cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thin-film power-density meter for millimeter wavelengths

A quasi-optical power density meter for millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths has been developed. The device is a 2-cm/sup 2/ thin-film bismuth bolometer deposited on a mylar membrane. The resistance responsivity is 150 Omega /W, and the time constant is 1 min. The meter is calibrated at DC. The bolometer is much thinner than a wavelength, and can thus be modeled as a lumped resistance in a transmission-line equivalent circuit. The absorption coefficient is 0.5 for 189- Omega /square film. The power-density meter has been used to measure absolute power densities for millimeter-wave antenna efficiency measurements. Absolute power densities of 0.5 mW/cm/sup 2/ have been measured to an estimated accuracy of 5%. >
Rethinking Food Security for the Twenty-First Century

more surprising, however, is the astonishingly few times-only twenty-four-that "food security" was mentioned.2 This phenomenon was also evident in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics (AJAE). Using even an inclusive definition of subject matter, only about 3 % of the articles published in the AJAE during the past five years have dealt directly with the problems of food security.3 In this article, we examine why concerns about food security have diminished, at least relative to earlier periods. We argue that it should be in the interest of agricultural economists to return this concept to the G-8 agenda in light of the clear linkages between agricultural development, economic growth, food security, and national security in poor countries. We are particularly concerned that issues of hunger not get lost in a world food economy that is now driven predominantly by animal product demand, super markets, and subsides, and that is increasingly constrained by natural resources and their (mis)management. Three themes are thus intertwined in the
Measurability of Wilson loop operators

We show that the nondemolition measurement of a spacelike Wilson loop operator W(C) is impossible in a relativistic non-Abelian gauge theory. In particular, if two spacelike-separated magnetic flux tubes both link with the loop C, then a nondemolition measurement of W(C) would cause electric charge to be transferred from one flux tube to the other, a violation of relativistic causality. A destructive measurement of W(C) is possible in a non-Abelian gauge theory with suitable matter content. In an Abelian gauge theory, many cooperating parties distributed along the loop C can perform a nondemolition measurement of the Wilson loop operator if they are equipped with a shared entangled ancilla that has been prepared in advance. We also note that Abelian electric charge (but not non-Abelian charge) can be transported superluminally, without any accompanying transmission of information.
Youth participation in organized and informal sports activities across childhood and adolescence: Exploring the relationships of motivational beliefs, developmental stage and gender

Involvement in physically active pursuits, such as sports, contributes to achieving and maintaining good emotional and physical health. The central goal of this article was to examine the longitudinal relationships between participation (i.e., time spent in the activities) in organized and informal sports contexts and motivational beliefs, and factors that might impact these relationships, such as developmental stage and gender. The data for the current study were drawn from the childhood and beyond longitudinal study, which utilized a cohort sequential design with data collected on three cohorts across four waves. The current study sample included 986 European American youth (51 % female), who t were mostly from working- and middle-class families. Self-report questionnaires were used to collect data from the youth about their participation in sports and their motivational beliefs (i.e., value and perceptions of competence) about this activity. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between participation and motivational beliefs across childhood and adolescence. The results provide some support for a model of reciprocal relationships between participation and motivational beliefs in organized and informal sports activities. These relationships between participation and motivational beliefs did not vary significantly based on developmental stage or by gender. Overall, the findings suggest that participation in organized and informal sports contexts may be fostered by supporting the development of positive motivational beliefs about the activities across developmental periods.
Specificity of the lipid-binding domain of apoC-II for the substrates and products of lipolysis.

Functional similarities between colipase and apo- lipoprotein C-II (apoC-II) in activating lipases suggest that apoC-II may, like colipase, preferentially interact with inter- faces containing the substrates and products of lipolysis. To test this hypothesis, the binding of a peptide comprising residues of the cofactor implicated in lipid binding, apo- lipoprotein C-II(13-56), and, to a lesser extent, apoC-II, to monomolecular lipid films was characterized. The lipids used were a diacylphosphatidylcholine, a diacylglycerol, and a fatty acid. The peptide had an affinity for the argon- buffer interface and for all lipids consistent with a dissocia- tion constant of , 10 nM. Changes in surface pressure ac- companying peptide binding were comparable to those re- ported for native apoC-II and indicate peptide miscibility with each of the lipids tested. The capacity of the surfaces to accommodate the peptide decreased with increasing lipid concentration in the interface, indicating competition between lipid and peptide for interfacial occupancy. At a lipid acyl chain density of 470 pmol/cm 2 , or 35 A 2 per acyl chain, a lower limit of peptide adsorption was reached with all lipids. The limiting level of adsorption to phosphatidyl- choline was only 1 pmol/cm 2 compared with 6-7 pmol/cm 2 for fatty acid and diacylglycerol. Similar results were ob- tained with apoC-II. The difference in the extent of pro- tein adsorption to lipid classes suggests that the distribution of apoC-II among lipoproteins will depend on their lipid composition and surface pressure. — Dahim, M., W. E. Momsen, M. M. Momsen, and H. L. Brockman. Specifity of the lipid-binding domain of apoC-II for the substrates and products of lipolysis. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 553-562.
Blood transcript immune signatures distinguish a subset of people with elevated serum ALT from others given acetaminophen

The diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury is hindered by the limited utility of clinical chemistries. We have shown that hepatotoxicants can produce peripheral blood transcriptome "signatures" (PBTS) in rodents and humans. In this study, 42 adults were treated with acetaminophen (APAP; 1 g every 6 hours) for seven days, followed by three days of placebo. Eleven subjects received only placebo. After five days, 12 subjects (30%) had increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ("responders"). PBTS of 707 and 760 genes, respectively, could distinguish responders and nonresponders from placebos. Functional analysis of the responder PBTS revealed increased expression of genes involved in TH2-mediated and innate immune responses, whereas the nonresponders demonstrated increased gene expression consistent with a tolerogenic immune response. Taken together, these observations suggest that the clinical subjects with transient increases in serum ALT failed to maintain or intensify a hepatic tolerogenic immune response.
A New Adaptive GMRES Algorithm for Achieving High Accuracy

GMRES(k) is widely used for solving nonsymmetric linear systems. However, it is inadequate either when it converges only for k close to the problem size or when numerical error in the modified Gram-Schmidt process used in the GMRES orthogonalization phase dramatically affects the algorithm performance. An adaptive version of GMRES(k) which tunes the restart value k based on criteria estimating the GMRES conversion rate for the given problem is proposed here. This adaptive GMRES(k) procedure outperforms standard GMRES(k), several other GMRES-like methods, and QMR on actual large scale sparse structural mechanics postbuckling and analog circuit simulation problems. There are some applications, such as homotopy methods for high Reynolds number viscous flows, solid mechanics postbuckling analysis, and analog circuit simulation, where very high accuracy in the linear system solutions is essential. In this context, the modified Gram-Schmidt process in GMRES can fail causing the entire GMRES iteration to fail. It is shown that the adaptive GMRES(k) with the orthogonalization performed by Householder transformations succeeds whenever GMRES(k) with the orthogonolization performed by the modified Gram-Schmidt process fails, and the extra cost of computing Householder transformations is justified for these applications.
Advertising and Optimal Consumption Path: The Case of Prescription Drugs

This paper empirically tests whether direct-to-consumer advertising induces patients to follow their prescribed therapies more closely. The analysis confirms that patients who start on anti-hyperlipidemic drug therapy following high total category advertising tend to be more compliant possibly because they initiate the process and thus are more motivated. There is an informational spillover across brands - advertising of one brand reminds users of other brands in the category to take their medication. This effect is significant statistically but perhaps not so economically - a $1 million increase in advertising decreases average number of missed therapy days by only a small fraction of a day. The effect of own-advertising, of similar economic magnitude, varies across brands. While it increases compliance for two major brands, it decreases compliance for a third major brand. This is consistent with an argument that patients pay particular attention to side-effect warnings for the drug they are taking. Tests suggest that this phenomenon applies to television advertising only and affects patients for whom side-effect warnings are new information.
New measurements and analysis of the far-infrared spectrum of CH 2 DOH in the lowest torsional vibrational state (e 0 )

Abstract In this work the far infrared (FIR) absorption spectrum has been measured for the asymmetrically mono deuterated Methanol (CH2DOH) species in the wavenumber range of 15–1200 cm−1 better accuracy and signal/noise ratio than known before. Assignments have been made for b-type transitions in the lowest lying torsional vibrational state trans-(e0) for a wide range of rotational angular momentum. The assignments have been rigorously confirmed by the residual loop defect methods. The rR–branch wavenumbers are analyzed by the usual state dependent expansion parameters and the Q-Branch origins. These origins have been used to calculate the torsional and torsional-rotation interaction contributions. These findings are in good agreement with predicted from the Hamiltonian model described in recent publications. A large number of assignments have also been made in the millimeter wave spectrum recorded earlier and thereby evaluated the asymmetry splitting parameters for 4 different axial rotational angular momentum quantum numbers. The analysis and interpretation of the spectra are reported. New assignments for about 260 transitions are included the text and a catalog of about 1500 transitions belonging to the e0 species is prepared (Appendix 1) and is made available through the open server in “Research Gate” and will be freely available to others.
Alfalfa Weevil: Host Response to Larval Feeding

The growth habit and yield response of alfalfa to the feeding of Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) larvae was measured in growth chambers at densities of 2–16 larvae/stem. Yield response of alfalfa to larval feeding was a proportional reduction of leaf and stem weight, and was more pronounced at 25°–22°C day-night temperature than at 16°–13°C. At the higher temperatures with densities of 8 and 16 larvae per stem, reductions in yield were 53 and 64%, while the rate of leaf node development was reduced 65 and 78%. Artificial defoliation did not cause a comparable reduction in the rate of leaf node development.
Oxidation of Powder Processed NbAl3 Matrix Composites

Niobium aluminide based composites fabricated by powder metallurgy techniques were tested for oxidation resistance between 1000 and 1400°C. The oxidation rate of these materials was improved over conventionally cast or pack aluminized NbAl3. The inclusion of oxide dispersoids decreased the rate constant by an order of magnitude at 1000°C compared to monolithic NbAl3 and to a value of the same order of magnitude as NiAl at 1170°C. The most heavily reinforced material studied had a rate constant an order of magnitude greater than NiAl at 1400°C.The oxide scale was generally adherent and compact but contained oxide nodules.
Our Concepts of Controlling Need Re-Thinking

Focuses on the businessmen's ideas concerning the subject of control in management. Personal aspects of control; Evaluation of control procedures; Reason for the difficult conceptual problems posed...
Survey and Analysis of Sexual Morality Status for Medical College Students

To understand the sexual morality situation of medical college students and current problems,to provide the direction and reference for universities to carry out more effective sexual health education in the future,the authors use stratified clusters sampling method to survey three medical colleges students in Sichuan province by anonymous questionnaire. 94. 4% of the students can accept love during the university; most of the college students( 70. 1%) of the students disagree with the statement that'virginity'is very important for women,but it does not matter for men. 41. 3% of the students can accept gay phenomenon; 33. 3% of college students can accept sex outside marriage or before marriage; 68. 7% of college students can't accept prostitution behavior. There are some differences in different gender,grade and the family source in students' sexual morality. The sexual morality of medical college students presents an open and rational co-existing state,there are still sexual morality bias for a fewstudents. Not only universities should pay attention to improve and strengthen student sexual health education,but also closely coordinate with the family and society,to promote students' sexual morality to develop towards a more healthy direction.
25 ACUTE PULMONARY EDEMA AFTER PERCUTANEOUS ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT CLOSURE IN A PATIENT WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION.

Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) has become commonplace for interventional cardiologists, making this procedure a viable and safe option for those with hemodynamically significant ASDs. However, closure of ASD in a patient with severe left ventricular dysfunction is currently not described in the interventional cardiology literature. We present a case where ASD closure in the setting of left ventricular dysfunction resulted in acute decompensation of heart failure. Our patient had a known EF of 15-20% and subsequently had an ASD closed percutaneously. Immediately afterward, she developed acute pulmonary edema and required mechanical intubation for hypoxic respiratory failure and dopamine for inotrophic support. After extubation, she developed acute pulmonary edema that was managed successfully with IV furosemide. She was eventually weaned off dopamine and survived to hospital discharge and was placed on an appropriate medical regimen for heart failure. She was doing well at clinic follow-up after discharge with NYHA Class II symptoms. It appears that this patient9s acute heart failure decompensation was due to a relative lack of forward flow of blood from the left heart after ASD closure that resulted in acute pulmonary edema and subsequent hypoxia. The situation is akin to acute mitral regurgitation, which is sometimes seen with papillary muscle rupture after an acute coronary syndrome. This patient had a significant left to right shunt prior to ASD closure (Qp/Qs = 2.45 by catherization) and her physiological "baseline " was for a large portion of her left atrial output to flow across the ASD to her right circulation. With elimination of this pathway for blood flow and poor left ventricular ejection fraction, blood in the left atrium accumulated and backed up into the pulmonary vasculature, resulting in acute pulmonary edema. While the coexistence of an ASD and left heart failure may be rare, it is prudent to be aware of the likelihood for acute heart failure decompensation when such ASDs are closed and make plans for management of such acute decompensation.
A new general method for the assessment of the molecular-weight distribution of polydisperse preparations. Its application to an intestinal epithelial glycoprotein and two dextran samples, and comparison with a monodisperse glycoprotein.

A specimen of intestinal glycoprotein isolated from the pig and two samples of dextran, all of which are polydisperse (that is, the preparations may be regarded as consisting of a continuous distribution of molecular weights), have been examined in the ultracentrifuge under meniscus-depletion conditions at equilibrium. They are compared with each other and with a glycoprotein from Cysticercus tenuicollis cyst fluid which is almost monodisperse. The quantity c(-(1/3)) (c=concentration) is plotted against xi (the reduced radius); this plot is linear when the molecular-weight distribution approximates to the ;most probable', i.e. when M(n):M(w):M(z): M((z+1))....... is as 1:2:3:4: etc. The use of this plot, and related procedures, to evaluate qualitatively and semi-quantitatively molecular-weight distribution functions where they can be realistically approximated to Schulz distributions is discussed. The theoretical basis is given in an Appendix.
Ascribing Knowledge to Experts: A Virtue-Contextualist Approach

I argue that epistemic contextualism, as conceived by Lewis and DeRose, cannot accommodate knowledge-ascribing behavior in contexts where expert counsel is sought. Narrowly focusing on the subject’s epistemic position with respect to p in ∼p possibilities yields the wrong verdict in such cases. To account for our judgments, I propose that contextualists should look to virtue responsibilism, which founds epistemic evaluation both on the mastery of relevant underlying principles and their explicit and implicit application. Such assessment is not measured by S’s ability to rule out relevant alternatives or track the truth of p, and for this reason, is not captured by either version of contextualism.
My Family Member as the Deserving Face of Social Security

In analyzing the 2005 Social Security privatization debates as captured on the Congressional Record, Beechey finds members of Congress frequently reference their own families when telling stories about Social Security recipients, offering a window into the politics of deservingness and highlighting the important ways that gender, race, class, and age inform the deserving construction of Social Security recipients as three important characters emerge: (1) the dependent widowed grandmother; (2) the school-boy survivor beneficiary; and (3) the heroically masculine, hardworking, father and husband whose contributions to the Social Security system made those benefits possible. Family stories also allow members of Congress to frame generational concerns in terms of their own families, opening up a site of Social Security critique from within the politics of deservingness.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has become a serious problem of public health. Recently, it is observed cellular immunity is involved in HIV infection and disease progression, especially the Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are important part of innate immunity. In order to clearly understand the mechanism of HIV infection, we try to figure out the function of NK cells during HIV infection. The article reviews the function of NK cells and the effect of NK cells in HIV infection.
Dietary berries and ellagic acid diminish estrogen-mediated mammary cancer in the ACI rat model

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 2267 Elevated levels of estrogen are associated with higher risk for breast cancer. The induction of mammary tumors in ACI rats by estrogen mimics the human scenario more closely than tumors induced by environmental carcinogens. This renders the model more useful for chemopreventive interventions with translational value. Historically, dietary chemoprevention studies have used relatively high doses in order to achieve efficacy which makes applying bench-side research to bed-side improbable. Any potent chemopreventive agent must be tested at realistically achievable doses in a suitable animal model for integrating into clinical practice. In this study, we have tested feasible doses of dietary berries and ellagic acid to reduce estrogen-mediated mammary tumorigenesis. Female ACI rats (7-8 wks) were fed either AIN-93M diet (n=25) or diet supplemented with either dehydrated blueberries (n=18) and black raspberries (n=18) at 2.5% w/w or ellagic acid (n=18) at 400 ppm. Two weeks later, animals received implants of silastic tubes containing 27 mg 17β- estradiol. Animals were monitored for tumor appearance by palpation throughout the course of the study. Animals were euthanized 25 weeks after estrogen treatment and number of tumors and tumor volumes were determined. Tumors in animals fed control diet first appeared after 90 d of estrogen implantation. Tumor appearance was, however, moderately, but insignificantly, delayed by 18, 21 and 22 d in animals fed diets supplemented with blueberries, black raspberries and ellagic acid, respectively. At the termination of the experiment, no difference was observed in the tumor incidence between the control diet and experimental diets, however, other tumor indices were reduced by intervention. Compared with control group (average tumor volume = 685± 200 mm3 and tumor multiplicity = 8.0± 2.4), ellagic acid reduced the tumor burden by 75% (p<0.005) and tumor multiplicity by 44% (p70% (p<0.005) and tumor multiplicity by 37% (p=0.07). Blueberries showed a moderate (42%) reduction in tumor volume but tumor multiplicity was essentially unaffected. These data demonstrate chemoprotective effects of both berries and ellagic acid against the carcinogenic activity of the estrogen. Based on known ellagic acid contents - high in black raspberries (1,500 ppm) and low in blueberries (<100 ppm), our data suggests that, in addition to ellagic acid, there may be other constituent(s) in these berries that are responsible for the observed chemoprotective effects.
Patients with bulimia nervosa do not show typical neurodevelopment of cognitive control under emotional influences

Bulimia nervosa (BN) emerges in the late teen years and is characterized by binge eating and related compensatory behaviors. These behaviors often co-occur with periods of negative affect suggesting an association between emotions and control over eating behavior. In the current study, we examined how cognitive control and neural processes change under emotional states of arousal in 46 participants with (n=19) and without (n=27) BN from the ages of 18-33 years. Participants performed a go/nogo task consisting of brief negative, positive and neutral emotional cues and sustained negative, positive and neutral emotional states of arousal during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Overall task performance improved with age for healthy participants, but not for patients with BN. These age-dependent behavioral effects were paralleled by diminished recruitment of prefrontal control circuitry in patients with BN with age. Although patients with BN showed no difference in performance on the experimental manipulations of negative emotions, sustained positive emotions related to improved performance among patients with BN. Together the findings highlight a neurodevelopmental approach towards understanding markers of psychopathology and suggest that sustained positive affect may have potential therapeutic effects on maintaining behavioral control in BN.
Pet dogs: Does their presence influence preadolescents' emotional responses to a social stressor?

Despite interest in human-animal interaction, few studies have tested whether the presence of a dog facilitates children's emotional responding. Preadolescents (n = 99) were randomly assigned to complete the Trier Social Stress Test either with or without their pet dog. Children rated their positive and negative affect, and high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) was assessed throughout the session. Children reported higher positive affect when they completed the task with their pet dog, although there were no differences for negative affect or HF-HRV. Children who had more physical contact with their dog at baseline reported higher positive affect. The findings suggest contact with pets is associated with enhanced positive affect.
Functional Role of Epitope Spreading in the Chronic Pathogenesis of Autoimmune and Virus-Induced Demyelinating Diseases

Precise delineation of the mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases is one of the most enigmatic issues in the field of immunology. It is clear that the etiology of many autoimmune diseases is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This is certainly true for multiple sclerosis (MS), a T cell-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by autoimmune responses to myelin proteins such as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) (1,2,3,4). Epidemiological evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that many forms of human MS are initiated by a viral infection (5). The caveat of this hypothesis, which is strongly supported by epidemiological evidence, is that no particular virus or viruses have been consistently isolated from MS lesions. Thus, exploring the mechanisms by which infectious agents trigger autoimmune diseases is of great interest. Three mechanisms have been suggested to explain how a viral infection could lead to autoimmunity: viral superantigens that nonspecifically lead to activation of autoreactive T cells (6); molecular mimicry between the pathogen and self antigens which leads to direct activation of T cells induced against epitopes on the pathogen that are cross reactive with self epitopes (7); and epitope spreading evoked by virus-specific T cells that result in bystander damage to self tissue with consequent autoantigen release (8) or direct virus-induced release of self antigens (9), resulting in de novo activation of autoreactive T cells.
Radiation Therapy for Pituitary Tumors

Radiation has been used as a treatment modality for pituitary adenomas for almost half a century and can be highly effective at preventing tumor growth as well as resolving pituitary adenoma hypersecretion. Literature reporting the successful use of radiation therapy for pituitary adenomas is generally presented as retrospective series using a single radiation technique. Challenges can therefore arise when comparing the different radiation modalities described in detail below. This is particularly problematic when examining functioning adenomas and the endocrine response to radiation, as there are no standardized response criteria. These challenges are magnified by nonstandardized radiation doses and biochemical assays.
The lives of female gang members: A review of the literature

Abstract Although female gang membership was overlooked for several years, recent work by feminist criminologists has provided a much more complex picture of female youth involved in gang life. This literature demonstrates that gender shapes the risk factors and consequences of gang involvement for female youth in several ways. In the current review, four main areas are discussed: 1) risk factors for female youths' gang involvement, 2) the extent and characteristics of female gang members' violence and crime, 3) the influence of gender on victimization experiences resulting from gang membership, and 4) female gang members' desistance from gang life. In each section, work specifically focusing on female gang members as well as work comparing the experiences of male and female gang members are presented. Finally, directions for future research are offered.
Privacy and the mashrabiya screen: Knowledge is Sweeter than Honey

This paper is offered to demonstrate the value of legal objects in the consideration of key legal concepts. In it I indicate the opportunities presented by an encounter with Susan Hefuna’s large Mashrabiya Screen artwork in the British Museum to supplement, criticise and disrupt current thinking and attitudes towards the concept of privacy. In contrast to the increasingly contested and transactional nature of contemporary understandings of this concept, in which privacy is sometimes imagined just as one more complex function in the reasonable management of dataflows, Hefuna’s screen can help to articulate and support a different approach to privacy. This approach is Privacy by Design, and through a consideration of the physicality of Hefuna’s work, together with her own artistic ambition, my claim is that her art object helps to make the alternative approach to privacy manifest and tangible, prompting a reappraisal of the proper scope and nature of privacy protection.
Application of the Open qPCR Instrument for the in Vitro Selection of DNA Aptamers against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Drosophila C Virus

The low-cost Open qPCR instrument can be used for different tasks in the aptamer selection process: quantification of DNA, cycle course optimization, screening, and final binding characterization. We have selected aptamers against whole Drosophila C virus (DCV) particles and recombinant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We performed systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) using the Open qPCR to optimize each amplification step. The Open qPCR instrument identified the best aptamer candidate. The Open qPCR has the capacity to perform melt curves, and we used this function to perform thermofluorimetric analysis (TFA) to quantify target-aptamer binding. We confirmed target-aptamer binding using flow cytometry. A sandwich type luminescence bioassay based on our anti-DCV aptamer was sensitive to DCV and did not respond to a related virus, demonstrating that our selected anti-DCV aptamer can be used to specifically detect DCV.
How much should be invested in hazard mitigation? Development of a streamlined hazard mitigation cost assessment framework

Abstract Even though it is in society's interest to mitigate hazard damage, investments in hazard resilience are often not made, in part due to uncertainty around the potential costs and their benefits. The goal of this paper is to introduce a new resilience metric for buildings that captures the maximum investment that can be made in hazard mitigation while still breaking even on hazard repair savings over the lifetime of the building: the break-even mitigation percent (BEMP). We couple this with a streamlined approach to assess hazard mitigation costs for windstorms and demonstrate it by calculating the BEMP for forty hazard mitigation scenarios for multi-family buildings in all zip codes in the eighteen states that border the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The preliminary results of the analysis indicate that the BEMP is higher in areas near the coasts, but some communities inland would also benefit from the windstorm mitigation mechanisms. For instance, assuming a 7% discount rate over a 50-year time period, in Miami Dade county, FL the BEMP of switching from a baseline wood frame structure to an enhanced concrete structure was found to be 17.3%, meaning $1470,500 could be spent on mitigating a $8.5 M midrise multi-family building, and break even over the building life.
reply: Pheromones and regulation of ovulation

We first reported menstrual synchrony almost three decades ago, and it has since been verified repeatedly. But synchrony does not always occur, and the circumstances in which it does not occur tell us a great deal about the social and physical conditions required1,2. Menstrual synchrony is but one manifestation of a more fundamental mechanism, the chemosensory regulation of ovulation, which occurs in other species not only as synchrony, but also as asynchrony, extreme cycle regularity, changes in the timing of puberty, birth cycles and reproductive ageing1,2.
Cutaneous Hematolymphoid and Histiocytic Proliferations in Children.

This article focuses on cutaneous hematopoietic neoplasms that are more likely to be encountered in the pediatric age-group and includes both lymphoproliferative and histiocytic disorders. The cuta...
Adaptive Interface Mapping for Intuitive Teleoperation of Multi-DOF Robots

The supervisory control of multi-DOF robots by humans is a demanding application. If a single operator is tasked with direct control of a humanoid robot, performing coordinated tasks becomes non-intuitive and corresponds to unsustainable mental loads even for the most skilled operators. In this paper we use reinforcement learning to adaptively change the interface mapping from the operator user interface to the robot in such a way as to reduce the associated operator mental load. Based on the results of the interaction with the robot, we change the dynamical map describing the relationship between user commands and robot actions. The contribution of this paper is the adaptation of the interface map using reinforcement learning with reward functions associated with quantitative performance metrics. We present promising experimental results showing that the use of the proposed scheme can result in an easier to use interface map for a multi-DOF assistive robot controlled via a brain activity sensor.
Event- Triggered Control Design with Performance Barrier

This paper revisits the problem of designing opportunistic state-triggered conditions for stabilization, focusing on the balance between conserving resources (e.g., minimizing the number of triggers) and meeting a desired level of performance. Traditionally, event-triggered control design focuses on ensuring stabilization while conservatively enforcing that the specified performance is met. We take a different approach by considering the desired performance as part of the trigger design. Inspired by the concept of Control Barrier Function, our proposed design allows the system to deviate from Lyapunov's condition for asymptotic stability when the system is doing well in term of performance. We characterize the benefits of the proposed approach in terms of increased inter-event time, robustness to delays in the evaluation of the trigger, and flexibility for distributed implementation.
Caring for trafficked and unidentified patients in the EHR shadows: Shining a light by sharing the data.

Objective Healthcare providers have key roles in the prevention of, detection of, and interventions for human trafficking. Yet caring for trafficked persons is particularly challenging: patients whose identities are unknown, unreliable, or false could receive subpar care from providers delivering care in a vacuum of relevant information. The application of precision medicine principles and integration of biometric data (including genetic information) could facilitate patient identification, enable longitudinal medical records, and improve continuity and quality of care for this vulnerable patient population. Scant empirical data exist regarding healthcare system preparedness and care for the needs of this vulnerable population nor data on perspectives on the use and risks of biometrics or genetic information for trafficked patients. Methods To address this gap, we conducted mixed-methods research involving semi-structured interviews with key informants, which informed a subsequent broad survey of physicians and registered nurses. Results Our findings support the perception that trafficked persons obtain care yet remain unnoticed or undocumented in the electronic health record. Our survey findings further reveal that healthcare providers remain largely unaware of human trafficking issues and are inadequately prepared to provide patient-centered care for trafficked and unidentified patients. Conclusion Meaningful efforts to design and implement precision medicine initiatives in an inclusive way that optimizes impacts are unlikely to succeed without concurrent efforts to increase general awareness of and preparedness to care for trafficked persons. Additional research is needed to examine properly the potential utility for biometrics to improve the delivery of care for trafficked patients.
Cash Holdings, Use of Debt and Dividend Structure of Family Firms

In this study we examine the relation between firmâs financial structure and family ownership. We develop a theoretical model of the precautionary cash holdings. Our empirical results show that the fraction of a companyâs shares that are held by the founding family members or their descendants influences the use of cash and equivalents, dividend policy and debt structure of a firm. Our results are robust to different estimation methods and alternative model specifications. We find that family firms tend to rely less on long-term debt financing, pay fewer dividends and carry higher precautionary cash balances.
Managing Germline Findings from Molecular Testing in Precision Oncology

Molecular genetic testing of the germline for hereditary cancer risk and molecular testing of tumor tissue for therapeutic decision making are no longer clearly distinct. Here we review how changes in sequencing technology have impacted use of germline and tumor molecular testing, implications for identifying incidental pathogenic germline variants through tumor testing, relevance of pathogenic germline variants in cancer care and prevention, and emerging research guiding clinical practice in this area.
Exporting Uncertainty: The Impact of Brexit on Corporate America

We show that the 2016 Brexit Referendum had multi-faceted consequences for corporate America, shaping employment, investment, divestitures, R&D, and savings. The unexpected vote outcome led US firms to cut jobs and investment within US borders. Using establishment-level data, we document that these effects were modulated by the reversibility of capital and labor. American-based job destruction was particularly pronounced in industries with less skilled and more unionized workers. UK-exposed firms with less redeployable capital and high input-offshoring dependence cut investment the most. Data on the near-universe of US establishments also point to measurable, negative effects on establishment turnover (openings and closings). Our results demonstrate how foreign-born political uncertainty is transmitted across international borders, shaping domestic capital formation and labor allocation. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Effect and Sensitivity of Postcursor FFE in a 25 Gb/s High Speed Bus Channel

While equalization is usually a positively contributing factor towards opening eye diagrams further, sometimes over equalization can occur and degrade an eye opening as opposed to improve it. This paper explores the effectiveness of using post-cursors FFE transmitter equalization on 25.78Gb/s communication links with different transmitter and receiver equalization. The effect is observed on two topologies with different loss levels and impedance profiles. Simulation and experimental results are presented and discussed.
Docosahexaenoic acid protection against palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity in NGF-differentiated PC12 cells involves enhancement of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis and necroptosis.

Lipotoxicity (LTx) leads to cellular dysfunction and cell death and has been proposed to be an underlying process during traumatic and hypoxic injuries and neurodegenerative conditions in the nervous system. This study examines cellular mechanisms responsible for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 22:6 n-3) protection in nerve growth factor-differentiated pheochromocytoma (NGFDPC12) cells from palmitic acid (PAM)-mediated lipotoxicity (PAM-LTx). NGFDPC12 cells exposed to PAM show a significant lipotoxicity demonstrated by a robust loss of cell viability, apoptosis, and increased HIF-1α and BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 gene expression. Treatment of NGFDPC12 cells undergoing PAM-LTx with the pan-caspase inhibitor ZVAD did not protect, but shifted the process from apoptosis to necroptosis. This shift in cell death mechanism was evident by the appearance of the signature necroptotic Topo I protein cleavage fragments, phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like, and inhibition with necrostatin-1. Cultures exposed to PAM and co-treated with necrostatin-1 (necroptosis inhibitor) and rapamycin (autophagy promoter), showed a significant protection against PAM-LTx compared to necrostatin-1 alone. In addition, co-treatment with DHA, as well as 20:5 n-3, 20:4 n-6, and 22:5 n-3, in the presence of PAM protected NGFDPC12 cells against LTx. DHA-induced neuroprotection includes restoring normal levels of HIF-1α and BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 transcripts and caspase 8 and caspase 3 activity, phosphorylation of beclin-1, de-phosphorylation of mixed lineage kinase domain-like, increase in LC3-II, and up-regulation of Atg7 and Atg12 genes, suggesting activation of autophagy and inhibition of necroptosis. Furthermore, DHA-induced protection was suppressed by the lysosomotropic agent chloroquine, an inhibitor of autophagy. We conclude that DHA elicits neuroprotection by regulating multiple cell death pathways including enhancement of autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis and necroptosis.
Improving the utility of high-resolution manometry for the diagnosis of defecatory disorders in women with chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND We compared the utility of existing and modified versions of high-resolution manometry for diagnosing defecatory disorders (DD). METHODS In 64 healthy and 136 constipated women, we compared left lateral (LL) and seated manometry, and analyzed with existing (ManoView™) and new methods, for discriminating between constipated patients with normal and prolonged rectal balloon expulsion time (BET). In both positions, the rectoanal gradient (RAG) and, for the new analysis, the pressure topography pattern during evacuation were used to discriminate between constipated patients without and with DD. KEY RESULTS The BET was prolonged, suggestive of a DD, in 52 patients (38%). During evacuation, rectoanal pressures and the RAG were greater in the seated than the LL position (P≤.001). The new analysis identified 4 rectoanal pressure patterns. In the seated position, the BET was associated with the pattern (P=.0001), being prolonged in, respectively, 45%, 15%, 53%, and 0% of patients with minimal change, anal relaxation, paradoxical contraction, and transmission. Within each pattern, the RAG was greater (ie, less negative, P<.0001) in patients with a normal than a prolonged BET. Compared to the ManoView™ RAG in the LL position, the integrated analysis (ie, pattern and new RAG) in the LL position (P<.01) and the seated ManoView™ gradient (P=.02) were more effective for discriminating between constipated patients without and with DD. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Anorectal HRM ideally should be performed in the more physiological seated position and analyzed by a two-tier approach, which incorporates the overall pattern followed by the rectoanal gradient. These findings reinforce the utility of manometry for diagnosing DD.
Intermittent Fasting After Spinal Cord Injury Does Not Improve the Recovery of Baroreflex Regulation in the Rat

Modest recovery of somatic function after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) has been widely demonstrated. Recently we have shown that spontaneous recovery of baroreflex regulation of sympathetic activity also occurs in rats. Dietary restriction in the form of every other day fasting (EODF) has been shown to have beneficial effects on the recovery of motor function after SCI in rats. The goal of this study was to determine if EODF augments the improvement of baroreflex regulation of sympathetic activity after chronic left thoracic (T8) surgical spinal hemisection. To determine this, we performed baroreflex tests on ad-lib fed or EODF rats 1 week or 7 weeks after left T8 spinal hemisection. One week after T8 left hemisection baroreflex testing revealed that gain of baroreflex responsiveness, as well as the ability to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) at low arterial pressure, was significantly impaired in the ad-lib fed but not the EODF rats compared with sham lesioned control rats. However, baroreflex tests performed 7 weeks after T8 left hemisection revealed the inability of both ad-lib and EODF rats to decrease RSNA at elevated arterial pressures. While there is evidence to suggest that EODF has beneficial effects on the recovery of motor function in rats, EODF did not significantly improve the recovery of baroreflex regulation of sympathetic activity.
Adaptive array invariant.

The array invariant (χ) developed for robust source-range estimation in shallow water is based on the broadband dispersion characteristics in ideal waveguides that can be summarized by the waveguide invariant, β = cos 2 θ, with propagation angle θ. The standard array invariant relies on the waveguide invariant being constant, e.g., β = 1, valid for small propagation angles ( θ < 20 °). In this paper, the array invariant is extended to fully incorporate the angle dependence of the waveguide invariant ( β = cos 2 θ), referred to as adaptive array invariant and denoted by χ β = χ / β, which, in theory, provides a perfect range estimate without constraining the propagation angle. The superior performance of the adaptive array invariant is illustrated via numerical simulations in an ideal waveguide, and then demonstrated using experimental data from a ship of opportunity radiating broadband noise (200–900 Hz) and a vertical array in a shallow-water environment.
Effects of cycloheximide on recent and remote appetitive odor discrimination memory in rats

Abstract A variety of reconsolidation boundary conditions exist for the destabilization of memory, including memory strength, prediction error, trace dominance, and memory age. The vast majority of studies examining boundary conditions have employed aversive tasks. The current study expands the literature on reconsolidation boundary conditions by employing an appetitive odor discrimination task and a delay that exceeds those used in past studies (i.e., 72 days). Rats were trained to dig in cups of scented sand to retrieve a sweet cereal reward. One day (Recent) or 72 days (Remote) following acquisition, rats received a single reactivation trial that included a prediction error (in the form of a non-reinforced trial), followed by intraperitoneal administration of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX; 1 mg/kg) or a saline control (SAL). One week later, rats completed a single non-reinforced test trial. Results showed that rats in the Remote condition took longer to dig than those in the Recent condition; additionally, CHX disrupted memory for digging behavior at significant levels in both the Recent and Remote conditions. Results are consistent with a small number of studies using non-aversive tasks, as well as a large number of studies using aversive tasks, demonstrating that recent and remote memories are vulnerable to the effects of an amnesic agent after sufficient reactivation.