cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genotype-Environment Interactions in Egg Production Stocks of Chickens 2. Main Effects and Interactions of Stock, Protein, Year, and Location

Abstract NUMEROUS reports involving genotype-environment interactions in egg production stocks of chickens were summarized by Tindell et al. (1967). Their study and those reviewed devoted considerable attention to the interaction of stock by location. Interactions of stocks with other specific environmental factors have received little attention. Significant strain by protein level interactions for egg production were reported by Harms and Waldroup (1962); Moreng et al. (1964); Deaton and Quisenberry (1965); Harms et al. (1966). The importance of such interactions could influence poultry breeding programs. This study is the second in a series conducted by participants in the Southern Regional Poultry Breeding Project (S-57) to determine the importance of genotype-environment interactions in egg production stocks. It was conducted to provide additional information concerning the importance of stock by location and stock by trial interactions for various egg production traits. In addition, two protein levels were included to evaluate the importance of stock…
Growth and development in high altitude populations: a review of Ethiopian, Peruvian, and Nepalese studies.

The effects of altitudinal variation on child growth and development have long been a focus of research for students of biocultural mechanisms of adaptation to high altitude. Early studies in Peru showed that children born and raised at altitudes above 3500 m tended to exhibit reduced birth mass, slower growth rate, longer overall period of growth, poorly defined adolescent growth spurt, and delayed onset of certain aspects of psychomotor development; it is difficult to state with certainty whether these phenomena reflected developmental acclimatization to hypoxia or represented an inherited pattern of development. In contrast, more recent studies in Ethiopia showed that children living at high altitudes were taller and heavier, and matured earlier than their genetically similar counter-parts living at low altitudes. The degree of hypoxic stress encountered at the altitude of the highland communities in Ethiopia (3000 m) may not be great enough to adversely affect growth; however, other environmental variables, such as the increased incidence of infectious disease at lower elevations, may be involved. In order to further clarify the effects of genetic and environmental influences on growth among high altitude populations, the growth characteristics of peoples of Tibetan origin living in Nepal were studied. Anthropometric, radiographic, and demographic data were collected from residents of various Sherpa communities in the Everest region of Nepal, and from a group of Tibetan refugees living in the vicinity of Kathmandu. Results of this study indicate that the growth of both groups is extremely retarded by U.S. and European standards. Although the refugee children were slightly more advanced in most growth indicators than the Sherpas, the difference was probably not as great as that existing between high and low altitude populations in Peru. Moreover, the refugee children lived under more favourable conditions in terms of nutritional and health benefits than the conditions of the Sherpas, but were considerably more retarded in all growth indicators than the indigenous inhabitants of highland Peru or Ethiopia. The Nepal data demonstrate that the growth characteristics of Himalayan peoples may reflect the presence of an extremely ancient Tibetan gene pool. A comparison of the three studies shows that, while hypoxia and other environmental agents do influence certain growth parameters, specific effects demonstrated in one high altitude population cannot be directly applied to another. Some differences in the growth characteristics of these populations may be caused by the interaction of as yet undetermined environmental agents, but genetic influences on growth may be more important among high altitude populations than hitherto suspected.
Stiffness changes in chick hair bundles following in vitro overstimulation

1. The in vitro effect of intense stimulation on the micromechanical stiffness of hair cell sensory hair bundles was studied at three locations on the chick basilar papilla. Threshold levels of hair bundle motion, produced by a water jet stimulus, were examined before and after exposure to a 300 Hz water jet stimulus set at 25 dB above the pre-exposure threshold level. 2. Threshold levels of motion were systematically examined in 8 unexposed control cells. The level of water jet stimulus needed to achieve the detection threshold of motion remained constant in these cells when periodically tested over a 36.5-min interval. 3. Post-exposure changes in the motion detection threshold of hair bundles were examined in 82 hair bundles, and a number of effects were identified: 2.4% of the hair bundles showed no threshold changes; 31.7% of the hair bundles had threshold shifts which indicated an increase in stiffness; 18.3% exhibited a threshold shift that indicated a decrease in hair bundle stiffness, but with no recovery; and 47.6% had thresholds that indicated a decrease in hair bundle stiffness with recovery to pre-exposure levels within 16-18 min. 4. The results suggest that chick hair bundles exhibit complex and varied responses to overstimulation which are very different from that seen in the mammal.
International Family Therapy: A View from Kyoto, Japan

"International family therapy" is an emergent field within (or overarching) the field of family therapy. At this stage, it can be described as the collecting and sharing of experiences by family therapists from different countries. Recent publications (7) gather information principally from Western cultures in which systemic family therapy has grown over the past thirty years. Japan is of particular interest to Western practitioners because it is a highly successful, post-industrial culture that differs markedly from the West. Familiar family therapy interventions often work for unfamiliar reasons, and different goals are often needed in order to respond to apparently similar family problems. An expanded sense of choice around strategies for family life and family therapy that such diversity implies is the primary contribution that this maturing, international family therapy movement can make to family therapy.
Racial and geographic variation in coronary heart disease mortality trends

Magnitudes, geographic and racial variation in trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality within the US require updating for health services and health disparities research. Therefore the aim of this study is to present data on these trends through 2007. Data for CHD were analyzed using the US mortality files for 1999–2007 obtained from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Age-adjusted annual death rates were computed for non-Hispanic African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA) aged 35–84 years. The direct method was used to standardize rates by age, using the 2000 US standard population. Joinpoint regression models were used to evaluate trends, expressed as annual percent change (APC). For both AA men and women the magnitude in CHD mortality is higher compared to EA men and women, respectively. Between 1999 and 2007 the rate declined both in AA and in EA of both sexes in every geographic division; however, relative declines varied. For example, among men, relative average annual declines ranged from 3.2% to 4.7% in AA and from 4.4% to 5.5% in EA among geographic divisions. In women, rates declined more in later years of the decade and in women over 54 years. In 2007, age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 for CHD ranged from 93 in EA women in New England to 345 in AA men in the East North Central division. In EA, areas near the Ohio and lower Mississippi Rivers had above average rates. Disparities in trends by urbanization level were also found. For AA in the East North Central division, the APC was similar in large central metro (−4.2), large fringe metro (−4.3), medium metro urbanization strata (−4.4), and small metro (−3.9). APC was somewhat higher in the micropolitan/non-metro (−5.3), and especially the non-core/non-metro (−6.5). For EA in the East South Central division, the APC was higher in large central metro (−5.3), large fringe metro (−4.3) and medium metro urbanization strata (−5.1) than in small metro (−3.8), micropolitan/non-metro (−4.0), and non-core/non-metro (−3.3) urbanization strata. Between 1999 and 2007, the level and rate of decline in CHD mortality displayed persistent disparities. Declines were greater in EA than AA racial groups. Rates were greater in the Ohio and Mississippi River than other geographic regions.
High‐pressure pulsatile lavage irrigation of contaminated fractures: effects on fracture healing

To evaluate the effects of high-pressure pulsatile lavage (HPPL) irrigation on new bone formation and fracture union in a contaminated intraarticular fracture, 45 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three equal groups. The control group (C) underwent an osteotomy of the medial femoral condyle, contamination with a slurry of clay mixed with Staphylococcus aureus, stabilization and closure. The bulb syringe and pulsatile groups (B and P) underwent an identical procedure, with the addition of irrigation with 11 of saline by bulb syringe or pulsatile lavage system. Two fluorescent bone stains that mark new bone formation were administered subcutaneously: xylenol orange at the time of surgery and calcein green one week postoperatively. Animals were euthanized two weeks postoperatively and femurs were retrieved for histological analysis. Union was determined by examination of microradiographs. The viability of bone along the osteotomy site in the first and second weeks after irrigation was determined by evaluation of the two fluorescent stains. The density of new bone two weeks after irrigation was assessed by digitization of the microradiographs. Nonunion was present in 77%, 53%, and 43% of animals in groups C, B, and P, respectively. There was an increase in the presence of bands of both fluorescent stains along the osteotomy site in the groups B and P compared to group C. There was no statistically significant difference between groups B and P in either fluorescent stain. On digitization of microradiographs, there was more calcified new bone on postoperative day 14 in group P than in either group B or C (p = 0.04). The addition of contamination and foreign material to an intraarticular fracture model results in lower rates of new bone formation and fracture union. Irrigation in this setting is clearly beneficial, whether the irrigant is delivered by bulb irrigation or by HPPL. The results of this study indicate using HPPL in this setting does not cause greater damage than using bulb syringe irrigation.
The Impact of Franchising on the Financial Performance of Small Firms

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between form of ownership (independent vs. franchise) and financial performance of a select group of small, mature firms. MANOVA and ANOVA tests failed to identify significant performance differences. Recommendations for future research studies are mentioned. Venturing into a small business is risky. Approximately 400,000 small businesses fail each year (The State of Small Business 1986). A conservative estimate of the failure rate of start-up firms in their first 5 years is close to 65% (Hodgetts 1982). Between one-quarter to one-third fail in their first year of operation (Small Business Reporter 1986). However, many would-be entrepreneurs minimize their business risk by purchasing a franchise rather than starting from scratch. In contrast, only about 2.5% of franchise-owned outlets discontinue operations per year, many for reasons other than economic (“Franchising is Management for Success” 1986).
Examination of the Relationship of Dairy Product Consumption and Dietary Calcium with Body Mass Index Percentile in Children

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships of dairy product and calcium intake with BMI percentile in children. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, the relationships of dairy product (cup equivalents/day) and dietary calcium (mg/day) (measured by 24 hour recall) consumption with BMI percentile [derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts] were assessed in 101 healthy children (ages 8-13). Results: Subject characteristics included (mean + SD): dairy product consumption (2.8 + 1.4 cup equivalents/day), dietary calcium (1039.4 + 431.4 mg/day), and BMI percentile (70.1 + 29.7). Dairy product intake and dietary calcium were inversely related to BMI percentile ( p = 0.005). In subjects 95 th percentile, n= 29). Removal of underweight subjects from the analysis only minimally impacted the results. Differences in dietary intake (MyPyramid food groups, calories, macronutrients, micronutrients) among normal, overweight, and obese subgroups were examined. No significant differences were detected between groups, and removing underweight subjects did not change the findings. Conclusions: These results provide the basis for further investigation into a potential role of dairy and calcium in achieving a healthy body weight in children. Key words: BMI, calcium, weight, children, dairy
Outlier compensation in sensor network self-localization via the EM algorithm

Self-localization is an important component of distributed sensor systems. The presence of a few highly erroneous measurements, or outliers, results in erroneous sensor location estimates. In this paper, we employ the EM algorithm to iteratively detect outlier measurements and provide robust position estimates of the sensors. The derivation of the algorithm is given, and Monte-Carlo simulations are presented to compare this estimator to others. The performance of the EM-based algorithm is also shown to be close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound for position estimation when perfect knowledge of the outlier process is known.
Sulfided heterogeneous, bimetallic Ru/Mo catalysts derived from mixtures of Ru3(CO)12 (or RuCl3) and a molybdenum heteropolyanion: The reactions of ethanol with tetrahydroquinoline

Efforts have been made to develop Ru/Mo bimetallic catalyst systems for hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of tetrahydroquinoline (THQ). In the course of these studies, it was discovered that in ethanol, under hydrogen and in the presence of carbon disulfide (CSd, precatalyst solutions containing ruthenium [as RU,(CO)~~ or RuCI,] and molybdenum [as the H,PMo,,O, heteropolyanion (HPA)] decompose to form bimetallic, sulfided particles. Particle diameters run from 0.1 to 5 pm depending on the rate of stirring. Catalyst particles with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 1 pm can be prepared reproducibly. BET-measured surface areas for these size particles ranged from 2 to 20 m2 g-'. These sulfided particles were found to catalyze, at temperatures of 200-250 "C and hydrogen pressures of 200-1000 psig (1.46.9 MPa) hydrogen, the N-ethylation of THQ to form N-ethyltetrahydroquinoline (N-Et-THQ), rather than the formation of propylcyclohexane or propylbenzene, reaction products expected for HDN of THQ. Monometallic heterogeneous catalysts prepared from the individual precatalyst complexes, under identical conditions, show minimal activity for N-ethylation by comparison with the bimetallic catalyst. In the absence of hydrogen, the reaction proceeds so that THQ is converted to quinoline, N-Et-THQ, N-C,H,-THQ and N-C,H,,-THQ. The latter products appear to arise via acetaldehyde, formed as an intermediate by dehydrogenation of ethanol. Acetaldehyde either condenses with THQ to form N-Et-THQ, or self-condenses (aldol condensation) prior to reaction with THQ, thereby giving higher-homolog alkylation products.
Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection of Blebs Under Local Anesthesia With Sedation for Treatment of a Spontaneous Pneumothorax

We performed thoracoscopic wedge resections of blebs with a stapling device under local anesthesia with sedation in 34 consecutive patients who presented with spontaneous pneumothoraces. The indications for surgery included the absence of parietal pleural adhesions and knowledge of the precise bleb location prior to the procedure. Prior to surgery, 0.5% lidocaine was administered into the pleural space, and IV butorphanol tartrate and diazepam were administered to reduce pain and anxiety during the procedure. In our series, the thoracoscopic procedure resulted in favorable outcomes in all but two patients. There was no evidence of hemodynamic instability or arterial blood gas abnormalities encountered during the procedure. Minor postoperative complications were seen in only three patients (two with air leakage and one with transient atelectasis). One patient had a recurrence of his spontaneous pneumothorax 3 months following the procedure. Therefore, the overall success rate was 91%. We compared the results of this therapeutic modality (group 1) with those of 38 patients who underwent the procedure under general anesthesia (group 2) during the same period. The length of hospital stay was shorter in group 1 than in group 2 (4.5±1.3 vs 5.8±1.1 days; p
Fe-carbonyl is a key player in planetary magmas

Although the volatile elements C and H are minor constituents of magmas on terrestrial planets (Earth-like rocky bodies, including Earth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and the Moon), they play an outsized role in planetary processes, having crucial influence on planetary atmospheres and climates. For many planetary environments, including perhaps those of the earliest Earth, we understand relatively little about magmatic outgassing of volatiles because conditions are—or might have been—reducing. Whereas under oxidizing conditions the principle volcanic gases are H2O and CO2, the behavior of which in magmas is reasonably well understood, the identities and concentrations of similar species under reduced conditions has not been known. In PNAS, Wetzel et al. (1) present experimental results that suggest that the C could be carried chiefly in a surprising compound: Fe-carbonyl [Fe(CO)5].
Power electronics for the next century

The author discusses the future of power electronics. Some important current products are mentioned first. Important societal needs which are believed to have the greatest impact on future power electronic products are discussed. Finally, the author provides predictions regarding the most important products at the end of this century, and some comments on the technology anticipated 25 years from now. >
High-Stakes Testing for Students with Mathematics Difficulty: Response Format Effects in Mathematics Problem Solving.

Students with disabilities are frequently granted accommodations for high-stakes standardized tests to provide them an opportunity to demonstrate their academic knowledge without interference from their disability. One type of possible accommodation, test response format, concerns whether students respond in multiple-choice or constructed-response format. An experimental study was conducted to assess the performance differences of third-grade students with mathematics difficulty on a test of mathematics problem solving as a function of response format. Students responding in the multiple-choice format had a significant advantage over students answering in the constructed-response format.
Stable models and circumscription

The concept of a stable model provided a declarative semantics for Prolog programs with negation as failure and became a starting point for the development of answer set programming. In this paper we propose a new definition of that concept, which covers many constructs used in answer set programming and, unlike the original definition, refers neither to grounding nor to fixpoints. It is based on a syntactic transformation similar to parallel circumscription.
Semi-supervised dictionary learning for network-wide link load prediction

Being a primary indicator of network health, link traffic volumes are used in multiple network management and diagnostic tasks. Although link volumes are available using off-the-shelf tools, the corresponding measurement records typically contain errors and missing data. To overcome these challenges, the present paper develops a link traffic prediction algorithm that fills missing entries and removes noise from the observed entries in an online fashion. The algorithm not only exploits topological knowledge of the network, but also learns from the available historical link traffic data. During its operational phase, the novel algorithm relies on a sparse signal representation for the link counts over a data-driven dictionary. Prediction of link counts follows after solving an l 1 -regularized least-squares problem. Prior to operation however, a dictionary is trained so that it captures all the necessary information from the historical data, allows for a sparse representation, and is aware of the network topology. This is accomplished through a novel semi-supervised dictionary learning scheme which works even when the training data has missing entries. Numerical tests on data from the Internet2 archive corroborate the proposed algorithms.
Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β signaling induces left ventricular dilation and dysfunction in the pressure-overloaded heart

This study utilized a transgenic mouse model that expresses an inducible dominant-negative mutation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta type II receptor (DnTGFbetaRII) to define the structural and functional responses of the left ventricle (LV) to pressure-overload stress in the absence of an intact TGF-beta signaling cascade. DnTGFbetaRII and nontransgenic (NTG) control mice (male, 8-10 wk) were randomized to receive Zn(2+) (25 mM ZnSO(4) in drinking H(2)O to induce DnTGFbetaRII gene expression) or control tap H(2)O and then further randomized to undergo transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery. At 7 days post-TAC, interstitial nonmyocyte proliferation (Ki67 staining) was greatly reduced in LV of DnTGFbetaRII+Zn(2+) mice compared with the other TAC groups. At 28 and 120 days post-TAC, collagen deposition (picrosirius-red staining) in LV was attenuated in DnTGFbetaRII+Zn(2+) mice compared with the other TAC groups. LV end systolic diameter and end systolic and end diastolic volumes were markedly increased, while ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly decreased in TAC-DnTGFbetaRII+Zn(2+) mice compared with the other groups at 120 days post-TAC. These data indicate that interruption of TGF-beta signaling attenuates pressure-overload-induced interstitial nonmyocyte proliferation and collagen deposition and promotes LV dilation and dysfunction in the pressure-overloaded heart, thus creating a novel model of dilated cardiomyopathy.
The largest scholarly semantic network...ever.

Scholarly entities, such as articles, journals, authors and institutions, are now mostly ranked according to expert opinion and citation data. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation funded MESUR project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is developing metrics of scholarly impact that can rank a wide range of scholarly entities on the basis of their usage. The MESUR project starts with the creation of a semantic network model of the scholarly community that integrates bibliographic, citation, and usage data collected from publishers and repositories world-wide. It is estimated that this scholarly semantic network will include approximately 50 million articles, 1 million authors, 10,000 journals and conference proceedings, 500 million citations, and 1 billion usage-related events; the largest scholarly semantic network ever created. The developed scholarly semantic network will then serve as a standardized platform for the definition and validation of new metrics of scholarly impact. This poster describes the MESUR project's data aggregation and processing techniques including the OWL scholarly ontology that was developed to model the scholarly communication process.
Properties of In-Doped ZnO Films Grown by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition on GaN(0001) Templates

We investigated the properties of indium-doped zinc oxide layers grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on semi-insulating GaN(0001) templates. Specular and transparent films were grown with n-type carrier concentrations up to 1.82 × 1019 cm−3 as determined by Hall measurements, and all In-doped films had carrier concentrations significantly higher than that of a comparable undoped film. For low In flows, the carrier concentration increased accordingly with trimethyl-indium (TMIn) flow until a maximum carrier concentration of 1.82 × 1019 cm−3 was realized. For higher In flows, the carrier concentration decreased with increasing TMIn flow rate. Sheet resistance as low as 185 Ω/sq was achieved for the In-doped films, which is a significant decrease from that of a comparable undoped ZnO film. Our n-type doping studies show that In is an effective dopant for controlling the n-type conductivity of ZnO.
Sacral nerve stimulation in faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter lesion: a systematic review

Aim The long-term results of sphincteroplasty for faecal incontinence due to an anal sphincter lesion have been disappointing. Initially sacral nerve stimulation was used only in faecal incontinence of neurogenic origin but subsequently the indications have been extended to other conditions. The aim of this review was to evaluate sacral nerve stimulation for incontinence in the presence of a sphincter defect. Method The MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases for the period between 1995 and 2011 were searched for studies in English, with no limitations concerning the study size or the length of follow-up. The major endpoints were clinical efficacy, changes in anorectal manometry and quality of life. Results Ten reports (119 patients) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was low (nine were retrospective, one was prospective). All reported a lesion of the external anal and/or internal anal sphincter on endoanal ultrasound. A definitive implant was performed on 106 (89%) of the 119 patients who underwent a peripheral nerve evaluation test. The weighted average number of incontinent episodes per week decreased from 12.1 to 2.3, the weighted average Cleveland Clinic Score decreased from 16.5 to 3.8, and the ability to defer defaecation, when evaluated, increased significantly. The features at anorectal manometry did not change. The quality of life improved significantly in almost all studies. Conclusion Sacral nerve stimulation could be a therapeutic option for faecal incontinence in patients with an anal sphincter lesion. However, the quality of the published studies is low. A randomized clinical trial comparing sacral nerve stimulation with other classical surgical procedures at long-term follow-up, although beset with difficulties, should be conducted.
Identification of Hallucinatory Themes in the Late Neolithic Art of Hungary

A number of factors that coalesced in the Venus figurines of the Late Neolithic culture from Hungary have been identified with dominant hallucinatory themes, suggesting the crucial role of ecstatic religion in this culture. This article provides a review of the nature and role of hallucinogens in the ecstatic religion of contemporary and historical cultures in order to establish a background for analysis. Analysis of these Late Neolithic artifacts indicates the presence of a number of themes associated with hallucinogen use: the presence of iconographic elements similar to eidetic forms; the use of red color; anthropo- and theriopomorphic figurines in seated postures; and specific patterns of breakage with disposal. The discussion illuminates the crucial features as well as the role and significance of these factors in ecstatic cults.
Computer Controlled Vacuum Control System for Synchrotron Radiation Beam Lines

The increasing number and complexity of vacuum control systems at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory has resulted in the need to computerize its operations in order to lower costs and increase efficiency of operation. Status signals are transmitted through digital and analog serial data links which use microprocessors to monitor vacuum status continuously. Each microprocessor has a unique address and up to 256 can be connected to the host computer over a single RS232 data line. A FORTRAN program on the host computer will request status messages and send control messages via only one RS232 line per beam line, signal the operator when a fault condition occurs, take automatic corrective actions, warn of impending valve failure, and keep a running log of all changes in vacuum status for later recall. Wiring costs are thus greatly reduced and more status conditions can be monitored without adding excessively to the complexity of the system. Operators can then obtain status reports at various locations in the lab quickly without having to read a large number of meter and LED's.
Initiation of dosage compensation in Drosophila embryos depends on expression of the roX RNAs

The roX1 and roX2 genes of Drosophila produce non-coding transcripts that localize to the X-chromosome. In spite of their lack of sequence similarity, they are redundant components of an RNA/protein complex that up-regulates the male X-chromosome, contributing to the equalization of X-linked gene expression between males and females. roX1 is detected at 2 h AEL, prior to formation of the complex, and is present in both sexes. Maternally provided MLE (Maleless) is required for roX1 stability. By contrast, roX2 is male-specific and is first observed at 6 h. Either roX transcript can support X-localization of the complex, but localization is delayed in roX1 mutants until roX2 expression. These results support a model for the ordered assembly of the complex in embryos.
Spatially regularized solution of inverse elasticity problems using the BEM

This paper is concerned with solution by the boundary element method (BEM) of a certain class of inverse linear elastic problems using the spatial regularization method. More specifically, the problem of calculating the boundary and internal conditions on a deformed specimen given approximate information on the displacements at discrete ‘sensor locations’ in the specimen is discussed. The solution algorithm employs a sensitivity analysis and a least-squares minimization of the difference between the calculated and measured displacements at each sensor location. The ideas presented here can be applied to contact problems where measurements of the deformation at the contact area are difficult.
Bias-dependent peltier coefficient in bipolar devices

Temperature stabilization is important in many microelectronic devices due to thermal constraints on device operation and lifetime. The work described here is an investigation of thermoelectric phenomena in bipolar devices, speci£cally the p-n diode. Current injection can modify the Peltier coef£cient at interfaces; this can give rise to thermoelectric cooling or heating depending on device parameters. The bias-dependent Peltier coef£cient is modeled using self-consistent drift-diffusion, and implications for device design are examined. The different regimes of bias for which cooling is achieved are described, as well as the effects of device length, doping, and heterojunction band offset. Extensions of the model are given for applications such as the internal cooling of semiconductor laser diodes.
Electronic Games & the First Amendment

Prompted by the upcoming Supreme Court case Brown v. EMA (formerly Schwarzenegger v. EMA), this article explores the case history of electronic game censorship, the history of new media regulation, and how significant free speech theories can be applied to electronic games. In Brown v. EMA and similar cases, lawmakers have attempted to regulate electronic games based on their violent content, while earlier cases refused to consider electronic games as speech at all. This paper advocates a structuralist analysis of media, the expressive germ perspective, to determine which media should be considered speech. By focusing on the capabilities rather than the content of nascent media, courts can avoid misclassifying rightfully protected expression due to cultural prejudice or unfamiliarity with new media. Ultimately, this paper broadens the discussion raised by Brown v. EMA to interrogate our judiciary's failure to protect media in their formative stages and fulfill the anti-majoritarian goals of the First Amendment.
Abstract C41: Palliative care consults in terminal cancer patients dying in a safety-net hospital: Are they underutilized?

Introduction: Terminal patients with limited resources are more likely to die in the hospital which may be due in part to lack of access to palliative care. We hypothesized that the majority of terminal cancer patients who were treated and who died in a safety-net hospital did not receive a palliative care consult. Methods: A retrospective review of terminal cancer patients who were admitted and died at Lyndon Baines Johnson General Hospital, a safety-net hospital, from January through December 2012 was completed. Terminal cancer was defined as Stage IV or recurrent cancer with only palliative treatment options. Data was gathered on age, race/ethnicity, sex, length of stay (LOS) of final admission, underlying terminal cancer, insurance status, and receipt of a palliative consult. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Seventy-four patients with terminal cancer died in the hospital. The majority of patients were minorities: African Americans (n=28, 38%), Hispanics (n=27, 36%), Caucasians (n=14, 19%), and Asian/other ethnicities (n=5, 7%). Two-thirds of patients (n=49, 66%) received palliative consults. There was no difference in race/ethnicity, gender, or age between patients who did and did not receive palliative consults. Patients who received a palliative consult were more likely to be uninsured (90% vs. 56%, p=0.003). There was no difference in median LOS (interquartile range, days) of the final admission between patients who did and did not receive a palliative consult (7, 3-16 versus 6, 2-15 days; p=0.47). Conclusions: In a safety-net hospital, in-hospital deaths still occur among terminal cancer patients even when palliative care consults are received. Further studies are necessary to determine how palliative care can best address the needs of vulnerable patients in order to reduce in-hospital deaths and improve patient-centered outcomes. Citation Format: Rebecca L. Wiatrek, Zeinab I. Alawadi, Debbie F. Lew, Melanie E. Zuo, Jeanette G. Ferrer, Tien C. Ko, Lillian S. Kao, Curtis J. Wray. Palliative care consults in terminal cancer patients dying in a safety-net hospital: Are they underutilized?. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C41. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C41
Preclinical Effects of Opioid Antagonists on Feeding and Appetite

A large component of the evidence linking the endogenous opioid system to the control of food intake and body weight has been derived from the ability of general and selective opioid antagonists to block food intake under a number of homeostatically mediated and reward-mediated conditions. This chapter will examine the role of general and specific opioid receptor subtype antagonist involvement in the mediation of (1) the palatable and hedonic aspects of food intake and food choice, including ingestion of simple sugars and fats; (2) the ingestive response to homeostatic regulatory challenges including food deprivation, glucoprivation, and lipoprivation; (3) body weight regulation in normophagic, genetically-obese, diet-obese and stressed animals; and (4) pharmacologically-induced feeding. Detailed description of the central sites of antagonist will be provided, as well as comparing opioid antagonist effects with those derived from molecular gene expression and knockout and knockdown (antisense) approaches. The pervasive effects of opioid antagonists on the different aspects of feeding behavior make the development of more selective antagonist peptide analogues and drugs attractive target systems for the treatment of obesity and diabetes and intake of macronutrients associated with these important dysfunctions.
Remarks on Linear Equations

(1929). Remarks on Linear Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 36, No. 7, pp. 359-364.
Advances in research on the host diversity in plague natural foci in China

The main hosts in plague natural foci play a key role in the spread of plague and the preservation of Yersinia pestis . However, the plague hosts in natural foci have been showing diversity in recent years. Especially the non-primary hosts in plague natural foci have become a classic mode of plague transmission, posing a serious threat to human health. The relationship between hosts and plague transmission is presented in this paper to provide guidance for the development of measures for plague monitoring, prevention and control.
Spectral Analysis of Coal Tar from Xiaohuangshan Region

The composition of coal tar from the Xiaohuangshan region,Xinjiang was studied by NMR spectroscopy and IR spectrometry.Structure parameters of the tar were calculated,and used to evaluate the degree of coalification and hydrocarbon generation capacity of the crude coal.The average aromatization-carbon ratio was found to be 0.78,carbon number(N) 1.64,replace index(σ) 0.49,and condensation index(Q) 0.51.It was found that there were many alkyl-side chains connecting to the condensation aromatic nuclei,whose chain length was relatively short.Structural information was yielded from normalized and integrated IR spectra with the OPUS software.The parameters obtained from the NMR and IR spectra indicated that the crude coal was in medium metamorphic grade,and belonged to humic coal containing mainly vitrinite.According to the hydrocarbon generation mechanism,the gas potentiality of the coal tar was found to be better than oil,with its gas potential carbon mainly located in the methyl units.It was concluded that the coal from the Xiaohuangshan region can be used as the raw material to producing coal gas.
Thermal-Chronological Dating on the Thermal History of Plutons and Tectonic-Landform Evolution of the Central Tibetan Plateau

Typical plutons such as the Baingoin granite, the Xungmai granite, the Yangbajain granite, the Jaggang granodiorite, the Lhasa granit and the Quxu granodiorite are sampled and analyzed for thermal-chronological dating of tectonic events and uplift process of the central Tibetan Plateau. Four periods of regional tectonic-thermal events in 121 -116 Ma, 93 - 45 Ma, 25-15 Ma and 8-6. 5 Ma are identified, corresponding to plu-tonism of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone, plutonism and uplifting of the Yarlung Zangbo suture zone, thrusting and uplifting of Gangdise tectonic belt and extensional faulting of the middle Lhasa Block respectively. The erosional surface and planation tops of mountains mainly formed in 40-25 Ma and 15 - 8 Ma. The central Tibetan Plateau uplifted in 25 - 8 Ma as a whole and began extensional breaking in 8-6. 5 Ma.
My 60 Years as a Planner

This article is a continuation of JAPA’s “Perspective” series that provides a view of the 60-year career of Richard S. Bolan. In those 60 years Bolan experienced four different career phases beginning with eight years of practice experience, followed by a period at the former Joint Center for Urban Studies of MIT and Harvard. From there he joined the faculty of Boston College, where he published numerous contributions to planning theory. In 1985 he moved to the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota, where he engaged in international work focusing on Central and Eastern Europe and wrote about the failed role of planning in the fall of communism and essential works in environmental remedial work for an extremely polluted region. He has continued teaching since officially retiring in 1988 with current responsibilities teaching planning theory at the doctoral level. He has just completed a book being considered for publication, titled Urban Planning's Philosophical Entanglements: The Rugged Dialec...
Increased Anesthesia Usage in a Large-Volume Endoscopy Unit: Patient Acuity Is Not the Main Predictor.

OBJECTIVES The use of monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for colonoscopy sedation continues to increase. This study examined trends during a 9-year period in the use of MAC and explored which patient variables may have influenced these trends. METHODS This was a retrospective review of all colonoscopies performed in our hospital-based endoscopy unit from 2003 through 2012. We determined whether MAC was used and if not, which quantitative doses of sedative agents were used. Several patient-related variables were evaluated for correlation. Data were analyzed (t test, χ(2), logistic regression) using SAS statistical software. RESULTS Between January 2003 and October 2012, we identified 37,803 performed colonoscopies. The use of MAC increased significantly, from 0.38% in 2003 to 10.0% in 2012 (P < 0.0001). For cases in which conscious sedation was used, the mean doses of sedatives did not change significantly over time. Although there was an association between certain patient variables (female sex; higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class; diagnostic procedures; and pulmonary, psychiatric, renal or cerebrovascular diseases) and the use of MAC, the greatest predictor of MAC use was the year of the procedure. After adjusting for the patient variables that were examined, the odds of using MAC increased by approximately 1.5 times per year from 2003 through 2012. The adjusted odds of using MAC in 2012 were 35.8 times higher than in 2003. CONCLUSIONS The use of MAC for colonoscopies performed in our endoscopy unit increased significantly from 2003 to 2012. Although increased MAC use was associated with some patient variables, it was most significantly associated with the year of the procedure. This suggests that there were other nonpatient-related factors influencing its use.
Tombusvirus-Host Interactions: Co-Opted Evolutionarily Conserved Host Factors Take Center Court

Plant positive-strand (+)RNA viruses are intracellular infectious agents that reorganize subcellular membranes and rewire the cellular metabolism of host cells to achieve viral replication in elaborate replication compartments. This review describes the viral replication process based on tombusviruses, highlighting common strategies with other plant and animal viruses. Overall, the works on Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) have revealed intriguing and complex functions of co-opted cellular translation factors, heat shock proteins, DEAD-box helicases, lipid transfer proteins, and membrane-deforming proteins in virus replication. The emerging picture is that many of the co-opted host factors are from highly expressed and conserved protein families. By hijacking host proteins, phospholipids, sterols, and the actin network, TBSV exerts supremacy over the host cell to support viral replication in large replication compartments. Altogether, these advances in our understanding of tombusvirus-host interactions are broadly applicable to many other viruses, which also usurp conserved host factors for various viral processes.
Genetic Evaluation and Testing

Genetic evaluation for cancer susceptibility is becoming an integral part of medical care. This chapter provides an update on the genetic basis of breast cancer including genes recently identified which are associated with low to moderate risk for developing breast cancer. Approaches to genetic testing for breast cancer risk are explained. Implications of genetic testing on individuals as well as their family members are reviewed and updated.
6 MeV energy calibration and reconstruction with pixelated CZT detectors using digital methods

CZT is an attractive material for gamma-ray spectroscopy due to its high resolution, high efficiency and ability to operate at room temperature. It has shown better than 1 % FWHM energy resolution at 662 keV. However, at higher energies, the electron cloud gets bigger than the size of a single pixel. This effect is known as charge sharing and contributes to energy resolution degradation. It is important for planetary science and astrophysics applications to broaden the energy range of pixelated CZT detectors. A digitizer system was used to study the response of a 2 cm × 2 cm × 1.5 cm pixelated CZT detector manufactured by Redlen Technology Inc., to a source of 6.129 MeV from the de-excitation of the second excited state of 16O. The 5.107 MeV double escape peak was identified and has shown that the response of the system is linear at high energy.
High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for recurrent/progressive CNS lymphoma.

2089 Background: In two reports by Soussain et al, promising efficacy was observed in recurrent primary CNS lymphoma with induction cytarabine/VP-16 (CYVE) followed by HDC-ASCT (busulfan, thiotepa ...
Laparoscopic Pancreas Enucleation

Laparoscopic enucleation of pancreatic masses is performed for small or peripheral pancreatic lesions that do not require lymph node dissection. This chapter lists the indications, essential steps, common technical variations, and complications of the procedure. A detailed template operative dictation note is included.
Implementation of spectral analysis of surface waves approach for characterization of railway track substructures

Abstract Monitoring and identifying the changes in mechanical properties of the railway track due to climatic fluctuation and operation are crucial. Few systematic methods exist for measuring the mechanical properties of the ballast and foundation layers of a railway track. The Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave (SASW) approach, a nondestructive seismic testing method to measure mechanical properties, has been implemented to evaluate the subsurface conditions of pavements. Due to its straightforward method of data analyses, the possibility of automation and the similarities in layering mechanism and stress distributions in the railway tracks and the pavements, the SASW approach can be employed for rapid assessment of the subsurface conditions of the railway tracks. However, the application of the SASW approach to railway tracks is challenging due to the presence of ties and rails over the tracks and the large variations in characteristics of the ballast and subgrade. This study paper presents the means of studying the complication related to the implementation of the SASW for railway tracks and a suggested alternative in implementing the approach in an optimal manner.