cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sociomedical Contributions to Trachoma Research and Intervention

Although the importance of human factors in the transmission and control of blinding trachoma has long been recognized, little sociomedical research has been undertaken on this disease. The trachoma literature contains considerable anecdotal information and a few reports relating to human behavioral, cultural, social, and economic factors, but systematic study in this area is needed. The potential range of sociomedical contributions to trachoma research is wide, including studies on the transmission of the disease, its consequences (especially blindness), and the planning, logistics, monitoring, and evaluation of intervention programs.
How potent are news reversals?: Evidence from the futures markets

A theoretical model is presented, which predicts a heightening in return volatility following a news reversal. A reversal occurs when a value of an economic indicator that is larger than the forecasted value is followed in the following month by a value smaller than the forecasted value, or vice versa. The model also suggests that the effects of a news reversal will be more pronounced early in the monthly macroeconomic news cycle. The predictions of the model for trading activity are less clear. The main predictions of the model were tested employing intraday data for the nearby Treasury bond futures contract. Consistent with the model, the data show significantly greater responses in volatility per standard-deviation surprise when there is a news reversal, than otherwise. Further, the increased sensitivity in volatility is especially perceptible early in the announcement cycle. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:42–73, 2009
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY MEASUREMENTS OF CHEESE TEXTURE

The relationship between sensory and instrumental texture measurements of natural and processed cheeses was studied. A descriptive analysis panel evaluated seven mouth-evaluated and five hand-evaluated texture terms. Instrumental measurements included texture profile analysis (TPA), frequency sweeps, and creep. Multivariate analyses showed that many of the sensory and instrumental analyses were highly correlated. Principal component analysis showed similarities and differences in how the cheeses were differentiated by sensory and instrumental techniques. TPA and fundamental rheological tests worked equally well at predicting sensory attributes of the cheeses, but TPA was better at predicting sensory attributes when cheeses were divided into two groups, natural and processed. Instrumental measurements predicted sensory attributes of processed cheeses better than natural cheeses. While fundamental rheological tests reveal important information on network structure and molecular arrangement, these results indicate that empirical texture evaluations work equally well or better at predicting sensory texture properties.
Pointing Error Effects on Free-Space Optical Communication Links in the Presence of Atmospheric Turbulence

The effects of pointing errors on the performance of a free-space optical laser communication system are studied. The log-normal and gamma-gamma irradiance probability density function models have been considered to include the effects of optical turbulence. An expression for the mean intensity under pointing fluctuations is derived. Results for ergodic and outage channel capacities are presented. Since the irradiance statistics vary with pointing fluctuations, a wave-optics-based approach is proposed to evaluate the capacity expressions. Although, in general, turbulence degrades communications link performance, it can reduce sensitivity to pointing errors by increasing the effective beam radius. Finally, we present analytical expressions for evaluating the bit-error-rate performance of the on -off keying system in the presence of pointing errors, and provide error performance results.
The Jordan canonical form for a class of zero-one matrices

Let f : N! N be a function. Let An = (aij) be the n n matrix dened by aij = 1 if i = f(j) for some i and j and aij = 0 otherwise. We describe the Jordan canonical form of the matrix An in terms of the directed graph for which An is the adjacency matrix. We discuss several examples including a connection with the Collatz 3n + 1 conjecture.
Update on Point-of-Surgery Testing

In the approximately 10-year period since the introduction of intra-operative parathyroid hormone testing, a variety of hormones have proven to be valuable tools in the surgical management of patients with various types of resectable tumors. To what extent the current list of hormones/markers performed intraoperatively will expand will be related, in part, to the speed with which new hormones/tumor markers are identified that meet the criteria indicated below for useful markers in point-of-surgery testing (POST). With the exception of intra-operative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) testing, testing for the other hormones indicated below is performed at specialized centers using either modified commercial (“home-brew”) or research use only (RUO) assays.
Cardiovascular genomics: recent progress, current challenges, future promise

A report from the second Annual Cardiovascular Genomics Meeting, Sponsored by Cambridge Healthtech, Inc., Miami, January 31-February 1, 2000.
LOCAL CORRECTIONS OF DISCRIMINANT BOUNDS AND SMALL DEGREE EXTENSIONS OF QUADRATIC BASE FIELDS

Using analytic techniques of Odlyzko and Poitou, we create tables of lower bounds for discriminants of number fields, including local corrections for ideals of known norm. Comparing the lower bounds found in these tables with upper bounds on discriminants of number fields obtained from calculations involving differents, we prove the nonexistence of a number of small degree extensions of quadratic fields having limited ramification. We note that several of our results require the locally corrected bounds.
Development of secondary inclusions in cells infected by Chlamydia trachomatis.

The chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that occupy a nonacidified vacuole (the inclusion) during their entire developmental cycle. These bacteria produce a set of proteins (Inc proteins) that localize to the surface of the inclusion within infected cells. Chlamydia trachomatis IncA is also commonly found in long fibers that extend away from the inclusion. We used standard and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to demonstrate that these fibers extend to newly developed inclusions, termed secondary inclusions, within infected cells. Secondary inclusions observed at early time points postinfection were devoid of chlamydial reticulate bodies. Later in the developmental cycle, secondary inclusions containing variable numbers of reticulate bodies were common. Reticulate bodies were also observed within the IncA-laden fibers connecting primary and secondary inclusions. Quantitative differences in secondary inclusion formation were found among clinical isolates, and these differences were associated with serovar. Isolates of serovar G consistently produced secondary inclusions at the highest frequency (P < 0.0001). Similar quantitative studies demonstrated that secondary inclusion formation was associated with segregation of inclusions to daughter cells following cytokinesis. We conclude that the production of secondary inclusions via IncA-laden fibers allows chlamydiae to generate an expanded intracellular niche in which they can grow and may provide a means for continuous infection within progeny cells following cell division.
Overcoming the memory wall in symbolic algebra: a faster permutation multiplication

The traditional permutation multiplication algorithm is now limited by memory latency and not by CPU speed. A new cache-aware permutation algorithm speeds up permutation multiplication by a factor of 3.4 on current CPUs. The new algorithm is limited by memory bandwidth, but not by memory latency. Current trends indicate improving memory bandwidth and stagnant memory latency. This makes the new algorithm especially important for future computer architectures. In addition, we believe this "memory wall" will soon force a redesign of other common algorithms of symbolic algebra.
Difficulties in judging patient preferences for shared decision-making

that only about 10% of surrogate decision makers prefer that they themselves make life-and-death choices without first getting a recommendation from the doctor. These data teach us that the overwhelming majority of patients and surrogate decision makers prefer to share decision making with their doctor, and that there are nearly an equal number of people at the extremes who either want to make decisions alone or want the doctor to make decisions for them. Because healthcare providers should
Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose To study intraocular lens implanta' tion in patients with cataracts associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We reviewed the records of seven patients (eight eyes) with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis who had undergone cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Initial and final visual acuities, preoperative and postoperative medications, and early and late complications were recorded. Results Posterior subcapsular cataracts and non-visually disabling peripheral band keratopathy were found in all eyes. The median postoperative follow-up was 17.5 months (mean, 16.6 months; range, nine to 36 months). Five patients were adults, and two patients were less than 10 years old. A best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was attained in all eyes, and the last recorded visual acuity was 20/40 or better in seven of eight eyes. Early complications included posterior synechiae formation in two eyes, one of which required reoperation. Late complications included visually disabling posterior capsular opacification in one eye and new glaucoma in two eyes. Preoperative corticosteroids were reduced postoperatively in five eyes, were the same in two eyes, and increased in one eye. Persistent postoperative inflammation, posterior synechiae, and a pupillary membrane occurred in one of the children in this study, suggesting that intraocular lens implantation in this age group may have more complications. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that, in selected adults, cataracts caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis-associated uveitis can be treated by the standard phacoemulsification technique with intraocular lens implantation and can have excellent results. Intraocular lens implantation in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis merits further investigation.
The Use of a Circuit Simulation Program (SPICE 2) to Model the Microcirculation

It has been possible to model and simulate a large variety of dynamic physiological systems using network thermodynamics (1) — (10). In this work, a model of the glomerular Filtration apparatus of the kidney (1) — (3) is adapted to capillaries in the microcirculation outside the kidney. For concreteness, the examples given will focus on studies by Gore and his coworkers (12) — (14) of single capillaries in the intestinal circulation of the rat. It should be emphasized that this system was chosen because it is well characterized and can serve as a benchmark for the network model. Since the network model is so easily modified, the study of this specific system can be readily extended to other aspects of the microvasculature. A number of similar studies on the entire cardiovascular system have been made by Rideout (4). Once a physiological system is translated into a network, it can easily be simulated on a circuit simulation program. We have found the program SPICE 2 (Simulation Package with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) to be very useful for this purpose (11). The program is easy to use, readily available for most computers at nominal cost, and versatile enough to simulate a wide variety of physiological processes.
Photon-counting detector arrays based on microchannel array plates

The recent development of the channel electron multiplier (CEM) and its miniaturization into the microchannel array plate (MCP) offers for the first time the possibility of fully combining the advantages of the photographic and photoelectric detection systems. The MCP has an image-intensifying capability and has the potential of being developed to yield signal outputs superior to those of conventional photomultipliers. In particular, the MCP has a photon-counting capability with a negligible dark count rate. Furthermore, the MCP can operate stably and efficiently at extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray wavelengths in a windowless configuration or can be integrated with a photo- cathode in a sealed tube for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. The operation of one-and two-dimensional photon- counting detector arrays based on the MCP at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths will be described and the design of sealed arrays for use at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths briefly discussed.
Ablation of the Inflammatory Enzyme Myeloperoxidase Mitigates Features of Parkinson's Disease in Mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a loss of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which can be modeled by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Inflammatory oxidants have emerged as key contributors to PD- and MPTP-related neurodegeneration. Here, we show that myeloperoxidase (MPO), a key oxidant-producing enzyme during inflammation, is upregulated in the ventral midbrain of human PD and MPTP mice. We also show that ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons of mutant mice deficient in MPO are more resistant to MPTP-induced cytotoxicity than their wild-type littermates. Supporting the oxidative damaging role of MPO in this PD model are the demonstrations that MPO-specific biomarkers 3-chlorotyrosine and hypochlorous acid-modified proteins increase in the brains of MPTP-injected mice. This study demonstrates that MPO participates in the MPTP neurotoxic process and suggests that inhibitors of MPO may provide a protective benefit in PD.
Pemphigus vulgaris of the esophagus in women

A case of pemphigus vulgaris with esophageal involvement is discussed and 10 other reported cases are reviewed. Esophageal involvement is a rare but serious occurrence. It is most readily diagnosed by endoscopy when dysphagia or odynophagia in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris or with a history of pemphigus vulgaris does not respond to appropriate adjustment of corticosteroid or other therapy. All patients with esophageal pemphigus vulgaris were middle-aged women. None had skin lesions at the time esophageal disease was diagnosed, and five patients appeared to be in complete remission, with neither skin nor oral lesions, when esophageal involvement was discovered.
Characterizing 23 years (1972-95) of stand replacement disturbance in western Oregon forests with landsat imagery

In western Oregon, forest ecosystem processes are greatly affected by patterns of stand replacement disturbance. A spatially explicit characterization of clear-cut logging and wildfire is a prerequisite to understanding the causes and consequences of disturbance in this region. We analyzed stand replacement disturbance over 4.6 million forested hectares of three major provinces in western Oregon between 1972 and 1995, contrasting the relative amounts of wildfire and harvest in each province and comparing harvest statistics among the dominant land ownership categories. Clear-cut harvest and wildfire occurred over 19.9% and 0.7% of the study area, respectively. The moist Coast Range Province (CRP) was dominated by private industrial (PI) ownerships and had the greatest concentration of cutting. The relatively dry Klamath Mountains Province (KMP) and the climatically moderate Western Cascades Province (WCP) were dominated by public landowners and had lower concentrations of cutting and larger amounts of wildfire than the CRP. Rates of harvest over time generally followed similar trends across landowners; it was lowest in the early 1970s, peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and then decreased to near 1970s levels by the mid-1990s. PI landowners had harvest rates that were about two and one-half times as high as public owners throughout the study period. Public and private nonindustrial (PNI) owners tended to have relatively small cutting units that remained spatially dispersed throughout the study period, whereas the PI owners had larger individual cutting units that tended toward spatial aggregation over time. Comparing the managed disturbance regimes with historical wild disturbance regimes can help us to understand the relative impact of management regimes on ecosystems.
Early adolescence and prosocial/moral behavior I: The role of individual processes

In this introductory article, the purpose of the special issue on prosocial and moral development during early adolescence is presented. This issue is the first of two special issues and focuses on...
CT diagnosis of perforated duodenal diverticulum

We present a case of perforated duodenal diverticulum diagnosed preoperatively on computed tomography. This rare but potentially fatal condition has been difficult to detect with more conventional radiographic techniques.
Natural photolysis by ultraviolet irradiance of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter to simple substrates for rapidbacterial metabolism

Whole leachate and humic and fulvic acid fractions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from senescent littoral aquatic plants were exposed to varying spectra of ultraviolet radiation as well as natural UV of sunlight over different periods of time. Examination of the DOM by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and pyrolytic gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before and after photolysis revealed only subtle changes to the bulk DOM. However, the DOM exposed to natural UV radiation showed immediate stimulation of and sustained bacterial growth. Chemical analyses by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the small organic fractions generated by photolysis of humic substances showed marked, pro- ’ gressively increasing release of numerous small fatty acids, particularly acetic, formic, citric, pyruvic, and levulinic, among others. Use of radiolabeled humic substances demonstrated that these small compounds photolyzed from the humic substances were readily metabolized by the bacteria.
Transport effects on pattern formation and maximum temperature in homogeneous–heterogeneous combustion

Abstract We study the impact of the Lewis number, Le f (thermal diffusivity of the reaction mixture to the molecular diffusivity of the limiting reactant) and the Peclet numbers on the maximum temperature attained for coupled homogeneous–heterogeneous combustion process in a parallel plate reactor using one, two and three-dimensional models. For the case of 1-D models, we find that the maximum temperature never exceeds the adiabatic value for physically consistent boundary conditions. For 2-D models, we find that for Le f 1 , the hot spot temperature can exceed the adiabatic value, it is always located on the wall and its distance from the inlet and magnitude increase with increasing radial Peclet number. However, for Le f > 1 , contrary to some literature claims (Zheng and Mantzaras, 2014), the peak temperature never exceeds the adiabatic value, though the temperature can be non-monotontic across the channel. We show that 3-D solutions can bifurcate either from 1-D or 2-D solutions irrespective of the value of the Lewis number. It is also shown that an infinite number of solutions that are discontinuous in the axial coordinate can exist for the common case of large axial heat Peclet number. The implications of these observations for catalyst and process design in systems in which both homogeneous and catalytic reactions occur are discussed.
Regulation of riboflavin intestinal uptake by protein kinase A: studies with Caco-2 cells

Although the mechanism of riboflavin (RF) intestinal uptake has been the subject of many studies, virtually nothing is known about the cellular regulation of the uptake process. In the present study, we investigated the role of protein kinase A (PKA)- and C (PKC)-mediated pathways in the regulation of RF intestinal uptake using the confluent Caco-2 monolayers. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin, cholera toxin, or dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate caused a significant inhibition in RF uptake. The inhibitory effect of IBMX was reversible and resulted from a significant decrease in the maximal velocity of the RF uptake process with no change in its apparent Michaelis constant. The IBMX-induced inhibition in RF uptake was not mediated via inhibition in the synthesis of the RF carrier protein or through inhibition in the recruitment of preexisting carrier protein into the plasma membrane. Calyculin A also inhibited RF uptake when added alone and further potentiated the inhibitory effect of IBMX when added together. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or chelerythrine, on the other hand, showed no significant effect on RF uptake. These results demonstrate for the first time that compounds that increase intracellular cAMP levels downregulate RF intestinal uptake and that this effect is mediated via a decrease in the activity of the RF uptake carrier. It is suggested that a PKA-mediated pathway(s) plays an important role in regulating RF intestinal uptake.
Cost Prediction Using a Survival Grouping Algorithm: An Application to Incident Prostate Cancer Cases

Prognostic classification approaches are commonly used in clinical practice to predict health outcomes. However, there has been limited focus on use of the general approach for predicting costs. We applied a grouping algorithm designed for large-scale data sets and multiple prognostic factors to investigate whether it improves cost prediction among older Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with prostate cancer. We analysed the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data, which included data from 2000 through 2009 for men diagnosed with incident prostate cancer between 2000 and 2007. We split the survival data into two data sets (D0 and D1) of equal size. We trained the classifier of the Grouping Algorithm for Cancer Data (GACD) on D0 and tested it on D1. The prognostic factors included cancer stage, age, race and performance status proxies. We calculated the average difference between observed D1 costs and predicted D1 costs at 5 years post-diagnosis with and without the GACD. The sample included 110,843 men with prostate cancer. The median age of the sample was 74 years, and 10 % were African American. The average difference (mean absolute error [MAE]) per person between the real and predicted total 5-year cost was US$41,525 (MAE US$41,790; 95 % confidence interval [CI] US$41,421–42,158) with the GACD and US$43,113 (MAE US$43,639; 95 % CI US$43,062–44,217) without the GACD. The 5-year cost prediction without grouping resulted in a sample overestimate of US$79,544,508. The grouping algorithm developed for complex, large-scale data improves the prediction of 5-year costs. The prediction accuracy could be improved by utilization of a richer set of prognostic factors and refinement of categorical specifications.
Role of FDG-PET/CT in assessment and monitoring patients with Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

1896 Learning Objectives 1) To review imaging tools for primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) staging and assessment of response to therapy 2) To discuss prognostic significance of FDG-PET quantitative indices in CTCL Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common type of primary cutaneous lymphoma , which accounts for approximately 65% of this disease and it is the second most common extra nodal lymphoma after gastrointestinal lymphoma. Accurate staging is crucial for determining prognosis and effective treatment options. Also evaluation of response to therapy is of high importance after treatment initiation and during follow up assessments. FDG-PET/CT is of great value in staging, evaluating response to therapy and detecting disease recurrence. However, the role of an appropriate PET methodology and the most reliable quantitative parameters for tumor evaluation and determining prognosis are still not clearly defined. In this educational exhibite will review the following entities: 1) Epidemiology and pathology of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma 2) Evaluation and staging of CTCL: -Clinical assessment -Structural imaging (CT and MRI) -Metabolic imaging with FDG-PET/CT 3) PET based response evaluation: -Qualitative assessments -Traditional indices (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak) -Global quantitative lesion measurements -Other methodologies (RECIST, PERCIST, EORTC) 4) Role of PET measurement indices in evaluating CTCL prognosis and a comparison between FDG PET/CT quantization parameters: -Conventional metrics including SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVpeak -Global metrics including metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis
Bladder Reconstruction Following Cystectomy by Uretero-Ileo-Colourethrostomy

Five patients who had had the bladder removed underwent uretero-ileo-colourethrostomy construction to allow for urination in a physiological manner. All 5 patients void spontaneously and have daytime continence, while 1 requires intermittent catheterization twice daily and 1 has significant enuresis. This method is promising for reconstruction of the urinary tract following cystectomy for benign and malignant diseases.
Data-Driven Software Security: Models and Methods

For computer software, our security models, policies, mechanisms, and means of assurance were primarily conceived and developed before the end of the 1970's. However, since that time, software has changed radically: it is thousands of times larger, comprises countless libraries, layers, and services, and is used for more purposes, in far more complex ways. It is worthwhile to revisit our core computer security concepts. This paper outlines what a data-driven model for software security could look like, and describes how the above three questions can be answered affirmatively. Specifically, this paper briefly describes methods for efficient, detailed software monitoring, as well as methods for learning detailed software statistics while providing differential privacy for its users, and, finally, how machine learning methods can help discover users expectations for intended software behavior, and thereby help set security policy. Those methods can be adopted in practice, even at very large scales, and demonstrate that data-driven software security models can provide real-world benefits.
Race and preterm birth rates in North America

In a linked study, McKinnon and colleagues compare risk ratios and risk differences for preterm birth and very preterm birth between Canada and the United States among babies born to black and white women during 2004–2006.[1][1] Racial disparities in perinatal outcomes receive considerable
Effect of selection for lifetime production of lamb weaned on hormonal factors that affect growth in Targhee ewes and lambs

Targhee ewes (n = 22, average age 5 yr) rearing twin lambs were used to investigate serum growth hormone (GH), IGF-I, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and prolactin (PRL; ewes only) concentrations associated with selection pressure for lifetime production of kilograms of lamb weaned per ewe. Period 1 started on d 4 after birth and was conducted in confinement. Periods 2, 3, and 4 were conducted on fenced intermountain sagebrush-bunchgrass range starting at an average of 49, 84, and 112 d after birth, respectively. Blood samples were collected hourly for 6 h on d 4, 11, 18, 25, 49, 84, and 112 after lambing. Ewe models included the fixed effect for line, with ewe age, lambing date, and starting weight nested within line as potential covariables. Lamb models included fixed effects for line, sex, and sibling sex, with lamb age and birth weight nested within line tested as possible covariables. Growth hormone concentrations were greater (P = .06) for selected than for control ewes, but lamb GH concentrations did not differ (P = .90) between selected and control lambs. Ewe prolactin concentration tended (P = .13) to be greater for control than selected ewes. Ewe and lamb IGF-I did not differ (P > .55) between selected and control ewes and lambs. Ewe T3 and T4 concentrations did not differ (P > .19) between selected and control ewes; however, lamb T3 and T4 concentrations were greater (P < .01) for control than for selected lambs. Increased GH concentration in selected ewes seemed to be associated with greater milk production. Differences in selected and control lamb T3 and T4 concentrations could be an indicator of receptor sensitivity, metabolic activity, or seasonal reproductive transitions in ewe lambs.
Construction and Characterization of Monolayer Films of the Reaction Center Cytochrome-C Protein From Rhodopseudomonas Viridis

The x-ray crystal structure of the Rhodopseudomonas viridis reaction center - cytochrome c complex (RC-cyt complex) has stimulated considerable interest (1–4). One of the most remarkable features of the protein is the linear array of the four cytochrome c hemes which contrasts sharply with the arrangement suggested from functional studies for the analogous hemes of Chromatium vinosum. (5) How the four hemes, two high potential and two low potential, are structurally arranged around the bacteriochlorophyll dimer, (BChl)2, contained in the reaction center is a question of long standing. This question is an important component of the deeper issue that addresses the mechanism of electron transfer not only from these hemes to the light generated (BChl) 2 + but also between the hemes (see 1–3). Of particular interest in this regard is the finding that the low potential heme(s) of photosynthetic bacteria are able to undergo oxidation at cryogenic temperatures, while reactions of high potential hemes tend to ‘freeze out’ with decreasing temperature (see 1,3, and 6).
Corporate Inversions: The Migration of Corporate Tax Revenue

Estimates of over 20 billion of tax revenue are lost to our economy because of corporate inversions. Therefore, lawmakers are actively exploring ways to stop the hemorrhaging of corporate tax-revenues, tighten restrictions on corporate inversions, and to find ways to collect on defer tax revenues. From a business prospective, corporate inversions are nothing less than prudent, innovative, business strategies to enhance corporate profits. However, it’s undoubtedly having a significant impact on U.S. tax revenues and ultimately reducing domestic investments. Ireland is now the most popular new home to many U.S. Corporations, especially within the pharmaceutical industry. The advantageous tax incentives offered by Ireland is a “no-brainer,” when compared to the heavy taxes levied upon domestic business. Since the Tax Reform Act of 1986, there has been no major tax reform to the United States Tax System. Despite the various proposals and recommendations made to address this growing economic issue, all concern parties are in consensus that the United States Tax System needs reform.
The Federal Part of the Institution

When a typical US citizen considers “election monitors,” he or she might consider a team of US observers traveling to other countries, such as Kenya when it held its 2013 national election. In Kenya, according to the Carter Center, “[t]he country has a longstanding history of ethnic-fueled electoral violence, which culminated in postelection violence in 2007–2008 that left more than 1,000 people dead and over 600,000 internally displaced.”1 International election monitoring is provided by organizations worldwide in order “to support efforts to strengthen democratic processes and institutions and to support the conduct of elections that meet international standards, are peaceful, and have credible results.”2
Correction of Hammertoe Deformity With Novel Intramedullary PIP Fusion Device Versus K-Wire Fixation.

Background:K-wire fixation has been the most common method of fixation for hammertoe deformity. However intramedullary devices are gaining ground in both number of available choices and in procedures performed. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of hammertoe correction performed with K-wire fixation versus a novel intramedullary fusion device (CannuLink).Methods:A retrospective review of hammertoe correction by a single surgeon was performed from June 2011 to December 2013. Sixty patients (95 toes) underwent K-wire fixation and 39 patients (54 toes) underwent fusion with the CannuLink implant. Average age was 61.7 years and 61.4 years, respectively. Average length of follow-up was 12.9 and 12.3 months, respectively. Patients were evaluated for medical comorbidities, smoking status, inflammatory arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, pre- and postoperative visual analog pain scale, bony union percentage, revision rate, complications (hardware and surgery-related), and persiste...
A 16.8 Gbps/Channel Single-Ended Transceiver in 65 nm CMOS for SiP-Based DRAM Interface on Si-Carrier Channel

A 16.8 Gbps/channel single-ended transceiver for SiP-based DRAM interface on silicon carrier channel is proposed in this paper. A transmitter, receiver, and channel are all included in a single package as SiP. A current mode 4:1 MUX with 1-tap feed-forward equalizer (FFE) is used as a serializer, and this 4:1 MUX uses 25% duty clock to prevent short circuit current when consecutive 2-phase clocks overlap. Additionally, an open drain output driver with asynchronous type 1-tap FFE is used in the transmitter. Because of its small physical size, a common mode variation of Si-carrier channel from process variation is more serious than that of conventional PCB. This common mode variation degrades bit error rates (BER) at single-ended signaling. To obtain effective single-ended signaling on Si-carrier channel, a source follower-based continuous time linear equalizers and self- ${\rm V}_{\rm REF}$ generator with training algorithm on the receiver are proposed. An implemented Si-carrier channel uses meshed layer as a reference to reduce insertion loss. A BER less than 1e-12 is achieved in 65 nm CMOS and the power efficiency of the transceiver is 5.9 pJ/bit with 120 $\Omega$ terminations at each transceiver side.
Single layer graphene protective gas barrier for copper photocathodes

Photocathodes can benefit from a thin protection layer and attain long-term stability. Graphene is potentially a good candidate for such application. We report direct growth of single-layer graphene on single crystal Cu(110) photocathodes using chemical vapor deposition and the effective protection of copper photocathodes with graphene against degradation under atmospheric conditions. Due to the interaction and charge transfer between graphene and copper, the graphene-protected cathodes have 0.25 eV lower work function and 17% higher quantum efficiency at 250 nm compared with bare Cu cathodes. The graphene coating can protect copper photocathodes from degradation for more than 20 min in an exposure to 200 Torr of air. The validation of graphene-photocathode compatibility opens a new route to the lifetime-extension for photocathodes.
Social media for breast cancer survivors: a literature review

Social media may offer support to individuals who are navigating the complex and challenging experience of cancer. A growing body of literature has been published over the last decade exploring the ways cancer survivors utilize social media. This study aims to provide a systematic synthesis of the current literature in order to inform cancer health communication practice and cancer survivorship research. Using PRISMA guidelines, four electronic databases were searched to retrieve publications on breast cancer and social media published between 2005 and 2015. The final sample included 98 publications (13 commentaries and reviews, 47 descriptive studies, and 38 intervention studies). Intervention studies were assessed for key features and outcome measures. Studies utilizing content analysis were further evaluated qualitatively. Online support groups were the most commonly studied platform, followed by interactive message boards and web forums. Limited research focuses on non-Caucasian populations. Psychosocial well-being was the most commonly measured outcome of interest. While social media engagement was assessed, few standardized measures were identified. Content analyses of social media interactions were prevalent, though few articles linked content to health outcomes. The current literature highlights the impact and potential utility of social media for breast cancer survivors. Future studies should consider connecting social media engagement and content to psychosocial, behavioral, and physical health outcomes. Online groups and communities may improve the well-being of breast cancer survivors by providing opportunities to engage with wider social networks, connect with others navigating similar cancer experiences, and obtain cancer-related information. Researchers should consider the potential role of social media in addressing the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors, and particularly the implications for clinical and public health practice.
Imaging at ultrahigh magnetic fields: History, challenges, and solutions.

Following early efforts in applying nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study biological processes in intact systems, and particularly since the introduction of 4 T human scanners circa 1990, rapid progress was made in imaging and spectroscopy studies of humans at 4 T and animal models at 9.4 T, leading to the introduction of 7 T and higher magnetic fields for human investigation at about the turn of the century. Work conducted on these platforms has provided numerous technological solutions to challenges posed at these ultrahigh fields, and demonstrated the existence of significant advantages in signal-to-noise ratio and biological information content. Primary difference from lower fields is the deviation from the near field regime at the radiofrequencies (RF) corresponding to hydrogen resonance conditions. At such ultrahigh fields, the RF is characterized by attenuated traveling waves in the human body, which leads to image non-uniformities for a given sample-coil configuration because of destructive and constructive interferences. These non-uniformities were initially considered detrimental to progress of imaging at high field strengths. However, they are advantageous for parallel imaging in signal reception and transmission, two critical technologies that account, to a large extend, for the success of ultrahigh fields. With these technologies and improvements in instrumentation and imaging methods, today ultrahigh fields have provided unprecedented gains in imaging of brain function and anatomy, and started to make inroads into investigation of the human torso and extremities. As extensive as they are, these gains still constitute a prelude to what is to come given the increasingly larger effort committed to ultrahigh field research and development of ever better instrumentation and techniques.
Understanding the role of organizational legitimacy within the realm of the community-based conservation approach

Many organizations throughout the world utilize community based conservation (CBC) strategies to incorporate rural communities into conservation efforts. One key component to the success of these strategies is to gain trust within the communities which reside in the vicinity of the targeted areas for conservation. The research reported here introduces the concept of organizational legitimacy into the realm of CBC strategy by proposing how dimensions of legitimacy (pragmatic, moral, and cognitive) are related to community trust and attitudes. Employing institutional theory, this paper proposes that (i) pragmatic and moral legitimacy produce trust, (ii) trust positively influences cognitive legitimacy, and (iii) cognitive legitimacy influences attitudes. The Missouri Botanical Garden’s (MBG) CBC efforts in Madagascar’s Ambalabe and Mahabo communities served to empirically examine these propositions. The survey yielded 1 01 usable responses from community members in Mahabo and Ambalabe. A structural model was estimated to test the propositions and the results provided support for the premise that organizational legitimacy is needed to gain trust and influence favorable attitudes toward the organization. Since CBC strategies rely on trust between organizations and communities, the findings of this research provide implications for organizations seeking to implement CBC strategies. The findings do so by implying that in order to build trust with communities, organizations should first establish legitimacy, which not only helps build trust, but also indirectly affects attitudes toward the organization and its activities.
Influence of facility type on survival outcomes after pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Introduction Although a volume-outcome relationship has been well established for pancreatectomy, little is known about differences in mortality by facility type. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of facility type on short-term and long-term survival outcomes for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreatectomy and identify determinants of overall survival (OS). Methods A cohort of 33,382 patients with Stage I–III pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 1998 and 2011 were evaluated from the National Cancer Data Base. Clinicopathological, sociodemographic and treatment variables were compared among three facility types where patients received resection: (i) community cancer program (CCP), (ii) comprehensive community cancer program (CCCP), and (iii) academic research program (ARP). 5-year OS was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Despite ARP having significantly higher percentage of poorly differentiated tumors, higher T-stage tumors, more positive lymph nodes, and greater circle distance compared to the other facilities, it had the highest 5-yr OS. The 5-yr OS for CCP, CCCP, and ARP was 11.2%, 13.2%, and 16.6%, respectively (P Conclusion Patients receiving pancreatic resection at an ARP yielded a higher 5-year OS compared to CCP or CCCP.
Neurological, nutritional and alcohol consumption factors underlie cognitive and motor deficits in chronic alcoholism.

Variations in pattern and extent of cognitive and motor impairment occur in alcoholism (ALC). Causes of such heterogeneity are elusive and inconsistently accounted for by demographic or alcohol consumption differences. We examined neurological and nutritional factors as possible contributors to heterogeneity in impairment. Participants with ALC (n = 96) and a normal comparison group (n = 41) were examined on six cognitive and motor domains. Signs of historically determined subclinical Wernicke's encephalopathy were detected using the Caine et al. criteria, which were based on postmortem examination and chart review of antemortem data of alcoholic cases with postmortem evidence for Wernicke's encephalopathy. Herein, four Caine criteria provided quantification of dietary deficiency, cerebellar dysfunction, low general cognitive functioning and oculomotor abnormalities in 86 of the 96 ALC participants. Subgroups based on Caine criteria yielded a graded effect, where those meeting more criteria exhibited greater impairment than those meeting no to fewer criteria. These results could not be accounted for by history of drug dependence. Multiple regression indicated that compromised performance on ataxia, indicative of cerebellar dysfunction, predicted non-mnemonic and upper motor deficits, whereas low whole blood thiamine level, consistent with limbic circuit dysfunction, predicted mnemonic deficits. This double dissociation indicates biological markers that contribute to heterogeneity in expression of functional impairment in ALC. That non-mnemonic and mnemonic deficits are subserved by the dissociable neural systems of frontocerebellar and limbic circuitry, both commonly disrupted in ALC, suggests neural mechanisms that can differentially affect selective functions, thereby contributing to heterogeneity in pattern and extent of dysfunction in ALC.
Quechua-Andean and Spanish Knowledges in Fernando León de Aranoa's Amador (2010)

While documentary films have reflected the increased diversity and visibility of Latin American immigrants in Spanish cinema by exploring the experience of both South American and Caribbean women i...
SOV_refine: A further refined definition of segment overlap score and its significance for protein structure similarity

The segment overlap score (SOV) has been used to evaluate the predicted protein secondary structures, a sequence composed of helix (H), strand (E), and coil (C), by comparing it with the native or reference secondary structures, another sequence of H, E, and C. SOV’s advantage is that it can consider the size of continuous overlapping segments and assign extra allowance to longer continuous overlapping segments instead of only judging from the percentage of overlapping individual positions as Q3 score does. However, we have found a drawback from its previous definition, that is, it cannot ensure increasing allowance assignment when more residues in a segment are further predicted accurately. A new way of assigning allowance has been designed, which keeps all the advantages of the previous SOV score definitions and ensures that the amount of allowance assigned is incremental when more elements in a segment are predicted accurately. Furthermore, our improved SOV has achieved a higher correlation with the quality of protein models measured by GDT-TS score and TM-score, indicating its better abilities to evaluate tertiary structure quality at the secondary structure level. We analyzed the statistical significance of SOV scores and found the threshold values for distinguishing two protein structures (SOV_refine > 0.19) and indicating whether two proteins are under the same CATH fold (SOV_refine > 0.94 and > 0.90 for three- and eight-state secondary structures respectively). We provided another two example applications, which are when used as a machine learning feature for protein model quality assessment and comparing different definitions of topologically associating domains. We proved that our newly defined SOV score resulted in better performance. The SOV score can be widely used in bioinformatics research and other fields that need to compare two sequences of letters in which continuous segments have important meanings. We also generalized the previous SOV definitions so that it can work for sequences composed of more than three states (e.g., it can work for the eight-state definition of protein secondary structures). A standalone software package has been implemented in Perl with source code released. The software can be downloaded from http://dna.cs.miami.edu/SOV/ .
Acute Stent Thrombosis: Technical Complication or Inadequate Antithrombotic Therapy?: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study

A 68-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed a 95% mid stenosis in the left anterior descending artery ([Fig. 1][1]A). The lesion was treated with a 2.50 × 18-mm Xience drug-eluting stent (Abbott Vascular, Santa