cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical approach to patients with hypercortisolism

According to the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines, the goal of treating overt Cushing's syndrome is to control cortisol levels or more importantly its actions at its receptor in order to eliminate the end organ effects and treat comorbidities associated with hypercortisolism. This chapter will review the surgical management of hypercortisolism. It will be subdivided into two main sections: the management of: (I) ACTH-dependent; and (II) ACTH-independent (adrenal) hypercortisolism. The perioperative factors that surgeons should consider after the diagnosis has been made will also be discussed. Lastly, the utilization of robotic surgery for adrenalectomy and the perceived benefits and potential pitfalls of this approach when treating patients with hypercortisolism will be reviewed.
TRENDS IN HOSPITALIZATION AND OUTCOMES OF HEART FAILURE WITH DIABETES IN THE US: DATA FROM THE NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE (2004-2015)

Diabetes and heart failure (HF) are both increasing in prevalence due to the aging of the population, obesity and the concomitant presence of other cardiovascular disease Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analyzed between 2005 to 2014. We studied the trend of hospitalization of HF (
After-Tax Discounting: A Research Edge

This research note addresses after-tax discounting for pricing assets. Specifically, it analyzes the appropriate way to discount after-tax payoffs from assets that trade in capital markets in which both taxable and tax-free investors can buy and sell both taxable and tax-free instruments. The effect of the tax status of the investor and the tax status of the financing tool that an investor uses on price of an asset are discussed. Secondly, it derives the proper after-tax discount rate to use in the risk neutral valuation method for pricing assets that have state-contingent payments, typically structured in a lease based transaction. Dynamic state-contingent payoffs and cash flow processes are developed. Pre-tax discounted price, after-tax discounted payoffs are considered, then after-tax discount rate is derived. Included in this analysis of state-contingent discounting is the effect of depreciation expense, the only expense associated with the use of the asset, on after-tax discount rates.
Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease

During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
Arbeitshandeln von Piloten – Empirische Analyse

Wie bereits im vorhergehenden Teil anschaulich aufgezeigt, ist der Arbeitsplatz Cockpit hoch technisiert. Die Arbeit des Piloten findet in permanenter Interaktion mit den Bordsystemen in einem technisch uberwachten und regulierten Luftraum statt. Der heutige Flugverkehr ist ohne technische Einflussnahme und Mitwirkung nicht denkbar.
The terrorist and the mercenary: Private warriors against Nigeria’s Boko Haram

This article analyses the 2015 intervention of Specialized Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP International Ltd), a South African private military company (PMC), against Boko Haram, t...
A gut feeling to stress enhances neutrophil-mediated vascular occlusion

Psychological stress alters TH17 cell response to gut microbiome and triggers acute vascular-occlusion induced by aged-neutrophils in sickle cell disease.
Assassins: The KGB’s Poison Factory 10 Years On: by Boris Volodarsky, Yorkshire and Philadelphia, Frontline Books, 2020, 256 pp., $49.95 (hardback), ISBN-13: 978-1526733924

In December 2019, the German authorities stated that they suspected the Russian military-intelligence agency (GRU/GU) of assassinating Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, an ethnic Chechen and former commander...
Minnesota wild hemp: a crucial botanical source in early cannabinoid discovery.

Renewed and sustained Cannabis chemistry exploration was initiated by Roger Adams at the University of Illinois Chemistry Department with cooperation from the Treasury Department Narcotics Laboratory in the early 1940’s. This partnership and time investment by both parties made practical sense. Adams was able to explore natural products chemistry and the Narcotics Laboratory began to clarify the chemistry mysteries of Cannabis. Minnesota wild hemp, often viewed as just a roadside weed, was employed as the critical botanical source. Based on its widespread cultivation during World War II, this was also a very pragmatic decision. Although the unique Illinois – Washington D. C. collaboration lasted only a few short years (1939–1942), the stunning results included the isolation and extensive characterization of cannabidiol, the structure elucidation and total synthesis of cannabinol as well as the identification of the tetrahydrocannabinol structure as an intoxicating pharmacophore. Furthermore, this research well prepared many junior chemists for prolific careers in both academia as well as industry, inspired the discoveries of later Cannabis investigators and also provided a successful model of a productive academic-government partnership.
Respecting the oppressed in the personal autonomy debate

It is common in the autonomy literature to claim that some more demanding theories of autonomy disrespect certain individuals by giving the result that those individuals lack autonomy. This claim is often made in the context of the debate between substantive and content-neutral theories of autonomy. Proponents of content-neutral theories often argue that, in deeming certain people non-autonomous—especially certain oppressed people who seem to have internalized their oppression in certain ways—the substantive theories disrespect those people. They take this as reason to accept content-neutral views over substantive views. Despite its ubiquity, this concern about disrespect is hard to pin down precisely. In this paper, I articulate two questions that need to be answered before we can understand the disrespect objection. First: Who, exactly, is supposedly being disrespected by substantive views? Second: Why is it that excluding people with these features is disrespectful? I consider a number of possible answers to each of these questions, and I argue that none of them gives us a plausible explanation of why we should think substantive theories of autonomy are disrespectful to anyone. No matter how we fill in the details, I will argue, there is simply no reason to prefer content-neutral theories of autonomy over substantive ones on the grounds of respect.
Epithelial-Stromal Polyps of the Colon Are Not Perineuriomas.

Objectives Some colorectal polyps contain serrated or tubular crypts surrounded by whorls of spindle cells that expand the mucosa. These epithelial-stromal polyps have been termed benign fibroblastic polyps or, more commonly, perineuriomas. We hypothesized that these lesions are pathogenetically heterogeneous polyps that share in common exuberant fibroblastic proliferations derived from the pericryptal sheath. Methods Forty-six epithelial-stromal polyps containing serrated crypts (n = 21) and nonserrated crypts (n = 25) were evaluated with epithelial membrane antigen and BRAF V600E immunohistochemical stains, and a subset was subjected to next-generation sequencing for BRAF mutations. Polyp morphology and immunohistochemical results were correlated with clinical information. Results Epithelial-stromal polyps containing serrated crypts were significantly associated with other sessile serrated polyps (43%, P = .01) and hyperplastic polyps (29%, P = .006). They also showed BRAF V600E abnormalities (95%) and strong, patchy epithelial membrane antigen staining of spindle cells (95%). In contrast, polyps with nonserrated crypts lacked BRAF alterations and infrequently showed robust EMA staining of stromal cells (16%, P Conclusions Benign epithelial-stromal polyps with serrated epithelium are biologically similar to sessile serrated polyps and should be classified as such to ensure appropriate clinical surveillance. The nature of polyps without serrated crypts is less clear, but evidence that they are perineuriomas is circumstantial at best.
Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Transplantation and Training Increased Transplantation of Energy Source Transporters in Chronic Stroke.

Objectives Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) show a significant therapeutic effect in combination with training even in the chronic phase of stroke. However, the mechanism of this combination therapy has not been investigated. Here, we examined its effects on brain metabolism in chronic stroke mice. Materials and methods BM-MNC (1x105 cells in 100 µL of phosphate-buffered saline) were intravenously transplanted at 4 weeks (chronic stage) after the middle cerebral artery occlusion. At 3 h and 10 weeks after the administration of BM-MNC, we evaluated transcription changes of the metabolism-related genes, hypoxia inducible factor 1-α (Hif-1α), prolyl hydroxylase 3 (Phd3), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (Pdk1), Na+/K+-ATPase (Atp1α1‒3), connexins, glucose transporters, and monocarboxylate transporters, in the brain during chronic phase of stroke using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results showed transcriptional activation of the metabolism-related genes in the contralateral cortex at 3 h after BM-MNC transplantation. Behavioral tests were performed after cell therapy, and the brain metabolism of mice with improved motor function was examined at 10 weeks after cell therapy. The therapeutic efficacy of the combination therapy with BM-MNC transplantation and training was evident in the form of transcriptional activation of ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) cortex. Conclusions BM-MNC transplantation combined with training for chronic stroke activated gene expression in both the ipsilateral and the contralateral side.
Barriers and facilitators to interprofessional collaborative practice for community-dwelling older adults: An integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this integrative review was to synthesise empirical reports of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) for community-dwelling older adults and uncover barriers and facilitators related to its success as a model of care for this population. BACKGROUND IPCP is a model of care that has demonstrated positive outcomes for community-dwelling older adults. However, a summary of barriers and facilitators to IPCP models has not been presented. METHODS An integrative review using the method posited by Whittemore and Knafl was completed to identify barriers and facilitators to IPCP for community-dwelling older adults. The literature search was reported following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS Four themes emerged as barriers to IPCP: (1) A (Potential) Logistical Nightmare, (2) All About the Money, (3) If We Can't Test It, Can We Recommend It? and (4) Challenging for the Team, Challenging for the Client. Three themes emerged as facilitators to IPCP: (1) Reducing Resource Waste, (2) The "C" in IPCP and (3) What Matters Most. CONCLUSIONS IPCP models for community-dwelling older adults must adapt to the setting of care and client needs. Interprofessional education opportunities for team members facilitate effective IPCP. Healthcare policies and funding structures need to address IPCP for community-dwelling older adults for this model to be successful and sustainable. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Nurses participate on and lead IPCP teams caring for community-dwelling older adults and, therefore, need to be aware of barriers and facilitators to this model of care.
Spatial patterns of genetic diversity in eight bear (Ursidae) species

Many of the 8 extant bear species have large ranges, yet range-wide studies of genetic diversity are often impractical because of logistic challenges or focus on local questions. However, understanding the levels of diversity among populations of a species can be useful for conservation and management. Bear researchers were at the forefront of using microsatellites to study the demographics and diversity of populations, such that 3 species have complete sampling and 3 others are represented across their range breadth. Yet there has not been a synthesis of these data within or among species because of difficulties comparing microsatellites. We extracted microsatellite summary statistics from 104 papers that sampled 284 populations of any species within Ursidae, then yardstick-transformed the data for direct comparison. Studies had a median of 2 geographic sites, 30 individuals sampled per site, and 12 loci genotyped. We identified 193 loci genotyped in bears and argue this is a limitation within and among species comparisons. Tremarctos ornatus had the lowest average range-wide genetic diversity (Ar = 2.5; He = 0.43), although ascertainment bias may affect the results, whereas Ursus arctos had the highest diversity (Ar = 6.4; He = 0.69). We argue that at the spatial scale of a species' range, variation due to phylogeography and anthropogenically influenced diversity will overwhelm accuracy issues between studies and reveal broad spatial patterns. Further, by comparing allelic richness to heterozygosity across the range of a species, managers may identify populations in need of genetic management. We end by summarizing what is known about within-species lineages and genetic diversity and identify priority areas for future studies.
Health anxiety and the non-medical use of prescription drugs in young adults: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract Introduction Studies have demonstrated a relation between health anxiety (hypochondriasis) and substance use, but this minimal body of literature has focused on alcohol or illicit drugs. The use of medications without a physician's prescription (i.e., non-medical use of prescription drugs, NMUPD) is increasingly prevalent among young adults. Health anxiety, a tendency to worry excessively about health, is a factor that could contribute to NMUPD, but this has not been examined. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relations among health anxiety, NMUPD, and other psychological variables related to substance use. Methods In the present study, young adult college students (N = 758), ages 18–25, completed an anonymous online survey assessing demographics, health anxiety, NMUPD, and other psychological characteristics, including depression and general anxiety. Results Participants who reported NMUPD had higher scores in health anxiety, as well as more frequent healthcare appointments, and were more likely to report having a chronic health condition. Given that multiple factors influence a decision to engage in NMUPD, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results suggested that hopelessness, sensation-seeking, and health anxiety were risk factors for NMUPD, and that health anxiety predicted NMUPD over and above these other variables. Conclusions Medical professionals and mental health service providers should be aware of the increased risk of NMUPD for patients with health anxiety. Future research on NMUPD should more closely examine the role of health anxiety.
Designing Parallel Operating Systems via Parallel Programming

Ever-increasing demand for computing capability is driving the construction of ever-larger computer clusters, soon to be reaching tens of thousands of processors. Many functionalities of system software have failed to scale accordingly – systems are becoming more complex, less reliable, and less efficient. Our premise is that these deficiencies arise from a lack of global control and coordination of the processing nodes. In practice, current parallel machines are loosely-coupled systems that are used for solving inherently tightly-coupled problems. This paper demonstrates that existing and future systems can be made more scalable by using BSP-like parallel programming principles in the design and implementation of the system software, and by taking full advantage of the latest interconnection network hardware. Moreover, we show that this approach can also yield great improvements in efficiency, reliability, and simplicity.
Stem cell alchemy.

The extraordinary plasticity of tissue stem cells, such as the ability of blood stem cells to differentiate into liver, would intrigue even the ancient alchemists. Recent discoveries also force us to rethink cell lineage relationships and expand the potential for cell-based therapies (pages 1229–1234 ).
Visual foraging of highlighted text: an eye-tracking study

The wide availability of digital reading material online is causing a major shift in everyday reading activities. Readers are skimming instead of reading in depth [Nielson 1997]. Highlights are increasingly used in digital interfaces to direct attention toward relevant passages within texts. In this paper, we study the eye-gaze behavior of subjects using both keyword highlighting and ScentHighlights [Chi et al. 2005]. In this first eye-tracking study of highlighting interfaces, we show that there is direct evidence of the von Restorff isolation effect [VonRestorff 1933] in the eye-tracking data, in that subjects focused on highlighted areas when highlighting cues are present. The results point to future design possibilities in highlighting interfaces.
A compact wave and ocean data buoy system

A compact wave and ocean data buoy system, called the COLOS buoy system, was recently designed and tested by the NOAA's National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) to support its expanding networks and ocean measurement capabilities. The buoy system (including buoy hull, bridle, mast, frame structure, data acquisition system, power, communications, and measurements) are described and discussed in this paper. Some results from the first field test are also presented
Initial Implementation of the Executive Agency Model in Jamaica

The study sought to examine the impact of the initial eight executive agencies in Jamaica, through the use of both secondary and primary methods of data collection. The main findings of the study were five-fold: (i) positive changes had occurred in the studied organizations, following the attainment of the executive agency status; (ii) both organizational performance and the provision of services to customers had improved, as a result of the executive agency status; (iii) most clients surveyed were satisfied with both the performance and the provision of services by their respective executive agencies; however, (iv) issues relating to staff matters had mostly remained the same as before the conversion into executive agency; and (v) in the case of staff benefits, the situation had actually become worse after the attainment of the executive agency status.
Application-specific optoelectronic packaging

The rapid expansion of optical networks has stimulated the development of new types of optoelectronic devices, and assembly automation is seen as a requirement to achieve cost-effective solutions. This leads to the need for new optoelectronic packaging technologies. A new package design (named ClamShell), developed by Kyocera Corporation, allows the use of automated equipment for the full sequence of optoelectronic component assembly operations and provides a method of hermetic sealing of optical fibers and fiber arrays. The electrical interconnect at the board level is facilitated by the use of an electrical interposer. This avoids all of the manual operations involved in lead trimming/forming and soldering to the board, and it facilitates board rework. This approach provides the ability to execute high-speed electrical transitions between the system board and the semiconductor devices in the optoelectronic components/modules. The paper also describes design approaches for simplified thermal management in convection-cooled systems.
Ionic strength effect on the thermal unfolding of α-spectrin peptides

In previous work, we have shown that the ionic strength-mediated differences found for the hydrodynamic dimensions of the human erythrocyte spectrin are not caused by secondary structural changes, ...
Nuclear beta decay induced by intense electromagnetic fields: Forbidden transition examples

A formalism developed earlier for the effect on nuclear beta decay of an intense planewave electromagnetic field is applied to three examples of forbidden beta transitions. The examples represent cases where the nuclear "fragment" contains one, two, and three nucleons; where the nuclear fragment is defined to be that smallest sub-unit of the nucleus containing the nucleon which undergoes beta decay plus any other nucleons directly angular-momentum coupled to it in initial or final states. The single-nucleon-fragment example is $^{113}\mathrm{Cd}$, which has a fourth-forbidden transition. The two-nucleon-fragment example is $^{90}\mathrm{Sr}$, which is first-forbidden. The three-nucleon-fragment example is $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$, which is third-forbidden. An algebraic closed-form transition probability is found in each case. At low external-field intensity, the transition probability is proportional to ${z}^{L}$, where $z$ is the field intensity parameter and $L$ is the degree of forbiddenness. At intermediate intensities, the transition probability behaves as ${z}^{L\ensuremath{-}(\frac{1}{2})}$. At higher intensities, the transition probability contains the ${z}^{L\ensuremath{-}(\frac{1}{2})}$. factor, a declining exponential factor, and an alternating polynomial in $z$. This high-intensity transition probability possesses a maximum value, which is found for each of the examples. A general rule, $z={q}^{2}(2L\ensuremath{-}1)$, where $q$ is the number of particles in the fragment, is found for giving an upper limit on the intensity at which the maximum transition probability occurs. Field-induced beta decay half-lives for all the examples are dramatically reduced from natural half-lives when evaluated at the optimum field intensity. Relative half-life reduction is greater the higher the degree of forbiddenness.RADIOACTIVITY $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$, $^{90}\mathrm{Sr}$, $^{113}\mathrm{Cd}$ intense-field-induced $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay minimum half-lives, half-life reduction forbiddenness dependence.
Itinerant Magnetism in Metallic CuFe2Ge2

Theoretical calculations are performed to understand the electronic structure and magnetic properties of CuFe2Ge2. The band structure reveals large electron density N(EF) at the Fermi level suggesting a strong itinerant character of magnetism. The Fermi surface is dominated by two dimensional sheet like structures, with potentially strong nesting between them. The magnetic ground state appears to be ferromagnetic along a and antiferromagnetic in other directions. These results show that CuFe2Ge2 is an antiferromagnetic metal, with similarities to the Fe-based superconductors; such as magnetism with substantial itinerant character and coupling between magnetic order and electrons at the Fermi energy.
Absorption and metabolism of iron.

In the article "Absorption and metabolism ofiron" [ Science 123, 87 (20 Jan. 1955)], the wavelength of maximum absorption of the iron-siderophilin complex was incorrectly given as 520 millimicrons. On page 89, the first sentence in thesecond paragraph under the heading "Iron transport" should read "The Fe+++-B 1 -globulin complexhas a characteristic salmon-pink color with a maximum light absorption at 460 millimicrons...."
The Reality-Based Learning Method: A Simple Method for Keeping Teaching Activities Relevant and Effective

Active and experiential learning theory have not dramatically changed collegiate classroom teaching methods, although they have long been included in the pedagogical literature. This article presents an evolved method, reality based learning, that aids professors in including active learning activities with feelings of clarity and confidence. The reality-based learning method subjects each learning activity to a 4-point framework that is used by the professor in all stages, planning, implementation, and review. Its solid rationale, rigorous standards, and logical applicability are intended to ease professors’ confusion and apprehension about active and experiential learning. Furthermore, professors will find that they can truly make a difference in their students’transferability of knowledge, skills, and attitudes from the confines of a classroom to their interactions in the broader world. Finally, its applications are demonstrated in an extended diagnostic approach to the selection of an activity for one...
OUTPATIENT INTRAVENOUS ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR ENDOCARDITIS

The clinical spectrum of endocarditis continues to evolve, as does its diagnosis and management. Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for medically stable patients with viridans streptococcal endocarditis. Other carefully selected and monitored patients with infective endocarditis may also be considered for completion of therapy outside the hospital setting.
Resolving organic molecule–silicon scanning tunneling microscopy features with molecular orbital methods

Abstract Organic molecular adsorption on Si(100) is modelled using a combination of semi-empirical, Hartree–Fock and density functional theory molecular orbital methods together with a cluster model of a surface. Various adsorption configurations for benzene on Si(100) are considered. For each, fully optimized structures and absolute adsorption energies are calculated. Valence region occupied state current density iso-surfaces are calculated to simulate constant current STM images. Detailed comparison with experimental energetics and STM images allows unambiguous identification of three room temperature stable structures.
Sera from women with histories of repeated pregnancy losses cause abnormalities in mouse peri-implantation blastocysts

Incubation of peri-implantation mouse blastocysts in the presence of untreated human sera resulted in destruction of the blastocysts. Heating the serum resulted in deactivation of the non-specific toxic factor. Whereas heat-treated serum from women with normal obstetrical histories, and men, supported normal trophoblast attachment and outgrowth, sera from women with reproductive dysfunction resulted in inhibition of attachment or disruption of the trophoblast cells. The inner cell masses were not adversely affected by the sera which were toxic to trophoblast. Fractionation of a serum sample by affinity chromatography resulted in removal of the toxic factor with the IgG fraction. Absorption of the toxic serum with human trophoblast membranes resulted in serum that supported trophoblast outgrowth indicating that the toxic factor was an antibody directed against trophoblast antigens.
Heligmosomoides polygyrus: Temporal, spatial, and morphological population characteristics in LAF1J mice

The course of an initial orally induced infection of Heligmosomoides polygyrus in the LAF1 strain of mice was compared to that observed in AHe mice. In LAF1 mice, the tissue-encysted larval-stage nematode lasts 1 to 2 days longer than in AHe mice. After larval emergence, the worms are not as successful in their anterior migration in LAF1 mice as they are in AHe mice. After Day 14, adult worms are lost from LAF1 mice, but not from AHe mice. Histologie study of the intestine did not reveal any significant difference between the mice, except to reflect the delay in larval emergence. The peripheral blood of the LAF1 mice showed a leukocytosis on Days 4 and 6, while the AHe mice had a leukopenia from Days 4 through 20. There was no change in the differential count. No anatomic explanation for post developmental adult expulsion was found.
A Toll-like Receptor That Prevents Infection by Uropathogenic Bacteria

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize molecular patterns displayed by microorganisms, and their subsequent activation leads to the transcription of appropriate host-defense genes. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a member of the mammalian TLR family, TLR11, that displays a distinct pattern of expression in macrophages and liver, kidney, and bladder epithelial cells. Cells expressing TLR11 fail to respond to known TLR ligands but instead respond specifically to uropathogenic bacteria. Mice lacking TLR11 are highly susceptible to infection of the kidneys by uropathogenic bacteria, indicating a potentially important role for TLR11 in preventing infection of internal organs of the urogenital system.
Damping Matrices Revisited

AbstractAfter a brief review of the problems entailed by the so-called proportional damping matrices, this paper elaborates on a simple technique to construct damping matrices that guarantee the fraction of damping in each mode to be positive and adequate and accomplishes this without solving for either the modes or the natural frequencies. Although the resulting matrices do not generally satisfy the proportionality condition, this fact is irrelevant for the purposes to which such matrices are put.
Timothy Brook, The Troubled Empire: China in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties

Timothy Brook, The Troubled Empire: China in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties (2010), 329 (Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, £25.95/$35). Timothy Brook's The Troubled Empire is a new...
Limiting factors associated with nitrification in closed blue crab shedding systems.

A study of factors limiting crab densities in closed blue crab Callinectes sapidus shedding systems was conducted using scaled down experimental units. Nitrification beds, activated carbon, dolomite and plants were used to maintain water quality. Nitrite (NO2N) was found to be the most critical toxic element accumulating in the system as a result of the nitrification process. Concentrations of approximately 20 mg liter−1 NO2N and above caused increased mortality in intermolt crabs. Mortality in molting crabs was observed at concentrations as little as 2 mg liter−1 NO2N. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was identified as the factor limiting the efficiency of the nitrification beds. As DO concentrations decreased, the rate of nitrification slowed, apparently causing nitrification to be inhibited at the nitrite to nitrate conversion step. As nitrite concentrations increased, high mortalities resulted, further increasing the loading in the systems and depressing DO concentrations, due to the high BOD exerted by the dead crabs. Elevated crab populations were maintained in the systems when aeration and flow increases were supplied to the nitrification beds.
Functional approximation for inversion of Laplace transforms via polynomial series

A method for finding the inverse of Laplace transforms using polynomial series is discussed. It is known that any polynomial series basis vector can be transformed into Taylor polynomials by use of a suitable transformation. In this paper, the cross product of a polynomial series basis vector is derived in terms of Taylor polynomials, and as a result the inverse of the Laplace transform is obtained, using the most commonly used polynomial series such as Legendre, Chebyshev, and Laguerre. Properties of Taylor series are first briefly presented and the required function is given as a Taylor series with unknown coefficients. Each Laplace transform is converted into a set of simultaneous linear algebraic equations that can be solved to evaluate Taylor series coefficients. The inverse Laplace transform using other polynomial series is then obtained by transforming the properties of the Taylor series to other polynomial series. The method is simple and convenient for digital computation. Illustrative examples a...
High-order azimuthal correlation functions: powerful probes for collective motion in heavy ion reactions

Abstract We have investigated the utility of high-order azimuthal correlation functions as probes of collective motion from both rotation and flow at intermediate energies. Reaction simulations indicate new and distinct signatures for rotational collective motion which are important for its characterization and its distinction from collective flow. For the system Ar + Sc(35−115A MeV), experimental high-order correlation functions are used for a clear demonstration of the disappearance of collective flow at 93±4 A MeV. The method is direct and circumvents reaction-plane assignment.
Eisenstein Series and Decomposition Theory over Function Fields

The theory of Eisenstein series for SL2(IR) has been well-explored (cf. [11]). In [12], Langlands developed the theory of Eisenstein series in great generality, namely, for arbitrary reductive Lie groups. Harder in [5] studied the corresponding theory for simply connected Chevalley groups over function fields of one variable. The present paper is concerned with a situation which is more restricted than I"5] in the sense that only GL z is considered, and more general in the sense that the Eisenstein functions are supposed to be invariant only by an open compact subgroup. We prove that these Eisenstein series are rational functions, satisfy functional equations, etc., as expected (Sects. 2, 3, and 5). One of the main themes of this paper is to study the intertwining operators which arise from the constant Fourier coefficients of Eisenstein series (Sects. 3 and 6). These are rational operators. Since they occur in the functional equations for Eisenstein series, the degrees of their numerators are essential in computing the dimensions of the spaces of cusp forms for congruence subgroups. This will be shown in a subsequent paper [7] by Harder et al. On the other hand, the computations of these intertwining operators are inevitable if one wants to get hold of the "bad" terms occurring in the trace formula. Another main theme is discussed in Sect. 7. There we develop a decomposition theory on the space of automorphic functions (of some central quasi-character and invariant under a congruence subgroup) which are eigenfunctions of the Hecke operator T o with eigenvalue 2~ at some "good" place v. Namely, any such function is a direct sum of an Eisenstein series and a cusp form. If we interpret T~ as the "Beltrami operator" and view eigenfunctions of T~ with eigenvalue 2~ as "holomorphic functions" as explained in 1-15, 16], then this decomposition theory is an analogue of the classical decomposition theory introduced by Hecke (cf. [8, No. 24]). Consequently, the study of automorphic functions is reduced to the study of cusp forms. There is also a similar result from the representation-theoretic point
Spectroscopic studies of phycobilisome subcore preparations lacking key core chromophores : assignment of excited state energies to the Lcm, β18 and αAP-B chromophores

Abstract Chromophore absorption and emission characteristics of the α AP-B , β 18 and L cm (large core-membrane linker) chromopeptides within the phycobilisome core are investigated using genetically engineered strains of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Steady-state and time-resolved emission were used to examine energy transfer in subcore preparations from the wild-type organism and two mutants. Low-temperature (77 K) emission spectra were also measured for intact phycobilisomes from the wild-type and five mutant strains. Mutants retaining either the α AP-B subunit or the unaltered L cm chromophore resulted in only small changes in the low-temperature emission spectra, while retention of only the β 18 subunit resulted in blue-shifted emission spectra. The L cm chromophore has a room-temperature absorption maximum at 675 nm. In phycobilisomes at 77 K the α AP-B and L cm chromophores emit at 682–683 nm, and they are the best candidates for long-wavelength emitters also at room temperature. Overlap of these emission spectra with the absorption of chlorophyll a in the associated thylakoid membrane plays a significant role in excitation transfer from the antenna complexes in cyanobacteria.
Personality Predicts Academic Performance: Exploring the moderating role of gender

In this study, students' personality traits were investigated in relation to course grade in an undergraduate management course taught by the same professor and overall college grade point average (GPA). Conscientiousness positively and significantly predicted overall GPA over and beyond other personality traits of agreeableness, extroversion, emotional stability and intellect, accounting for unique variance in final course grade and overall GPA. Gender was consistently found to moderate the personality–academic performance relationship (as measured by GPA). Specifically, emotional stability positively and significantly predicted academic performance among male students, but not so among females. Intellect positively and significantly predicted academic performance among male students, but the same relationship was nonexistent among female students. Discussion was offered relative to the importance of personality traits in predicting academic performance.
Formulation of few-body equations without partial waves

A formalism is developed whereby the two-body Lippmann-Schwinger equation may be solved in momentum space without partial-wave decomposition. The integral equation derived is two-dimensional and so is amenable to direct numerical solution. Because the technique uses the well-known helicity formalism, the matrices involved can be further reduced by taking advantage of symmetries common in nuclear and atomic systems (parity conservation, particle symmetry). An example is shown for nucleon-nucleon scattering, and the results are compared to those obtained from the usual partial-wave method.
Plasma osmolality variations and their effect on the hearing threshold of the guinea pig.

Les variations d'osmolarite plasmatique n'ont pas d'effet sur le seuil auditif. La diminution de l'osmolarite de la perilymphe provoque des modifications analogues a celles observees dans la maladie de Meniere
Pica Practices of Pregnant Women are Associated with Lower Maternal Hemoglobin Level at Delivery

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of pica during pregnancy, maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery, and the association of pica with 2 adverse pregnancy outcomes: low birth weight and preterm birth. Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted using eligible subjects (n=281) from a cross-sectional survey (n=366). Subjects/setting Mothers aged 16 to 30 years with infants younger than 1 year of age who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) were interviewed at 4 WIC clinics in Houston and Prairie View, Tex. Medical records from 31 hospitals were abstracted. Main outcome measures Maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery, mean birth weight, and mean gestational age were compared for women who reported pica and women who did not. Statistical analyses χ 2 Tests, orthogonal t tests, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were used to test the relationships among study variables. Results Pica prevalence categorized by substance was as follows: ice, 53.7%; ice and freezer frost, 14.6%; other substances such as baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, laundry starch, baby powder, clay, or dirt, 8.2%; and no pica, 23.5%. Women in all 3 pica groups had lower hemoglobin levels (mean±standard deviation, 114±12g/L, 110±13g/L, and 113±12g/L, respectively) at delivery than women who did not report pica (118±11g/L) ( P Applications The findings suggest that pica practices are associated with significantly lower maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery but are not associated with pregnancy outcomes. Dietitians should ask pregnant women with anemia about pica and should counsel women who report pica regarding the health risks associated with it. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998; 98:293-296.
Organizational capability and work re-structuring in a transitional economy

Abstract This paper examines the difficulties associated with the introduction of western management techniques in a newly privatized firm in Hungary. The interplay between firm strategy and organizational processes, focusing on worker outcomes, and changes in the organization of production, is analyzed with particular attention given to how work is (re-)structured as well as the effects of changes on workplace governance. This study shows how many of these changes have been rendered ineffectual because of employee resistance as well as broad labor market constraints.
A fractal interpretation of topography and geoid spectra on the earth, moon, Venus, and Mars.

Global spectra are available for topography and geoid on the earth, Venus, Mars, and the moon. If the spectral energy density has a power law dependence on wave number, a fractal is defined. The topography spectrum for the earth is a well-defined fractal with D = 1.5; this corresponds to Brown noise with the amplitude proportional to the wavelength. Although there is more scatter for the other planetary bodies, the data for Mars and the moon correlate well with the data for the earth. Venus topography also exhibits a Brown noise behavior but with a smaller amplitude. The power law dependence of the earth's geoid is known as Kaula's law. It is shown that uncompensated Brown topography gives a geoid with a power law dependence that is in quite good agreement with Kaula's law. However, the required amplitude is only 8 percent of the observed topography. A similar result is found for the other bodies, with the ratio of the amplitude of topography required to explain the geoid to the observed topography increasing to 72 percent for the moon.
Comment on Burnham's “Theory and Voting Research”

I am very grateful to Dean Burnham for his labor in checking out a number of “plausible rival hypotheses” that I proposed some years ago might account for the bundle of changes in American voting statistics he had first described in his seminal 1965 paper. I had pointed out these possibilities with some vigor, since if they could be shown to have empirical merit, they would seem to put a rather different light on those historical changes, relative to the interpretations Burnham originally provided.I now read the current paper as indicating that for the areas covered, changes in registration practices do appear to have affected turnout adversely, following one of our original rival hypotheses. It also suggests, however, that this registration change does not begin to account for all of the decline in turnout that occurred around 1900, particularly in states like Pennsylvania. It goes on to imply that some other familiar factors affecting turnout, such as party competition, also contributed to that change. In effect, the turnout decline not accounted for by structural change seems greatest where the realignment of 1896 moved states from competitive to rather noncompetitive status (the more frequent case); but states moved by the same events from noncompetitive into competitive status, like Missouri and, in fact, numerous other upper midwestern states, do not show the same pattern as Pennsylvania.All this is well and good, particularly as Burnham in his penultimate paragraph sets aside the 1965 conspiratorial interpretation of the change that had originally prompted our own brief inquiries as to probable causes.
Gossip, drama, and technology: how South Asian American young women negotiate gender on and offline

Gossip, defined as evaluative talk about a third party, is a powerful tool for establishing in- and out-group norms and determining belonging. Drama, a form of gossip that is evolving in online spaces, is the process of fighting back against gossip and rumors designed to isolate and ostracise. While literature commonly portrays women as victims or perpetrators of gossip and drama, it rarely examines the potential for evaluative talk as a form of resistance. This article presents a case study of how one young Bangladeshi-American woman uses both gossip and drama to both resist oppressive gender norms and to reinforce her ideas about gender, faith, and culture. Drawing on ethnographic interview data, the paper seeks to elucidate how young women use social network sites like Facebook to negotiate gendered norms associated with individual and collective identity in immigrant communities.
Ultrasonic C-scan imaging of post-tensioned concrete bridge structures for detection of corrosion and voids

Abstract: Corrosion of the nation's transportation infrastructure is a widespread and costly problem. Efficiency, durability, safety, and environmental concerns have made the inspection and structural assessment of these structures a vital issue. The current state of the art in concrete bridge condition evaluation relies on visual inspection. However, deterioration in pre-stressing/post-tensioned strand or tendon condition is not always reflected by distress visible on the concrete surface. Further, the effect of deterioration of pre-stressing/post-tensioned steel is more disruptive than that of mild reinforcement. Strand, due to its high mechanical strength and metallurgical characteristics, is smaller in cross section than conventional reinforcing steel and is proportionally more impaired by loss of section. Methodology for pre-stressed concrete bridge condition evaluation, therefore, could be revolutionized through the development of accurate, quantitative nondestructive test methods for strand in pre-tensioned and post-tensioned structures. This article presents a new sensing method using ultrasound C-scan imaging for structural health monitoring of post-tensioned bridges. Preliminary results from tests are presented that show promising potential for the detection of corrosion and voids in concrete post-tensioned bridges.
Modulation of the cancer cell transcriptome by culture media formulations and cell density

We investigated how varying the composition of cell culture formulations and growing cancer cells at different densities might affect tumor cell genotype. Specifically, we compared gene expression profiles generated by human MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells cultured in different media [minimum essential medium (MEM), Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), or Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)‑1640 medium] containing different concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) or different sera (equine or bovine) that were grown at different cell densities. More than 2,000 genes were differentially modulated by at least a 2‑fold difference when MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cells were 90% confluent and compared with cultures that were 50% confluent. Altering the concentration of serum produced an even more pronounced effect on MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cell gene expression in that 2,981 genes were differentially expressed in a comparison between cells cultured in 0.1% FBS and same cell density cultures that were maintained in 10% FBS. A comparison between MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cells that were 90% confluent in MEM, DMEM, or RPMI‑1640 media, all containing 10% FBS, resulted in 8,925 differentially expressed genes. Moreover, one‑quarter (25.6%) of genes from our genome‑wide expression analysis were expressed at significantly different levels by cells grown in MEM, DMEM, or RPMI‑1640 media. Genes associated with epithelial‑mes-enchymal transition (EMT) were among the genes that were differentially modulated by cells grown in different cell culture formulations and these genes were verified at the protein level. Collectively, these results underscore the importance of accurate reporting and maintenance of uniform culture conditions to ensure reproducible results.