cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single unit receptive fields and the cellular layers of the pigeon optic tectum

Abstract In the pigeon optic tectum 370 single units were studied with metal microelectrodes and glass micropipettes. Efforts to localize the cells studied included small electrolytic lesions with reconstruction of the electrode tract, and iontophoretic intracellular injections of Procion yellow. Some properties of the receptive fields of the cells studied vary with depth in the tectum. From the more superficial to the deeper layers the size of the receptive field increases, the shape often becomes more irregular, the response to stationary stimuli disappears, and the effect of the inhibitory surround diminishes. Other receptive field properties such as directional selectivity, the null directions, and the range of the stimulus speeds to which cells respond, are similar in all layers. In keeping with the extensive overlap of axons and dendrites of tectal cells between layers, the transition in receptive field properties from tectal surface to depth is gradual. There are no sharp dichotomies in receptive field properties corresponding to the well-defined layers formed by the nuclei of tectal neurons.
Numerical simulations of mesoscale flood environment

This research is aimed at exploring real-data model simulations of two severe rainstorms and gaining insight into the predictability of mesoscale flood environment based on currently available observations and modeling techniques. The two events are the Rapid City, SD flood of 10 June 1972 and the Big Thompson, CO flood of 31 July 1976. In both cases the synoptic settings prior to the onset of heavy precipitation are quite similar and may be characterized as baroclinically inactive. The meteorological processes triggering the outbreak of the flash floods are carefully examined.
The pitting corrosion characteristics of boride-strengthened nickel- and iron-based microcrystalline alloys

Abstract The pitting corrosion characteristics of four boride-strengthened microcrystalline alloys, two Ni-based and two Fe-based, were studied in 1 M NaCl solution at 25–80°C, using the cyclic potentiodynamic technique. Two commercial materials, namely Alloy 600 and AISI Type 316 stainless steel, were also tested for comparison. As in the case of conventional materials, a higher content of Cr in the microcrystalline alloy was found to provide greater resistance to pitting. Mo contents also had beneficial effects. Alloys with the highest Cr contents exhibited the highest pitting potential in each group of the materials tested. Because of the formation of pits covered with Cr-rich oxidation products, repassivation of pits on these alloys was more difficult than on those with less Cr. The presence of boride precipitates in microcrystalline alloys appeared to promote rather than inhibit pit initiation and growth.
Widespread inhibition of posttranscriptional splicing shapes the cellular transcriptome following heat shock.

During heat shock and other proteotoxic stresses, cells regulate multiple steps in gene expression in order to globally repress protein synthesis and selectively upregulate stress response proteins. Splicing of several mRNAs is known to be inhibited during heat stress, often meditated by SRp38, but the extent and specificity of this effect have remained unclear. Here, we examined splicing regulation genome-wide during heat shock in mouse fibroblasts. We observed widespread retention of introns in transcripts from ∼1,700 genes, which were enriched for tRNA synthetase, nuclear pore, and spliceosome functions. Transcripts with retained introns were largely nuclear and untranslated. However, a group of 580+ genes biased for oxidation reduction and protein folding functions continued to be efficiently spliced. Interestingly, these unaffected transcripts are mostly cotranscriptionally spliced under both normal and stress conditions, whereas splicing-inhibited transcripts are mostly spliced posttranscriptionally. Altogether, our data demonstrate widespread repression of splicing in the mammalian heat stress response, disproportionately affecting posttranscriptionally spliced genes.
Xenotransplantation: Strategies to Achieve Donor-specific Tolerance and Immune Reconstitution Across Species Barriers Through Mixed Bone Marrow Chimerism.

Abstract Background: Allogeneic organ donation will never provide the quantities of organs required for patients with end-stage disease. It is estimated that over 3,000 candidates for a potentially lifesaving sold-organ transplant will die this year while on the waiting list as a result of the donor shortage. A further understanding of the mechanisms of xenoreactivity might make xenotransplantation a viable therapeutic option. This article reviews the benefits of xenotransplantation, including species-specific disease resistance and the potential unlimited supply of donor organs. Methods and Results: Experimental results in rodents have demonstrated that bone marrow stem cells engraft in xenogeneic recipients. Lymphohematopoietic cells arising in a xenogeneic environment undergo normal maturation and negative selection of autoreactive clones. Recipients exhibit donor-specific tolerance to solid-organ and cellular xenografts, yet maintain normal reactivity to third-party antigens. Bone marrow transplantation as a means of developing mixed xenogeneic chimerism and donor-specific tolerance is reviewed. Evidence that baboon cells are resistant to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and hepatitis B virus is presented, and the rationale for transplantation of baboon hematopoietic stem cells to achieve immune reconstitution in late stage acquired immune deficiency syndrome is discussed. Conclusions: Donor-specific transplantation tolerance induced by mixed xenogeneic chimerism following bone marrow transplantation may provide a means for overcoming barriers to xenotransplantation. (Mol Diagn 1996 Sep;1(3):219-224)
Selective modification of the X ray survival response of two mouse mammary adenocarcinoma sublines by N,N-dimethylformamide.

Abstract The modification of the X ray survival response of two mammary adenocarcinoma tumor cell sublines by the polar solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been studied. The sublines (termed lines 66 and 67) differ significantly in their single dose survival responses to x-irradiation. Survival responses were fitted to the single-hit, multi-target, and linear-quadratic equations. For non-DMF treated cells, line 67 radiation parameters were: D 0 ( Gy ) = 1.41, D q ( Gy ) = 1.41, n (extrapolation number) = 2.73, α (10 −1 Gy −1 ) = 2.83, and β (10 −2 Gy −2 ) = 4.17. For line 66, these values were D 0 = 1.63, D g = 3.01, n = 6.4, α = 0.45, and β = 4.28. For investigation of DMF effects, cells were seeded at 1 x 10 4 per 25 cm 2 tissue culture flask in a DMF concentration of 0.8 % (0.10 M) and allowed to multiply for 4 days. For line 67, this increased the cell culture doubling time by about 27 %, and for line 66, by about 22 %. Cells were still in exponential growth at the time of irradiation. Immediately prior to irradiation, the media was removed, fresh media added and flasks were exposed to 100 kVp X rays. After exposure, cells were removed by trypsinization, counted and replated at appropriate dilution in fresh media. The survival parameters for line 67 (the radiosensitive line) then became D 0) = 1.56, D q = 0.89, n = 1.77 , α = 3.39, and β = 3.49. For line 66 (the radioresistant line), the survival parameters were D 0 = 1.56, D q , = 0.94, n = 1.83, α = 4.14, and β = 2.41. These results indicate that DMF may have the potential for modifying the low dose “shoulder” region of survival, particularly for cell lines that possess large shoulders.
An investigation of the role of the hippocampus and the amygdala in the encoding of a serial pattern: Effects of a long inter-element interval

Previous research has provided convincing evidence that rats can learn to anticipate each element of a stimulus series consisting of differing reinforcement quantities. The present experiment examined the effects of electrolytic lesions of the hippocampus, amygdala, or combined hippocampal and amygdala lesions on the acquisition of a 14-7-3-0 monotonic pattern with a 5 min inter-element interval. Anticipation was operationally defined as faster running on 14- than on 7-pellet elements, 7- than on 3-pellet elements, and 3- than 0-pellet elements. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (sham and lesioned) received two trials a day for 30 days on the 14-7-3-0 pattern of food pellets. Anticipatory tracking developed rapidly in the control animals and not until the end of training in the hippocampus + amygdala-lesioned rats, while the rate of acquisition in the single lesion groups was intermediate between the two. The results are discussed in terms of temporal and working memory processes. Mediation of the temporal and affective attributes of memory are considered for each structure. The present experiment provided additional evidence for a hippocampal role in maintenance of a temporal record of the elements of the series, thus providing the rat with the ability to track which stimulus elements have been presented and to anticipate future elements. Finally, via a role in processing the affective and reinforcing properties of the task, the amygdala appears to play a role in mnemonic processes.
Memories that last forever: strategies for optimizing vaccine T-cell memory

For acute self-limiting infections a vaccine is successful if it elicits memory at least as good as the natural experience; however, for persistent and chronic infections such as HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human herpes viruses, this paradigm is not applicable. At best, during persistent virus infection the person must be able to maintain the integrity of the immune system in equilibrium with controlling replicating virus. New vaccine strategies are required that elicit both potent high-avidity CD8+ T-cell effector/memory and central memory responses that can clear the nidus of initial virus-infected cells at mucosal surfaces to prevent mucosal transmission or significantly curtail development of disease. The objective of an HIV-1 T-cell vaccine is to generate functional CD8+ effector memory cells at mucosal portals of virus entry to prevent viral transmission. In addition, long-lived CD8+ and CD4+ central memory cells circulating through secondary lymphoid organs and resident in bone marrow, respectively, are needed to provide a concerted second wave of defense that can contain virus at mucosal surfaces and prevent systemic dissemination. Further understanding of factors which can influence long-lived effector and central memory cell differentiation will significantly contribute to development of effective T-cell vaccines. In this review we will focus on discussing mechanisms involved in T-cell memory and provide promising new approaches toward expanding current vaccine strategies to enhance antiviral memory.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN COMPOSITION OF LIPID STORES IN MIGRATORY BIRDS: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract It is well established that birds use fat stores to primarily fuel migration; however, few studies have focused on the causes and consequences of observed seasonal changes in fatty acid composition of fat stores in birds. We propose and test two hypotheses that address the causes of these seasonal changes in composition of fat stores: (1) diet composition determines fatty acid composition of fat stores, and (2) birds selectively metabolize and store certain fatty acids during migration in lieu of changing their diet. When we offered Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceous) choices between diets that differed only in fatty acid composition, vireos preferred diets with more triolein over diets with more tristearin and tripalmitin, and these preferences were similar between seasons. We also collected fat samples six times throughout the year from captive Red-eyed Vireos fed one of two diets differing in fatty acid composition, and found that fatty acid composition of stored fat differed by diet and change...
Effects of the mold temperature on the mechanical properties and crystallinity of hydroxyapatite whisker-reinforced polyetheretherketone scaffolds

Porous and bioactive polyetheretherketone (PEEK) scaffolds have potential to replace metallic scaffolds for biologic fixation of permanent implants adjacent to trabecular bone, such as interbody spinal fusion devices. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the mold temperature and PEEK powder on the mechanical properties and crystallinity of hydroxyapatite (HA) whisker-reinforced PEEK scaffolds prepared using compression molding and porogen leaching. Scaffolds were prepared at mold temperatures ranging 340-390°C with a 50 or 10 μm PEEK powder, 75 vol% porosity, and 20 vol% HA whiskers. Scaffold mechanical properties were evaluated in unconfined, uniaxial compression and the PEEK matrix crystallinity was measured using specular reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Increased mold temperature resulted in increased compressive modulus, yield strength, and yield strain, reaching a plateau at ~370°C. HA reinforcements were observed to be segregated between PEEK particles, which inhibited PEEK particle coalescence during compression molding at temperatures less than 365°C but also ensured that bioactive HA reinforcements were exposed on scaffold strut surfaces. Increased mold temperature also resulted in decreased PEEK crystallinity, particularly for scaffolds molded at greater than 375°C. The PEEK powder size exhibited relatively minor effects on the scaffold mechanical properties and PEEK crystallinity. Therefore, the results of this study suggested that HA-reinforced PEEK scaffolds should be compression molded at 370-375°C. The apparent compressive modulus, yield strength, and yield strain for scaffolds molded at 370-375°C was 75-92 MPa, 2.0-2.2 MPa, and 2.5-3.6%, respectively, which was within the range exhibited by human vertebral trabecular bone.
Size-Controlled Synthesis and Optical Properties of Monodisperse Colloidal Magnesium Oxide Nanocrystals

Author(s): Milliron, Delia J.; Urban, Jeffrey J.; Moon, Hoi Ri | Abstract: colloids ? luminescence ? metal oxides ? nanocrystals ? synthesis design
Expanding Publication Opportunities in Marketing Education Research

Marketing education research articles over 13 years were analyzed to discover future publication opportunities. A framework is presented within three marketing domains: program inputs, design/delivery, and outputs. Previous research shows a production orientation (program design/delivery). A marketing concept approach (program inputs and outputs) is recommended for future efforts.
Modularity in the design and implementation of Consul

Consul is a system designed to support the use of fault-tolerance techniques in the construction of fault-tolerant distributed systems structured according to the state machine approach. The way in which modularity has been used in the design and implementation of Consul is described. The approach makes it easy to configure a system customized to the needs of a specific application and facilitates the development of the individual components that make up Consul. >
Quantitative GFP fluorescence as an indicator of recombinant protein synthesis in transgenic plants

The utility of green fluorescent protein (GFP) for biological research is evident. A fluorescence-based method was developed to quantify GFP levels in transgenic plants and protein extracts. Fluorescence intensity was linear with increasing levels of GFP over a range that encompasses transgene expression in plants by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. Standard curves were used to estimate GFP concentration in planta and in protein extracts. These values were consistent with ELISA measurements of GFP in protein extracts from transgenic plants, indicating that the technique is a reliable measure of recombinant GFP expression. The levels of in planta GFP expression in both homozygous and hemizygous plants was then estimated. Homozygous transgenic plants expressed twice the amount of GFP than hemizygous plants, suggesting additive transgene expression. This methodology may be useful to simplify the characterization of transgene expression in plants.
Diet, Energy, and Global Warming

The energy consumption of animal- and plant-based diets and, more broadly, the range of energetic planetary footprints spanned by reason- able dietary choices are compared. It is demonstrated that the greenhouse gas emissions of various diets vary by as much as the difference between owning an average sedan versus a sport-utility vehicle under typical driving conditions. The authors conclude with a brief review of the safety of plant-based diets, and find no reasons for concern.
Review of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, and drug interaction potential of antidepressants: Focus on venlafaxine

Improving outcomes for patients with depression involves selecting the best possible drug therapy. Considerations relevant to drug product selection include: 1) pharmacokinetic issues such as half-life and time to steady-state, and protein binding; 2) pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions; and 3) drug metabolism-related drug interactions. A comparison of selected antidepressants with an emphasis on venlafaxine's similarities and differences is presented. Based on these parameters, selecting an antidepressant medication, such as venlafaxine, that has a low potential for drug interactions at the Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system, and is easy to monitor and dose, facilitate successful treatment of patients. Venlafaxine has been evaluated in clinical studies that demonstrate low to negligible drug interaction potential at CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. Its short half-life and time to steady-state, when coupled with the extended release characteristics of the preferred dosage formulation allow for once daily dosing and rapid attainment of therapeutic effects. The CYP3A4 system is involved in both first-pass metabolism and systemic clearance of medications. Drug interactions at this isoenzyme have proven to be of high clinical relevance ranging from cardiovascular toxicity and death with commonly used drugs such as cisapride, to subtherapeutic levels of cyclosporine or protease inhibitors leading to transplant rejection or HIV relapse. Reasons for the under detection and reporting of drug interaction mediated adverse events include healthcare system structure, the poor return to follow up of non-adherent patients, the need for greater education and training of clinicians to recognize drug-related adverse events, and the reluctance of patients to spontaneously communicate about the unpleasant effects of their medication.
A linear model for estimation of neurotransmitter response profiles from dynamic PET data

article i nfo The parametric ntPET model (p-ntPET) estimates the kinetics of neurotransmitter release from dynamic PET data with receptor-ligand radiotracers. Here we introduce a linearization (lp-ntPET) that is computationally efficient and can be applied to single scan data. lp-ntPET employs a non-invasive reference region input function and extends the LSRRM of Alpert et al. (2003) using basis functions to characterize the time course of neurotransmitter activation. In simulation studies, the temporal precision of neurotransmitter profiles estimated by lp-ntPET was similar to that of p-ntPET (standard deviation ~3 min for responses early in the scan) while computation time was reduced by several orders of magnitude. Violations of model assumptions such as activation-induced changes in regional blood flow or specific binding in the reference tissue have negligible effects on lp-ntPET performance. Application of the lp-ntPET method is demonstrated on ( 11 C) raclopride data acquired in rats receiving methamphetamine, which yielded estimated response functions that were in good agreement with simultaneous microdialysis measurements of extracellular dopamine concentration. These results demonstrate that lp-ntPET is a computationally efficient, linear variant of ntPET that can be applied to PET data from single or multiple scan designs to estimate the time course of neurotransmitter activation.
Reflection moveout and parameter estimation for horizontal transverse isotropy

Transverse isotropy with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI) is the simplest azimuthally anisotropic model used to describe fractured reservoirs that contain parallel vertical cracks. Here, I present an exact equation for normal-moveout (NMO) velocities from horizontal reflectors valid for pure modes in HTI media with any strength of anisotropy. The azimuthally dependent P -wave NMO velocity, which can be obtained from 3-D surveys, is controlled by the principal direction of the anisotropy (crack orientation), the P -wave vertical velocity, and an effective anisotropic parameter equivalent to Thomsen9s coefficient δ. An important parameter of fracture systems that can be constrained by seismic data is the crack density, which is usually estimated through the shear-wave splitting coefficient γ. The formalism developed here makes it possible to obtain the shear-wave splitting parameter using the NMO velocities of P and shear waves from horizontal reflectors. Furthermore, γ can be estimated just from the P -wave NMO velocity in the special case of the vanishing parameter e, corresponding to thin cracks and negligible equant porosity. Also, P -wave moveout alone is sufficient to constrain γ if either dipping events are available or the velocity in the symmetry direction is known. Determination of the splitting parameter from P -wave data requires, however, an estimate of the ratio of the P -to- S vertical velocities (either of the split shear waves can be used). Velocities and polarizations in the vertical symmetry plane of HTI media, that contains the symmetry axis, are described by the known equations for vertical transverse isotropy (VTI). Time-related 2-D P -wave processing (NMO, DMO, time migration) in this plane is governed by the same two parameters (the NMO velocity from a horizontal reflector and coefficient η) as in media with a vertical symmetry axis. The analogy between vertical and horizontal transverse isotropy makes it possible to introduce Thomsen parameters of the “equivalent” VTI model, which not only control the azimuthally dependent NMO velocity, but also can be used to reconstruct phase velocity and carry out seismic processing in off-symmetry planes.
Multiplexed time‐lapse photomicrography of cultured cells

SUMMARY A system of cinemicrography has been developed in which a single microscope and 16 mm camera are multiplexed to produce a time-lapse photographic record of many fields simultaneously. The field coordinates and focus are selected via a control console and entered into the memory of a dedicated microcomputer; they are then automatically recalled in sequence, thus permitting the photographing of additional fields in the interval between exposures of any given field. Sequential exposures of each field are isolated in separate sections of the film by means of a specially designed random-access camera that is also controlled by the microcomputer. The need to unscramble frames is thereby avoided, and the developed film can be directly analysed.
Enhancement of intuitive reasoning through precision teaching and simulations

We have studied how performance on the EM direct problems involve little more than the entry of numbers into a basic equation; and indirect problems requiring a solution strategy involving various subgoals which must be identified and achieved. By concentrating first on the development of basic skills through the technique of precision teaching and the use of simple direct problems, we show significant long term performance improvement, particularly among students at risk. We further examine how computer simulations can enhance intuitive reasoning and how the choice of a structured set of homework problems enhanced performance.
Repeated CT elements bound by zinc finger proteins control the absolute and relative activities of the two principal human c-myc promoters

Abstract Transcription of the human proto-oncogene c-myc is governed by two tandem principal promoters, termed P1 and P2. In general, the downstream promoter, P2, is predominant, which is in contrast to the promoter occlusion phenomenon usually observed in genes containing tandem promoters. A shift in human c-myc promoter usage has been observed in some tumor cells and in certain physiological conditions. However, the mechanisms that regulate promoter usage are not well understood. The present studies identify regulators which are required to promote transcription from both human c-myc promoters, P1 and P2, and have a role in determining their relative activities in vivo. A novel regulatory region located 101 bp upstream of P1 was characterized and contains five tandem repeats of the consensus sequence CCCTCCCC (CT element). The integrity of the region containing all five elements is required to promote transcription from P1 and for maximal activity from P2 in vivo. A single copy of this same element, designated CT-I2, also appears in an inverted orientation 53 bp upstream of the P2 transcription start site. This element has an inhibitory effect on P1 transcription and is required for P2 transcription. The transcription factor Sp1 was identified as the factor that binds specifically to the tandem CT elements upstream of P1 and to the CT-I2 element upstream of P2. In addition, the recently cloned zinc finger protein ZF87, or MAZ, was also able to bind these same elements in vitro. The five tandem CT elements can be functionally replaced by a heterologous enhancer that only in the absence of CT-I2 reverses the promoter usage, similar to what is observed in the translocated c-myc allele of Burkitt's lymphoma cells.
Using location for personalized POI recommendations in mobile environments

Internet-based recommender systems have traditionally employed collaborative filtering techniques to deliver relevant "digital" results to users. In the mobile Internet however, recommendations typically involve "physical" entities (e.g., restaurants), requiring additional user effort for fulfillment. Thus, in addition to the inherent requirements of high scalability and low latency, we must also take into account a "convenience" metric in making recommendations. In this paper, we propose an enhanced collaborative filtering solution that uses location as a key criterion for generating recommendations. We frame the discussion in the context of our "restaurant recommender" system, and describe preliminary results that indicate the utility of such an approach. We conclude with a look at open issues in this space, and motivate a future discussion on the business impact and implications of mining the data in such systems.
The Role of the Media in Monitoring International Humanitarian Law during Military Interventions: The Case of Kosovo

This article explores the gap between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and its implementation by means of military interventions. We suggest that using states’ militaries to resolve humanitarian crises sometimes runs the risk of causing new forms of IHL violations that go unnoticed or are simply minimized because of the belief that a larger humanitarian goal has been served. Because so-called humanitarian forces in the past decade have often acted as if they are not bound to respect the basic norms of IHL, a space of mediation has remained open between IHL and state-sponsored military interventions. This space has yet to be occupied by international actors other than states. In this study, we evaluate the possibility that the media may serve as such an actor. As allegedly objective mediators, the media have a responsibility to report human rights and humanitarian law violations, even when humanitarian interventionist troops, the alleged “good guys,” are directly at fault. To determine whether the media can reduce the space of normative incompatibility between IHL and state-sponsored humanitarian interventions, we examine their role in the Kosovo conflict of 1999.
Susceptibility of head and neck cancer to an attenuated model of the oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus expressing suicide genes

e14604 Background: The predominant loco-regional progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) makes it suitable for testing oncolytic viruses. Recent work from several laboratories ...
Digitally assisted analog front-end power management strategy via dynamic reconfigurability for robust heart rate monitoring

This paper presents a reconfiguration methodology to digitally assist a reconfigurable analog front-end (AFE), with the objective of reducing the power consumption of an ECG-based cardiac activity monitoring system, while maintaining an acceptable performance for the desired signal processing. In this study, we focus on the performance of ECG-based heart rate estimation as an example to demonstrate our proposed strategy. Utilizing the consistency and quasi-periodicity of the ECG waveform, two regions are pre-defined based on the prediction of the R peak by a normalized least mean square (NLMS) adaptive filter. The power consumption and performance of the AFE is dynamically reconfigured accordingly. Experimental evaluations show the system can measure heart rate variability (HRV) with an error of 0.5-4 beats/min with the sampling rate reduced from 488 sps to 100 sps and 40 sps for the two regions respectively, bit resolution reduced from 10-bit to 6-bit and noise tolerance substantially relaxed, offering an estimated 62% total power saving.
Recent Trends in Imaging for Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: What Is the Best Approach?

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to ascertain recent trends in noninvasive imaging utilization for suspected coronary artery disease. Methods The Medicare Part B databases for 2001 to 2013 were reviewed. Current Procedural Terminology primary codes for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), stress echocardiography (SE), and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) were selected. Physician specialty codes were used to designate providers as radiologists, cardiologists, and all others as a group. Procedure volumes were tabulated, and utilization rates per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries were calculated over the period of study. Results Total MPI utilization rates per 1,000 rose rapidly from 63.4 in 2001 to a peak of 88.0 in 2006 but declined every year thereafter, dropping to 61.9 in 2013. SE rates generally held steady around 12 to 13 from 2001 to 2010 but then began to decline, reaching 10.8 in 2013. Cardiologists predominate in both MPI and SE. CCTA rates were far lower. They peaked at 2.1 in 2007, but then dropped before leveling off at 1.07 in both 2012 and 2013. Radiologists and cardiologists have approximately equal roles in this procedure. Conclusions Both MPI and SE seem to be declining in use in recent years. This is likely due to unfavorable reimbursement trends caused by code bundling and resulting in the closure of many private cardiology offices. CCTA use is far lower than the two other types of imaging and has also declined in recent years. This is puzzling, as it is a new and promising procedure that has some advantages over MPI and SE. In 2013, 58 times as many MPI studies as CCTA studies were performed.
Updating the Reference Level: Experimental Evidence

Empirical findings suggest that in decisions under uncertainty people evaluate outcomes relative to a reference level: they are risk seeking in the domain of losses and risk averse in the domain of gains. This finding is used in the finance literature to predict/explain the “disposition effect,” which is the tendency of investors to sell assets that have gained value (“winners”) too early and ride assets that have lost value (“losers”) too long. The current experiment was designed to overcome some of the difficulties involved in using real market data to test the disposition effect. One of the main goals was to find evidence on how prior gains and losses influence the risk behavior of people, by shifting the reference level. The results were consistent with the disposition effect hypothesis. Furthermore, it was found that the data are best described by assuming that participants use the historical peak of the process as a reference level.
Metissage and the Establishment of Orphanages for Abandoned Children in Early Twentieth Century Senegal

In 1912, French anthropologists put pressure on the Ministry of Colonies to deal with the problem of abandoned illegitimate children in French colonies. The fear of a growing population of metis who suffered alienation from French society and their natal land became a cause cA©lA¨bre for colonial observers and garnered the attention of colonial officials. Between 1912 and 1918, the French administration in West Africa established a series of orphanages aimed at providing for the material needs of indigent children and the training required to make an honest living. This paper examines the creation of an orphanage at the agricultural station called Richard Toll in colonial Senegal. Organized as a hospice and boarding school for abandoned mulattos and indigenes seeking apprenticeship. Based on administrative documents from the Senegal National Archives and the French Overseas Archives, this paper takes a close look at how the administration identified abandoned children and why colonial officials designated certain metis children as prime candidates for the orphanage. In considering critical race and gender theory, this paper explores the implications that this institution held for shaping ideas about respectable motherhood, illegitimate birth, interracial sexuality, and mA©tis identity in early-twentieth century Senegal.
Experimental Investigations on the Performance Degradation of a Low-Reynolds-Number Airfoil with Distributed Leading Edge Roughness

Modern wind turbines usually suffer unexpected power losses after long operating periods due to the contaminations accumulated at the leading edge of blades. In order to investigate the underlying physics, experiments were conducted to study the performance degradation of low-Reynolds-number airfoils induced by distributed leading edge roughness. Roughness was simulated by precisely manufactured plastic strips with different roughness height and distribution patterns. Both force and PIV measurements were performed under selected experimental conditions. Considerable reductions of lift coefficients were found for all roughness cases. While small roughness tends to delay the stalling angle, large roughness significantly advanced the aerodynamic stall. Hysteresis effects were also eliminated by applying roughness to the leading edge. Detailed PIV results revealed that small roughness tends to stabilize the boundary layer flow and delay the airfoil stall, whereas large roughness could cause earlier airfoil stall at a smaller angle of attack. In addition, comparing to distribution patterns, the roughness height was found to be a more essential factor for roughness induced performance degradation.
A low-dissipation, pumpless, gravity-induced flow battery

Redox flow batteries have the potential to provide low-cost energy storage to enable renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar to overcome their inherent intermittency and to improve the efficiency of electric grids. Conventional flow batteries are complex electromechanical systems designed to simultaneously control flow of redox active fluids and perform electrochemical functions. With the advent of redox active fluids with high capacity density, i.e., Faradaic capacity significantly exceeding the 1–2 M concentration equivalents typical of aqueous redox flow batteries, new flow battery designs become of interest. Here, we design and demonstrate a proof-of-concept prototype for a “gravity-induced flow cell” (GIFcell), representing one of a family of approaches to simpler, more robust, passively driven, lower-cost flow battery architectures. Such designs are particularly appropriate for semi-solid electrodes comprising suspensions of networked conductors and/or electroactive particles, due to their low energy dissipation during flow. Accordingly, we demonstrate the GIFcell using nonaqueous lithium polysulfide solutions containing a nanoscale carbon network in a half-flow-cell configuration and achieve round trip energy efficiency as high as 91%.
The Impact of Neighborhood Context on Spatiotemporal Patterns of Burglary

Objectives:Examine how neighborhoods vary in the degree to which they experience repeat/near repeat crime patterns and whether theoretical constructs representing neighborhood-level context, including social ecology and structural attributes, can explain variation in single incidents and those linked in space and time.Methods:Examine social, structural, and environmental design covariates from the American Community Survey to assess the context of near repeat burglary at the block group level. Spatially lagged negative binomial regression models were estimated to assess the relative contribution of these covariates on single and repeat/near repeat burglary counts.Results:Positive and consistent association between concentrated disadvantage and racial heterogeneity and all types of burglaries was evident, although the effects for other indicators, including residential instability, family disruption, and population density, varied across classifications of single and repeat/near repeat burglaries.Conclusio...
Analysis of gross alpha and gross beta in drinking water in Wuhan city(2003-2012)

Objective This article indicates the dynamics of gross alpha and gross beta in drinking water in Wuhan city from 2003 to 2012,to provide basis for the routine monitoring under normal conditions,and special monitoring under nuclear emergency situation. Methods Water samples were tested in accordance with the Chinese Standard GB / T5750-2006"Standard examination methods for drinking water". The test report was prepared following the Chinese Standard GB5749-2006"Standards for drinking water quality". Results 189 water samples were detected from 2003 to 2012. The gross alpha / beta radioactivity levels were all found acceptable. Conclusion The gross alpha / beta radioactivity levels in drinking water in Wuhan City were low. The results meet the requirements of the Standard GB5749-2006"Standards for drinking water quality".
Discrimination between Normal, Hyperplastic and Malignant Human Prostatic Tissues by Enzymatic Profiles

AbstractA relative enzymatic index has been developed which differentiates normal, hyperplastic (BPH) and malignant human prostatic tissues. Enzymatic activities have been calculated at Vmax conditions in 10 normal, 14 BPH and 11 carcinoma samples. Five enzymes have been assayed: 1) 5α-reductase, 2) 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, 3) 3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase, 4) 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 5) acid phosphatase. The following observations were made when comparing individual enzymatic activities between the 3 tissue groups: 1) mean 5α-reductase activity was lower in carcinoma than in both normal prostate and BPH (p < 0.05), 2) mean 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 3β-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase activities were greater in carcinoma than in BPH (p < 0.05) and 3) mean acid phosphatase activity was higher in BPH than in both normal prostate and carcinoma (p < 0.01). The absolute enzymatic activities were then expressed as relative activities by dividing each absolute value by the mean ...
Wie alles begann

Konnen Nager uns etwas uber die Erfolgsgeheimnisse der Saugetiere verraten? Konnen sie Aufschluss uber das komplexe mentale Innenleben der am hochsten entwickelten Kreatur auf Erden, des Menschen, geben? Die Vorstellung von Naturwissenschaftlern, die mit Unterstutzung von Ratten versuchen, die vielen Ratsel des Geistes zu entschlusseln, erinnert eher an einen Trickfilm von Walt Disney als an ein wissenschaftliches Sachbuch. Dennoch entspricht dieses merkwurdige Szenario meiner beruflichen Realitat, und das versetzt mich in die besondere Lage, die erstaunliche Erfolgsgeschichte der Ratten erzahlen zu konnen. Wie bei praktisch jeder nicht autorisierten Biografie kommt bislang Unbekanntes ans Licht, in diesem Falle geheime Einzelheiten uber Anpassungsstrategien der Nager, von denen andere opportunistische Spezies und insbesondere der Mensch profitieren konnen.
Social costs enforce honesty of a dynamic signal of motivation

Understanding the processes that promote signal reliability may provide important insights into the evolution of diverse signalling strategies among species. The signals that animals use to communi...
Comparative Analysis of State Policymaking in Child Welfare: Explaining Policy Choices

AbstractKingdon’s three streams of agenda-setting identified in Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies, as well as Schneider and Ingram’s social construction framework, set out in the American Political Science Review, are used to compare four US states’ policy responses following fatalities of children in care. Results suggest that tension between the social construction of children as vulnerable dependents and their troubled families as deviants affects policymakers’ responses and may interfere with systemic policy learning within and across jurisdictions.
Electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power of—Antimony-selenium alloys—

This research was initiated in an attempt to find a material for use in thermoelectric generators and although none of the antimony-selenium alloys is suitable for this purpose, the properties of Sb2Se3 indicate that it may have applications as a thermistor material.
Saying Yes To The Precautionary Principle

First paragraph: In A Precautionary Tale: How One Small Town Banned Pesticides, Preserved Its Food Heritage, and Inspired a Movement, Philip Ackerman-Leist tells the story of Mals, in Northern Italy. He does it in a way that makes the reader feel as if they have visited a very special place and an equally singular moment in time. Just as notably, this biography of place holds a steady eye to turns in elegant lan­guage. The title explains what happens in the book. The combination of the humanistic details and how the story is told, however, makes for a contem­porary socio-agricultural fairy-tale (if such a genre can exist), complete with a supplemental chapter at the end of the book called “An Activist’s Primer: How To Push Back on Pesticides At Home” (pp. 195–199)...
The Nutrition Transition Is Speeding Up: A Global Perspective

The speed of increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the developing world is greater than that seen in higher-income developed countries. This very much relates to a mismatch between our biology and modern technology. The major dietary changes are increased intake of edible oil (an increase that is affordable by the world’s poor in the majority of even the lower-income countries); increased intake of caloric sweetener (particularly in sweetened beverages in some countries but also in many other processed food sources); and also a rapid increase in the total intake of animal source foods. A marked upward shift in the technologies available to the developing world for work, transportation, home production, and leisure are combining to rapidly increase sedentarianism. There is emerging research that indicates that there might be important biological differences between the populations found in Asia, Africa, and Latin America that might predispose many of them to higher risk of many nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases at lower BMI levels than heretofore found in the United States and Europe. The United Kingdom has created an exemplary program to reduce the prevalence of obesity while in the low income and developing world only Mexico today has an ongoing systematic effort underway.
Recurrent Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is common in women around the world. Fifty percent of women who experience childbirth have disorders of the pelvic floor.1 Currently, conservative options exist to manage disorders of the pelvic floor, and the majority of women with minimal symptoms or with major medical problems choose this route. However, surgical management is a viable option for many. Approximately one in nine of these women will undergo at least one procedure for pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence in their lifetime.2 Prolapse can have a profound effect not only on form but probably more importantly on function. Jelovsek and Barber3 found that women who seek treatment for the management of advanced prolapse have a decreased sense of body image and quality of life.
Surgical Management of Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations

This chapter discusses the surgical management of unruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are clinically the most significant vascular malformations affecting the central nervous system. These complex lesions, generally thought to be of congenital origin, are characterized by aberrant connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary component. Surgical excision of arteriovenous malformations remains the definitive treatment. It remains the only treatment modality that provides the patient with the best chance of immediate and permanent cure. With the craniotomy and dural opening complete, the AVM is carefully inspected and study is made of its appearance in relation to the preoperative angiogram. One of the most feared complications following the removal of an AVM is delayed hemorrhage that commonly occurs within the first 12–24 hours following the operative procedure. The most common cause of delayed hemorrhage is bleeding from residual malformation. The risks of harboring an unruptured AVM have been shown not to differ from those of harboring an AVM that has bled in the past. The recommendation for treatment is a highly individual decision made only after consideration of many factors. The most important factors relate to the AVM itself which include size, location, configuration, blood supply, and venous drainage. It is suggested that the age, medical condition, and psychological implications must also be considered.
Comparative Analysis of Asian EXIM Banks

This paper compares funding structure, financial facilities, and evolution of roles and activities of Export-Import Banks (EXIMs) in six Asian economies -- Japan, Korea, Taiwan of China (hereinafter referred as Taiwan), India, Thailand, and China. It examines the similarities and differences between these EXIMs and how they have changed over time. The purpose of the paper is to explore and identify benchmarks for younger EXIMs and for countries intending to establish such institutions.
Improved Performance of Laser-Ultrasonic F-SAFT Imaging

The spatial resolution of laser-ultrasonics depends upon the spot sizes of the generation and detection lasers and may be inadequate for detecting small and buried flaws. The use of a broad laser spot at the surface of the specimen to produce an ultrasonic beam with little divergence gives a spatial resolution limited by the spot size. In the opposite case, focusing the laser beam to a small laser spot yields a strongly diverging acoustic wave, leading also to poor spatial resolution. As in conventional ultrasonics, spatial resolution can be greatly enhanced by the use of the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) [1,2]. In addition, the coherent summation performed by SAFT yields an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Originally developed in the time domain, SAFT can be advantageously implemented in the frequency domain (F-SAFT). F-SAFT is based on the angular spectrum approach [2–4], which allows a significant reduction in processing time as compared to time-domain SAFT.