cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Mediates the Enhanced Renal Vasodilator Response to Arachidonic Acid (AA) in the SHR.

P109 The cytochrome P450-dependent renal vasodilator effect of arachidonic acid (AA) that is expressed when cyclooxygenase is inhibited and perfusion pressure (PP) is elevated, is enhanced in SHR. In kidneys perfused with Krebs’ solution and preconstricted with phenylephrine to increase PP to ca 200 mmHg, 5 μg of AA reduced PP by 92 ± 10 mmHg in SHR compared to 44.5 ± 5 mmHg for WKY rats. In contrast, the dilator effects of acetylcholine (Ach; 0.1 μg) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1 μg) were not different. As the response to AA was inhibited by ETYA (4 μM), an inhibitor of all AA oxygenase pathways, and also inhibited by the selective epoxygenase inhibitors, miconazole (0.3 μM) and MSPPOH (12 μM), we concluded that the vasodilator mediator(s) of the AA response was most likely an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). We therefore, assessed the renal vascular responses to EETs in the SHR and WKY. We found that 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, and 11,12-EET were dilators in both SHR and WKY, whereas 14,15-EET produced constriction. 5,6-EET was the most potent dilator of the EET regioisomers in the SHR resulting in a decrease in PP of 56 ± 5 mmHg compared to 12 ± 4 mmHg for 8,9-EET and 15 ± 4 mmHg for 11,12-EET. The decrease in PP elicited by 5 μg of 5,6-EET was greater in SHR, 56 ± 5 mmHg compared to 29 ± 4 mmHg for WKY rats whereas the responses to the other EET regioisomers did not differ. We measured the release of EETs from SHR and WKY kidneys in response to 5 μg of AA, by GC-MS in negative ionization mode using selective ion monitoring. The release of 5,6-EET was increased in SHR (from a basal level of 0.5 ± 0.04 to 0.9 ± 0.1 ng/min; P
Machine learning for Gravity Spy: Glitch classification and dataset

Abstract The detection of gravitational waves with ground-based laser-interferometric detectors requires sensitivity to changes in distance much smaller than the diameter of atomic nuclei. Though sophisticated machinery and techniques have been developed over the past few decades to isolate such instruments from non-astrophysical noise, the detectors are still susceptible to instrumental and environmental noise transients known as “glitches,” which hinder searches for transient gravitational waves. The Gravity Spy project is an effort to comprehensively classify the glitches that afflict gravitational wave detectors into morphological families by combining the strengths of machine learning algorithms and citizen scientists. This paper presents the initial Gravity Spy dataset used for citizen scientist and machine learning classification – a static, accessible, documented dataset for testing machine learning supervised classification. Previous versions of this dataset used in [8, 53] did not include all current classes and also for some of the classes, some samples were pruned and added. This set consists of time–frequency images of LIGO glitches and their associated metadata. These glitches are organized by time–frequency morphology into 22 classes for which descriptions and representative images are presented. Results from the application of state-of-the-art supervised classification methods to this dataset are presented in order to provide baselines for future glitch classification work. Standard splitting for training, validation, and testing sets are also presented to facilitate the comparison between different machine learning methods. The baseline methods are selected from both traditional and more recent deep learning approaches. An ensemble framework is developed that demonstrates that combining various classifiers can yield a more accurate model for classification. The ensemble classifier, trained with the standard training set, achieves 98.21% accuracy on the standard test set.
Improved prediction of GPS satellite clock sub-daily variations based on daily repeat

High-precision estimates of GPS satellite clock errors reveal systematic sub-daily clock bias variations on the order of 1 ns. The low noise levels in the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standards onboard GPS IIR, IIR-M, and IIF satellites provide visibility of these small, but systematic behaviors. Prior studies have reported on this phenomenon and sought to characterize the specific frequency components present and to identify potential causes of the observed periodic variations. Our research focuses on the repeatability of the clock variations and the potential for using observed variations directly to predict future clock behavior. Results are presented and compared to IGS Ultra-rapid and broadcast message predictions for all operating GPS satellite clocks for a 1-month period in July 2017. During this time, the accuracy of the proposed sub-daily variation prediction is better than 0.15 ns (RMS) for 8 out of 9 GPS Block IIF Rb clocks and under 0.3 ns (RMS) for most GPS IIR and IIR-M Rb clocks. This approach is complementary to existing techniques for estimating longer-term clock rates and drift and can be combined with them to improve the fidelity of predictive satellite clock models for real-time GPS position, navigation, and timing applications.
PEPTIDES | Liquid Chromatography

High-pressure (or performance) liquid chromatography (HPLC) in its different modes of separation, reversed-phase (RP), ion exchange (IEX), size exclusion (SEC), hydrophobic interaction (HIC), and affinity (AC) chromatography, is the technique of choice for the separation of peptides. HPLC is an instrumental separation technique that is well suited for the separation of small as well as large peptides. The advantage of HPLC for peptide separation is that it affords the analyst the freedom to resolve simple peptide mixtures by one diemensional or complex mixtures, cell lysates, by multidimensional approaches. Also, the advantages of HPLC separations are automation, sensitivity, reproducibility, and systems including UV/Vis, conductivity, light scattering, mass spectrometry (MS), fluorescence and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). This chapter presents a comprehensive discussion of different experimental parameters that affect peptide resolution, selectivity and detection, in addition to different parameters such as column selection, effect of column dimensions, packing materials properties, effect of column packing's chemistry, monolithic columns, cyclodextrin columns, effect of column temperature, mobile phase properties and elution, and multidimensional approaches that have been used for the separation of complex peptide mixtures.
Experiences of music therapy students working as camp counselors for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A thematic analysis

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of music therapy students working as camp counselors for individuals with ASD. We conducted semi-structured interviews with graduate and ...
Assembling Strategic Narratives: Information Operations as Collaborative Work within an Online Community

Social media are becoming sites of information operations-activities that seek to undermine information systems and manipulate civic discourse [26,36,44,47]. Through a mixed methods approach, our research extends investigations of online activism to examine the "work" of online information operations conducted on Twitter. In particular, we analyze the English-language conversation surrounding the reemergence of Omran Daqneesh (the "Aleppo Boy") on Syrian state television, almost a year after his family's home was bombed in an airstrike conducted by the Syrian government. We uncover: a network of clustered users that contributes to a contested and politicized information space surrounding Omran's story; the presence of undermining narratives that serve to disrupt the mainstream media's narrative and confuse the audience; and the techniques used when promoting, defending, or undermining narratives. In the current climate of increasing polarization in online social spaces, this work contributes an improved understanding of information operations online and of the collaborations that take shape around and through them.
The Capture-the-Flag Differential Game

The two-phase capture-the-flag differential game considers a Defender and its opponent, an Attacker. In Phase I the Attacker aims at capturing the flag while the Defender tries to prevent this outcome by intercepting the Attacker. Phase II is conditioned by the outcome of Phase I. If the Attacker is able to actually capture the flag at the end of Phase I, then Phase II takes place where the Attacker attempts to reach the safe zone while the Defender strives to intercept the Attacker before the latter can reach the safe haven. The saddle-point state-feedback strategies for each player and for each phase of the game are determined in this paper. Furthermore, for each phase, the Value function is obtained and it is shown to be continuous and continuously differentiable, and to satisfy the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation.
Development of molecular tagging velocimetry for the ZBOT experiment

We present the development of molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV) capability for the NASA Zero Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) experiment. The challenges of chemical solubility posed by the fluorocarbon working fluid and small range of velocities in the experiment are met using MTV based on the photobleaching of coumarin-153. The feasibility of measurements is demonstrated by one-component velocimetry (1c-MTV) in a setup with geometric characteristics that mimic the actual ZBOT test section.
A Value-Centric Tradespace Approach to Target System Modularization

Deciding where to modularize a system can have a long-term impact on that system’s value over its entire life cycle. The modularity of a system can impact the system’s flexibility, evolvability, scalability, mass, costs, and development schedule. Making these modularization decisions is a key job of the system architect. There is a need to provide the system architect tools that will help focus modularization efforts on the areas of the system that are most likely to provide value to stakeholders of the system. Using a terrestrial vehicle as a case study, an approach is developed that links component modularity to system design variables which are likely to change levels. The approach utilizes dynamic value-driven Tradespaces and network measures of component modularity to identify components which are most likely to need to change as well as the components’ ability to make a modular change. The approach is shown to provide early design insights about value-centric system modularizations; the approach does require a network representation of the system earlier in the design cycle than may be typically available. Using explicit knowledge, the approach developed can focus designers’ modularization efforts on the elements of the system that may need to change to accommodate changes in stakeholders’ preferences and use contexts.
Autozygosity and Genetic Differentiation of Landrace and Large White Pigs as Revealed by the Genetic Analyses of Crossbreds.

Genomic information from crossbreds is routinely generated for genomic evaluations. The objective of this study is to investigate autozygosity and genetic differentiation in Landrace by Large-White breeds by using the genotypic information of SNP arrays in 1,173 crossbreds. A maximum likelihood approach was developed to estimate the probability of autozygosity (FL). Regions of differentiation between breeds were investigated using FST and the difference in allele frequencies between the two parental breeds (Δ) at each Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) position. A maximum likelihood approach was proposed to estimate allele frequencies in the parental populations. The average length of Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) across the genome was 3.91Mb. The probability of autozygosity was not uniform along the crossbred genome, being higher at the centre for most chromosomes. The correlation between autozygosity and distance to the closest telomere was positive and significant in most chromosomes, which could be attributed to the higher recombination rate near telomeres. We also report a relatively high negative correlation between probability of recombination (from a published map) and probability of autozygosity. It supports that structural characteristics of the chromosomes related to recombination rate determine autozygosity at each chromosomal position of the pig genome. The average Δ across the genome was 0.17 (SD=0.16). After testing for differences in allele frequencies between the parental breeds, there were 4,184 SNPs with a Likelihood Ratio Test, LRT ≥ 32.02. The average FST across the genome was 0.038 (SD=0.059). There were 2,949 SNPs with FST > 0.125. The correlation between estimates of FL and estimates of FST across the genome was -0.10 (SE=0.006). Analysis of the gene content of the genomic regions with the 2000 SNPs with highest LRT for FL and high FST showed overrepresentation of genes with a regulatory function. Genes with biological functions associated with production, such as tissue development, anatomical structure, and animal organ development, were also overrepresented in regions with a high FST.
Low-Cost Molecular Excited States from a State-Averaged Resonating Hartree-Fock Approach.

Quantum chemistry methods that describe excited states on the same footing as the ground state are generally scarce. In previous work, (Gill J. Phys. Chem. A, 112, 2008, 13164 and later Sundstrom; ...
A Potentially Inexpensive Diagnostic Method for A2 Pulley Ruptures

Injuries to the flexor pulley system of the hand, while uncommon, can be problematic and debilitating for patients. Current standards of diagnosis for A2 pulley disruptions often include costly imaging studies and inaccurate clinical testing. We present the case of a patient with an isolated complete A2 pulley avulsion that was diagnosed by employing a simple technique using a silicone wedding ring. A silicone wedding band was applied over the region of a suspected A2 pulley rupture, resulting in the immediate restoration of full range of motion as well as complete resolution of the injury after three months, without any need for surgical intervention. The usage of this ring confirmed an A2 pulley avulsion that was visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The proposed "Wedding Band Test" is potentially an accurate and inexpensive diagnostic tool for clinical evaluation of A2 pulley ruptures.
Hypercalcemia Due to Paraneoplastic Production of 1,25- Dihydroxyvitamin D in a Young Female with Dysgerminoma.

Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) can be caused by ectopic paraneoplastic production of 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D due to the hyperactivity of the 1 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme. We present a case of a 19-year-old female who was admitted with bilateral dysgerminomas and significant hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia was initially managed medically and then resolved with the surgical resection of the tumors. Although most cases are attributed to a high parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) and bone metastases, <1% of cases can result from paraneoplastic production of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D due to increased activity of 1 alpha-hydroxylase.This is one of the rare cases of hypercalcemia, which not only adds to the limited number of cases of hypercalcemia associated with dysgerminoma but also is the first case report showing that vitamin D can be a paraneoplastic factor itself.
Interfacial Coating Method for Amine-Rich Surfaces using Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Applied to Bioprosthetic Valve Tissue Models

Bioprosthetic heart valve implants are beset by calcification and failure due to the interactions between the body and the transplant. Hydrogels can be used as biological blank slates that may help...
First report on quality and purity evaluations of avocado oil sold in the US

Abstract The demand for avocado oil has increased significantly as consumers resonate with its potential health benefits, however, due to the lack of enforceable standards, consumers are unprotected from fraud (i.e., economic motivated adulteration). This study analyzed avocado oils currently on the market in the US to evaluate their quality (e.g., free fatty acidity, peroxide value, UV absorbances, vitamin E) and purity (e.g., fatty acids, sterols, triacylglycerols). Our results showed that the majority of commercial samples were oxidized before reaching the expiration date listed on the bottle. In addition, adulteration with soybean oil at levels near 100% was confirmed in two “extra virgin” and one “refined” sample. These findings demonstrate there is an urgent need to develop standards for avocado oil not only to ensure the consumers receive high quality and authentic products but to establish a level playing field to support the continuing growth of global avocado oil industry.
Deaf Individuals' Views on Speaking Behaviors of Hearing Peers when Using an Automatic Captioning App

As automatic speech recognition (ASR) becomes more accurate, many deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals are interested in ASR-based mobile applications to facilitate in-person communication with hearing peers. We investigate DHH users' preferences regarding the behaviors of the hearing person in this context. Using an ASR-based captioning app, eight Deaf/deaf participants held short conversations, with a hearing actor who exhibited certain behaviors, e.g. speaking quietly/loudly or slowly/quickly. Participants indicated some of the hearing individual's behaviors were more influential as to their subjective impression of the communication efficacy. We also found that these behaviors differed in how noticeable they were to the Deaf participants. This study provides guidance, from a Deaf perspective, about the types of behaviors hearing users should ideally exhibit in this context, motivating a focus on such behaviors in future design or evaluation of ASR-based communication apps.
Daily living skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Implications for intervention and independence.

Abstract Background Challenges in adaptive behaviors are present in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while variation in IQ, social skills, and comorbidities are possible influences on adaptive behaviors. However, adaptive behaviors do not consistently map onto cognitive abilities in ASD, as high IQ is not protective against challenges in adaptive behaviors. Additionally, individuals with both ASD and elevated levels of externalizing problem behaviors experience even worse adaptive behaviors. Identifying factors that contribute to the variance in adaptive behaviors, particularly daily living skills (DLS), may inform strategies to improve adaptive behaviors necessary for independence in adulthood. Method Adolescents with typical cognitive development (TD, n = 84), intellectual disability (ID, n = 30), or ASD (n = 45) were included in this study to examine group differences in adaptive behaviors, identify relations between IQ and DLS, and determine factors that contribute to variance in DLS at youth age 13. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 2nd Edition (VABS-II) was used to measure adaptive behaviors. Results All domains of adaptive behavior were significantly higher in TD groups compared to ASD and ID youth. Significant positive correlations were observed between IQ and DLS in the ASD and ID groups. In the ASD youth group, higher externalizing behavior problems explained the most variance in DLS. Conclusions DLS are below age-expected levels in young adolescents with ASD, in part because of the higher externalizing behavior problems in this group. Incorporating adaptive skills training and behavior management strategies into current interventions may serve to prepare adolescents and families for the transition to adulthood.
Patient Engagement in Home Health: The Role of Health Literacy and “Ask Me Three®”:

Health literacy has been identified as a barrier to patient engagement among older adults, especially within the home health care setting. This systematic literature review explores patient engagem...
Follow-up and symptom persistence after esophageal food impaction.

Esophageal food impactions (EFI) are associated with esophageal pathology, most commonly eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Obtaining biopsies provides opportunity for diagnosis, which is important since treatment of EoE decreases the risk for future EFI. Outpatient follow-up rates remain suboptimal and outcomes of patients without timely follow-up are unknown. We aimed to identify the factors associated with pediatric subspecialty follow-up post-EFI and to determine the symptom burden in patients without follow-up. We performed a retrospective review of patients presenting with EFI at a tertiary children's hospital between 2010 and 2018. Patients without subspecialty follow-up within 1 year of EFI were included in a prospective telephone survey investigating the barriers to care, outcomes, and symptoms. Clinical characteristics were compared between groups. Multivariate analysis was used to control for multiple variables. There were 127 EFI identified in 123 individuals (73% male, mean age: 12.2 years). Esophageal biopsies were collected in 76% of cases, and 49% of patients had follow-up. Individuals with follow-up were more likely (P ≤ 0.05) to have had biopsies. In a multivariate analysis, written recommendation for follow-up (Odds Ratio: 6.9 [2.4-19.5], P = 0.001) as well as atopic history and identified stricture were associated with a higher likelihood of follow-up. Those without follow-up had subsequent stricture (35%), dilation (44%), or EFI (39%), and 55% (12/22) described ongoing esophageal symptoms. Identification of treatable findings at time of EFI and ongoing symptom burden after EFI support an imperative for follow-up after EFI. Clear recommendations are a modifiable factor that may improve follow-up in this population.
Human-level design proposals by an artificial agent in multiple scenarios

Many computational tools are usually trained using human-curated data set of design proposals. However, this approach can limit system capabilities to generate creative designs since human knowledge of the solution space is already embedded in the training process. In this paper, we show how by using a flexible design tool that can also be used by humans, an artificial agent can learn to generate creative designs with any prior knowledge of the solution space. Our results show how our agent is able to create human-level design proposals in terms of performance and novelty. Based on these results, we discuss the importance of defining a shared design language and tools in order to support human-AI collaboration in creative scenarios.
Study of a new electromigration failure mechanism by novel test structure

A novel electromigration (EM) structure is designed and characterized with advanced Cu/low-k technology. Comparing the EM results derived from novel and traditional test structures, a new EM failure mechanism is proposed. The new mechanism is caused by the Cu/barrier interface damage at the metal line-edge during upper Via opening process. This damage provides a fast diffusion path. From the downstream EM test, it is observed that the thicker Ta-based ALD barrier has a higher activation energy and median time to failure compared to thinner Ta based barrier. Thicker barrier process enhances Cu/barrier adhesion and hence prevent the via opening induced interface damage.
On the possible involvement of a carbonyl phosphate intermediate in the adenosine triphosphate-dependent carboxylation of biotin.

Biotin carboxylase, the component of Escherichia coli acetyl CoA carboxylase which carries out the ATP-dependent carboxylation of biotin, catalyzes phosphoryl transfer from carbamyl phosphate to ADP to form ATP. The latter reaction is dependent upon free d-biotin and divalent cation and, like the carboxylation of free d-biotin, is activated by ethanol. The participation of carbamyl phosphate (an analogue of carbonyl phosphate) in the phosphoryl transfer reaction is consistent with a mechanism of carboxybiotin formation in which carbonyl phosphate is an intermediate.
The effects of debt covenants and political costs on the choice of accounting methods: The case of accounting for R&D costs

Abstract Until 1974, firms could capitalize or expense all or part of their research and development (R&D) costs. Managerial choice between these two alternatives is hypothesized to be affected by the existence of debt covenants which employ accounting numbers relating to leverage, interest coverage, and ability to pay dividends. In addition, the use of public versus private debt is hypothesized to affect the accounting choice due to differential renegotiation costs. Lastly, a political cost hypothesis is tested. This study uses a multivariate statistical technique, the generalized jackknife. The results suggest that firms which capitalized R&D costs were more highly levered, used more public debt, were closer to dividend restrictions, and were smaller than firms which expensed R&D costs.
Application of a topical vapocoolant spray decreases pain at the site of initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast needle biopsy

Aim To assess whether the application of a topical vapocoolant spray immediately prior to initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast biopsy decreases pain at the site of the initial injection. Materials and methods In this institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study, 50 women aged 49.1 ± 1.6 years (mean ± standard error) were recruited and provided written informed consent. Participants served as their own controls and were blinded as to whether a topical vapocoolant spray or a placebo was used immediately prior to the initial local anaesthetic injection at two separate biopsy sites. With the exception of the application of vapocoolant or placebo, the entire ultrasound-guided procedure was performed according to a routine protocol. Participants recorded pain at initial injection site on a visual analogue scale. General linear mixed models for repeated measures analysis of variance and a 0.05 significance level were used. Results Application of topical vapocoolant spray was shown to significantly decrease pain at the site of initial intradermal anaesthetic injection as compared to placebo ( p Conclusion Application of a topical vapocoolant spray immediately prior to initial intradermal anaesthetic injection during ultrasound-guided breast biopsy significantly decreases pain at the site of the initial injection and could contribute to improve the patient's overall procedural experience.
Equations of Parametric Surfaces via Syzygies

The revised version has two additional references and a shorter proof of Proposition 5.7. This version also makes numerous small changes and has an appendix containing a proof of the degree formula for a parametrized surface.
Mechanical properties and motion of the cupula of the human semicircular canal

The mathematical model for the dynamics of the cupula-endolymph system of the inner ear semicircular canal, as elaborated by numerous investigators, remains a foundational tool in all of vestibular physiology. Most models represent the cupula as a linear spring-like element of stiffness K=DeltaP/DeltaV, where DeltaV is the volume displaced upon application of a pressure difference DeltaP. The parameter K directly influences the long time constant of the cupula-endolymph system. Given estimates of K based on experiments, we use thick and thin bending membrane theory, and also finite-element simulations based on more realistic cupula morphologies, to estimate the human cupula's Young's modulus E approximately 5.4 Pa. We show that for a model morphology, thick bending membrane theory and finite-element predictions are in good agreement, and conclude that the morphology of the attachment of the cupula to the slope of the crista should not greatly influence the volume displacement. We note, however, that other biological materials with very low E are hydrogels that have significant viscoelastic properties. Experiments to directly measure E and investigate potential viscoelastic behavior ultimately may be needed. In addition, based on experimental images we study two other different shapes for the cupula and quantify their impact on the deflection of the cupula. We also use a three-dimensional finite-element model to analyze both the shear strain distribution and its time evolution near the sensory epithelium. We conclude that stimulation of sensory hair cells probably begins at the centre of the crista and spreads toward the periphery of the cupula and down the sides of the crista. Thus, spatio-temporal variations in the shearing stimulus are predicted to impact subsequent transduction and encoding. Finally, modeling the fluid-filled vertical channels believed to lie within the cupula, we investigate the impact of different tube diameters on the transverse displacement field. We show that, for the assumed diameters and grid spacing, cupula displacements should be highly sensitive to the diameter of the tubes. Experiments to verify the existence of cupular channels and accurately measure their diameter and spacing are needed.
Genetic and environmental influences on eating patterns of twins aged ≥50 y

BACKGROUND: Clinicians and researchers could benefit from a greater understanding of the role of genetic and environmental factors in human eating behavior. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on habitual eating patterns in middle-aged and elderly men and women. DESIGN: Male and female twins (n = 4640) aged >/=50 y completed a mailed version of the National Cancer Institute food-frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis was performed to identify eating patterns among respondents. Estimates of genetic, common environmental (shared by family members), and specific environmental (unique to an individual) influences were obtained for food use, serving size, and consumption frequency by comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twin-pair groups with structural equation analysis. RESULTS: Two independent eating patterns were identified: the first consisted of items high in fat, salt, and sugar, and the second reflected healthful eating habits. Although the influence of environmental factors was larger, between 15% and 38% of the total variation in pattern 1 and between 33% and 40% in pattern 2 were explained by genetic influences. Models accounting for sex differences in genetic and environmental estimates fit the data significantly better for food use and serving size of foods in eating pattern 1 and for food use in eating pattern 2. CONCLUSION: Although 60-85% of the variability in eating patterns was associated with environmental factors, genetic influences were also apparent and there was some evidence of sex specificity. These findings may be important in crafting dietary interventions and predicting adherence to these interventions.
The digital Pacific Rim Library of the University of California, San Diego

In collaboration with multinational partners, the Libraries of the University of California, San Diego have begun development of a digital Pacific Rim Library in support of education and research in international studies. The paper discusses this virtual library that delivers collections and services in digital format over the Internet. The intent is to develop a fully functional library but with the important distinction that it will not reside in a building and there will be no books on shelves.
The Offensive Framework of Resource Based View (RBV): Inhibiting Others from Pursuing Their Own Values

This study explores the overlooked aspect of resource based view (RBV). Given the assumption that the relative superiority of resources determines the results of competition, firms are expected to retain sustainable competitive advantage by inhibiting the value creation of other competitors from their resources. The offensive framework of RBV explains how to maintain such a state over other market participants. Based on the theoretical perspectives, including micro-foundation of resources, several propositions are provided concerning this issue. First of all, firms inhibit competitors from acquiring and retaining talent. In addition, firms’ innovation activities lower the value of competitors’ resources. Finally, firms utilize their resources to inhibit competitors’ profit realization, resulting in their competitive advantage. The implications for both academia and industry are discussed, while future research directions are suggested. Firms are recommended to be considered as aggressive warriors as well as farmers or manufacturers.
Resistance of Mosquito Larvae and Pupae to experimental Drought.

Random field observations of anopheline larve in temporary puddles in New Guinea first called the problem of drought resistance to our attention as one of possible importance in mosquito control operations. We noted that following periods of relative drought rain puddles which had evaporated to the damp mud stage and were subsequently reflooded often contained numerous anopheline larvae in the late stages of development. Although the larval cycle of mosquitoes in the tropics is greatly accelerated it is an a priori consideration that these larvae must have survived the temporary drought on the damp mud in order to be of such advanced development shortly after “dry” puddles were flooded by rains. Preliminary field laboratory observations in New Guinea showed that fourth instar larvae of Anopheles punctulatus could survive for approximately 120 hours on damp filter paper flooded for thirty minutes at twenty-four hour intervals.
Determining the response of glass filled nylon under elevated rate multiaxial loading

Abstract A facility has been developed capable of high strain rate material characterization in multiaxial flexure. Using this novel equipment, a formulation of a glass filled nylon composite (Ultramid B3WG6 BGVW) has been tested in biaxial flexure at a variety of strain rates. For the material tested, the flexural modulus was shown to have no significant dependence on the rate of application of load. The measured modulus was found to be ≈ 3.9 GPa over a range of 10 - 3 – 4.0 s - 1 . A FE model was created and found to have an excellent correlation over the entire range of strain rate. The capabilities and limitations of the experimental facility are discussed.
Effect of training algorithms on neural networks aided pavement diagnosis

Routine pavement maintenance necessitates present structural diagnosis and condition evaluation of pavements by employing non-destructive test equipment such as the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). FWD testing of pavements involves measuring time-domain surface deflections resulting from applied impulse loading on the pavement. Through inverse analysis of FWD deflection data, the stiffness parameters of the individual pavement layers are, in general, determined using iterative optimization routines. In recent years, Neural Networks (NN) aided inverse analysis has emerged as a successful alternative for predicting pavement layer moduli from FWD deflection data in real-time. Especially, the use of Finite Element (FE) based pavement modeling results for training the NN aided inverse analysis is considered to be accurate in realistically characterizing the non-linear stress-sensitive response of underlying pavement layers in real-time. Efficient NN learning algorithms have been developed and proposed to determine the weights of the network, according to the data of the computational task to be performed. In this paper, the effect of training algorithms on the NN aided inversion process is analyzed and discussed. Keywords: Neural networks; Non-destructive testing; Inverse analysis; Finite element; Flexible pavement.
Lemon Oil Analysis. II. Gas‐Liquid Chromatography on a Temperature‐Programmed, Long, Open Tubular Column

SUMMARY Lemon oil was analyzed on a highly efficient modified Apiezon L open tubular column with a single injection. Almost all of the more than forty individual peaks were identified by comparison of mass spectra and retention times with those of known compounds. Lemon oils from throughout the world were found very similar in their gas chromatograms; differences were primarily quantitative rather than qualitative.
Steroid hormone binding macromolecules in meningiomas failure to meet criteria of specific receptors

Cytoplasmic estrogen and progesterone binding proteins were assayed in 26 meningiomas using an assay developed for the measurement of estrogen and progesterone receptors in human target tissue. The steroid specificity of the binding proteins was studied in both individual and pooled meningioma tissue by competitive binding assays. Eight meningiomas contained significant amounts of estrogen-binding protein and 18 contained significant amounts of progesterone-binding protein. There was no correlation between the amount of hormone-binding protein and patient age, sex, menstrual status or presentation, or tumor occurrence, location, or pathologic features. The competition studies demonstrated a lack of steroid specificity for these hormone-binding proteins. Therefore, the authors conclude that, contrary to recent reports, the hormone-binding proteins found in meningiomas are unlikely to be specific steroid receptors.
Ricardo and Thornton on the Transfer Mechanism

I. Scope of paper, 292. — II. Basic gold standard model introduced by Hume, 293. — III. Extension of basic model by Ricardo, 294. — IV. Thornton's refinements of theory, 297. — V. Working of models under paper standard, 298. — VI. Analysis of subsidy payments in both models, 300. — VII. Conclusion, 301.
Röntgenstreuung in Körpern mit regelloser Struktur

It is shown how small angle scattering can be used to get information on the gross structure of a medium with non-crystalline matter distribution. Explicit formulae are derived for the special case of a gel with hole structure, where X-ray analysis will be appropriate. The scattering intensity is expressed in terms of a correlation functionC (r) which determines, byC′(0), the specific surface of the gel. If the hole sizes are random, the correlation function takes on the analytic form of a simple exponential, containing a correlation length a. This correlation length can be measured directly by observing the angular distribution of the scattering intensity.
Glycoproteins are modified in the axon of R2, the giant neuron ofAplysia californica, after intra-axonal injection of [3H]N-acetylgalactosamine

Abstract We have found evidence that mechanisms exist in the axon by which proteins, originally synthesized in the cell body, can be modified. Incorporation of [3H]N-acetyl-D-galactosamine into macromolecules was studied in the axon of R2, the giant identified neuron of the abdominal ganglion ofAplysia. The precursor sugar, injected directly into the major axon in the right connective, labeled both glycoproteins and glycolipids. These macromolecules were associated with membranes and at least 90% of the incorporated radioactivity could be sedimented by centrifugation at105,000 × g. Radioautography of injected axons with the light microscope showed that most of the silver grains were located over the axon rather than over other tissues in the right connective. Grains appeared over a variety of axonal components, but quantitative electron microscopic radioautography revealed that vesicles were the only organellessignificantly labeled. Disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) of the membrane fraction resolved [5-3H]glycoprotein components. These membrane glycoproteins ranged in apparent molecular weight from 20,000 to 160,000 daltons and could be digested by pronase. Only one component had a mobility similar to that of a glycoprotein found in the axon after injection of the cell body. Incorporation of [3H]N-acetylgalactosamine into axonal glycoprotein was unaffected by anisomycin, a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis inAplysia, and therefore presumably occurred on already existing polypeptide chains. We conclude that these were synthesized in the cell body and exported into the axon where they were modified by the addition of sugar.
Value creation in fine arts: a system dynamics model of inverse demand and information cascades

We integrate information cascades and demand queue behaviors as they affect the distribution of marginal value added in the value chain. We develop a system dynamics model of the relationships of Edward Marshall Boehm, Inc., a studio that creates hard-paste porcelain pieces of fine art sculpture. The relationships between information cascades, demand queues, and the distribution of marginal value added are applicable to other fine art settings and other industries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Two Hats of SOS

Son of sevenless (SOS) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates Ras in response to growth factor stimulation. SOS also appears to serve as a guanine nucleotide exchanger for Rac and, thus, may be involved in cytoskeleton reorganization. Nimnual and Bar-Sagi discuss how these two activities of SOS can be regulated and how SOS may be recruited to different cellular locations through interactions with the adaptor proteins Grb2 and E3b1.
Rapidly-converging series representations of a mutual-information integral

This paper evaluates a mutual-information integral that appears in EXIT-chart analysis and the capacity equation for the binaryinput AWGN channel. Rapidly-converging series representations are derived and shown to be computationally efficient. Over a wide range of channel signal-to-noise ratios, the series are more accurate than the Gauss-Hermite quadrature and comparable to Monte Carlo integration with a very large number of trials.
The microstructure of high-rank coals at lattice resolution

SUMMARY The microstructures of both anthracite and meta-anthracite have been examined using high resolution electron microscopy. The microstructure of the native, untreated meta-anthracite shows carbon fibrils consisting of as many as thirty parallel layers and being as long as 30 nm. In comparison with a previous investigation of anthracite microstructures this corresponds to an anthracite heat-treated to at least 2500°C, or to a soft carbon precursor heated at 1500°C. The anthracite microstructure shows little long-range ordering but confirms earlier work, and consists of very small stacks of carbon layers in a preferred orientation. However, the low volatility of the anthracite has been used to resolve the interface between the coal and some minerals commonly found in all coal structures and an attempt has been made to use these observations to generalize on the possible catalytic activity of such minerals in other coals used for coal gasification. The interfaces were found to consist of numerous ledges and microledges all of which would increase the surface area of the mineral particle and give rise to high energy sites suitable for enhanced catalytic ability.
Major lower limb amputations in the elderly observed over ten years: the role of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease

Summary Background Major amputation is a dreaded event with high mortality and morbidity. However, few studies have investigated the epidemiology of amputation in the elderly over time, in the face of evolving management and prevention efforts. Methods We undertook a retrospective study to determine the incidence rate, etiology and prognosis of major lower limb amputations (transtibial or higher) in elderly patients (> 65 years). Cases were identified over a 10-year period in the Geneva (Switzerland) area, where all amputations are performed in a single center and reliable demographic data are available. Results The rate of amputation varied from 1.8 to 11.4/10000 patients/year, increasing with age and male gender. Diabetes was present in 48% patients, and conferred a 10 times higher risk of amputation. Severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was present in > 94% patients. The prognosis remains poor, 47% patients had died after two years and only 53% patients could be equipped with a prosthetic limb. Over 10 years we found a progressive increase in age at amputation; this encouraging increase was mostly accounted for by diabetic patients (> 6 months per year). Conclusions The rate of amputation observed among elderly patients was low. Neither the rate nor the prognosis improved over the decade studied. However, the age at amputation increased by > 6 months/year, particularly in diabetic amputees, suggesting that current management successfully delays amputation. Amputations were almost exclusively performed for severe PAD. Further reduction in the rate of amputation will require progress in the prevention and management of PAD.
The Frog Tongue: III. Histogenesis and Regeneration Following Complete and Partial Extirpations of Anlagen

Tongue anlagen from which the anterior, posterior, right or left lateral halves had been extirpated generally regenerated completely within 15–30 days in Rana catesbeiana and R. clamitans. Regeneration was most rapid and greatest in posterior and median regions. Removal of anterior-posterior and left-right middle thirds and of anterior, posterior, right or left dorsal or ventral quarter anlagen (R. catesbeiana) showed similar regenerative gradients. Regeneration never occurred when entire anlagen were removed. Extirpations of early and half-developed lingual cornua were made in metamorphosing and young adult R. catesbeiana, R. clamitans R. palustris and R. pipiens. Regeneration occurred where preoperative cornua did not exceed 1.5 mm, but never when they exceeded this length. It is concluded that anuran tongue anlagen, at the stages operated on, possess considerable reorganizing powers following partial extirpations.
Bifurcation behavior in homogeneous-heterogeneous combustion: II. Computations for stagnation-point flow☆

Abstract Bifurcation analysis of ignition and extinction of combustion in stagnation-point flow was carried out for conditions when both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions can occur. A technique based on the bifurcation theory and the shooting algorithm is developed, which permits fast and efficient tracking of bifurcation in these systems. The influences of the different parameters on the ignition and extinction behavior were investigated by assuming (1) only catalytic surface (heterogeneous) reaction, (2) only homogeneous reaction on a hot inert surface, and (3) both surface and homogeneous reactions. The coupling effects of the homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions are clearly demonstrated. It is shown that the heterogeneous reaction dominates the system behavior at the lower temperature while both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions play important role at higher temperature. It is predicted that the homogeneous ignition temperature is higher with surface reaction than without surface reaction. However, homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions expand the stabilized operating regions with high reaction rates compared with either heterogeneous or homogeneous reaction alone. The numerical results for propane and for methane oxidation on platinum foil also show good qualitative agreement with the experimental results of Part I of this article, which include the two types of ignition, extinction and autothermal behavior of homogeneous-heterogeneous reactions.