cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“It Has to be Perfect!”: The Development of Perfectionism and the Family System

Perfectionism has deleterious effects on developmental outcomes for children, youth, and adults. Despite this, there is controversy regarding the nature of perfectionism itself and whether it can be positive or negative. This article identifies key findings in the perfectionism literature, reviews current research literature on the conceptualizations and antecedents of perfectionism, and outlines concepts of family systems theory that help explain how perfectionism develops in families. Three models are proposed to explain the development of maladaptive perfectionism, socially prescribed and self-oriented perfectionism, and other-oriented perfectionism—all in the context of the family system. Implications for future theory development, research, and practices are discussed, emphasizing the role of resilient processes within and outside the family unit.
Quantized Brans-Dicke theory: Phase transition, strong coupling limit, and general relativity

We show that Friedmann-Robertson-Walker geometry with a flat spatial section in quantized (Wheeler deWitt quantization) Brans-Dicke (BD) theory reveals a rich phase structure owing to anomalous breaking of a classical symmetry, which maps the scale factor $a\ensuremath{\mapsto}\ensuremath{\lambda}a$ for some constant $\ensuremath{\lambda}$. In the weak coupling ($\ensuremath{\omega}$) limit, the theory goes from a symmetry preserving phase to a broken phase. The existence of a phase boundary is an obstruction to another classical symmetry [see V. Faraoni, Phys. Rev. D 59, 084021 (1999).] (which relates two BD theories with different couplings) admitted by BD theory with scale invariant matter content, i.e., ${{T}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=0$. Classically, this prohibits the BD theory from reducing to general relativity (GR) for scale invariant matter content. We show that a strong coupling limit of both BD and GR preserves the symmetry involving the scale factor. We also show that with scale invariant matter content (radiation, i.e., $P=\frac{1}{3}\ensuremath{\rho}$), the quantized BD theory does reduce to GR as $\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, which is in sharp contrast to classical behavior. This is a first known illustration of a scenario where quantized BD theory provides an example of anomalous symmetry breaking and resulting binary phase structure. We make a conjecture regarding the strong coupling limit of the BD theory in a generic scenario.
The construction and validity analysis of AQHI based on mortality risk: A case study in Guangzhou, China.

Abstract The current air quality indices have been criticized for not capturing combined health effects of multiple air pollutants. We proposed an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) based on the air pollution-mortality associations for communicating health risks of air pollution. Time-series studies were conducted to estimate the associations between air pollutants including sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), ozone (O 3 ), suspended particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM 2.5 ) and mortality in Guangzhou from 2012 to 2015. The sum of excess mortality risk was calculated to construct the AQHI, which was then adjusted to an arbitrary scale. We then assessed the validity of AQHI. An interquartile increase (IQR) of AQHI was associated with 3.61% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 2.85%–4.37%], 3.73% (95%CI, 2.18%–5.27%) and 4.19% (95%CI, 2.87%–5.52%) increase of mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, respectively. Compared with the currently used Air Quality Index (AQI), AQHI had higher effects on mortality and morbidity. Our study suggests that AQHI might comprehensively capture the combined effects of air pollution, which make it be a more valid communication tool of air pollution-related health risk.
Tissue Transglutaminase Enhances Fibrin-Dependent Angiogenesis and Extracellular Matrix Formation During Tissue Repair by Altering Gene Expression and Is Inhibited by Aspirin.

Abstract 3055 Poster Board II-1031 Fibrin deposition triggers an injury response that involves the migration of inflammatory cells, formation of new blood vessels and the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM). Tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) is a calcium dependent enzyme that covalently crosslinks a wide variety of ECM proteins producing a protease resistant matrix. TGM2 is secreted by inflammatory and endothelial cells, involved in activating transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) and expressed during tissue injury. In this study, we investigated how TGM2 modulated fibrin-dependent wound healing and the associated angiogenic response. We used an animal model consisting of fibrin Z-chambers (F-ZC, dual porous plexiglass chambers containing fibrin) implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of rats and harvested subsequently for quantitative assessment of granulation tissue formation (wound healing) and microvessel density (angiogenesis). We found that local administration of recombinant TGM2 into F-ZC resulted in a dose-dependent, 2-fold increase in granulation tissue thickness by day 6 of wound healing (p We then investigated whether Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid, ASA) a potent anti-inflammatory agent would inhibit TGM2. ASA and another chemical acetylating agent, sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (SNA), were used to investigate whether acetylation would alter the crosslinking activity of TGM2. We found acetylation by either SNA or ASA resulted in a loss of >90% of crosslinking activity. The Lys residues that were critical for inhibition were identified by mass spectrometry as Lys 468 and Lys 663 . Molecular modeling indicates that these Lys residues play an important role in the conformation change that occurs in TGM2 from a closed-to-open shape, i.e. inactive-to-active, transitions. In conclusion, we show that TGM2-fibrin crosslinking accelerates angiogenesis and promotes ECM deposition. This suggests that TGM2-fibrin interactions mediates outside-in signaling events that aides wound healing. Furthermore aspirin can acetylate and inhibit critical residues in TGM2 that regulate TGM-2 function. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Gas-chromatographische Bestimmung von Wasser

Die Methoden zur Bestimmung von Wasserspuren werden diskutiert und die Verwendung von Porapak als Saulenfullmaterial fur die quantitative Analyse von Wasserspuren mit Hilfe der Adsorptions-Gas-Chromatographie beschrieben. Die Nachweisgrenze fur die quantitative Bestimmung ohne vorherige Anreicherung liegt fur Gasanalysen bei 150 Vol.-ppm und fur Flussigkeitsanalysen bei 1 Vol.-ppm.
Production of thin calcium phosphate coatings from glass source materials.

Calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings, from 40 000 to 200 000 nm thick, on titanium and titanium alloy substrates, were produced using radio frequency (RF) sputtering. Such coatings on dental implants have the potential for improving initial bone ingrowth rates. The success of these coatings may allow the movement from two stage implant systems to single stage implant systems, significantly reducing the time required for healing and fixture placement. Glass source materials were developed for the RF sputtering facility and the resultant coatings were characterized and compared to coatings sputtered from a conventional plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) source material. The coatings were characterized according to their chemistry, crystalline orientation, and residual strain.
Complications of Talar Neck Fractures by Hawkins Classification: A Systematic Review

The goal of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the published data on talar neck fractures for a better understanding of the postoperative clinical outcomes using open reduction and internal fixation stratified by Hawkins type. A PubMed search was performed using the keywords "talar," "neck," and "fracture." This search identified 209 potential studies, which were reviewed to yield 16 studies that met the criteria. The surgical outcomes of talar neck fractures stratified by the Hawkins classification analyzed in the present study were as follows: American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score was 77.00 for type I, 86.10 for type II, 68.30 for type III, 68.30 for type IV, and 76.50 for all talar neck fractures. Avascular necrosis presented in 0.00% of type I fractures, 15.91% of type II fractures, 38.89% of type III fractures, 55.00% of type IV fractures, and 26.47% of all fractures. Osteoarthritis presented in 25.00% of type I fractures, 41.33% of type II fractures, 54.23% of type III fractures, 72.73% of type IV fractures, and 51.69% of all fractures. Subtalar arthritis presented in 0.00% of type I fractures, 54.29% of type II fractures, 46.43% of type III fractures, 45.45% of type IV fractures, and 44.97% of all fractures. The malunion prevalence was 13.29% and the nonunion prevalence was 3.97% for all fractures. Type II fractures were the most common (50.88%) fracture type reported in the reports reviewed in the present study.
Activation of Inflammatory and Pro-Thrombotic Pathways in Acute Stress Cardiomyopathy

Stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) is a unique cardiac disorder that more often occurs in women. SCM presents in a similar fashion as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with chest pain, ECG changes, and congestive heart failure. The primary distinguishing feature is the absence of thrombotic coronary occlusion in SCM. How this reduction in cardiac function occurs in the absence of coronary occlusion remains unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a targeted proteomic comparison of patients with acute SCM and AMI might identify relevant mechanistic differences. Blood was drawn in normal controls (n=6), women with AMI (n=12) or women with acute SCM (n=15). Two-week follow up samples were available in AMI (n=4) and SCM patients (n=11). Relative concentrations of 1310 serum proteins were measured in each of the 48 samples using the SOMAscan assay. Women with AMI had greater myocyte necrosis, as reflected by a higher peak Troponin I concentration (AMI 32.03 ± 29.46 vs. SCM 2.68 ± 2.6 ng/mL, p1; q<0.05) between AMI and SCM in the acute or recovery phase. However, when we compared normal controls to patients with AMI, there was differential expression of 35 proteins. When we compared normal controls to patients with SCM, 45 proteins were differentially expressed. In comparison to normal controls, biological processes such as complement, coagulation, and inflammation were activated in both AMI and SCM. There were four proteins that showed a non-significant trend to be increased in acute SCM vs. AMI (NET1, FSTL3, Kallikrein 7, KYNU). Despite a lesser degree of myocardial necrosis than AMI, SCM is characterized by a similar activation of inflammatory, complement, and coagulation pathways. These findings may explain reported thromboembolic complications in the short term and elevated risk of mortality in the long term of SCM.
Chemical composition and tectonic setting of the Dokhan Volcanic Formation, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract The late Precambrian-Cambrian Dokhan Volcanic Formation represents the youngest component of the basement complex in the Egyptian Eastern Desert. Volcanic and sedimentary rocks predating the Dokhan Formation evolved in an oceanic island arc setting and were metamorphosed during the Pan-African event. The Dokhan rocks were subjected to low grade alteration during the waning stages of the Pan-African event. Post-dating the Dokhan Formation are terrestrial sediments and post-tectonic alkali-rich granites. Chemical analyses of the Dokhan volcanic rocks reveal a range of compositions from basaltic andesite to rhyolite (SiO2 contents from 53 to 79 wt. %). Abundances of most other oxides and trace elements follow patterns similar to those seen in volcanic rocks in orogenic belts. However, certain elements diagnostic of tectonic setting for volcanic rocks (notably alkalis, Ti, Zr and Nb) are elevated in the Dokhan Formation with respect to worldwide averages of igneous rocks from active continental margins. These chemical characteristics are interpreted as reflecting genesis of the Dokhan lavas in a setting that was transitional toward a stable continental craton.
Etiology of Interstitial Cystitis and the Role of Pentosanpolysulfate in IC Therapy

For over 40 years I have studied the bladder epithelium and interstitial cystitis (IC). I have seen over 9000 patients and conducted extensive basic laboratory and clinical research on IC that has substantially changed my concepts of the disease. My understanding now is that there is one primary disease process that generates bladder symptoms of urgency, frequency, pain and incontinence (in any combination) in women of all ages and men less than 55 (before the age of bladder outlet obstruction). This pathologic process is a dysfunctional, “leaky” bladder epithelium that allows urinary potassium to diffuse into the bladder interstitium and directly depolarize, nerves, muscles, cause bladder symptoms and injure tissue. The rare but not separate severe form of this process is the patient historically diagnosed with IC [1].
Synthesis and evaluation of C2 functionalized analogs of the α-tubulin-binding natural product pironetin.

Abstract Pironetin is an α-tubulin-binding natural product with potent antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines that inhibits cell division by forming a covalent adduct with α-tubulin via a Michael addition into the natural product’s α,β-unsaturated lactone. We designed and prepared analogs carrying electron-withdrawing groups at the α-position (C2) of the α,β-unsaturated lactone with the goal to generate potent and selective binding analogs. We prepared derivatives containing halogens, a phenyl, and a methyl group at the C2 position to evaluate the structure-activity relationship at this position. Testing of the analogs in ovarian cancer cell lines demonstrated 100–1000-fold decreased antiproliferative activity.
Relationship between floaters, light flashes, or both, and complications of posterior vitreous detachment

We examined biomicroscopically the vitreous and retinal conditions of 902 consecutive symptomatic eyes (785 patients) to ascertain the relationship between floaters, light flashes, or both, and complications of posterior vitreous detachment. Of 785 patients, 785 symptomatic eyes were divided as follows: group 1, 342 eyes with floaters alone; group 2, 240 eyes with floaters and light flashes; and group 3, 203 eyes with light flashes alone. We also studied 636 asymptomatic fellow eyes. The prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment was significantly higher in groups 1 (138 of 342, 40%), 2 (214 of 240, 89%), and 3 (137 of 203, 67%) than in the asymptomatic eyes (127 of 636, 20%), in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3, and in group 3 than in group 1 (P = .01). The prevalence of retinal breaks in eyes with posterior vitreous detachment was 5% (seven of 138), 13% (27 of 214), 12% (16 of 137), and 4% (five of 127) in groups 1, 2, 3, and the asymptomatic eyes, respectively; the prevalence was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in asymptomatic eyes (P = .02 and P = .04) and group 1 (P = .04 and P = .05). The prevalence of vitreous hemorrhage in eyes with retinal breaks was 71% (five of seven), 70% (19 of 27), and 6% (one of 16) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Of 117 patients with bilateral symptoms, 105 (90%) had the same symptoms and 104 (89%) had the same vitreoretinal relationship bilaterally.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diagnostic Performance and Interreader Agreement of a Standardized MR Imaging Approach in the Prediction of Small Renal Mass Histology.

The proposed standardized diagnostic approach based on multiple MR imaging features helps identify clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas, with accuracy of 81% (88 of 109) and 91% (99 of 109), respectively, while achieving moderate to substantial interreader agreement among many radiologists with diverse clinical experience.
Silicon arrayed waveguide gratings at 2.0-μm wavelength characterized with an on-chip resonator

Low-loss arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) are demonstrated at a 2.0-μm wavelength. These devices promote rapidly developing photonic applications, supported by the recent development of mid-infrared lasers integrated on silicon (Si). Multi-spectral photonic integrated circuits at 2.0-μm are envisioned since the AWGs are fabricated with the 500-nm-thick Si-on-insulator platform compatible with recently demonstrated lasers and semiconductor optical amplifiers on Si. Characterization with the AWG-ring method improves the on-chip transmission uncertainty to ∼6% compared to the conventional method with an uncertainty of ∼53%. Channel losses of ∼2.4 dB are found, with −31 dB crosstalk per channel. Fully integrated multi-spectral sources at 2.0 μm with pump lasers, low-loss multiplexers, and an output amplifier are now feasible.
Maxim Tarnawsky. The All-Encompassing Eye of Ukraine: Ivan Nechui-Levyts'kyi’s Realist Prose.

Review of Maxim Tarnawsky. The All-Encompassing Eye of Ukraine: Ivan Nechui-Levyts'kyi’s Realist Prose. U of Toronto P, 2015. 376 pp. Notes. Bibliography. Index. $66.00, cloth.
Robust Microplate-Based Methods for Culturing and in Vivo Phenotypic Screening of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr), a unicellular algae, is routinely utilized to study photosynthetic biochemistry, ciliary motility, and cellular reproduction. Its minimal culture requirements, unicellular morphology, and ease of transformation have made it a popular model system. Despite its relatively slow doubling time, compared with many bacteria, it is an ideal eukaryotic system for microplate-based studies utilizing either, or both, absorbance as well as fluorescence assays. Such microplate assays are powerful tools for researchers in the areas of toxicology, pharmacology, chemical genetics, biotechnology, and more. However, while microplate-based assays are valuable tools for screening biological systems, these methodologies can significantly alter the conditions in which the organisms are cultured and their subsequent physiology or morphology. Herein we describe a novel method for the microplate culture and in vivo phenotypic analysis of growth, viability, and photosynthetic pigments of C. reinhardtii. We evaluated the utility of our assay by screening silver nanoparticles for their effects on growth and viability. These methods are amenable to a wide assortment of studies and present a significant advancement in the methodologies available for research involving this model organism.
Neurological Disorders Associated with HTLV-1

Retroviruses have been known to be related to a variety of neoplastic, immunodeficient, and chronic degenerative disorders (Weiss et al. 1984; Haase 1986) for some time, but the 1980s will surely be recorded as the decade of medical history when human disorders related to these agents were recognized. Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was first isolated from a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in 1980 (Poiesz 1980). This led to the widespread belief that similar agents would be related to other human disorders particularly ones affecting the nervous system. In 1985 GESSAIN et al. described antibodies to HTLV-I in patients with tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), a chronic neurological syndrome which can probably be produced by a number of causes (Johnson and McArthur 1987), and Koprowski et al. (1985) detected antibodies against HTLV-I in multiple sclerosis (MS) and proposed that this disease is associated with an HTLV-I-like agent. Subsequently, there has been a burst of activity pursuing the possibility that neurological disorders have a retrovirus etiology. Numerous new findings have been reported, and it is apparent that a progressive disorder primarily, but not exclusively, affecting the spinal cord is linked to HTLV-I; there are also reasons for believing that similar mechanisms may be operative in MS. Currently, there is considerable discussion, as well as debate, about the validity of both old and new findings. Progress is being made, although there is not consensus.
Superficial bladder cancer: decreasing the risk of recurrence.

Bladder cancer appears to develop through two alternative pathways. Papillary bladder cancer, the most common pathway, has a less aggressive course and is frequently heralded by hematuria, whereas carcinoma in situ appears to be more aggressive and is more difficult to detect. Superficial bladder cancer has a high propensity for recurrence but a low rate of progression. Transurethral resection is frequently employed for both diagnosis and treatment. The risk of tumor recurrence is related to the number of tumors at presentation and the findings on the first follow-up cystoscopy. Even patients with a low risk of recurrence need periodic cystoscopic examinations. Patients with a higher risk of recurrence may benefit from adjuvant intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) appears to be the most effective drug for intravesical therapy but has the highest rate of side effects. It is the treatment of choice for carcinoma in situ. Newer treatment strategies include perioperative intravesical chemotherapy and chemoprevention.
Spectrum of tau pathologies in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a trinucleotide expansion in the huntingtin gene. Recently, a new role for tau has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HD, whereas others have argued that postmortem tau pathology findings are attributable to concurrent Alzheimer's disease pathology. The frequency of other well-defined common age-related tau pathologies in HD has not been examined in detail. In this single center, retrospective analysis, we screened seven cases of Huntington's disease (5 females, 2 males, age at death: 47-73 years) for neuronal and glial tau pathology using phospho-tau immunohistochemistry. All seven cases showed presence of neuronal tau pathology. Five cases met diagnostic criteria for primary age-related tauopathy (PART), with three cases classified as definite PART and two cases as possible PART, all with a Braak stage of I. One case was diagnosed with low level of Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change. In the youngest case, rare perivascular aggregates of tau-positive neurons, astrocytes and processes were identified at sulcal depths, meeting current neuropathological criteria for stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although the patient had no history of playing contact sports, he experienced several falls, but no definitive concussions during his disease course. Three of the PART cases and the CTE-like case showed additional evidence of aging-related tau astrogliopathy. None of the cases showed significant tau pathology in the striatum. In conclusion, while we found evidence for tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation in all seven of our HD cases, the tau pathology was readily classifiable into known diagnostic entities and most likely represents non-specific age- or perhaps trauma-related changes. As the tau pathology was very mild in all cases and not unexpected for a population of this age range, it does not appear that the underlying HD may have promoted or accelerated tau accumulation.
KITTOS AND THE PHIALAI EXELEUTHERIKAI

In an oracular tablet from Dodona dating to the mid-fourth century bc, a slave named Kittos inquires whether his master, Dionysios, will set him free. A roughly contemporary entry in the Athenian phialai inscriptions records Dionysios isotelēs manumitting Kittos the metalworker. This paper suggests that the individuals in both documents may be identical. Along the way, it also takes a position on a number of questions surrounding the phialai inscriptions. These inscriptions are not really inventories, I propose, nor can they be explained in terms of lawsuits unrelated to manumission. (The presence of families and children in the inscriptions is especially important in demonstrating this point.) Instead, they represent acts of manumission effectuated through dikē apostasiou prosecutions, an Athenian practice which, I believe, dates back to the 350s. It was not until the 330s, under the financial administration of Lycurgus, that the city imposed mandatory phialai dedications upon all manumissions in court, with the phialē serving as a manumission fee paid to the treasurers of Athena.
The effect of competition on pricing and product positioning: Evidence from wholesale club entry

Abstract This paper empirically examines incumbents’ reactions to market entry along price and non-price dimensions in the example of wholesale warehouse entry into grocery retail markets. Leveraging a detailed retail panel spanning 2001–2011 and a novel dataset documenting opening and closing dates and locations of all Costco warehouse clubs, we classify incumbent retailers’ strategic responses (e.g., pricing, assortment) by the storability of product categories, controlling for persistent systematic differences across retailer–product combinations. We find that retailers are substantially affected by increased competition from wholesale club warehouse openings and in response increase the variability of their prices, consistent with adoption of the Hi–Lo pricing strategy. In addition, incumbent retailers’ strategic responses differ significantly across storability levels: They are more likely to increase prices and reduce assortments for highly storable products and decrease prices and increase assortments for less storable products. We extend our analysis by exploiting the spatial variations in our data and analyzing divergent market effects across geographical areas. We find significant geospatial differences in these strategic responses.
Stat3 underlies IL-23-mediated suppression of anti-tumor immunity

4199 IL-23 and IL-12 are closely related cytokines. However, whereas IL-12 is a strong anti-tumor immune mediator and hardly detectable in tumor, IL-23 suppresses anti-tumor immunity and is highly expressed in cancer. The mechanism(s) allowing elevated expression of IL-23 and suppression of IL-12 in tumors remains undefined. We have shown previously that Stat3 not only promotes production of multiple immunosuppressive factors, but also inhibits expression of many immunostimulatory molecules including IL-12. In this study, we determine if the immunosuppressive effects of Stat3 and IL-23 are coordinated. We found that the expression of p19 subunit of IL-23 in B16 melanoma is mediated by Stat3. IL-23 expression is most pronounced in tumor stromal Gr1+ immature myeloid cells and macrophages, while ablating Stat3 leads to drastic increase in IL-12 expression by dendritic cells (DCs). The molecular mechanism defining IL-12 and IL-23 expression profile involves an intricate crosstalk between Stat3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Stat3 and NF-κB/p65 synergistically enhance IL-23 expression by directly binding to the IL-23/p19 promoter. In contrast, Stat3 signaling in DCs reduces NF-κB/c-Rel binding activity to IL-12/p35. We further show that IL-23 can activate Stat3 in macrophages and DCs, upregulating several immunosuppressive factors such as IL-10 and IL-23 while inhibiting IL-12. In addition, IL-23 stimulates Stat3 activity in tumor T regulatory cells (Tregs). Blocking IL-23 signaling by an antibody against IL-23 receptor in vivo enhances immunostimulatory function of DCs while reducing expression of suppressive mediators by Tregs, thereby significantly reducing B16 melanoma growth. Our findings demonstrate that Stat3 is critical for IL-23 overexpression in tumor and IL-23 in turn helps to propagate immunosuppressive effects of Stat3 activity from tumor stromal myeloid cells to DCs and Tregs. Targeting Stat3-IL-23 within the tumor microenvironment may therefore overcome tumor immune evasion, offering a potentially exciting opportunity for cancer immunotherapy. This work was supported by the National Institute of Health grants and the Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust Award to Hua Yu.
Hysteretic Beam Finite-Element Model Including Multiaxial Yield/Capacity Surface Evolution with Degradations

AbstractA multiaxial degrading hysteretic model is developed, enabling consistent multiaxial yield/capacity surface evolution with degradations, and is appropriately incorporated in a finite-elemen...
Preliminary result of Texture Analysis on prediction of overall outcome of neuroendocrine tumors based on pre-therapy heterogeneity of somatostatin receptors on 68Ga Dotatate PET/CT scans.

1005 Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) arise from specialized hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. Traditionally they are graded based on mitotic index (Ki-index), however, recent understanding of this tumor suggests presence of heterogeneous histology. Identification of such heterogeneity is important to understand overall behavior of the tumor which may impact clinical decision and therapy planning. We analyzed pre-therapy 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT scans for intra-tumoral heterogeneity of somatostatin receptors with the help of Texture Analysis (TA) software, in order to predict the overall outcome of NET. Methods: Twenty proven cases of neuroendocrine tumor (WHO Grade I and Grade II) with pre-therapy 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT scans were analyzed retrospectively (2017-2019). Texture analysis of the primary lesion was assessed in most patients. In patients where the primary lesion was not identified, TA was carried out on metastatic lesions. TA parameters were compared with WHO grade (Grade I and Grade II) and overall patient outcome (classified as progression versus stable disease versus regression based on review of Electronic Medical Records, radiology scans as well as tumor markers). Results: All patients underwent treatment post 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT scans. Within a median follow-up of 18 months, tumor progression was detected in 6/20 patients, regression was seen in 10/20 patient9s and remaining 4/20 patients demonstrated stable disease. There was a significant correlation (p< 0.05) between the indices derived from TA of the patient9s initial Ga Dotatate PET/CT scan and WHO grading of the tumor, and overall clinical outcome of the patients. Conclusions: Texture analysis (based on the heterogeneity of somatostatin receptors on Ga-Dotatate scan) demonstrated significant correlation with WHO grading and clinical outcome of NET patients. This may serve as an important parameter for clinical decision making and therapy planning in this group of tumors.
Foreign Direct Investment in Mexico Since the Approval of NAFTA

Cross-country panel data are used to assess the effect of free-trade agreements on flows of foreign direct investment (fdi). Free-trade agreements are found to have a significant positive effect on fdi flows, and free-trade agreements are found to matter more for the smaller members of the agreement. For example, the North American Free-Trade Agreement`s (nafta) effect on fdi flows into Mexico is much larger than its effect on flows into the United States. These cross-country results are used to assess nafta`s effect on fdi flows into Mexico. After controlling for a set of other factors-such as an increase in worldwide fdi flows-the trade agreement is found to generate fdi flows nearly 60 percent higher than they would have been without the agreement.
A Bird’s-Eye View of the US Credit Rating Industry

Using regulatory disclosures of rating performance statistics, this article provides a comprehensive survey of the US credit rating industry. First, the industry competitive landscape is examined, demonstrating a general increase in competition since 2006. Second, the article documents substantial rating accuracy variations across asset classes but no significant rating quality disparities among credit rating agencies (CRAs). In addition, an investor-paid CRA does not distinguish itself from issuer-paid CRAs in rating quality. Third, a negative correlation is found between CRA market shares and rating accuracy, highlighting the importance of increasing industry competition. TOPICS:Fixed income and structured finance, credit risk management, information providers/credit ratings, financial crises and financial market history Key Findings ▪ US credit rating industry has become more competitive since 2006. ▪ There is negative correlation between credit rating agency market shares and rating accuracy. ▪ There are substantial rating accuracy variations among different asset classes.
Wissensgenese 2.0: Social-Media-Analysen

Kapitel 3 erweitert den theoretischen Bezugsrahmen dieser Studie im Hinblick auf deren Fragestellung und Untersuchungsgegenstand noch einmal, wobei Social-Media-Analysen in diese als innovative Methode der organisationalen Wissensgenese eingefuhrt werden. Zunachst fallt der Blick auf soziale Medien und das Web 2.0 als bedeutsame Phanomene der Digitalisierung. Es folgt eine Vorstellung der Computational Social Sciences beziehungsweise der Digital Humanities, die sich als neue Disziplinen mit der Wissensgenese 2.0 beschaftigen. Daraufhin geht es sowohl um methodologische Besonderheiten als auch ethische Aspekte, welche mit Social-Media-Analysen einhergehen, deren Methodik dann noch gesondert betrachtet wird. Da sich inzwischen mehrere wissenschaftliche Disziplinen mit der Methode der Social-Media-Analysen auseinandersetzen, wird auch deren Perspektiven ein gewisser Raum gewahrt. Ein Uberblick uber die verschiedenen Einsatzgebiete von Social-Media-Analysen sowie ein Einblick in deren Nutzung innerhalb der Marktforschung schliest das Kapitel ab.
Development of closed nuclear fuel cycles in the United States

The United States is developing technology options that would enable a future closed fuel cycle, if such a policy is adapted in the United States. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Fuel Cycle Technologies program is researching separation approaches and transmutation fuel development that would support recycle of used nuclear fuel. Partitioning technologies for both light water reactor oxide fuel and metal transmutation fuel are being developed. Aqueous methods are most amenable to oxide fuel processing due to the large historical experience base and high processing throughput needs, and electrochemical processing is being developed for recycle of uranium and transuranics from fast reactor metal fuel.
A Heuristic Algorithm for Finding Edge Disjoint Cycles in Graphs

The field of data mining provides techniques for new knowledge discovery. Distributed mining offers the miner a larger dataset with the possibility of finding stronger and, perhaps, novel association rules. This paper addresses the role of Hamiltonian cycles on mining distributed data while respecting privacy concerns. We propose a new heuristic algorithm for discovering disjoint Hamiltonian cycles. We use synthetic data to evaluate the performance of the algorithm and compare it with a greedy algorithm.
A Moral Theory of Political Reconciliation: The rule of law

INTRODUCTION A philosophical analysis of political reconciliation should diagnose how relations are damaged during civil conflict and repressive rule, and should specify how political relationships should be rebuilt. My discussion in this chapter sheds light on some of the institutional dimensions of political reconciliation. I argue that one important source of damage to political relationships stems from the absence or erosion of the rule of law. A primary task of processes of political reconciliation, I claim, is to cultivate mutual respect for the rule of law. The rule of law specifies a set of requirements that lawmakers must respect if they are to govern legally. As such, the rule of law restricts the illegal or extralegal use of power. When a society rules by law there are clear rules articulating the behavior appropriate for citizens and officials. The rule of law structures political relationships insofar as legal rules determine their particular contours. When the requirements of the rule of law are respected, the political relationships structured by the legal system constitutively express the moral values of reciprocity and respect for moral agency. The rule of law is instrumentally valuable, I argue, because in practice it limits the kinds of injustice that governments could pursue. Thus the erosion of the rule of law is morally concerning and damaging to political relations, insofar as it entails an erosion of important conditions for relationships to express reciprocity and respect for agency, and creates an environment conducive to injustice.
SYNTHETIC GASOLINES AND DIESEL FUELS FROM PROCESSING OF SHALE OILS AND COAL LIQUIDS

Seven test fuels were provided to research projects in the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Utilization Program. Current refining technology was applied for conversion of shale- and coal-derived feedstocks to gasolines, diesel fuel, and turbine fuel. Hydrogenation was used in all four processing sequences, supplemented by catalytic reforming, distillation, and blending as needed to meet the product objectives. Major operating conditions are described for each process step. Laboratory analyses are provided for feedstocks, intermediates, and final products.
Measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate in acute hyperketonemia in human brain

We report the measurement of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in the brains of six normal adult subjects during acute infusions of BHB. We used high field in vivo (1)H magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy in the occipital lobe in conjunction with an acute infusion protocol to elevate plasma BHB levels from overnight fasted levels (0.20 +/- 0.10 mM) to a steady state value of 2.12 +/- 0.30 mM. At this level of hyperketonemia, we determined a tissue BHB level of 0.24 +/- 0.04 mM. No increases in brain lactate levels were seen in these data. The concentrations of BHB and lactate were both considerably lower in comparison with previous data acquired in fasted adult subjects. This suggests that up-regulation of the monocarboxylic acid transporter occurs with fasting.
Autonomous and periodic processes

In this chapter, we discuss some fundamental properties of autonomous and periodic RFDEs. Because many of these properties also hold for abstract processes, we will develop the theory in an abstract setting and point out special features that apply to RFDEs. The abstract setting also will be sufficiently general to apply to the neutral functional differential equations in Chapter 12.
INFOSYS: An Analysis of the Degree of Covariance Between the Firm’s Nationally Traded Stock and its American Depository (ADS)

Researchers have proved the influence of the American stock markets on their Indian counterparts during the IT boom. This paper tests these market-wide results on a stockspecific basis by analyzing the degree of covariance between the equity issued by the Indian firm Infosys on the Bombay Stock Exchange (Stock) and its American Depositary Shares (ADS) on the NASDAQ. The study finds that unlike the influence of the American bourses on the Indian markets, the Infosys ADS does not have an economically significant influence on the Stock. This supports the efficient market hypothesis. However, unlike current research which finds an absence of influence of the Indian markets on America’s, this study finds that the Infosys stock has a statistically and economically significant influence on its ADS. Thus, market-wide results cannot be extended to specific stocks without a separate analysis. This article is available in Undergraduate Economic Review: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol4/iss1/8 Undergraduate Economic Review A Publication of Illinois Wesleyan University Vol. IV-2007-2008 INFOSYS: An Analysis of the Degree of Covariance Between the Firm’s Nationally Traded Stock and its American Depositary Shares (ADS)
Triple Point Technology

The founding CEO of Triple Point Technology, Peter Armstrong, was considering the sale of the company. The company specialized in providing its clients with software used for transaction processing and risk management in various commodity markets. Triple Point Technology had grown substantially in its 13 years of existence and potentially was a source of a significant amount of wealth for its owners. The sale was prompted by a co-founder who wanted to sell his share of the business. The case explores the rationale for owners to monetize at least a portion of their company's value, the sales process, and compares two different offers from the perspective of the company's executives that will have a significant continuing interest in it.Learning Objective:The case explores the rationale for owners to monetize at least a portion of their company's value, the sales process, and compares two different offers from the perspective of the company's executives that will have a significant continuing interest in it.
Equivalence theorem redux.

The equivalence theorem states that amplitudes involving longitudinal vector bosons are equal to those with the corresponding unphysical scalars in the limit {ital M}{sub {ital W}}{sup 2}/s{r arrow}0. There are two ways to approach this limit, depending on whether {ital M}{sub {ital W}}/{ital M}{sub {ital H}}{r arrow}0 or {ital M}{sub {ital H}}{sup 2}/s{r arrow}0. We show that the theorem has a different physical interpretation in each limit, but its validity in both depends only on the wave-function renormalization of the unphysical Goldstone bosons. We derive a condition that the renormalization parameters must satisfy in order for the theorem to hold. We show that this condition is satisfied in the first limit, appropriate to the heavy-Higgs-boson regime, if momentum subtraction at a scale {ital m}{much lt}{ital M}{sub {ital H}} is used. With this prescription, the theorem is true to lowest nonzero order in {ital g} and to all orders in the Higgs-boson coupling.
Some remarks about continuity properties of local Maxwellians and an existence theorem for the BGK model of the Boltzmann Equation

Continuity of local Maxwellians in various topologies of L/sup 1/ is studied. The existence and convergence of approximate solutions of the nonlinear BGK model of the Boltzmann equation are proved.
Catch of the day: forceps removal of embedded fish bone.

From the Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology (R.C.G., J.T.B.) and Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition (R.E.C.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, 1740 West Taylor Street, MC 931, Chicago, IL 60612. Received June 5, 2013; revised and accepted June 6, 2013. Address correspondence to R.C.G.; E-mail: rgaba@uic.edu None of the authors have identified a c
[Ni(MeCN)(H2O)2(NO3)2]·(15-crown-5)·MeCN: detailed study of a four-phase sequence that includes an intermediate modulated phase

A sequence of four phases has been found for an acetonitrile-solvated co-crystal with 15-crown-5 of the nickel complex [acetonitrilediaqua-κ1O-nitrato-κ2O-nitratonickel(II)]. The structure could be determined at intervals of ca 10 K in the range 90–273 K because crystals remain single through the three transitions. In phase (I) (T ≥ ca 240 K; P21/m, Z′ = ½), there is extensive disorder, which is mostly resolved in phase (III) (ca 230–145 K; P21/c, Z′ = 1). Phase (IV) (ca 145–90 K, and probably below; P\overline 1, Z′ = 2) is ordered. Phase (II) (ca 238–232 K) is modulated, but the satellite reflections are too weak to allow the structure to be determined within its stability range by standard methods. Most crystals that were flash-cooled from room temperature to 90 K have a metastable P21, Z′ = 5 superstructure that (at least in a commensurate approximation) was identified as similar to the structure of phase (II) by comparison of reconstructed reciprocal-lattice slices and by analogy with the phase behavior of the very similar compound [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2·(15-crown-5)·2H2O [Siegler et al. (2011). Acta Cryst. B67, 486–498]. In the phase (II) structure slab-like regions that are like the disordered phase (I) structure alternate with regions of similar shape and size that are like the more ordered phase (III) structure.
Partner commitment, gender, and depressive symptoms for expectant cohabitors

Using the inertia model, we test how personal commitment is associated with depressive symptoms in a sample of coupled male and female cohabitors expecting their first child together in the United States (N = 128 individuals). Using an Actor Partner Interdependence Model, we find, as expected, higher depressive symptoms are reported by women whose male partners are lower on personal commitment. To identify and understand individuals most at risk for depressive symptoms, we discuss the need to study gender in combination with partner commitment in a population of individuals who are increasingly growing in prevalence in the United States.
Functional and structural characteristics of EGF and its receptor and their relationship to transforming proteins

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a peptide which effects the growth and/or differentiated functions of many cell types. Several pieces of evidence indicate that EGF and its receptor may play a role in carcinogenesis. Functional and structural characteristics of EGF and its receptor and their relationship to transforming proteins are discussed. EGF has extensive homology with alpha-transforming growth factor (alpha-TGF), which may actually be an embryonic form of EGF. Nevertheless, both EGF and alpha-TGF elicit transformation-associated phenotypes in target cells under certain conditions. EGF effects are mediated by a receptor present on the plasma membrane. The EGF receptor is a highly complex protein having several functions in addition to binding EGF in a highly specific manner. One of these functions is to phosphorylate tyrosyl residues on certain proteins. This activity is similar to that expressed by the src family of oncogene-encoded proteins. Besides sharing functional homology the EGF receptor also exhibits structural homology to several oncogene-encoded proteins. The v-erb-B-transforming protein has a striking extent of homology (95%) to the cytoplasmic portion of the EGF receptor. These data support the concept that some aspect of EGF-stimulated metabolism is involved in cellular transformation.
A monoclonal antibody that neutralizes Epstein-Barr virus, human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, and bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerases.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody (mAb) designated 55H3 was produced by using chemically induced Epstein-Barr virus genome-positive B95-8 cells. mAb 55H3, which reacted with an 85- to 80-kDa polypeptide, neutralized Epstein-Barr virus-encoded DNA polymerase activity in crude extracts of chemically induced M-ABA, HR-1, and B95-8 cells, as well as the partially purified Epstein-Barr virus DNA polymerase in a dose-dependent manner. The mAb also neutralized the virus-encoded DNA polymerase activity from cells infected with human cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, and the purified bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerases. However, mAb 55H3 did not neutralize the DNA polymerase activities encoded for by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, the reverse transcriptase of avian myeloblastosis virus, or Escherichia coli DNA polymerase 1 (Klenow fragment). These results suggest that mAb 55H3 recognizes an epitope common to some herpesviruses and T4 DNA polymerases and further supports the hypothesis that these organisms are evolutionarily related.
Decoherence between the initial and final state radiation in a dense QCD medium

Abstract We study medium modifications to the interference pattern between initial and final state radiation. We compute single gluon production off a highly energetic parton that undergoes a hard scattering and subsequently crosses a dense QCD medium of finite size. Multiple soft scatterings with the medium are resumed within the harmonic oscillator approximation. We find the decoherence of correlated partons traversing the medium depends on two scales: the medium length L and the decorrelation time of the gluon due to the medium τ f . This interplay gives origin to two different asymptotic limits of the gluon spectrum: the coherent ( τ f ≫ L ) and incoherent regime ( τ f ≪ L ). We discuss the main characteristics of each regime. We show that in both cases there is a gradual onset of decoherence between the initial and final state radiation due to multiple scatterings, that opens the phase space for large angle emissions. We comment on the phenomenological consequences (such as radiative energy loss) of this setup in pA collisions.