cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in mastectomy rates over time in elderly women with stage I, hormone-sensitive breast cancer: A SEER-based study.

1063Background: Randomized trials and registry data established that breast conservation with lumpectomy (Lump) and breast radiotherapy (RT) yields equivalent cancer outcomes to mastectomy (Mast) for women with early stage breast cancer (BC). Clinical trial data since 2004 increasingly supports that Lump alone compared to Lump+breast RT results in equivalent survival and acceptable cancer control in women ≥ 70 years old with stage I (T1N0) hormone-sensitive (HS) BC on endocrine therapy. Since Lump alone represents sufficient treatment for elderly women with stage I HS BC we hypothesize that Mast rates have decreased in this subgroup. Methods: We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry data to conduct this study. We included women ≥ 70 years old with T1N0 HS BC classified as ER+ or PR+ from 2000-2012. We compared rates of Mast and Lump (+/-RT) in women diagnosed before 2004 to those diagnosed from 2005-2012. We also examined Lump and Mast rates by race: White, Black, and Asian-Pa...
The Economic Consequences of Relaxing Fair Value Accounting and Impairment Rules on Banks During the Financial Crisis of 2008-2009

Fair value accounting (FVA) has been blamed for amplifying the recent financial crisis. We conduct an event study of policymaker deliberations, recommendations and decisions about FVA and impairment rules in the banking industry. If FVA was a key contributor to the financial crisis as some industry pundits and academic research suggest, we first should observe positive stock market reactions to proposals to curtail FVA and negative reactions when policymakers support FVA. Second, we expect especially positive reactions to the curtailment of FVA and impairment rules for banks that are relatively sensitive to pro-cyclical contagion. Third, we investigate cross-sectional reactions to factors that potentially contribute to pro-cyclical contagion, including relatively (i) low regulatory capital, (ii) more assets recorded at fair value, (iii) poor asset liquidity, (iv) larger potential impairments, and (v) more trading assets. Finally, we expect banks that have fewer alternative sources of information about fair values beyond those reported in financial statements to experience relatively negative reactions to potential relaxation of FVA and impairment rules. We examine ten event windows related to FVA and impairment rules for financial institutions. We find that events that signaled an increased (decreased) probability that existing FVA standards would be relaxed (retained) generally produced positive (negative) abnormal stock price reactions for sample banks. As predicted, the magnitude of the stock price reactions was positively related to our proxy for individual bank’s susceptibility to contagion. Further, stock price reactions were associated with specific attributes that could contribute to contagion, including banks’ capital levels, holdings of illiquid assets and banks’ likelihood of being subject to other-than-temporary-impairments. Finally, stock price reactions were negatively related to the absence of analyst coverage, our proxy for the weakness of banks’ information environment. In sum, while stock market participants appeared to welcome relaxation of FVA and impairment rules during the financial crisis of 2008-09, the potential loss of fair value information was perceived to be significant for banks with a thin information environment. We believe our study informs the debate about the role of FVA in the recent financial crisis.
(PRE-)Sheaves of Ring Spectra Over the Moduli Stack of Formal Group Laws

In the first part of this article, I will state a realization problem for diagrams of structured ring spectra, and in the second, I will discuss the moduli space which parametrizes the problem. While some of what I say is quite general, the ring spectra I have in mind will arise from the chromatic point of view, which uses the geometry of formal groups to organize stable homotopy theory. Thus, a subsidiary aim here is to reemphasize this connection between algebraic geometry and homotopy theory.
Stochastic modeling of turbulent flows

We discuss applications of the statistical theory of turbulence to problems related to oceanographic flows. We begin by considering inviscid flows, for which there is an exact formalism for the underlying probability distribution function for the vorticity field (a solution to Liouville’s equation). Such a solution, although remote from real flows, has been used to gain insights into certain features of the latter. We review some of these results, in particular the case of barotropic flow over a random topographic relief, noting briefly some successes and failures. Our remarks here are confined largely to the mean flow in a closed basin. We then describe stochastic models in which the nonlinear terms are modeled as a random stirring supplemented by eddy viscosity, focusing attention on the case of homogeneous flows with no mean circulation. Two methods are discussed: (1) Langevin modeling, in which the turbulence is activated by a white-noise random force, and (2) a modeling in which the temporal aspects of the force are allowed to be determined self consistently, according to the context of the problem. Here, the random force represents the model’s rendering of pressure and advective nonlinearities in the equations of motion. From the perspective of the Langevin model, we note how such theories make contact with simpler heuristic ideas of energy transfer, and discuss how they yield inertial range distribution of eddy scales-sizes. We then apply the second modeling to flow over random topography, noting how part of the vorticity field is locked to the topographic relief, with no temporal fluctuations, in the stationary state. We stress that both types of modeling prescribe generalized eddy viscosities, whose forms are determined self consistently in terms of the flow’s energy spectrum and molecular-dissipation properties. Finally, we note the failure of this method to properly incorporate isolated, intense, vortex structures.
The Multinational Enterprise as an Economic Organization

The multinational enterprise (MNE) is defined here as an enterprise that controls and manages production establishments-plants-located in at least two countries. It is simply one subspecies of multiplant firm. We use the term “enterprise” rather than “company” to direct attention to the top level of coordination in the hierarchy of business decisions; a company, itself multinational, may be the controlled subsidiary of another firm. The minimum “plant” abroad needed to make an enterprise multinational is, as we shall see, judgmental. The transition from a foreign sales subsidiary or a technology licensee to a producing subsidiary is not always a discrete jump, for good economic reasons. What constitutes “control” over a foreign establishment is another judgmental issue. Not infrequently a MNE will choose to hold only a minor fraction of the equity of a foreign affiliate. Countries differ in regard to the minimum percentage of equity ownership that they count as a “direct investment” abroad, as distinguished from a “portfolio investment,” in their international-payments statistics.
Costs and effectiveness of hearing conservation programs at 14 US metal manufacturing facilities

Objective: This study characterised overall and specific costs associated with hearing conservation programmes (HCPs) at US metal manufacturing sites, and examined the association between these cos...
A New Preoperative Planning Technique Can Reduce Radiation Exposure During the Performance of Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is one of the most common and effective HTO techniques, in which the proximal tibia is cut medially, leaving an intact lateral hinge of bone that can be opened to a variable amount for the desired correction, but the technical complications of lateral cortex fracture and intra-articular fracture are well described. The lateral bone hinge for medial opening-wedge HTO is crucial. If the hinge is too small, the tibia can fracture and become unstable, requiring further fixation. If the hinge is too large, the osteotomy can propagate into the joint as an intra-articular fracture when opening the osteotomy. We propose a new technique that utilizes digital preoperative templating to improve the accuracy of the cut. Preoperative digital templating may allow the surgeon to reproducibly obtain a lateral bone hinge of 10 mm, while also reducing radiation exposure relative to the traditional fluoroscopically assisted technique. Ten cadaver extremities from five cadavers were matched into pairs and randomized into two groups: those with and without preoperative templating. The templating protocol measures the distance between two points on the medial and lateral cortices, and 20 mm is subtracted to determine the depth of the saw cut (10 mm for the hinge and another 10 mm because the proximal tibia is oval in shape). The control method was done by making the cut using fluoroscopy with tactile feedback. Postoperative computed tomography scans were obtained of all legs to measure the width of the lateral bone hinge. Intraoperative fluoroscopy used during both techniques and the numbers of fluoroscopy shots were recorded. We found neither the treatment group with preoperative planning nor the control group with the conventional technique had bone hinge widths that were different from the ideal 10 mm. The average hinge widths for the treatment and control groups were 11.2 and 11.5 mm, respectively. However, the treatment group was exposed to significantly less intraoperative fluoroscopy during the osteotomy cut. The average total number of fluoroscopy shots was 2.2 in the treatment group versus 6.3 for the control group. This new preoperative planning technique achieves similar accuracy of the lateral bone hinge when compared to current methods but exposes the patient, surgeon, and staff to significantly less intraoperative radiation.
Short Communication: Apoptotic Membrane Microparticles Quantified by Fluorescent Bead-Based Assay Are Elevated in HIV and SIV Infections.

Abstract Apoptotic membrane microparticles (MMPs) derived from dying cells of multiple cell origins are highly immunostimulatory and are indicative of global immune activation and cell death in a variety of diseases. In this study, we developed a flow cytometric bead assay to quantify annexin-V+ apoptotic (MMPs) in plasma from humans and rhesus macaques. With a combination of flow cytometry and pan-fluorescent beads, MMPs were enumerated in plasma specimens by adding a constant ratio of beads to initial fluid volumes and then calculating MMP/mL based on MMP-to-bead ratios. Using this straightforward assay, we found that circulating MMP quantifications were highly reproducible and similar in number between normal rhesus macaques and humans subjects. However, MMPs increased two- to threefold during HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections and were positively associated with T cell immune activation. Collectively, we present a rapid bead-based assay for both humans and macaque models to quantif...
High-Accuracy Stochastic Computing-Based FIR Filter Design

In this paper we propose a novel Stochastic Computing (SC) Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter design to improve the overall accuracy. Since SC is generated probabilistically, it incurs inherent SC process error, i.e. the larger number of SC process blocks, the larger error probability. Moreover, generation of SC from lower binary radix value produces higher percentage of error as compared to generation from higher value. In our SC FIR design, we reduce the number of SC processing blocks by reducing the number of FIR stages using fast FIR algorithm (FFA). Further we improve the inner-product performance by re-ordering the FIR filter parameters to generate higher-value SC input. Confirmed by the numerical analysis and simulation results, our novel design can implement higher-order FIR filter without reducing its output performance.
Neural response of cervical facet joint capsule to stretch: a study of whiplash pain mechanism.

A major source of pain after whiplash injury is thought to involve the cervical facet joints. This study investigated the proposed capsule strain injury mechanism of whiplash pain using neurophysiologic methods. Goat C5-C6 facet joint capsules were used to identify and characterize capsule receptors in response to controlled uniaxial stretch by recording C6 dorsal rootlet nerve discharge. The joints were stretched at 0.5 mm/sec in a series of tests with 2 mm increments until the capsule ruptured. When compared to the reported strains that facet joint capsules experienced in whiplash and the reported capsule subfailure strains, the low strain thresholds are substantially lower whereas the high thresholds and afterdischarge strains are within that range. Thus, low threshold units appear to signal proprioception within the physiologic range. High threshold units likely signal nociception (pain sensation) while afterdischarge may signal capsule strain injury and contribute to persistent pain.
Lithium revisited: savings brought about by the use of lithium, 1970-1991.

Background: Recent estimates of the cost of manic-depressive illness totaled roughly $45 billion in 1991. Using data from the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) study, this study estimates the savings brought about by the use of lithium between 1970 and 1991. Methods: Total savings are the difference between estimated actual costs and projected costs had lithium never been introduced. Actual yearly costs were interpolated from data for 1970 and 1991, and projected costs were obtained by adjusting 1970 costs with Consumer Price Index (CPI) and population inflaters. All costs for 1970 were obtained using methods almost identical to those used to calculate the 1991 costs of manic-depressive illness, presented in a previous publication. All savings are presented in 1991 dollars. Results: Between 1970 and 1991, lithium saved over $170 billion, or roughly over $8 billion per year. Approximately $15 billion in direct costs, which included inpatient and outpatient care as well as research, was saved between 1970 and 1991. The savings are more dramatic for indirect costs, which include the lost productivity of wage-earners, homemakers, family caregivers, and individuals who are in institutions or who committed suicide; these totaled roughly $155 billion. Conclusions: Our results suggest that, although manic-depressive illness is still costly, lithium has been tremendously successful in treating the illness, and has provided enormous financial savings in the process.
Case study: neuroleptic withdrawal dyskinesia exacerbated by ongoing stimulant treatment.

Risk factors for neuroleptic withdrawal dyskinesia in children have not been well studied. The authors present a case of a child who had been treated with a combination of neuroleptics and stimulants for nonpsychotic aggressive behavior. A severe withdrawal dyskinesia precipitated by neuroleptic tapering was ameliorated by discontinuation of the psychostimulant. Although stimulants have been reported to increase certain involuntary movement disorders, this is the first known report of psychostimulant exacerbation of withdrawal dyskinesia.
Discovery of Abstract Knowledge from Non-Atomic Attribute Values in Fuzzy Relational Databases

Abstract In this paper we introduce attribute–oriented induction with partial vote propagation – a new approach allowing acquisition of generalized knowledge from uncertain data. We utilize a proximity–based fuzzy relational database as the medium carrying the original information, where the lack of precise information about an entity is reflected via insertion of multiple attribute values, and the fuzzy relation of aproximity replaces the classical equivalence relation. Following a well–approach for generalization of exact data in ordinary databases [ 9 ], we introduce a new method for induction of tuples with non-atomic attribute values. In our approach we take advantage of the implicit information about the generalized attributes in the fuzzy database model and apply it to generalize imprecise information..
The Spiny Hedgehog

The order Insectivora consists of fewer than 400 species of insect-eating mammals: moles, shrews, and hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are large rat-sized animals weighing 0.4–1.1 kg. They live in the temperate climates of Europe and Asia. Their backs and sides are covered with a protective coat consisting of long hairs mixed with sharp striped spines. When the animal is frightened, circular muscles under the coat contract, erecting the spines every-which-way and rolling the animal into a protected ball.
Surgical Options for Neoplasia Complicating Crohn’s Disease of the Large Intestine

Individuals with Crohn’s disease (CD) of the large intestine develop colorectal cancer at an increased rate compared to the general population. The exact magnitude of increased risk is unknown. The prevalence of dysplasia at 25 years has been reported to range between 0.5% to 25% and the risk for colorectal cancer may be six-fold that of the general population. Colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) appears to develop via a pathway that deviates from the well characterized adenoma-carcinoma sequence of sporadic colorectal cancer and may progress rapidly, skipping steps seen with sporadic colorectal cancer.
Abstract WP136: Peripheral Activation of Gut-Immune-Brain Axis in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) is an emerging cause of vascular cognitive impairment in the elderly. CAA is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the central nervous system (CNS) vascula...
Higher Dose Volumes May Be Better for Evaluating Radiation Pneumonitis in Lung Proton Therapy Patients Compared With Traditional Photon-Based Dose Constraints.

Abstract Purpose The dosimetric parameters used clinically to reduce the likelihood of radiation pneumonitis (RP) for lung cancer radiation therapy have traditionally been V20Gy ≤ 30% to 35% and mean lung dose ≤ 20 to 23 Gy; however, these parameters are derived based on studies from photon therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether such dosimetric predictors for RP are applicable for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients treated with proton therapy. Methods and Materials In the study, 160 (78 photon, 82 proton) patients with LA-NSCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy between 2011 and 2016 were retrospectively identified. Forty (20 photon, 20 proton) patients exhibited grade ≥2 RP after therapy. Dose volume histograms for the uninvolved lung were extracted for each patient. The percent lung volumes receiving above various dose levels were obtained in addition to V20Gy and Dmean. These dosimetric parameters and patient characteristics were evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression tests. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to obtain the optimal dosimetric constraints through analyzing RP and non-RP sensitivity and specificity values. Results The multivariate analysis showed V40Gy and Dmean to be statistically significant for proton and photon patients, respectively. V35Gy to V50Gy were strongly correlated to V40Gy for proton patients. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curves, V35Gy to V50Gy had the highest area under the curve compared with other dose levels for proton patients. A potential dosimetric constraint for RP predictor in proton patients is V40Gy ≤ 23%. Conclusions In addition to V20Gy and Dmean, the lung volume receiving higher doses, such as V40Gy, may be used as an additional indicator for RP in LA-NSCLC patients treated with proton therapy.
Romosozumab: a Review of Efficacy, Safety, and Cardiovascular Risk.

Authors review the safety and efficacy of romosozumab for the treatment of osteoporosis as demonstrated in three phase III clinical trials and offer insights into the potential cardiovascular risk associated with its use. Incidence of new vertebral fracture is dramatically reduced with 12 months of romosozumab use in comparison to both placebo and active bisphosphonate control groups in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Significant non-vertebral anti-fracture benefit was also demonstrated in patients with more severe osteoporosis. Numerical increases in cardiovascular events call into question the safety of romosozumab use, particularly in patients with cardiovascular history or at high cardiovascular risk. Romosozumab has impressive anti-fracture effects in postmenopausal women with high risk for fragility fracture. Despite no significant differences in baseline cardiovascular risk factors between groups, a numerical increase in serious cardiovascular adverse events was demonstrated with romosozumab in randomized trials with no discernable etiology. Until more real-world evidence is available, romosozumab should not be used in patients with a recent cardiovascular event and should be used cautiously in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Romosozumab’s place in therapy is likely patients with severe postmenopausal osteoporosis and low cardiovascular risk.
Cost-Effectiveness of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy vs. 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Purpose/Objective(s) External beam radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy is a standard of care therapeutic option for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A secondary analysis of the RTOG 0617 randomized clinical trial found that intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was associated with less ≥ grade 3 pneumonitis (7.9% vs. 3.5%; aOR 0.41, P = 0.046) compared to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). However, IMRT is associated with increased costs. We therefore performed a cost-effective analysis of IMRT vs. 3DCRT for patients with stage III NSCLC. Materials/Methods We developed a state-transition model to simulate the natural progression of stage III NSCLC. The model was calibrated to the RTOG 0617 trial with regard to progression-free survival, overall survival and rates of ≥ grade 3 pneumonitis. Costs and utilities were derived from the published literature. The outcomes measured were discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs from the US payer (Medicare) perspective. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated, and we assumed a base case willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $100,000 per QALY. We performed sensitivity analyses for all key variables to assess the robustness of our base-case results. To quantify the impact of the uncertainty of model parameters on the outcomes, we performed a probabilistic sensitivity analysis over a wide range of thresholds. The Markov model was programmed and calibrated in R v.4.0.4 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results Model calibration showed excellent approximation the RTOG 0617 clinical data. IMRT net costs and QALYs were $171,792 and 1.60, respectively. 3DCRT net costs and QALYs were $163,048 and 1.54, respectively. Therefore, the ICER for IMRT was $120,917 per QALY. On deterministic sensitivity analyses, the model was sensitive to the cost of IMRT and was cost-effective when priced less than or equal to $6,811. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, IMRT was cost-effective in 35%, 65% and 80% of simulations with WTP thresholds of $100,000, $150,000 and $200,000 per QALY. Conclusion When taking into account model parameter uncertainty, IMRT is expected to be cost-effective in 35% of scenarios assuming a WTP threshold of $100,000. Above a WTP threshold of $125,000 per QALY IMRT is expected to be cost-effective in over 50% of scenarios. Thus, the cost-effectiveness of IMRT depends primarily on the WTP threshold.
Oxygen transfer reactions catalyzed by rhenium (VII) and rhenium (V) complexes

The new binuclear oxothiolatorhenium(V) compound, Re202(mtp)3 (Dl, mtpH2 = 2mercaptomethylthiophenol) was found to be an efficient catalyst for oxygen-transfer reactions. Electron donor ligands such as phosphines coordinate to one of the rhenium centers in Dl strongly, breaking up one of the Re-S bridges. Dialkylsulfides coordinate weakly. Alkylarj'lsulfides, diarylsulfides, triphenylarsine and triphenylstibine, dienes and alkenes do not coordinate to Di. Dl catalyzes the oxidation of phosphines, arsines, stilbenes, sulfides and dienes by pyridine N-oxides, and the oxidation of phosphines by dimethylsulfoxide. The kinetics and mechanism for the oxidation of triarylphosphines by pyridine N-oxides were investigated. The relative reactivities of all substrates were studied by competitive reactions. The order was found to be: phosphine > arsine > stilbene > sulfide > diene. The reaction is proposed to go through a Re(VII) intermediate with pyridine N-oxide as one of the ligands. The N-O bond was activated through coordination to rhenium and the oxygen atom was abstracted by a phosphine, forming a phosphine oxide. Introduction Oxygen atom transfer reactions are catalyzed by high-valent transition metal-oxo complexes, such as Re^^/Re^,^"^^ Mo^/Mo^,^^'^^ and W^'/W^.Molybdenum and tungsten systems have received the most attention because of their roles in biological systems. In such pairs, the oxidation states differ by two units in keeping with their role as oxotransferases; the metals exist in their highest oxidation states to stabilize the metal-oxo n ^ Reproduced in part with permission from Inorganic Chemistry, submitted for publication. Unpublished work copyright 2000 American Chemical Society.
WE-D-213-02: Preparing for Part 2 of the ABR Diagnostic Physics Exam

Adequate, efficient preparation for the ABR Diagnostic and Nuclear Medical Physics exams is key to successfully obtain ABR professional certification. Each part of the ABR exam presents its own challenges: Part I: Determine the scope of basic medical physics study material, efficiently review this material, and solve related written questions/problems. Part II: Understand imaging principles, modalities, and systems, including image acquisition, processing, and display. Understand the relationship between imaging techniques, image quality, patient dose and safety, and solve related written questions/problems. Part III: Gain crucial, practical, clinical medical physics experience. Effectively communicate and explain the practice, performance, and significance of all aspects of clinical medical physics. All three parts of the ABR exam require specific skill sets and preparation: mastery of basic physics and imaging principles; written problem solving often involving rapid calculation; responding clearly and succinctly to oral questions about the practice, methods, and significance of clinical medical physics. This symposium focuses on the preparation and skill sets necessary for each part of the ABR exam. Although there is some overlap, the nuclear exam covers a different body of knowledge than the diagnostic exam. A separate speaker will address those aspects that are unique to the nuclear exam. Medical physicists who have recently completed each of part of the ABR exam will share their experiences, insights, and preparation methods to help attendees best prepare for the challenges of each part of the ABR exam. In accordance with ABR exam security policy, no recalls or exam questions will be discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. How to prepare for Part 1 of the ABR exam by determining the scope of basic medical physics study material and related problem solving/calculations 2. How to Prepare for Part 2 of the ABR exam by understanding diagnostic and/or nuclear imaging physics, systems, dosimetry, safety and related problem solving/calculations 3. How to Prepare for Part 3 of the ABR exam by effectively communicating the practice, methods, and significance of clinical diagnostic and/or nuclear medical physics
IR Photometry of Globular Clusters and Bulge Fields

We obtained K vs J-K color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) for 21 Galactic globular clusters projected onto the bulge. These color-magnitude diagrams reach ~2 magnitudes below the horizontal branch at the distance of the bulge. In particular, the clusters HP1, ES045-SC11, NGC6287, NGC6401, NGC6642, Pal6 and UKS1 have no previously published CMDs. We compared the position of the giant branches with respect to the standard globular clusters M92, M4 and M22, and put all the clusters on a uniform scale. From existing models (Bell, MNRAS, 257, 423,1992; Bessell et al., AAS, 89, 335, 1993) and observations (Frogel, Persson & Cohen, ApJS,53,713, 1983; Brodie & Huchra, ApJ,362,503,1990), we adopt the metallicity calibration [Fe/H] = 5.00( J - K)0 - 5.0 based on the color of the red giant branch at M K = -5, valid between [Fe/H] = -2.3 and 0.5. A comparative study is made between the clusters and the bulge stellar population, using photometry in selected fields located a few arcmins from the cluster cores. If the metal abundance, reddening and distance of the globular axe known, one can assume that the reddening is the same, and obtain a mean abundance for the bulge giants. The mean abundance of the bulge RGB for each field is then computed as 〈[Fe/H] bulge 〉 = [Fe/H] cluster + 5.0 Δ(J - K). This is essentially the same relation as above, but where the zero point in each field is adjusted to the metallicity of the globular cluster of that field. Hence, these abundances are relative, as is the measure of the color difference between the cluster and the bulge RGBs.
The Control-Volume Approach to Hugoniot of Macroscopically Homogeneous Composites

The control-volume approach is applied to a composite that is macroscopically homogeneous and consists of arbitrary number of constituents. This includes true mixtures, certain alloys and any kind of composite whose constituents have dimensions much smaller than the composite. The present work represents a generalization of the control-volume approach which has been proposed recently for uni directional fiber reinforced composites. From the present theory, the Hugoniot of the composite may be computed from the equations of state of its constituents. The calculated results of two sample com posites are presented and compare satisfactorily with test data.
Escalating, Accusing, and Rationalizing: A Model of Distortion and Interaction in Couple Conflict

When couples fight, they tend to distort, using strategies like denial, rationalization, and deception. These are used to blame the other and minimize one's role in the conflict. This dynamic almost always exists during conflict and is found in extreme forms when fighting turns abusive. This project involved using constructivist grounded theory methods to analyze observational data of couple interactions. Types, effects, and contextual issues related to distortions, as well as how partners used strategies to deescalate and avoid distortion, were examined. Types of distortion included accusation, justification, and victimization, and these were arranged into a model that shows the relationship between escalation and distortion. Implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed.
On iterative techniques for computing flow in large two-dimensional discrete fracture networks

Computation of flow in discrete fracture networks often involves solving for hydraulic head values at all intersection points of a large number of stochastically generated fractures inside a bounded domain. For large systems, this approach leads to the generation of problems involving highly sparse matrices which must be solved iteratively. Distributions of fracture lengths spanning over several orders of magnitude, and the randomness of fracture orientations and locations, lead to coefficient matrices that are devoid of any regular structure in the sparsity pattern. In addition to the rapid increase in computational effort with increase in the size of the fracture network, the spread in the distribution of fracture parameters, such as length and transmissivity, dramatically influences the convergence behavior of the system of linear equations. An overview of the discrete fracture network (DFN) methodology for computation of flow is presented along with a comparative study of various Krylov subspace iterative methods for the resulting class of sparse matrices. The rate of convergence of the iterative techniques is found to exhibit a systematic pattern with respect to changes in statistical parameters of the stochastically generated fracture networks. Salient features of the observed trends in the convergence pattern are discussed and guidelines for design of DFN algorithms are provided.
A Coarse Grain Model for Phospholipid Simulations

A coarse grain model for phospholipids was systematically parametrized to mimic structural properties obtained from an atomistic simulation of a dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer. The model semiquantitatively reproduces the cross-sectional structure of a preassembled phospholipid bilayer obtained from an atomistic simulation; a property that was not directly fit. The model is sufficiently fast to permit the simulation of the self-assembly of the bilayer starting from a random configuration.
The Pilgrim's Progress of the Byzantine Emperor

In these days, when men's ideas of the functions of rulers and governments are being changed—sometimes overnight—and when new programs and new “ideologies” are proclaimed with bewildering suddenness, students are returning with renewed interest, and with new interests, to the investigation of ancient governments. The nature and significance of the official character of the Roman emperor, and of his heir, the Byzantine emperor, has proved a particularly fruitful field of research in recent years, and our ideas in this domain have been transformed and expanded in significant fashion. We have been shown, for example, how the emperor came to be surrounded by a whole galaxy of attributes and virtues — chief among them Bravery, Clemency, Justice, Sense of Duty, Foresight—which made up his official personality. Constantly illustrated on coins and commemorated in inscriptions, these attributes served to remind the people of the Roman Empire what they might expect from their rulers. The emperor came to be looked upon as the father of his people, the source of all good things, and the fount of all wisdom and law.
Trajectory analysis for non-Brownian inertial suspensions in simple shear flow

We analyse pair trajectories of equal-sized spherical particles in simple shear flow for small but finite Stokes numbers. The Stokes number, $\mbox{\textit{St}} \,{=}\, \dot{\gamma} \tau_p$, is a dimensionless measure of particle inertia; here, $\tau_p$ is the inertial relaxation time of an individual particle and $\dot{\gamma}$ is the shear rate. In the limit of weak particle inertia, a regular small-$\mbox{\textit{St}}$ expansion of the particle velocity is used in the equations of motion to obtain trajectory equations to the desired order in $\mbox{\textit{St}}$. The equations for relative trajectories are then solved, to $O(\mbox{\textit{St}})$, in the dilute limit, including only pairwise interactions. Particle inertia is found to destroy the fore–aft symmetry of the zero-Stokes trajectories, and finite-$\mbox{\textit{St}}$ open trajectories suffer net transverse displacements in the velocity gradient and vorticity directions. The vorticity displacement remains $O(\mbox{\textit{St}})$, while the scaling of the gradient displacement increases from $O(\mbox{\textit{St}})$ for far-field open trajectories, to $O(\mbox{\textit{St}}^{{1}/{2}})$ for open trajectories with $O(\mbox{\textit{St}}^{{1}/{2}})$ upstream gradient offsets. The gradient displacement also changes sign, being negative close to the plane of the reference sphere (the shearing plane) on account of dominant lubrication interactions, and then becoming positive at larger off-plane separations. The transverse displacements accompanying successive pair interactions lead to a diffusive behaviour for long times. The shear-induced diffusivity in the vorticity direction is $O(\mbox{\textit{St}}^2\phi \dot{\gamma} a^2)$, while that in the gradient direction scales as $O(\mbox{\textit{St}}^2 \ln \mbox{\textit{St}}\,\phi \dot{\gamma} a^2)$ and $O(\mbox{\textit{St}}^2 \phi \ln (1/\phi) \dot{\gamma} a^2)$ in the limits $\phi \,{\ll}\, \mbox{\textit{St}}^{{1}/{3}}$ and $\mbox{\textit{St}}^{{1}/{3}} \,{\ll}\, \phi \,{\ll}\, 1$, respectively. Further, the region of zero-Stokes closed trajectories is destroyed, and there exists a new attracting limit cycle whose location in the shearing plane is, at leading order, independent of $\mbox{\textit{St}}$. The extension of the present analysis to include a generic linear flow, and the implications of the finite-$\mbox{\textit{St}}$ trajectory modifications for coagulating systems are discussed.
Mechanism-based inactivation of cytochrome P450 2B1 by 7-ethynylcoumarin: verification of apo-P450 adduction by electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry.

7-Ethynylcoumarin was synthesized as a potential mechanism-based inhibitor, and it was found to be an effective inactivator of 7-ethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin (7EFC) O-deethylation catalyzed by purified, reconstituted P450 2B1. In contrast, 7-ethynylcoumarin demonstrated minimal inactivation of P450 2A6-mediated 7-hydroxycoumarin formation. The inactivation of P450 2B1 demonstrated pseudo-first-order kinetics and was NADPH- and inhibitor-dependent. The maximal rate constant for the inactivation of 2B1 was 0.39 min-1 at 30 °C, and thus, the time required to inactivate 50% of the P450 2B1 that was present (t1/2) was 1.8 min. The estimated concentration which led to half-maximal inactivation (KI) was 25 μM. No protection from inactivation was seen in the presence of nucleophiles (glutathione and sodium cyanide), an iron chelator (deferroxamine), or superoxide dismutase and catalase. Addition of the substrate (7EFC) protected P450 2B1 from inactivation, in a concentration-dependent manner. The partition ...
AC circuit breakers: pollution flashover performance of various types of interrupter head

The axial electric stress necessary to cause external flashover of the interrupter porcelain of various designs of circuit breaker has been determined as a function of the severity of an artificial salt fog; related investigations have been conducted at a marine testing station. The much inferior performance of the horizontal head to that of the vertical one is explained by using a simple mathematical model to analyse the influence of saline drainage from the porcelain. The findings are discussed from the viewpoint of trying to realise the full potential of the outdoor SF/sub 6/ circuit breaker on a 400 kV power system, in particular, for the synchronising function. The need for further research to enhance the pollution flashover strength of a horizontal barrel insulator is clearly shown. The experimental results are analysed with regard to the validity of IEC document 815.
Process technology for the modular integration of CMOS and polysilicon microstructures

Modular fabrication of polysilicon surface-micromachined structures after completion of a conventional CMOS electronic process is described. Key process steps include tungsten metallization with contact diffusion barriers, LPCVD oxide and nitride passivation of the CMOS, rapid thermal processing for stress-relief annealing of the structural polysilicon film, implementation of a sacrificial spin-on-glass planarization, and the final microstructure release in hydrofluoric acid. Modularity of the process enables independent modification of either the CMOS or the microstructure process sequences. This technology is used in the fabrication of various types of sensors and actuators.
Peer Imitation: An Examination of Status and Competence Hypotheses

Abstract Although research has demonstrated that children's behavior is different in same-age and mixed-age peer groups, the mechanism responsible for this difference is unclear. The present experiment was designed to test two plausible hypotheses that could account for why children show differential amounts of imitation as a function of the model's age relative to the age of the subject. One plausible hypothesis involves the status that children are assigned on the basis of chronological age. A second hypothesis involves the attributions children render regarding the competence of different-age peers. Seventy second grade children were exposed to same-age or kindergarten models who were attributed with same-age competence, kindergarten competence, or no competence information. Results revealed that (a) in the absence of competence information peer imitation was governed by the relative age of the subject and model (status), and (b) in the presence of competence and status information peer imitation was g...
The effect of dietary fat on the glyceride structure of rat carcass fat

Carcass fats were obtained from weanling rats fed a complete diet for 8 weeks, which consisted of 2% cottonseed oil and 10% of the following fats: (1) corn oil; (2) the fatty acids of corn oil; (3) triricinolein; (4) ricinoleic acid; (5) the hydrogenated fatty acids of castor oil ; and (6) commercial hydrogenated shortening. The fats were subjected to both pancreatic lipase and nonspecific hydrolysis ; the resulting acids converted into methyl esters by conventional methods, and subjected to gas Chromatographie analysis. From these data, the positional distri-bution of the component fatty acids, glyceride types, and isomeric forms were calculated. The results indicated a preferential placement of un-saturated acids in the 2- position of the carcass triglycerides and that the carcass fat composition in terms of unsaturated (U) and saturated (S) fatty acid composition is not greatly influenced by the S and U compositions of the dietary fat. It was found that hydroxy acids or their tri-esters are metabolized much the same as are normal triglycerides and exert no particular in-fluence upon the fat structure of the rat. Some type of relationship between the dietary U and the U3 in the carcass fat appears to be present. The glycerides of the carcass fats examined here are essentially a random mixture of the major glyceride types, but the isomeric forms (SUS, S SU, USU and UUS) are a definite non-random mixture.
Flake compression behavior in a resinless mat as related to dimensional stability

The purpose of this study was to evaluate compression and swelling characteristics of individual furnish elements sampled through the thickness of lab panels pressed without resin. Commercial southern pine OSB furnish was used to press resinless mats so individual flakes could be removed from the panel after pressing and evaluated for compression behavior. 19 flake sets, each set consisting of 15 southern pine flakes with 0.65% wax, were marked and measured for thickness and mass. One set of marked flakes was randomly distributed in one layer of a mat which consisted of 19 total layers; each of the 19 layers had 15 marked flakes randomly distributed in the layer. After hot pressing each marked flake was removed from the mat. After achieving equilibrium at 35%, 65% and 98% relative humidity, each flake was again remeasured for thickness and mass. Experimental results include flake compaction ratio and its distribution through the mat thickness, flake thickness swelling under different RH environments, compaction ratio-thickness swelling relationship as well as individual flake compaction ratio and thickness swelling variations. Comparison is made to adsorption/desorption behavior of pressed flakes. Flakes from surface layers exhibited compression of 25 to 37%, about double that of flakes in core layers. As expected, flakes from surface layers showed much greater thickness swell than core flakes and the response was accentuated with higher EMC conditions.
Patterns and variability in seedling carbon assimilation: implications for tree recruitment under climate change.

Predicting future forests' structure and functioning is a critical goal for ecologists, thus information on seedling recruitment will be crucial in determining the composition and structure of future forest ecosystems. In particular, seedlings' photosynthetic response to a changing environment will be a key component determining whether particular species establish enough individuals to maintain populations, as growth is a major determinant of survival. We quantified photosynthetic responses of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), pignut hickory (Carya glabra Mill.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and eastern black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) seedlings to environmental conditions including light habitat, temperature, soil moisture and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) using extensive in situ gas exchange measurements spanning an entire growing season. We estimated the parameters in a hierarchical Bayesian version of the Farquhar model of photosynthesis, additionally informed by soil moisture and VPD, and found that maximum Rubisco carboxylation (V(cmax)) and electron transport (J(max)) rates showed significant seasonal variation, but not the peaked patterns observed in studies of adult trees. Vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture limited J(max) and V(cmax) for all four species. Predictions indicate large declines in summer carbon assimilation rates under a 3 °C increase in mean annual temperature projected by climate models, while spring and fall assimilation rates may increase. Our model predicts decreases in summer assimilation rates in gap habitats with at least 90% probability, and with 20-99.9% probability in understory habitats depending on species. Predictions also show 70% probability of increases in fall and 52% probability in spring in understory habitats. All species were impacted, but our findings suggest that oak species may be favored in northeastern North America under projected increases in temperature due to superior assimilation rates under these conditions, though as growing seasons become longer, the effects of climate change on seedling photosynthesis may be complex.
SURGE AND DECLINE IN CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS

"surge and decline" theory as presented in Campbell's article. The second section consists of a reanalysis of survey data over the last thirty years to see whether there is any support for some basic propositions found in the theory. Finding support for only part of Campbell's theory, the paper will explore in the final section the utility of two other theories in filling the gaps left unexplained in Campbell's original formulation of the surge and decline theory. THE SURGE AND DECLINE THEORY SET FORTH
New Initiatives: Literature Review Manuscripts And The Appointment Of Ernest T. Pascarella As An Associate editor

The higher education research literature has increased dramatically in both size and complexity over the past four decades. Pascarella (2006) estimated, for example, that approximately 6,000–7,000 college impact studies alone have been conducted during this period. When one adds the many other domains of scholarly inquiry, the sheer size alone of the literature is staggering. The literature, however, has grown not only in terms of it size, but also in its complexity and sophistication, as evidenced by a much more diverse array of topics being addressed and reliance on theoretical frameworks from other disciplines to guide those inquiries. The literature has also become increasingly more diverse and sophisticated in terms of methodological approaches. Today’s literature has a rich blend of both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches, with growing sophistication in the specific forms of both methodological approaches. Such developments are healthy manifestations of the continuing evolution of higher education from an emerging to a more mature academic discipline. The exceedingly more diverse, sophisticated, and fragmented character of the higher education research literature is but one consequence of this maturation process. Nonetheless, these same conditions may be seen as inhibiting future evolution by frustrating efforts toward the development of cumulative knowledge, a salient attribute of more mature areas of scholarly inquiry. Research in Higher Education has contributed to the expanding higher education research literature since its founding in 1973. The journal is