, shows that the modified model provides more reliable forecast for most of the investigated floods. This result has a significant practical value for flood warning systems based on hydrometric thresholds.
Evaluating the Effect of Processing Parameters on Porosity in Electron Beam Melted Ti-6Al-4V via Synchrotron X-ray Microtomography

Electron beam melting (EBM) is one of the subsets of direct metal additive manufacturing (AM), an emerging manufacturing method that fabricates metallic parts directly from a three-dimensional (3D) computer model by the successive melting of powder layers. This family of technologies has seen significant growth in recent years due to its potential to manufacture complex components with shorter lead times, reduced material waste and minimal post-processing as a “near-net-shape” process, making it of particular interest to the biomedical and aerospace industries. The popular titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V has been the focus of multiple studies due to its importance to these two industries, which can be attributed to its high strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance. While previous research has found that most tensile properties of EBM Ti-6Al-4V meet or exceed conventional manufacturing standards, fatigue properties have been consistently inferior due to a significant presence of porosity. Studies have shown that adjusting processing parameters can reduce overall porosity; however, they frequently utilize methods that give insufficient information to properly characterize the porosity (e.g., Archimedes’ method). A more detailed examination of the result of process parameter adjustments on the size and spatial distribution of gas porosity was performed utilizing synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography with a minimum feature resolution of 1.5 µm. Cross-sectional melt pool area was varied systematically via process mapping. Increasing melt pool area through the speed function variable was observed to significantly reduce porosity in the part.
Safety in the Student Laboratory: A National Survey of University-based Programs

We conducted a national survey of unregulated, university-based, medical technology programs to determine the extent of compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines; type of training available; and extent of documentation, monitoring, and enforcement. The survey results indicated a gap exists between perceived and actual safety practice. Student laboratories that do not uniformly comply with current safety guidelines and regulations expose students and instructors to potential risks, including bloodborne pathogens and hazardous chemicals. In addition, many biological and chemical wastes are not safely discarded to minimize harmful environmental impact. These data indicate that clinical laboratory science program directors should review current safety practices and compliance guidelines to reduce the risks of potential calamities for students, faculty, and staff members.
Professionalization of Attitude toward Play in Children and Adults

(1985). Professionalization of Attitude toward Play in Children and Adults. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 82-83.
Rebels of the underground: Media, orality, and the routes of black emancipation

ABSTRACTStudies of race in communication studies often critique and/or celebrate representations of people of color, but recently scholars have called for studies to “go beyond” representation. Building off the work of Sarah Sharma, Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan, and Walter Ong, this article considers how forms of media, rather than solely content, have racial implications that exceed their representational capabilities. Through an analysis of slave narratives, this article argues that the Underground Railroad was a “media environment” that assisted slave emancipation. This environment celebrated oral forms of mediation and the bodies of certain black runaway slaves to mediate the lines between freedom and bondage.
Report on production test of application of GY-9 yeast in Chinese rice wine brewing

Strain GY-9 yeast was screened from natural cultured Lin-fan starter.Production tests showed that GY-9 owned the advantages of speedy fermentation and high alcohol production.Physical and chemical indicators of rice wine with GY-9 meet the standards well.Furthermore,compared with the product by yeast 85#,had no significant difference on sensory quality and product with GY-9 contained lower advanced alcohols and aldehydes.
Book Review: Computer Networks and Systems: Queueing Theory and Performance Evaluation by Thomas G. Robertazzi (Springer-Verlag, 1990)

This is a book intended for first-year graduate level courses in statistical performance evaluation. The book can be used for both network performance and computer system performance courses although the emphasis is on computer networks. It assumes a background in computer networks (first graduate course). Readers should have solid mathematics background if they use this book as self-study material. The book does provide a very brief review on probability theory, but this is not detailed enough if the readers did not have probability before.
A Strategic Framework for Utilizing Late-Stage (T4) Translation Research to Address Health Inequities.

Achieving health equity requires that every person has the opportunity to attain their full health potential and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances. Inequity experienced by populations of lower socioeconomic status is reflected in differences in health status and mortality rates, as well as in the distribution of disease, disability and illness across these population groups. This article gives an overview of the health inequities literature associated with heart, lung, blood and sleep (HLBS) disorders. We present an ecological framework that provides a theoretical foundation to study late-stage T4 translation research that studies implementation strategies for proven effective interventions to address health inequities. Ethn Dis. 2016;26(3):387-394; doi:10.18865/ ed.26.3.387
Circadian Transcription from Beta Cell Function to Diabetes Pathophysiology

The mammalian circadian clock plays a central role in the temporal coordination of physiology across the 24-h light-dark cycle. A major function of the clock is to maintain energy constancy in anticipation of alternating periods of fasting and feeding that correspond with sleep and wakefulness. While it has long been recognized that humans exhibit robust variation in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity across the sleep-wake cycle, experimental genetic analysis has now revealed that the clock transcription cycle plays an essential role in insulin secretion and metabolic function within pancreatic beta cells. This review addresses how studies of the beta cell clock may elucidate the etiology of subtypes of diabetes associated with circadian and sleep cycle disruption, in addition to more general forms of the disease.
In the Boardroom/Out of the Loop: Group and Organizational Dynamics

This chapter presents a multicultural analysis of group dynamics as it relates to organizational behavior using an integrative psychological–sociocultural framework. In devising this framework, we drew upon two theories with direct relevance to this topic: Embedded Intergroup Relations theory (Alderfer, In: Lorsch (ed) Handbook of organizational behavior. Prentice-Hall, 1987) and Social Identification theory (Tajfel & Turner, In: Austin and Worchel (eds) The social psychology of intergroup relations. Brooks/Cole, 1979). We also use the group relation’s conceptual approach that integrates systems and psychoanalytic theory to explore overt and covert processes that occur in groups and organizations. This approach was developed by the Tavistock Institute in London in the 1950s and is widely used as a consulting tool. As we will demonstrate, adopting an integrative framework in examining the etiological and experiential factors at play in group dynamics requires an acknowledgment of the crucial role played by both inter- and intra-dynamics of an individual’s lived experience (encompassing such variables as racial, cultural, gender, and generational dynamics) as well as conscious and unconscious processes. Our integrative framework therefore aims to assist in identifying key issues related to how race, culture, gender, and generational dynamics intersect with issues of power, privilege, and access to resources that may emerge in groups and/or organizations.
Harnessing the power of cruciferous vegetables: developing a biomarker for Brassica vegetable consumption using urinary 3,3'-diindolylmethane

Glucobrassicin in Brassica vegetables gives rise to indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound with potent anticancer effects in preclinical models. We previously showed that the urinary metabolite 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) could discriminate between volunteers fed high and low doses of Brassica vegetables. However, the quantitative relationship between glucobrassicin exposure and urinary DIM level is unclear. We conducted a clinical trial to examine the hypotheses that a range of glucobrassicin exposure from Brassica vegetables is reflected in urinary DIM and that this effect plateaus. Forty-five subjects consumed vegetables, a mixture of brussels sprouts and/or cabbage, at one of seven discrete dose levels of glucobrassicin ranging from 25 to 500 μmol, once daily for 2 consecutive days. All urine was collected for 24 hours after each vegetable-eating session. Urinary DIM was measured using our published liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry-selected reaction monitoring (LC/ESI-MS/MS-SRM) method. Urinary DIM excretion increased predictably with increasing glucobrassicin dose and plateaued between 200 and 300 μmol of glucobrassicin. The association between glucobrassicin dose and urinary DIM was strong and positive (R2 = 0.68). The majority of DIM was excreted in the first 12 hours after vegetable consumption. We conclude that urinary DIM is a reliable biomarker of glucobrassicin exposure and I3C uptake and that feeding glucobrassicin beyond 200 μmol did not consistently lead to more urinary DIM, suggesting a plateau in potential chemopreventive benefit. Cancer Prev Res; 9(10); 788-93. ©2016 AACR.
Long head movement and information packaging in Breton

Cet article, qui examine les configurations a mouvement de tete a distance en breton, poursuit deux buts principaux. Premierement, il contribue aux travaux existants en demontrant que le mouvement de tete a distance du breton est motive par la structure de l'information. L'operation de principes generaux d'economie, rendus sensibles a la structure de l'information, determine plusieurs des proprietes de la construction en breton. Deuxiemement, il est argumente que la derivation de la construction en breton n'implique pas necessairement un deplacement; les conditions de minimalite sur le mouvement ne sont pas essentielles a cette derivation. Les autres proprietes de la construction sont plutot attribuees a une propriete semantique des marqueurs de temps et aspect representee a l'interface de la Forme Logique. Cette etude porte sur la question de la representation de la dependance d'interpretation des auxiliaires et des verbes principaux et souleve des questions par rapport a l'interaction entre la composante stylistique, la structure de l'information et l'interface de la Forme Logique
Disability and health outcomes in geospatial analyses of Southeastern U.S. county health data

Abstract Background People with disabilities tend to be at risk for secondary conditions. There is a need for comprehensive disability and health databases, including geographic information systems to evaluate trends in health, functioning, and employment. Objective We evaluated county levels in morbidity and mortality across the Southeastern United States using spatial regression, examining 2015 trends in accordance with Healthy People 2020 objectives. Methods We merged 2015 National County Health Rankings and the 2015 Social Security Administration's Report on SSDI Beneficiaries, all for n = 1387 Southeastern U.S. county units. We used GeoDa to regress health and disability multivariable models for the dependent variable, age-adjusted Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) per 100,000 population. Results The principal Health/Demographic multivariable model of factors impacting YPLL yielded an adjusted R2 = 0.743 (F = 188.3, p Conclusions For the Southeastern U.S., counties with higher prevalence of SSDI disability workers correlated with significantly higher YPLL and poorer health outcomes. The research augments CDC Disability and Health GIS systems to measure Healthy People 2020 outcomes for persons with disabilities nationwide. Spatial regression represents a robust approach for improved analysis of geographic data for population health measures.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 ASP RNA promotes viral latency by recruiting the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 and promoting nucleosome assembly

Various epigenetic marks at the HIV-1 5'LTR suppress proviral expression and promote latency. Cellular antisense transcripts known as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) recruit the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) to gene promoters, which catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3), thus promoting nucleosome assembly and suppressing gene expression. We found that an HIV-1 antisense transcript expressed from the 3'LTR and encoding the antisense protein ASP promotes proviral latency. Expression of ASP RNA reduced HIV-1 replication in Jurkat cells. Moreover, ASP RNA expression promoted the establishment and maintenance of HIV-1 latency in Jurkat E4 cells. We show that this transcript interacts with and recruits PRC2 to the HIV-1 5'LTR, increasing accumulation of the suppressive epigenetic mark H3K27me3, while reducing RNA Polymerase II and thus proviral transcription. Altogether, our results suggest that the HIV-1 ASP transcript promotes epigenetic silencing of the HIV-1 5'LTR and proviral latency through the PRC2 pathway.
Recursive Computation for Block‐Nested Covariance Matrices

Covariance matrices corresponding to samples of multivariate time series or spatial random fields have a blockâ€ Toeplitz structure that has a nested pattern. Also, nonâ€ lattice data samples yield nested covariance matrices, although they are no longer blockâ€ Toeplitz. The nested structure of such matrices facilitates the computation of their inverses, among other related quantities. Recursive algorithms, based upon this nested structure, are presented, yielding applications such as the simulation of vector time series, the evaluation of Gaussian likelihoods and Whittle likelihoods, the computation of spectral factorization, and the calculation of projections. Both multivariate time series applications and twoâ€ dimensional random fields applications are discussed, as well as applications to nonâ€ lattice data.
Failure criteria for fibrous composites based on multiscale modeling

Failure criteria were proposed to describe physics-based failure modes of the fibrous composite at its micro-scale level. The criteria consist of four failure modes at the constituent material level, and they are: fiber breakage, fiber buckling, matrix cracking, and fiber/matrix interface debonding. The failure criteria for these failure modes were expressed in terms of stresses and strains at the micro-scale, i.e., those occurring within the fiber and matrix materials. To determine the micro-scale stresses and strains and to apply the failure criteria to the macro-scale composite material, a multiscale analysis was employed. The multiscale analysis links the micro-scale and macro-scale using the unit cell approach. The unit cell can compute the macro-scale (i.e., effective) material properties from the micro-scale (i.e., constituents) material properties. In addition, the unit cell can also compute micro-scale stresses and strains from macro-scale stresses and strains. The proposed failure criteria can be used for composite structures such as laminated fibrous composites, woven fabric composites, etc., The criteria were applied to multiple example cases under combined loading, which had available experimental data, to assess their reliability. The prediction using the proposed failure criteria agreed well with the experimental data.
The Unique Role of Professional Associations in Assisting Military Families: A Case Study

Professional associations can play an important role in delivering much-needed services to military families. These organizations are uniquely positioned to engage large membership groups in work that benefits military families, from the expertise necessary to conduct studies of needs and how to meet them, to performing direct services for military families. The American Bar Association (ABA), through its Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel, has played an active role in the effort to ensure access to justice for military families in need of civil legal services, and it has developed several innovative programs that are responsive to these needs. Because of the unique nature of the ABA as a national professional association, its programs are also unique in their composition, and their development can provide helpful models for other professional associations. Similarly, through its work, the ABA as a case study also provides generally applicable guidance and lessons learned that can be of assistance to other professional associations in the area of military family assistance.
The economic ethics of Islam

Islam could provide an essential tool to the world to overcome the inequality: the Islamic finance, based on the ethical principles of Quran and Sunnah. According to these principles, indeed, the Islamic bank should aim to reduce poverty by easing the access to the credit system to the most disadvantaged people. In that way the development of people and countries would not pass through the satisfaction of material needs, which today are more and more growing, but through simplicity, solidarity and ethics.
Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies.

Abstract Background Proximal corporal perforation at time of dilation, although rare, may occur due to factors related to patient anatomy, presence of intra-cavernosal fibrosis, and/or surgical technique. Aim To describe tools and techniques designed to prevent and identify proximal corporal perforation, and maneuvers to minimize the risk of subsequent cylinder migration once proximal perforation has been recognized, such that the operation may proceed and result in an acceptable outcome. Methods We discuss tips for prevention, recognition, and management of proximal corporal perforation by presenting a review of the literature as well as our preferences based on a high-volume experience with penile prosthesis surgery. Outcomes Described techniques aim to minimize risk of cylinder migration in the absence of true proximal repair. Results Although proximal perforation may be obvious at times, particularly with a sudden loss of resistance during dilation, discrepant corporal measurements and/or dissimilar proximal deflection of the dilator should also increase the index of suspicion. Numerous techniques have been employed to theoretically reduce the risk of cylinder migration in the setting of proximal corporal perforation. These include formal corporal repair (historical), windsock repairs with non-absorbable grafts, absorbable plugs, and suture fixation of the rear tip extender or shod material covering implant tubing. Clinical Translation Intra-operative recognition of proximal corporal perforation, coupled with understanding of surgical strategies to minimize the risk of future device migration, may allow completion of an operation that still results in an optimal outcome. Conclusions Techniques described to prevent proximal migration are not strongly evidence-based, but rooted in logic and supported by high-volume implanters. Intra-operative perforation of the proximal corpora, although rare, can threaten the success of penile implant surgery, though the techniques described herein have been developed to mitigate the potential for subsequent device migration, allowing surgery to proceed and to achieve the desired clinical result. Pearlman AM, Terlecki RP. Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies. J Sex Med 2018;15:1055–1060.
GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12 as novel molecular targets: their biological functions and interaction with cannabidiol

The G protein-coupled receptors 3, 6, and 12 (GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12) comprise a family of closely related orphan receptors with no confirmed endogenous ligands. These receptors are constitutively active and capable of signaling through G protein-mediated and non-G protein-mediated mechanisms. These orphan receptors have previously been reported to play important roles in many normal physiological functions and to be involved in a variety of pathological conditions. Although they are orphans, GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12 are phylogenetically most closely related to the cannabinoid receptors. Using β-arrestin2 recruitment and cAMP accumulation assays, we recently found that the nonpsychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is an inverse agonist for GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12. This discovery highlights these orphan receptors as potential new molecular targets for CBD, provides novel mechanisms of action, and suggests new therapeutic uses of CBD for illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and infertility. Furthermore, identification of CBD as a new inverse agonist for GPR3, GPR6, and GPR12 provides the initial chemical scaffolds upon which potent and efficacious agents acting on these receptors can be developed, with the goal of developing chemical tools for studying these orphan receptors and ultimately new therapeutic agents.
Development of a Molecular Method for the Detection of Enteric Viruses in Oysters

Detection of enteric virus contamination of shellfish is limited by current methodology, which is time-consuming, tedious, and lacking in sensitivity due to reliance on cell culture infectivity. Alternative detection methods based on nucleic acid amplification have been hampered by high sample volumes and the presence of enzymatic inhibitors. The goal of this study was to develop methods to purify and concentrate intact virions from oyster extracts to a volume and quality compatible with viral genomic nucleic acid amplification by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Fifty-gram oyster samples were homogenized and processed by standard adsorption-elution-precipitation methodology and then seeded with 10 5 PFU of poliovirus 1 (PV 1 ) or hepatitis A virus (HAV). Seeded viruses were concentrated by fluorocarbon extraction, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation, chloroform extraction, and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) precipitation to a volume of 100 μl with removal of RT-PCR inhibitors. Virus recovery after elution of PEG precipitates was 50% for PV1 and 15 to 20% for HAV as evaluted by cell culture infectivity. The CTAB precipitation step yielded a concentrated sample which was directly compatible with RT-PCR reactions and capable of detecting about 100 placque=forming units (PFU) of PVI or HAV. When 50-g oyster extracts were seeded and processed by the entire concentration and purification scheme, direct RT-PCR detection of viral genomic RNA was possible at initial inoculum levels of 10 4 PFU of HAV and 10 3 PFU of PVI, with recoveries of 1 to 5% of seeded viruses.
Combining Measurement Frameworks

This paper reviews and summarizes financial measurement systems and evaluates them against some core management constructs. First, accurate information is fundamental for decision making. Recent improvements in financial control systems and processes offer improvements in the accuracy of the cost and profit data being reported to management. Techniques such as Activity Based Costing (ABC), the Balanced Scorecard, and the Economic Value Added (EVA) concept have improved the accuracy of financial data and given companies that implement them a competitive advantage. Second, the EVA approach can be used to account for the total cost of the capital employed to generate revenues, and provides a metric for measuring the economic value added by corporate operations. Shareholders and the investment community are pressuring managers to deliver value and are demanding more accurate and transparent performance measurement approaches. Combining new and improved performance measurement frameworks may provide synergies that provide even more benefits. The ABC, Balanced Scorecard and EVA techniques are reviewed and evaluated for compatibility to see if they could be used simultaneously in combination, or whether they are mutually exclusive of each other. An analysis of the benefits provided by each technique is persuasive. ABC is a superior method of allocating overhead and indirect costs to products and services so a more accurate evaluation of their profitability can be made. The Balanced Scorecard enables managers to identify and track a number of financial and non-financial metrics to provide an accurate view of operating performance. EVA is an “economic” metric for measuring corporate performance that takes into account the cost of equity on assets employed and helps managers report out accurate valuations of economic profit. Since each technique involves improving the accuracy of information provided to economic decision makers, and can be tailored to a particular project’s critical success factors, the three techniques were found to be complimentary and can be used in combination.
Cost-Effective Shield Designs for Environmentally Attractive Fusion Power Plants

Vanadium alloys and SiC/SiC composites offer significant advantages in their low activation characteristics and high thermal performance capability. However, a design based entirely on these advanced structures would be expensive. Therefore, it is essential to limit the use of such advanced materials to highly irradiated components such as plasma facing components and blanket. The cost savings for replacing the V and SiC structures of the massive shield with steel are significant. This will degrade the thermal conversion efficiency of the system somewhat since steel cannot operate at temperatures as high as V or SiC. The dividing boundary between the high temperature and low temperature zones will therefore depend on how much power could be dumped as low grade heat without significantly reducing the useful thermal power. This novel approach for designing the shield of V- and SiC-based fusion power plants, along with other innovative ideas that improved the shield performance, reduced the overall cost of electricity by 10%, which is significant. 8 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.
Body Surface Area as a Determinant of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Dosing

Body surface area (BSA) was introduced into medical oncology in order to derive a safe starting dose for phase I studies of anticancer drugs from preclinical animal toxicology data. It is not clear however, as to why dosing by BSA was extended to the routine dosing of antineoplastic agents. Several formulas exist to estimate BSA, but the formula derived by DuBois and DuBois is the one used in adult medical oncology. This formula was derived based on data from only nine patients; subsequent attempts to validate the formula have found the DuBois formula to either over or underestimate the actual determined BSA. While cardiac output does correlate with BSA, the relationship between BSA and other physiologic measures relevant for drug metabolism and disposition, such as, renal and hepatic function, is weak or nonexistent. Further only epirubicin, etoposide, and carboplatin have been studied to determine if dosing by BSA would reduce interpatient variability, and none of these drugs were found to have significant relationships between their pharmacokinetics and BSA. Future clinical trials of new agents should not presume that dosing based on BSA reduces interpatient variability. Studies should examine the role, if any, BSA has in dosing new chemotherapeutic agents in initial phase I studies.
INTER -INDUSTRY IT SPILLOVERS AFTER THE DOT - COM BUST

This paper uses a novel source of fine-grained data on IT labor mobility to test the hypothesis that patterns of productivity growth observed after the dot-com bust can be partially explained by spillovers of e-commerce know-how from IT industries to other industries. The analysis treats the timing and geographic concentration of dot-com layoffs as a source of exogenous variation in the effects of the bust on different IT labor markets. IT-enabled productivity growth from 2001 onwards was faster for IT-using firms that experienced large changes in the skill content of the IT labor pool as a result of the dotcom bust. The evidence suggests that some of the social returns from dot-com IT investments were captured by IT-using industries in the same regions after the bust. Implications for the current wave of investment in data analytics and future productivity growth patterns are discussed.
Resveratrol and ivacaftor are additive G551D CFTR-channel potentiators: therapeutic implications for cystic fibrosis sinus disease.

BACKGROUND Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene result in defective Cl- transport and cause chronic bacterial infections in the upper and lower airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Ivacaftor is a CFTR potentiator that improves Cl- transport in CF patients with at least 1 copy of the G551D mutation. Resveratrol is also a potent CFTR potentiator that increases determinants of mucociliary transport. The objective of this study is to determine whether resveratrol and ivacaftor improve Cl- secretion in G551D CFTR over either agent alone. METHODS Fisher rat thyroid cells (FRT) transfected with G551D CFTR and human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNE) containing the CFTR G551D mutation were subjected to pharmacologic manipulation of transepithelial ion transport in Ussing chambers. Activity was further evaluated using whole-cell patch clamp methods in G551D FRT cells. RESULTS In G551D FRT cells, resveratrol (100 μM) and ivacaftor (10 μM) significantly increased Cl- transport (change in short-circuit current, δISC = μA/cm2 ) compared with single-agent and dimethylsulfoxide vehicle controls (resveratrol + ivacaftor 4.97 ± 0.57 vs ivacaftor 0.74 ± 0.12 vs resveratrol 2.96 ± 0.52 vs control 0.74 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Maximal Cl- secretion (20 μM forskolin) was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.0001). Activity was confirmed in G551D HSNE (resveratrol + ivacaftor 4.48 ± 0.39 vs ivacaftor 1.05 ± 0.11 vs. resveratrol 0.84 ± 0.3 vs control, 0.0 ± 0.02; p < 0.001), and whole-cell patch clamp analysis in G551D FRT cells (resveratrol + ivacaftor -2535 ± 179.3 pA vs ivacaftor -1408.9 ± 101.3 pA vs resveratrol; -766.2 ± 71.2 pA; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Additive improvement in G551D CFTR-mediated Cl- secretion suggests that resveratrol could enhance ivacaftor therapy in these patients and improve CF-related rhinosinusitis.