cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Process Design on the Open-loop Behavior of a Jacketed Exothermic CSTR

Abstract The classic two-state continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model has been the focus of much of the previous research on exothermic reactor operation. One assumption of this model is that the cooling jacket temperature dynamics are negligible, hence the cooling jacket temperature is the manipulated input (instead of the cooling jacket flowrate) for feedback control of reactor temperature. The influence of process design parameters on the open-loop behavior of a three-state CSTR model (which incorporates an energy balance around the cooling jacket) is considered in this paper. Elementary catastrophe theory is used to study the effect of process parameters on the steady-state multiplicity of the three-state CSTR model. We demonstrate the existence of disjoint bifurcations associated with infeasible reactor operation regions. Reactor scaleup is shown to have an effect on the presence of these infeasible reactor operation regions. A multiple time-scale perturbation analysis is used to understand the effect of reactor design on the oscillation amplitude of the three-state CSTR model at a Hopf bifurcation point.
Symmetry and Braidings in Monoidal Categories

A monoidal category, as introduced in Chapter VII, is a category equipped with binary “tensor” products, associative up to a natural isomorphism α. A principal result for these categories was a “coherence” theorem: If a certain pentagonal diagram (§VII.1.5) in α commutes, then all diagrams involving this α must commute. We now consider various extensions of this result.
Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylations via C–H activation of N-allyl imines with glycinates

Herein is reported the first example of palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) reactions involving 2-aza-π-allyl palladium intermediates. The 2-aza-π-allyl complex was generated via a novel mode of activation of N-allyl imines. Pd-catalyzed C(sp3)-H activation of N-allyl imines and subsequent nucleophilic attack by glycinates delivered vicinal diamino derivatives as the sole regioisomers with high levels of diastereo- and enantio-control in the presence of the chiral, bidentate (S,S)-Cy-DIOP ligand. This procedure is highly atom economical and could also be performed by a simple one-pot operation starting from aldehydes, allyl amines and glycinates under mild conditions. The products of this transformation could be converted into various useful derivatives, where the allyl substitution serves as a unique tool for differentiating the two amino moieties in the products.
Cherie Blair: Inventing Herself

Cherie Blair was famous, or infamous, in the United Kingdom as first lady from 1997 to 2007. Her marriage to Tony Blair, however, was the result of her own groundbreaking career in law -- a career she fought to keep during the 10 years of her husband's tenure as Prime Minister, even though it meant bringing suit against his government at times. Blair balanced multiple roles and expectations.Learning Objective: Blair's case gives students a chance to discuss the nature of success. Was Blair successful? Does work-life balance consist of separating work and life, or integrating them? What are the plusses and minuses of each approach?
The politics of nuclear weapons: by Andrew Futter, London and New Delhi: Sage, 2015, 280 pp.

The Politics of Nuclear Weapons is a book that has it all: fascinating personalities, fundamental scientific discoveries explained with clarity, and the birth of political issues that are as releva...
Association between environmental factors including second-hand smoke and primary lung cancer in dogs

Objectives To estimate prevalence of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and other environmental toxins in dogs with primary lung tumours and to analyse association between exposure and lung tumour development. Materials and Methods In this case–control study, an owner survey was developed to collect data on patient characteristics, general health care and environmental exposures. Dogs diagnosed with primary lung carcinomas formed the Case group. Dogs diagnosed with mast cell tumours served as Control Group 1 and dogs diagnosed with neurologic disease served as Control Group 2. Associations between diagnosis of primary lung tumour and patient and environmental exposure variables were analysed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. Results A total of 1178 owner surveys were mailed and 470 surveys were returned and included in statistical analysis, including 135 Cases, 169 dogs in Control Group 1 and 166 dogs in Control Group 2. An association between exposure to second-hand smoke and prevalence of primary lung cancer was not identified in this study. Clinical Significance Second-hand smoke is associated with primary lung cancer in people but a definitive association has not been found in dogs. The results of this study suggest that tobacco smoke exposure may not be associated with primary lung cancer development in dogs but study limitations may have precluded detection of an association.
The exciting potential of modular nanoparticles for rapid development of highly effective vaccines

Most current vaccine strategies employ live-attenuated or killed versions of the pathogen. While effective in the developed world, expense and cold-chain dependence make broad access to such vaccines difficult in the developing world. Additionally, current vaccine development processes provide only slow responses to emerging or evolved pathogens. Nanoparticle platform technologies for vaccines can overcome these issues. Polymeric nanoparticles have shown pre-clinical success but suffer from structural heterogeneity, instability, and potential off-target immunogenicity issues. Engineered virus-like particles are emerging as a versatile platform for rapid vaccine development. They can be engineered for high stability, facile antigen conjugation in precise orientations, and high potency. Virus-like particle vaccines are poised to deliver the design features required for worldwide distribution of highly effective vaccines.
The opposition effect in Saturn’s main rings as seen by Cassini ISS: 4. Correlations of the surge morphology with surface albedos and VIMS spectral properties

Abstract In this paper, we continue our analysis of the saturnian ring opposition effect seen by Cassini ISS. The ring opposition effect is a peak in the rings’ reflectivity caused as the directions from a spot on the rings to the observer and to the light source, respectively, converge toward zero degrees. So far, the exact origin of the ring’s opposition effect is still a matter of debate. In our previous work (Deau, et al., 2013, Icarus, 226, 591–603), we compared the opposition effect morphology with the rings’ optical depth and found that only the slope of the linear part of the rings’ phase curves was strongly correlated with the optical depth. We interpreted this as an indication of the predominant role of interparticle shadowing at moderate phase angles (α ∼ 10–40o). More recently (Deau, 2015, Icarus, 253, 311–345), we showed that interparticle shadowing cannot explain the behavior at low phase angles (α
Adjuvant treatment of meningioma with stereotactic radiation surgery and hypofractionated stereotactic radiation surgery: Patterns of care and survival in a large, hospital database.

Abstract Objectives Stereotactic radiation surgery (SRS) and hypofractionated stereotactic radiation surgery (HF-SRS) have become an alternative to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in the adjuvant treatment of meningiomas. The purpose of this study was to identify national treatment patterns and survival outcomes for meningiomas on the basis of radiation treatment modality in the adjuvant setting. Methods and materials The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with meningioma diagnosed between 2010 and 2012. World Health Organization grade I disease with subtotal resection and all cases of grade II disease regardless of the extent of the resection were included. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that were associated with receipt of SRS/HF-SRS compared with EBRT. Cox regression was used to determine covariables associated with differences in overall survival (OS). Results A total of 802 patients met the inclusion criteria of which 173 patients received SRS/HF-SRS (22%) and 629 patients (78%) received EBRT. The 3-year OS rate was 97.3% for the SRS/HF-SRS group and 93.4% for the EBRT group (P = .018). On subgroup analysis by grade, for grade I the 3-year OS rate was 98.3% for the SRS/HF-SRS group versus 96.7% for the EBRT group (P = .117). For grade II disease, the 3-year OS rate was 94.4% in the SRS/HF-SRS group versus 92.4% in the EBRT group (P = .199). On multivariable analysis, World Health Organization grade II histology (odds ratio [OR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.56; P Conclusions SRS and HF-SRS are associated with similar survival as EBRT; however, SRS/HF-SRS is used infrequently and usage has not increased over time.
Therapy of Oral and Cutaneous Dryness Manifestations in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome (SjS) is characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth. This chapter will concentrate on the treatment of dry mouth and other mucosal surfaces, particularly skin and vaginal tissues.
Cellular-Automata Fluids

Invented in 1948 by von Neumann and Ulam, cellular automata are fully discrete dynamical systems. The dynamical variables take their values in a finite set (typically a few bits), they are arranged on a lattice where they evolve in discrete time [8,14,22,53,48]. The global dynamics results from the parallel application, at each lattice site, of a local transition rule defining the new value at that site as a function of the current values in a small neighborhood around the site.
Computational investigation of ultrastructural behavior of bone using a cohesive finite element approach

Bone ultrastructure at sub-lamellar length scale is a key structural unit in bone that bridges nano- and microscale hierarchies of the tissue. Despite its influence on bulk response of bone, the mechanical behavior of bone at ultrastructural level remains poorly understood. To fill this gap, in this study, a two-dimensional cohesive finite element model of bone at sub-lamellar level was proposed and analyzed under tensile and compressive loading conditions. In the model, ultrastructural bone was considered as a composite of mineralized collagen fibrils (MCFs) embedded in an extrafibrillar matrix (EFM) that is comprised of hydroxyapatite (HA) polycrystals bounded via thin organic interfaces of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). The simulation results indicated that in compression, EFM dictated the pre-yield deformation of the model, then damage was initiated via relative sliding of HA polycrystals along the organic interfaces, and finally shear bands were formed followed by delamination between MCF and EFM and local buckling of MCF. In tension, EFM carried the most of load in pre-yield deformation, and then an array of opening-mode nano-cracks began to form within EFM after yielding, thus gradually transferring the load to MCF until failure, which acted as crack bridging filament. The failure modes, stress-strain curves, and in situ mineral strain of ultrastructural bone predicted by the model were in good agreement with the experimental observations reported in the literature, thus suggesting that this model can provide new insights into sub-microscale mechanical behavior of bone.
Scans of the MYC mRNA reveal multiple stable secondary structures--including a 3\' UTR motif, conserved across vertebrates, that can affect gene expression.

Abstract The MYC gene encodes a human transcription factor and proto-oncogene that is dysregulated in over half of all known cancers. To better understand potential post-transcriptional regulatory features affecting MYC expression, we analyzed secondary structure in the MYC mRNA using a program that is optimized for finding small locally-folded motifs with a high propensity for function. This was accomplished by calculating folding metrics across the MYC sequence using a sliding analysis window and generating unique consensus base pairing models weighted by their lower-than-random predicted folding energy. A series of 30 motifs were identified, primarily in the 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions, which show evidence of structural conservation and compensating mutations across vertebrate MYC homologs. This analysis was able to recapitulate known elements found within an internal ribosomal entry site, as well as discover a novel element in the 3’ UTR that is unusually stable and conserved. This novel motif was shown to affect MYC expression: likely via modulation of miRNA target accessibility. In addition to providing basic insights into mechanisms that regulate MYC expression, this study provides numerous, potentially druggable RNA targets for the MYC gene, which is considered “undruggable” at the protein level.
General anesthetic exposure in adolescent rats causes persistent maladaptations in cognitive and affective behaviors and neuroplasticity

Accumulating evidence indicates that exposure to general anesthetics during infancy and childhood can cause persistent cognitive impairment, alterations in synaptic plasticity, and, to a lesser extent, increased incidence of behavioral disorders. Unfortunately, the developmental parameters of susceptibility to general anesthetics are not well understood. Adolescence is a critical developmental period wherein multiple late developing brain regions may also be vulnerable to enduring general anesthetic effects. Given the breadth of the adolescent age span, this group potentially represents millions more individuals than those exposed during early childhood. In this study, isoflurane exposure within a well-characterized adolescent period in Sprague-Dawley rats elicited immediate and persistent anxiety- and impulsive-like responding, as well as delayed cognitive impairment into adulthood. These behavioral abnormalities were paralleled by atypical dendritic spine morphology in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC), suggesting delayed anatomical maturation, and shifts in inhibitory function that suggest hypermaturation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptor inhibition. Preventing this hypermaturation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptor-mediated function in the PFC selectively reversed enhanced impulsivity resulting from adolescent isoflurane exposure. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the developmental window for susceptibility to enduring untoward effects of general anesthetics may be much longer than previously appreciated, and those effects may include affective behaviors in addition to cognition.
Fostering a web 2.0 ethos in a traditional e-learning environment

As technology continues to flatten the world and as Web 2.0 changes the way knowledge is created and shared, tertiary education institutions are turning increasingly to e-learning to extend access to students globally as well as to improve the quality of their learning experience. Learning Management Systems (LMS) currently dominate the delivery of e-learning at this level. Though these systems have extended functionality by including some Web 2.0 tools, they are generally perceived as a "walled garden", essentially embodying the traditional transmission paradigm of teaching and learning rather than the philosophy of Web 2.0. This is leading, particularly in the blogosphere, to calls to break down the walls of the LMS and to explore more open online courses. There is, however, an emerging view that Web 2.0 ideals can be realised within an LMS environment, provided the environment is aligned with these ideals. This paper supports that view. It presents a case study of an eight-week e-learning course based on this premise, offered first in spring 2011, with a second iteration in spring 2012, as part of a doctoral programme in Instructional Technology by Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, USA, and designed and delivered within an LMS by an instructor living in Northern Ireland. The course is underpinned by the concept of learning by wandering. The pedagogy is aligned with the fundamental Web 2.0 philosophy. Within broad parameters, it is flexible, student-centred and, from an early stage, student-led. Students are encouraged to use a variety of Web 2.0 tools, according to their preferences, to collaborate in preparation for their leadership role and as a language to express their ideas and to share their learning. The teacher's role is identified as sage at the side. This case study is intended to contribute to the provision of a framework for transformative e-learning through fostering a Web 2.0 ethos within a traditional learning environment.
Hyperactive MEK1 signaling in cortical GABAergic interneurons causes embryonic parvalbumin-neuron death and deficits in behavioral inhibition

Abnormal ERK/MAPK pathway activity is a contributor to multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, especially the RASopathies, which are associated with intellectual disability, ADHD, autism, and epilepsy. Here, we examined whether ERK/MAPK signaling regulates the development of GABAergic cortical interneurons (CINs), a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons necessary for cortical function. We show that ERK1/2 is not required for the initial establishment of CIN number. However, hyperactivation of MEK1 leads to increased caspase-3 activation in the embryonic subpallium and a selective loss of mature parvalbumin-expressing (PV) CINs. Surviving mutant PV-CINs have a typical fast-spiking phenotype but display a robust increase in perineuronal net accumulation. Hyperactive MEK1 mutant mice exhibit a reduction in perisomatic inhibitory synapses and seizure-like phenotypes. We also detected altered PFC development and impaired behavioral response inhibition in mutants. Our data suggests PV-CIN development is particularly sensitive to hyperactive MEK1 signaling which may underlie neurological phenotypes frequently observed in ERK/MAPK-linked syndromes
MRI-assisted radiosurgery: A quality assurance nomogram for palladium-103 and iodine-125 prostate brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose We sought to develop an activity nomogram for magnetic resonance (MR)–planned permanent seed prostate brachytherapy to improve quality assurance through a secondary dosimetric check. Methods and Materials Patients undergoing MRI-assisted radiosurgery (MARS), whereby MRI is used for preoperative planning and postimplant dosimetry, were reviewed from May 2016 to September 2018. Planned activity (U) was fitted by MR-prostate volume (cc) via simple linear regression. Resulting monotherapy nomograms were compared with institutional nomograms from an ultrasound-planned cohort. Dosimetric coverage and external urinary sphincter (EUS) dose were also assessed for MR-planned patients. Results We identified 183 patients treated with MARS: 146 patients received palladium-103 (103Pd; 102 monotherapy and 44 boost), and 37 received iodine-125 (125I) monotherapy. Median prostate volume was 28 cc (interquartile range: 22–35). Lines of best fit for implant activity were U = 4.344 × (vol) + 54.13 (R2: 95%) for 103Pd monotherapy, U = 3.202 (vol) + 39.72 (R2: 96%) for 103Pd boost and U = 0.684 (vol) + 13.38 (R2: 96%) for 125I monotherapy. Compared with ultrasound, MR-planned nomograms had lower activity per volume (p Conclusions We developed a quality assurance nomogram for MR-planned prostate brachytherapy. When compared with ultrasound-planned, MR-planned monotherapy resulted in a lower activity-to-volume ratio while maintaining dosimetric coverage, likely secondary to EUS-sparing and reduced planning target margins.
How responsiveness from a communication partner affects story retell in aphasia: Quantitative and qualitative findings

Purpose Because people with aphasia (PWA) frequently interact with partners who are unresponsive to their communicative attempts, we investigated how partner responsiveness affects quantitative measures of spoken language and subjective reactions during story retell. Method A quantitative study and a qualitative study were conducted. In Study 1, participants with aphasia and controls retold short stories to a communication partner who indicated interest through supportive backchannel responses (responsive) and another who indicated disinterest through unsupportive backchannel responses (unresponsive). Story retell accuracy, delivery speed, and ratings of psychological stress were measured and compared. In Study 2, participants completed semistructured interviews about their story retell experience, which were recorded, transcribed, and coded using qualitative analysis software. Results Quantitative results revealed increased psychological stress and decreased delivery speed across all participant groups during the unresponsive partner condition. Effects on delivery speed were more consistent for controls than participants with aphasia. Qualitative results revealed that participants with aphasia were more attuned to unresponsive partner behaviors than controls and reported stronger and more frequent emotional reactions. Partner responsiveness also affected how PWA perceived and coped with the communication experience. Conclusions Combined quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that, while unresponsive communication partners may not have robust effects on spoken language, they elicit strong emotional reactions from PWA and affect their communication experience. These findings support the need for communication partner training and suggest that training PWA on emotion regulation or relaxation techniques may help assuage their anxiety during socially challenging everyday communication and increase social participation. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.11368028.
Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Homoallylic Amines Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers.

A Cu-catalyzed method for the efficient enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of chiral homoallylic amines bearing a quaternary carbon and an alkenylboron is disclosed. Transformations are prom...
Long-Term Kidney Function After the Fontan Operation: JACC Review Topic of the Week

The Fontan procedure has improved survival and quality of life for patients with single ventricle physiology. Along with extended life expectancy comes a growing population that is experiencing long-term multiorgan adverse effects. Whereas cardiorenal interactions have been extensively studied in patients with a structurally normal heart, these are less well understood in patients with a single ventricle. Several studies have investigated the prevalence of reduced glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria in the Fontan population; however, the long-term implication of renal dysfunction is not well established in this population. This paper provides a concise review of the published reports on the pathophysiology and spectrum of Fontan-associated renal disease. It also identifies gaps in currently available evidence that can guide ongoing and future research.
Recursive Least Squares With Variable-Direction Forgetting: Compensating for the Loss of Persistency [Lecture Notes]

The ability to estimate parameters depends on two things: identifiability [1] (which is the ability to distinguish distinct parameters) and persistent excitation (which refers to the spectral content of the signals needed to ensure convergence of the parameter estimates to the true parameter values) [2]-[4]. Roughly speaking, the level of persistency must be commensurate with the number of unknown parameters. For example, a harmonic input has 2D persistency and thus can be used to identify two parameters, whereas white noise is sufficiently persistent for identifying an arbitrary number of parameters. Within the context of adaptive control, persistent excitation is needed to avoid bursting [5]; recent research has focused on relaxing these requirements [6]-[8].
Correlation Between the Warrior/Worrier Gene on Post Burn Pruritus and Scarring: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION Associations between genetic variation and clinical conditions suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) might correlate with postburn outcomes. COMT modulates catecholamine metabolism, and polymorphisms within the rs4680 allele result in variable enzyme activity. Catecholamines are known to modulate the inflammatory process and may affect scar formation. The aim of this study was to determine whether variants in the rs4680 SNP of the COMT gene are associated with post-burn pruritus and scarring. METHODS Adult burn patients, admitted between 2007 and 2017, with deep partial-thickness burns or delayed healing provided blood samples for genotyping and self-reported itch scores within 1 year of injury. Scarring was measured using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Itch scores ≥4 and VSS scores >7 were considered severe. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was genotyped for the rs4680 SNP using realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS Median itch and VSS scores were highest for GG homozygotes and lowest for AA homozygotes. This difference was statistically significant for VSS score (P < 0.0001) and approached significance for itch (P = 0.052). After accounting for confounding variables, including race/ethnicity, age, sex, and burn size, the GG homozygotes demonstrated worse scarring (odds ratio 1.88, P = 0.005) compared to AG heterozygotes whereas the AA homozygotes trended towards a protective effect against scarring (odds ratio 0.71, P = 0.10). Itch did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between rs4680 genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis identifies a trend between COMT genotype with scarring, with rs4680 genetic variation constituting an independent risk factor for VSS score.
Heterogeneous System-Level Package Integration - Trends and Challenges

Heterogeneous package-level integration plays an increasing role in higher functional density and lower power processors for general computing, machine learning and mobile applications. This paper will review technology trends and challenges for 2.5D and 3D package-level integration with special focus on system-technology co-optimization of the die partitioning, electrical interfaces, power delivery, thermal modeling and EDA flows.
T cell responses to Chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The high prevalence of infection and lack of a vaccine indicate a critical knowledge gap surrounding the host's response to infection and how to effectively generate protective immunity. The immune response to C. trachomatis is complex, with cells of the adaptive immune system playing a crucial role in bacterial clearance. Here, we discuss the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response to Chlamydia, the importance of antigen specificity and the role of memory T cells during the recall response. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of protective immune responses is necessary to develop a vaccine that prevents the inflammatory diseases associated with Chlamydia infection.
Exploring the undergraduate literary magazine: impacts, intersections, and implications

The characteristics and aims of undergraduate literary magazines have received little scholarly attention in recent years. They often function independently, leading to missed opportunities for lit...
Tripoline: generalized incremental graph processing via graph triangle inequality

For compute-intensive iterative queries over a streaming graph, it is critical to evaluate the queries continuously and incrementally for best efficiency. However, the existing incremental graph processing requires a priori knowledge of the query (e.g., the source vertex of a vertex-specific query); otherwise, it has to fall back to the expensive full evaluation that starts from scratch. To alleviate this restriction, this work presents a principled solution to generalizing the incremental graph processing, such that queries, without their a priori knowledge, can also be evaluated incrementally. The solution centers around the concept of graph triangle inequalities, an idea inspired by the classical triangle inequality principle in the Euclidean space. Interestingly, similar principles can also be derived for many vertex-specific graph problems. These principles can help establish rigorous constraints between the evaluation of one graph query and the results of another, thus enabling reusing the latter to accelerate the former. Based on this finding, a novel streaming graph system, called Tripoline, is built which enables incremental evaluation of queries without their a priori knowledge. Built on top of a state-of-the-art shared-memory streaming graph engine (Aspen), Tripoline natively supports high-throughput low-cost graph updates. A systematic evaluation with a set of eight vertex-specific graph problems and four real-world large graphs confirms both the effectiveness of the proposed techniques and the efficiency of Tripoline.
Admission Serum Bicarbonate Predicts Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Cirrhotic Patients.

A low serum bicarbonate (SB) level is predictive of adverse outcomes in kidney injury, infection, and aging. Because the liver plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis and lactic acid metabolism, we speculated that such a relationship would exist for patients with cirrhosis. To assess the prognostic value of admission SB on adverse hospital outcomes, clinical characteristics were extracted and analyzed from a large electronic health record system. Patients were categorized based on admission SB (mEq/L) into 7 groups based on the reference range (22–25) into mildly (18–21), moderately (14–17), and severely ( 30) increased groups, and the relationship of SB category with the frequency of complications (acute kidney injury/hepatorenal syndrome, portosystemic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) and hospital metrics (length of stay [LOS], admission to an intensive care unit [ICU], and mortality) was assessed. A total of 2,693 patients were analyzed. Mean SB was 22.9 ± 4.5 mEq/L. SB was within the normal range (22–25 mEq/L) in 1,072 (39.8%) patients, and 955 patients (36%) had a low SB. As the SB category decreased, the incidence of complications progressively increased ( ). Increased MELD-Na score and low serum albumin also correlated with frequency of complications ( ). As the SB category decreased, LOS, ICU admission, and mortality progressively increased ( ). On multivariate analysis, the association of decreased SB with higher odds of complications, LOS, ICU admission, and mortality persisted. Conclusion. Low admission SB in patients with cirrhosis is associated with cirrhotic complications, longer LOS, increased ICU admissions, and increased hospital mortality.
Research Note: The Effects of Organizational Trust on the Work Attitudes of U.S. Social Workers

Organizational trust includes both supervisor trust and management trust. Additionally, the three main work attitudes are job involvement, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The objec...
Typical intracranial myiasis in Nigerian red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus) caused by an unknown bot fly (Diptera: Oestridae)

Abstract We report an unknown taxon of bot fly (Diptera: Oestridae: Oestrinae) in red river hogs (Potamochoerus porcus Linnaeus, 1758) in Cross River State, Nigeria. From direct observation and interviews with local hunters, we document that, remarkably, the parasite typically occurs within the intracranial supra-meningeal space – i.e., between the inner wall of the skull and the brain – but without causing visible inflammation or clinical signs. The parasite is most similar (up to 87.9%) to Rhinoestrus usbekistanicus based on cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 DNA sequencing but is sufficiently divergent phylogenetically to represent a new or previously un-sequenced taxon. Morphologically, the parasite shares some, but not all, features with R. nivarleti. Local cultural belief systems attribute aspects of red river hog behavior (e.g. intelligence, elusiveness) to the parasite, suggesting a prolonged presence in the red river hog population. The parasite's unusual anatomic location may be aberrant, or it may be a protective adaptation to life in red river hogs, which forage vigorously with their snouts.
Eph/Ephrin Signaling in Postnatal Epithelial Growth

Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are widely expressed during embryonic development with well-defined functions in directing neuronal and vascular network formation. Over the last decade, evidence has mounted that Ephs and ephrins are also actively involved in prenatal and postnatal development of epithelial tissues. Their functions beyond developmental settings are starting to be recognized as well. The diverse functions of Eph/ephrin system are largely related to the complementary expression pattern of the Eph receptors and corresponding ephrin ligands that are expressed in adjacent compartments, although overlapping expression pattern also exists in epithelial tissue. The interconnection between Ephs or ephrins and classical cell junctional molecules suggests they may function coordinately in maintaining epithelial structural integrity and homeostasis. This review will highlight cellular and molecular evidence in current literature that supports a role of Eph/ephrin systems in regulating epithelial cell development and physiology.
Uniqueness of coexistence state with small perturbation

In [10], we established some sufficient condition for the uniqueness of the positive solution to the general elliptic system for several competing species of animals ( �u i + u i (hi(u i ) − gi(u 1 , ..., u i−1 , u i+1 , ..., u N )) = 0 in , u i = 0 on @, for i = 1, ..., N. In this paper, we try to extend the uniqueness result by perturbing the reproduction and self-limitation functions hi’s of the above model. The techniques used in this paper are super-sub solutions, maximum principles and spectrum estimates. The arguments also rely on some detailed properties for the solution of logistic equations.
Evaluation of counting error due to colony masking in bioaerosol sampling.

Colony counting error due to indistinguishable colony overlap (i.e., masking) was evaluated theoretically and experimentally. A theoretical model to predict colony masking was used to determine colony counting efficiency by Monte Carlo computer simulation of microorganism collection and development into CFU. The computer simulation was verified experimentally by collecting aerosolized Bacillus subtilis spores and examining micro- and macroscopic colonies. Colony counting efficiency decreased (i) with increasing density of collected culturable microorganisms, (ii) with increasing colony size, and (iii) with decreasing ability of an observation system to distinguish adjacent colonies as separate units. Counting efficiency for 2-mm colonies, at optimal resolution, decreased from 98 to 85% when colony density increased from 1 to 10 microorganisms cm-2, in contrast to an efficiency decrease from 90 to 45% for 5-mm colonies. No statistically significant difference (alpha = 0.05) between experimental and theoretical results was found when colony shape was used to estimate the number of individual colonies in a CFU. Experimental colony counts were 1.2 times simulation estimates when colony shape was not considered, because of nonuniformity of actual colony size and the better discrimination ability of the human eye relative to the model. Colony surface densities associated with high counting accuracy were compared with recommended upper plate count limits and found to depend on colony size and an observation system's ability to identify overlapped colonies. Correction factors were developed to estimate the actual number of collected microorganisms from observed colony counts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dissociation of hemoglobin into subunits. Monomer formation and the influence of ligands.

Abstract The formation of monomer from several hemoglobins has been investigated by sedimentation equilibrium. The use of the split-beam photoelectric scanning absorption optical system has enabled observations to be made routinely down to 1 μg/ml. (6.2 × 10−8 m -heme) with strict spectral control of the integrity of the hemoglobin molecule. The results show that the dissociation constant of dimer to monomer at neutral pH and moderate ionic strength is so small that monomer is present in reversible equilibrium with dimer only in fractions too small to be detectable. Any appreciable monomer formation is irreversible and accompanied by usually pronounced spectral changes. This irreversible monomer formation is probably a consequence of the presence of heavy-metal ions in solution and may be inhibited by 10−3 m -EDTA. Hemoglobin ligands possessing chelating ability also inhibit monomer formation.
Drama & Demigods: Kingship and Charisma in Shakespeare’s England

Shakespearean charisma, with its medieval roots in both religion and politics, served as a precursor to Max Weber’s later understanding of the term. The on-stage portrayal of charismatic kingship in the twilight of the Tudor dynasty was not coincidental; facing the imminent death of a queen, the English nation was concerned about the future of the monarchy. Through the depiction of the production and deterioration of royal charisma, Shakespeare presents the anxiety of a population aware of the latent dangers of charismatic authority; while Elizabeth managed to perpetuate an unprecedented degree of long-term charismatic rule, there could be no certainty that her successor would be similarly capable. Shakespeare’s second tetralogy — known as the Henriad — examines this royal charisma as it appears both under crisis and in the process of what Weber would later characterize as routinization. While Henry IV (Bolingbroke) originally makes use of charisma to ensure his succession to Richard II’s throne, he loses his charismatic authority in the process. Henry V, by contrast, makes use of deliberate crisis — his claim to the French crown — in order to restore royal charisma. Henry V’s success, however, cannot last, and his son’s reign is a disastrous reminder that charisma is, as Weber will later argue, inherently unstable.
Ion Damage in a Fe-10Cr-6Mo-0.5Nb Ferritic Steel

An annealed-and-aged ferritic steel containing fine NbC precipitates and relatively coarse particles of Laves phase was bombarded with 4-MeV iron ions to 100 displacements per atom (dpa) at 400 to 600°C. Much of the damage structure consisted of dislocation tangles that coarsened with increasing temperature. Cavity formation began at 450°C, peaked at about 535°C, and was absent at 600°C. Maximum swelling was only 0.2%. The Laves particles exhibited recoil dissolution and restructuring. Bombardments with Fe + He + D or Fe + He beams at ratios of 10 atomic parts per million (appm) He/dpa and 45 appm D/dpa introduced high concentrations of very small bubbles and comparatively few larger, bias-driven cavities. The latter were initiated at bubble clusters on NbC particles. Maximum swelling of 0.75% occurred at 550°C. Recoil dissolution of the Laves phase was retarded by the gases. Large critical cavity sizes and unbalanced dislocation and cavity sink strengths contribute to low swelling of this alloy.
Effect of Transfer Factor on Tumor‐Associated Immunity and Tumor Growth of the Dunning R‐3327G Rat Prostate Adenocarcinoma

: Of importance in the design and application of improved or new modalities of treatment are their evaluation on relevant animal models. In the case of prostate cancer (PCa) the Dunning R-3327 rat prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), and its variant sublines, is one such experimental tumor model of its human counterpart. In a preliminary study, the effect of transfer factor (TF), one form of passive immunotherapy, on tumor-associated immunity (TAD and tumour growth and histology of the G subline (a poorly differentiated, fast-growing, androgen sensitive, and poorly metastatic tumour of the Dunning R-3327 rat PCa) has been evaluated. TF prepared from the leukocytes of tumor-bearing animals and nontumor-bearing animals referred to as sensitized (STF) and unsensitized (UTF), respectively, had no significant effect on TAI or tumor size. The only noticeable effect of TF in this study was the presence of variable and moderate lymphocytic infiltrates, necrosis, and degenerative-type cells in tumors of animal recipients of STF. The failure to observe significant differences in TAI among tumor bearing and nontumor bearing animals raises doubt in part, of the immunogenicity of the G subline tumor and its appropriateness, at least for subsequent immunological studies. Further factors considered in this regard, are questions of tumor load, including the possible need for the use of adjuvant, and the parameters and sensitivity of immune responsiveness selected for evaluation and immunocompetency. Subsequent evaluation of the effect of TF on other more immunogenic variant sublines of the Dunning R-3327 rat tumor may yet provide further and more useful information.
Speeding GA-Based Attribute Selection for Image Interpretation

This paper addresses the problem of GA-based attribute selection. Previous work in this direction has mainly focused on problem representation so that a genetic algorithm could work on it searching for a satisfactory attribute subset. Even though good experimental results were reported, they were usually acquired at the cost of time. This paper presents a novel approach to this problem. In particular, it introduces attribute quality measure during genetic evolution in order to make some promising attributes more likely to appear in a new generation. In this way, the evolution process is faster, and satisfactory results can be achieved in less time. Preliminary experimental results in image interpretation show that this approach is promising.
Tying Law and Policy: A Decision Theoretic Approach

This paper offers a decision theoretic framework for analyzing tying law, and presents a critical assessment of post-Chicago tying theory. The decision theoretic framework takes into account the likelihood of judicial error in the application of rules and the costs of such error. We use the decision theoretic framework to assess the proper legal rules regarding tying and technological integration. Three general themes run throughout much of our analysis. First, the per se rule against tying simply has no economic foundation. Second, while the post-Chicago literature established the theoretical possibility of anticompetitive tying, one must know the frequency of anticompetitive tying to formulate a rational legal rule. Because beneficial tying is so pervasive, rules against tying could be harmful even with a small rate of "false convictions." Third, the most plausible post-Chicago theory of anticompetitive tying is based on the assumption that the tying and tied goods are complementary and that they are both susceptible to market power. However, the long-established principle that integrated complementary monopoly results in lower prices than independent complementary monopolies suggests that a policy biased toward independent complementary monopolies has the predictable consequence of reducing consumer welfare.
Market structure of food markets in Haiti: myths and reality

Abstract Food marketing in traditional markets was studied to determine the factors influencing market structure and performance. The market research involved farm and market price data collection in 13 primaryand secondary marketsin the Northwestern region of Haiti. Supplemental surveys on marketplace description, market participant information, food processing and transportation, and producer information were conducted. A number of institutional and environmental factors such as quality of roads, underemployed labor, and fragmented undefined marketing channels may have affected market efficiency. Cultural and financial factors also influenced market participants' behavior and undermined the performance and true nature of the structure of the markets. Though there were signs pointing towards pure competition, environmental and institutional were the major factors influencing market structure.
Induced motion considered as a visually induced oculogyral illusion.

The possibility that nystagmus suppression contributes to illusory motion was investigated by measuring perceived motion of a stationary stimulus following the removal of an optokinetic stimulus. This was done because optokinetic nystagmus typically outlasts cessation of an optokinetic stimulus. Therefore, it would be expected that a stationary fixated stimulus should appear to move after removal of an optokinetic stimulus if illusory motion results from nystagmus suppression. Illusory motion was reported for a stationary fixation target following optokinetic stimulation. This motion was reported first in the same direction as the preceding induced motion, then in the opposite direction. The two directions of illusory motion following optokinetic stimulation are interpreted as resulting from the use of smooth ocular pursuit to suppress first one phase of optokinetic afternystagmus and then the reverse phase. Implications for the origins of induced motion are discussed.
The fluvial geochemistry and denudation rate of the Guayana Shield in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil

Abstract The Guayana Shield is composed of Early to Mid-Precambrian igneous and metamorphic basement rocks with a quartzitic platform cover. The complete absence of limestones and evaporites allows a clear chemical expression in the stream data of the primary weathering of the basement in a humid tropical environment. Total erosion rates are extremely slow, ∼10 m/m.y., with equal contributions from the dissolved and suspended loads. However, the former is largely silica with ratios of Si to total cation equivalents [Si:TZ+] ranging to in excess of three. Weathering is “complete” to kaolinite and gibbsite, i.e., the environment is one of active laterisation with a penetration rate of the weathering front into the fresh substrate about twice the denudation rate. In basins of relatively homogeneous lithology, Rb/Sr isochrons constructed from the river data agree with the whole-rock ages from the drainages; thus, all the common, refractory, Rb-containing minerals (K-feldspar, mica) are completely dissolved. The thick, lateritic regolith that is accumulating as a result of this intense weathering is a common relict feature on other Southern Hemisphere Shields. In the absence of active tectonics or greatly accelerated mechanical erosion, the weathering rates of these basement rocks must be quite insensitive to environmental change.
Study of e + e − → H 0 A 0 production and the constraint on dark matter density

This paper reports the results of a study of the supersymmetric neutral heavy Higgs boson production process ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{H}^{0}{A}^{0}$ at $\sqrt{s}=1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$ performed using fully simulated and reconstructed events. The adopted parameters for the supersymmetric models are compatible with the relic dark matter density if this is due to neutralinos annihilating through the ${A}^{0}$ boson in the early universe. The accuracies on the heavy Higgs boson masses, widths, and decay branching fractions are estimated to be $\ensuremath{\delta}{M}_{{A}^{0}}/{M}_{{A}^{0}}=0.0024$ $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{{A}^{0}}/{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{{A}^{0}}=0.19$, $\ensuremath{\delta}\mathrm{BR}({A}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b\overline{b})/\mathrm{BR}({A}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b\overline{b})=0.07$, and $\ensuremath{\delta}\mathrm{BR}({A}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{-}})/\mathrm{BR}({A}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{-}})=0.15$ These results, combined with other measurements from the LHC and an ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collider, allow the supersymmetric dark matter density to be inferred to a relative accuracy $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}{h}^{2}/{\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}{h}^{2}=0.08$.