cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An estimator for the proportional hazards model with multiple longitudinal covariates measured with error

In many longitudinal studies, it is of interest to characterize the relationship between a time-to-event (e.g. survival) and several time-dependent and time-independent covariates. Time-dependent covariates are generally observed intermittently and with error. For a single time-dependent covariate, a popular approach is to assume a joint longitudinal data-survival model, where the time-dependent covariate follows a linear mixed effects model and the hazard of failure depends on random effects and time-independent covariates via a proportional hazards relationship. Regression calibration and likelihood or Bayesian methods have been advocated for implementation; however, generalization to more than one time-dependent covariate may become prohibitive. For a single time-dependent covariate, Tsiatis and Davidian (2001) have proposed an approach that is easily implemented and does not require an assumption on the distribution of the random effects. This technique may be generalized to multiple, possibly correlated, time-dependent covariates, as we demonstrate. We illustrate the approach via simulation and by application to data from an HIV clinical trial.
Playing the race card: Making race salient in defence opening and closing statements

Purpose. Researchers have reported that making aB lack defendant’ sr ace salient reduces White jurors’ tendency to find Black defendants guilty (Sommers &E llsworth, 2000). We examined whether making race salient by including racially salient statements in the defence attorney’ so pening and closing statements (i.e. ,‘ playing the race card’) reduced White jurors’ racial bias against aB lack defendant. Method. We obtained scores on racial attitudes for 151 White college students who participated in an experiment where defendant race (Black, White) and race salience (not salient, salient) were manipulated in ab etween-subjects design. Participants read one of four trial stimuli and completed dependent measures. Results. ‘Playing the race card ’r educed White juror racial bias as White jurors’ ratings of guilt for Black defendants wer es ignificantly lowe rw hen the defence attorney’ s statements included racially salient statements. White juror ratings of guilt for White defendants and Black defendants wer en ot significantly different when race was not made salient. This effect was separate from jurors’ level of prejudice (as measured by racial attitudes) as high prejudice participants wer em ore likely than low prejudice participants to find the Black defendant guilty ,i ndependent of the race salience manipulation. Conclusion. Our study indicated that an explicit attempt by a defence attorney to ‘pla y the race card’ was ab eneficial trial strateg ya defence attorney could use to reduce White jurors’ bias towards Black defendants. However ,t he beneficial effect of such as trateg y ma yn ot reduce White jurors’ bias toward sB lack defendants for all White jurors. Few individuals can forget what many have considered the ‘Trial of the twentieth century ’( Schmalleger ,1 996), the case of the State of Californi av ersus O. J. Simpson. The issue of racial prejudice was brought to the forefront of the trial with the testimony of LAPD Detective Mark Fuhrman. Simpson’ s defence attorneys used recorded evidence of Fuhrman using racial slur sa st he backbone of ac onspiracy theor ys uggestin gt hat the racist Fuhrman planted evidence in order to convict the famous, and Black, Simpson. Successfully ‘playing the race card’ (Williams ,2 001), the
SPCp1-07: Low-Complexity Mutual Information-Based Antenna Grouping Scheme for a D-STTD System

By providing both spatial diversity and multiplexing gains simultaneously, double space-time transmit diversity (D-STTD) is considered a promising technique for future multiple antenna wireless systems. Although originally proposed D-STTD is an open-loop scheme, transmit antenna grouping (also called antenna shuffling) with low-rate feedback information from the receiver can significantly improve the performance of open-loop D-STTD even in spatially correlated Rayleigh fading channels, since the antenna grouping method selects the best antenna grouping pattern corresponding to the channel realization. In this paper we propose a new antenna grouping method based on the criterion of maximum mutual information. Showing the same performance improvement as the existing antenna grouping method based on the criterion of maximum post-processing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the proposed low-complexity mutual information-based antenna grouping method can be performed with less complexity. We verify the effectiveness of our proposed method by numerical simulations even for a spatial correlation channel model based on practical channel measurements.
The design of flux-corrected transport (fct) algorithms on structured grids

A given flux-corrected transport (FCT) algorithm consists of three components: (1) a high order algorithm to which it reduces in smooth parts of the flow field; (2) a low order algorithm to which it reduces in parts of the flow devoid of smoothness; and (3) a flux limiter which calculates the weights assigned to the high and low order algorithms, in flux form, in the various regions of the flow field. In this dissertation, we describe a set of design principles that significantly enhance the accuracy and robustness of FCT algorithms by enhancing the accuracy and robustness of each of the three components individually. These principles include the use of very high order spatial operators in the design of the high order fluxes, the use of non-clipping flux limiters, the appropriate choice of constraint variables in the critical flux-limiting step, and the implementation of a “failsafe” flux-limiting strategy. We show via standard test problems the kind of algorithm performance one can expect if these design principles are adhered to. We give examples of applications of these design principles in several areas of physics. Finally, we compare the performance of these enhanced algorithms with that of other recent front-capturing methods.
Goals and Direction in Personal Planning

Personal planning involves imaging the future and deriving the consequences of that image for present patterns of behavior. People usually suppose that the future can only be imaged in terms of goals, but alternative modes for planning, such as domain and direction planning, do not involve goal setting. Planning does not have to be teleological to be directed.
A simplified analytical model of diamond growth in direct current arcjet reactors

A simplified model of a direct current arcjet-assisted diamond chemical vapor deposition reactor is presented. The model is based upon detailed theoretical analysis of the transport and chemical processes occurring during diamond deposition, and is formulated to yield closed-form solutions for diamond growth rate, defect density, and heat flux to the substrate. In a direct current arcjet reactor there is a natural division of the physical system into four characteristic domains: plasma torch, free stream, boundary layer, and surface, leading to the development of simplified thermodynamic, transport, and chemical kinetic models for each of the four regions. The models for these four regions are linked to form a single unified model. For a relatively wide range of reactor operating conditions, this simplified model yields results that are in good quantitative agreement with stagnation flow models containing detailed multicomponent transport and chemical kinetics. However, in contrast to the detailed reactor models, the model presented here executes in near real-time on a computer of modest size, and can therefore be readily incorporated into process control models or global dynamic loop simulations.
Anticipation in familial leukemia

Anticipation refers to worsening severity or earlier age at onset with each generation for an inherited disease and primarily has been described for neurodegenerative illnesses resulting from expansion of trinucleotide repeats. We have tested for evidence of anticipation in familial leukemia. Of 49 affected individuals in nine families transmitting autosomal dominant acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the mean age at onset is 57 years in the grandparental generation, 32 years in the parental generation, and 13 years in the youngest generation (P < .001). Of 21 parent-child pairs with AML, 19 show younger ages at onset in the child and demonstrate a mean decline in age at onset of 28 years (P < .001). Of 18 affected individuals from seven pedigrees with autosomal dominant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the mean age at onset in the parental generation is 66 years versus 51 years in the youngest generation (P = .008). Of nine parent-child pairs with CLL, eight show younger ages at onset in the child and reveal a mean decline in age at onset of 21 years (P = .001). Inspection of rare pedigrees transmitting acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, multiple types of leukemia, and lymphoma is also compatible withmore » anticipation. Sampling bias is unlikely to explain these findings. This suggests that dynamic mutation of unstable DNA sequence repeats could be a common mechanism of inherited hematopoietic malignancy with implications for the role of somatic mutation in the more frequent sporadic cases. We speculate on three possible candidate genes for familial leukemia with anticipation: a locus on 21q22.1-22.2, CBL2 on 11q23.3, and CBFB or a nearby gene on 16q22. 55 refs., 4 figs.« less
GT: a versatile access scheme for high throughput MANs

Group transmission (GT) is a new scheme for improving the throughput on shared dual/fold bus networks. Some schemes such as destination release, erasure nodes, previous slot information (PSI) and SP-DQDB were put forward for improving throughput of original MAN protocols such as DQDB, S++, CRMA, CBRMA and FDDI. GT improves throughput via a two-fold approach. (1) All nodes in the network are logically divided into multiple groups and each group is assigned a group code in order. (2) A post-source group slot-reuse rule is introduced by which a busy slot may be reused to carry new information (segment or request) after the busy slot departs from its source group. In contrast to destination release, erasure nodes, PSI and SP-DQDB, GT is simpler than anyone of them and may be used for either slot reuse or slot pre-use or both of them and possesses a higher capacity. GT itself performs with a high throughput.
Mechanics of DNA bridging by bacterial condensin MukBEF in vitro and in singulo

Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins comprise the core of several specialized complexes that stabilize the global architecture of the chromosomes by dynamically linking distant DNA fragments. This reaction however remains poorly understood giving rise to numerous proposed mechanisms of the proteins. Using two novel assays, we investigated real-time formation of DNA bridges by bacterial condensin MukBEF. We report that MukBEF can efficiently bridge two DNAs and that this reaction involves multiple steps. The reaction begins with the formation of a stable MukB–DNA complex, which can further capture another protein-free DNA fragment. The initial tether is unstable but is quickly strengthened by additional MukBs. DNA bridging is modulated but is not strictly dependent on ATP and MukEF. The reaction revealed high preference for right-handed DNA crossings indicating that bridging involves physical association of MukB with both DNAs. Our data establish a comprehensive view of DNA bridging by MukBEF, which could explain how SMCs establish both intra- and interchromosomal links inside the cell and indicate that DNA binding and bridging could be separately regulated.
Generational equity and measurement bias: Who is really poor?

Abstract One core contention of the generational equity argument is that elderly people are financially well-off. To support this argument, generational equity proponents compare poverty rates of elderly people to those of children in the United States demonstrating that elderly people enjoy a privileged position in terms of financial well-being as compared to other age groups. I argue that the measurement of poverty upon which this argument is based is grounded in faulty logic and incorrect assumptions. Therefore, the basis of this generational equity argument is invalid. I conclude that using poverty rates creates the impression of a conflict between children and elderly people drawing attention away from the continuing problem of discrimination against women and minorities.
From ethnic outbidding to ethnic conflict: the institutional bases for Sri Lanka's separatist war1

Abstract. Beginning in the mid-1950s Sri Lanka's politicians from the majority Sinhalese community resorted to ethnic outbidding as a means to attain power and in doing so systematically marginalised the country's minority Tamils. This article consequently argues that institutional decay, which was produced by the dialectic between majority rule and ethnic outbidding, was what led to Tamil mobilisation and an ethnic conflict that has killed nearly 70,000 people over the past twenty years. It also analyses the influence informal societal pressures exerted on formal state institutions and how this contributed to institutional decay. Evaluating the relations that ensued between social organisations and the Sri Lankan state shows how institutions can prescribe actions and fashion motives even as it will make clear how the island's varied institutions generated a deadly political dynamic that eventually unleashed the ongoing civil war.
Percutaneous vs surgical placement of intra‐aortic balloon assist

Fifty-three patients required IABP over a one-year period. The type of insertion (percutaneous vs surgical) was used randomly. The hemodynamic effect, complication rate, and inability to insert the balloon were similar in both groups. Besides less trauma and cost-effectiveness, the most important advantage of percutaneous over surgical balloon insertion is shorter time interval between decision and insertion which thus allows faster stabilization of ischemic heart patients.
Segmentation-based vector quantization of images by a competitive learning neural network

The authors present a segmentation-based VQ technique using a competitive learning neural network, which significantly improves the preservation of edge characteristics and greatly reduces the computational complexity and memory requirement. Unlike most segmentation-based techniques, an adaptive image segmentation method has been developed and is used to segment edges from images without the need of any preset thresholds. Experimental results show that the reconstructed images have no perceptibly ragged edge effect. Compared with results from other segmentation-based block coding techniques, the method achieves better performance at a lower bit rate (or a higher compression ratio). >
Identification and Characterization of a Gene Cluster Required for Proper Rod Shape, Cell Division, and Pathogenesis in Clostridium difficile

Little is known about cell division in Clostridium difficile, a strict anaerobe that causes serious diarrheal diseases in people whose normal intestinal microbiome has been perturbed by treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Here we identify and characterize a gene cluster encoding three cell division proteins found only in C. difficile and a small number of closely related bacteria. These proteins were named MldA, MldB, and MldC, for midcell localizing division proteins. MldA is predicted to be a membrane protein with coiled-coil domains and a peptidoglycan-binding SPOR domain. MldB and MldC are predicted to be cytoplasmic proteins; MldB has two predicted coiled-coil domains, but MldC lacks obvious conserved domains or sequence motifs. Mutants of mldA or mldB had morphological defects, including loss of rod shape (a curved cell phenotype) and inefficient separation of daughter cells (a chaining phenotype). Fusions of cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) to MldA, MldB, and MldC revealed that all three proteins localize sharply to the division site. This application of CFP was possible because we discovered that O2-dependent fluorescent proteins produced anaerobically can acquire fluorescence after cells are fixed with cross-linkers to preserve native patterns of protein localization. Mutants lacking the Mld proteins are severely attenuated for pathogenesis in a hamster model of C. difficile infection. Because all three Mld proteins are essentially unique to C. difficile, they might be exploited as targets for antibiotics that combat C. difficile without disrupting the intestinal microbiome.
Ex Parte Young and the Uses of History

Ex parte Young, an iconic decision that recently celebrated its centennial, was not very well-received at birth but most scholars, now and in the recent past, agree that the case was correctly decided. Yet the range of justifications for the result, and the analyses of its implications, are strikingly diverse. (The disagreements about its significance are exemplified by the three opinions in the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Va. Office for Prot. & Advocacy v. Stewart.)How can such a range of views exist about so famous and esteemed a decision – a debate that extends to such matters as its rationale, its novelty, and even the proper characterization of its holding, the lessons it teaches about state-federal relations, and the proper role of the federal courts? And what, if anything, does this tell us about the nature of legal scholarship? These are the questions addressed in this article. Briefly stated, the conclusions reached are that over-reading of the case by scholars and courts has led to a backlash in which the case has been undervalued, and that arguments about what the case “really” stands for tend to mask more important questions about both the substance and the process of constitutional interpretation.
Developing an agent model of human performance in air traffic control operations using Apex cognitive architecture

For the analysis of large-scale complex systems, agent-based modeling and simulation has proven to provide a valuable research tool. The emphasis has, however, typically been on representing the dynamic behavior of physical entities such as aircraft. Simulation of human operators has often been minimal even though human behavior has an enormous impact on overall system performance and safety. Therefore, human capabilities and limitations need to be taken into account early in the system design process before irrevocable choices have been made. This paper reports on the development of agent models with human-like performance characteristics using a cognitive architecture. We present an agent model of an air traffic controller that is developed and incorporated into an agent-based simulation of the national airspace to support the design and evaluation of advanced air transportation concepts.
Scattering from fractally corrugated surfaces

We consider the problem of scattering of optical or electromagnetic waves from a family of irregular rough surfaces characterized by band-limited fractal functions. This method provides a unified and realistic method for examining rough surfaces without the use of random or periodic functions. We relate the angular distribution and the amount of energy in the specularly scattered field to the fractal characteristics of the surfaces by finding their analytical expressions under the Kirchhoff limit and calculating the scattering patterns.
Synthesis of loop-free programs

We consider the problem of synthesizing loop-free programs that implement a desired functionality using components from a given library. Specifications of the desired functionality and the library components are provided as logical relations between their respective input and output variables. The library components can be used at most once, and hence the library is required to contain a reasonable overapproximation of the multiset of the components required.We solve the above component-based synthesis problem using a constraint-based approach that involves first generating a synthesis constraint, and then solving the constraint. The synthesis constraint is a first-order ∃∀ logic formula whose size is quadratic in the number of components. We present a novel algorithm for solving such constraints. Our algorithm is based on counterexample guided iterative synthesis paradigm and uses off-the-shelf SMT solvers.We present experimental results that show that our tool Brahma can efficiently synthesize highly nontrivial 10-20 line loop-free bitvector programs. These programs represent a state space of approximately 2010 programs, and are beyond the reach of the other tools based on sketching and superoptimization.
Results of skin tests for pregnancy

Abstract 1. Antuitrin-S given intradermally to 211 patients gave 71 per cent correct reactions in 157 known pregnancies and 80 per cent correct reactions in 54 nonpregnant patients. 2. Anterior pituitary liquid (Collip) gave 100 per cent incorrect skin reactions in 80 pregnant patients. 3. Antuitrin-S and theelin given simultaneously to 48 pregnant patients resulted in 54 per cent correct and 46 per cent incorrect reactions.
Inhalational anesthetics do not alter nitric oxide synthase activity

Inhalational anesthetics inhibit the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase signaling pathway in vascular and neuronal tissues and it has been proposed that this inhibition is due to several mechanisms, which include a direct inhibition of NO synthase. To determine the direct interaction of anesthetics with NO synthase, the effects of halothane, isoflurane and enflurane on NO synthase activity of bovine and rat brains and cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were investigated. Halothane and enflurane at 1% to 3% concentrations produced no significant effect on crude bovine brain NO synthase activity, as measured by the conversion of L-[3H]arginine to L-[3H]citrulline. Similarly, crude rat brain NO synthase activity was not affected by exposure to 1% to 4% halothane or isoflurane. The effects of inhalational anesthetics on the crude bovine brain NO synthase activity were not altered when assayed at two different temperatures (22 degrees C and 37 degrees C). Halothane and isoflurane produced no significant effects on the activity of partially purified rat brain NO synthase at different concentrations of L-[3H]arginine in the reaction mixture. Partially purified endothelial NO synthase, when equilibrated with halothane or isoflurane (0.5-2%), exhibited no significant alteration in enzyme activity. This study suggests that the effects of inhalational anesthetics on NO synthesis in rat and bovine brains and in vascular endothelial cells are not due to their direct interaction with NO synthase.
Abstract T P173: Cerebral Oxygen Extraction Fraction MRI to Assess Metabolic Changes in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: In acute cerebral ischemia, there is an imbalance between oxygen tissue consumption and delivery and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) from the circulation increases to maintain normal oxygen metabolism and neuronal function. Detecting such metabolic changes may provide important data to inform decisions on therapeutic interventions such as patient selection for reperfusion or identification of futile therapeutic situations. We used serial OEF MRI to assess metabolic changes in brain tissue associated with reperfusion interventions. Methods: Serial OEF acquired in 10 consecutive cases of acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke at a single center during a 12 month period. Transverse relaxation and static magnetic field inhomogeneity driven relaxation was mapped using multislice gradient echo planar imaging. Data are fitted on a voxel-by-voxel basis to the Yablonskiy and Haacke model to map deoxyhemoglobin concentration and cerebral blood volume. Results: 10 cases (median age 72 years (IQR 62-77), 5 women) were studied. Median NIHSS score 15.5 (IQR 9-25). 3 patients received no intervention as last known well time exceeded a treatment window. 3 patients received intravenous thrombolysis (IV), 3 patients received IV and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and 1 patient received MT only. In the IV treated patients, median time to therapy 110. 5 minutes (IQR 80-132). In the MT treated patients, median time to therapy 257 minutes (IQR 234-331). In the untreated patients, the OEF was elevated in the ischemic territory and this appeared to persist at 24 hours. In the treated patients, those who had at least partial recanalization, demonstrated improved OEF in the ischemic territory at 24 hours. Conclusions: OEF provides a novel method for non-invasive detection of tissue with impaired oxygen delivery in acute stroke patients and is a novel tool for imaging metabolic changes in pathophysiology and disclosing therapeutic opportunities. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Initial Presentation of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection.

Objective To inform the decision to test and empirically treat for herpes simplex virus (HSV) by describing the initial clinical presentation and laboratory findings of infants with a confirmed diagnosis of neonatal HSV. Study design This is a retrospective case series performed at 2 pediatric tertiary care centers. Infants who developed symptoms prior to 42 days of age with laboratory confirmed HSV from 2002 through 2012 were included. We excluded infants Results We identified 49 infants with HSV meeting these criteria. Most infants (43/49, 88%) came to medical attention at ≤28 days. Of 49 infants, 22 (45%) had disseminated, 16 (33%) central nervous system, and 10 (20%) skin, eye, mouth HSV disease. Eight infants (16%) had nonspecific presentations without the classic signs of seizure, vesicular rash, or critical illness (intensive care admission). All infants with nonspecific presentation were ≤14 days, had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, or both. Conclusions The majority of infants with HSV (84%) presented with seizure, vesicular rash, or critical illness. A subset of patients (16%) lacked classic signs at hospitalization; most manifested signs suggestive of HSV within 24 hours. Further studies are needed to validate the risk factors identified in this study including age
Legionella pneumophila protease inactivates interleukin-2 and cleaves CD4 on human T cells.

Abstract The role of the Legionella pneumophila protease in the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease is unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of purified protease preparations on human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2), the IL-2 receptor, and several additional human T-cell surface proteins to determine whether protease contributes to the virulence of L. pneumophila by interfering with human T-cell activation and function. IL-2-induced proliferation of CTLL-2 cells was inhibited by coincubation with protease (10 to 100 U/ml). Protease at concentrations of > or = 10 U/ml cleaved human recombinant IL-2 as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of reaction mixtures containing 125I-labeled IL-2 and protease. Protease treatment of activated human T cells did not inhibit binding of a monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor and did not interfere with binding of IL-2 to IL-2 receptors on the lymphocytes. Treatment of blood mononuclear cells or activated T cells with protease (50 U/ml) inhibited the binding of a monoclonal antibody directed against CD4. In contrast, protease treatment did not inhibit the binding of antibodies against CD3, CD8, class II major histocompatibility complex, and the transferrin receptor. Heat inactivation (65 degrees C for 20 min) of the protease or treatment with the metal chelator EDTA ablated the inhibitory effect of the protease. The ability of the protease to degrade IL-2 and cleave CD4 on human T cells suggests that protease may contribute to the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease by impeding T-cell activation and immune function.
THE INFLUENCE OF PALEOZOIC OVULE AND CUPULE MORPHOLOGIES ON WIND POLLINATION.

The reproductive biology and evolution of the early seed plants have been the subjects of numerous reviews and debate (Benson, 1904; Walton, 1953; Andrews, 1963; Meeuse, 1963; Smith, 1964; Long, 1966; Pettitt, 1970; Taylor and Millay, 1979; Taylor, 1982). From the paleobotanical data, some trends have emerged concerning the functional morphology and evolutionary changes attending the seed plant habit. Among these is the recognition that the early seed plants were at least initially anemophilous and that pollination may have been determined in large part by the morphology of the ovule. Two major morphological modifications associated with the appearance of the first seed plants and having bearing on pollination involve (1) the modification of the distal portion of the megasporangium (=nucellus) to form structures (salpinx or lagenostome) to receive pollen or "prepollen", and (2) the putative fusion of sterile axes surrounding the initially naked megasporangium to form the integument and micropyle (Andrews, 1963). Numerous authors have speculated, largely by means of inference, that the differentiation of the nucellar apex into a salpinx or lagenostome increased the probability of pollen grains ultimately reaching the megagametophyte (cf. Taylor and Millay, 1979 p. 332-333). With the purported syngenesis and reduction in length of sterile "preintegumentary lobes" to form the micropyle, a transfer of function is envisioned to have occurred from the salpinx/lagenostome to the micropyle, (Niklas et al., 1980). In addition
AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF SELECTION ON COLOR MORPHS OF THE POLYMORPHIC SPIDER ENOPLOGNATHA OVATA (ARANEAE: THERIDIIDAE).

The annual theridiid spider Enoplognatha ovata exhibits a genetically based color polymorphism of red and nonred phenotypes. We evaluated fitness differences between red and nonred spiders by manipulating morph frequencies in a population in which red morphs were rare (≤5%). Broods from red females were introduced to open experimental plots from which natural aggregations of spiders had been repeatedly removed. Control plots in which spiders were removed but not replaced were used to estimate spider immigration from surrounding vegetation into experimental plots. Morph frequencies observed in experimental plots one year following the manipulation were adjusted by immigration estimates and tested against frequencies predicted with the hypothesis of no selection. We found no evidence of selection against red morphs: female morph frequencies in experimental plots did not differ significantly from expected frequencies assuming no selection; female frequencies did not change significantly between subadult and adult stages; and red and nonred spiders exhibited similar fecundities. We conclude that 1) selection on E. ovata color morphs is not likely to be detected easily within a single population because of the swamping effect of dispersal and 2) local patterns of morph-frequency variation may arise more from dispersal and drift than from selection on the color phenotypes.
Plasma growth hormone, prolactin and thyrotropin secretory patterns in Hereford and Simmental calves.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that bull calves of a larger, faster growing breed of cattle exhibit greater secretory activity of anabolic pituitary hormones than bull calves of a smaller, slower growing breed. Calves of both breeds were raised under similar conditions and maintained on the same diet for approximately 4 weeks before the blood sampling period. Simmental bull calves had higher (P less than .01) average daily gains and a heavier (P less than .01) mean body weight than Hereford bull calves. Overall plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations were higher (P less than .01) in Simmental bull calves than in Hereford bull calves. Mean baseline GH was also higher (P less than .05) in Simmentals. Overall and baseline concentrations of prolactin (PRL) were similar for both breeds. Mean amplitude of PRL secretory spikes was higher (P less than .05) for Simmental than for Hereford bull calves. There was no breed effect on any variable of thyrotropin secretion. These data suggest that representatives of a larger, faster growing breed of cattle (Simmental) exhibit greater secretory activity of GH and PRL than do representatives of a smaller, slower growing breed (Hereford).
Study on the Spreading Method of Sheet Metal Parts with Buckles

Against some problems in the spreading practice of sheet metal components with buckles feature,a new radial spreading approach with a concern of outside normal direction of the buckles,which is based on multi-referenced points,has been developed.Through practical application,the effectiveness and usefulness of this approach have been evaluated,and the obtained blank shape is more reasonable,which gives a good initial guess values for the one-step quickly analysis and optimum.
Cosmological memory effect

The “memory effect” is the permanent change in the relative separation of test particles resulting from the passage of gravitational radiation. We investigate the memory effect for a general, spatially flat Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology by considering the radiation associated with emission events involving particle-like sources. We find that if the resulting perturbation is decomposed into scalar, vector, and tensor parts, only the tensor part contributes to memory. Furthermore, the tensor contribution to memory depends only on the cosmological scale factor at the source and observation events, not on the detailed expansion history of the universe. In particular, for sources at the same luminosity distance, the memory effect in a spatially flat FLRW spacetime is enhanced over the Minkowski case by a factor of (1+z).
Effects of anesthesia on resting state BOLD signals in white matter of non-human primates

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has been widely used to measure functional connectivity between cortical regions of the brain. However, there have been minimal reports of bold oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals in white matter, and even fewer attempts to detect resting state connectivity. Recently, there has been growing evidence that suggests that reliable detection of white matter BOLD signals may be possible. We have previously shown that nearest neighbor inter-voxel correlations of resting state BOLD signal fluctuations in white matter are anisotropic and can be represented by a functional correlation tensor, but the biophysical origins of these signal variations are not clear. We aimed to assess whether MRI signal fluctuations in white matter vary for different baseline levels of neural activity. We performed imaging studies on live squirrel monkeys under different levels of isoflurane anesthesia at 9.4T. We found 1) the fractional power (0.01-0.08Hz) in white matter was between 60 to 75% of the level in gray matter; 2) the power in both gray and white matter low frequencies decreased monotonically in similar manner with increasing levels of anesthesia; 3) the distribution of fractional anisotropy values of the functional tensors in white matter were significantly higher than those in gray matter; and 4) the functional tensor eigenvalues decreased with increasing level of anesthesia. Our results suggest that as anesthesia level changes baseline neural activity, white matter signal fluctuations behave similarly to those in gray matter, and functional tensors in white matter are affected in parallel.
Quantifying Model-Form Uncertainty in Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The accuracy of the interatomic potential models plays a vital role toward the reliability of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation prediction. These interatomic potentials, which are the main source of model-form uncertainty in MD, are inherently imprecise due to errors in experimental measurement or first-principles calculation. Existing studies of uncertainty effect in MD simulation use non-intrusive uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods. In this work, a reliable MD (R-MD) mechanism as an intrusive UQ approach is developed. In R-MD, the locations and velocities of particles are not assumed to be precisely known, as a result of imprecise interatomic potentials. They have interval values. Kaucher arithmetic is applied for propagating uncertainty. Sensitivity can be efficiently analyzed with the calculated lower and upper bounds. The new simulation mechanism for isothermal-isobaric ensemble is implemented for demonstrations. The advantage of this approach is that uncertainty effect can be assessed on-the-fly with only one run of simulation.
Knot Theory, Jones’ Polynomials, Invariants of 3-Manifolds, and the Topological Theory of Fluid Dynamics

The purpose of these lectures is to present an introduction to some of the fundamental elements of “classical knot theory” surrounding a description of the new families of spatial invariants derived from the 1985 discovery by V.F.R. Jones, [Jon1,2]. These finite integral Laurent polynomial invariants have provided insights into classical questions of knot theory. Their subsequent generalizations have given new invariants of 3-manifolds. Taken together these ideas form the basis of a new combinatorial theory of knots and links and invariants of 3-manifolds. The topics have been selected with an eye towards potential applications in the topological theory of fluid mechanics. In particular, I believe that the construction of satellite knots or links, especially cables, might be of particular interest in the study of closed curves arising in fluid dynamics and have, therefore, made a special effort to highlight those occasions in which this construction arises.
The Perfect Detonator

Conrad’s relationship with the extremist is examined through his professed, “Every extremist is respectable,” and the Professor’s search for the Perfect Detonator is considered as an artistic and aesthetic model with implications for Conrad’s modernist aesthetic in general, and his emerging novel in particular. His relationship is put in the context of Degeneration theories of fin de siecle Europe which grouped Moderns—artists and anarchists—in the same broad group of decadents as characteristic types of the modern age.
Acquisition Risk and Psychology

This paper investigates how the combination of preferences and biases impact the risk-value profile of acquiring firms. We find strong evidence that prior losses impact acquisition risk as firms with negative prior returns are more prone to become acquirers and make value destructive acquisitions. These behavior patterns take place within the context of general corporate risk choices that conform to the aspiration-based March-Shapira model, modulated by psychological biases such as overconfidence and confirmation bias. To examine the impact of biases, the paper focuses on market reactions to acquisition announcements which are judged to be either bad or good. Consistent with confirmation bias, firms associated with extremely bad or extremely good acquisitions exhibit higher risk following acquisitions. As governance and monitoring strengthen, executives feel more pressure which exacerbates the psychological tendency to become more risk seeking. Firms with longholder CEOs, regarded as overconfident, take more risk than firms with non-longholder CEOs. While there is a differential longholder risk impact associated with extremely good acquisitions, there is none with extremely bad acquisitions. In addition, the risk response to prior returns for firms having longholder CEOs is muted relative to firms with non-longholder CEOs.
Taking Stock: Implications of a New Vision of Science Learning for State Science Assessment

The article “Taking Stock: Existing Resources for Assessing a New Vision of Science Learning” by Alonzo and Ke (this issue) identifies numerous challenges that the Next Generation Science Standards...
Challenges of managing chronic pain

Start by ensuring realistic expectations Chronic pain is an individualised experience with multifactorial aetiology.1 It can cause unexpectedly prolonged suffering when, for example, an initial injury evolves into a complex disease state. A transient ankle sprain may turn into a complex regional pain syndrome lasting for months to years; or a week long episode of shingles may cause post-herpetic neuralgia with disabling pain for months or years. Moreover, chronic pain can be an accompanying symptom of largely irreversible underlying disease, such as degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), spinal stenosis, or compression fracture resulting from osteoporosis in older people. Chronic pain can also be a primary complaint of clinical conditions such as fibromyalgia and trigeminal neuralgia, for which neither the aetiology nor mechanism is currently well understood. Chronic pain is therefore not simply a chronological extension of acute pain and requires different diagnostic approaches and management strategies. For example, …
Conditional Cash Transfers, Hard Times, and Democracy

In this paper, we explore the electoral effects of conditional cash transfer (CCT) and other social programs in the context of economic crisis, using data from the 2010 round of the AmericasBarometer. A debate has arisen over social assistance and presidential electoral outcomes, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. Using a pooled cross-national analysis, we show that the electoral impact of social assistance is conditional on economic evaluations more generally. While social assistance matters for all citizens, it is especially important in the context of economic crisis, attenuating the negative effect of perceptions of economic crisis on the vote for the incumbent. We argue that social assistance and economic crisis perceptions have both direct and indirect impacts on individual presidential vote choice, because they are partially mediated by perceptions of government performance. These results confirm that social assistance significantly alters the economic calculations of voters and is an important component of economic voting, particularly in countries that employ such counter-cyclical policies.
Niche overlap of competing carnivores across climatic gradients and the conservation implications of climate change at geographic range margins

Abstract There is considerable interest in factors controlling “warm-edge” limits – the lower elevation and latitudinal edges of a species' range. Understanding whether conservation measures can mitigate anticipated change in climate requires consideration of future climate as well as species interactions. We explored niche relations of martens and fishers at their southern range margins to understand their spatial and temporal dynamics, and how they may be affected by climate change. We used large-scale non-invasive surveys and home range data from radio-marked individuals to explore the spatial dynamics of each species. Marten and fisher were allopatric in the northern/wetter regions but sympatric at intermediate latitudes with lower precipitation. In the driest/southernmost region only fishers occurred. Martens were not detected when annual precipitation was 650 mm. Classification trees, accounting for multivariate interactions, supported these results. Where sympatric, ~ 70% of a marten's home range overlapped with at least one fisher but martens tended to avoid this area. In sympatry, marten expanded their niche into areas with reduced snowpack, warmer temperatures and uncharacteristic lower elevation habitats. Future climate scenarios predict conditions that favor fishers, but our data suggest martens may be capable of shifting their niche somewhat to warmer and less snowy habitats. The conservation of interacting species at their warm range limits will require land managers be aware of interspecific tolerance, how each may respond uniquely to future climates, and how potential climate refugia can be integrated with existing habitat.
Association between menarche and iron deficiency in non-anemic young women.

Background The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) among non-pregnant, reproductive-age US women significantly exceeds rates among males. In clinical practice ID screening relies on hemoglobin, a late-stage indicator of ID. As a single, low-cost laboratory test to diagnose ID before anemia develops is lacking, the study objective was to improve ID screening by identifying risk factors among non-anemic, iron-deficient reproductive age women. Methods Cross-sectional data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2010. Hemoglobin identified non-anemic women. ID was defined using the body iron formula, requiring ferritin and transferrin receptor values. Logistic regression assessed the association of sociodemographic, behavioral, and reproductive risk factors in an anemia-based conceptual framework with non-anemic reproductive age women (12-49 years) with ID, as well as subsets of younger (12-21 years) and older (22-49 years) women, recognizing that risks may differ by age. Results Among 6216 women, 494 had ID (prevalence was 8.0%, 95% CI 7.3%, 8.6%). Among non-anemic younger women, 250 (8.7%, 95% CI 7.7%, 9.8%) had ID, compared to 244 (7.3%, 95% CI 6.4%, 8.2%) older women. Among younger women, menstruation for over 3 years was the only variable significantly associated with non-anemic ID (risk ratio 3.18, 95% CI 2.03, 4.96). No other significant risk factors were identified. Conclusion Menstrual years was the only risk factor significantly associated with ID among non-anemic younger women. The negative results suggest ID risk factors among non-anemic women may need to be considered separately from those associated with ID anemia.
What is the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Disorders and Epilepsy

The association of epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is best understood by examining the relationship between social cognition, nonsocial cognition, and epilepsy. The relationship between ASD and epilepsy is bidirectional and is strongly linked to intellectual disability (ID). The risk of developing ASD in children with epilepsy is highest in children with early onset seizures, with a high prevalence in children with infantile spasms. The risk of developing epilepsy in children first diagnosed with ASD is highest in those with ID. The prevalence of seizures in ASD increases with age. When epilepsy and ASD coexist, they share common pathophysiological mechanisms. In epilepsy with and without ID, social-cognitive deficits are an important determinant of neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early recognition of social deficits is an important aspect of the comprehensive management of children with epilepsy. Treating the seizures in individuals with epilepsy and ASD is crucial but interventions that address social-cognitive deficits are necessary to maximize neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Heinous Crime or Unfortunate Incident: Does Gender Matter?

This study replicates and extends earlier investigations of emotional displays of an offender influencing jurors’ sentencing judgments through identity inference. Prior studies of this phenomenon used only male perpetrators. However, culturally shared beliefs about emotion are strongly gendered. Thus, we investigate how the perpetrator’s gender moderates the relationship between emotional displays and sentencing. Results replicate results of previous studies—this time, for both men and women. Furthermore, the effect of a perpetrator’s emotional display of distress on observers’ judgment of criminal identity is stronger for male than female perpetrators. We introduce the concept of the emotion-display premium to account for the greater benefits males receive for their display of particular emotions and discuss the implications of these results for social psychology and the sociology of emotions.