cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Contemporaneous Reporting of Income-Increasing and Income-Decreasing Special Items: Initial Evidence

Extant research finds that statement users typically discount special items in assessing a firm’s performance. Consequently, managers have been shown to highlight income-decreasing special items, in an effort to shift focus to “core” earnings, but strategically deploy and downplay income-increasing special items to boost bottom-line earnings. These dynamics suggest that the contemporaneous reporting of income-increasing and income-decreasing special items should be rare; however, this is not the case. We take a first step towards identifying the factors that guide this reporting practice. Using a novel dataset for a random sample of one hundred S&P 500 companies over twenty quarters, we analyze a set of potential drivers related to capital markets and contracting. Controlling for economic determinants, we find that the contemporaneous reporting of income-increasing and income-decreasing special items is linked both to efforts to avoid debt-covenant violations and to achieve earnings targets. Importantly, we find that the “equity-markets” effect manifests primarily for non-GAAP earnings. And, the “debt-markets” effect is driven by income-based covenants, not shielded from special items, and increases in covenant slack. As additional analysis, we confirm that the documented results generalize to a broad sample, based on machine-readable data, and the effect is most pronounced in settings where the use of alternative earning management methods is costly.
Two-Dimensional Finite Element — Boundary Integral Method

In this chapter we consider finite element method applications to scattering (and radiation) problems. A key ingredient for this extension is the mathematical truncation of the finite element mesh. More specifically, the boundary integral which appears in the weak wave equation can no longer be eliminated by enforcing Neumann or Dirichlet boundary conditions at the boundaries of the domain.
Long-Term Study of a Plant-Pathogen Metapopulation

Publisher Summary Although there has been a long-standing recognition that the numerical and gene frequency dynamics of natural populations may be affected by the interconnectedness of populations on a regional scale, it is only since the early 1980s that attention has been paid to the explicit study of interconnected sets of populations and to the theoretical exploration of the consequences of spatially explicit models for ecological and genetic processes. In the context of field studies, there is also increasing recognition that migration among interconnected populations and local extinction and recolonization are the rules rather than the exceptions in natural populations. Early metapopulation models assumed simplified within population dynamics driven largely by the effects of colonization, migration, and extinction. More recently, with the advent of increased computational power, it has been possible to explore the consequences of within population dynamics on spatially extended systems and in multiple interconnected populations.
Unusual presentation of a Gartner duct cyst in early pregnancy

Introduction: Gartner ducts are vestigial remnants of the mesonephric ducts that regress after the eighth week of embryologic development. In the adult female, remnant Gartner ducts from the mesosalpinx to the cervix via the broad ligament and are typically located along the anterolateral vaginal wall. Cysts can arise when the ducts become obstructed and secretions from the remnant epithelium accumulate. Gartner duct cysts represent only about 11% of benign vaginal cysts. They often occur in pregnancy, but typically in the third trimester.Aim of Study: The purpose of this case report is to present a very unusual case of Gartner duct cyst that presented during the first trimester of pregnancy with our management strategy.Patients and Methods: After a 19-year-old primiparous patient presented with a painful midline vaginal mass in her first trimester, ultrasound and MRI were used to obtain the diagnosis of Gartner duct cyst. Bedside incision and drainage was performed to avoid general anesthesia for surgical excision.Results: The patient’s symptoms resolved after drainage, and she continued her pregnancy without complication. Complete healing of prior incision occurred with mild re-accumulation of glandular fluid. The patient had further symptoms.Conclusion: Gartner duct cyst should be on the differential diagnosis for a woman who has a midline vaginal cyst, even though they more typically occur more laterally. General anesthesia in the first trimester of pregnancy should be avoided. Therefore, we suggest bedside incision and drainage as an option for the management of symptomatic Gartner duct cysts in the patient who is not the ideal candidate for surgical excision
Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders among adults with opioid use disorder

Abstract Background Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders among people with opioid use disorder (OUD) increase risk for morbidity and mortality. Addressing these co-occurring conditions is critical for improving treatment and health outcomes. There is limited recent research on the prevalence of co-occurring disorders, demographic characteristics associated with co-occurring disorders, and receipt of mental health and substance use treatment services among those with OUD. This limits the development of targeted and resourced policies and clinical interventions. Methods Using 2015–2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, prevalence of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders and receipt of mental health and substance use treatment services was estimated for adults aged 18–64 with OUD. Multivariable logistic regression assessed demographic and substance use characteristics associated with past-year mental illness (AMI) and serious mental illness (SMI) among adults with OUD as well as treatment receipt. Results Among adults with OUD, prevalence of specific co-occurring substance use disorders ranged from 26.4% (95% CI:23.6%–29.4%) for alcohol to 10.6% (95% CI:8.6%–13.0%) for methamphetamine. Prevalence of AMI was 64.3% (95% CI:60.4%–67.9%) and SMI was 26.9% (95% CI:24.2%–29.8%). Receiving both mental health and substance use treatment services in the past year was reported by 24.5% (95% CI:21.5%–29.9%) of adults with OUD and AMI and 29.6% (95% CI:23.3%–36.7%) of adults with OUD and SMI. Conclusions Co-occurring substance use and mental disorders are common among adults with OUD. Expanding access to comprehensive service delivery models that address the substance use and mental health co-morbidities of this population is urgently needed.
The Plastid Lipase PLIP1 Is Critical for Seed Viability in diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 Mutant Seed

In developing Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds, the synthesis of triacylglycerol (TAG) is mediated primarily by the acyl-CoA-dependent enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase1 (DGAT1). In the absence of DGAT1 activity, phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT1) plays an important role in TAG synthesis, consistent with the higher-than-expected oil content and altered fatty acid composition of dgat1 seed. Transcript profiling of developing wild type (Columbia-0) and dgat1-1 mutant seed identified 602 differentially expressed genes. Expression of genes important for the formation of phosphatidylcholine, including LYSOPHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE ACYLTRANSFERASE2, and REDUCED OLEATE DESATURATION1 were strongly upregulated, consistent with increased substrate supply for PDAT1. In addition, several genes lacking a defined role in TAG biosynthesis were also upregulated, including the α/β-hydrolase family gene PLIP1, which encodes a plastid-localized lipase. In most tissues, PLIP1 was expressed at equivalent levels in wild-type and dgat1 plants, except for developing seed, where transcript levels were higher in the dgat1 mutant. Seeds from plip1 mutant plants possessed a 20% reduction in oil content and were smaller than seed from wild-type plants. Crosses between dgat1 and plip1 failed to generate double-homozygous mutant plants. Reciprocal crossing with wild-type plants demonstrated that both male and female gametophytes could transmit the dgat1 plip1 double-mutant genotype. Double-homozygous dgat1 plip1 seed formed but was green and failed to germinate. The synthetic lethal phenotype of dgat1 with plip1 indicates an important role for PLIP1 in the absence of DGAT1 activity, likely by supplying polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates for PDAT1.
The Impact of Tax Rates on Corporate Risk-Taking

According to transfer pricing rules, the allocation of assets, functions and risks within multinational companies determines the distribution of profits. This gives multinationals the incentive to shift valuable assets, complex functions and high risks to low tax countries. Whereas the literature has extensively studied the allocation of assets and debt within multinationals, I shed light on the intra-group allocation of risk. First, I outline how intragroup risk shifting can be conducted in different industries. Second, by using a dataset of unconsolidated financial statements, I show that subsidiaries’ level of risk is significantly affected by the statutory tax rate. This holds especially true for manufacturing groups and their subsidiaries in the service industry. Third, I show that for a matched sample of stand-alone companies, their level of risk is also affected by the statutory tax rate.
Effects of host species identity and diet on biodiversity of oral and rectal microbiomes of Puerto Rican bats

Microbiomes perform vital functions for their mammalian hosts, making them potential drivers of host evolution. Understanding effects of environmental factors and host characteristics on the composition and biodiversity of microbiomes may provide novel insights into the origin and maintenance of these symbiotic relationships. Our goals were to (1) characterize biodiversity of oral and rectal microbiomes of bats in Puerto Rico; and (2) determine the effects of geographic location and host characteristics on that biodiversity. We collected bats and their microbiomes from 3 sites, and used 4 metrics (species richness, Shannon diversity, Camargo evenness, Berger-Parker dominance) to characterize biodiversity. We evaluated the relative importance of site, host sex, host species identity, and host foraging guild on microbiome biodiversity. Microbiome biodiversity was highly variable among conspecifics. Geographical location exhibited consistent effects, whereas host sex did not do so. Within each host guild, host species exhibited consistent differences in oral and rectal microbiome biodiversity. Oral microbiome biodiversity was indistinguishable between guilds, whereas rectal microbiome biodiversity was significantly greater in carnivores than in herbivores. The high intraspecific and spatial variation in microbiome biodiversity necessitate a large number of samples to isolate the effects of environmental or host characteristics on microbiomes. Species-specific biodiversity of oral microbiomes suggests these communities are structured by direct interactions with the host immune system via epithelial receptors. In contrast, the number of microbial taxa that a host gut supports may be contingent on the number and kinds of functions a host requires of its microbiome.
Chapter 14 – Separation Techniques

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses protein purification. Preparative ultracentrifugation is a procedure that uses density differences to separate materials. There are numerous rotors with special uses, such as the fixed-angle, swinging bucket, and zonal. Electrophoresis is another technique used for the preparative separations of proteins. Electrophoresis permits a high degree of resolution. However, one of the best concentration techniques available is ultrafiltration. In some ways, this technique is similar to reverse osmosis; in others, it resembles dialysis. Ultrafiltration depends on the concentration gradient at the membrane surface: The greater the gradient, the faster the flow rate. Ultrafiltration can be used to separate protein fractions if a few units are set up in tandem to get a cut of a certain molecular weight range. Ultrafiltration systems are being used in the dairy industry, necessitating the development of industrial-sized equipment.
STIMULATE: A System for Real-time Information Acquisition and Learning for Disaster Management

Real-time information sharing and propagation using social media such as Twitter has proven itself as a potential resource to improve situational awareness in a timely manner for disaster management. Traditional disaster management systems work well for analyzing static and historical information. However, they cannot process dynamic streams of data that are being generated in real-time. This paper presents STIMULATE - a System for Real-time Information Acquisition and Learning for Disaster Management that can (1) fetch and process tweets in real-time, (2) classify those tweets into FEMA defined categories for rescue priorities using pre-trained deep learning models and generate useful insights, (3) find FEMA defined stranded people for rescue missions of varying priorities, and (4) provide an interactive web interface for rescue management given the available resources. The STIMULATE prototype is primarily built using the Python Flask framework for web interaction. Additionally, it is deployed in the cloud environment using Hadoop and MongoDB for scalable storage, and on-demand computing for processing extensive social media data. The deep learning models in the STIMULATE prototype use Python Keras and the TensorFlow library. We use Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BLSTM) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for developing the tweet classifier. Further, we use the Python PyWSGI WebSocket server for rescue scheduling operations. We present a deep learning system trained on hurricane Harvey and Irma datasets only. The tweet classifier is evaluated using 15 different disaster datasets. Finally, we present the results of multiple simulations using synthetic data with different sizes to measure the performance and effectiveness of the tweets processor and rescue scheduling algorithm.
Obituary for John Dardess

John Wolfe Dardess (January 17, 1937–March 31, 2020), in the founding generation of American Ming historians, was born in Chatham, New York to Edna Wolfe Dardess and a doctor, John Dardess, who gav...
Associations between self-reported spontaneous thought and temporal sequences of EEG microstates

Thought dynamically evolves from one moment to the next even in the absence of external stimulation. The extent to which patterns of spontaneous thought covary with time-varying fluctuations in intrinsic brain activity is of great interest but remains unknown. We conducted novel analyses of data originally reported by Portnova et al. (2019) to examine associations between the intrinsic dynamics of EEG microstates and self-reported thought measured using the Amsterdam Resting-State Questionnaire (ARSQ). Accordingly, the millisecond fluctuations of microstates were associated with specific dimensions of thought. We evaluated the reliability of these findings by combining our results with those of another study using meta-analysis. Importantly, we extended this investigation using multivariate methods to evaluate multidimensional thought profiles of individuals and their links to sequences of successive microstates. Thought profiles were identified based on hierarchical clustering of ARSQ ratings and were distinguished in terms of the temporal ordering of successive microstates based on sequence analytic methods. These findings demonstrate the relevance of assessing spontaneous thought for understanding intrinsic brain activity and the novel use of sequence analysis for characterizing microstate dynamics. Integrating the phenomenological view from within remains crucial for understanding the functional significance of intrinsic large-scale neurodynamics.
Shape Reconstruction from 3D and 2D Data Using PDE-Based Deformable Surfaces

In this paper, we propose a new PDE-based methodology for deformable surfaces that is capable of automatically evolving its shape to capture the geometric boundary of the data and simultaneously discover its underlying topological structure. Our model can handle multiple types of data (such as volumetric data, 3D point clouds and 2D image data), using a common mathematical framework. The deformation behavior of the model is governed by partial differential equations (e.g. the weighted minimal surface flow). Unlike the level-set approach, our model always has an explicit representation of geometry and topology. The regularity of the model and the stability of the numerical integration process are ensured by a powerful Laplacian tangential smoothing operator. By allowing local adaptive refinement of the mesh, the model can accurately represent sharp features. We have applied our model for shape reconstruction from volumetric data, unorganized 3D point clouds and multiple view images. The versatility and robustness of our model allow its application to the challenging problem of multiple view reconstruction. Our approach is unique in its combination of simultaneous use of a high number of arbitrary camera views with an explicit mesh that is intuitive and easy-to-interact-with. Our model-based approach automatically selects the best views for reconstruction, allows for visibility checking and progressive refinement of the model as more images become available. The results of our extensive experiments on synthetic and real data demonstrate robustness, high reconstruction accuracy and visual quality.
Quiet Withdrawal: The SEC's Silent Treatment of Proposed Reporting Out Provisions

This article argues that the Securities and Exchange Commission must act upon Congress' mandate to issue rules setting forth minimum standards of professional conduct for attorneys appearing and practicing before it. Ensuring that evidence of material violations of securities laws reaches the Commission where remedial steps have not been taken by an issuer is incumbent upon the entity charged with protecting investors and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets. If the SEC remains silent on noisy withdrawal, leaving it to languish in the legal purgatory of proposed rulemaking, it signals that it is not concerned with the professional conduct of those attorneys who appear or practice before it. This article proposes a reopening of the comment period to allow input on the alternative proposal to noisy withdrawal: compulsory issuer reporting of an attorney's withdrawal from representation.
Juvenile age estimation using diaphyseal long bone lengths among ancient Maya populations

Standards for diaphyseal lengths of the femur, humerus, and tibia that can be used in juvenile age estimation for the ancient Maya are presented. It is argued that these new standards are necessary given differences in stature and limb proportion in Mesoamerican groups compared to the prehistoric North American groups upon whom the current available standards have been developed. Using data from 96 juveniles in the protohistoric Maya series from Tipu, Belize, regression equations were developed to predict age of dental development using diaphyseal lengths; all had excellent fit and statistical significance. When the equations were tested with diaphyseal lengths from other Mesoamerican populations, the results were supportive of such application. Se presentan los estandares de las longitudes de los diafises del humero, femur, y tibia, las cuales seran usadas en la estimacion de las edades juveniles en poblaciones mayas prehistoricas. Se propone que estos estandares nuevos son necesarios ya que los estandares empleados actualmente fueron desarollados en poblaciones norteamericanas y existen diferencias en estatura y las proporciones de los miembros entre estas poblaciones prehistoricas y las poblaciones prehistoricas Mayas. Usando datos de 75 jovenes en la serie Maya protohistorica de Tipu, Belice, se produjeron ecuaciones de regresion para predecir la edad de desarrollo dental basada en las longitudes de los diafises; todas tenian la bondad excelente de ajuste y la significacion estadistica. Cuando estas ecuaciones fueron comparadas con datos tomados de otras poblaciones mesoamericanas, las curvas parecen ser bastante coherentes.
Analyzing metadata for effective use and re-use

Using a commercially available visual graphical analysis tool, the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) has developed techniques to expedite evaluation of large batches of metadata. These techniques allow efficient and thorough review of large quantities of XML metadata, thus enabling the focus of limited resources on evaluation and manipulation tasks that are most important in our context. In the NSDL, metadata is evaluated for aggregation, but these techniques are applicable to any situation where batches of metadata need to be evaluated. This paper discusses the motivations for this approach and the techniques themselves.
Allografted lungs in matched dogs with induced pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Induction of chronic pulmonary hypertension in dogs treated by lung allotrans-plantation was performed in this study. Eight adult dogs, 3 mongrels and 5 purebred sibling foxhounds matched by mixed leukocyte culture, comprised group I and were subjected to recurrent macroembolization and compared to another group (II) of 8 unmatched normotensive animals who received allografts and immunosuppressive therapy. Findings in early biopsy specimens in the group I animals revealed endothelial edema. A mononuclear vasculitis, more marked around the veins, and a mononuclear chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the bronchial wall were additional findings in the early biopsy specimens. In the group I late biopsy specimens, electron-dense and electron-lucent endothelial cells and multilamination of the basement membrane were characteristic features. Fibrosis of the bronchial wall structures was noted during this time period, as was alveolar wall fibrosis. These pathologic endothelial lesions, the basement membrane multi-lamination and the alveolar wall fibrosis are similar to the lesions reported in the chronically rejected renal allograft.
Two new B-10 translocations involved in the control of nondisjunction of the B chromosome in maize.

A B-A translocation, TB-10(18), has been established involving breakpoints in the proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 10 and the minute short arm of the maize B chromosome. TB-10(18) differs in its nondisjunctional behavior at the second microspore division from TB-10(19), which has a breakpoint in the same region of 10 but in the heterochromatic region of the long arm of B, in the following ways: (1) Nondisjunction of the B10 chromosome of the TB-10(18) translocation occurs in the absence of the reciprocal element (10B), albeit at low frequency. (2) Presence of 10B increases the frequency of B10 nondisjunction but not to the level found for TB-10(19) and certain other translocations. (3) The frequency of B10 nondisjunction varies among closely related sublines both when 10B is present and when it is absent. It is inferred that the B10 of TB-10(18) carries all the components of B necessary for nondisjunction but that expression is weak in the absence of 10B, suggesting the existence in the B chromosome short arm of a factor influencing efficient nondisjunction.
A seventeen-year study of the rose star Crossaster papposus population in a coastal bay in southeast Alaska

A 17 yr study of a population of the rose star Crossaster papposus (Linnaeus, 1767) in Auke Bay, near Juneau, Alaska, used SCUBA to follow a total of 956 individually marked stars. Population density was relatively constant over the 17 yr of study, although the influx of smaller individuals varied by an order of magnitude. Growth in diameter of individual stars was inversely related to size, with the largest individuals showing negligible growth for periods of months or years. Annual survivorship was relatively high (from 76.3 to 90.4%), and some individuals persisted throughout the study, indicating longevities of at least 20 yr in this species. Observations of food habits indicated that the principal prey item is the reddish scallop Chlamys rubida. In summary, this rose star population was characterized by a relatively stable number of long-lived, slow-growing individuals.
Glutamine-induced protection of isolated rat heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury is mediated via the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and increased protein O-GlcNAc levels

It has been shown that glutamine protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the mechanisms underlying this protection have not been identfied. Glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) regulates the entry of glucose into the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) and activation of this pathway has been shown to be cardioprotective. Glutamine is required for metabolism of glucose via GFAT; therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether glutamine cardioprotection could be attributed to increased flux through the HBP and elevated levels of O-linked N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) on proteins. Hearts from male rats were isolated and perfused with Krebs-Henseliet buffer containing 5mM glucose, and global, no-flow ischemia was induced for 20 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. 30 minute pre-treatment with 2.5 mM glutamine significantly improved functional recovery (RPP: 15.6±5.7% Vs. 59.4±6.1%; p<0.05) and decreased cardiac Troponin I release (25.4±3.0 Vs. 4.7±1.9; p<0.05) during reperfusion. This protection was associated with a significant increase in the levels of protein O-GlcNAc and ATP. Pre-treatment with 80 μM azaserine, an inhibitor of GFAT, completely reversed the protection seen with glutamine and prevented the increase in protein O-GlcNAc. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) catalyzes the formation of O-GlcNAc, and inhibition of OGT with 5mM alloxan also reversed the protection associated with glutamine. These data support the hypothesis that in the ex vivo perfused heart glutamine cardioprotection is due, at least in part, to enhanced flux through the HBP and increased protein O-GlcNAc levels.
An Algorithm for Locating and Displaying the Intersection of Two Arbitrary Surfaces

A new method for numerically computing the intersection of implicitly defined surfaces provides the capability to display intersections that are impossible to find analytically.
Genre and Television: From Cop Shows to Cartoons in American Culture by Jason Mittell (New York: Routledge, 2004)

As Jason Mittell reminds his readers in the introduction to his fascinating new book, Genre and Television: From Cop Shows to Cartoons in American Culture, television genres have been widely employ...
Image processing algorithms applied to rib boundary detection in chest radiographs

Abstract Two approaches to detecting rib boundaries in chest radiographs are compared, and directions for future developments in this area are discussed.
How About Farms and Ranches

ABSTRACT During the past several years it has become apparent that farms and ranches have been delinquent in compliance regarding oil pollution prevention planning and practices. Some deaths have b...
Ureteral obstruction in postmenopausal woman with endometriosis

A case of ureteral obstruction occurring in a postmenopausal woman treated with long-standing unopposed estrogen is reported.
Visualization of Rab5 activity in living cells by FRET microscopy and influence of plasma-membrane-targeted Rab5 on clathrin-dependent endocytosis

Rab5 is a small GTPase that controls endocytosis and early endosome dynamics. To visualize active, GTP-loaded Rab5 in living cells, we developed molecular sensors consisting of the Rab5-binding fragments of Rabaptin5 or EEA.1 fused to yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Interaction of these sensors with GTP-bound Rab5 fused to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) resulted in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between CFP and YFP. Activated Rab5 was detected by FRET microscopy in endosomal compartments and often concentrated in microdomains in the endosomal membrane. Although the plasma membrane-localized activity of Rab5 was not detected by light microscopy, overexpression of a GDP-bound mutant of CFP-Rab5(S34N) inhibited internalization of the epidermal growth factor receptor by retaining receptors in clathrin-coated pits. To test whether the Rab5(S34N) mutant affects endocytosis directly at the plasma membrane, CFP-Rab5 was fused to the plasma membrane targeting sequence of K-Ras containing a CAAX motif. The resulting chimeric CFP-Rab5-CAAX was located mainly in the plasma membrane and was capable of binding GTP as judged by FRET microscopy with the Rabaptin5-based sensor. Interestingly, EEA.1 sensor did not follow activated Rab5-CAAX to the plasma membrane, suggesting that the interaction of EEA.1 with Rab5 plays a secondary role in EEA.1 targeting. Overexpression of CFP-Rab5(S34N)CAAX prevented endocytosis of receptors by retaining them in coated pits. These data suggest that the dominant-negative effect of the Rab5(S34N) mutant on the late stages of endocytosis can be mediated through the inhibition of cytosol-associated or plasma-membrane-associated rather than endosome-associated regulators of Rab proteins.
A Multiscale Approach to Modeling Energy Dissipation in Lap Joints: Comparison of Two Models

Energy dissipation in mechanical joints occurs as a result of micro-slip motion between contacting rough surfaces. An account of this phenomenon is especially challenging due to the vast differences in the length and time scales between the macro-mechanical structure and the micron-scale events at the joint interface. This paper considers the contact between two nominally flat surfaces containing micron-scale roughness. The rough surface interaction is viewed as a multi-sphere elastic interaction subject to a periodic tangential force. It combines the Mindlin’s formulation [1, 2] for the elastic interaction of two spheres with the Greenwood and Williamson’s [3] statistical approach for the contact of two nominally flat rough surfaces so as to develop a model for multi-sphere problem in which sphere radii, contact load and the number of spheres in contact can only be known in a statistical sense and not deterministically.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
SU-GG-T-229: Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors

Purpose: Investigate the benefits of intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT) for pediatric braintumors over non‐coplanar IMRT.Method and Materials: Nine pediatric patients with posterior fossa tumors, mean age 9.6 years (6.1–15.1), were treated with IMRT within the past year at our institution. For this study, each was re‐planned with 54Gy to the PTV with five different methods; 8 field non‐coplanar IMRT, single coplanar IMAT, double coplanar IMAT, single non‐coplanar IMAT, and double non‐coplanar IMAT. For each method, the dose to 95% of the PTV was held constant and the dose to surrounding critical structures were minimized. The plans were compared based on conformality index (CI), MUs, and dose to surrounding normal tissue.Results: The body V5 and brain D50 for IMAT and double IMAT were reduced (p<0.01) compared to NC‐IMRT. The body V50 and D50 to the cochleae were increased (p<0.01). For IMAT, the CI and MU were decreased (p=0.01). For NC‐IMAT, the V5 was increased (p=0.01) but the D50 to the right cochlea and both temporal lobes was decreased (p=0.01). For double NC‐IMAT, the body V50, D50 to both cochleae and temporal lobes were decreased (p<0.01), however the body V5 and MU were increased (p<0.01). The CI for the double NC‐IMAT was also improved (p=0.05). Four patients had NC‐IMRT plans where both cochleae received greater than 25Gy; the average for these patients was 27.9Gy. The average dose was increased for the IMAT (32.7Gy p=0.01) and double IMAT (31.0Gy p=0.05). For the NC‐IMAT, the dose decreased to 22.5Gy (p=0.03) and double NC‐IMAT was also decreased (20.0Gy p<0.01). Conclusion: Double NC‐IMAT can improve treatment for pediatric posterior fossa tumors over non‐coplanar IMRT, and this option may be able to provide dose reduction to certain critical structures. This method has merit and should be considered alongside IMRT for these patients.
Lung Recruitment and Breathing Pattern During Variable Versus Continuous Flow Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Premature Infants: An Evaluation of Three Devices

Objective. To determine whether lung volume changes and breathing pattern parameters differ among 3 devices for delivery of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in premature infants. Methods. Thirty-two premature infants receiving nasal CPAP for apnea or mild respiratory distress were enrolled. Birth weight was (mean ± standard deviation) 1081 ± 316 g, gestational age 29 ± 2 weeks, age at study 13 ± 12 days, and fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) at study .29 ± .1. Three devices, applied in random order, were studied in each infant: continuous flow nasal CPAP via CPAP prongs, continuous flow nasal CPAP via modified nasal cannula, and variable flow nasal CPAP. After lung recruitment to standardize volume history, changes in lung volume (ΔVL) were assessed at nasal CPAP of 8, 6, 4, and 0 cm H2O using calibrated direct current-coupled respiratory inductance plethysmography. Results. ΔVL was significantly greater overall with the variable flow device compared with both the nasal cannula and CPAP prongs. However, ΔVL was not different between the cannula and the prongs. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, thoraco-abdominal asynchrony, and Fio2 were greater with the modified cannula than for either of the other 2 devices. Conclusion. Compared with 2 continuous flow devices, the variable flow nasal CPAP device leads to greater lung recruitment. Although a nasal cannula is able to recruit lung volume, it does so at the cost of increased respiratory effort and Fio2.
Interstitial fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction is exacerbated in kidneys of mice lacking the gene for inducible nitric oxide synthase

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is characterized by decreases in renal function and increases in interstitial fibrosis. Previous studies have indicated that pharmacologic manipulations that increase nitric oxide (NO) are beneficial to the obstructed kidneys. NO is produced from arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS), an enzyme that exists in both constitutive and inducible (iNOS) forms. To determine the role of the inducible form of NOS in UUO, we used mice with a targeted deletion of iNOS (iNOS -/- mice) and compared them with wild-type (WT) mice. Kidneys were obstructed for 2 weeks in both WT and iNOS -/- mice, and were then removed and bisected. Half of the kidney was embedded in paraffin and tissue sections were examined for interstitial volume or the presence of macrophages. The remainder was flash-frozen and samples were used to measure tissue collagen (hydroxyproline) or transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). This study demonstrates that both cortex and medulla of obstructed kidneys of iNOS -/- mice exhibit significantly increased interstitial volume and interstitial macrophages as compared with their WT counterparts. Furthermore tissue collagen was increased to 9.2+/-1.3 microg/mg tissue in WT obstructed kidneys, whereas in iNOS -/- kidneys, collagen was increased to 13.2+/-0.8 microg/mg tissue. The profibrotic cytokine TGF-beta was also significantly increased in obstructed kidneys of iNOS -/- mice, as compared with WT mice. No differences were noted between the unobstructed kidneys of iNOS -/- mice compared with WT mice in any of the parameters examined. These results demonstrate that targeted deletion of the iNOS results in exacerbation of fibrotic events in the obstructed kidney. These results confirm previous pharmacologic studies, and suggest that NO produced via the inducible NOS normally serves a protective function in UUO.
Vertebrobasilar revascularization rates and outcomes in the MERCI and multi-MERCI trials.

Objective Mortality of 40% to 86% and good outcomes in only 13% to 21% of patients beg for treatment options for basilar occlusion. This study determined outcomes of patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion treated with mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) retriever mechanical thrombectomy. Methods Patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion in the MERCI and Multi-MERCI trials received treatment up to 8 hours after symptom onset. Recanalization was determined after retriever use and adjunctive therapy. Mortality and good outcomes, modified Rankin scale score 0-3, were determined at 90 days in patients who were recanalized and not recanalized. Results Recanalization occurred in 21 of 27 (78%) patients. Mortality was 44% and good outcomes were seen in 41%. Patients with recanalization tended to have better outcomes than those without. Conclusions Outcomes in patients with vertebrobasilar occlusions treated with the MERCI retriever compared favorably with natural history reports and tended to be better in those patients with recanalization.
Minocycline attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats by reducing T cell infiltration into the spinal cord

We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of minocycline in EAE, an animal model of MS. Minocycline, administered for two weeks after the clinical onset, significantly decreased the cumulative and mean clinical scores of EAE. This was associated with the reduction of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell numbers in the spinal cord and the downregulation of LFA-1 on T cells without affecting the cytokine production profile. The predominant cytokine produced by T cells in the spleen was IFN-gamma whereas in the CNS it was IL-17. Our results indicate that minocycline regulates T cell infiltration into the CNS without modifying the dominant cytokine production.
Transfrontal Endoscopic Management of Frontal Recess Disease

The frontal sinus outflow tract can be a difficult area from which to adequately and safely remove bony and/or disease obstructions. A combined endoscopic transfrontal trephination and intranasal e...
SORGHUMS WITH IMPROVED TORTILLA MAKING CHARACTERISTICS

Color of tortillas prepared from grain of 38 sorghum cultivars by a laboratory procedure varied, from a light yellowish to dark-greenish brown. The cooking time and grinding properties of sorghum were affected by kernel size, texture, and structure. Corneous sorghum kernels required longer cooking time than soft, floury kernels. Native sorghums of Honduras and Guatemala with white or colorless pericarp without a testa gave the lightest color tortillas, and had the best overall potential for use in tortilla production. Considerable variation exists among white sorghums. Brown sorghums as expected, produced unacceptable brown-green tortillas with poor taste. Red sorghums, produced tortillas with a dark, unacceptable color. A simple alkali test using five kernels was used to screen white seeded sorghums from the world collection for alkali color formation. Good correlation between the alkali test and tortilla color was obtained. The test is useful in breeding programs to select sorghum with improved potential for use in tortillas and other high pH products.
Addition of Condensed Tannin Sources to Broiler Litter Before Deep-Stacking

Abstract Wang, Z.S., Goetsch, A.L., Park, KR, Patil, A.R., Kouakou, B., Galloway, D.L., Sr. and Rossi, J.E. 1996. Addition of condensed tannin sources to broiler litter before deep-stacking. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 10: 59–79. Different sources and levels of condensed tannins were thoroughly mixed (M) or covered (C) with broiler litter in plastic vessels fitted with a dacron top. Containers were placed in a deep-stack for 3 or 9 wk to determine effects on constituent concentrations, recoveries and in situ ruminal disappearances. Added substrates were commercial vegetable extract (VE; quebracho), peanut skins (PS), bird-resistant sorghum grain (BS) and regular sorghum grain (S), with condensed tannin (catechin equivalents) concentrations of 68.4, 24.7, 0.6 and 0.0%, respectively. Levels (total dry matter basis) were 0, 0.04, 0.09, 0.17, 0.35, 1.3, 2.6, 5.1 and 10.3% VE; 0, 3.6, 7.1, 14.2 and 28.4% PS; and 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40% BS and S. Condensed tannin recovery for VE [120, 113, 105, 98, 63, 27, 18, 12 and 10%...
Some observations on the use of strontium carbonate as a temperature standard for DTA

Abstract The simultaneous decomposition of strontium carbonate that occurs during the solid-to-solid phase transition is a detriment to the use of this material as a high temperature standard for DTA. An atmosphere of carbon dioxide is shown to deter the reversible decomposition to much higher temperatures where it is no longer a problem. The phase transition temperature was observed to shift during the initial heating through the transition in carbon dioxide but remain constant thereafter. Changes were also observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern during the initial heating. It is proposed that the use of this material as a DTA standard be restricted to an atmosphere of carbon dioxide using a sample that has undergone at least one temperature cycle in that atmosphere.
Estimating dates of recent glacier advances and recession rates by studying tree growth layers

Study of the growth layers of trees growing along the margins and below the terminus of a present day receding glacier reveals the minumum lapse of time in years since the glacier advanced beyond a given point, and the approximate rates at which recession has occurred. Study of cross sections of trees pushed part way over by ice pressure at the time of maximum glacier advance and left in a tilted position to continue growth until the present, discloses the exact year of the maximum advance. This is detected through a change in form of growth layers in the trunk cross section. Growth while the tree is erect is concentric about the growth center; that after trunk tilting is asymmetric. The non-conformity between concentric central growth and eccentric outer growth marks the year of the tilting. This technique and others described here may be used to date landslides, windstorms, and river floods as well as glacier fluctuations.
A Double-blind comparison of nalbuphine and meperidine hydrochloride as intravenous analgesics in combination with diazepam for oral surgery outpatients

This study compared the analgesic efficacy, sedative, and amnesic properties, and side effects of nalbuphine versus meperidine as intravenous premedicants in combination with intravenous diazepam for the treatment of outpatients undergoing the removal of impacted third molars with alveolar nerve block anesthesia. Forty patients were evaluated in this double-blind crossover study. Nalbuphine was shown to have analgesic, sedative, and amnesic properties similar to meperidine. Nalbuphine, when compared to meperidine, produced significantly lower intraoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Because of this cardiovascular stability, nalbuphine should be considered over meperidine for use in the cardiovascularly compromised patient undergoing oral surgery.
Critical Sociology and the Interdisciplinary Imagination

This article situates Craig Calhoun’s early sociological trajectory within a diverse set of movements that aimed to transform the discipline of sociology in the United States. As a means to histori...
The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future

The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future, Vali Nasr, New York: W. W. Norton, 2006, ISBN 978-0393062113, 304pp. Marshall Hodgson famously wrote that an extraterrestrial vis...
A fast Eulerian method for disperse two-phase flow

Abstract We propose a variant of the Eulerian method for two-phase flow that is valid for small particle response time τ. For small τ, the particle velocity field v ( x ,t) approaches a unique, equilibrium field, independent of initial conditions. A precise inequality is derived specifying how small τ must be for this to occur. When it does, v ( x ,t) depends only on local fluid quantities (velocity and its spatial and temporal derivatives), and may be expressed as an expansion in τ. We derive an expansion which generalizes those of previous researchers. The first-order truncation of this expansion may be computed efficiently, so by using it to approximate v, the method avoids the need to solve additional partial differential equations, and therefore is much faster than the standard Eulerian method. Results from a direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow indicate that this first-order approximation of v is sufficiently accurate. Static tests performed at one time-instance show the actual velocities of particles evolved in a Lagrangian fashion are estimated well by evaluating the first-order approximation of v at the particles' positions. In particular, turbophoresis is represented accurately. Dynamic tests examine the effect of using the first-order approximation of v to evolve particles. The distribution of particles evolved in this way differs little from that of particles evolved using the standard Lagrangian method, indicating that static errors do not accumulate over time. In particular, the approximate method accurately captures preferential concentration in regions of high strain and low vorticity. Analogous results hold for bubbles. Therefore, for sufficiently small particles of any density, the first-order approximation to v is accurate, so the proposed variant of the Eulerian method is both accurate and fast.
Nesting success of understory forest birds in central Panama

Greater nest predation in tropical than temperate birds has been hypothesized to be a primary selective force generating latitudinal differences in avian life history traits. Few extensive data sets, however, have been available from tropical forests to compare with data from temperate forests. To increase the amount of empirical information available for addressing issues related to the evolution of life history traits of tropical birds, we measured the nesting success of understory birds in lowland forest of central Panama. We found and monitored the fates of 696 nests of 71 species over two breeding seasons. Daily nest predation rates for the ten species for which we obtained the largest samples ranged from 1.6 to 8.3%, equivalent to a loss of 43 to 92% of nests. These values overlapped extensively the range of daily predation rates experienced by ecologically similar species in North America. Proportion of nests fledging young, estimated with the Mayfield method, was significantly lower in tropical (range: 8 to 57%) than temperate (27 to 60%) species. Nesting success in Panama varied among years, however, being greater in 1996 than 1997. In 1996, nesting success was similar to that of species breeding in forest fragments of midwestern North America. When compared with success of nests in large, contiguous forest tracts of North America, however, tropical avian nesting success was consistently lower by approximately 23%. We conclude that nesting success in central Panama may be poor in most breeding seasons, but also may be punctuated by occasional years of relatively exceptional success, a possibility heretofore unappreciated because of a general paucity of data from the tropics. Furthermore, our results indicate substantial variation in levels of nesting success among species, and almost no variation in clutch size. Such large interspecific variation, as well as potentially large annual variation, in nesting success does not support the hypothesis that uniformly low levels of nesting success select for small tropical clutch sizes.