cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The quasiparticle rpa as a model for gamow-teller ß-decay

Abstract The validity of the quasiparticle random-phase approximation is studied by comparing it with full shell-model calculations in the sd-shell. Phenomenological interactions relevant for the sd-shell have been applied, and Gamow-Teller s+ strengths are calculated. It is found that in the QRPA, the s+ strength is a factor of two higher than the shell-model result. The shell-model results are less sensitive to the particle-particle interaction strength than the QRPA. With u, v factors from the shell-model wavefunctions, the s+ strength in the QRPA reproduces the shell-model result. This suggests that the QRPA does not contain enough ground-state correlations.
Division of labour in colony defence against vertebrate predators by the social wasp Polistes fuscatus

In this study I examined how the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus, defends a colony when faced with a vertebrate attack. I looked for a division of labour in defensive behaviour within a colony and examined whether this behaviour changes over the colony cycle. The colonies were presented with a model of an adult red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, and a speaker that vibrated the comb. There was a pronounced division of labour in the defence against vertebrate predators within a colony. The queen was consistently the most aggressive individual in the colony. The subordinate foundresses and workers both became more aggressive towards a vertebrate predator as they aged. Gynes and males did not participate in colony defence. The level of aggression in colony members of P. fuscatus appears to be related to the reproductive investment of the colony. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Tolerance of Ambiguity and Use of Second Language Strategies

This study developed a scale of tolerance of ambiguity (as an aspect of personality or cognitive style) related to second language learning. The scale was used to discover if tolerance of ambiguity influences students' use of various second language strategies. The research was carried out with students of Spanish at the university level. Multiple regression analysis provided partial confirmation of several specific hypotheses regarding tolerance of ambiguity. Strength of motivation, attitude, and concern for grade were also found to influence use of strategies.
Quasinormal modes of AdS black holes and the approach to thermal equilibrium

We investigate the decay of a scalar field outside a Schwarzschild anti--de Sitter black hole. This is determined by computing the complex frequencies associated with quasinormal modes. There are qualitative differences from the asymptotically flat case, even in the limit of small black holes. In particular, for a given angular dependence, the decay is always exponential---there are no power law tails at late times. In terms of the AdS-CFT correspondence, a large black hole corresponds to an approximately thermal state in the field theory, and the decay of the scalar field corresponds to the decay of a perturbation of this state. Thus one obtains the time scale for the approach to thermal equilibrium. We compute these time scales for the strongly coupled field theories in three, four, and six dimensions, which are dual to string theory in asymptotically AdS spacetimes.
A multilocus phylogeny of New World jay genera

We studied phylogenetic relationships of the New World Jays (NWJs) based on DNA sequences from three mitochondrial and two nuclear loci. Sampling included at least two individuals from each of the seven NWJ genera and four outgroups of closely related corvids, as well as six of the 16 Cyanocorax species (including two representatives of the previously recognized “Cissilopha”). Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses for individual genes and a combined dataset. The combined phylogenetic analysis supports the basal position of Cyanolyca to all other NWJs, a (Cyanocorax (Calocitta, Psilorhinus)) clade, and a ((Cyanocitta, Aphelocoma) Gymnorhinus) clade that agrees with a novel morphological synapomorphy uniting Cyanocitta and Aphelocoma. Within Cyanocorax, C. yncas (former “Xanthoura”) is basal to a split among former “Cyssilopha” species and the rest of the Cyanocorax species. To explore implications for the historical biogeography of the NJWs, we used Dispersal–Vicariance Analysis, which indicated that NWJs originated either in Mesoamerica or North America + Mesoamerica, with South American NWJs dispersing three times independently from Mesoamerica.
Response of aggregate structures to hydrodynamic stress

Experimental procedures have been developed for investigation of floc breakage occuring in response to the hydrodynamic stress. Aggregates initially restrained by a stainless steel mesh were exposed to downward-directed flow, and the subsequent events including deformation and breakage severity were observed. This study provided a video record of the disintegration process under both steady-flow and start-up conditions, yielding both a breakage envelope and a temporal record of loss aggregate volume during breakage
Performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in diagnosing pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Background: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are rare tumors of the pancreas, which are increasingly diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). In this retrospective study, we assessed the performance of EUS-FNA in diagnosing PNETs. Materials and Methods: We identified 48 cases of surgically resected PNETs in which pre-operative EUS-FNA was performed. The clinical features, cytological diagnoses, and surgical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnostic performance of EUS-FNA was analyzed as compared to the diagnosis in the follow-up. The cases with discrepancies between cytological diagnosis and surgical follow-up were analyzed and diagnostic pitfalls in discrepant cases were discussed. Results: The patients were 20 male and 28 female with ages ranging from 15 years to 81 years (mean 57 years). The tumors were solid and cystic in 41 and 7 cases, respectively, with sizes ranging from 0.5 cm to 11 cm (mean 2.7 cm). Based on cytomorphologic features and adjunct immunocytochemistry results, when performed, 38 patients (79%) were diagnosed with PNET, while a diagnosis of suspicious for PNET or a diagnosis of neoplasm with differential diagnosis including PNET was rendered in the 3 patients (6%). One case was diagnosed as mucinous cystic neoplasm (2%). The remaining 6 patients (13%) had non-diagnostic, negative or atypical diagnosis. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that EUS-FNA has a relatively high sensitivity for diagnosing PNETs. Lack of additional materials for immunocytochemical studies could lead to a less definite diagnosis. Non-diagnostic or false negative FNA diagnosis can be seen in a limited number of cases, especially in those small sized tumors.
Structural complexity of chemical recognition cues affects the perception of group membership in the ants Linephithema humile and Aphaenogaster cockerelli.

SUMMARY Hydrocarbon profiles on the cuticle of social insects act as multi-component recognition cues used to identify membership in a species, a colony or, within colonies, cues about its reproductive status or task group. To examine the role of structural complexity in ant hydrocarbon recognition cues, we studied the species recognition response of two ant species, Linepithema humile and Aphaenogaster cockerelli , and the recognition of conspecifics by L. humile . The cuticular hydrocarbons of ants are composed of molecules of varying chain lengths from three structural classes, n -alkanes, methyl-branched alkanes and n -alkenes. We employed species recognition bioassays that measured the aggressive response of both species of ants to mixtures of hydrocarbon classes, single structural classes of hydrocarbons ( n -alkanes, methyl-branched alkanes and n -alkenes), and controls. The results showed that a combination of at least two hydrocarbon structural classes was necessary to elicit an aggressive species recognition response. Moreover, no single class of hydrocarbons was more important than the others in eliciting a response. Similarly, in the recognition of conspecifics, Linepithema humile did not respond to a mixture of n -alkane cuticular hydrocarbons presented alone, but supplementation of nestmate hydrocarbon profiles with the n -alkanes did elicit high levels of aggression. Thus both L. humile and A. cockerelli required mixtures of hydrocarbons of different structural classes to recognize species and colony membership. It appears that information on species and colony membership is not in isolated components of the profile, but instead in the mixture of structural classes found in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles.
Neural Adaptation across Viewpoint and Exemplar in Fusiform Cortex.

The visual system has the remarkable ability to generalize across different viewpoints and exemplars to recognize abstract categories of objects, and to discriminate between different viewpoints and exemplars to recognize specific instances of particular objects. Behavioral experiments indicate the critical role of the right hemisphere in specific-viewpoint and -exemplar visual form processing and the left hemisphere in abstract-viewpoint and -exemplar visual form processing. Neuroimaging studies indicate the role of fusiform cortex in these processes, however results conflict in their support of the behavioral findings. We investigated this inconsistency in the present study by examining adaptation across viewpoint and exemplar changes in the functionally defined fusiform face area (FFA) and in fusiform regions exhibiting adaptation. Subjects were adapted to particular views of common objects and then tested with objects appearing in four critical conditions: same-exemplar, same-viewpoint adapted, same-exemplar, different-viewpoint adapted, different-exemplar adapted, and not adapted. In line with previous results, the FFA demonstrated a release from neural adaptation for repeated different viewpoints and exemplars of an object. In contrast to previous work, a (non-FFA) right medial fusiform area also demonstrated a release from neural adaptation for repeated different viewpoints and exemplars of an object. Finally, a left lateral fusiform area demonstrated neural adaptation for repeated different viewpoints, but not exemplars, of an object. Test-phase task demands did not affect adaptation in these regions. Together, results suggest that dissociable neural subsystems in fusiform cortex support the specific identification of a particular object and the abstract recognition of that object observed from a different viewpoint. In addition, results suggest that areas within fusiform cortex do not support abstract recognition of different exemplars of objects within a category.
The end of the Soviet Union: Did it fall, or was it pushed?

Peter Boettke's Why Perestroika Failed offers an overly mechanistic explanation for the collapse of the Soviet economy, derived from Mises's theory of the economic impossibility of socialism. Arguing that the economic system was doomed to fail does not explain why it fell precisely when it did. Thus, Boettke underestimates the extent to which elements of the Communist nomenklatura themselves came to realize that their interests could be served by ditching the command economy. Such an emphasis on the role of human agents is surely compatible with a Hayekian approach.
Serial Casting of the Lower Extremity to Correct Contractures During the Acute Phase of Burn Care

Severe contractures that develop early following a burn may not improve with splinting and exercise treatment. An alternative treatment is serial casting, which has been used to promote increased range of motion, to facilitate patient compliance with positioning, and to prevent the patient from scratching the burned area. This case report describes the use of serial casting for resolution of ankle plantar-flexion contractures that occurred in the acute phase of burn injury. The child described in this case report sustained a 49% total body surface area scald burn and developed contractures within 1 week after injury. The contractures, which were not corrected with thermoplastic splints, improved with casting from 45 degrees of plantar flexion to neutral dorsiflexion over 2 months with biweekly cast changes. The patient had multiple skin grafts and progressed in functional activities. Serial casting is a conservative and effective modality in correcting contractures resulting from burns. Further documentation of the efficacy of this treatment approach is necessary to support its use in burn care throughout various stages of healing.
Ontogeny of nitric oxide in the pulmonary vasculature

The vasodilator molecule nitric oxide is critically involved in the successful cardiopulmonary transition from fetal to postnatal life. It is produced in the pulmonary endothelium by the endothelial isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the lung increases dramatically during late gestation, optimizing the capacity for nitric oxide production at the time of birth. Studies in cultured cell models indicate that the developmental upregulation may be mediated by estrogen, and that the expression of the enzyme is also upregulated by oxygen. Pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression is diminished in models of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and neonatal pulmonary hypertension induced by fetal ductal ligation. Thus, there is normally a marked developmental upregulation in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the lung during late fetal life, and attenuated expression of the enzyme may contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of forms of neonatal pulmonary vascular disease.
Copper Deficiency Decreases Complex IV but Not Complex I, II, III, or V in the Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in Rat Heart

It has been documented that dietary copper (Cu) deficiency impairs mitochondrial respiratory function, which is catalyzed by 5 membrane-bound multiple protein complexes. However, there are few reports on the simultaneous analysis of Cu effect on the subunit protein expression on all 5 protein complexes. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of Cu deficiency on each mitochondrial respiratory complex's protein expression in rat heart tissue with western-blot analysis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets that were either Cu adequate (6.0 microg Cu/g diet, n = 5) or Cu deficient (0.3 microg Cu/g diet, n = 5) for 5 wk. The monoclonal antibody-based western-blot analysis suggested that the protein levels of 39-kDa and 30-kDa subunits in complex I; 70-kDa and 30-kDa subunits in complex II; core I and core II subunits in complex III; and alpha and beta subunits of F1 complex in complex V in both high-salt buffer (HSB) and low-salt buffer (LSB) protein fractions from heart tissue of Cu-deficient rats did not differ from those of Cu-adequate rats. However, the protein level of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) subunit (COX) I, COX Vb, and COX VIb subunits in complex IV (CCO) in both HSB and LSB protein fractions from heart tissue of Cu-deficient rats was lower than those of Cu-adequate rats. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Cu deficiency decreases each tested subunit protein expression of complex IV but not those of complex I, II, III, and V in mitochondrial respiratory complexes.
Efficient Privacy-Preserving Association Rule Mining: P4P Style

In this paper we introduce a new practical framework, called P4P (peers for privacy), for privacy-preserving data mining. P4P features a hybrid architecture combining P2P and client-server paradigms and provides practical private protocols for user data validation and general computation. The architecture is guided by the natural incentives of the participants and allows the computation to be based on verifiable secret sharing (VSS) where arithmetic operations are done over small fields (e.g. 32 or 64 bits), so that private arithmetic operations have the same cost as normal arithmetic. Verification of user data, which uses large-field public-key arithmetic (1024 bits or more) and homomorphic computation, only requires a small number (constant or logarithmic in the size of user data) of large integer operations. The solution is extremely efficient: In experiments with our implementation, verification of a million-element vector takes a few seconds of server or client time on commodity PCs (in contrast, using standard techniques takes hours). This verification can be used in many privacy-preserving data mining tasks to detect cheating users who attempt to bias the computation by submitting exaggerated values as their inputs. As an example, we demonstrate how association rule mining can be done in the P4P model with near-optimal efficiency and provable privacy
High-resolution anion photoelectron spectra of TiO2−, ZrO2−, and HfO2− obtained by slow electron velocity-map imaging

High-resolution anion photoelectron spectra of the Group 4 metal dioxides TiO2−, ZrO2−, and HfO2− are reported, using slow electron velocity-map imaging (SEVI) combined with ion trapping and cryogenic cooling. The resulting spectra exhibit sub-meV resolution with no congestion from hot bands. Electron affinities are obtained with greater precision than in previous photodetachment experiments, with values of 1.5892(5) eV, 1.6397(5) eV, and 2.1045(5) eV, for TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2, respectively. We obtain precise values for all of the vibrational frequencies of the neutral 1A1 ground states, except for the ν3 mode of HfO2. Weak activity observed in the forbidden ν3 mode for TiO2 and ZrO2 is attributed to Herzberg–Teller coupling to the A2B2 excited state.
NMR evidence for the existence of two native conformations of 5S RNA

Abstract NMR spectra of the non-exchangeable protons in 5S RNA from E. coli show the existence of two distinct conformers of the molecule which meet the operational definition of "A form" or native 5S RNA. Both are easily distinguished spectroscopically from denatured, "B form" 5S RNA. The conditions which interconvert the two A form conformers strongly suggest that the transition between them gives rise to the low temperature optical melting transition first reported in 5S RNA by Kao and Crothers (1).
Computation of dynamic program slices for unstructured programs

A dynamic program slice is an executable part of the program whose behaviour is identical, for the same program input, to that of the original program with respect to a variable(s) of interest at some execution position. The existing algorithms of dynamic slice computation use data and control dependencies to compute dynamic slices. These algorithms are limited to structured programs because they may compute incorrect dynamic slices for unstructured programs, due to the limitations of control dependencies that are used to compute dynamic slices. In this paper, we present a novel approach to dynamic slice computation for unstructured programs. The approach employs the notion of a removable block in finding dynamic program slices. Dynamic slices are derived by identifying not only those parts of program execution that contribute to the computation of the value of a variable of interest, but also those parts of program execution that do not contribute to the computation of the variable value. Data dependencies are used to identify contributing computations, whereas removable blocks are used to identify noncontributing computations. We have proved that the presented dynamic slicing algorithms correctly compute dynamic slices. In addition, these algorithms may compute more accurate dynamic slices compared to existing algorithms that use control dependencies. The presented algorithms have been implemented in a tool that supports dynamic slicing for Pascal programs.
The partial-lag design: A method for controlling spontaneous regression in the infant-control habituation paradigm*

The problem of spontaneous regression in the infant control procedure is discussed and empirical evidence demonstrating that it contributes significantly to postcriterion looking scores is presented. Previous approaches to controlling spontaneous regression are reviewed and are found unsatisfactory and/or inefficient. A new approach utilizing a partial-lag design is presented as an alternative. In contrast to previous approaches, this method successfully controls spontaneous regression without requiring a group of babies exclusively for control purposes.
Digestible Sulfur Amino Acid Requirement for Male Turkeys from Six to Twelve Weeks of Age

SUMMARY Twofloorpentrialswereconductedtodeterminethedigestiblemethionine +cystinerequirement of male turkeys for the production period of 6 to 12 wk. The first experiment was conducted using 8 treatments with 6 replicate pens of 5 birds using a randomized block design. For the second experiment, 8 treatments with 4 toms per replicate were used. Digestible sulfur amino acid (SAA) levels ranged from 0.50 to 0.82% of the diet in the first experiment and from 0.40 to 0.66% in the second experiment. These levels were obtained by dose response using synthetic methionine in a low-protein diet. The other synthetic amino acids were added back to the low-protein diet at levels sufficient to provide growth similar to a positive control treatment. The positive control for each period was a standard corn, soybean meal, and pork meal diet based on NRC (1994) recommendations. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by splined regression analysis to estimate the requirements. The SAA requirements for the 47-to 56-d growth period were determined to be 0.65% and 0.66% for body weight gain and feed conversion, respectively. The digestible SAA requirements for the 67- to 78- d growth period were determined to be 0.56% for both body weight gain and feed conversion.
Coordinate developmental control of the meiotic cell cycle and spermatid differentiation in Drosophila males

Wild-type function of four Drosophila genes, spermatocyte arrest, cannonball, always early and meiosis I arrest, is required both for cell-cycle progression through the G2/M transition of meiosis I in males and for onset of spermatid differentiation. In males mutant for any one of these meiotic arrest genes, mature primary spermatocytes with partially condensed chromosomes accumulate and postmeiotic cells are lacking. The arrest in cell-cycle progression occurs prior to degradation of cyclin A protein. The block in spermatogenesis in these mutants is not simply a secondary consequence of meiotic cell-cycle arrest, as spermatid differentiation proceeds in males mutant for the cell cycle activating phosphatase twine. Instead, the arrest of both meiosis and spermiogenesis suggests a control point that may serve to coordinate the male meiotic cell cycle with the spermatid differentiation program. The phenotype of the Drosophila meiotic arrest mutants is strikingly similar to the histopathological features of meiosis I maturation arrest infertility in human males, suggesting that the control point may be conserved from flies to man.
Some Remarks on Bonjour on Warrant, Proper Function, and Defeasibility

A number of counterexamples have recently been leveled against Alvin Plantinga's Proper Functionalism, counterexamples aimed at showing that Plantinga's theory fails to provide sufficient conditions for warrant — that elusive epistemic property which together with true belief yields knowledge. Among these counterexamples, Laurence Bonjour's is perhaps the most formidable and, if successful, shows that Proper Functionalism is simply too weak to serve as an acceptable theory of warrant. In this paper, I argue that, contrary to initial appearances, BonJour's counterexample is not successful. More exactly, I argue that, once it is recognized that a defeasibility constraint is deeply embedded within Plantinga's proper function condition for warrant — a constraint which says, in effect, that a belief B is warranted for an agent S only if S does not possess any defeaters against B — BonJour's counterexample to Proper Functionalism can be handled quite straightforwardly.
Guns, Crime, and Dangerous Minds: Assessing the Mental Health Turn in Gun Policy Discourse

In the wake of recent, high profile mass shootings, the “deranged mind” has become a common discursive ground for policy makers, pundits, gun enthusiasts, and gun control advocates alike. Intereste...
London Newspapers in the Age of Walpole: A Study of the Origins of the Modern English Press: By Michael Harris. Rutherford, N.J.: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1987. 255 pp. $33.50.

(1988). London Newspapers in the Age of Walpole: A Study of the Origins of the Modern English Press. American Journalism: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 118-120.
Abstract 1983: Thymoquinone induces cell killing in glioblastoma cells through generation of DNA damage and cell cycle arrest

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common type of brain tumor in humans. Surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy is the current standard treatment; however, due to the upregulation of several survival pathways, tumor recurrence is quite common with a median survival of 12 to 15 months. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of glioblastoma. Naturally occurring phytochemicals have steadily received much scientific attention, owing to the fact that many of these compounds have potent action against tumors. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the bioactive compound of the volatile oil extracted from the black seed, Nigella sativa. TQ has shown anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic actions with a selective cytotoxicity for human cancer cells compared to several normal cells. Here, we show that TQ is able to dose-dependently inhibit colony formation in three distinct glioblastoma cell lines (T98, U87 and Gli36), with the highly tumorigenic Gli36 being the most sensitive to the anti-proliferative effects of TQ. We also show that TQ induces persistent γ-H2AX activation, a marker of DNA double strand breaks, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. TQ also causes G2/M cell cycle arrest in GBM cells to a degree that correlates with the cells’ relative clonogenic sensitivity. Moreover, co-treatment with TQ and N-acetyl cysteine, a simple thiol nucleophile and antioxidant, prevented cell death, DNA double strand breaks, and cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that TQ is a potent inhibitor of GBM cell proliferation and growth, and that this effect may be mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1983. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1983
The Future of HBO NOW: Investigating the Effects of the Charter-Time Warner-Bright House Merger on Over-the-Top Services

This paper aims to examine the effects of media ownership concentration on over-the-top (OTT) services. To do so, it will examine the Time Warner-Charter-Bright House merger as a case study, as well as explore current regulation for OTT services, particularly as multichannel video programming distributors (MVPD), and compare concerns for OTT services that previous moves to consolidate media ownership, like the failed Comcast-Time Warner merger, raised. Specifically, this paper will examine the relationship of HBO and HBO NOW, as an OTT service, and potential impacts of the merger on such content. Charter has argued that the merger will not negatively affect OTT services and lauds their benefits to consumers. However, the argument from those who have voiced opposition to the merger suggest that Charter will restrict the distribution of OTT services in order to preserve the exclusivity of its content. The case of HBO NOW offers a unique position as it is selling their content directly to consumers as OTT but also continues to be included in cable bundles through its traditional HBO cable channels. This paper hopes to explore this tension within the context of the Time Warner-Charter-Bright House Merger in order to address the effects of media consolidation on innovation and consumers.Including popular press, as well as press releases and blog posts from the relevant companies, data will be gathered from filings with the FCC, SEC, among other regulatory groups and activist organizations. This paper intends to conclude with a determination on how the merger might affect OTT services and a recommendation for changes to media law and policy on ownership in order to promote access to citizens, improve consumer welfare, and reduce barriers to entry in these media markets. The relationships explored in this paper between infrastructure, innovation, media ownership, and law and policy, are important sites of investigation – particularly for understanding how these forces impact citizens.
Altruistic reasoning in adolescent-parent dyads considering participation in a hypothetical sexual health clinical trial for adolescents

Altruism is a well-established reason underlying research participation. Less is known about altruism in adolescent-parent decision-making about clinical trials enrolling healthy adolescents. This qualitative investigation focused on identifying spontaneous statements of altruism within adolescent-parent (dyadic) discussions of participation in a hypothetical phase I clinical trial related to adolescent sexual health. Content analysis revealed several response patterns to each other's altruistic reasoning. Across 70 adolescent-parent dyads in which adolescents were 14-17 years of age and 91% of their parents were mothers, a majority (61%) of dyadic discussions included a statement reflecting altruism. Parents responded to adolescents' statements of altruism more frequently than adolescents responded to parents' statements. Responses included: expresses concern, reiterates altruistic reasoning, agrees with altruistic reasoning, and adds to/expands altruistic reasoning. Since an altruistic perspective was often balanced with concerns about risk or study procedures, researchers cannot assume that altruism will directly lead to study participation. Optimizing the informed consent process for early phase clinical trials involving healthy adolescents may include supporting parents to have conversations with their adolescents which will enhance their capacity to consider all aspects of trial participation.
Study on Return Policy of Supply Chain Considering Return Cost

With the product life cycle's shortening, consumer purchasing power and individuality demand strengthening, the enterprise have to face the high uncertainty of market demand, also they must formulate corresponding strategy to satisfy the market demand and their own maximum benefit.Simultaneously traditional theory studied the return policy, which is not considering the economical scale effect and without processing the flaw about cost.Therefore this paper based on those theories to study on return policy of supply chain considering return cost.
Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in patients over 80 years

Objective:To review the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients over 80 years old received coronary artery bypass grafting( CABG) surgery at our center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 112 consecutive cases over 80 years old diagnosed with CAD and received CABG at our institution from Jan 2003 to Dec 2013. The detailed clinical data of these patients were analyzed,recording the preoperative general situation,coronary lesions,merge disease,treatment,surgical procedure,postoperative recovery,complications and mortality. Results: For the elderly,the history of hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,stroke,unstable angina,myocardial infarction,and respiratory insufficiency is common. 72% patients presented left main stenosis or three vessel lesions. 70 patients received off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and 42 received on-pump CABG with a mean of 2. 7 grafts. There were 3 deaths in hospital( 2. 7%). The postoperative complications include 5 delayed awakening,8 pulmonary infections,5 new strokes,2 myocardial infarction,6bleeding,6 new renal failure and 10 arrhythmia. Conclusion: Both on-pump and off-pump CABG are safe procedures when performed in elderly patients.
Ultrastructural Observations of Cell Wall Regeneration Around Isolated Tobacco Protoplasts

The process of cell wall regeneration around cultured protoplasts isolated from tobacco mesophyll has been examined by electron microscopy. The initially formed wall contains 2 components which stain with conventional heavy metal stains. The first consists of un-branched fibres, at first oriented at right angles to the plasmalemma surface. As wall growth proceeds the fibres lengthen and assume an orientation parallel to the plasmalemma. It seems probable that this component is cellulose. The second component of the wall is more amorphous and more densely stained. It is most frequently seen in situations where leaching of materials into the medium would be expected to be minimal. The endoplasmic reticulum and the plasmalemma are the only membrane systems which appear to contribute towards wall formation. No pattern of structure has been detected to explain the orientation or method of synthesis of the microfibrillar part of the wall.
Remote Sensing of Ocean-Dumped Waste Drift and Dispersion

The drift and dispersion of sixteen acid waste plumes 64 km off the Delaware coast were investigated using Landsat imagery, current drogues and ship data. The waste plumes imaged by Landsat were found to be drifting at average rates from 0.59 km hr−1 to 3.39 km hr−1 into the southwest quadrant. The plumes seemed to remain above the thermocline which was observed to form from June through August at depths ranging from 13 m to 24 m. During the remainder of the year the ocean at the test site was not stratified, permitting wastes to mix throughout the water column.
A Conserved Nuclear Cyclophilin Is Required for Both RNA Polymerase II Elongation and Co-transcriptional Splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans

The elongation phase of transcription by RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) involves numerous events that are tightly coordinated, including RNA processing, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. RNA splicing factors are associated with elongating Pol II, and the interdependent coupling of splicing and elongation has been documented in several systems. Here we identify a conserved, multi-domain cyclophilin family member, SIG-7, as an essential factor for both normal transcription elongation and co-transcriptional splicing. In embryos depleted for SIG-7, RNA levels for over a thousand zygotically expressed genes are substantially reduced, Pol II becomes significantly reduced at the 3' end of genes, marks of transcription elongation are reduced, and unspliced mRNAs accumulate. Our findings suggest that SIG-7 plays a central role in both Pol II elongation and co-transcriptional splicing and may provide an important link for their coordination and regulation.
Radiotherapeutic management of vestibular schwannomas using size- and location-adapted fractionation regimens to maximize the therapeutic ratio

Abstract Background We evaluated and compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with vestibular schwannomas treated with single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), 5 fractions of hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (hSRT), or 25 to 30 fractions of conventionally fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (cfSRT). Methods and materials Fifty-six patients treated with LINAC-based SRS (median, 12.5 Gy), hSRT (25 Gy), or cfSRT (median, 54 Gy) were retrospectively reviewed. Fractionation was based on the size of the tumor, proximity to the brainstem, and potential risk of neurological sequelae. Median follow-up time was 55.2 months. Results The pretreatment median tumor diameter was significantly smaller for SRS (1.14 cm) compared with hSRT (1.7 cm) ( P = .03) and cfSRT (2.0 cm) ( P P = .19). Tumor regression was observed in 53.3% of SRS, 76.2% of hSRT, and 90% of cfSRT ( P = .05). There was less transient expansion of tumors treated with cfSRT (5%) than with SRS (53.3%) or hSRT (28.6%) ( P = .005). The median time to regression was 13.8 months for SRS, 14.2 months for hSRT, and 5.5 months for cfSRT ( P = .34). There was a 3.6% incidence of grade 3 trigeminal neuropathy, but there was no grade 3 facial neuropathy. Conclusions All 3 regimens demonstrated similar excellent local control with minimal toxicity; however, the ability of hSRT to treat larger tumors with comparable outcomes to SRS and greater patient convenience when compared with cfSRT suggest that hSRT may offer the optimal treatment approach.
Snow-Level Estimates Using Operational Polarimetric Weather Radar Measurements

AbstractScanning polarimetric measurements from the operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) systems are evaluated for the retrievals of snow-level (SL) heights, which are located below the 0°C isotherm and represent the altitude within the melting layer (ML) where snow changes to rain. The evaluations are conducted by intercomparisons of the SL estimates obtained from the Beale Air Force Base WSR-88D unit (KBBX) during a wet season 6-month period (from October 2012 to March 2013) and robust SL height measurements hSL from a high-resolution vertically pointing Doppler snow-level profiler deployed near Oroville, California. It is shown that a mean value height measurement hL3 between the estimates of the ML top and bottom, which can be derived from the WSR-88D level-III (L3) ML products, provides relatively unbiased estimates of SL heights with a standard deviation of about 165 m. There is little azimuthal variability in derived values of hL3, which is, in part, due to the use of highe...
Statistical Primer for Athletic Trainers: Using Confidence Intervals and Effect Sizes to Evaluate Clinical Meaningfulness.

Objective: To describe confidence intervals (CIs) and effect sizes and provide practical examples to assist clinicians in assessing clinical meaningfulness. Background: As discussed in our first article in 2015, which addressed the difference between statistical significance and clinical meaningfulness, evaluating the clinical meaningfulness of a research study remains a challenge to many readers. In this paper, we will build on this topic by examining CIs and effect sizes. Description: A CI is a range estimated from sample data (the data we collect) that is likely to include the population parameter (value) of interest. Conceptually, this constitutes the lower and upper limits of the sample data, which would likely include, for example, the mean from the unknown population. An effect size is the magnitude of difference between 2 means. When a statistically significant difference exists between 2 means, effect size is used to describe how large or small that difference actually is. Confidence intervals an...
Lien Back: Why Homeowner Association Super-Priority Lien Statutes Should Be Repealed

Who should have priority to foreclose on a home? Naturally, one might say that the bank or mortgage company that provided the loan to build or purchase a home should have priority. Most states follow this common-sense approach to property ownership and foreclosure. Twenty-two states, however, have granted Homeowner Associations (“HOAs”) “super-priority” status in foreclosure proceedings. This means that debt owed to HOAs has priority over any debt owed to the mortgage provider. Some state statutes even grant HOAs the power to foreclose on a home, sell it at auction, and wipe out the mortgage providers secured interest entirely. Recently, the Ninth Circuit in Bourne Valley Court Trust v. Wells Fargo found that Nevada’s version of the HOA super-priority statute was “facially unconstitutional.” Many states, including Nevada, adopted these statutes using the same language and recommendations from the Uniform Law Commission, leaving other states respective statutes subject to future constitutionality attacks. Additionally, these statutes have led to severe economic consequences in both the mortgage and housing industries and are generally bad public policy.This Article is the first to examine the Bourne Valley decision declaring Nevada’s statute “facially unconstitutional.” Additionally, this Article is the first to propose repealing HOA super-priority statutes and replacing the statutes with legislation that attaches the HOA debt to the person, and not the property. Alternatively, this Article provides solutions to both substantively and procedurally enhance current HOA super-priority statutes to ensure that the mortgage provider’s interest is adequately protected.
Factors influencing postoperative pain following discharge in pediatric ambulatory surgery patients.

Abstract Study objective To identify demographic, intraoperative, and parental factors that influence the postoperative pain experience in ambulatory surgery pediatric patients. We also monitored postoperative maladaptive behavior changes (PMBCs) to investigate the relationship between pain and PMBCs. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Discharge period after ambulatory surgery. Patients 204 patients ages 1–6years undergoing ambulatory orthopedic, urology, general surgery, and otolaryngology surgical procedures who were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II. Interventions None. Measurements We administered telephone questionnaires to parents of ambulatory surgery patients 1–6years old exploring pain ratings, behavior change ratings, and medication compliance at 2–3days and 1–2weeks after surgery. Pain and behavioral change scores were obtained using the Parents Postoperative Pain Measure (PPPM) and Post-Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ). Parental medication compliance was defined as parents who followed the discharge instructions for pain medication administration. Main results For our cohort, 69% of patients experienced pain after 2–3days and 17% after 1–2weeks post-discharge. PMBCs were reported in 55% after 2–3days, and in 15% after 1–2weeks. In addition, PMBCs occurred in the absence of pain (PPPM=0) at rates of 20% and 5% at 2–3days and 1–2weeks after surgery, respectively. Female sex, anesthesia duration, and otolaryngology procedures correlated with higher postoperative pain (PPPM) scores in univariate and multivariate analysis. Intraoperative medications did not correlate with PPPM or PHBQ scores. Higher pain scores were associated with parents who were compliant with discharge instructions for pain medications. Conclusions Many pediatric patients experienced short-term pain and PMBCs after ambulatory surgery, but these largely resolved by 1–2weeks following discharge. Patient sex, anesthesia duration, and surgical procedure influenced postoperative pain and/or PMBCs. Furthermore, PMBCs were associated with, but not solely a manifestation of, postoperative pain.
Psychological Benefits of Yoga for Female Inmates

Female inmates involved in the Yoga Prison Project at two correctional facilities in South Carolina served as subjects. Inmates were selected from those who applied to participate in a ten-week trauma-focused yoga program. To create control and experimental groups, inmates who requested to participate were randomly assigned to be in the class (Treatment Group, n = 33) or a waitlist (Control Group, n = 17). Inmates on the waitlist subsequently joined the next class, so all who applied and were eligible participated in a yoga class. Measures of stress, depression, self control, anxiety, self awareness and rumination were used and data was collected from both groups before the initial yoga class began and again at the end, ten weeks later. To assess the changes from pre-intervention to post-intervention, mixed design ANOVA tests were conducted. Inmates in the yoga group reported significant decreases in depression and stress and improved self-awareness. No significant changes were found on measures of anxiety, rumination and self-control in the yoga groups. Although not statistically significant, anxiety scores did decrease and self-control scores improved for the yoga group, while inmates in the control group reported a worsening or no change on these two measures. No changes were found in rumination levels. The results suggest that Yoga is a relatively inexpensive intervention that could benefit both inmates and prison staff by reducing some negative behaviors and possibly mental health problems.
Plasma-Functionalized Polytetrafluoroethylene Nanoparticles for Improved Wear in Lubricated Contact.

Plasma-functionalized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanoparticles were employed to evaluate their utility in improving the lubrication property of a group III mineral oil with a significantly low amount of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP). The particles were coated with two consecutive films; the initial coating contained silica to enhance amorphous glassy tribofilm formation, followed by a methacrylate film to protect the silica coating and enhance dispersibility in the oil. The functionalized nanoparticles were evaluated for their tribological performance using a high-frequency reciprocating rig, in a cylinder-on-flat configuration. The oil formulations containing ZDDP (350 ppm phosphorus level) and the functionalized nanoparticles resulted in dramatic reductions in the friction coefficient and overall wear compared to the samples containing nonfunctionalized PTFE nanoparticles, ZDDP (350 ppm P), and samples devoid of nanoparticles but containing ZDDP with a 700 ppm P treat rate. XPS and XANES spect...
Spectrometer-free plasmonic biosensing with metal-insulator-metal nanocup arrays

The development of high performing and accessible sensors is crucial to future point-of-care diagnostic sensing systems. Here, we report on a gold–titanium dioxide–gold metal–insulator–metal plasmonic nanocup array device for spectrometer-free refractometric sensing with a performance exceeding conventional surface plasmon resonance sensors. This device shows distinct spectral properties such that a superstrate refractive index increase causes a transmission intensity increase at the peak resonance wavelength. There is no spectral shift at this peak and there are spectral regions with no transmission intensity change, which can be used as internal device references. The sensing mechanism, plasmon–cavity coupling optimization, and material properties are studied using electromagnetic simulations. The optimal device structure is determined using simulation and experimental parameter sweeps to tune the cavity confinement and the resonance coupling. An experimental sensitivity of 800 ΔT%/RIU is demonstrated. ...