cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional quantitative autoradiography by disparity analysis: theory and application to image averaging of local cerebral glucose utilization.

Traditional autoradiographic image analysis has been restricted to the two-dimensional assessment of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglc) or blood flow in individual brains. It is advantageous, however, to generate an entire three-dimensional (3D) data set and to develop the ability to map replicate images derived from multiple studies into the same 3D space, so as to generate average and standard deviation images for the entire series. We have developed a novel method, termed “disparity analysis,” for the alignment and mapping of autoradiographic images. We present the theory of this method, which is based upon a linear affine model, to analyze point-to-point disparities in two images. The method is a direct one that estimates scaling, translation, and rotation parameters simultaneously. Disparity analysis is general and flexible and deals well with damaged or asymmetric sections. We applied this method to study LCMRglc in nine awake male Wistar rats by the [14C]2-deoxyglucose method. Brains were...
The genotoxicity of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in complex mixtures.

Risk assessment of complex environmental samples suffers from difficulty in identifying toxic components, inadequacy of available toxicity data, and a paucity of knowledge about the behavior of geno(toxic) substances in complex mixtures. Lack of information about the behavior of toxic substances in complex mixtures is often avoided by assuming that the toxicity of a mixture is simply the sum of the expected effects from each mixture component, i.e. no synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Although this assumption is supported by research investigating non-genotoxic end-points, the literature describing the behavior of genotoxic substances in complex mixtures is sparse and, occasionally, contradictory. In this study, the results of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analyses on freshwater bivalves were used to prepare realistic mixtures containing up to 16 PAHs. The SOS genotoxicity of the mixtures and each component were then assessed in an effort to evaluate the additivity of PAH genotoxicity. At nominal PAH concentrations above 1 microg/ml, observed genotoxic responses were far lower than those predicted under the assumption of additivity. At nominal concentrations below 0.75 microg/ml, differences are smaller and occasionally negligible, indicating that the genotoxicity of unsubstituted homocyclic PAHs is additive or slightly less than additive. Other researchers who have investigated the mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and DNA binding activity of mixtures containing unsubstituted homocyclic PAHs have also reported additive effects. Therefore, the mutagenic risk posed by simple, well-characterized mixtures of priority PAHs can reasonably be estimated as the sum of the risks posed by the mixture components. Current data indicate that less-than-additive effects likely result from saturation of metabolic pathways needed to activate mutagenic PAHs.
Preference reversal and delayed reinforcement

Pigeons chose, in a two-key discrete-trial procedure, between 2- and 4-sec access to grain, with the larger amount always presented 4 sec later than the smaller. As the delay between the choice and the availability of the smaller reinforcement was varied from .01 to 12 sec, all subjects reversed preference from the small-early to the large-late reinforcement. The values of delay at which preference reversed were approximately consistent with the matching law as adapted for delayed reinforcement.
Respiratory Acidosis with the Small Storz-Hopkins Bronchoscopes: Occurrence and Management

Carbon dioxide retention in the Storz rigid ventilating bronchoscope with the Hopkins lens system was investigated in the laboratory. The 3.5, 4.0, and 5.0 30-cm Storz bronchoscopes with a 3.95-mm (outside diameter) telescope lens were used in 10 mongrel dogs weighing between 8 and 15 kg. Significant (p less than 0.01) accumulation of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) (respiratory acidosis) was observed after 5 and 10 minutes of ventilation through the 3.5 and 4.0 bronchoscopes, but no significant increase in PaCO2 was noted with the 5.0 bronchoscope. There was no significant change in arterial oxygen tension under the same conditions. Manual compression of the upper anterior abdominal wall during expiration was applied during bronchoscopy in 6 children. Arterial blood samples were taken before insertion of the bronchoscope and 5 minutes later with and without abdominal compression during expiration. A significant increase (p less than 0.05) in PaCO2 and a decrease in pH were observed after 5 minutes of the bronchoscopic procedure without manual compression of the abdominal wall, while no significant changes in PaCO2 were observed with abdominal compression.
Portal venous gas subsequent to blunt abdominal trauma

The clinical significance of portal venous gas within the liver following blunt abdominal trauma has been variable. Surgery is indicated when it is found with bowel necrosis due to post-traumatic vascular injury. It has also been found with non-emergent and transient causes of pneumatosis [1–8]. In this case report there was no evidence of bowel necrosis nor of bowel transection at surgery. Of additional interest is the uncommon central location of the portal venous gas within the liver.
Effect of unbounded operators on variational calculations in truncated bases

The validity of the results of finite basis, constrained variational calculations with unbounded operators has remained unquestioned despite the mathematical difficulties in an infinite basis pointed out by Fonte and Schiffrer. It will be shown here that the difficulties associated with unbounded operators are not restricted to infinite bases and that, in fact, the consequences are equally severe in finite bases. The demonstration will be made both for a one dimensional, one body model and in a full three dimensional, many body calculation typical of those currently being employed in nuclear physics. The correct procedure for imposing such constraints, e.g., the quadrupole constraint, and the validity of previous calculations remain open questions.
Learning algorithms for reformulated radial basis neural networks

This paper proposes supervised learning algorithms based on gradient descent for training reformulated radial basis function (RBF) neural networks. Such RBF models employ radial basis functions whose form is determined by admissible generator functions. RBF networks with Gaussian radial basis functions are generated by exponential generator functions. A sensitivity analysis provides the basis for selecting generator functions by investigating the effect of linear, exponential and logarithmic generator functions on gradient descent learning. Experiments involving reformulated RBF networks indicate that the proposed gradient descent algorithms guarantee fast learning and very satisfactory function approximation capability.
Scale invariances in the morphology and evolution of Braided Rivers

This paper presents an overview and synthesis of an extensive research effort to characterize and quantify scale invariances in the morphology and evolution of braided rivers. Braided rivers were shown to exhibit anisotropic spatial scaling (self-affinity) in their morphology, implying a statistical scale invariance under appropriate rescaling of the axes along and perpendicular to the main direction of flow. The scaling exponents were found similar in rivers of diverse flow regimes, slopes, types of bed material and braid plain widths, indicating the presence of universal features in the underlying mechanisms responsible for the formation of their spatial structure. In regions where predominant geologic controls or predominant flow paths were present, no spatial scaling was found. Regarding their spatiotemporal evolution, braided rivers were found to exhibit dynamic scaling, implying that a smaller part of a braided river evolves identically to a larger one provided that space and time are appropriately normalized. Based on these findings, and some additional analysis of experimental rivers as they approach equilibrium, it was concluded that the mechanism bringing braided rivers to a state where they show spatial and temporal scaling is self-organized criticality and inferences about the physical mechanisms of self-organization were suggested.
Stomatal patterning in monocotyledons: Tradescantia as a model system

Stomatal patterning in monocotyledons is reviewed in two sections. Patterning is distinguished from stomatal development and results from Tradescantia are presented as a model organism for this plant group. The first section provides pertinent background information on theories of stomatal patterning, stomatal differentiation, monocot leaf growth, common stomatal arrangements, variations in patterning resulting from leaf position and environment, and stomatal types. The second section presents a developmental and mechanistic outlook to stomatal patterning based on published studies. A synopsis relates these data to the current patterning theories and a prospectus suggests areas of research likely to be profitable in understanding stomatal patterning in the future.
Health and Health Behavior Differences

Background Little is known about health and health behavior differences among military service veterans, active duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and civilians. Several important differences were identified among U.S. women from these subpopulations; to identify areas for targeted intervention, studies comparing men from these subpopulations are needed. Purpose To compare veteran, military, and civilian men on leading U.S. health indicators. Methods Data were from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a U.S. population-based study. In 2011, self-reported health outcomes were compared using multivariable logistic regression across male veterans ( n =53,406); active duty service members ( n =2144); National Guard/Reserve service members ( n =3724); and civilians ( n =110,116). Results Multivariate logistic regression results are presented. Despite better healthcare access, veterans had poorer health and functioning than civilians and National Guard/Reserve members on several indicators. Veterans also were more likely than those on active duty to report diabetes. Veterans were more likely to report current smoking and heavy alcohol consumption than National Guard/Reserve members and civilian men, and lack of exercise compared to active duty men and National Guard/Reserve members. National Guard/Reserve men had higher levels of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (versus active duty and veterans, active duty, and civilians, respectively). Active duty men were more likely to report current smoking and heavy alcohol consumption than civilians and National Guard/Reserve members, and reported more smokeless tobacco use than civilians. Conclusions Veterans have poorer health and health behaviors; increased prevention efforts are needed from veteran-serving organizations. Despite good health, active duty men reported unhealthy lifestyles, indicating an important area for prevention efforts.
A new checkpoint takes shape.

Cell duplication requires the coordination of nuclear division with diverse cellular morphogenesis events, such as cell wall growth. A novel checkpoint has been identified in yeast that coordinates these two events. Unexpectedly, the dynein-activating dynactin complex, but not dynein itself, is an essential component of this checkpoint mechanism.
Management of Patients Refractory to Platelet Transfusion

Abstract Objective.—To present a current assessment and practical approach to the diagnosis and management of patients who are refractory to platelet transfusions. Design.—A task force was convened by the College of American Pathologists under the auspices of the Transfusion Medicine Resource Committee for the purposes of outlining current concepts in the definition and diagnosis of this difficult clinical management problem and selection of the optimal platelet component for these patients. Results.—This article represents a contemporary approach to the diagnosis and management of patients who are refractory to platelet transfusions. This document is based on a current literature review and dialog among members of the task force convened to address the subject. Conclusions.—It is hoped that this document will represent a resource and practical approach to the issue of diagnosis and management of patients who are refractory to platelet transfusions.
Perceptions of Collaboration: A Content Analysis of Student Journals:

As collaborative instruction for students with disabilities becomes a prominent practice, teacher educators must examine prospective educators' views on these practices. Researchers analyzed reflective journal entries of 41 masters-level teacher certification students in a class on collaboration. Several themes emerged through content analysis including self-evaluation of skills and general communication skills of teams. Results indicate issues in collaboration and areas of concern among preservice and certification students. Further, teacher educators may use the analysis process to provide a concentrated focus on areas of concern to students. As many programs require prospective teachers to journal about their teaching experiences, the categories used in the analysis may provide a basis for examining those journal entries in greater depth.
Integumental Nutrient Uptake by Aquatic Organisms

Integumental nutrient transport is a widespread characteristic of soft-bodied marine invertebrates. These processes, which are qualitatively similar to the Na-dependent transporters of intestinal epithelia, have kinetic and energetic characteristics that make them particularly well suited for accumulating materials from the extremely low substrate concentrations found in seawater. Despite the low concentrations of DOM in natural waters, rates of DOM uptake are large and clearly capable of supporting a significant fraction of the metabolic needs of some species. Indeed, recent studies with larval invertebrates suggest that integumental uptake of DOM may play a pivotal role in animal nutrition. Current and future studies on the mechanism and regulation of these processes, on the metabolic fate of accumulated DOM, and on the distribution of DOM in natural waters, promise to resolve the remaining issues on the role of integumental transport in the nutrition of aquatic organisms.
A novel psychophysical method for estimating the time course of olfactory rapid adaptation in humans.

In this presentation, we describe a novel method for estimating the onset time course of psychophysical odor adaptation in human observers. The method employs stimulus conditions derived from an analogous stimulus paradigm in audition. To test this procedure, we used liquid-dilution olfactometry to estimate 2-bottle discrimination thresholds for brief (600 ms) presentations of vanilla odor; 17 volunteers (14 females; ages 18–24) served as participants. The adapting odorant concentration for each participant was set relative to baseline threshold for the 600-ms target alone (i.e., the same level relative to each participant’s threshold). To characterize the adaptation-onset time course, we compared thresholds for targets presented simultaneously with the adapting stimulus as a function of the relative delay between the onset of the adapting stimulus and onset of the target. As predicted from the analogous auditory studies, thresholds for the target stimulus increased in an orderly manner with increases in adaptation-to-target onset delay (i.e., as the adaptation process progressively decreased sensitivity). Initial increases in threshold were consistently observed for the briefest onset delays of 50–100 ms. An onset time constant was estimated at 319 ms by fitting a 2-component exponential to the mean group function. Adaptation magnitude was dependent on the level of adapting odorant, relative to threshold. When thresholds were measured in one participant with a different, unrelated target odorant, cineole, there was no effect of the vanilla-adapting stimulus on threshold. The results suggest that olfactory rapid adaptation is measurable psychophysically within 50–200 ms after odor onset, values consistent with physiological measures of adaptation in olfactory receptor neurons. This novel stimulus paradigm offers a powerful psychophysical tool to study both odor adaptation and stimulus interactions at the olfactory periphery.
ADAM SMITH AND THE POSSIBILITY OF SYMPATHY WITH NATURE

: As J. Baird Callicott has argued, Adam Smith's moral theory is a philosophical ancestor of recent work in environmental ethics. However, Smith's “all important emotion of sympathy” (Callicott, 2001, p. 209) seems incapable of extension to entities that lack emotions with which one can sympathize. Drawing on the distinctive account of sympathy developed in Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, as well as his account of anthropomorphizing nature in “History of Astronomy and Physics,” I show that sympathy with non-sentient nature is possible within a Smithian ethics. This provides the possibility of extending sympathy, and thereby benevolence and justice, to nature.
Water permeation of polymer films. I. Polyimide

The permeation of water has been measured through polyimide film over a range of thicknesses, temperatures, and relative humidities. The concentration of absorbed water was found to depend on the relative humidity and not on the temperature or sample thickness, reaching a maximum of one water molecule per repeat unit at 100% rh. This is discussed in terms of adsorption, with supporting data found in the surface-layer contribution to the permeability coefficient.
The onset of purely elastic and thermo-elastic instabilities in Taylor–Couette flow: Influence of gap ratio and fluid thermal sensitivity

Linear stability analysis of Taylor-Couette flow of dilute polymeric solutions has been performed by using two prototypical constitutive equations for polymeric solutions, namely, the Oldroyd-B and the FENE-P models. The hydrodynamic stability characteristics of the flow in the presence and absence of thermal effects and in the limit of vanishing fluid inertia have been determined using an eigenvalue analysis. Particular attention has been paid to accurately determine the instability onset conditions as a function of fluid thermal sensitivity and gap ratio. We observed a reduction in the critical Weissenberg, Wic, for the instability onset as the gap ratio and fluid thermal sensitivity are enhanced. In particular, under non- isothermal conditions, Wic was reduced by almost an order of magnitude for all gap ratios. Our results suggest that recent experiments leading to observations of ''purely elastic turbulence'' in the Taylor- Couette flow at order (1) Wi by Groisman and Steinberg (2004) (1) were not performed under isothermal conditions. Hence, this new flow state should be labeled ''thermo-elastic turbulence.''
Role of Protein Farnesylation in Burn-Induced Metabolic Derangements and Insulin Resistance in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

Objective Metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance and hyperlactatemia, are a major complication of major trauma (e.g., burn injury) and affect the prognosis of burn patients. Protein farnesylation, a posttranslational lipid modification of cysteine residues, has been emerging as a potential component of inflammatory response in sepsis. However, farnesylation has not yet been studied in major trauma. To study a role of farnesylation in burn-induced metabolic aberration, we examined the effects of farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor, FTI-277, on burn-induced insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in mouse skeletal muscle.
Texture segmentation using Gaussian-Markov random fields and neural oscillator networks

We propose an image segmentation method based on texture analysis. Our method is composed of two parts. The first part determines a novel set of texture features derived from a Gaussian-Markov random fields (GMRF) model. Unlike a GMRF-based approach, our method does not employ model parameters as features or require the extraction of features for a fixed set of texture types a priori. The second part is a 2D array of locally excitatory globally inhibitory oscillator networks (LEGION). After being filtered for noise suppression, features are used to determine the local couplings in the network. When LEGION runs, the oscillators corresponding to the same texture tend to synchronize, whereas different texture regions tend to correspond to distinct phases. In simulations, a large system of differential equations is solved for the first time using a recently proposed method for integrating relaxation oscillator networks. We provide results on real texture images to demonstrate the performance of our method.
When do international human capital enhancing practices benefit the bottom line" An ability, motivation, and opportunity perspective

We study the conditions under which firms can capitalize on their international human capital (IHC). Using the ability–motivation–opportunity (AMO) perspective we conceptualize IHC as ability, collaborative climate as motivation, and the firm’s level of internationalization as opportunity. We test three alternative AMO models – the additive model (main effect), the combinative model (two-way interactions), and the multiplicative model (a three-way interaction). Using a cross-industry sample of South Korean firms, we find support for the multiplicative model. Specifically, the relationship between IHC enhancement practices and firm performance is significant and positive only when both collaborative climate and internationalization are high.
The vaginal smear as an ovulatory index.

This paper presents vaginal smear criteria for determining the time of ovulation. A total of 121 infertile patients submitted 138 complete cycle series and 448 series covering the ovulatory phase alone yielding 586 series of vaginal smears available for analysis. The preovulatory state was characterized by: 1) a peak of estrogenic stimulation by a 65-95% cornification level; 2) a clearing phenomenon with light desquamation and minimal vaginal debris; 3) preovulatory mucus; 4) a shower of leukocytes; and 5) curling or folding of the cell edges. Cases rarely presented all 5 of these features. Moreover the number of these features occurring in the cycle and their temporal relationship to the diagnosed time of ovulation showed tremendous variation from case to case. The ovulatory smear was characterized by a moderately heavy desquamation of mature epithelial cells showing a high level of cornification and pyknotic nuclei marked curling and folding of the edges and generalized wrinking of the cytoplasm. A tendency toward grouping of cells was often noted. The immediate postovulatory phase was marked by extensive clumping of cells with dark staining reaction of the clumps and a marked drop in the level of cornification. On the basis of these cytologic criteria ovulation was predicted within 24 hours in 84 (69%) of patients. It was predicted within 36 hours in an additional 29 (24%). 48% of patients achieved conception during a period of time when the fertility schedule was detrmined by reading of vaginal smears. Ovulation can best be predicted by obtaining a series of daily smears for 2-3 cycles followed by daily evaluation of smears taken every 12 hours during the days when ovulation is expected.
Emergency Postplanting Applications of Insecticides to Control Larvae of the Western and Northern Corn Rootworm in Nebraska

Emergency postplanting applications on June 25, 1975, of granular and liquid formulations of carbofuran, diazinon, and fensulfothion and liquid Dyfonate® (O-ethyl S-phenyl ethylphos-phonodithioate) applied to irrigated and dryland plots already severely damaged by larvae of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera LeConte, and northern corn rootworm, D. longicornis (Say) (root damage rating = 3.95) did not provide control comparable to a carbofuran 10G treatment applied at planting time (application rate = 1.2 oz AI/1000 ft of row). Application of each liquid insecticide in either 16 or 32 gal of water/acre had no significant ( P =0.05) effect on the control provided by carbofuran and fensulfothion treatments bnt the 32 gal rate of diazinon and the 16 gal rate of Dyfonate under dryland conditions resulted in significantly ( P =0.05) greater root protection than their alternate rates. A significant ( P =0.05) insecticide treatment by irrigalion-dryland interaction was detected for root damage ratings adjusted for regrowth with more root regrowth occurring in the irrigated area. Results indicate that emergency treatments after one node of roots has been destroyed by rootworms may be economically beneficial but major damage already has occurred.
Pantothenic acid derivatives and growth of Acetobacter suboxydans.

Summary1. Various derivatives of pantothenic acid have been compared for growth promoting activity in A. suboxydans. The order of effectiveness is roughly Co A† = LBF-γ-phosphate >LBF = PA-cysteine (approx.) >PA = pantoic acid >LBF-diphos-phate >PA phosphates, with Co A and LBF-γ-phosphate about 10 to 20 times as active as PA. The derivatives containing -SH groups appear to be active principally, or even exclusively, in the reduced state. 2. It is concluded that the “A. suboxydans stimulatory factor” is multiple in nature, but is not identical with pantothenic acid phosphates.
Seasonal Adjustments in Metabolism and Insulation in the Dark-Eyed Junco

Trends during summer and winter in body mass and composition, insulation, body temperature, and metabolism were investigated in seasonally acclimatized Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) from western Oregon to determine if patterns of acclimatization were similar to those of passerines inhabiting harsher winter habitats. Body mass was significantly increased in winter (19.4 ? 0.2 g) compared to summer (17.8 + 0.1 g), primarily because of elevated stored fat. Lean dry mass was seasonally constant. Dry mass of contour plumage was measured as an index of insulation and increased by 31.7% in winter birds. Little seasonal variation in body temperature was apparent and there was no evidence of torpor and only a very mild regulated nocturnal hypothermia at either season. Standard metabolic rate was significantly elevated in winter-acclimatized juncos (1.02 m O02/min, 3.45 ml 02.g.hr-') relative to summer-acclimatized birds (0.87 ml 02/min, 3.16 ml 02 g-I hr-'). In addition, winter juncos demonstrated an ability to decrease thermal conductance below thermoneutrality. Insofar as winter increments in insulation do not offset increased thermogenic requirements at temperatures characteristic of this season, winter-acclimatization in Dark-eyed Juncos from western Oregon is similar to that for passerines from more severe winter climates in that it is primarily a metabolic process.
Empirical Research on Foreign Teachers' Situation of Teaching and Administration in Colleges and Universities——Take Geopolitical Universities in Liaoning Province as Research Object

Foreign teachers engaged in higher education teaching to China,is beneficial to cultivate international talents in professional subject areas of high level and enhance the process of internationalization of higher education.By the method of questionnaire survey and case interview,we can understand of the current foreign teachers' teaching methods,teaching content,teaching effectiveness,and pre-job training,and analyze the problems and causes in teaching and management.Then we make the two aspects of foreign teachers' teaching situation and university administrational situation as the starting point.In order to improve the teaching effectiveness of geopolitical universities foreign teachers in Liaoning Province,we put forward effective improvement measures.
On the Alienation of Corporate Controlling Right

The course in which the company form develops is a separating process of the controlling right from the ownership,which provides a hotbed for the alienation of corporate controlling right.Although the company ought not to ignore the disadvantages resulting from the alienation of controlling right,it is expected to uncover numerous benefits and advantages.On the premise of confirming the essence of the corporate controlling right,the paper studies the definition and the cause of corporate controlling right,and analyzes advantages and disadvantages of the alienation of two kinds of controlling rights,the controlling shareholders control and the corporate management control.
Safety Bearing Capacity Evaluative Method of Derrick Structures Based on Dynamic Parameter

This paper studies the relationship between frequency of derrick structure and load acting on it by using vibration theory,and the numerical simulations analysis for derrick model-in-use is carried.So the linear relationship between the load acting on the derrick and the square of the basic frequency is deduced.On this basis,a method of evaluating the bearing capacity of the derrick is presented by testing frequencies under different load actions.This method is applied to detection and safety evaluation of derrick-in-use.
Trauma to the neck region.

Any neck trauma may potentially injure an essential component of the vascular, neurologic, respiratory, digestive, or skeletal system. Because the magnitude of the underlying injury is often obscured by an innocent appearing neck wound, surgical exploration is imperative. Special attention is given to the detection and management of these potentially dangerous underlying injuries, in order to prevent tragic consequences such as delayed hemorrhage, airway obstruction, deep infection, or cerebral infarction.
Reperfusate composition: benefits of marked hypocalcemia and diltiazem on regional recovery.

This study tests the hypothesis that improved muscle salvage is possible by markedly reducing the ionic calcium (Ca++) of the reperfusate (
Estimation and Modelling Repeated Patterns in High Order Markov Chains with the Mixture Transition Distribution Model

The mixture transition distribution (MTD) model was introduced by Raftery as a parsimonious model for high order Markov chains. It is flexible, can represent a wide range of dependence patterns, can be physically motivated, fits data well and is in several ways a discrete-valued analogue for the class of autoregressive time series models. However, estimation has presented difficulties because the parameter space is highly non-convex, being defined by a large number of non-linear constraints. Here we propose a computational algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation which is based on a way of reducing the large number of constraints. This also allows more structured versions of the model, e.g. those involving structural zeros, to be fitted quite easily. A way of fitting the model by using GLIM is also discussed. The algorithm is applied to a sequence of wind directions, and also to two sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid bases from introns from mouse genes. In each case, the MTD model fits better than the conventional Markov chain model, and for the wind data it provides superior out-of-sample predictions. A modification of the model to represent repeated patterns is proposed and a very parsimonious version of this modified model is successfully applied to data representing bird songs.
Impact of Ownership Transition on Tenants in Foreclosure

This article explores tenants' rights following a foreclosure under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 (PTFA). Despite the protections afforded by PTFA, tenants continue to face challenges stemming from the mortgage foreclosure crisis. Attorneys can prevent problems before they arise by being aware of the common issues that arise at the initiation of foreclosure, while foreclosure is pending, and after judgement is entered.
Automating Meta-Analyses of Randomized Clinical Trials: A First Look

A “meta-study” or “meta-analysis” analyzes multiple medical studies related to the same disease, treatment protocol, and outcome measurement to identify if there is an overall effect or not (e.g., treatment induces remission or causes adverse effects). It’s advantage lies in the pooling and analysis of results across independent studies, which increases the population size, mitigates some experimental bias or inconsistent results from a single study, etc. Meta-studies are important for understanding the effectiveness (or not) of treatment, influencing clinical guidelines and for spurring new research directions. However, meta-studies are extremely time consuming to construct by hand and keep updated with the latest results. This limits both their breadth of coverage (since researchers will only invest the time for diseases they are interested in) and their practically. Yet, high-quality medical research is increasing at a staggering rate, and there is an opportunity to apply automation to this increasing body of knowledge, thereby expanding the benefits of meta-studies to (theoretically) all diseases and treatment, as they are published. That is, we envision, long term an automatic process for creating meta-studies across all diseases and treatments, and keeping those meta-studies up-to-date automatically. In this paper we demonstrate that there is potential to perform this task, point out future research directions to make this so, and, hopefully, spur significant interest in this compelling and important research direction at the intersection of medical research and machine learning.
Bilateral congenital lobar emphysema: staged management.

Abstract Background Only a few isolated cases in the literature exist to guide management of bilateral congenital lobar emphysema (CLE). Here, we review our experience in infants with bilateral CLE. Methods A case series of all infants presenting with bilateral CLE from 2014 to 2015 in a single institution. Results Four patients underwent intervention, with all having right middle lobe (RML) and left upper lobe (LUL) affected. Preoperative planning with computed tomography angiography (CTA) chest allowed a tailored approach based on specific radiologic features. All patients also underwent bronchoscopy to evaluate the anatomy and to assess for alternative causes of airway compression. Three patients underwent unilateral lobectomies, two RML and one LUL. All are growing normally and on room air more than one year later. The last patient underwent a staged procedure beginning with left upper lobectomy followed by right middle lobectomy two weeks later after exhibiting rebound hyperexpansion of the remaining diseased lobe. Thoracoscopy was precluded by mass effect in all patients. No patients underwent emergent lobectomies. One patient had pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis (PIG) in the setting of CLE, first reported case of bilateral CLE with PIG. Conclusions This study supports a staged, image-guided, physiology-based operative approach to bilateral CLE. Excision of both diseased lobes does not appear to be mandatory, at least in the short-term follow up, and comports with a "the least intervention that is the most effective" philosophy. CTA is critical for planning, but the role of V/Q scan is not defined. Thoracoscopy appears to have no role. Level of evidence Treatment Study, Level IV.
Analysis and Modeling of Body Water Regulation

Abstract Introduction of the concept of central nervous system control in visceral functions to regulate the necessary internal environment of higher animals is followed by the development of the specific system for fluid control as it regulates both total volume and distribution. The total fluid is considered to be in one of three general locations: intravascular and interstitial (together extracellular) and the intracellular. The relative volume control mechanism between the intravascular and interstitial compartments is set up around the two opposing forces of hydro-dynamic pressure and colloid osmotic pressure as they vary over the length of the capillaries. Basic equations and block diagrams are developed to demonstrate the relationship of these variables together with the vascular and osmotic receptors which control the feedback links to stimulate the necessary change in reabsorption of the renal tubules. The overall model is developed showing the interrelationship of the major factors in water control and various simplifications and portions of the system are analyzed using nonlinear control system techniques.
Phase Transitions in Approximate Ranking

We study the problem of approximate ranking from observations of pairwise interactions. The goal is to estimate the underlying ranks of $n$ objects from data through interactions of comparison or collaboration. Under a general framework of approximate ranking models, we characterize the exact optimal statistical error rates of estimating the underlying ranks. We discover important phase transition boundaries of the optimal error rates. Depending on the value of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) parameter, the optimal rate, as a function of SNR, is either trivial, polynomial, exponential or zero. The four corresponding regimes thus have completely different error behaviors. To the best of our knowledge, this phenomenon, especially the phase transition between the polynomial and the exponential rates, has not been discovered before.
Forces and Theories Underlying Management Response in Business Reporting for Improved Sustainability Disclosure

Management response to catastrophic events can vary significantly from stated company policy on environmental reporting. This paper explores management’s response under two theories: (1) as an aspect of legitimacy, adapting activity to changing perceptions, and (2) as an aspect of stakeholder interest, looking to the needs of several groups. The paper concludes that forces beyond the general social, legal, and accounting are required to develop appropriate disclosure, and argues for increased ethical and governance force in establishing disclosure helpful to standard setters, regulators, auditors, the general public, and all users of company financial and non-financial information.
Synthesis of C-Glycoinositols from C-Glycosylcrotylstannanes

A strategy for the synthesis of C-pseudodisaccharides that centers on the reaction of a C-linked crotyltin and a substituted pent-4-enal and a ring-closing metathesis–alkene dihydroxylation sequence on the derived crotylation products is illustrated in the preparation of analogues of the insulin modulatory inositol galactosamine-β-(1 → 4)-3-O-methyl-d-chiro-inositol (β-INS-2). The modularity of this approach and versatility of the pivotal crotylation products make this a potentially general methodology for diverse libraries of C-glycoinositols.
General Case Histories from the CNS-Problem Solving

This 53-year-old, right-handed, white housewife (Mrs. S.P.) had the onset of weakness in the lower extremities approximately 10 months prior to admission. At the same time, the patient noted twitching of the muscles of the legs, i.e., fasciculations. The weakness progressed so that the patient had difficulty in walking. Approximately 8 months prior to admission, the patient noted the onset of weakness and fasciculations in the upper extremities. This was noted most particularly with regard to the hands. The patient had had a progression of symptoms in the intervening months; approximately a 30 lb weight loss was experienced. Although the patient complained of fatigue and some lethargy, she had noted no definite change in mental status. She had not experienced any headaches or pains in the neck. She had had no diplopia or visual disturbances. No sensory symptoms were noted; no urinary or bowel symptoms were noted. Past history and family history were not remarkable.
Clinical Angioblast Therapy

Angiogenesis and vasculogenesis are fundamental processes in embryonic development enabling multiorgan characteristics. Through the capillary net, the nutrient diffusion process is successfully achieved in complex cellular organisms. In adults the establishment, maintenance, and renewal of an efficient vascular net are required for the maintenance of normal, viable tissues. This requirement is especially important in the cardiovascular system, where vascular supply efficiency and endothelium normal function are affected in many different pathological entities. Impaired angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction are the bases of many cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and chronic heart failure.
Reconstruction of One-Dimensional Inhomogeneities in Elastic Modulus and Density from Measurements of Acoustic Reasonances

We present here a simple procedure for reconstructing an inhomogeneity in density and elastic modulus in a one-dimensional structure using only its measured resonant frequencies (fundamental and overtones). The shifts in the resonant frequencies of the structure (e. g., a rod) due to a material inhomogeneity (computed relative to the frequencies of the homogeneous state) are shown to bear a simple relation to the coefficients in a Fourier expansion of the inhomogeneity which is exact to first order in the material perturbation. As an example, consider extensional waves excited in a one dimensional rod. We show that the fractional frequency shift of the nth normal mode gives, to within a constant and to first order in the material perturbation, the 2nth Fourier coefficient of the inhomogeneity for the case of free-free (or fixed-fixed) boundary conditions at the rod ends.1
Event Identification Using Extracted Features from High-dimensional Power System Data

This paper develops the feature-based methods with physical interpretations to identify events in the power system. Two approaches to identifying single and successive events, respectively, are introduced. Since the subspace of the spatial-temporal blocks of synchrophasor data matrix represents the system dynamics compactly, we propose a dictionary-based method to identify the type of an event using one second of data. To address the challenge of identifying successive events with overlapping impacts, we propose a prediction-subtraction process to reduce the impact of a previous event. We propose to use the dominant eigenvalues of the system state matrix and the dominant singular values of the data matrix as the extracted features of individual events and train a convolutional neural network (CNN) classifier offline. This CNN classifier is used to identify the type of each of the successive events in real time. Both the recorded PMU data and simulated datasets validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with Increased Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in the Hippocampus

Increasing evidence indicates that chemotherapy results in long-term effects on cognitive dysfunction in some cancer survivors. While many studies have established the domains of cognition and corresponding regions in the brain most affected, little is revealed about the potential molecular mechanisms that mediate these adverse changes after treatment. The effects of chemotherapy on the brain are likely attributed to various mechanisms, including oxidative stress and immune dysregulation, features that are also reminiscent of cognitive aging. We have investigated the cognitive effects of a cocktail composed of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC-chemo) in a surgical ovariectomized rodent model. In this study, we address whether the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-responsive gene markers are altered in the CNS of rats treated with systemic AC-chemo. We further evaluated the levels of nucleic acids modified by oxidative stress in the hippocampus using both immunohistochemical and Northern blotting techniques with a monoclonal antibody against 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG) and 8-OHdG base lesions. We demonstrate that ERK 1/2 and JNK/SAPK signaling activities are elevated in the hippocampus of AC-chemo rats. The levels of pro-inflammatory, oxidative stress-responsive, and RNA/DNA damage markers were also higher in drug-injected animals relative to saline controls. The results indicate that the effects of AC chemotherapy are associated with oxidative damage and a global stress response in the hippocampus. These alterations in the molecular signature of the brain may underlie the processes that contribute to cognitive impairment after treatment.
Catalytic methane pyrolysis in molten MnCl2-KCl

Abstract Methane decomposition to produce molecular hydrogen and solid carbon was catalyzed by contact with molten KCl:MnCl2 mixtures in a bubble column reactor from 700 to 1050 °C. The apparent activation energy decreased from approximately 300 kJ/mole for pure KCl to 161 kJ/mole in a 67:33 mol % mixture of KCl:MnCl2. At 30% methane conversion, pyrolysis in the KCl:MnCl2 melt at 1050 °C had high hydrogen selectivity (˜99%) in comparison to pure molten KCl (˜90%), which was observed to produce multiple hydrocarbon co-products. The pyrolysis activity of the KCl:MnCl2 melt remained stable for over 30 h and produced a separable, highly graphitic carbon solid that accumulated at the surface of the higher-density salt melt.
Comparison of inhospital outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation between single ventricle congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy

Data investigating the impact of household income and other factors on SV patient status-post-Fontan palliation after heart transplantation are lacking. We aim to evaluate factors affecting outcomes after OHT in this population. The PHIS database was interrogated for either SV or myocarditis/primary CM who were 4 years or older who underwent a single OHT. There were 1599 patients with a median age of 13.2 years (IQR: 9.3-16.1). Total hospital costs were significantly higher in the SV group ($408 000 vs $294 000, P < 0.0001), but as median household income increased, the risk of inhospital mortality, post-transplant LOS, and LOS-adjusted total hospital costs all decreased. The risk of inhospital mortality increased 6.5% per 1 year of age increase at the time of transplant. Patients in the SV group had significantly more diagnoses than those in the CM group (21 vs 15, P < 0.0001) and had longer total hospital LOSs as a result of longer post-transplant courses (25 days vs 15, P < 0.0001). Increased median household income and younger age are associated with decreased resource utilization and improved inhospital mortality in SV CHD patients who undergo OHT. In conclusion, earlier consideration of OHT in this population, coupled with improved selection criteria, may increase survival in this population.
Patients with Parkinson Disease Experience Increased Perioperative Complications Following Cervical Decompression and Fusion: A Retrospective Review of the National Inpatient Sample.

Background Despite improved medical management, the incidence of spinal pathology remains high in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Several studies have investigated lumbar spine surgery in this population, but data regarding costs and perioperative complications for patients undergoing cervical decompression/fusion on a nationwide scale are lacking. Methods Cases of cervical spinal decompression, fusion, or exploration in years 2008–2014 were collected via the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Demographics, complications, outcome, and total charges were compared in patients with and without PD (NPD). Confounding variables were identified for multivariate analysis. Results Data were available for 195,341 cervical spine cases, of which PD was prevalent in 779 cases (0.4%). Cases with PD experienced greater overall complication rates (12.5 vs. 7.6%; P Conclusions Although patients with PD experience greater complication rates and non-home discharges following cervical spine surgery compared with NPD patients, the overall clinical impact of these results may be minimal relative to surgery at other spinal levels in this population.