cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of sedimentary organic matter in bacterial sulfate reduction: The G model tested1

Laboratory study of the bacterial decomposition of Long Island Sound plankton in oxygenated seawater over a period of 2 years shows that the organic material undergoes decomposition via first-order kinetics and can be divided into two decomposable fractions, of considerably different reactivity, and a nonmetabolizable fraction. This planktonic material, after undergoing varying degrees of oxic degradation, was added in the laboratory to anoxic sediment taken from a depth of 1 m at the NWC site of Long Island Sound and the rate of bacterial sulfate reduction in the sediment measured by the ?S radiotracer technique. The stimulated rate of sulfate reduction was in direct proportion to the amount of planktonic carbon added. This provides direct confirmation of the first-order decomposition, or C; model, for marine sediments and proves that the in situ rate of sulfate reduction is organic-matter limited. Slower sulfate reduction rates resulted when oxically degraded plankton rather than fresh plankton was added, and the results confirm the presence of the same two fractions of organic matter deduced from the oxic degradation studies. Near-surface Long Island Sound sediment, which already contains abundant readily decomposable organic matter, was also subjected to anoxic decomposition by bacterial sulfate reduction. The decrease in sulfate reduction rate with time parallels decreases in the amount of organic matter, and these results also indicate the presence of two fractions of organic carbon of distinctly different reactivity. From plots of the log of reduction rate vs. time two first-order rate constants were obtained that agree well with those derived from the plankton addition experiment. Together, the two experiments confirm the use of a simple multi-first-order rate law for organic matter decomposition in marine sediments.
Using the “DNA Story” to Inculcate a Scientific Thought Process in the Classroom

Episodic history of major scientific events can be an effective tool for sharing the excitement and eureka moments of scientific revolutions, especially in classrooms with both science and nonscience majors. By introducing the principal characters and the timeline involved in a scientific discovery, teachers can inculcate a scientific thought process in the students. This may in turn lead to a classroom environment in which students can develop analytical skills that are required to understand the basic concepts and the underlying characteristics of a scientific theory, instead of blindly accepting textbook facts.
Are three-dimensional spider webs defensive adaptations?

Spider webs result from complex behaviours that have evolved under many selective pressures. Webs have been primarily considered to be foraging adaptations, neglecting the potential role of predation risk in the evolution of web architecture. The ecological success of spiders has been attributed to key innovations in how spiders use silk to capture prey, especially the invention of chemically adhesive aerial two-dimensional orb webs. However, araneoid sheet web weavers transformed the orb architecture into threedimensional webs and are the dominant group of aerial web-building spiders world-wide, both in numbers and described species diversity. We argue that mud-dauber wasps are major predators of orbicularian spiders, and exert a directional selective pressure to construct three-dimensional webs such that three-dimensional webs are partly defensive innovations. Furthermore, patterns of diversification suggest that escape from wasp predators may have facilitated diversification of three-dimensional web-building spiders.
Gabapentin absorption: effect of mixing with foods of varying macronutrient composition

OBJECTIVE:To compare the oral absorption profile of gabapentin following administration of the contents of opened capsules that were mixed with food vehicles of varied macronutrient (protein) composition.DESIGN:An unblinded, randomized, single-dose, four-way crossover pharmacokinetic study in nine healthy adult men and women volunteers.METHODS:Following an overnight fast, a single 600-mg dose of gabapentin (2 times 300-mg Neurontin capsules) was given either as an intact capsule swallowed with 120 mL of tap water (control, phase I), or after capsule contents were opened and mixed with; 4 oz. of applesauce (phase II), 120 mL of orange juice (phase III), or 4 oz. of fat-free chocolate pudding (phase IV). Subjects fasted for 4 hours following drug ingestion. Serial venous blood samples were obtained over 24 hours to determine gabapentin serum concentrations. Pharmacokinetic variables including AUC, maximum serum concentration (Cmax), and time to maximum serum concentration (tmax) were calculated by using sta...
Intensity-based shape propagation for volumetric image segmentation

The shape propagation scheme robustly combines shape and edge information in two steps to perform volumetric image segmentation. The inward-propagating step performs shape interpolation from user-defined sparse segmentations. The edge estimation step improves the accuracy of interpolated boundaries using a Bayesian approach that handles the presence of edges or its lack of. The scheme was found to be robust in segmenting T-1 weighted MRI of the corpus callosum. The algorithm also runs in linear time. The efficiency and robustness of this scheme demonstrates significant potential for use in assisting tedious manual volumetric segmentation that may be performed in clinical applications.
Bradykinin-induced preconditioning in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether administration of bradykinin reproduces the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning (PC) in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). BACKGROUND Experimental studies suggest that activation of the bradykinin B2receptor is an important trigger of ischemic PC. However, it is unknown whether bradykinin can precondition human myocardium against ischemia in vivo. Multicenter clinical trials have demonstrated an anti-ischemic effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, which has been postulated to result from potentiation of bradykinin; however, direct evidence for an anti-ischemic action of bradykinin in patients is lacking. METHODS Thirty patients were randomized to receive a 10-min intracoronary infusion of bradykinin (2.5 μg/min) or normal saline. Ten minutes later they underwent PTCA (three 2-min balloon inflations 5 min apart). RESULTS In control patients, the ST-segment shift on the intracoronary and surface electrocardiogram was significantly greater during the first inflation than during the second and third inflations, consistent with ischemic PC. In bradykinin-treated patients, the ST-segment shift during the first inflation was significantly smaller than in the control group, and there were no appreciable differences in ST-segment shift during the three inflations. Measurements of chest pain score and regional wall motion during inflation (quantitative two-dimensional echocardiography) paralleled those of ST-segment shift. Infusion of bradykinin had no hemodynamic effects and no significant adverse effects. Thus, intracoronary infusion of bradykinin before PTCA rendered the myocardium relatively resistant to subsequent ischemia, and the degree of this cardioprotective effect was comparable to that afforded by the ischemia associated with the first balloon inflation in control subjects. In a separate cohort of seven patients given the same dose of bradykinin, coronary hyperemia resolved completely within 10 min after the end of the infusion, indicating that bradykinin-induced vasodilation cannot account for the protective effects observed during the first balloon inflation. CONCLUSIONS Bradykinin preconditions human myocardium against ischemia in vivo in the absence of systemic hemodynamic changes. Pretreatment with bradykinin appears to be just as effective as ischemic PC and could be used prophylactically to attenuate ischemia in selected patients undergoing PTCA.
Bisphosphonate Induces Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Diabetic Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1-Dependent IL-1β Mechanism.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Sustained activation of Nod-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to the persistent inflammation and impaired cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice and human. We have recently demonstrated a compelling linkage between M1 macrophages and BRONJ conditions in both murine and human diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in BRONJ development in diabetic mice. We showed an increased incidence of delayed oral wound healing and bone necrosis of extraction sockets in db/db mice compared with those in nondiabetic db/+ controls, which correlated with an elevated expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in macrophages residing at local wounds. Constitutively, bone marrow-derived macrophages from db/db mice (db/db BMDMs) secrete a relatively higher level of IL-1β than those from db/+ mice (db/+ BMDMs). Upon stimulation by NLRP3 activators, the secretion of IL-1β by db/db BMDMs was 1.77-fold higher than that by db/+ BMDMs (p < 0.001). Systemic treatment of mice with zoledronate (Zol), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, resulted in a 1.86- and 1.63-fold increase in NLRP3/caspase-1-dependent IL-1β secretion by db/+ and db/db BMDMs, respectively, compared with BMDMs derived from nontreated mice (p < 0.001). Importantly, systemic administration of pharmacological inhibitors of NLRP3 activation improved oral wound healing and suppressed BRONJ formation in db/db mice. Mechanistically, we showed that supplementation with intermediate metabolites of the mevalonate pathway, inhibitors of caspase-1 and NLRP3 activation, an antagonist for P2X7 R, or a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), robustly abolished Zol-enhanced IL-1β release from macrophages in response to NLRP3 activation (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that diabetes-associated chronic inflammatory response may have contributed to impaired socket wound healing and rendered oral wound susceptible to the development of BRONJ via NLRP3 activation in macrophages. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A foreground-background separation algorithm for image compression

Many bitmap documents are composed by the superposition of layers with pictures and text. These documents do not compress well using image compression algorithms such as JPEG-2000, because text introduces sharp edges on top of the smooth surfaces typically found in natural images. Similarly, compression algorithms for text facsimiles, such as JBIG2, are not suited for color or gray level images. In this paper the SLIm system for separating text and line drawing from background images, in order to compress both more effectively is proposed. This approach differ from previous ones such as DjVu, Tiff-FX, and MRC, by being extremely simple and fast, while yielding close to state-of-the-art compression performance. Results show that the SLIm compression performance is attractive for many applications.
The performance of pivotal-voter models in small-scale elections:Evidence from Texas liquor referenda

Abstract This paper explores the ability of pivotal-voter models to explain voter behavior in small-scale elections using data from Texas liquor referenda. The findings provide little support for the view that pivotal-voter models are a reasonable theory for understanding small-scale elections. Interestingly, this is not because they cannot explain the levels of turnout in the data, but rather because they cannot explain the size of the winning margins. The logic of pivotal-voter models implies that elections must be expected to be close even if there is a significant difference between the sizes of the groups or the intensity of their preferences. With even a relatively small number of eligible voters, elections that are expected to be close ex ante must end up being close ex post. However, in the data, winning margins are often significant.
Intelligent user interface design for teachable agent systems

Bettys Brain [1] is a learning-by-teaching environment where students "teach" Betty by constructing a concept map that models relations between domain concepts. The relations can be causal, hierarchical, and property links between the entities that represent the domain. The goal is for students to understand and then teach Betty about interdependence and balance among entities in a river ecosystem. As a part of the teaching process, students can query and quiz Betty to assess her understanding based on what she has been taught.Students can query Betty by asking her two types of questions: (i) "What happens to when increase/decrease?" and (ii) "Tell me about ". Betty answers questions by employing a qualitative reasoning mechanism, and explains her answers verbally and by using animation. Bettys explanations, and some feedback on the correctness of the answers should prompt the students to think more deeply about the domain processes, and motivate them to learn better before they teach her againStudents can request external feedback by asking Betty to take quizzes that are administered by a teacher agent. The teacher agent uses an overlay model to provide hints about concepts and links missing from the concept map. The hint levels start from general (e.g., suggesting that the student read a particular resource) to specific (e.g. indicating that a link is missing between two specific concepts. By seeing the quiz questions, students become aware of which concepts are important to model domain phenomena. The feedback from the teacher agent, points the students to understanding interrelationships among conceptsResults from our most recent study indicate that the query feature appeared to be effective in helping students develop an understanding of the interrelationships of living and non-living things in an ecosystem. The quiz feature is effective in helping students decide the important domain concepts and types of relationships to teach Betty. However, our observations of students during the study suggest that students using the quiz feature may have been overly focused on "getting the quiz questions correct" rather than "making sure that Betty (and themselves) understood the information.To help students focus more on learning, the next versions of Betty and teacher agent will be more interactive and metacognitive. In addition, the teacher will provide feedback that is related more to the global issues of balance and interdependence instead of individual links.At the demonstration, we will have a working version of our teachable agent system, Bettys Brain. We will demonstrate its user interfaces for the student to create and modify their concept maps, the query interface, and Bettys response to queries, and the teacher agent interface that responds when the students ask for help. In addition, the system also contains online resources that students can refer to when they are creating and updating their concept maps.
Immune mechanisms of childhood asthma.

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood in developed countries.1 Recent studies suggest that most asthmatics are diagnosed by the age of five, with symptoms first occurring during infancy and early childhood.2 3 Allergy is known to play a significant role in childhood asthma.4-6 The prevalence of allergic diseases including asthma has increased significantly over the past 40 years.7 8 The reasons for this increase are not known but are under active investigation. Understanding the pathogenesis of childhood asthma may lead to the development of novel therapies or even to preventive strategies. Little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder. T cells are critical for the initiation and maintenance of the mature asthmatic inflammatory response. Complex interactions between T and B lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells (APC) lead to inflammation, cytokine production, IgE production, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). T cell differentiation which will lead to expression of the asthmatic phenotype probably occurs in early childhood under the influence of complex genetic and environmental factors. This review will focus on current knowledge about immune mechanisms of childhood asthma in developed countries. Topics to be discussed include the role of T cells in asthma, maternal-fetal immunological interactions which may promote atopy, the importance of allergens, the antibody response to allergens in early life, T cell function and allergen specific T cell immunity in neonates, cytokine profiles of neonatal lymphocytes, and potential strategies for prevention of childhood asthma. T cells are critical to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma in adults.9-11 Chronically activated T memory cells sensitised against a variety of allergens are believed to be responsible for the maintenance of airway inflammation.11Soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor levels are raised in children with asthma, suggesting that activated T cells are important in …
A task oriented view of software visualization

A number of taxonomies to classify and categorize software visualization systems have been proposed in the past. Most notable are those presented by Price (1993) and Roman (1993). While these taxonomies are an accurate representation of software visualization issues, they are somewhat skewed with respect to current research areas on software visualization. We revisit this important work and propose a number of re-alignments with respect to addressing the software engineering tasks of large-scale development and maintenance. We propose a framework to emphasize the general tasks of understanding and analysis during development and maintenance of large-scale software systems. Five dimensions relating to the what, where, how, who, and why of software visualization make up this framework. The focus of this work is not so much as to classify software visualization system, but to point out the need for matching the method with the task. Finally, a number of software visualization systems are examined under our framework to highlight the particular problems each addresses.
Accurate clock synchronization for IEEE 802.11-based multi-hop wireless networks

Clock synchronization is an essential building block for many control mechanisms used in wireless networks, including frequency hopping, power management, and packet scheduling. Although the IEEE 802.11 standard [1] provides a clock synchronization mechanism for multi-hop wireless networks, it has well-documented accuracy problems [2], [3] because the beacon frames transmitted by nodes with faster clock are not prioritized at the MAC layer. This paper describes the design and implementation of the first known software-only solution that successfully eliminates the deficiency of IEEE 802.11's clock synchronization mechanism when operating on multihop wireless networks without requiring any hardware/protocol modifications. The key idea of this solution is to periodically arrange for a node to become the fastest node in the network by jumping its clock with a substantial amount, and force other nodes to synchronize their clocks with this leading node by virtue of IEEE 802.11's native clock synchronization mechanism. Empirical measurements of a working implementation of the proposed algorithm on a multi-hop wireless network testbed conclusively demonstrates its effectiveness in removing IEEE 802.11's clock synchronization accuracy problem.
Unpacking the dialectic: : Alternative views on the discourse–materiality relationship

This paper extends the issues raised in this forum by highlighting assumptions and characteristics of the discourse–materiality relationship that appears in five explanatory frameworks, including the Foucauldian approach and the materiality–performativity perspective presented in the previous two papers. It argues for preserving the dialectical relationship between the two by holding the tensions between them in continual interplay. Using a dialectic lens, it overviews how each of the frameworks treats the point of entry, nature of the relationship, and management of these tensions.
Assessing the role of mobile phone communication in drought-related mobility patterns of Samburu pastoralists

For pastoral communities living in arid Northern Kenya, mobility is a primary means of managing livestock in response to climate variability and drought. Access to a diversity of drought refuge areas for livestock is important to Samburu pastoralists' herding strategies. The rapid diffusion of mobile phone technology over the last decade raises the question of whether this new means of communication has enabled pastoralists to navigate risks in new ways that alter the geography of drought-related mobility in pastoral societies. Despite rapid diffusion and widespread use over the last decade, we find that mobile phones communication up to now has not substantially influenced the changing pattern of drought-related livestock mobility. The complexity of forage assessments and lack of trust within wider social networks limited the use of mobile communication in navigating drought and other risks.
The Patient-centered Outcomes Research Institute's Role in Advancing Methods for Patient-centered Outcomes Research

Currently, there is wide-spread recognition that much of health care is insufficiently grounded in evidence as to what works for whom under what circumstances. An important reason for this is that research efforts often do not compare alternative options of health care nor are they sufficiently focused on outcomes that matter to patients.1,2 In addition, the methods to conduct research designed to inform decision makers about what works for whom and the infrastructure to support these efforts require further development.3,4 The Patient-centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) was established to fund patient-centered comparative effectiveness research (CER) to assist patients, clinicians, payers, and policy makers in making informed health decisions.5 Its mission also includes an active program to develop and improve CER methods and to invest in critical infrastructure within which effective and efficient health care research can be conducted and integrated with a learning health care system.3
Attack Scenario Based Approach to Security Test Generation

In order to build secure and trusted software in a cost-effective way,it is necessary to consider security problems as early as possible in the software development life cycle.To solve this problem,an approach to security test generation based on design level attack scenario was presented.This approach consists of modeling and validating attack scenario,generating security test sequences from attack scenario,generating security test input based on input syntax,generating model level security test cases,and converting model security test cases into executable security test cases.An experiment has been conducted to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the presented approach.
How old legal precedents produce new rules of law: a case study of Jones v. Walgreen.

Les pharmaciens sont des professionnels dont le devoir est de proteger les patients en engageant leur responsabilite, leurs competences et leur connaissance dans la delivrance des medicaments
Tachykinins activate nonselective cation currents in canine colonic myocytes

The mechanism of tachykinin-induced excitation was studied in isolated colonic muscle cells and intact muscle strips. In whole cell voltage-clamp studies performed at 33 degrees C, neurokinin A (NK...
Java design patterns: a tutorial

Design patterns have become a staple of object-oriented design and programming by providing elegant, easy-to-reuse, and maintainable solutions to commonly encountered programming challenges. However, many busy Java programmers have yet to learn about design patterns and incorporate this powerful technology into their work.Java™ Design Patterns is exactly the tutorial resource you need. Accessible and clearly written, it helps you understand the nature and purpose of design patterns. It also serves as a practical guide to using design patterns to create sophisticated, robust Java programs.This book presents the 23 patterns cataloged in the flagship book Design Patterns by Gamma, Helm, Johnson, and Vlissides. In Java™ Design Patterns, each of these patterns is illustrated by at least one complete visual Java program. This practical approach makes design pattern concepts more concrete and easier to grasp, brings Java programmers up to speed quickly, and enables you to take practical advantage of the power of design patterns.Key features include: Introductory overviews of design patterns, the Java Foundation Classes (JFC), and the Unified Modeling Language (UML) Screen shots of each of the programs UML diagrams illustrating interactions between the classes, along with the original JVISION diagram files An explanation of the Java Foundation Classes that illustrates numerous design patterns Case studies demonstrating the usefulness of design patterns in solving Java programming problems After reading this tutorial, you will be comfortable with the basics of design patterns and will be able to start using them effectively in your day-to-day Java programming work. 0201485397B04062001
Financial Liberalisation, the EMS and the Consequences for Greek Macroeconomic Policy

This paper studies the entry of Greece into the European Monetary System (EMS) under two alternative methodologies. The first, dealing with the necessary conditions of a possible entry of a country into the EMS, provides a series of processes in obtaining estimates of economic variables that would have been consistent with exchange-rate stability as discussed by Korteweg (1980). However this approach does not differentiate the economies which participate in a monetary union according to their structural characteristics.
The bodymind model: A platform for studying the mechanisms of change induced by art therapy.

Abstract This paper introduces the bodymind model of Art Therapy and delineates the processes through which it has salutary effects on individuals coping with a variety of health related challenges. The goal of this model is to articulate how activation, reorganization, growth and reintegration of the self can emerge from bodymind processes activated by art therapy. It provides a framework for the conduct of research that will test the key theoretical mechanisms through which art therapy benefits clients. We expect this model to be a spring board for discussion, debate and development of the profession of art therapy. Furthermore, this model contribute to procedures to conduct sound mechanistic studies. Social scientists and medical professionals can also use the information to consider further how art making contributes to health.
The Complexity of Hex and the Jordan Curve Theorem

The Jordan curve theorem and Brouwer's fixed-point theorem are fundamental problems in topology. We study their computational relationship, showing that a stylized computational version of Jordan’s theorem is PPAD-complete, and therefore in a sense computationally equivalent to Brouwer’s theorem. As a corollary, our computational result implies that these two theorems directly imply each other mathematically, complementing Maehara's proof that Brouwer implies Jordan [Maehara, 1984]. We then turn to the combinatorial game of Hex which is related to Jordan's theorem, and where the existence of a winner can be used to show Brouwer's theorem [Gale,1979]. We establish that determining who won an (implicitly encoded) play of Hex is PSPACE-complete by adapting a reduction (due to Goldberg [Goldberg,2015]) from Quantified Boolean Formula (QBF). As this problem is analogous to evaluating the output of a canonical path-following algorithm for finding a Brouwer fixed point - and which is known to be PSPACE-complete [Goldberg/Papadimitriou/Savani, 2013] - we thereby establish a connection between Brouwer, Jordan and Hex higher in the complexity hierarchy.
Ranking solar energy potential by class and country

The global ecosystem has been adversely affected by our over reliance on fossil fuels, nuclear energy and other forms which are less environmentally friendly. Of course, this is not the only reason for which advances are made into finding alternative sources of energy; rising fossil fuel prices, the expense of installing and managing nuclear plants and industrial emissions naturally force the hand of developed and developing countries to look into various ways of producing cleaner and safer forms of energy albeit however little. The energy from the sun is enough to take care of global energy needs at any given time thus presenting solar energy as our most efficient, unlimited and affordable form of renewable energy. Therefore, creating an index of global countries based on the amount of solar energy they receive throughout the year gives an informed perspective on how we can further maximize this resource. This paper ranks solar resources by class and country based on statistical data to show the solar potential of countries globally. With the decline in solar cost, solar energy has become the supplemental option among renewable forms of energy. This is essential as it shows which countries across the globe have solar resources in large quantities and whose benefits can be exploited through funding and investments.
Understanding readmissions following operations of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Abstract Background In anticipation of bundled-payment models for thyroid and parathyroid disease, a better understanding of resource utilization following surgery is required. We sought to characterize the use of hospital services following such operations using an analysis of readmissions. Methods Patients age 18+years who underwent a thyroid or parathyroid operation in CA or NY (2008–2011) were classified by procedure type. Primary outcome was readmission within 90 days. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with readmission. Subset analysis was performed for thyroid cancer patients. Results Among 59,427 patients, 34.2% had thyroid cancer. Eleven percent (n = 6462) were readmitted within 90 days, with 27% readmitted to a different hospital than the index. 66.2% of thyroid cancer patients were readmitted for a related condition. Conclusion Eleven percent of patients are admitted to the hospital within 90 days of an operation in the thyroid or parathyroid glands. Patient factors and diseases necessitate the use of hospital services. Bundled payments must consider the patients' needs for hospital-based services in calculating costs for surgically treated endocrine disorders.
Economic analysis of aquaponics and hydroponics production in the U.S. Midwest

This article examined the profitability of aquaponics in the U.S. Midwest. Three sources of data were considered for the study: (1) three active aquaponics farms, (2) a university greenhouse experi...
An Estimate of Incomplete Mixed Character Sums

Dedicated to Endre Szemeredi for his 70th birthday. In this note we consider incomplete mixed character sums over a finite field \( \mathbb{F}_{p^n } \) of the form \( \sum\nolimits_{x \in B_H } {\psi \left( {f\left( x \right)} \right)\chi \left( x \right)} \) where is an additive character, \( f\left( x \right) \in \mathbb{F}_{p^n } \) a polynomial, x a non-trivial multiplicative character and B H a ‘box’ of the form \( B_H = \left\{ {\sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^n {xj\omega j:x_j \left[ {1,H} \right]} } \right\} \). (Here \( \left\{ {\omega _i } \right\}_{i = 1}^n \) is an arbitrary basis of Fpn over Fp.)
Aroma Properties of Lager Beer Dry-Hopped with Oxidized Hops

We observed qualitative changes in the chemical and aroma profile of Hallertau Mittelfruh (HA) hop pellets after storage under prooxidative conditions. It was hypothesized that lager beer dry-hoppe...
Four-wave mixing of 10 µm radiation in quadratic nonlinear crystals

We report measurements of the effective nonlinear refractive indices of quadratic nonlinear crystals using four-wave mixing of a dual-frequency CO2 laser pulse. The contribution of second-order processes to the four-wave mixing efficiency is discussed.
Forecasting techniques

Forecasting, the evaluation of efects of various strategies, is discussed. Emphasized are the quantitative techniques used in forecasting and the formulation of equations to represent functional relationships. Also presented are two example forecasting applications--demand analysis of a consumer product and a financial forecasting model.
Fracture of laser powder bed fusion additively manufactured Ti–6Al–4V under multiaxial loading: Calibration and comparison of fracture models

Abstract The fracture behavior of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additively manufactured Ti–6Al–4V alloy manufactured in two orientations was investigated using a combined experimental and computational simulation approach. To quantify the effect of stress state on fracture of L-PBF Ti–6Al–4V, mechanical tests subjecting the material to seven distinct stress states were performed. For each test performed, computational simulations were used to determine the evolution of plastic strain and the stress state parameters stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter up to fracture. Six existing fracture criteria were calibrated, and their ability to capture and/or predict the fracture behavior over a wide range of stress states was evaluated. It was determined that fracture models that explicitly take into account the effects of both the stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter more accurately captured the multiaxial failure behavior of L-PBF Ti–6Al–4V compared to models that consider no stress state-dependence or only a dependence on stress triaxiality. Additionally, samples loaded in the vertical build direction had a higher ductility than corresponding samples loaded perpendicular to the vertical build direction. The stress state-dependent fracture behavior of L-PBF Ti–6Al–4V quantified in this study highlights the importance of experimentally measuring the fracture behavior of this material under a range of stress states that could be accessed during service, and defining appropriate models to prevent failure in components.
Methemoglobinemia associated with massive acetaminophen ingestion: a case series

Background: Acetaminophen is a common pharmaceutical ingestion reported to US poison centers. In overdose, toxic metabolites are known to cause hepato- and nephrotoxicity. While G6PD deficiency may be a risk factor for methemoglobin production in the setting of acetaminophen overdose, it is rarely reported in patients who do not have this condition.Methods: We present two cases of methemoglobinemia following massive acetaminophen ingestion with no known history of G6PD deficiency or other substances known to induce methemoglobinemia. The two cases had peak methemoglobin measurements of 32% and 12% respectively, and both were treated with methylene blue.Discussion: A number of mechanisms may be involved in production of methemoglobin in the setting of massive acetaminophen ingestion including NAPQI-induced oxidation, depletion of glutathione stores, and production of oxidant-metabolites including paraaminophenol. While it is unlikely that the majority of acetaminophen overdoses result in any clinically significant methemoglobinemia, massive acetaminophen overdose may be complicated by development of methemoglobinemia.Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of the possibility that massive acetaminophen ingestion may be complicated by methemoglobinemia in rare instances. Further studies should aim to characterize the metabolic pathways leading to possible methemoglobinemia in humans after large acetaminophen ingestions.
Intravenous labetalol versus oral nifedipine for acute hypertension in pregnancy: effects on cerebral perfusion pressure.

ABSTRACT Background Pregnant women with preeclampsia have been shown to have elevated cerebral perfusion pressure and impaired cerebral autoregulation compared to normal pregnant women. Transcranial Doppler is a non-invasive technique used to estimate cerebral perfusion pressure. The effects of different antihypertensives on cerebral perfusion pressure in preeclampsia is unknown. Objectives To compare the change in cerebral perfusion pressure before and after intravenous labetalol versus oral nifedipine in the setting of acute, severe hypertension in pregnancy. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant women between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation with severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥160 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥110). Women who consented to the study and received either intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine were included. Exclusion criteria included active labor or receipt of any antihypertensive medication within 2 hours of initial cerebral perfusion pressure measurement. Peripheral blood pressure and transcranial Doppler studies for middle cerebral artery hemodynamics were performed prior to the administration of antihypertensives and repeated 30 minutes after medication administration. Results Sixteen women with acute, severe hypertension were enrolled; 8 received intravenous labetalol and 8 received oral nifedipine. There were no significant differences between the labetalol and nifedipine groups for baseline characteristics including maternal age, race and ethnicity, payment, hospital site, body mass index, nulliparity, gestational age, pre-existing diabetes mellitus or chronic hypertension, fetal growth restriction, magnesium sulfate, or symptomatology (P>.05). When examined 30 minutes after the administration of either intravenous labetalol or oral nifedipine, there was a significantly greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (-9.8 mmHg versus -39 mmHg, P=.003), mean arterial pressure (-7.1 mmHg versus -22.3 mmHg, P=.02), and cerebral perfusion pressure (-2.5 mmHg versus -27.7 mmHg, P=.01) in the nifedipine group. There was no statistically significant decrease in diastolic pressure (-12.9 mmHg versus -5.4 mmHg, P=.15). The change in middle cerebral artery velocity by transcranial Doppler was compared between the groups and was not different (.07 cm/s vs .16 cm/s, P=.64). Conclusion Oral nifedipine resulted in a significant decrease in in cerebral perfusion pressure, while labetalol did not, following administration for acute, severe hypertension among women with preeclampsia. This decrease appears to be driven by a decrease in peripheral arterial blood pressure rather than a direct change in cerebral blood flow.
The Liquidity, Precision, and Comparability Effects of ASC 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers

I examine the liquidity effect of the implementation of ASC 606: Revenue from contracts with customers. I find that the implementation of ASC 606 increases liquidity. Next, I examine the channels through which the implementation of the standard affects liquidity. Theory suggests that the implementation of standards can affect liquidity through either the precision channel, i.e., the change in the accounting report’s ability to reflect economic events, the comparability channel, i.e., the increase in comparability across reporting entities, or both. I find that the implementation of the new revenue standard is associated with increases in both precision and comparability, which are, in turn, associated with an increase in liquidity. I further show that firms that experience an increase in neither precision nor comparability do not experience an increase in liquidity.
Levels of distress tolerance in schizophrenia appear equivalent to those found in borderline personality disorder

OBJECTIVE Distress tolerance is an important but understudied construct for those with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This study compared levels of distress tolerance between people diagnosed with schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder (BPD) to better characterize distress tolerance in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. METHOD Using cross-sectional data, we examined group differences in distress tolerance in people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n = 55) and BPD (n = 32) through mean comparison and equivalence analyses. RESULTS Our results indicate that, in our data, distress tolerance did not differ between those with schizophrenia and those with BPD, and was in fact statistically equivalent between groups. In contrast, those with BPD tended to report more difficulty on some aspects of emotion regulation. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that increased focus on distress tolerance is called for in research on schizophrenia. Furthermore, people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders may benefit from interventions targeting distress tolerance.
Drug insurance and the strategic behavior of drug manufacturers: Evergreening and generic entry after Medicare Part D.

Abstract For branded drug manufacturers, maintaining market power by managing product lifecycle – evergreening – is an important tool to navigate pharmaceutical markets. For generic manufacturers, the key decision is to enter the market at all. Expansion of drug insurance may lead firms to change their behavior because of increased demand-side market power – due to consolidation of buyers into a small number of insurers – and because of increased drug utilization. We analyze manufacturer responses to such changes through the introduction of Medicare Part D, which expanded drug coverage among seniors, in a difference-in-differences design comparing drugs used frequently by those over age 65 to those used infrequently by this population. The results show that Part D reduced generic entry, and suggest that it increased evergreening. Furthermore, while these effects are associated with higher drug prices, they are more than offset by the consolidation of demand, reducing prices overall.
Low-Tunnel Strawberry Production: Comparison of Cultivars and Films

Growing repeat-fruiting strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier) under low tunnels can extend a strawberry harvest season from a few weeks to several months. Yields from multiple dayneutral cultivars have been compared under a single film, and yields from single cultivars have been compared under multiple films, but a study of possible cultivar and film interaction effects in low tunnels has not been reported. From 2014–2018, six cultivars were compared under low tunnels covered with a standard polyethylene film and three other films purported to improve growing conditions. Traits analyzed included total yield, percent rotted yield, berry weight, percent marketable yield, and average market score. ‘Monterey’ performed above average for all traits and better under TIII TES/IR 0.102 mm thick film (TES film) or Kool Lite Plus 0.152 mm thick polyethylene film (KL film). ‘Albion’ performed above average for all traits except yield and better under TES film or Clear TIII 0.102 mm thick polyethylene film (“standard clear” or SC film). ‘Portola’ performed above average for all traits except percent rotted yield, better under SC, KL, and TES films, and had lower percent rotted yield under TES film. Because TES film was helpful to the three better-performing cultivars evaluated, it was considered a good choice for growers to try in on-farm evaluations of available repeat-fruiting cultivars. Generally, yield, berry weight, market score, and percent marketable yield were correlated positively with each other.
An Athlete with Atrial Fibrillation

This case describes a master athlete who developed symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation. He underwent catheter ablation involving pulmonary vein isolation and box isolation of a low voltage area. The limitations of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy in athletes and the role of ablation are discussed.
Prostanoids in pediatric pulmonary hypertension: clinical response, time-to-effect, and dose-response.

For pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients treated with parenteral prostanoids, response predictors, and the dose–effect relationship are ill defined. We determined the following:...
The 5-factor modified frailty index: an effective predictor of mortality in brain tumor patients.

OBJECTIVE Health measures such as the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the 11-factor modified frailty index (mFI-11) have been employed to predict general medical and surgical mortality, but their clinical utility is limited by the requirement for a large number of data points, some of which overlap or require data that may be unavailable in large datasets. A more streamlined 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) was recently developed to overcome these barriers, but it has not been widely tested in neuro-oncology patient populations. The authors compared the utility of the mFI-5 to that of the CCI and the mFI-11 in predicting postoperative mortality in brain tumor patients. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed a cohort of adult patients from a single institution who underwent brain tumor surgery during the period from January 2017 to December 2018. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the associations between health measure scores and postoperative mortality after adjusting for patient age, race, ethnicity, sex, marital status, and diagnosis. Results were considered statistically significant at p values ≤ 0.05. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine the relationships between CCI, mFI-11, and mFI-5 and mortality, and DeLong's test was used to test for significant differences between c-statistics. Spearman's rho was used to quantify correlations between indices. RESULTS The study cohort included 1692 patients (mean age 55.5 years; mean CCI, mFI-11, and mFI-5 scores 2.49, 1.05, and 0.80, respectively). Each 1-point increase in mFI-11 (OR 4.19, p = 0.0043) and mFI-5 (OR 2.56, p = 0.018) scores independently predicted greater odds of 90-day postoperative mortality. Adjusted CCI, mFI-11, and mFI-5 ROC curves demonstrated c-statistics of 0.86 (CI 0.82-0.90), 0.87 (CI 0.83-0.91), and 0.87 (CI 0.83-0.91), respectively, and there was no significant difference between the c-statistics of the adjusted CCI and the adjusted mFI-5 models (p = 0.089) or between the adjusted mFI-11 and the adjusted mFI-5 models (p = 0.82). The 3 indices were well correlated (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The adjusted mFI-5 model predicts 90-day postoperative mortality among brain tumor patients as well as our adjusted CCI and adjusted mFI-11 models. The simplified mFI-5 may be easily integrated into clinical workflows to predict brain tumor surgery outcomes in real time.
The Revolution is a City: Moyshe Kulbak’s Poem “The City”

The trajectory of Moyshe Kulbak's biography (1896–1937), drawing him from small town to big city, mirrors that of many in his generation. The image of the city in tension with that small town, or r...
On the indeterminacy of the representation of beliefs by probabilities

Abstract This paper examines the indeterminacy of the representations of beliefs by subjective probabilities in non-expected utility theories of decision making under uncertainty. These theories include the rank-dependent utility models, probabilistically sophisticated choice and probabilistic sophistication based on event exchangeability.