cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphology of dentate granule cells in the human epileptogenic hippocampus

Hippocampal dentate granule cells in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients with mesial sclerosis (MTLE) are reported to be hyperexcitable compared to those in patients with a mass lesion outside the hippocampus (MaTLE) (Williamson, Clin Neurosci 1994;2: 47-52). To determine if such hyperexcitability is associated with an altered morphology of these neurons, Lucifer Yellow-filled granule cells from MTLE patients were compared with those from MaTLE. The morphology of granule cells in both subject groups resembles closely that of human granule cells described previously by Golgi studies. About 40% of human granule cells have basal dendrites. Additionally their apical dendrites are much more limited in their spread in the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus contributing perhaps to a much more narrow lamellar organization than in rats. Analysis of variance computed on 21 morphometric parameters reveals a significant increase in the length of the portion of the dendrite in the inner molecular layer (IML), and a decrease in length in the outer third of the molecular layer in MTLE, compared to MaTLE. Factor analysis performed on the morphometric features of each group of neurons reveals that in the MaTLE neurons the most distinctive feature is the total dendritic length and the overall distribution of spines on them, whereas in MTLE a lengthening and elaboration of the dendrites in the IML is most distinctive. Previous observations of increased synaptic terminals containing neuropeptides, and neurotransmitter receptors in the IML taken in conjunction with an elaboration of granule cell dendrites in this region, suggest considerable synaptic reorganization within the IML of the MTLE hippocampus which may contribute to its epileptogenicity.
Hamiltonian structure, (anti-)self-adjoint flows in the KP hierarchy and the W1 + ∞ and W∞ algebras

Abstract The extended conformal W N algebras are known to be related to the generalized KdV hierarchies through their second hamiltonian structure. In this letter we discuss the relationship between the large- N limits of the W N algebras and the KP hierarchy which contains all generalized KdV hierarchies. We show that the Poisson bracket corresponding to the hamiltonian structure found by Watanabe for the KP hierarchy is isomorphic to the classical (or centerless) W 1+∞ algebra, and it contains a subalgebra which is isomorphic to the W ∞ algebra. Moreover, the usual generators of W 1 + ∞ and W ∞ are explicitly expressed in terms of the KP currents, and are shown to relate in a simple way to certain KP flows satisfying a sort of (anti-)self-duality. Our results not only clarify the underlying algebraic structure of the KP hierarchy, but also hint about a possible relationship between the latter and 4D self-dual Yang-Mills equations or gravity.
Use of a Social Networking Recommendation Engine in Science and Engineering Education for Accessible Discovery, Organization and Collaboration of Research Knowledge

The World Wide Web is the primary tool used by researchers in the field of science and engineering to share knowledge. Whether students or researchers are trying to share their own discoveries or learn from the discoveries of others, they rely on the Internet as a resource where this information is gathered. The use of the Web for the exchange of scientific knowledge has to date remained very static. Websites such as Google Scholar [1] and PubMed [2] help students and researchers by indexing published journal articles based on research topic, content and keywords but are limited in that they lack the capability to suggest and rank articles in a useful manner to those new to the field. Simply put, there is no shortage of efficient search algorithms to find specific articles but these algorithms cannot help a student or new researcher that is not familiar with the research area or the search terms that should be used. Furthermore, when the student or researcher’s primary language is not English, the task of finding appropriate articles becomes significantly more challenging. Our objective is to create a recommendation engine to assist students and researchers with the discovery and organization of scientific and engineering knowledge and to present it in a manner that allows effective discussion to take place. In addition, such a recommendation engine should be capable of providing the user with an assessment of their contribution to the social network not only based on the number and quality of articles submitted but also the discussions that the user contributed to.© 2010 ASME
A Device to Measure Shell Hardness of Dungeness Crabs and Trial Application in the Kodiak Island, Alaska, Commercial Fishery

Abstract An objective method of measuring shell hardness of Dungeness crab Cancer magister is necessary because the time elapsed since molting is used in part by fishery managers to set commercial seasons. Limiting the catch of soft-shelled crabs in a fishery is important to decrease mortality from handling and to maintain product quality. We developed a durometer to measure shell hardness of Dungeness crabs. The durometer accurately measured the pressure required to produce shell indentation of a given depth, which indicates hardness of the crab shell in durometer units of 0–100. To calibrate the durometer, we collected 27 recently molted male Dungeness crabs from waters of Kodiak Island, Alaska, and measured the shell hardness monthly for one year in the laboratory. The nonlinear relation between durometer reading (Y) and month (X) was analyzed. Of several models evaluated, the cumulative logistic function Y = β0/(1 + e(X−β1)/β2 ) provided the best fit (b0 = 82.2, b1 = 2.7 b2 = −1.5). Estimation of mont...
Chronic in utero buprenorphine exposure causes prolonged respiratory effects in the guinea pig neonate.

Abstract Our laboratory studies the effects of in utero opioid exposure on the neonate. In this work we test the effects of chronic in utero exposure to buprenorphine on the neonate. Buprenorphine is a promising candidate for treatment of opioid addiction during pregnancy and it has been suggested to decrease the neonatal abstinence syndrome in human infants. In our guinea pig model, we focused not only on the respiratory effects of in utero exposure on the neonate, but also studied withdrawal signs in the neonate, a major concern of all opioid treatment during pregnancy. Pregnant guinea pigs were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of 0.1 mg/kg buprenorphine during the second half of gestation. We measured weight, locomotor activity and respiratory function in pups of ages 3 to 14 days. Respiratory response was recorded using a two-chamber plethysmograph, while pups were breathing either room air or 5% CO 2 . Our results show that chronic in utero exposure to buprenorphine induces respiratory effects up to day 14 after birth, while earlier studies have shown that effects of either in utero methadone or morphine only persist in the first week after birth in the guinea pig model. These data provide important information for clinical trials of buprenorphine treatment suggesting that duration and severity of respiratory effects of in utero buprenorphine exposure should be monitored.
A study of some factors influencing amylose gelation

Amylose fractions were prepared by aqueous leaching from pea, maize and patato starch granules. The fractions were characterised by iodine binding, β-amylolysis and viscometry. Amylose starts to form a gel rather than a precipitate on cooling aqueous solutions to room temperature at concentrations above the coil overlap concentration C∗. Amylose gels are almost purely elastic, with negligible viscous flow at room temperature. The rigidity modulus is strongly dependent on concentration, c, in that above 1·5% w/w the modulus increases as a function of c7. The modulus of a matured gel falls only slightly with increasing temperature; at temperatures below 100°C the gel could not be melted. The non-equilibrium nature of the system is shown by the dependence of rigidity on thermal history. The shear modulus is also dependent on amylose type; higher molecular weight amylose fractions produced less rigid gels at a given concentration.
Operation of a stable 200-kW second-harmonic gyro-TWT amplifier

The experimental results are reported for a stable second-harmonic gyrotron traveling wave amplifier, which generated a record-breaking 207-kW output power based on the principle that the weaker harmonic interactions are more stable to spontaneous oscillations than at the fundamental, and therefore, capable of generating higher output power. The high-power amplifier was kept completely (zero-drive) stable by employing a mode-selective interaction circuit and web-matched directional input and output couplers, and choosing an amplifier interaction length shorter than the start-oscillation length for gyrotron backward-wave oscillations. The single-stage Ku-band amplifier utilized an 80-kV 20-A /spl upsi//sub /spl perp////spl upsi//sub /spl par//=1.1 electron beam from a magnetron injection gun and yielded an efficiency of 12.9%, an output phase variation of 10/spl deg//kV, a saturated bandwidth of 2.1%, a large-signal gain of 16 dB, and a detuned small-signal gain of 38 dB.
Achilles tendon rupture: risk assessment for aerial and ground athletes.

Context:Achilles tendon (AT) rupture in athletes is increasing in incidence and accounts for one of the most devastating sports injuries because of the threat to alter or end a career. Despite the magnitude of this injury, reliable risk assessment has not been clearly defined, and prevention strategies have been limited. The purpose of this review is to identify potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for AT rupture in aerial and ground athletes stated in the current literature.Evidence Acquisition:A MEDLINE search was conducted on AT rupture, or “injury” and “risk factors” and “athletes” from 1980 to 2011. Emphasis was placed on epidemiology, etiology, and review articles focusing on the risk for lower extremity injury in runners and gymnasts. Thirty articles were reviewed, and 22 were included in this assessment.Results:Aerial and ground athletes share many intrinsic risk factors for AT rupture, including overuse and degeneration of the tendon as well as anatomical variations that mechanically pu...
On the selection of flatness measurement points in coordinate measuring machine inspection

Abstract Inspection of form tolerances using the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) presents two distinct problems: data collection and data fitting. The former problem deals with the selection of the sample size and the sample point location while the latter involves the determination of the tolerance zone enveloping these points. Four types of strategies and five different sample sizes were studied in this work to address the former problem. The accuracy of flatness measurement was investigated using realtime experiments with respect to the above two factors and their respective levels. In addition, the length of the probe path was studied with respect to the two factors using a simulation study. A priority coefficient was developed to combine the influence of accuracy and path while selecting sampling strategies and sample size. Preliminary observations made suggest that any one sampling method may not be the best solution in all cases, while considering the accuracy of flatness and the shortest CMM probe path.
Mutagenesis, Selection, and Allelic Analysis of Epicuticular Wax Mutants in Sorghum

Epicuticular wax forms an outer coating on the aerial surfaces of many crop plants and is implicated in tolerance to several environmental stresses including drought. Advances in knowledge of biosynthesis and secretion of these leaf surface waxes could lead to improvements in crop-stress tolerance. To study the genetics of epicuticular wax deposition, we screened for bloomless (bm) and sparse-bloom (h) mutants with reduced glaucousness of abaxial sheath surfaces within chemically mutagenized populations of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. We screened over 3974 segregating M 2 head rows with over 160,000 plants and identified 38 putative recessive epicuticular wax mutant alleles. We grouped 31 of these into allelic groups associated with one existing and 18 new epicuticular wax loci. The overall epicuticular wax mutation frequency was 0.88%. In addition, analysis of the mutant segregation frequencies within the M 2 rows allowed us to calculate the existence of five target meristem cells in a dormant (M 0 ) seed embryo. The high epicuticular wax mutation rate and identification of 19 epicuticular wax loci indicate the presence of a complex genetic system of epicuticular wax production in sorghum as has been shown in other species. The new bloomless and sparse-bloom mutants identified here have a wide range of phenotypes and constitute a valuable resource for studies of the genetics and biosynthesis of epicuticular waxes and their effects on tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought.
“El sueño de rapiña” de Carlos Reyles: crítica de la modernidad y contrapunto temporal

This paper studies two convergent yet contrasting temporalities in “El sueno de Rapina” by Carlos Reyles. The first one, related to sensuality and hedonism, seeks a return to an ontological past in order to recover an existing unity between man and nature. The second one is based on the correspondence between a capitalist economy and time, which promoted an excessive faith in the future. The analysis also examines Reyles’ harsh criticism to a materialism originated by modern economic models with the resulting nostalgia of a lost humanism.
Direct measurement of denitrification in a Prosopis (Mesquite) dominated Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

Denitrification was directly measured using the acetylene inhibition technique in a Sonoran Desert ecosystem dominated by Prosopis glandulosa. Soil under Prosopis and from the unvegetated area between Prosopis was wetted with 50 mm of water and denitrification measured for 48 hours. The mean denitrification rate under Prosopis was 11.6 g N ha-1h-1 compared to only 0.2 g N ha-1h-1 away from Prosopis. The denitrification response to wetting was rapid and rates peaked about 24 h after water application.The much higher denitrification under Prosopis probably results from high available organic C under Prosopis, but other soil chemical and physical changes effected by Prosopis may influence denitrification rates. About 0.5 kg N ha-1 of Prosopis cover may be lost from this ecosystem by denitrification after infrequent major rainfalls.
Systematics of vector meson-proton scattering

The systematics of Vp scattering (V = ϱ, ω, φ, ψ) is studied using unitarity to relate the elastic and inelastic amplitudes. Assuming that φ and ψ are pure strange and charmed quark states, respectively, φp and ψp elastic amplitudes are shown, in the first approximation, to be generated by diffractive inelastic states. This leads to the relations Bψ ≈ Bφ ≈ Bω/2 ≈ Bϱ/2 for the elastic differential cross section slopes. The approximate mV2 is related to a similar suppression in inelastic Vp cross sections and, more speculatively, to the mA2 suppression of the hadronic production cross sections σ(pp → A).
Pilot testing of sodium thiosulfate

Pilot plant tests have been conducted to evaluate sodium thiosulfate as an oxidation inhibition additive in five lime/limestone slurry flue gas desulfurization processes. It was found that the oxidation rate of absorbed sulfur dioxide (SO)/sub 2/ was reduced by more than 50 percent in the presence of 100 to 200 ppm of thiosulfate ion in the scrubbing slurry. Calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) scaling was eliminated and the unsaturated (with respect to gypsum) operation mode was maintained by the addition of sodium thiosulfate. Other benefits of sodium thiosulfate addition observed at the pilot plant included improvement in solids dewatering properties for limestone processes and improvement in SO/sub 2/ removal efficiency for magnesium-enhanced lime/limestone processes.
Bisorthoesters as Polymer Intermediates. IV. Polybenzoxazole Oligomers

Abstract Polybenzoxazoles of relatively low molecular weight have been prepared from hexa-n-propylorthoisophthalate in DMSO at 100°C. Unlike the preparation of polybenzimidazoles via the same route which gave high molecular weight linear polybenzimidazoles, condensation of dihydroxy-diaminobiphenyl with bisorthoesters gave only polymers of low molecular weight. It has not been established but it is most likely that the formation of only low molecular weight polymers was caused by the low basicity of the aromatic amino groups. Benzimidazoles of low molecular weight had also been observed when aromatic tetramines of low basicity were used for the condensation with bisorthoesters.
Personality-Related Risk and Resilience Factors in Coping With Daily Stress Among Adult Cancer Patients

We employed a diary design to study personality-related risk and resilience factors in adult cancer patients coping with daily stress. We focused on individuals' self-concept incoherence (SCI) as a personality-related risk factor and on psychological well-being (PWB) at baseline and daily beliefs of control as resilience factors. Reactivity to daily stress was assessed in terms of negative daily mood. Multilevel modeling analyses yielded significant main effects of daily stress, PWB at baseline, and daily control. These main effects were qualified by significant two- and three-way interactions. The significant Stress X Control interaction indicated that individuals reported more negative mood in response to daily stress on low-control days compared to high-control days. Similarly, a significant SCI X Control interaction suggested that individuals with a more coherent self-concept benefited more from feeling in control in terms of experiencing less increase in negative mood compared to individuals with a more incoherent self-concept. Significant three-way interactions also indicated that the associations between stress, control and negative daily mood differed by level of SCI and level of PWB at the beginning of the study. Overall, the findings from this study show the complex associations between risk and resilience factors and daily emotional well-being in a sample of adults who were affected by a life-threatening illness.
Essential Fatty Acids for the Mosquito Culex pipiens

Newly-hatched larvae of Culex pipiens grow well to adults in a chemically defined dietary medium containing cholesterol as the only lipid, but the adults cannot fly. Arachidonic acid (0.2 mg/100 ml medium) was previously shown to induce emergency from pupae of strong, flying adults, whereas linoleic and linolenic acids, which satisfy the essential fatty acid requirement of other insects, were inadequate. The effect of replacing arachidonic acid by other fatty acids is examined here. Saturated or monoenoic acids failed entirely to induce flight. Several polyunsaturated fatty acids, of both the omega 6 and omega 3 families, containing three double bonds in divinyl methane arrangement spanning carbons 6 to 13 from the methyl termination allowed the emergence of flying adults; besides arachidonic acid, these were gamma-linolenic (C18:3, delta 6,9, 1,2), homo-gamma-linolenic (C20:3, delta 8,11,14), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5, delta 5,8,11,14,17) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6, delta 4,7,10,13,16,19) acids. Certain other polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, failed to support flight but allowed many adults to stand or hop on the medium surface. These findings are discussed in relation to essential fatty acid requirements of other insects and vertebrates.
The r-Stirling numbers

The r-Stirling numbers of the first and second kind count restricted permutations and respectively restricted partitions, the restriction being that the first r elements must be in distinct cycles and respectively distinct subsets. The combinatorial and algebraic properties of these numbers, which in most cases generalize similar properties of the regular Stirling numbers, are explored starting from the above definition.
Laminar Shear Stress and 3' Polyadenylation of eNOS mRNA

The 3' poly(A) tail is important in messenger RNA stability and translational efficiency. In somatic tissues, 3' polyadenylation of mRNAs has been thought to largely be a constitutively active process. We have reported that laminar shear stress causes a brief increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) transcription, followed by a prolonged increase in eNOS mRNA stability. We sought to determine whether shear stress and other stimuli affected eNOS 3' polyadenylation in endothelial cells. Under basal (static) conditions, eNOS mRNA possessed short 3' poly(A) tails of <25 nt. In contrast, laminar shear stress increased expression of eNOS transcripts with long poly(A) tails. ENOS transcripts with longer poly(A) tails had prolonged half-lives (6 hours in static cells versus 18 hours in sheared cells). Polysome analysis revealed that eNOS mRNA from sheared cells was shifted into more translationally active polysome fractions compared with eNOS mRNA from static cells. Shear-induced lengthening of the eNOS 3' poly(A) tail was the result of increased nuclear polyadenylation. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide and HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors, other stimuli known to modulate eNOS expression posttranscriptionally, also induced eNOS 3' poly(A) tail lengthening. These results support the concept that shear stress modulates eNOS mRNA stability and translation via increased 3' polyadenylation. We suggest that mRNA 3' polyadenylation is a posttranscriptional mechanism used by endothelial cells to regulate gene expression.
Astronomy for a Better World: IAU OAD Task Force-1 Programs for Advancing Astronomy Education and Research in Universities in Developing Countries

We discuss the IAU Commission 46 and Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) programs that support advancing Astronomy education and research primarily in universities in developing countries. The bulk of these operational activities will be coordinated through the OAD's newly installed Task Force 1. We outline current (and future) IAU/OAD Task Force-1 programs that promote the development of University-level Astronomy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Among current programs discussed are the past and future expanded activities of the International School for Young Astronomers (ISYA) and the Teaching Astronomy for Development (TAD) programs. The primary role of the ISYA program is the organization of a three week School for students for typically M.Sc. and Ph.D students. The ISYA is a very successful program that will now be offered more frequently through the generous support of the Kavli Foundation. The IAU/TAD program provides aid and resources for the development of teaching, education and research in Astronomy. The TAD program is dedicated to assist countries that have little or no astronomical activity, but that wish to develop or enhance Astronomy education. Over the last ten years, the ISYA and TAD programs have supported programs in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, South East and West Asia, and South America. Several examples are given.Several new programs being considered by OAD Task Force-1 are also discussed. Other possible programs being considered are the introduction of modular Astronomy courses into the university curricula (or improve present courses) as well as providing access to “remote learning“ courses and Virtual Astronomy labs in developing countries. Another possible new program would support visits of astronomers from technically advanced countries to spend their sabbatical leaves teaching and advising University Astronomy programs in developing countries. Suggestions for new Task Force -1 programs are also welcomed. Useful information about the participation of IAU members and volunteers in these programs will be discussed and practical information will be provided.
Concordance of hypervascular liver nodule characterization between the organ procurement and transplant network and liver imaging reporting and data system classifications.

Purpose To determine the rate of agreement between the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) and Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) classifications for hypervascular liver nodules at least 1 cm in diameter, and for patient eligibility for hepatocellular/MELD (Model for Endstage Liver Disease) exception points. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board and was compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The requirement for informed consent was waived. This study included 200 hypervascular hepatocellular nodules at least 1 cm in diameter on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in 105 patients with chronic liver disease. Three radiologists blinded to clinical data independently evaluated nodule characteristics, including washout, capsule, size, and size on prior examination. Based on those characteristics, nodules were automatically classified as definite hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or not definite HCC using both the OPTN and LI-RADS classifications. Using these classifications and the Milan criteria, each examination was determined to be "below transplant criteria," "within transplant criteria," or "beyond transplant criteria." Agreement was assessed between readers and classification systems, using Fleiss' kappa, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and simple proportions. Results Interreader agreement was moderate for nodule features (κ = 0.59–0.69) and nodule classification (0.66–0.69). The two systems were in nearly complete agreement on nodule category assignment (98.7% [592/600]) and patient eligibility for transplant exemption priority (99.4% [313/315]). A few discrepancies occurred for the nodule feature of growth (1.3% [8/600]) and for nodule category assignment (1.3% [8/600]). Conclusion Agreement between the OPTN and LI-RADS classifications is very strong for categorization of hypervascular liver nodules at least 1 cm in diameter, and for patient eligibility for hepatocellular/MELD exception points. Interreader variability is much higher than intersystem variability. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:305–314.
Market Microstructure Research Databases: History and Projections

This article presents a partial history of the development of transactions databases of securities prices. The availability of these databases, which in part were funded by the National Science Foundation, has fueled the rapid growth of market microstructure research as a discipline within financial economics. Furthermore, the article examines the accelerating growth of securities trading and examines the implication of this growth for empirical microstructure research.
Steps and Time to Process Clinical Trials at the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program

Purpose To examine the processes and document the calendar time required for the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and Central Institutional Review Board (CIRB) to evaluate and approve phase III clinical trials. Methods Process steps were documented by (1) interviewing CTEP and CIRB staff regarding the steps required to activate a trial from initial concept submission to trial activation by a cooperative group, (2) reviewing standard operating procedures, and (3) inspecting trial records and documents for selected trials to identify any additional steps. Calendar time was collected from initial concept submission to activation using retrospective data from the CTEP Protocol and Information Office. Results At least 296 distinct processes are required for phase III trial activation: at least 239 working steps, 52 major decision points, 20 processing loops, and 11 stopping points. Of the 195 trials activated during the January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2007, study period, a ...
Large-scale application of formal verification: from fiction to fact

Formal verification has matured considerably as a verification discipline in the past couple of decades, becoming a mainstream technology in industrial design and verification methodologies and processes. In this paper we chronicle the evolution of formal verification at IBM from being a specialized side activity with a narrow focus, to achieving a broad-based usage as a core verification technology helping to significantly improve design and verification productivity. We showcase what is possible in the application of formal verification in a commercial/industrial setting by highlighting the success we had in leveraging the technology extensively on IBM's POWER7™ microprocessor and systems. We touch upon the methodology and execution aspects of the unprecedented use of formal verification on the POWER7 program, and depict ways in which the technology positively impacted pre-silicon design quality and facilitated root causing of bug escapes to silicon. Furthermore, we outline where we see applied formal verification evolving towards at IBM, and the challenges thereof.
ADEM: Automating deployment and management of application software on the Open Science Grid

In grid environments, the deployment and management of application software presents a major practical challenge for end users. Performing these tasks manually is error-prone and not scalable to large grids. In this work, we propose an automation tool, ADEM, for grid application software deployment and management, and demonstrate and evaluate the tool on the Open Science Grid. ADEM uses Globus for basic grid services, and integrates the grid software installer Pacman. It supports both centralized “prebuild” and on-site “dynamic-build” approaches to software compilation, using the NMI Build and Test system to perform central prebuilds for specific target platforms. ADEM's parallel workflow automatically determines available grid sites and their platform “signatures”, checks for and integrates dependencies, and performs software build, installation, and testing. ADEM's tracking log of build and installation activities is helpful for troubleshooting potential exceptions. Experimental results on the Open Science Grid show that ADEM is easy to use and more productive for users than manual operation.
Neurocognitive predictors of financial capacity across the dementia spectrum: Normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease

Financial capacity is a complex instrumental activity of daily living critical to independent functioning of older adults and sensitive to impairment in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the neurocognitive basis of financial impairment in dementia. We developed cognitive models of financial capacity in cognitively healthy older adults (n = 85) and patients with MCI (n = 113) and mild AD (n = 43). All participants were administered the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI) and a neuropsychological test battery. Univariate correlation and multiple regression procedures were used to develop cognitive models of overall FCI performance across groups. The control model (R2 = .38) comprised (in order of entry) written arithmetic skills, delayed story recall, and simple visuomotor sequencing. The MCI model (R2 = .69) comprised written arithmetic skills, visuomotor sequencing and set alternation, and race. The AD model (R2 = .65) comprised written arithmetic skills, simple visuomotor sequencing, and immediate story recall. Written arithmetic skills (WRAT-3 Arithmetic) was the primary predictor across models, accounting for 27% (control model), 46% (AD model), and 55% (MCI model) of variance. Executive function and verbal memory were secondary model predictors. The results offer insight into the cognitive basis of financial capacity across the dementia spectrum of cognitive aging, MCI, and AD.
To treat or not to treat: the case of tuberculosis

Incomplete treatment of patients with infectious tuberculosis (TB) may not only lead to relapse but also to the development of antibiotic resistant TB — one of the most serious health problems facing society today. In this article, we formulate one-strain and two-strain TB models to determine possible mechanisms that may allow for the survival and spread of naturally resistant strains of TB as well as antibiotic-generated resistant strains of TB. Analysis of our models shows that non-antibiotic co-existence is possible but rare for naturally resistant strains while co-existence is almost the rule for strains that result from the lack of compliance with antibiotic treatment by TB infected individuals.
The Ultimate Engineering Challenge

Inventing super-intelligent machines is the greatest engineering adventure of human history. If you are a young person who likes science and engineering, this would be a very interesting project to get involved with. It is happening in numerous universities, government research labs and corporations. It is happening among engineers who are building prototypes and designing intelligence into commercial products. It is also happening among biologists who are trying to figure out how animal and human brains work.
Endovascular reconstruction of vertebral artery occlusion prior to basilar thrombectomy in a series of six patients presenting with acute symptomatic basilar thrombosis

Introduction and purpose Symptomatic acute basilar thrombosis is associated with a high mortality rate. Aggressive endovascular management has led to survival rates of 35–50%. We report the largest series of endovascular reconstruction of occluded dominant vertebral arteries prior to basilar thrombectomy. Materials and methods A prospective database since August 2010 of all neuroendovascular interventions was mined for patients undergoing basilar artery thrombolysis from which a group with vertebral artery reconstruction was selected. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for relevant clinical, technical, and outcome data. Results From August 2010 to September 2012, six patients were identified who underwent vertebral reconstruction prior to basilar thrombectomy. Patients ranged in age from 42 to 57 years (mean 51 years). Mean time from symptoms until recanalization was approximately 6 h. Angiographic Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction IIB reconstitution of the basilar trunk was achieved in all cases. There were no technical complications. Two patients had care withdrawn secondary to massive completed brainstem infarction and poor neurological status post intervention. Three patients are now independent at 12, 14, and 31 months, respectively. One patient, after a follow-up of only 8 months, has achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 3. Conclusions Complete vertebral occlusion below a basilar thrombus can be recanalized prior to thrombectomy. In this case series, 100% of the acutely occluded vertebral arteries could be opened using either anterograde or retrograde access. However, basilar thrombosis continues to be a devastating illness, with one-third of the patients in this series dying of progressive infarction despite angiographic patency of the large conduit vessels with technical complications.
New Multiscale Models and Self-Similarity in Tropical Convection

Abstract One of the unexplained striking features of tropical convection is the observed statistical self-similarity in clusters, superclusters, and intraseasonal oscillations through complex multiscale processes ranging from the mesoscales to the equatorial synoptic scales to the intraseasonal/planetary scales. Here new multispatial-scale, multitime-scale, simplified asymptotic models are derived systematically from the equatorial primitive equations on the range of scales from mesoscale to equatorial synoptic to planetary/intraseasonal, which provide a useful analytic framework for addressing these issues. New mesoscale equatorial synoptic dynamical (MESD) models and balanced MESD (BMESD) models are developed for the multitime, multispace interaction from mesoscales to equatorial synoptic scales; new multitime versions of the intraseasonal planetary equatorial synoptic dynamics (IPESD) models are developed for multiple spatiotemporal interactions on equatorial synoptic scales and planetary scales. The m...
A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED TRIAL TO COMPARE TACROLIMUS AND PREDNISONE WITH AND WITHOUT MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL TRANSPLANTATION: FIRST REPORT

AbstractPurpose: Between September 20, 1995 and September 20, 1996, 120 patients were entered into a prospective, randomized trial comparing tacrolimus and prednisone with (61) and without (59) ± gm. mycophenolate mofetil daily to determine whether mycophenolate mofetil was associated with a lower incidence of rejection.Materials and Methods: Mean recipient age plus or minus standard deviation was 50.8 +/− 14.1 years (range 18.8 to 84.1). Mean donor age was 34.3 +/− 21.7 years (range 0.01 to 76). Of the donors 18 (15%) were older than 60 years. Mean cold ischemia time was 30.9 +/− 8.4 hours (range 14.2 to 49). Median followup was 8.6 +/− 0.5 months.Results: The 6-month actuarial patient survival was 95%, 92% in the double therapy group and 98% in the triple therapy group (not significant). The 6-month actuarial graft survival was 88%, 84% in the double therapy group and 92% in the triple therapy group (not significant). The overall incidence of rejection and steroid resistant rejection was 34.2 and 4.2%, ...
Improved reconstruction of dynamic cardiac perfusion MRI with use of a reference frame

Lower spatial resolution can result when increasing the temporal resolution of dynamic imaging to track the uptake and washout of a bolus of paramagnetic contrast. This work investigates the maintenance or improvement of spatial resolution in ultra rapid dynamic cardiac MRI perfusion sequences when a higher resolution reference frame either from the same sequence, or from a steady-state cine sequence, is available. The generalized series and keyhole methods were used on dynamic data acquired with a bolus contrast injection. The image sequence of the heart region was extracted from the full field of view image sequence. The extracted images were registered for motion and also denoised before reconstruction by generalized series or keyhole methods was applied. Resolution improvement methods were used on low resolution data. Results were compared to the higher resolution data and showed improvement in resolution for the generalized series, with less artifacts than for the keyhole method.
A Guard Dog Perspective on the Role of Media

A guard dog perspective is offered as a way to better understand the functioning of the mass media as an important set of communication agencies in the social system. This perspective takes into account the varying role performances by mass media in reporting on major public issues. The guard dog metaphor suggests that media perform as a sentry not for the community as a whole, but for groups having sufficient power and influence to create and control their own security systems. This conception is delineated from other perspectives, which include (a) the traditional fourth estate role of watchdog media, (b) the lapdog view of submissive media, and (c) the view of media as part of a power oligarchy. Several hypotheses that may be derived for testing the utility of the guard dog perspective are suggested and discussed in light of various bodies of evidence available.
Feasibility study of using two types of microstripline bandpass filters for the detection of bacteria in water

Numerical computation is utilized to evaluate the feasibility of using microstripline bandpass filter circuits as a biosensor for the rapid detection of bacteria in water. The biosensor is based on a change in response of the bandpass filters when bacteria adhering to the surface of the biosensor cause a change in the relative permittivity immediately above the filter. Numerical computations performed using the software packages ADS (advanced design system) and Sonnet on coupled line and hairpin bandpass filter microstripline circuits showed that although both filters responded to the dielectric overlay immediately above the filter, the sensitivity of the latter was greater, making it a better candidate for use as a biosensor for bacteria in water. Computed as well as experimental results are presented and discussed.
Strategic Generation Capacity Expansion Planning With Incomplete Information

To study the competitive behavior among individual generating companies (GENCOs), an incomplete information game model is proposed in this paper in which each GENCO is modeled as an agent. Each agent makes strategic generation capacity expansion decisions based on its incomplete information on other GENCOs. The formation of this game model falls into a bi-level optimization problem. The upper level of this problem is the GENCOs' own decision on optimal planning strategies and energy/reserve bidding strategies. The lower-level problem is the ISO's market clearing problem that minimizes the cost to supply the load, which yields price signals for GENCOs to calculate their own payoffs. A co-evolutionary algorithm combined with pattern search is proposed to optimize the search for the Nash equilibrium of the competition game with incomplete information. The Nash equilibrium is obtained if all GENCOs reach their maximum expected payoff assuming the planning strategies of other GENCOs' remain unchanged. The physical withholding of capacity is considered in the energy market and the Herfindahl-Hirschman index is utilized to measure the market concentration. The competitive behaviors are analyzed in three policy scenarios based on different market rules for reserve procurement and compensation.
Efficient technique for computing the RCS of curved surfaces at low grazing angles

The authors present a fast and efficient alternative technique for evaluating the PO integral at aspects where no stationary phase points exist, yielding a nonzero field for scattering at low grazing angles to a curved surface.
Interest Rate Risk in Credit Markets

Recent events have stimulated interest in the joint behavior of prices and quantities in credit markets. Data sources such as the Federal Reserve Board’s Flow of Funds Accounts (FFA) provide statistics on a rich set of credit market instruments. However, it is challenging to inter­ pret such data using economic models that speak to the allocation of risk across agents, such as households or intermediaries. On the one hand, an instrument class such as “Treasury bonds” typically contains many dif­ ferent instruments that trade at different prices and have different exposure to interest rate shocks (for example, because of differences in duration). On the other hand, a lot of the price movements in instruments like Treasury bonds and mortgage backed securities are due to com­ mon interest rate shocks, making those instru­ ments close substitutes from a portfolio choice perspective. For understanding how interest rate risk is allocated in the economy, one would thus like to use information on many positions at the same time, rather than, say, focus on one set of instruments only. At the same time, models with many closely substitutable assets are problem­ atic. Instead, it would be desirable to compress position data into simple sets of portfolios, like “long” and “short” bonds, but with some con­ fidence that the risk properties of the original instruments are not lost along the way. DemanD anD Supply for Government BonDS
Blind Ambition? The Effects of Social Networks and Institutional Sex Composition on the Job Search Outcomes of Elite Coeducational and Women's College Graduates

In this paper, I develop a perspective on women's career attainment focused on how employers' salary offers may be constructed based on their assumptions regarding women's access to comparative salary information. Therefore, although the use of social networks in job search may enhance women's actual knowledge of prevailing wages, I hypothesize that institutional characteristics that employers could assume to constrain women's networks and concomitant access to salary information will directly affect salary offers, as well as moderating the influence of network ties on pay. To test this perspective, job search outcomes of women attending elite coeducational and women's colleges were examined. Regarding the number of offers obtained, women who consulted with proportionally more male peer and employed adult male advice ties received significantly more job offers than women using fewer male advice contacts. With regard to salary offers, this study reveals an institutional sex composition effect: women exiting single-sex institutions (i.e., women's colleges) received significantly lower salary offers than women from coeducational schools, even after accounting for human capital, job characteristics, and institutional reputation. The effects of social networks on pay were moderated by institutional sex composition such that women exiting women's colleges received lower returns in the form of salary to their cross-gender advice ties than did women from a matched coeducational institution. Implications of these results for theories of social capital and women's occupational attainment are discussed.
Isols and the pigeonhole principle

The pigeonhole principle M generalized by using isols as a fundamental counting tool. Well-known exercices of elementary combinatorics are considered as applications
Engineering damage cross sections for neutron embrittlement of A302-B pressure vessel steel

Abstract The continuing reliable operation of reactor pressure vessels requires continuous surveillance over the neutron-induced increase in the steel pressure vessel transition temperature. The increases are plotted versus neutron fluence, but no agreement exists for a meaningful and accurate neutron fluence criterion readily usable by the engineering community. Establishment of such a criterion was the goal of a research study undertaken at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL); this research also was to support the experimental irradiation effects portion of M.S. thesis work underway by the author at the University of Maryland. Analyses were made of transition temperature increase and neutron fluence data for irradiation of a plate of 6 in. thick (152 mm) A302-B steel. This information plus an accurate neutron spectrum of each irradiation facility was analyzed by an iterative unfolding code to yield two sets of damage cross sections corresponding to embrittlement of A302-B steel at irradiation temperatures of and 550° F ( and 288° C ) . Analyses now completed show that more than 94% of the neutron-induced embrittlement in A302-B steel is caused by neutrons of energies > 0.1 MeV . Furthermore, application of the analysis techniques permits computation of ‘damage-fluence’ values incorporating damage cross sections and fluence > 0.1 MeV that provides the best possible correlation of experimental data regardless of the radiation environment. The technique and cross sections are thought to be sufficiently general that they can be used as a basis for establishing new sets of cross sections for other plates of steel having different chemical composition from that of the original study. This has yet to be proven, however, and will be the subject of future work in this area. In the interests of accuracy of information and uniformity of presentation, it is recommended that these cross sections and the threshold of ‘ > 0.1 MeV ’ be adopted for international use in critical engineering assessments of embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel steel.