cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Balancing Neumann-Neumann Methods for Elliptic Optimal Control Problems

We present Neumann-Neumann domain decomposition preconditioners for the solution of elliptic linear quadratic optimal control problems. The preconditioner is applied to the optimality system. A Schur complement formulation is derived that reformulates the original optimality system as a system in the state and adjoint variables restricted to the subdomain boundaries. The application of the Schur complement matrix requires the solution of subdomain optimal control problems with Dirichlet boundary conditions on the subdomain interfaces. The application of the inverses of the subdomain Schur complement matrices require the solution of subdomain optimal control problems with Neumann boundary conditions on the subdomain interfaces. Numerical tests show that the dependence of this preconditioner on mesh size and subdomain size is comparable to its counterpart applied to elliptic equations only.
The Political Process in International Organizations

i96i, io6 pp. $2.75. Sydney D. Bailey, The General Assembly of the United Nations: A Study of Procedure and Practice, New York, Frederick A. Praeger, i96i, 337 pp. $5.00. J. David Singer, Financing International Organization: The United Nations Budget Process, The Hague, Martinus Nijhoff, i96i, i85 pp. I4.50 guilders. Walter R. Sharp, Field Administration in the United Nations System, New York, Frederick A. Praeger, Inc., i96i, 570 pp. $I2.00. Joseph P. Lash, Dag Hammarskiold: Custodian of the Brushfire Peace, Garden City, N.Y., Doubleday & Co., Inc., I96I, 304 pp. $4.50. Richard I. Miller, Dag Hammarskjold and Crisis Diplomacy, New York, Oceana Publications, Inc., i96i, 344 pp. $6.oo.
Collagen deposition during wound repair

Collagen fiber diameters, amount of birefringent collagen (brightness) and birefringence retardation were measured in implanted collagen-based sponges containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and fibronectin (FN). In the presence of HA and FN, increased number of fibroblasts and brightness were observed 6 days after wounding. Increased brightness in the presence of HA and FN reflected increased deposition of oriented collagen fibers. From days 9 to 12, increased fiber diameters were similar in implanted collagen-based sponges with or without HA and FN. Increased birefringence retardation in sponges containing HA and FN was consistent with increased packing density of collagen fibers observed by scanning electron microscopy. Our results suggest that HA and FN are effective in promoting fibroblast movement into a collagen sponge and deposition of collagen fibers during the early phases of wound healing. Use of a collagen-based sponge containing HA and FN may enhance collagen deposition in situations where healing is compromised as in the case of dermal ulcers.
A Scalable Parallel Semantic Reasoning Algorithm-Based on RDFS Rules on Hadoop

The rapid growth of semantic web utilization in the cloud has resulted in massive amounts of RDF data, which is challenging large-scale RDF semantic reasoning. The traditional semantic reasoning process is very time-consuming and lacks scalability. In this paper, we present a scalable method for RDFS rule-based semantic reasoning using a distributed framework of Hadoop MapReduce, and propose an optimized semantic reasoning algorithm based on RDFS rules. The reasoning algorithm first classifies RDFS entailment rules to build different reasoning rule models, and then orders the rule execution sequences according to the relation of RDFS entailment rules to reduce reasoning time. During algorithm execution in MapReduce, the reasoning work handles RDFS rules in the Map process phase, and data duplication elimination is handled in the Reduce process phase. The experiment results on the LUBM benchmark show that our optimized reasoning algorithm outperforms Urbani’s reasoning method in efficiency, stability, and scalability. The average reasoning time of our algorithm is only 1/3 that of Urbani’s algorithm with different RDF dataset scales.
Computational adaptive sampling for multiheterodyne spectroscopy

We present a fast computational technique based on digital filtering, mixing, and linear resampling to enable high resolution multiheterodyne spectroscopy in any dual-comb system affected by frequency instabilities of the laser sources.
Culture Clash? Predictors of Views on Amenity‐Led Development and Community Involvement in Rural Recreation Counties

Development is contentious in high-amenity rural areas experiencing migration-driven population growth. While some residents welcome the associated economic, demographic, and social changes, others resist these changes. Using survey data, we examine the predictors of views on amenity-led development in rural recreation counties across the United States, including to what extent there is evidence of a “culture clash,” that is, whether values and attitudes of new and long-term residents differ about local development issues as is often assumed. In addition, we examine whether attitudes toward development impact an important community outcome—residents’ involvement in their community. We find that development broadly speaking is a divisive issue in rural recreation areas and that there is evidence for a culture clash over development. Newer residents are less likely to see development as a problem in their community than long-term residents, yet more likely to think existing rules to restrict development are good, providing mixed support for the “gangplank” hypothesis. We find that those who see development as a problem are more likely to be involved in local organizations. This research provides a better understanding of views of development in rural recreation counties and evidence of how these attitudes matter in broader community outcomes.
Pulsed Electric Fields Processing of Foods: An Overview

The ever-increasing trend toward nutritionally qualified foods has challenged food technology to produce fresh-like foods by replacing thermal treatments with alternative methods of preservation. Thermal processing is a major technology that has been commonly used in the food industry to increase shelf life and maintain food safety with low processing costs (Knorr et al, 1994). To qualify as an alternative method, a new technology should have significant impact on quality while at the same time maintain the cost of technology within feasibility limits. In recent years, several technologies have been investigated that have the capability of inactivating microorganisms at lower temperatures than typically used in conventional heat treatments (Lado and Yousef, 2002). Therefore, nonthermal methods correspond to the expectations for minimally processed foods of fresh quality, which have higher nutritional value because of color and flavor retention. Among all emerging nonthermal technologies, high intensity pulsed electric fields (PEF) is one of the most appealing technologies due to its short treatment times and reduced heating effects with respect to other technologies. High intensity pulse electric fields is highly appreciated as a nonthermal food preservation technology that involves the discharge of high voltage electric short pulses through the food product.
Providing Physical Care to Persons With Serious Mental Illness: Attitudes, Confidence, Barriers and Psychological Empowerment

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with serious mental illness (SMI) has been well documented in the mental health literature. Despite the adoption of various guidelines for monitoring risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular risk in this population, limited translation has occurred in actual practice (Hermes, Sernyak, & Rosenheck, 2013). The Institute of Medicine (IoM) (2009) has noted a lag time in the application of knowledge within clinical settings. Evidence-based practice was deemed as a means of improving healthcare outcomes through the use of science supported standards of care. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process to guide clinical decision making that involves the clinician's experience, well documented research findings, and the patient's values and choices (Sackett, Rosenberg, Gray, Haynes, & Richardson, 1996). The IoM has established that by the year 2020, 90% of clinical decisions should be based upon current and scientifically based information (IoM, 2009). Psychiatric-mental health nurses are challenged to utilize EBP for clients with MetS in assessing their health status and discussing the findings, educating them about their current risk and life style modifications to mitigate risk, and finally, partnering with them to maximize health and quality of life.
Mathematical model reveals role of nucleotide signaling in airway surface liquid homeostasis and its dysregulation in cystic fibrosis

Mucociliary clearance is composed of three components (i.e., mucin secretion, airway surface hydration, and ciliary-activity) which function coordinately to clear inhaled microbes and other foreign particles from airway surfaces. Airway surface hydration is maintained by water fluxes driven predominantly by active chloride and sodium ion transport. The ion channels that mediate electrogenic ion transport are regulated by extracellular purinergic signals that signal through G protein-coupled receptors. These purinoreceptors and the signaling pathways they activate have been identified as possible therapeutic targets for treating lung disease. A systems-level description of airway surface liquid (ASL) homeostasis could accelerate development of such therapies. Accordingly, we developed a mathematical model to describe the dynamic coupling of ion and water transport to extracellular purinergic signaling. We trained our model from steady-state and time-dependent experimental measurements made using normal and cystic fibrosis (CF) cultured human airway epithelium. To reproduce CF conditions, reduced chloride secretion, increased potassium secretion, and increased sodium absorption were required. The model accurately predicted ASL height under basal normal and CF conditions and the collapse of surface hydration due to the accelerated nucleotide metabolism associated with CF exacerbations. Finally, the model predicted a therapeutic strategy to deliver nucleotide receptor agonists to effectively rehydrate the ASL of CF airways.
Initial Public Offerings and the Local Economy

After accounting for endogeneity in the IPO decision, areas hosting large companies that go public experience muted growth in employment, establishments, and population, relative to areas where firms remain private. These effects are most pronounced in low income areas. Establishment-level analyses and tests of IPO-filer acquisition activity reveal that transitioning to public ownership causes firms to geographically diversify their establishments and employee base. These findings are consistent with public ownership reducing a firm’s reliance on local agglomeration economies, to the detriment of the local community.
A General Framework for the Evaluation of Direct Nonoxidative Methane Conversion Strategies

Summary In this paper, we study single-step natural gas conversion technologies that directly convert methane to olefins and higher hydrocarbons. Despite the relative simplicity of these technologies, the development of processes based on these approaches remains challenging. Accordingly, we utilize process synthesis and modeling to assess the economic feasibility of direct nonoxidative methane conversion strategies. We develop a flexible approach that allows for the systematic evaluation of various technology alternatives and for the identification of the key technology gaps that must be overcome. The results of our analyses demonstrate that an economically feasible direct methane conversion process is contingent upon fundamental research advances in the area of catalytic conversion to increase methane conversion to hydrocarbon products (e.g., coke formation less than 20% and a minimum conversion to products of 25%). Upon this development, further efforts can be devoted to improve ethylene selectivity as well as reduce catalyst cost and overall capital costs.
Engineering T Cells to Target Tumor Cells

The immune system can exert dual roles in cancer biology. Cellular elements serve both as an effector function to eradicate tumor cells and as a promoter to support tumor growth. The microenvironment of an established tumor is usually immune suppressive, protecting tumor cells from recognition and elimination by effector cells. Genetic engineering can be used to modify T cells ex vivo to improve their functionality in favor of tumor killing. Adoptive cell therapy with genetically modified T cells aims to (1) redirect specificity to tumor cell antigens, (2) increase the number and persistence of antigen-specific T cells, (3) improve T cell effector functions, (4) overcome suppression of T cells by disrupting inhibitory molecules, and (5) guide T cells to the tumor site through the interaction between chemokines and their receptors. T cells can be also equipped with suicide genes for their conditional elimination if they induce an unintended immune response or transform to a malignant phenotype. In this chapter, we describe the current status of adoptive therapy for cancer with genetically engineered T cells.
Arsenic leachability in water treatment adsorbents.

Arsenic leachability in water treatment adsorbents was studied using batch leaching tests, surface complexation modeling and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Spent adsorbents were collected from five pilot-scale filters that were tested for removal of arsenic from groundwater in Southern New Jersey. The spent media included granular ferric hydroxide (GFH), granular ferric oxide, titanium dioxide, activated alumina, and modified activated alumina. The As leachability determined with the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP, 0.1 M acetate solution) was below 180 μg L-1 for all spent media. The leachate As concentration in the California Waste Extraction Test (0.2 M citrate solution) was more than 10 times higher than that in the TCLP and reached as high as 6650 μg L-1 in the spent GFH sample. The EXAFS results indicate that As forms inner-sphere bidentate binuclear surface complexes on all five adsorbent surfaces. The As adsorption/desorption behaviors in each media...
Effects of Insecticides on Nervous Conduction and Synaptic Transmission

The intoxication of an organism with insecticide involves a variety of steps and reactions (Narahashi, 1971a). The uptake of insecticide is the first step to occur, and a number of factors such as lipid solubility and vapor pressure of insecticide are related to this process (Chapter 1). The insecticide that has entered the body is then transported to various organs and may undergo a variety of biotransformations in which it is either converted into a more potent compound or degraded to one which is relatively nontoxic (Chapters 2, 4, and 5). The active form of the insecticide eventually reaches its target site and exerts effects characteristic of the insecticide and the tissue concerned.
Representing category and continuum: visualizing thought

Abstract thought has roots in the spatial world. Abstractions are expressed in the ways things are arranged in the world as well as the ways people talk and gesture. Mappings to the page should be better when they are congruent, that is, when the abstract concept matches the spatial one. Congruent mappings can be revealed in people's performance and preferences. Congruence is supported here for visual representations of continuum and category. Congruently mapping a continuous concept, frequency, to a continuous visual variable and mapping a categorical concept, class inclusion, to a categorical visual variable were preferred and led to better performance than the reverse mappings.
Stereo PIV measurements in fire whirls

Fire whirls are standing vortex structures that often form in forest fires. Here, we report an experimental study of a laboratory burner fire whirl generated using the fixed-frame method, with a particular focus on the velocity field associated with the whirl. Even under controlled laboratory conditions, the velocity field is not easily characterized. Fire whirls are inherently unsteady, which tends to smear time averages, and precession of the core can cause additional spatial smearing. In our experiments, we use particle image velocimetry to overcome these challenges, and report instantaneous snapshots of the flow field inside and outside the core, as well as ensemble-averaged results that take into account the unsteady motion of the whirl axis. We find the ensemble-averaged velocity field closely resembles a Burgers vortex for the upper 60% of the whirl. Near the base region (within one burner diameter of the base), a double ring structure is seen which is likely made up of two vortex rings. Also, entrainment into the whirl appears to be dominated by the radial flow in the base region. Graphical abstract
Interface Facilitated Reorientation of Mg Nanolayers in Mg-Nb Nanolaminates

Mg/Nb nanolaminates synthesized through vapor deposition techniques exhibit high flow strength without conventional twinning in Mg. In this work, we investigated the influence of laminated microstructures on deformation mechanisms of Mg nanolayers. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we explored that (0001)-oriented Mg layers transform or re-orient to {10 $$ \bar{1} $$ 0}-oriented Mg layers through nucleation and growth of {10 $$ \bar{1} $$ 2} twins by atomic shuffling, instead of conventional {10 $$ \bar{1} $$ 2} twinning shear. Such a reorientation accommodates in-plane compressive strain and out-of-plane tensile strain when Mg/Nb laminates are subjected to compression parallel to the Mg/Nb interfaces. The nucleation of {10 $$ \bar{1} $$ 2} twins is promoted at the Mg/Nb interface due to the structural change associated with the glide of interface dislocations. The growth of {10 $$ \bar{1} $$ 2} twins is accomplished through migration of basal–prismatic boundaries via nucleation and glide of one-layer and two-layer disconnections associated with atomic shuffling. The results shed light on improving mechanical properties of hexagonal close-packed metals employing laminated structures.
Tumor Burden Assessment In Lymphoma Patients: Hierarchical Analysis Of Whole Body CT

Detecting and characterizing lymph nodes in Computed Tomography (CT) scans is a necessary task for the diagnosis and staging of multiple types of cancers. The task is tedious and difficult due to the lymph nodes distribution in the body, their varying size, and low contrast appearance relative to surrounding vessels or other anatomical structures. Recent developments in machine learning enable hierarchical information extraction from medical scans, from specific landmark positions to 3D delineation of regions and organs, and identification and characterization of abnormalities. We exemplify the application of hierarchical parsing to the task of lymph node identification by automatically indexing the data according to 120+ anatomical landmarks, performing segmentation of main organs, and automatically determine the lymph nodes of interest given their context. Landmarks are robustly detected using deep reinforcement learning, organs delineated using generative adversarial networks, and lymph nodes detected using context-based deep dense neural networks. We evaluated the system on a database having more than 3000 lymph nodes from abdominal, mediastinal and axillary locations from 390 CT volumes. The performance of the system compares favorably to the previously reported methods and attains a True Positive Rate (TPR) of 85% with 1.5 False Positives (FP) per volume, 98% TPR with 0.2 FP for axillary nodes, 85% TPR with 3 FP for mediastinal nodes and 80% TPR with 4.8 FP for abdominal nodes. When these results are combined with the segmentation of the enlarged lymph nodes, the system has the potential to become the first automatic total tumor burden estimator for cancer patients.
Pectoral nerve blocks and postoperative pain outcomes after mastectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and objectives Several studies have evaluated the effect of pectoral nerve blocks to improve postoperative analgesia following breast cancer surgery resulting in contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Pecs blocks on postoperative analgesia in women following mastectomies. Methods We performed a quantitative systematic review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Articles of randomized controlled trials that compared Pecs block (types I and II) to a control group in patients undergoing mastectomy were included. The primary outcome was total opioid consumption 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores and side effects. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effect model. Results 7 randomized controlled trials with 458 patients were included in the analysis. The effect of pectoral nerve blocks on postoperative opioid consumption compared with control revealed a significant effect, weighted mean difference (WMD) (95% CI) of -−4.99 (−7.90 to −2.08) mg intravenous morphine equivalents (p=0.001). In addition, postoperative pain compared with control was reduced at 6 hours after surgery: WMD (95% CI) of −0.72 (−1.37 to −0.07), p=0.03, and at 24 hours after surgery: WMD (95% CI) of −0.91 (−1.81 to −0.02), p=0.04. Discussion This quantitative analysis of randomized controlled trials demonstrates that the Pecs block is effective for reducing postoperative opioid consumption and pain in patients undergoing mastectomy. The Pecs block should be considered as an effective strategy to improve analgesic outcomes in patients undergoing mastectomies for breast cancer treatment.
Bedding Application to Feedlot Steers: Influence on Growth Performance, Estimated Maintenance Coefficient, Carcass Characteristics, and Circulating Metabolites in Beef Steers.

Two randomized complete block design experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of bedding use in confined beef steers. Experiment 1 used Simmental × Angus steers (n = 240; initial body weight (BW) = 365 ± 22.5 kg). Experiment 2 used newly weaned Charolais × Red Angus steers (n = 162; initial BW = 278 ± 13.4 kg). Steers were allotted to one of two treatments: (1) no bedding (NO), or (2) 1.8 kg (Experiment 1) or 1.0 kg (Experiment 2) of wheat straw (as-is basis) bedding/steer·d−1 (BED). In Experiment 1, applying bedding improved (p ≤ 0.01) dry matter intake (DMI), kg of gain to kg of feed (G:F), and average daily gain (ADG). Bedding reduced (p = 0.01) the estimated maintenance coefficient (MQ). Dressing percentage, rib fat, marbling, and yield grade were increased (p ≤ 0.03) in NO. Bedding resulted in an increase (p = 0.01) in serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In Experiment 2, a tendency (p = 0.06) for increased DMI for NO was noted. Bedding improved G:F (p = 0.01). MQ was elevated (p = 0.03) for NO and NO had an increase (p = 0.02) in serum concentration of urea-N (SUN). An increase (p = 0.01) in serum non-esterified fatty acid was noted for NO. These data indicate that bedding application should be considered to improve growth performance and feed efficiency by reducing maintenance energy requirements in beef steers during the feedlot receiving and finishing phase.
Post-Merger Performance of Bank Holding Companies, 1987-1998

This paper examines the results of material mergers between bank holding companies. Merged bank holding companies experience post-merger profitability below the industry average. The market reaction to the merger announcements is significantly negative. The most important causes of the poor post-merger performance are credit quality and the inadequate generation of fee income. Asset mix and capitalization also play a major part. The controllability of these items demonstrates the management challenge associated with a material merger.
Gas permeability of three-dimensional stitched carbon/epoxy composites for cryogenic applications

Abstract 3D through-the-thickness stitching can be used to improve interlaminar properties of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and produce lightweight, unitized structures for cryogenic storage tanks. To fully utilize stitched composite structures for these applications, their inherent gas permeability challenges must be understood. Therefore, the effects of cryogenic cycling on the gas permeation of three-dimensional stitched PMCs are investigated. Stitched and unstitched carbon/epoxy composites of standard modulus (237 GPa) and intermediate modulus (290 GPa) carbon fibers were thermally cycled and the helium gas permeability was measured at selected cryogenic cycles. Results show that stitching increases gas permeability in PMCs, with the standard modulus stitched composites having approximately twice the permeability of the intermediate modulus stitched specimens. Optical microscopy images show that cracks develop in the resin rich areas around the stitching seams. These internal cracks produce the increase in the midspan microcrack density that leads to the increase in permeability of stitched composites.
Group and Team Development

Many people do not like working in teams. This is understandable. For high-performing employees, teamwork provides opportunities for others to earn credit for their work. For other employees, teamwork can feel like a burden that gets in the way of their other responsibilities. While these concerns can most certainly be true, work teams also allow organizations to take on projects that are too big for one person to handle. This chapter examines workgroups and teams, including best practices for team development and team success.
Movement-Related Gamma Synchrony Differentially Predicts Behavior in the Presence of Visual Interference Across the Lifespan.

The ability to allocate neural resources to task-relevant stimuli, while inhibiting distracting information in the surrounding environment (i.e., selective attention) is critical for high-level cognitive function, and declines in this ability have been linked to functional deficits in later life. Studies of age-related declines in selective attention have focused on frontal circuitry, with almost no work evaluating the contribution of motor cortical dynamics to successful task performance. Herein, we examined 69 healthy adults (23-72 years old) who completed a flanker task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were imaged in the time-frequency domain using a beamformer to evaluate the contribution of motor cortical dynamics to age-related increases in behavioral interference effects. Our results showed that gamma oscillations in the contralateral motor cortex (M1) were a robust predictor of reaction time, regardless of interference level. Additionally, we observed condition-wise differences in gamma-by-age interactions, such that in younger adults, increases in M1 gamma power were predictive of faster reaction times during incongruent trials, while older adults did not receive this same behavioral benefit. Importantly, these data indicate that M1 gamma oscillations are differentially predictive of behavior in the presence, but not absence of visual interference, resulting in exhausted compensatory strategies with age.
How Many Female Seats on a Board? Board Gender-Diversification, Power, Risk-Taking, and Financial Performance

Using a novel combination of empirical tools and analyses, we demonstrate that if a female director is unlikely to have any personal power or influence on the board, her addition to the board will have no significant impact on firm risk-taking and performance. However, with increasing power/influence on the board (via greater numerical strength or non-token aggregate position), female directors will tend to reduce the excessive risk-taking behavior of the firm and, to the extent that the gender-diversification process is non-disruptive, this effect can feature significant increases in profitability and firm value. We also show that the increases in profitability and firm value are driven not by the market timing of equity issues but by the sale of less productive physical assets, more retained earnings, paid-down debt, and less cash flow volatility. Overall, our results show that board gender diversity affects corporate risk-taking culture and firm performance in a value-maximizing manner, mainly when gender diversification is non-tokenistic and non-disruptive.
Encouraging and Sustaining Innovation in Government: Technology and Innovation in the Next Administration

This paper provides analysis and a set of concrete recommendations, both for the period of transition before the inauguration, and for the start of the next presidency, to encourage and sustain innovation in government. Leveraging the insights from the experts who participated in a day-long discussion, we endeavor to explain how government can improve its use of using digital technologies to create more effective policies, solve problems faster and deliver services more effectively at the federal, state and local levels.
Stress Fractures in Sport: Spine

Stress reactions of the pars interarticularis is termed spondylolysis and plays a major role in debilitating back pain in the adolescent athlete. While many athletes will rest and ultimately improve, the adolescent who ignores their symptoms may experience persistence or worsening back pain and may ultimately develop other signs such as hamstring tightness or neurologic compromise. While imaging modalities have been scrutinized, recent algorithms have been published to guide evaluation. Surgical management is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, or in those with neurologic compromise. Outcomes are generally favorable, though surgeons should be aware of the potential complications.
Thrombocytapheresis for acquired von Willebrand syndrome in a patient with essential thrombocythemia and recent multivisceral transplantation.

BACKGROUND Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is associated with increased risk of bleeding secondary to acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). Bleeding in ET requires urgent platelet reduction by cytoreductive therapy such as hydroxyurea or thrombocytapheresis. We report on the efficacy and safety of thrombocytapheresis in managing AVWS in a patient with ET and multivisceral transplantation. CASE REPORT The patient was a 51-year-old female who underwent multivisceral transplantation. Her postoperative course was complicated by bleeding from oral cavity, IV lines, gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts as well as vaginal bleeding, which coincided with ET flare with a platelet count of 1512 × 109 /L. Coagulation studies including von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen and activity, vWF propeptide antigen, and vWF multimer analysis were consistent with AVWS. Hydroxyurea was initiated. However, due to major bleeding, rapidly increasing platelet count, and uncertainty of response to hydroxyurea being given through the enteral tube, thrombocytapheresis was initiated for rapid platelet reduction. The patient tolerated the procedure well. Platelet count was reduced from 1636 × 109 /L to 275 × 109 /L with rapid cessation of bleeding. The patient's condition stabilized over the next few days; however, bleeding recurred with increasing platelet count, which required a second thrombocytapheresis 8 days after the first one. The patient was maintained on hydroxyurea 500 mg twice/day. At 11-month follow-up, she had a normal platelet count and no recurrence of bleeding. DISCUSSION Thrombocytapheresis is safe and efficient in managing postoperative bleeding due to ET/AVWS in solid organ transplant patients. The procedure can be an adjunct to bridging therapy before response to hydroxyurea is achieved.
Residual effects of busulfan and irradiation on murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Abstract Exposure of young C57BL/6 (B6) mice to two courses of busulfan (BSF) injections or two rounds of sublethal total body irradiation (TBI) induced significant damage to the function of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Fifteen weeks following treatment, BSF and TBI treated mice had reduced white blood cells without significant change in red blood cells or platelets, indicating that BSF and TBI hematotoxicity was chronic with leukocytes being the major targets. Hematopoietic damage induced by BSF or TBI persisted long-term. Residual adverse effects were reflected by significantly decreased CD45R B cells and reduced recovery of total BM cells, especially HSPCs carrying markers for KSL (Kit+Sca-1+Lin−) cells, multipotent progenitor (MPP, KSLCD34+CD135+), myeloid progenitor cells (MP, Kit+Sca-1−Lin−), and common lymphoid progenitors (CLP) at 62 weeks post treatment. Transplantation of BM cells from BSF and TBI donors at 49 weeks following treatment into lethally-irradiated host resulted in decreased engraftment of CD45R B cells in blood, and reduced reconstitution of BM HSPCs including KSL, short-term hematopoietic stem cells (ST-HSC, KSLCD34+CD135−), MPP, and MP subsets. TBI donors had better reconstitution of CLP in recipients post transplantation than did BSF donors, suggesting impact of TBI and BSF on B cells at different development stages. In summary, BSF and TBI exposure produced long-lasting adverse effects on hematopoiesis with pronounced effects on mature B cells, immature ST-HSC, and hematopoietic progenitors. Our results may have implication for therapy of human diseases.
Production Chains and Workplace Law Violations: The Case of Apple and Foxconn

For decades U.S. based multinational companies have outsourced production of goods to developing countries with low labor costs and weak implementation of protective legislation. The consumer electronics giant Apple is a prime example: it outsources virtually all of its manufacturing to companies such as Foxconn, a Taiwanese original equipment manufacturer, which employs over a million assembly line workers in China. In the last several years Foxconn's operations have been under scrutiny for violation of Chinese domestic employment law. This paper focuses on the problem of compulsory overtime, a violation of both Chinese law and international labor standards, and various measures brought to bear on the problem. The analysis concludes that no single instrumentality is likely to eliminate compulsory overtime, but that a combination of pressures — better enforcement of domestic law, reports by non-governmental organizations, oversight provided by corporate social responsibility programs, and consumer reaction — may ultimately prove effective. Ameliorating the working conditions for workers abroad may also inure to the benefit of American workers through the process of reverse diffusion of labor norms.
First principles study of the HfO2∕SiO2 interface: Application to high-k gate structures

Density functional theory simulations of HfO2∕SiO2 interfaces predict the presence of midgap states associated with nonbonding Hf d electrons which result from the reduced oxygen coordination of near-interface Hf ions. These states are expected to be unoccupied in actual device structures, producing a high density of positive fixed charge during the operation of Si field effect devices containing high permittivity HfO2 dielectrics. Our results further demonstrate how the segregation of electronegative species to the HfO2∕SiO2 interface can remove gap states by accepting the nonbonding electrons.
Reply to My Critics

In his comments, Garrett presents a fair summary of the project of the book: briefly, to understand Hume's account of reason in light of the non-formal accounts developed by, inter alia, Descartes and Locke. He also lays out, more clearly than I could do myself and with the succinct perspicuousness that anyone familiar with Garrett's work will immediately recognize, eight substantial, interpretative theses that I put forward and defend, and pleasingly announces his agreement with all of them. He does, alas, identify four rather important areas of disagreement, and I would like to say a little in this section about the first three. Garrett's first critical point concerns a very tendentious and difficult point in Hume scholarship: just what are Hume's views about body, and how are they constrained by his rigorous methodology?1 In my book, I made the strong claim that
Use of conventional care and complementary/alternative medicine among US adults with arthritis.

Abstract Objective Managing arthritis and co-morbid conditions is of public health importance. It is therefore critical to have a comprehensive understanding of healthcare utilization among US adults with arthritis. Thus, the present study identified characteristics associated with using both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional healthcare. Method Using 2007 National Health Interview Survey data, multinomial logistic regression was performed to compare four categories of past year healthcare use (both CAM and conventional care vs. conventional care only, CAM only, and no healthcare use) on their potential correlates. Results The sample ( n = 3850) was 62.8% female and 80.4% non-Hispanic White. Nearly half were at least 65 years old, and had used both CAM and conventional services in the previous year. The following characteristics were associated with having used neither CAM nor conventional care in the previous year (vs. having used both CAM and conventional care): being from an ethnic and racial minority group (ORs = 2.44, 3.26, and 3.91) and being uninsured (OR = 4.06), identifying individuals potentially at risk for unmet need. Conclusion To ensure access to comprehensive care, potentially underserved populations should be targeted with outreach (e.g., providing low-cost, accessible care, and education about benefits of various treatments for arthritis and co-morbid conditions).
Invasion by an exotic tree alters above and belowground ecosystem components

With the widespread introduction and invasion of exotic plants there is a need for studies that quantify alterations of basic ecosystem structure and function. Ecosystem invasion by Melaleuca quinquenervia significantly altered both above- and belowground ecosystem components in this study. We measured the quantity and nutrient concentration of the litterfall, litter layer, and soil; microbial biomass pools; and rates of potentially mineralizable nitrogen and soil oxygen demand. Annual litterfall was 4.9 times higher in the non-invaded sites and contained 1.9 times more phosphorus than invaded sites. Non-invaded plots contained a larger litter layer compared to invaded plots: 2.4 ± 1.2 kg m−2 and 0.62 ± 0.3 kg m−2, respectively. Lower nutrient concentration and quantity of the litter layer in the invaded plots led to changes in the aboveground storage of nutrients. In the invaded plots there was four times less carbon, seven times less nitrogen, and ten times less phosphorus stored in the organic litter layer compared to the non-invaded plots. Microbial biomass nutrient pools were consistently lower at both the 0–5 cm and 5–15 cm depth in the invaded soils compared to non-invaded soils, indicating a plant mediated change. Although M. quinquenervia altered microbial community structure, microbial activities were not different between invaded and non-invaded plots at either depth as measured by rates of soil oxygen demand and potentially mineralizable nitrogen. These changes may affect both native plant growth and water quality, and may act to promote and maintain site dominance by M. quinquenervia.
Thermodynamics of a Designed Protein Catenane

Topological linking of proteins is a new approach for stabilizing and controlling the oligomerization state of proteins that fold in an interwined manner. The recent design of a backbone cyclized protein catenane based on the p53tet domain suggested that topological cross-linking provided increased stability against thermal and chemical denaturation. However, the tetrameric structure complicated detailed biophysical analysis of this protein. Here, we describe the design, synthesis and thermodynamic characterization of a protein catenane based on a dimeric mutant of the p53tet domain (M340E/L344K). The formation of the catenane proceeded efficiently, and the overall structure and oligomerization of the domain was not affected by the formation of the topological link. Unfolding and refolding of the catenane was consistent with a two-state process. The topological link stabilized the dimer against thermal and chemical denaturation considerably, raising the apparent melting temperature by 59 degrees C and the midpoint of denaturation by 4.5M GuHCl at a concentration of 50 microM. The formation of the topological link increased the resistance of the dimer to proteolysis. However, the m value decreased by 1.7kcalmol(-1)M(-1), suggesting a decrease in accessible surface area in the unfolded state. This implies that the stabilization from the topological link is largely due to a destabilization of the unfolded state, similar to other cross-links in proteins. Topological linking therefore provides a powerful and orthogonal tool for the stabilization of peptide and protein oligomers.
Death valley regional ground-water flow model calibration using optimal parameter estimation methods and geoscientific information systems

A regional-scale, steady-state, saturated-zone ground-water flow model was constructed to evaluate potential regional ground-water flow in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The model was limited to three layers in an effort to evaluate the characteristics governing large-scale subsurface flow. Geoscientific information systems (GSIS) were used to characterize the complex surface and subsurface hydrogeologic conditions of the area, and this characterization was used to construct likely conceptual models of the flow system. Subsurface properties in this system vary dramatically, producing high contrasts and abrupt contacts. This characteristic, combined with the large scale of the model, make zonation the logical choice for representing the hydraulic-conductivity distribution. Different conceptual models were evaluated using sensitivity analysis and were tested by using nonlinear regression to determine parameter values that are optimal, in that they provide the best match between the measured and simulated heads and flows. The different conceptual models were judged based both on the fit achieved to measured heads and spring flows, and the plausibility of the optimal parameter values. One of the conceptual models considered appears to represent the system most realistically. Any apparent model error is probably caused by the coarse vertical and horizontal discretization.
Channeling Identity: A Study of Storytelling in Conversations Between Introverted and Extraverted Friends.

Abstract This narrative study examined the process of personal storytelling between college-age friends who were similarly introverted or extraverted. Participants were 19 introverted and 20 extraverted same-sex pairs (49% female) who had been friends for an average of 18 months. Stories emerged spontaneously during 10-min catch-up conversations. Extraverted friends more often told stories that changed the topic, and more often co-constructed story plots. Introverted friends more often told stories that were embedded in a developing theme, and constructed story plots solo. With regard to content, extraverted friends told stories about romance more so than introverted friends, whose stories more often concerned family/hometown, and older events. The findings suggest that the traits of extraversion and introversion channel the identity-making process.
Attitudes toward wife rape: effects of social background and victim status.

The current literature on wife rape is minimal compared to the published research in areas such as wife battering or date rape, and most of the existent work on attitudes toward wife rape is dated and/or focuses on limited samples (i.e., college populations). Using data from a nationally representative telephone survey, this study examined national attitudes toward wife rape using the following measures: perceptions of the occurrence of wife rape, perceptions of the frequency of wife rape, and perceptions of three rape scenarios. Respondent sex, education, age, race, and female victim status were predictors. Findings reveal that older, non-white respondents were less likely to believe wife rape occurs. Males and the more educated were less likely to believe it occurs frequently. Older and less educated respondents were less likely to believe forced sex scenarios between a husband and wife constitute wife rape. Among women, non-victims of forced sex were significantly less likely than current victims to believe that wife rape occurs.
Organizational Ecology: Findings and Implications

Organizational ecology has focused largely on theoretical and conceptual debates, with relatively little attention devoted to integrating emerging research. In this paper, empirical literature is reviewed focusing on the environmental and organizational determinants of the formation of the firm; the liabilities of newness and smallness; the advantages of generalist and specialist strategies; the difficulties associated with organizational life-cycle transitions; and the competitive and demographic structures of industry. This research not only contributes to the basic understanding of organizational demographics, but it also suggests some significant changes in how organizational processes are modeled.
Proteomic Identification of Early Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery in Children

Background Serum creatinine is a delayed marker of acute kidney injury (AKI). Our purpose is to discover and validate novel early urinary biomarkers of AKI after cardiac surgery. Study Design Diagnostic test study. Setting & Participants Children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The test set included 15 participants with AKI and 15 matched controls (median age, 1.5 year) of 45 participants without AKI. The validation set included 365 children (median age, 1.9 year). Index Tests Biomarkers identified using proteomic profiling: α 1 -microglobulin, α 1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin. Reference Test AKI, defined as ≥50% increase in serum creatinine level from baseline within 3 days of surgery. Results Proteomic profiling using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) showed 3 protein peaks that appeared consistently within 2 hours in children who developed AKI after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The proteins were identified as α 1 -microglobulin, α 1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin. Using clinical assays, results were confirmed in a test set and validated in an independent prospective cohort. In the validation set, 135 (37%) developed AKI, in whom there was a progressive increase in urinary biomarker concentrations with severity of AKI. Areas under the curve for urinary α 1 -microglobulin, α 1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin at 6 hours after cardiac surgery were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79-0.89), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.91), and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.71-0.81), respectively. Participants with increasing quartiles of biomarkers showed increasing lengths of hospital stays and durations of AKI ( P Limitations Single-center study of children with normal kidney function at recruitment. The SELDI-TOF MS technique has limited sensitivity for the detection of proteins greater than the 20-kDa range. Conclusions Urinary α 1 -microglobulin, α 1 -acid glycoprotein, and albumin represent early, accurate, inexpensive, and widely available biomarkers of AKI after cardiac surgery. They also offer prognostic information about the duration of AKI and length of hospitalization after cardiac surgery.