cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causal Inference, Matching, and Regression Discontinuity

An introduction to the Neyman-Rubin model of causality, matching, natural experiments and regression discontinuity designs. In recent years there has been a burst of innovative work on methods for estimating causal effects using observational data. Much of this work has extended and brought a renewed focus on old approaches such as matching, which is the focus of this review. The new developments highlight an old tension in the social sciences: a focus on research design versus a focus on quantitative models. This realization along with the renewed interest in field experiments has marked the return of foundational questions as opposed to a fascination with the latest estimator. Without an experiment, natural experiment, a discontinuity, or some other strong design, no amount of econometric or statistical modeling can make the move from correlation to causation persuasive.
Cytopathology of myxofibrosarcoma: a study of 66 cases and literature review.

Introduction Myxofibrosarcoma is one of the more common sarcomas encountered in adults. Materials and methods A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as myxofibrosarcoma (MyxoFS). FNA biopsy smears and cell block were performed and examined using standard techniques. Results Sixty-six cases were retrieved from patients aged 40 to 94 years (mean: 67 years), with a male:female ratio of 1.4:1. Forty-seven (71%) were primary neoplasms, 13 (20%) locally recurrent, and 6 (9%) metastasis. Lower extremity was the most common site 38 (58%) cases, followed by upper extremity and trunk (each 13 [20%] cases), 1 head/neck, and 1 pleural-based mass. Forty-two (64%) cases were specifically/correctly diagnosed as MyxoFS. Thirteen (20%) were diagnosed as undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), 3 (4.5%) as myxoid neoplasm, 2 (3%) as myxoid sarcoma, and 1 (1.5%) sarcoma, not otherwise specified. As most were examples of high-grade (HG) MyxoFS, cytomorphology contained pleomorphic and spindled cells set in a variable amount of myxoid stroma. Arborizing capillaries were common, and pseudolipoblasts were uncommon. All cases interpreted as UPS were HG MyxoFS histologically. Five (7.5%) cases—pleomorphic liposarcoma (3), solitary fibrous tumor (1), and atypical lipoma (1)—were mistakenly diagnosed. Ancillary immunohistochemistry played a minor role in diagnostic assessment. Conclusion MyxoFS was accurately interpreted using FNA biopsy in about two thirds of cases. One fifth were misinterpreted as UPS due to the absence/near absence of myxoid stroma, which varies considerably in the definition of this neoplasm.
Affect in the Aging Brain: A Neuroimaging Meta-Analysis of Older Vs. Younger Adult Affective Experience and Perception

We report the first functional neuroimaging meta-analysis on age-related differences in adult neural activity during affect. We identified and coded experimental contrasts from 27 studies (published 1997–2018) with 490 older adults (55–87 years, Mage = 69 years) and 470 younger adults (18–39 years, Mage = 24 years). Using multilevel kernel density analysis, we assessed functional brain activation contrasts for older vs. younger adult affect across in-scanner tasks (i.e., affect induction and perception). Relative to older adults, younger adults showed more reliable activation in subcortical structures (e.g., amygdala, thalamus, caudate) and in relatively more posterior aspects of specific brain structures (e.g., posterior insula, mid- and posterior cingulate). In contrast, older adults exhibited more reliable activation in the prefrontal cortex and more anterior aspects of specific brain structures (e.g., anterior insula, anterior cingulate). Meta-analytic coactivation network analyses further revealed that in younger adults, the amygdala and mid-cingulate were more central, locally efficient network nodes, whereas in older adults, regions in the superior and medial prefrontal cortex were more central, locally efficient network nodes. Collectively, these findings help characterize age differences in the brain basis of affect and provide insights for future investigations into the neural mechanisms underlying affective aging.
Physical risk messaging enhances favorable attitudes toward mask wearing

While masks slow the transmission of COVID‐19, many resist wearing them. Extant public service messaging focuses on creating social norms around mask wearing. Drawing on protection motivation theory, we conduct a copy test to determine whether focusing on the physical risks or focusing on the social risks of contracting COVID‐19 is more persuasive in motivating mask wearing. We find that physical risk messaging is more persuasive than social risk messaging and find that the effect is partially mediated by fear of COVID‐19. The mediation is moderated by germ aversion. Specifically, we find people who are high in germ aversion respond to both physical and social risk messaging. However, people low in germ aversion respond only to physical risk messaging—and these are the people who are less likely to wear masks. Our findings offer public health agencies a fresh approach for encouraging those who are resistant to mask wearing to wear a mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Consumer Affairs is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Long Head of Biceps Transfer to Augment Bankart Repair on Chronic Anterior Shoulder Instability with and Without Subcritical Bone Loss: A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND Treating recurrent anterior shoulder instability in collision sports, capsule-labrum defects, and bipolar bone loss remains challenging. The study purpose was to investigate the effect of long head of biceps transfer (LHBT) on load-to-dislocation biomechanics in a repetitive serial shoulder dislocation cadaveric model comparing LHBT to the Latarjet and Bankart procedures, first-line treatment for chronic traumatic anterior shoulder instability with and without anterior glenoid bone loss, respectively. METHODS This controlled laboratory study dislocated eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with different conditions in sequence using a custom test frame. Muscle loading configuration simulated the arm in apprehension position, and biceps loads were 20 N and 40 N for the static glenohumeral position analysis to evaluate the sling effect. Sequential experimental conditions included intact, second and third dislocations, chronic instability, Bankart repair, LHBT, subcritical glenoid bone loss, LHBT, and Latarjet. RESULTS Pectoralis major and joint reaction loads to dislocation sequentially decreased with serial dislocations in all specimens, with the lowest value in the subcritical glenoid bone defect condition. In the setting of chronic instability, pectoralis load to dislocation was significantly higher with Bankart repair (P=0.031) and LHBT (P<0.001) to 71% and 85% of intact, respectively. Direct comparison of pectoralis load to dislocation favored LHBT over Bankart repair (p=0.015). In the subcritical defect scenario, LHBT did not significantly increase load to dislocate, and the Latarjet demonstrated higher load to dislocate than LHBT (p<0.001). All three surgical procedures tested significantly increased the angle of horizontal abduction at the time of dislocation and restored glenohumeral position to closer to intact. Doubling the biceps load leveraged the sling effect pulling the humeral head further posterior-superiorly, but this was not enough to overcome the effect of a 20% subcritical glenoid bone defect. CONCLUSIONS In a serial dislocation model, LHBT effectively stabilized the glenohumeral joint in a simulated chronic instability scenario, increasing pectoralis major load to dislocate and glenohumeral joint reaction force components at the time of dislocation and restoring relative glenohumeral positioning to close to intact state. Latarjet outperformed LHBT in stabilizing shoulders in the 20% subcritical glenoid bone defect.
Unified System Construction (USC)

When high-level synthesis research began, there were no VLSI chips. Design was assumed to be done with a fixed set of available modules [1]. In at least one case, these modules were assumed to be TTL chips [16]. Such chips and modules had a fixed cost, and wiring delays between chips were minimal compared to the processing delays on chip. Power consumption could easily be computed as the sum of the power consumptions of individual chips, and hot chips could be cooled with a heatsink. Partitioning onto multiple boards was performed manually, or at least handled separately from the high-level synthesis process. General-purpose multiprocessors were constructed only in research laboratories and special-purpose multiprocessors were expensive and constructed for only a few applications. Now, however, we are faced with a situation where high-level synthesis programs must design datapaths and controllers to fit on one or more VLSI chips and boards. For VLSI chips, a large portion of the chip area is consumed by wiring and wire delays can be significant. Partitioning must be performed to map problems onto multiple chips. There may be multiple processing elements, each with its own controller. Many problems are best implemented with multiprocessor architectures. Given this situation, high-level synthesis programs must take a number of factors into account that were by and large ignored in the early days of synthesis research.
Matrix Analysis of Beams

Application of matrix procedure to analysis of structures consisting of flexural members; procedure may be applied to nonuniform as well as uniform beams, and permits consideration of shear distortion effects; four examples demonstrate application of method to various types of structures.
MONITORING UVB SPECTRAL IRRADIANCES AT THREE LATITUDES

An interference filter radiometer was developed to monitor ultraviolet B radiation in 5-nm bands. Data has been collected for one year at three locations: Barrow, Alaska (71°N); Rockville, Maryland (39°N); Balboa, Panama (9°N). Results indicate that 40% of the UVB is contained in the direct beam and 60% in diffuse radiation. The amount of ultraviolet radiation received at the earth's surface is strongly influenced by meteorological conditions as well as the ozone layer. Only on clear days can ozone values be used to predict ultraviolet radiation received at the earth's surface.
Mass loss rates from protostars and OI(63 micron) shock luminosities

The high-velocity ejection of material from protostars results in a wind shock which may be observable in OI(63 micron) emission. It is shown that for a wide range of conditions, the OI(63 micron) luminosity is proportional to the mass loss rate from the protostar. Application is made to shock OI(63 micron) emission observed around IRc2 in the BN-KL region of Orion.
China’s Regional Disparity in Demographic Transition: A Spatial Analysis

China’s regional income gap has given rise to different socio-economic characteristics of its core and periphery, leading to different expressions in demographic transition. This paper explores the spatial pattern of China’s fertility, age, migration, and household transition and finds that the regional pattern of demographic transition roughly follows a gradient of provinces’ economic status. Further analysis indicates that this pattern is more sensitive to economic conditions in rural areas than in urban equivalents.
Diagnostic value of colposcopy in the investigation of cervical neoplasia.

Abstract Colposcopy and colposcopically directed biopsies were performed in 930 patients with an abnormal Pap smear; 898 patients had satisfactory colposcopic evaluation and 32 patients had unsatisfactory colposcopy, including patients suspected of having invasive carcinoma. The colposcopic impression was accurate when compared to the histology of the colposcopically directed biopsy in 91% of patients. There were 268 patients who had a cone or hysterectomy for the treatment of advanced cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Evaluation of final histologic specimen in this group revealed a high correlation with colposcopic impression and colposcopically directed biopsy, with misdiagnosis of only three patients with early microinvasive carcinoma. Thirteen cases of occult invasive carcinoma were diagnosed by cone biopsy, five patients had colposcopic impression suggestive of invasive carcinoma, and eight had unsatisfactory colposcopy. No occult or frank invasive carcinoma was missed in those patients who had satisfactory colposcopy. In those patients who had unsatisfactory colposcopy, diagnostic cold-knife conization was performed. Final histologic diagnosis disclosed a more advanced lesion in over 50% of this group. Omission of endocervical curettage from the colposcopic examination of 798 patients with satisfactory colposcopy did not reduce the accuracy of the procedure. The results of this study confirm those of other investigators that satisfactory colposcopic evaluation is a highly accurate method for evaluating abnormal cytologic smears.
Biochemical analysis of PIFTC3, the Trypanosoma brucei orthologue of nematode DYF‐13, reveals interactions with established and putative intraflagellar transport components

Summary DYF-13, originally identified in Caenorhabditis elegans within a collection of dye-filling chemosensory mutants, is one of several proteins that have been classified as putatively involved in intraflagellar transport (IFT), the bidirectional movement of protein complexes along cilia and flagella and specifically in anterograde IFT. Although genetic studies have highlighted a fundamental role of DYF-13 in nematode sensory cilium and trypanosome flagellum biogenesis, biochemical studies on DYF-13 have lagged behind. Here, we show that in Trypanosoma brucei the orthologue to DYF-13, PIFTC3, participates in a macromolecular complex of approximately 660 kDa. Mass spectroscopy of affinity-purified PIFTC3 revealed several components of IFT complex B as well as orthologues of putative IFT factors DYF-1, DYF-3, DYF-11/Elipsa and IFTA-2. DYF-11 was further analysed and shown to be concentrated near the basal bodies and in the flagellum, and to be required for flagellum elongation. In addition, by coimmunoprecipitation we detected an interaction between DYF-13 and IFT122, a component of IFT complex A, which is required for retrograde transport. Thus, our biochemical analysis supports the model, proposed by genetic analysis in C. elegans, that the trypanosome orthologue of DYF-13 plays a central role in the IFT mechanism.
Quenching quantum vortex fluctuations in order to achieve higher critical current densities in MBa2Cu3Ox coated conductors

Abstract The relationship between the issue of obtaining higher critical current densities in textured M Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 films and the boundary between the electrically dissipation-less vortex solid state and the dissipative vortex liquid state is explored in the context of a recently developed phenomenological melting line expression. Based on an extension of the Lindemann melting theory of Blatter and Ivlev, the temperature-field H – T dependence of this expression for H g ( T ) depends upon three parameters, a quantum fluctuation parameter Q, the Lindemann number c L , and an exponent s, for which the value of each is relevant to understanding the problem of increasing the critical current density over an extended H – T region. The importance of minimizing the value of the quantum parameter Q as a means of achieving higher critical current densities is demonstrated by examining the H g ( T ) lines of YBa 2 Cu 3 O x with various levels of Pr, Ca, and oxygen doping.
Demonstration of a stand-alone cylindrical fiber coil for optical amplifiers

The design, fabrication and measurement of a cylindrical fiber coil structure is presented that has applications for compact fiber-optic amplifiers. A multimode fiber is used as a surrogate for a dual clad, rare-earth doped fiber for coil fabrication and optical testing. A ray trace algorithm, written in Python, was used to simulate the behavior of light travelling along the waveguide path. An in-house fabrication method was developed using 3D printed parts designed in SolidWorks and assembled with Arduino-controlled stepper motors for coil winding. Ultraviolet-cured epoxy was used to bind the coils into a rigid cylinder. Bend losses are introduced by the coil, and a measurement of the losses for two coil lengths was obtained experimentally. The measurements confirm that bend losses through a multimode fiber, representative of pump light propagating in a dual-clad rare-earth doped fiber, are relatively wavelength independent over a large spectral range and that higher order modes are extinguished quickly while lower order modes transmit through the windings with relatively low loss.
Decreased polysomal HSP-70 may slow polypeptide elongation during skeletal muscle atrophy

Slowed elongation rate is the apparent cause of the rapid decrease in rat soleus muscle protein synthesis rate during non-weight bearing. We found that elongation factor 2 was not phosphorylated and thus could not explain the slowed elongation rate. However, we observed a 44 +/- 19 and 28 +/- 14% decrease in the chaperone protein 70-kDa heat-shock cognate/heat shock protein (HSC/HSP-70) associated with the polysomes after 12 and 18 h of non-weight bearing, respectively. Size-fractionated polysomes had less HSC/HSP-70 associated with the larger polysomes in 18-h non-weight-bearing soleus muscle. ATP concentration increased in the non-weight-bearing muscle, so, because ATP enhances HSC/HSP-70 dissociation, we tested the potential role of ATP. Digitonin-permeabilized myoblasts treated with increasing concentrations of ATP showed both a decreased association of HSC/HSP-70 with the polysomes and a shift toward heavier polysomes; these responses were blocked by adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). These data are consistent with the role of HSC/HSP-70 as a chaperone of nascent protein. The absence of HSC/HSP-70 may slow ribosome translocation, thus slowing elongation rate.
Assessing the potential of Medium-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) and Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data for monitoring total suspended matter in small and intermediate sized lakes and reservoirs.

[1] Satellite remote sensing has been used extensively for many years to monitor the open oceans and coastal waters. These methods have been extended more recently to the study of inland waters. In this study we consider the potential application of data from two ocean color sensors, Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Medium-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS), for monitoring the levels of suspended solids in small and intermediate sized lakes and reservoirs. We measured total suspended matter (TSM) in four southwestern United States lakes, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, and Lake Pleasant, and compared these field data with images obtained from these medium resolution satellite sensors. Our regression analysis of the complete data set identified a linear relationship between the field TSM values and both MODIS 250 m data (r2 = 0.461) and MERIS 290 m data (r2 = 0.521). This relationship improved substantially when data from the smallest lake in the study (Saguaro Lake) were excluded from the analysis (r2 = 0.819 and r2 = 0.888, respectively). The resultant linear models produced estimates with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) ranging from 3.14 mg/L (MODIS) and 2.04 mg/L (MERIS) for all four lakes combined, improving to 1.32 mg/L (MODIS) and 0.47 mg/L (MERIS) for a lake-specific regression. These results suggest that these satellite sensors have the potential to effectively monitor TSM in lakes and reservoirs, although a minimum practical lake size does appear to exist.
Systemic Therapy for Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: An Update

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can be subdivided into carcinoid and pancreatic NETs (pancNETs). Although these tumors share many morphologic and clinical characteristics, carcinoid tumors appear to be far less sensitive to therapeutic agents than pancNETs, and recent advances approved for pancNETs have not been submitted for FDA approval in patients with carcinoid tumors. Treatment options for patients with advanced pancNETs are multidisciplinary and include surgical resection, liver-directed therapies, and systemic therapies. Cytotoxic therapies, such as temozolomide, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and streptozocin-based chemotherapy regimens, are active against some pancNETs, and can play a role in the palliation of patients with advanced disease and symptoms related to tumor bulk. Two therapies were recently approved for progressive well-differentiated pancNETs: sunitinib and everolimus. Both agents showed improved progression-free survival in patients with progressive pancNETs, but can also result in nontrivial toxicities, and therefore should only be considered in patients with progressing and advanced or symptomatic disease. This article discusses these recent trials and provides an update of systemic treatment options in patients with well-differentiated pancNETs.
Islamic versus Western Conceptions of Education: Reflections on Egypt.

Creating an education system based on Islamic principles while also meeting the demands of a modern, technological world is a daunting, perhaps impossible task. This paper examines the contradictions between Islamic education theory and the Western-based education systems found in most Islamically oriented countries. Egypt is used as a case study to illustrate the complex and delicate balance policy makers must achieve in meeting the needs of economic development while also affirming their countries' Islamic cultural heritage.
Expérience monocentrique de l'endoprothèse AneuRx pour traitement endovasculaire des anévrysmes de l'aorte abdominale

Nous rapportons notre experience du traitement endovasculaire (TE) des anevrysmes de l'aorte abdominale sous-renale utilisant l'endoprothese modulaire AneuRx. Nous avons etudie retrospectivement l'evolution de 113 malades qui ont eu un TE a l'aide du systeme AneuRx dans notre institution entre Octobre 1999 et Aout 2003. L'âge moyen de ce groupe etait de 72,5 ans, 71% (n = 80) ayant plus de 70 ans et 95% (n = 107) etant de sexe masculin. Le diametre de l'anevrysme allait de 4,0 a 9,0 cm, 33% (n = 37) etant superieur a 6,0 cm. La duree moyenne du suivi tardif etait de 32,6 ± 24,8 mois (mediane 37 mois). Un deploiement avec succes du systeme modulaire AneuRx a ete note chez tous les malades. Il n'y a pas eu de conversion chirurgicale immediate, de deces dans les 24 heures de l'intervention ou d'endofuite de type I ou III observee a la fin de la procedure. La mortalite a 30 jours a ete de 3,5% (n = 4). Des complications aigues en rapport avec le deploiement sont survenues chez 10% (n = 13) des malades et incluaient un defaut de deploiement, une hemorragie operatoire, une perforation ou une dissection arterielle et des complications au site d'acces. Les complications aigues systemiques etaient presentes chez 9 malades, principalement renales et cardiaques. Une endofuite notee a n'importe quel moment est survenue chez 25% des malades, 40% d'entre eux necessitant une intervention secondaire. Deux malades ont eu une rupture tardive d'anevrysme due a une endofuite de type I et a une infection de prothese. L'analyse de Kaplan-Meier a montre une indemnite a 5 ans de reintervention secondaire de 72,4%, une indemnite de deces en rapport avec l'anevrysme de 93,9% et une probabilite de survie basee sur la mortalite de toutes causes de 60,1%. Le traitement endovasculaire avec l'endoprothese modulaire AneuRx est sur et efficace, permettant d'obtenir des taux acceptables de survie et des resultats cliniques a moyen terme satisfaisants.
A performance evaluation study of RPL: Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy Networks

In this paper, a performance evaluation of the Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is presented. Detailed simulations are carried out to produce several routing performance metrics using a set of real-life scenarios. A real outdoor network was reproduced in simulation with the help of topology and link quality data. Behaviors of such a network in presence of RPL, their reason and potential areas of further study/improvement are pointed out.
Atomic underlayer formation during the reaction of Ti{0001} with nitrogen

Abstract Changes in the {0001} surface of Ti during exposure to nitrogen gas are monitored by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Evidence is provided for the formation of a Ti{0001}1 × 1-N phase followed by a Ti {001} 3 × 3−30°-N structure. A LEED intensity analysis of the Ti{0001}1 × 1-N phase reveals that the N atoms penetrate into the octahedral interstitial holes underneath the first layer of Ti atoms. This is the first ordered monoatomic underlayer found in the earliest stages of any solid-gas interaction. The surface structure bears close resemblance to that of {111} planes in bulk TiN. We find a Ti-N bond length of 2.095 A to be compared with the value of 2.120 A in bulk TiN. The analysis of the Ti{0001}1 × 1-N structure indicates that Ti {0001} 3 × 3−30°-N is not a low-coverage phase. The importance of recognizing the existence of 1 × 1 phases prior to the formation of superstructures is emphasized, and some procedures for extracting the information from experimental observations are discussed.
The laser in pediatric surgery.

Abstract The clinical uses of the laser in children are discussed with particular reference to the angiomas. The possible future uses and hazards encountered are described. The need for extensive research in the use of the laser has been stressed. The laser remains a tool for research and, as yet, not for general use as a form of therapy. Its role, if any, in the field of surgery remains to be determined.
Organ distribution of Drosophila l -3-hydroxyacid: NAD oxidase

L'activite specifique del-3-hydroxy acide dehydrogenase a ete determinee dans les organes isoles de la larve deDrosophila malanogaster. L'enzyme presente son activite specifique la plus intense dans les tubules de Malpighi et de moins en moins marquee dans la cuticule, le cerveau et le corps gras.
Histoplasmosis of the larynx

Abstract Introduction: Laryngeal histoplasmosis was first described in 1952. Since then, fewer than 100 cases had been reported. This dimorphic fungus is endemic in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. The yeast phase is responsible for human infection. Methods: We report a 44-year-old woman who developed laryngitis. The markedly abnormal larynx, which could have been mistaken for papillomatosis, was biopsied, at which time the diagnosis of histoplasmosis was confirmed. Treatment with oral ketoconazole was instituted. Results: Objective voice assessment showed abnormalities of maximum phonation time, speaking fundamental frequency, perturbation, percent voicing, mean flow rate, and spectral pattern. Subsequent to antifungal therapy, objective measures were improved. Conclusion: This represents the first case of laryngeal histoplasmosis in which response to therapy is documented by objective vocal assessment.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death

We describe specific primers and conditions to amplify two dinucleotide and five trinucleotide microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the oomycete Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death. The primer sets were tested on 14–30 isolates from North America and Europe. Seven of 14 loci differentiated between A1 and A2 mating types. All seven loci successfully amplified DNA isolated from infected plant tissue. Four loci may be useful for the diagnosis of P. ramorum because they do not amplify closely related Phytophthora species.
Tool use in captive crows

Four common crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) were trained to peck a key for food reward. When consistent responding developed, a metal screen was placed over the response key so that the crow could still see but could no longer peck the key. At the same time, a number of wooden matchsticks, which could be used to operate the key, were placed in the test chamber. The crows did not use the matchsticks as tools during 50 to 75 h of exposure to this situation. Next, the crows were trained to use the matchsticks as tools to operate the key. This was accomplished by rewarding behaviors which came successively closer to the desired response (shaping) for two of the crows. Shaping was ineffective for the other two birds. However, these birds were successfully trained through gradual changes in the position of a tool (metal rod) in the test chamber (positional fading). Once tool using was established, the response readily generalized to the use of other objects, such as nails and paper clips, as tools. The crows also showed innovative behavior, in that they persistently wedged the tool (matchstick) between the edge of the response panel and the key, so that it acted as a lever. In this position, they had only to peck the tool in order to operate the response key, which produced food more rapidly and efficiently. The methodology described here may be useful in helping to discover how tool use develops in a number of species.
Social distance and homophily in adolescent smoking initiation.

Abstract Background Studies often demonstrate homophily in adolescent smoking behavior, but rarely investigate the extent to which this is due to the peer network processes of selection versus influence. Applying the concept of social distance, this study examines these two processes for smoking initiation. Methods We analyzed socio-centric network data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 2065; grades = 7th–12th). Social distance (degrees of separation), combined with stability and change in friendship networks, was used to derive indicators of peer selection and influence on initiation. Multilevel modeling was used to predict initiation from these indicators, and propensity score modeling was used to determine whether these associations remained after adjusting for pre-existing differences between initiators and consistent non-smokers. Results We found that both peer influence and selection effects increased the likelihood of initiation even after adjusting with propensity score weights and demographic controls. While the effect size for peer influence depended on the overall proportion of smokers at the school, the selection effect was independent of the school environment. De-selection and indirect influence effects were not significant after controlling for school norm interactions. Conclusions The association between peer smoking and adolescent smoking initiation appears to be due to both peer selection and direct influence. However, “friends of friends” effects are likely to be confounded with contextual factors. Given that smoking initiation is primarily associated with close personal interactions between the adolescent and his/her friends, prevention efforts should focus on the role of smoking in fostering personal relationships among adolescents.
Conceptual clarity in measurement—Constructs, composites, and causes: a commentary on Lee, Cadogan and Chamberlain

In an insightful and important article, Lee et al. (2013, this issue) clearly point out the problems with so-called formative measurement. In particular, they suggest that the MIMIC model formulation, as currently conceptualized, does not provide a solution. Their central thesis is that, in a MIMIC model, the supposedly formatively measured latent variable is empirically a reflective latent variable depending entirely on the endogenous variables included. They then look at composite variables as a possible solution. This commentary seeks to reinforce their central thesis, providing additional evidence and support. I also attempt to clarify the distinction between two types of models discussed in the article as MIMIC models. I then examine the use of composite variables, focusing on potential information loss and issues concerning conceptual clarity. I conclude that composite variables should not be routinely employed in theory testing research, and their use must be clearly justified.
Identified attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and medically attended, nonfatal injuries: US school-age children, 1997-2002.

Objective To determine the medically attended, nonfatal injury rate among children 6–17 years of age ever and never identified with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods An analysis was performed of parentally reported injury episodes during the past 3 months and current demographic characteristics of 3741 sample children ever identified with ADHD and 48243 never identified with ADHD in the 1997–2002 National Health Interview Surveys. Results The annualized rate of injury was 204 episodes per 1000 among children with ADHD compared with 115 episodes per 1000 among children without ADHD. Injury episode rates were higher for children with ADHD regardless of age, sex, or health insurance. Logistic regression, which controlled for confounding risk factors, showed a robust association between ADHD and injury. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for ADHD (OR adj = 1.83) was similar to the ORs for other important predictors of injury, such as male sex (OR adj = 1.45), older age (OR adj = 1.50), and private health insurance (OR adj = 1.44). Children with other health conditions had an increased odds for injury (OR adj = 1.51 for children with other developmental disorders and OR adj = 1.53 for children with physical disorders). Characteristics of injury episodes were generally similar for children with and without ADHD. Conclusions Results from a large, nationally representative sample indicate that children ever identified with ADHD were more likely to have a medically attended, nonfatal injury than children never identified with ADHD. The increased odds of injury among children with ADHD could not be attributed to other confounding risk factors. Children with ADHD may benefit from targeted injury prevention efforts.
Review and Application of the Meeting and Business Events Competency Standards (MBECS) Curriculum Guide

First published in 2011, the Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards (MBECS) represents the first globally recognized occupational standards for the meeting and business event profession. In addition to its importance within various segments of the professional meeting planning community, the MBECS provide an internationally accepted body of knowledge, from which courses of study and their requisite meeting and event content may be developed. To assist in this process, an MBECS Curriculum Guide was published by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in 2012. This article examines the structure of the guide, describes its uses, and discusses the implications of the adoption of MBECS-based curriculum throughout academic meeting and business event management programs.
NF- κ B Independent Suppression of Endothelial Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Gene Expression by Inhibition of Flavin Binding Proteins and Superoxide Production☆

Oxidation-reduction (redox) coupled mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of cell surface adhesion molecule expression. In endothelial cells membrane-bound NADH/NADPH oxidase is a significant source of intracellular superoxide (O2−) production. We explored the role of flavin containing proteins such as NADH/NADPH oxidase in the induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Treatment of HAECs by tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α, 100 U/ml) for 1 h induced a 31% increase in O2−production within 5 min as determined by lucigenin chemiluminescence analysis of whole cells (n=4, P<0.05). Pretreatment with the NADH/NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI, 40μ m) for 1 h inhibited O2−production. DPI also inhibited TNF and LPS-induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 cell surface expression and TNF- α, LPS, or IL-1 β induced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA accumulation. However, DPI did not inhibit TNF- α -induced activation of nuclear NF- κ B-like binding activity in HAECs and HMECs. Furthermore, DPI did not inhibit TNF- α induced transactivation of NF- κ B-driven VCAM-1 and HIV-LTR promoter gene constructs in transiently transfected HMECs. These data suggest that flavin binding proteins such as NADH/NADPH oxidase can regulate VCAM-1 gene expression independent of NF- κ B. Furthermore, intracellular O2−generation is not necessary for NF- κ B activation or for transactivation of NF-κ B driven promoters.
Competitive intelligence through data mining public sources

A new paradigm has appeared in computer science in the recent years: data mining. The success of this new approach comes from recent advances in three different, yet connected fields: mathematics—new efficient and quick algorithms have been developed; database technologies—new research has allowed the improvement of databases; computer power—new powerful computers and architectures have made possible the elaboration of huge data volumes. Data mining's applications to the business world are several and include database marketing, basket analysis, and crime detection. In this article, the author discusses the application of data mining to competitive intelligence analysis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fast reliable algorithms for matrices with structure

Contributors Preface Notation 1. Displacement structure and array algorithms Thomas Kailath 2. Stabilized Schur Algorithms Shivkumar Chandrasekaran and Ali H. Sayed 3. Fast Stable Solvers for Structured Linear Systems Ali H. Sayed and Shivkumar Chandrasekaran 4. Stability of Fast Algorithms for Structured Linear Systems Richard P. Brent 5. Iterative Methods for Linear Systems with Matrix Structure Raymond H. Chan and Michael K. Ng 6. Asymptotic Spectral Distribution of Toeplitz-Related Matrices Paolo Tilli 7. Newton's Iteration for Structured Matrices Victor Y. Pan, Sheryl Branham, Rhys E. Rosholt and Ai-Long Zheng 8. Fast Algorithms with Applications to Markov Chains and Queueing Models Dario A. Bini and Beatrice Meini 9. Tensor Displacement Structures and Polyspectral Matching Victor S. Grigorascu and Phillip A. Regalia 10. Minimal Complexity Realization of Structured Matrices Patrick Dewilde Appendix A. Useful Matrix Results Thomas Kailath and Ali H. Sayed Appendix B. Elementary Transformations Thomas Kailath and Ali H. Sayed Bibliography Index.
Differing stereospecificities distinguish opiate receptor subtypes

Paired stereoisomers of compounds active at the proposed mu, kappa and sigma classes of opiate receptors display differing stereoselectivity patterns at the receptor subtypes. The (-) isomers of cyclazocine and SKF-10047 are far more potent than the (+) isomers as displacers of [3H]dihydromorphine from receptors. However, the (-) isomers are only moderately more potent than the (+) isomers at displacing [3H]ethylketocyclazocine from kappa receptors in an assay controlled for radioligand binding to mu receptors, and the (+) and (-) isomers are similar in potency for displacement of [3H]phencyclidine (PCP) from sigma receptors. At the sigma/PCP receptor, (+) ketamine proved four times as potent as (-) ketamine, while the dioxalan derivative dexoxadrol is far more potent than its nearly inactive enantiomer levoxadrol. The results for the sigma/PCP receptor are in agreement with those of behavioral studies. Stereospecificity patterns may provide support for the concept of the opiate receptor subclasses as biochemically distinct entities.
Oxidation of pyrite in low temperature acidic solutions: Rate laws and surface textures

Rate laws have been determined for the aqueous oxidation of pyrite by ferric ion, dissolved oxygen and hydrogen peroxide at 30°C in dilute, acidic chloride solutions. Fresh, smooth pyrite grain surfaces were prepared by cleaning prior to experiments. Initial specific surface areas were measured by the multipoint BET technique. Surface textures before and after oxidation were examined by SEM. The initial rate method was used to derive rate laws. The specific initial rates of oxidation (moles pyrite cm−2 min−1) are given by the following rate laws (concentrations in molar units): rsp,Fe3+ = −10−9.74M0.5Fe3+M−0.5H+ (pH 1–2)rsp,o2 = −10−6.77M0.5O2 (pH 2–4)rsp,h2o2 = −10−1.43MH2O2 (pH 2−4) An activation energy of 56.9 ± 7.5 kJ mole−1 was determined for the oxidation of pyrite by dissolved oxygen from 20–40°C. HPLC analyses indicated that only minor amounts of polythionates are detectable as products of oxidation by oxygen below pH 4; the major sulfur product is sulfate. Ferric ion and sulfate are the only detectable products of pyrite oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is consumed by catalytic decomposition nearly as fast as it is by pyrite oxidation. SEM photomicrographs of cleaned pyrite surfaces indicate that prior to oxidation, substantial intergranular variations in surface texture exist. Reactive surface area is substantially different than total surface area. Oxidation is centered on reactive sites of high excess surface energy such as grain edges and corners, defects, solid and fluid inclusion pits, cleavages and fractures. These reactive sites are both inherited from mineral growth history and applied by grain preparation techniques. The geometry and variation of reactive sites suggests that the common assumption of a first-order, reproducible dependence of oxidation rates on surface area needs to be tested.
Materials Science of the Gel to Fluid Phase Transition in a Supported Phospholipid Bilayer

We report the results of in situ AFM measurements examining the phase transition of bilayers formed from the zwitterionic phospholipid, DMPC, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, supported on mica. The images show that the fluid to gel phase transition process features substantial tearing of the bilayer due to the density change between the two phases. The gel to fluid transition is strongly affected by the resultant stress introduced into the gel phase, which changes the degree of cooperativity, the shape of developing fluid phase regions, and the course of the transition.
Maximum likelihood estimation for unbalanced multilevel covariance structure models via the EM algorithm

Recent investigations have revealed that widely available software can be adapted to provide maximum likelihood (ML) estimates for a general class of multilevel covariance structure models if the data are balanced (e.g. equal numbers of students in each of many schools). When the data are unbalanced, finding ML estimates is more challenging. However, by viewing the ‘complete data’ as balanced, one can calculate ML estimates for unbalanced data by constructing a comparatively simple EM algorithm. Computation using standard single-level structural equation software performs the ‘M step’, and an auxiliary program computes the E-step. Simple computational formulas for this E-step are provided in the case of two-level data, and recent experience with its implementation discussed. Asymptotic standard errors are found by computing the observed-data information matrix at convergence.
Update: management of calcium oxalate uroliths in dogs and cats

Calcium oxalate has become the most common mineral occurring in canine and feline uroliths. Although calcium oxalate urolith formation may be a consequence of metabolic disease, the underlying cause is not identified in many dogs and cats. Currently, there is no successful medical dissolution protocol, and calcium oxalate uroliths must be removed physically if causing problems. Effective preventative protocols are available for dogs and cats, although they are not uniformly successful.
55: Umbilical cord cutting: the stimulus to the glucagon surge in newborn lambs

A prompt increase in glucagon (GLN) attributed to the fall in glucose (G) after birth has been observed in rat and human newborns immediately after delivery. This GLN surge also occurs in the newborn lamb, but is not preceded by a fall in G. To further explore this phenomenon, we investigated the term lamb during 1) delivery (D) and immediate umbilical cord cutting (CCT); 2) D with CCT delayed for 60 min. and 3) infusion of cyclic somatostatin (SRIF) to the fetus in utero and for 60 min. post D, while CCT was performed immediately after delivery. All animals were delivered by Caesarean section under local anesthesia. The characteristic surge in GLN was identified in 1, but did not occur in 2 while the cord was intact. However, after CCT in 2, plasma GLN rose from 59 ± 15 pg/ml (mean ± SEM) immediately prior to CCT, to 304 ± 99 pg/ml 15 min. later (p < 0.05). G did not change, confirming that hypoglycemia was not the stimulus for GLN secretion. Intravenous SRIF (50 μg bolus followed by 200 μg per hr) begun in the fetus 10 min. before delivery did not affect low fetal GLN. Despite ongoing SRIF, CCT was followed 15 min. later by a surge in GLN (δ 130 pg/ml; p < 0.01) and at 30 min. by a rise in G of 38 mg/dl (p < 0.05). Conclusions: a) CCT evokes the neonatal GLN surge, b) the GLN rise is not related to curtailment of G supply, and c) unlike other stimuli for GLN, umbilical CCT overrides the suppressive effects of SRIF by undefined mechanisms.
OBBTree: a hierarchical structure for rapid interference detection

We present a data structure and an algorithm for efficient and exact interference detection amongst complex models undergoing rigid motion. The algorithm is applicable to all general polygonal models. It pre-computes a hierarchical representation of models using tight-fitting oriented bounding box trees (OBBTrees). At runtime, the algorithm traverses two such trees and tests for overlaps between oriented bounding boxes based on a separating axis theorem, which takes less than 200 operations in practice. It has been implemented and we compare its performance with other hierarchical data structures. In particular, it can robustly and accurately detect all the contacts between large complex geometries composed of hundreds of thousands of polygons at interactive rates. CR
Defining Incident Vertebral Deformity: A Prospective Comparison of Several Approaches

Vertebral deformities are common and important outcomes in clinical trials and epidemiologic studies of osteoporosis. While several different methods for defining new deformities have been proposed, it is not clear which is best. We used data from serial spine radiographs obtained an average of 3.7 years apart in 7238 women age >/=65 years from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures to compare several approaches to defining new deformities by morphometry including a fixed percentage reduction in any vertebral height (FIXED%), a change in a summary spinal deformity index, a change in a vertebra from no prevalent deformity at baseline to a deformity at follow-up, as well as several variations of these methods. We compared results of each definition with several clinical correlates, including height loss, back pain, age, baseline bone mineral density, and the presence of a baseline deformity. We also estimated the sample size required for a clinical trial using various cut points. At a given level of incidence, all methods had similar relationships with each of the correlates. Given that similarity, the FIXED% method was simplest and needed no reference data. Using the FIXED% method, a 20-25% vertebral height reduction criterion for deformity maximized the power for a clinical trial. We conclude that all of the morphometric approaches to defining incident deformities have similar relationships to clinical correlates of vertebral deformity, but that use of a fixed percentage reduction in vertebral height is the simplest and most practical. For the FIXED% method, a 20-25% reduction in vertebral height minimizes the sample size required for clinical trials and epidemiologic studies.