cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Provenance Investigations Using Magnetic Susceptibility

ABSTRACT In situ outcrop measurement of magnetic susceptibility with a portable hand-held meter is a quick and useful tool in provenance investigations of siliciclastic strata. The volume percent of magnetite in sandstone and granitoid conglomerate clasts can be approximated and related to potential source areas. Two provenance investigations in southern California illustrate this technique. Magnetic-susceptibility measurements of sandstone and granitoid conglomerate clasts in Upper Cretaceous forearc strata of the Cabrillo Formation in San Diego indicate that the source region(s) were dominated by ilmenite-series granitoid rocks similar to those that underlie the eastern part of the mid-Cretaceous Peninsular Ranges batholith (PRB). These data are consistent with recent thermochronologic studies of the batholith and forearc sandstone that document rapid uplift, cooling, and erosion in the eastern part of the batholith at approximately the same time the Cabrillo Formation was deposited. Magnetic susceptibility of sandstone through part of a 6 km-thick section of Neogene rift-related strata in the western Salton Trough clearly record the abrupt arrival in earliest Pliocene time of ancestral Colorado River sediments into the basin. Pre-Colorado River sediments are dominated by local ilmenite-only granitoid source regions of the eastern Peninsular Ranges that contrast with regional magnetite-bearing Colorado River sands. The transition previously has been recognized via painstaking petrographic and micropaleontologic studies. The change in provenance can be recognized in a few minutes in the field using in situ magnetic-susceptibility measurements.
Limitation of WSix/WN Diffusion Barrier for Tungsten Dual Polymetal Gate Memory Devices

We compared WSix/WN and Ti/WN diffusion barriers for tungsten dual polymetal gate (W-DPG) application, in terms of device performance and gate oxide reliability. WSix/WN diffusion barrier shows degradation of gate oxide, which is found to be due to the B-N dielectric formation and subsequent breakdown of diffusion barrier. Relatively, Ti/WN diffusion barrier shows excellent device performance in terms of R/O delay and gate oxide reliability
On Emulating Classroom Discussion in a Distance-Delivered OBHR Course: Creating an On-Line Learning Community

I discuss the difficulty and promise of offering an executive MBA OBHR course via an asynchronous, web-based course delivery medium. After a discussion of the rationale and trends in delivering thi...
Antimicrobial Resistance among Invasive Nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica Isolates in the United States: National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, 1996 to 2007

Nontyphoidal salmonellae (NTS) are important causes of community-acquired bloodstream infection. We describe patterns of antimicrobial resistance among invasive NTS in the United States. We compared bloodstream NTS isolates with those from stool submitted to the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) from 1996 to 2007. We describe antimicrobial resistance among invasive strains by serogroup and serotype. Of the 19,302 NTS isolates, 17,804 (92.2%) were from stool or blood. Of these, 1,050 (5.9%) were bloodstream isolates. The median ages (ranges) of patients with and without bacteremia were 36 (<1 to 97) years and 20 (<1 to 105) years, respectively (P < 0.001). Males (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.38) and those ≥65 years of age were at greater risk for invasive disease. Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg were the most common serotypes isolated from blood; S. enterica serotypes Dublin, Sandiego, and Schwarzengrund were associated with the greatest risk for bloodstream isolation. Of invasive isolates, 208 (19.8%) were resistant to ampicillin, 117 (11.1%) to chloramphenicol, and 26 (2.5%) to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; 28 (2.7%) isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid and 26 (2.5%) to ceftriaxone. Antimicrobial resistance to traditional agents is common. However, the occurrence of nalidixic acid and ceftriaxone resistance among invasive NTS is cause for clinical and public health vigilance.
Outcome and Prognostic Factors of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients Admitted to a Medical ICU

Objective: To assess the outcome of adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients who were admitted to a medical ICU (MICU), and to identify the measurable predictors of their MICU outcome. Design: Retrospective chart review study. Setting: MICU in a tertiary care, university-affiliated medical center with a comprehensive cancer program. Patients: Consecutive adult HSCT recipients admitted to the MICU between January 1998 and June 2001. Measurements and main results: Eighty-five patients were admitted to the MICU, representing 11.4% of patients who had undergone HSCT during the study period. The mean (≤ SD) age at MICU admission was 46.6 ≤ 11.4 years (women, 67%; men, 33%). Forty-five patients (53%) underwent allogeneic HSCT, and 40 patients (47%) underwent autologous HSCT. Fifty-one patients (60%) required mechanical ventilation (MV). Fifty-two patients (61%) survived their MICU stay, and 35 patients (41%) were discharged alive from the hospital. The long-term survival rate ( ie , > 6 months) in this cohort was 28%. Nineteen mechanically ventilated patients (37%) survived their MICU stay, and 33 patients (97%) survived who did not require MV (p Conclusions: The study showed short-term and long-term survival rates among adult HSCT recipients who had been admitted to MICU that were higher than those previously reported. While there were no absolute predictors of mortality, patients with higher MICU admission serum lactate levels, those requiring MV, or those developing more than two organ system failures had poor MICU outcomes.
Simulation of a closed loop wastewater treatment system for extended space flight

It is estimated that one liter water sent into space by shuttle expend $22,000, so the research for recycle of water is important to spaceflight. A pilot-scale, closed-loop water recycling system has been run to imitate wastewater produced by space crew. A mathematical model of the individual reactor based on plug flow, as well as system level simulation has been developed for nitrification and denitrification. Two important parameters, Monod constant and reactor efficiency constant, are discussed. The system simulation combines nitrification, denitrification, recycle, and degassing steps, and it accurately reproduces the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen (TN) variation observed experimentally at a 20/1 recycle ratio. Both experiments and simulations indicate that biological closed loop wastewater treatment system has significant potential for long-duration manned space flight.
Comparison of TIMED Satellite Drag with Solar EUV Experiment (SEE) Measurements

The Solar EUVExperiment (SEE) aboard the Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Mesosphere Energetics andDynamics (TIMED) spacecraft measures the solar irradiance from 0.1–193 nm and has been operating from January 2002 to the present. The orientation of TIMEDprovides a stable, nearly constant, view factor to the ramdirection. Together, the TIMEDorientation and SEEmeasurements provide a unique opportunity to determine the influence of the solar radiation on satellite drag. This high-altitude upper-atmospheric satellite-drag study includes the determination of precision orbital changes of the TIMED spacecraft using the onboard global positioning system, validation of the drag estimate, identifying keywavelength ranges in the solar spectrum that affect the orbit changes, and creation of a solar irradiance index from thosewavelengths that is representative of the atmospheric drag experienced byTIMED.
Exercise-based interaction techniques for a virtual reality car racing game

Using Microsoft Kinect as a whole body motion tracking system and 3D user interface, we developed two exercise-based 3D interaction techniques for a car racing game — a genre of game traditionally unrelated to physical exercise. Interaction (i.e., control of car acceleration) is enabled through the use of two real exercises 1) a half crouching exercise, and 2) a crouching and rising exercise. In two within subjects user studies, with 27 participants in half crouching and another 30 participants in crouching and rising respectively, we compared exercises in-game to the same exercises without the game, focusing on the physiological and motivational impact of mapping exercises as interfaces to games.
Lotus corniculatus Nodulation Specificity Is Changed by the Presence of a Soybean Lectin Gene

Plant lectins have been implicated as playing an important role in mediating recognition and specificity in the Rhizobium ‐legume nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. To test this hypothesis, we introduced the soybean lectin gene Le1 either behind its own promoter or behind the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter into Lotus corniculatus , which is nodulated by R. loti. We found that nodulelike outgrowths developed on transgenic L. corniculatus plant roots in response to Bradyrhizobium japonicum , which nodulates soybean and not Lotus spp. Soybean lectin was properly targeted to L. corniculatus root hairs, and although infection threads formed, they aborted in epidermal or hypodermal cells. Mutation of the lectin sugar binding site abolished infection thread formation and nodulation. Incubation of bradyrhizobia in the nodulation ( nod ) gene‐inducing flavonoid genistein increased the number of nodulelike outgrowths on transgenic L. corniculatus roots. Studies of bacterial mutants, however, suggest that a component of the exopolysaccharide surface of B. japonicum , rather than Nod factor, is required for extension of host range to the transgenic L. corniculatus plants.
Anti-Tamper Databases: Processing Aggregate Queries over Encrypted Databases

This paper is about anti-tamper databases, where the database contents are encrypted for security in a way to allow efficient query processing directly on the encrypted database without decrypting it. We use a family of openform and closed-form homomorphism encryption/decryption functions and a computing architecture where (a) the database is encrypted a priori, and (b) for SQL queries expressible in relational algebra, there is no extra query processing cost except for the decryption of the final query output. For complex aggregate queries and nested queries that require extra query processing over the encrypted database, we present query execution strategies. We quantify the additional costs incurred when executing aggregate nested SQL queries over encrypted relational databases, and present detailed experimental results. We observe the crossover points as to when processing a query over an encrypted database is still more advantageous than shipping it over the internet to a secure server housing the original, non-encrypted database, evaluating it and returning the query output to the user.
Decreased p21 Levels Are Required for Efficient Restart of DNA Synthesis after S Phase Block

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, a major transcriptional target of the tumor suppressor p53, plays a critical role in cell cycle arrest in G1 and G2 after DNA damage. It was previously shown that in some human cell lines when S phase is arrested, p53 is transcriptionally impaired such that some p53 targets including p21 are only weakly induced. We show here that during S phase arrest proteasome-mediated turnover of p21 is significantly increased in a manner that is independent of p53. It is well established that p21 can interact both with cyclin-dependent kinase complexes and with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Interestingly, the scant amount of p21 detected during S phase block cannot fully saturate cyclin A-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 complexes and does not interact detectably with PCNA. Importantly, DNA elongation assays in isolated nuclei show that the C terminus of p21 containing the PCNA-binding domain effectively blocks this process. This implies that p21 down-regulation could be an essential requirement for efficient restart of DNA synthesis. In line with this, only cells expressing low levels of p21 immediately progress through the cell cycle upon release from S phase arrest, whereas the remaining few high p21 producing cells move much more slowly through S. Thus, p21 down-regulation is multiply determined and is required for the reversibility of the arrest in S phase.
Ties that Bind: The Impact of Religious Affiliation on Cooperation and Competition in Small Religious Nonprofit Organizations1

Th is study examines a group of small, religious, nonprofit organizations whose single common thread is funding from the Campaign for Human Development of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Hypotheses are made about the relationships between organizational goals, competition between groups, and linkages with other groups. Th e degree of interaction with other groups and the types of actions used to attain goals varies between religious and more secular nonprofit groups.
Competing Loyalty Programs: Impact of Market Saturation, Market Share, and Category Expandability.

Abstract Loyalty programs have become an important component of firms' relationship management strategies. There are now some industries in which numerous rival loyalty programs are offered, inducing intense competition among these programs. However, existing research on loyalty programs has often studied such programs in a noncompetitive setting and has often focused on a single program in isolation. Addressing this gap, this research examines the effect of a firm's competitive positioning and market saturation on the performance of the firm's loyalty program. Based on the analysis of firm- and individual-level data from the airline industry, the results indicate that larger firms tend to benefit more from their loyalty program offerings than smaller firms. Moreover, when the product category demand is rigid, the impact of an individual loyalty program decreases as the marketplace becomes more saturated with competing programs. However, when the product category is highly expandable, the saturation effec...
Boosters for driving long on-chip interconnects: design issues, interconnect synthesis and comparison with repeaters

Trends in CMOS technology and VLSI architectures are causing interconnect to play an increasing role in overall performance, power consumption and design effort. Traditionally, repeaters are used for driving long on-chip interconnects, however recent studies indicate that repeaters are using increasing area, power, and design resources as well as having an inherent limit in how much they can improve performance [4,10,14]. This paper presents a new circuit called a {\bf booster} which compares favorably with repeaters in terms of area, performance, power and placement sensitivity. Boosters also have the advantage of being bidirectional and providing a low impedance termination to improve signal integrity. Driver edge rates are slower and peak power is drastically reduced compared to repeaters, thus improving signal integrity and mitigating inductive effects. Boosters are shown to be more than 20\% faster for driving a variety of interconnect loads over conventional repeaters in 0.16 $\mu$m CMOS technology. Boosters are typically inserted three times less frequently than repeaters for optimal performance, resulting in fewer boosters for driving the same interconnect lengths thereby saving on area, power and placement effort.Unlike differential, dynamic or low-swing techniques which require significantly more sophisticated circuit design and hence are cumbersome for automatic interconnect synthesis tools, boosters can be inserted on lines in a straightforward manner. Based on analytical delay models, we derive rules for insertion and sizing of boosters that can easily be incorporated into a CAD tool. We formulate two design rules that determine 1) the number of boosters needed, 2) their placements and 3) sizes, for driving a given interconnect load, first minimizing delay, and then area and power. Power analysis is slightly more complex than for repeaters so we present a systematic design approach. A placement sensitivity analysis comparing
Improving Structural Integrity with Boron-based Additives for 3D Printed 420 Stainless Steel

Abstract This paper explores the possibility of attaining fully dense parts with a powder-based 3D printing method by sintering, instead of following the standard protocol of infiltrating bronze. The possible ingredients that can be added to improve the densification are explored, which will also enhance the structural integrity of 3D printed 420 stainless steels (SS). As studied with the powder metallurgy (P/M) community in the past half of a century, a small addition of ingredients (sintering aid) into a base metal powder enhances densification and improves the final structural integrity. Numerous P/M works have suggested possible ingredients as sintering aids. However, these P/M works were not carried out with a consistent set of experimental conditions. Thus, in this study, we have constrained our base powder to be 420 SS, common for 3DP, with the average size of 30 micron, which were sintered between 1150 and 1250 °C after the powder were mixed with the sintering ingredients. Each sintered sample was analyzed in terms of the final density attained, the amount of ingredient mixed and the sintering temperature.
Focus on . . . DOL Issues Guidance on Providing Investment Information to Pension Plan Participants

Employers that offer defined contribution plans are aware of the delicate balance between giving plan participants much-needed information about investing and offering them investment advice-the latter means additional fiduciary liability under ERISA for the employer. Now a Department of Labor draft interpretive bulletin helps employers negotiate this tricky area.
Kinematic characteristics of aiming movements as a function of temporal and spatial constraints.

This study investigated, in aiming movements, the conditions needed to produce a single movement and those needed to produce secondary submovements. Using a 2 × 2 (Temporal Constraint × Spatial Constraint) factorial design with repeated measures on both factors, subjects moved a stylus from a starting position to a target position 12 cm away. They participated in two testing sessions on consecutive days. The first session involved two nonrestrictive target (a set of crosshairs) conditions, moving to the target either within a goal of 400 ms (temporal-accuracy procedure) or within a minimum time (time-minimization procedure). In the second session the subjects performed two strict-target (circle) conditions, moving to the target either within a goal of 400 ms or within a minimum time. The results showed that the two strict-target conditions had a greater percentage of trials containing multiple-submovements than the two nonrestrictive target conditions, regardless of temporal requirements. Therefore, wheth...
Implementing Benefit-Risk Assessment for the Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Report

Background:In 2012, the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E2C (R1) guideline for periodic safety update reporting (PSUR) for medicines was revised. Several new concepts that expanded the scope of the report were added, including a new section focused on benefits and an additional section focused on integrated benefit-risk (B-R) assessment. These changes are reflected in the new title of the report, namely, the Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Report (PBRER). Recently, structured frameworks have been developed by the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to facilitate B-R analysis for medicines.Methods:This manuscript provides suggestions for incorporating the elements of a structured B-R assessment into the PBRER and also includes practical approaches for implementing the ICH guidelines for the B-R analysis section.Results:The main components of a B-R assessment for the PBRER include decision context; key benefits and key risks; strengths, limitations, and uncertainties of the evid...
Prolactin is related to individual differences in parental behavior and reproductive success in a biparental passerine, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Variation in parental care can lead to important fitness consequences. The endocrine system is known to regulate physiological and behavioral reproductive traits that are important contributors to lifetime reproductive success. However, the hormonal basis of variation in avian parental care is still not well understood. Plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations are generally high during post-hatch parental care in birds, and may be a candidate mechanism that regulates variation in parental care and other reproductive success outcomes. Here we analyze the relationship between PRL, parental behavior (chick brooding and feeding) and reproductive success outcomes (clutch size, number of chicks hatched, and chick survival) for the first time in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Birds were given cabergoline, a dopamine agonist traditionally used to lower prolactin in mammals, or vehicle in their food. Cabergoline had no effect on prolactin concentrations, but across both groups we found that PRL is positively correlated with parental behavior, number of chicks hatched, and chick survival, but not clutch size. Results from this study will inform hypotheses and predictions for future manipulation studies which test for a causal role for PRL in parental traits.
Functional Versus Anatomic Imaging of CAD: Lessons Learned from Recent Clinical Trials

Recent clinical trials directed at imaging of coronary artery disease (CAD) have demonstrated a paradigm shift away from endpoints related to detection of CAD in favor of those related to clinical outcomes. The objective of such trials has been to determine whether physiological metrics are superior to anatomical ones for guiding therapy and improving outcomes in patients with known or suspected CAD. The present review focuses on selected trials in this area in particular DEFER, FAME 1 and 2, a meta-analysis comparing FFR to anatomically guided treatment outcomes and COURAGE SPECT MPI sub study. The rationale for using physiological as opposed to anatomical endpoints to optimize patient management, in particular coronary revascularization decisions, is emphasized. The results of the FFR-based trials are concordant and indicate physiological metrics are superior to anatomical ones for guiding therapy and improving clinical outcomes in patients with known or suspected CAD.
Starting Characteristics of the US Air Force Academy Mach 6 Ludwieg Tube

An experimental and computational study was conducted to provide insight into the starting characteristics of blunt body models in the Mach 6 Ludwieg tube at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Experimental results showed that the tube had difficulty starting when large model sizes were present in the test section. Steady-state analysis with computational fluid dynamics was able to predict if the tube would start for a given blunt body model. This helps to increase the confidence that computational tools can be used to investigate the behavior of the tube before running an actual experiment. Time-accurate simulations were run to determine if suggested methods of getting the tunnel to start would actually succeed in starting the flow. The changes investigated involved moving the placement of the model in the test section, both upstream and off the tube centerline. While the computational results show the that flow would not start, the results do suggest that placing the model in a different location in the test section has beneficial qualities. More investigation would be needed to quantify the full effect of shifting the model in the test section.
Geocoris pallens Found to be Predaceous on Microlarinus spp. Introduced to California for the Biological Control of Puncture Vine, Tribulus terrestris

The lygaeid bug Geocoris pallens Stal was identified as an egg predator of the weevils Microlarinus lareynii (Jacquelin duVal and M. typriformis (Wollaston), introduced to California in 1961 for the biological control of puncture vine, Tribulus terrestris L. Though generally considered a beneficial species, G. pallens has assumed unique injurious status by adopting these useful, weed-feeding insects as hosts. Insectary exclusion cagings plus field and laboratory observations positively identified G. pallens as attacking Microlarinus spp. eggs. Substantial G. pallensincited egg mortality was detected throughout the range of weed and weevils in southern California. The nature of natural enemies found attacking phytophagous insects introduced to various countries for biological weed control is reviewed.
Preparation of hair for lead analysis.

A comparison of the washing procedures for hair samples for lead analyses was made. An ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) washing procedure proved best to eliminate the surface lead contamination of hair; neither the detergent nor hot ether washing procedures performed as well. Absorption of surface- bound lead into the hair shaft was not observed.
ISOZYMIC PATTERNS IN ORGANS OF MICE INFECTED WITH LDH AGENT.

SummaryThe qualitative isozymic pattern of LDH in plasma from Swiss mice infected with LDH agent was found to be similar to that in liver, pancreas, spleen and packed blood cells. It differed from heart, lung, skeletal muscle, brain and kidney. Results of the quantitative analyses of tissue LDH raise the possibility that the liver may contribute to the plasma elevation.
Effect of Carbon Deposition on the Oxidation Rate of Copper/Bentonite in the Chemical Looping Process

The presented work is part of the Industrial Carbon Management Initiative (ICMI) on the development of metal oxide oxygen carriers for use in the chemical looping combustion process. An oxygen carrier, CuO/bentonite (60:40%), was reacted with methane gas and then oxidized in air. The change in weight and reaction gas concentrations were measured using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) equipped with a real-time gas analyzer. The reduction–oxidation cycle was conducted within the temperature range of 750–900 °C for 10 cycles, using 20, 50, and100% CH4 concentrations in N2 for the reduction segment and dry air for the oxidation segment. Several analysis methods were evaluated to fit the oxidation of reduced CuO (i.e., Cu) data over the complete conversion range with suitable rate expressions derived from existing models for oxidation, including the shrinking core model (diffusion and reaction control), first- and second-order reaction rates, parallel and series reaction mechanisms, and Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (...
Coincidence rate of student' s desk-chair setting in Shenzhen city

Objective To know the reason of lower coincidence rate of student' s desk-chair setting in Shenzhen city,and to provide scientific basis for the management of the desks and chairs of the schools. Methods The investigation on the indicators of the desks and chairs was studied through random sampling method among the monitoring data of the schools' teaching and living environment from 2009 to 2012 according to the national standards. Results Totally 9 171 sets of desks and chairs were investigated,among which were 1 155 sets met the students' standard height and the coincidence rate was 12. 59%. Most of the freehandle breaker height were lower than the normal,and the average of the lowest ones was 6. 46 cm lower than the normal; and 732 sets met the standards of the freehandle breaker height and the qualified rate was 7. 98%. Conclusion The key reason of the lower coincidence rate of student's desk-chair setting is the freehandle breaker height which is lower than the national standards that caused by the thickness of the desk drawers in most of the schools in Shenzhen. The solution is to advise the sets of desks and chairs to be manufactured in strict accordance with the national standards.
Discrimination of the Age of Tongshan Durra Wine by Use of GC-flash Electronic Nose Technology

In the study, quantitative study of the age of Tongshan durra wine was carried out by use of GC-flash electronic nose technique instead of artificial sensory evaluation, and then all the data were analyzed by multivariate data processing based on principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor analysis(DFA) and partial least squares(PLS) to establish the discrimination model of Tongshan durra wine age. The results suggested that such model was feasible with high accuracy in practice. However, different discrimination model should be established for other Tongshan durra wine made by different fermenting technology or by different raw materials.
The central obesity prevalence trends and influence factors in border trade of southeast ethnics area of China

Objective To explore the prevalence trends and influence factors of central obesity in southeast border trade of ethnics area of Yunnan,and supply scientific evidence for making policies and strategies on central obesity prevention and control. Methods In 2013,the residents who were living in Ruili and aged from 15 to 89 years old were enrolled for questionnaire survey by multi-staged random cluster sampling method and physic examination were conducted. Totally1614 were in this research. Results The rate of central obesity was 28. 19%,the standardized rate was 27. 87%. Along with the age increased,the central obesity prevalence was increased. The central obesity rates in female,high economic area,and the Han ethnics were higher than that of male,middle and low economic area,and the minority,respectively. The group aged 45-59( OR = 2. 06),aged above 60( OR = 5. 16),sedentary time in 4-8 hours of one day( OR = 1. 78),sedentary time over 9 hours in one day( OR = 2. 19),over-weight( OR = 18. 90),and obesity( OR = 388. 29) were the independent hazard factors of central obesity. Conclusion Central obesity in China Southeast Asia border ethnic region can not be ignored. Its characteristics in different age groups were different. Intervention strategies should be taken in future among targeted populations. Chronic disease health education interventions in Yunnan Province should be enhanced in southeast border trade ethnics area,especially among the elderly in high economic area,and to decrease the occurrence of hypertension,coronary disease and stroke which is related with the central obesity.
Methodology the case for improved communications

Despite their long history, the number that are in operation now, and the current level of expenditures on them, clinical trials have not been the focus of sufficient methodologic research. The paucity of metholologic explorations is further aggravated by the constraints on communications regarding methodology. Those individuals working in the area of clinical trials need to establish some professional identity with the field. Methodology in the areas of design and management of clinical trials needs to be stimulated, perhaps through special requests for applications (RFAs) and requests for proposals (RFPs). Communications could be improved by the establishments of a professional society, the development of an appropriate journal, and establishment of national training and information centers for clinical trials.
How status and reputation shape human evaluations: consequences for recommender systems

Recommender systems are inherently driven by evaluations and reviews provided by the users of these systems. Understanding ways in which users form judgments and produce evaluations can provide insights for modern recommendation systems. Many online social applications include mechanisms for users to express evaluations of one another, or of the content they create. In a variety of domains, mechanisms for evaluation allow one user to say whether he or she trusts another user, or likes the content they produced, or wants to confer special levels of authority or responsibility on them. We investigate a number of fundamental ways in which user and item characteristics affect the evaluations in online settings. For example, evaluations are not unidimensional but include multiple aspects that all together contribute to user's overall rating. We investigate methods for modeling attitudes and attributes from online reviews that help us better understand user's individual preferences. We also examine how to create a composite description of evaluations that accurately reflects some type of cumulative opinion of a community. Natural applications of these investigations include predicting the evaluation outcomes based on user characteristics and to estimate the chance of a favorable overall evaluation from a group knowing only the attributes of the group's members, but not their expressed opinions.
Prism-tuning characteristics of a long-pulsed XeCl laser

The increased number of cavity round trips from a long-pulsed laser intuitively suggests the possibility of narrower linewidth outputs for a given dispersive tuning element or chain of elements. The general expression given for a Brewster prism tuning chain with beam expander elements.
A Call to Action: Succession Planning Needed

Abstract The statistics regarding the aging American workforce, including the nursing workforce, are quite daunting. The aging workforce coupled with nursing's inability to recruit nurses to replace those leaving the field, creates a sense of urgency to develop strategies to retain the nurses actively engaged in the profession. There is also a sense of urgency to work to develop a subset of nurses to successfully assume leadership positions that will be vacated in the next five to ten years. Succession planning, management, and implementation are activities that are urgently needed in the nursing workforce today. Give light and the people will find their way Ella Baker
Reduced Nicotine Content Expectancies Affect Initial Responses to Smoking.

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine if negative responses to reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes during open-label trials result from smokers' (negative) expectancies. We examined the effects of nicotine content description - independent of actual nicotine content - on subjective responses (craving reduction, withdrawal suppression, mood changes, and sensory ratings) and smoking behaviors (topography measures and carbon monoxide [CO] boost). METHODS Thirty-six 12-hour-abstinent daily smokers completed a 3-session crossover trial. During each session, participants smoked their preferred brand cigarette - blinded and described as containing "usual," "low," and "very low" nicotine content - through a topography device and completed CO and subjective response assessments. RESULTS Although nicotine content was identical, compared to the "usual" content cigarette, participants experienced less craving reduction after smoking the "very low" nicotine cigarette, and rated its smoke as weaker (p < .05). Participants took shallower puffs of the "low" nicotine cigarette (p < .05), and rated the "low" and "very low" nicotine cigarettes as weaker and too mild (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Negative responses to RNC cigarettes may be due, in part, to negative expectancies about using cigarettes containing less nicotine. In this context, RNC cigarette marketing and labeling are likely important considerations if a federal nicotine reduction policy is initiated.
BEYOND MAKING DO: TOWARD A THEORY OF ENTREPRENEURIAL RESOURCEFULNESS

We developed beginnings of a theory of entrepreneurial resilience that incorporates concepts of resourcefulness, adaptive aspirations and entrepreneurial identity, ideology and values. We developed this work through the discovery of grounded theory based on cross-case analysis of eleven survivors and startups in the US fabric and apparel industry as it experienced the gale of creative destruction. Our theory is built on the foundation of long-standing behavioral theories of the firm and opens frontiers for research about entrepreneurship that incorporates values, identity, ideology and variations in entrepreneurs’ moral ways of being in the world.
A small stem-loop structure of the Ebola virus trailer is essential for replication and interacts with heat-shock protein A8

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the Filoviridae family. The leader and trailer non-coding regions of the EBOV genome likely regulate its transcription, replication, and progeny genome packaging. We investigated the cis-acting RNA signals involved in RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions that regulate replication of eGFP-encoding EBOV minigenomic RNA and identified heat shock cognate protein family A (HSC70) member 8 (HSPA8) as an EBOV trailer-interacting host protein. Mutational analysis of the trailer HSPA8 binding motif revealed that this interaction is essential for EBOV minigenome replication. Selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension analysis of the secondary structure of the EBOV minigenomic RNA indicates formation of a small stem-loop composed of the HSPA8 motif, a 3' stem-loop (nucleotides 1868-1890) that is similar to a previously identified structure in the replicative intermediate (RI) RNA and a panhandle domain involving a trailer-to-leader interaction. Results of minigenome assays and an EBOV reverse genetic system rescue support a role for both the panhandle domain and HSPA8 motif 1 in virus replication.
TRANSPORTE UNIVERSITÁRIO NO IFES - CAMPUS CACHOEIRO DE ITAPEMIRIM

Este trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa estatistica realizada no Instituto Federal do Espirito Santo - Campus Cachoeiro de Itapemirim com o tema: “Transporte Universitario”. O principal objetivo foi estudar os tipos de transporte utilizados no deslocamento dos alunos ate o Campus, e quais as adversidades e fatores preponderantes nesse percurso, e apos os resultados, analisar a situacao fisica, economica e social atual, no que tange os transportes publicos e privados da cidade. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de amostragem e a coleta deu-se no periodo diurno diretamente com os alunos, que responderam a um questionario. Os resultados foram que a maioria dos alunos utiliza onibus de empresa privada, seguido por veiculos particulares, ambos insatisfeitos com a situacao atual de acesso a faculdade.
Determinants and Transposes

If A is a square matrix, the determinant of A (det A ) is a number. If A is 1 by 1, det A is the one entry in A . If A is 2 by 2, det A is plus or minus the area of the parallelogram two of whose sides are the vectors that are the rows of A . If A is 3 by 3, det A is plus or minus the volume of the parallelepiped, three of whose edges are the vectors that are the rows of A . Manipulations on the columns of a matrix produce the same effect on the determinant as the same manipulations on the rows. This chapter presents a theorem that a system of n linear equations in n unknowns has a unique solution if and only if the determinant of its coefficient matrix is not zero.
Visible frequency plasmon resonator exhibiting quality factors exceeding 750

We propose a plasmon resonator consisting of a cylindrical hole in a metal film that supports whispering gallery type surface plasmon polariton modes exhibiting record-high quality factors (>750) in the visible frequency range.
Two cases of bat pollination in Central America

Visits by bats of the family ,Phyllostomatidae (in the suborder Microchi­roptera) to the flowers of Durio zibethinus growing in Honduras and Mucuna andreana growing in Costa Rica are described and illustrated photographically. In Durio we have a case of flower-type which evolved in relation to visits from Megachiroptera in the Old World proving attractive to Microchiroptera which developed the flower-visiting habit in the New World. Hawkmoths also visit these flowers. Both kinds of visitor are capable of causing cross-pollination (which is necessary for fruit production by this species because it appears to be self-incompatible) . In Mucuna andreana , a native American vine demons­ trates a close adaptation to pollination by native bats; again a parallel to similar evolutionary development in the Old World.
Abnormal P-Wave Axis and Ischemic Stroke: The ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities).

Background and Purpose—Abnormal P-wave axis (aPWA) has been linked to incident atrial fibrillation and mortality; however, the relationship between aPWA and stroke has not been reported. We hypothe...
Kernel method for detecting higher order interactions in multi-view data: An application to imaging, genetics, and epigenetics

In this study, we tested the interaction effect of multimodal datasets using a novel method called the kernel method for detecting higher order interactions among biologically relevant mulit-view data. Using a semiparametric method on a reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS), we used a standard mixed-effects linear model and derived a score-based variance component statistic that tests for higher order interactions between multi-view data. The proposed method offers an intangible framework for the identification of higher order interaction effects (e.g., three way interaction) between genetics, brain imaging, and epigenetic data. Extensive numerical simulation studies were first conducted to evaluate the performance of this method. Finally, this method was evaluated using data from the Mind Clinical Imaging Consortium (MCIC) including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation data, respectfully, in schizophrenia patients and healthy controls. We treated each gene-derived SNPs, region of interest (ROI) and gene-derived DNA methylation as a single testing unit, which are combined into triplets for evaluation. In addition, cardiovascular disease risk factors such as age, gender, and body mass index were assessed as covariates on hippocampal volume and compared between triplets. Our method identified $13$-triplets ($p$-values $\leq 0.001$) that included $6$ gene-derived SNPs, $10$ ROIs, and $6$ gene-derived DNA methylations that correlated with changes in hippocampal volume, suggesting that these triplets may be important in explaining schizophrenia-related neurodegeneration. With strong evidence ($p$-values $\leq 0.000001$), the triplet ({\bf MAGI2, CRBLCrus1.L, FBXO28}) has the potential to distinguish schizophrenia patients from the healthy control variations.
Inpatient Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Complications: Should Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Lines be Placed in the Intensive Care Unit Setting?:

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are now commonly used for central access in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting; however, there is a paucity of data evaluating the complication rates associated with these lines. We performed a retrospective review of all PICCs placed in the inpatient setting at our institution during a 1-year period from January 2013 to December 2013. These were divided into two groups: those placed at the bedside in the ICU and those placed by interventional radiology in non-ICU patients. Data regarding infectious and thrombotic complications were collected and evaluated. During the study period, 1209 PICC line placements met inclusion criteria and were evaluated; 1038 were placed by interventional radiology in non-ICU patients, and 171 were placed at the bedside in ICU patients. The combined thrombotic and central line associated blood stream infection rate was 6.17 per cent in the non-ICU group and 10.53 per cent in the ICU group (P = 0.035). The thrombotic complication rate was 5.88 per cent in the non-ICU group and 7.60 per cent in the ICU group (P = 0.38), whereas the central line associated blood stream infection rate was 0.29 per cent in the non-ICU group and 2.92 per cent in the ICU group (P = 0.002). This study seems to suggest that PICC lines placed at the bedside in the ICU setting are associated with higher complication rates, in particular infectious complications, than those placed by interventional radiology in non-ICU patients. The routine placement of PICC lines in the ICU settings needs to be reevaluated given these findings.
Radiology Residency Match: The Cost of Being in the Dark.

Rationale and Objectives The Electronic Resident Application Service (ERAS) publishes monthly statistics before the match and the National Resident Matching Program publishes the match outcomes. We sought to determine whether early ERAS data influences applicant behavior and correlates with match outcomes. Materials and Methods We searched the 2007–2017 ERAS archives for the applicant pool size (PS), the average number of applications per program (AP), and the average number of applications per applicant (AA) in November, before radiology match, and the 2007–2017 National Resident Matching Program archives for the average number of ranked applicants needed to fill each position (ANRA) and the number of unfilled positions (UP) in radiology match. Correlation coefficients were calculated for each pair. Results PS correlated very strongly with AP (r = 0.80, p = 0.001708), UP (r = −0.92, p = 0.000063) and ANRA (r = −0.90, p = 0.000164). UP correlated strongly with ANRA (r = 0.76, p = 0.006349) and AP (r = −0.77, p = 0.005339). A trend to moderate correlation between AP and ANRA (r = 0.58, p = 0.062686) and AA (r = 0.53, p = 0.074395) did not reach statistical significance. There was no correlation between AA and PS in the same (r = −0.05, p = 0.878585) or the following year (r = 0.35, p = 0.297166), and AA and UP in the same (r = 0.13, p = 0.701983) or the following year (r = 0.32, p = 0.336136). Conclusion The real-time data reported by ERAS in November, before match, is a predictor of radiology match outcomes and can be used by all participants to limit their application and recruitment costs. Medical students applying to radiology do not consider either the real-time or historic data when submitting ERAS applications.
Comparative History of Science

La science de l'histoire comparee des societes civilisees est etudiee aux XIX e et XX e siecles en termes de litterature, sciences sociales et anthropologie
Cocaine Abuse and Dependence Approaches to Management

Cocaine abuse and dependence constitute major health and social problems in the US and elsewhere. They are associated with a wide range of psychiatric and medical morbidity, including an increased risk of transmission of HIV.
Discovery Algorithms for Causally Sufficient Structures

A discovery problem is composed of a set of alternative structures, one of which is the source of data, but any of which, for all the investigator knows before the inquiry, could be the structure from which the data are obtained. There is something to be found out about the actual structure, whichever it is. It may be that we want to settle a particular hypothesis that is true in some of the possible structures and false in others, or it may be that we want to know the complete theory of a certain sort of phenomenon. In this book, and in much of the social sciences and epidemiology, the alternative structures in a discovery problem are typically directed acyclic graphs paired with joint probability distributions on their vertices. We usually want to know something about the structure of the graph that represents causal influences, and we may also want to know about the distribution of values of variables in the graph for a given population.
Identification of hepatic protein targets of the reactive metabolites of the non-hepatotoxic regioisomer of acetaminophen, 3'-hydroxyacetanilide, in the mouse in vivo using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

The hepatotoxicity observed following an overdose of acetaminophen is due to the excessive production of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl- p -benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) by cytochrome P4501–6. At therapeutic doses NAPQI is efficiently trapped by conjugation with glutathione; however, after a hepatotoxic dose, both cytosolic and mitochondrial glutathione pools in liver cells are depleted and NAPQI covalently binds to numerous liver proteins7 before centralobular liver cell necrosis develops via an unknown mechanism. Because NAPQI is a powerful electrophile as well as an oxidant, both protein covalent binding and oxidative stress hypotheses have been invoked to address the biochemical processes responsible for the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen.