cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Duration of poor performance and risk shifting by hedge fund managers

Abstract A typical hedge fund manager receives greater compensation after strong performance but does not lose compensation after weak performance, and therefore might take on more risk for the second half of the year after poor returns in the first half. We refer to this as “risk shifting.” However, continual risk shifting over a long period would likely make the fund too volatile to attract investors. We find that hedge funds with poor first-half-year performance do tend to increase risk during the second half-year. The effect is larger for funds that began the year “under water” and for smaller funds. The effect is smaller, however, if the poor performance lasts long.
Managing Conflict in Africa: Workable Solutions and Recommendations

Despite general assumptions, ethnic diversity is not the most significant factor contributing to identity-based conflict in Africa. Many ethnic groups live in peace through intermarriages, tolerance, and the sharing of resources. People do not kill each other just because of their differing identities. The most significant cause of identity-based conflict is when political elites use ethnicity as a means to political and economic power. The chapter draws attention to political solution including promoting democratic principles, developing capacity building measures at all levels, promoting grassroots courts, ensuring judicial accountability, implementing fair and transparent distribution of economic resources, developing regional conflict resolution strategy, and implementing inclusive and responsible governance system.
Reversible photo-induced doping in WSe2 field effect transistors

We report a reversible photo-induced doping effect in two-dimensional (2D) tungsten diselenide (WSe2) field effect transistors on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) substrates under low-intensity visible light illumination (∼10 nW μm-2). Our experimental results have shown that this reversible doping process is mainly attributed to two types of defects in h-BN substrates. Moreover, the photo-doped WSe2 transistors can be stable for more than one week in a dark environment and maintain the high on/off ratio (108) and carrier mobility, since there are no additional impurities involved during the photo-induced doping process to increase the columbic scattering in the conducting channel. These fundamental studies not only provide an accessible strategy to control the charge doping level and then to achieve a writing/erasing process in 2D transistors, but also shed light on the defect states and interfaces in 2D materials.
Hydrodealkenylative C(sp 3 )-C(sp 2 ) bond fragmentation.

Chemical synthesis typically relies on reactions that generate complexity through elaboration of simple starting materials. Less common are deconstructive strategies toward complexity-particularly those involving carbon-carbon bond scission. Here, we introduce one such transformation: the hydrodealkenylative cleavage of C(sp3)-C(sp2) bonds, conducted below room temperature, using ozone, an iron salt, and a hydrogen atom donor. These reactions are performed in nonanhydrous solvents and open to the air; reach completion within 30 minutes; and deliver their products in high yields, even on decagram scales. We have used this broadly functionality tolerant transformation to produce desirable synthetic intermediates, many of which are optically active, from abundantly available terpenes and terpenoid-derived precursors. We have also applied it in the formal total syntheses of complex molecules.
Abstract MP027: Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction with Diet and Exercise is Attenuated in Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and prediabetes (preDM) are insulin resistant conditions associated with being overweight or obese. Increased BP and excessive abdominal fat further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in these conditions. Exercise reduces BP and abdominal fat independent of weight loss. We hypothesized that a weight loss diet plus supervised exercise training will produce greater reductions in BP and abdominal fat than diet alone in individuals with T2DM and preDM. Methods: This prospective clinical trial randomized persons aged 35–65 yrs with T2DM or preDM to 6-months of either an American Diabetes Association weight loss diet (D); or D combined with supervised moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise training 3 times per week (D+E). Diabetes was defined as having fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl or currently on oral hypoglycemic medication. Prediabetes was defined as having fasting glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL. Results: Fifty five participants (55.9 ± 7.3 years; 27 T2DM, 28 preDM) completed the study (24 D; 31 D+E). At baseline, there were no group differences in the following, and the combined values (mean ± SD) are: body weight (96.8 ± 16.1 kg), BP (126.7 ± 14.3 / 73.0 ± 8.4 mmHg) and total abdominal fat (711.9 ± 143.5 g) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. At 6 months, reductions from baseline were observed in both groups for body weight (D: −6.1 ± 3.7 %; D+E: −6.9 ± 4.1 %), BP (D:−7.7 ± 13.1 / −5.7 ± 7.1 mmHg; D+E: −8.8 ± 17.1 / −4.6 ± 9.2 mmHg) and abdominal fat (D: −102.0 ± 68.6 g; D+E: ± −98.7 ± 72.7 g) (all p-values Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, adding exercise to diet did not further reduce SBP or abdominal fat. A novel finding that emerged from these data is that despite similar weight loss with both programs, the mean reduction in SBP was approximately 7 mmHg less in T2DM compared to those with preDM. These data suggest that the factors responsible for improved BP with diet and exercise extend beyond total body weight lost or changes in central obesity, and that these factors may be modified with T2DM.
Calculation and Corporate Tax Incentives

Amazon’s HQ2 campaign drew both large support at the possibility of job creation and backlash for perceived cronyism. In this paper we evaluate corporate tax incentive policies in light of the Austrian contribution to the problem of economic calculation. In doing so we highlight the contextual nature of the knowledge problem associated with policy packages and the potential cronyism arising from such a problem. We argue that because political decision-makers lack the knowledge generated via competition in the market process, they are unable to allocate resources in a way that achieves economic growth. In the place of this knowledge, they tend to gain knowledge from the political process which helps them respond to political incentives and rent-seeking behavior by special-interest groups.
Epidural bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine versus bupivacaine and opioids for lower vascular surgery

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine as a good alternative to other adjuvants like fentanyl in epidural anesthesia. Patients and methods Ninety patients between the age of 40 and 60 years with American Statistical Association status I–III planned for elective lower abdomen surgery were enrolled in a double-blind comparative study. Patients were randomized to one of three group: group A (n = 30) patients received bupivacaine, group B (n = 30) patients received bupivacaine and fentanyl, and group D (n = 30) patients received bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine. Result Regarding demographic data, no statistically significant difference was observed among the three groups. There was a statistically highly significant difference in onset of sensory block, time to achieve peak sensory level, two-segment regression time, and duration of sensory block among the three groups. In motor block, there was a statistically highly significant difference in onset of motor block and duration of motor block. Conclusion The use of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine was a good alternative to other adjuvants like fentanyl in epidural anesthesia, and dexmedetomidine had an edge over fentanyl as an adjuvant when used with bupivacaine in epidural anesthesia.
A simple machine learning assignment for an introductory C programming class: nifty assignment

AUDIENCE: This activity-assignment sequence is used in an introductory C programming class that is typically taken by computer science majors with two semesters of Java programming and engineering majors who have been introduced to Matlab programming. It is normally used after students are comfortable with function calls, arrays, structs, and text file processing. If students have not yet learned structs, parallel arrays can be used. If they have not yet studied file processing, a simple static library can be provided to read data from a file into an array. The sequence comprises two parts, which are described below.
Porcine skin damage thresholds for multiple-pulse laser exposure at 1940 nm

Advances in fiber laser technology have resulted in the increased use and availability of several high-power laser systems operating in the mid-infrared band with short switching times and high modulation rates. The current American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1-2014) defines the calculation of the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) on the skin in terms of the exposure duration a single pulse or the total exposure time limit, and is based on continuous-wave laser skin exposure minimum visible lesion (MVL) data. This study determined the MVL data thresholds in Yucatan miniature pig skin for multiple-pulse 1940-nm laser exposures with pulse repetition frequencies (PRFs) of 100, 200, and 1000 Hz, and trains of 300, 1000, or 3000 pulses. The individual pulse duration in each exposure train was 500 µs. We report the MVL thresholds as the median effective dose (ED50) based on varying individual pulse energy. The results highlight the effect of PRF on the thresholds for multiple-pulse cases. Comparison with the existing ANSI Z136.1 MPE limits provides a calculation of the safety margin for each parameter case.
The cooperative assembly of shelterin bridge provides a kinetic gateway that controls telomere length homeostasis

Shelterin is a six-proteins complex that coats chromosome ends to ensure their proper protection and maintenance. Similar to the human shelterin, fission yeast shelterin is composed of telomeric double- and single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, Taz1 and Pot1, respectively, bridged by Rap1, Poz1, and Tpz1. The assembly of the proteinaceous Tpz1-Poz1-Rap1 complex occurs cooperatively and disruption of this shelterin bridge leads to unregulated telomere elongation. However, how this biophysical property of bridge assembly is integrated into shelterin function is not known. Here, utilizing synthetic bridges with a range of binding properties, we find that synthetic shelterin bridge lacking cooperativity requires a linker pair that matches the native bridge in complex lifespan but has dramatically higher affinity. We find that cooperative assembly confers kinetic properties on the shelterin bridge allowing disassembly to function as a molecular timer, regulating the duration of the telomere open state, and consequently telomere lengthening to achieve a defined species-specific length range. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.
Transcriptome Comparison of the organ of Corti in chick and zebrafish

Abstract Hearing loss is mammalian species is hard to restore, while birds and other species can regenerate hair cells after the damage like noise exposure or old age. Here we try to make a comparison of the transcriptome in the chicken, and zebrafish. We first make a comparison of gene expression at different stages of the key genes that regulate the regeneration of the inner hair cell or other types of hair cells. Then we compared the key genes in different species. We hope the comparison can offer a good view of the gene expression in the regeneration process and shed new light on the potential candidate genes that will further investigate to help the treatment of hearing loss.
Consumer acceptance of voice-activated smart home devices for product information seeking and online ordering

Abstract This paper explores how voice-activated smart home devices (SHDs) like Amazon Alexa and Google Home influence consumers' retail information seeking and ordering behaviors. The impacts of device utility and hedonic perceptions of voice are examined in an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The authors augment existing principles of technology acceptance theories by adding specific drivers of opinion-seeking behavior to better comprehend consumers’ perceptions of device utility for online retail activity. Both gender and generation were found to influence consumer intentions to use SHDs for online ordering of products. A rationale for future research on consumer interaction with SHDs is offered.
Strategic assessment and mitigation of risks in sustainable manufacturing systems

Abstract In this paper, different risk issue related in sustainable manufacturing system has been studied for performance measurement. Risks such as supply risks, operational risks, disruption risk, transportation risk, financial risks and demanad risks are identified through literature and considered for the analysis. The main objective of this paper is to quantify the impact of risks in sustainable manufacturing system using Graph Theoretic Approach (GTA) and to suggest some risk mitigation techniques .
Malingering of Executive Functioning in Head Injury Litigation

Executive functioning can be adversely affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI), and executive dysfunction is associated with functional impairment and disability following TBI. Thus, assessment of executive functioning is critical to the overall assessment of individuals with TBI. However, a large number of non-TBI injury factors contribute to poor executive functioning, including other clinical conditions, comorbidities, and premorbid factors. Another important factor is noncredible presentation/malingering, which includes both noncredible self-report and noncredible performance on neuropsychological tests. The present chapter reviews the research on use of performance validity tests (PVTs) in the detection of malingered executive dysfunction in TBI presentations. Embedded PVTs from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Category Test, verbal and semantic fluency tests, Stroop tasks, and the Trail Making Test are critically reviewed. We also explore emerging literature on the use of physiological indices (p300 response) and self/collateral report of executive dysfunction as indicators of noncredible presentation of executive function deficits in TBI. The need for further validation of executive function-based PVTs and for validity scales on self/collateral measures of executive function skills, is emphasized.
COVID-19 pandemic sparks Michigan local leaders’ concerns for fiscal health

This report presents Michigan local government leaders’ assessments of their jurisdictions’ fiscal conditions and the actions they plan to take in the coming year given their financial situations. The findings are based on responses from 12 statewide survey waves of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) conducted annually each spring from 2009 through 2020. The Spring 2020 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) was conducted between March 30 and June 1, 2020.
GMU Korea: Challenges And Innovations

Location: Engineering Building 2903 NOTE: This is a co-located workshop, meaning that it is open to both ITL attendees and the broader Mason community. You do not have to be registered for the conference to attend this session. Some of our faculty are experienced international teachers, while some of us are experienced faculty but new to the international venue. We have learned from each other about a variety of issues, such as Korean student and parent expectations, English language challenges, the use of technology in teaching long-distance research, and the wide range of student preparation coming into college. Our students include mostly Korean, but also American, European, Indian, and others. We will discuss how we provide an American college experience while accommodating Korean traditions and Korean student and parent expectations. This panel will discuss these and other issues, and then take questions from the audience. The purpose of this panel is to share the challenges and successes of teaching at GMU Korea and share information about how Mason faculty can apply to teach on the Mason Korea campus.
Abandon Ship or Stay on Board

Abstract. How do people respond when their group’s power is threatened? Four studies suggest that threats to group power lead people to adhere to and invest in their group. When a personally import...
Evolutionary Origin of Electrical Excitability

Other chapters in this volume invoke synapses, transmitters, channels, and second messengers as cellular elements of learning. This chapter considers the evolutionary origins of these elements, particularly ionic channels. * Apparently each of the elements is present in the first animals with a nervous system, and we are as yet not aware of major improvements made through subsequent evolution. Thus, if these are indeed the prerequisites of learning, we can expect that mechanisms of learning have broad similarities across taxonomic boundaries. More complex accounts of this subject have been given in Hille (1984, 1987), where full references for many of the statements made here may be found.
A document-document similarity measure based on cited titles and probability theory, and its application to relevance feedback retrieval

The use of cited title terms of a scientific document for automatic indexing is explored. It offers a means of index term selection as well as term relevance weighting, based on author-provided relevance information and Bayes Theorem as in probabilistic retrieval. The latter quantitative consideration leads to a new measure of document-document similarity measure which is shown to have importance both for initial search and in relevance feedback retrieval, by offering a choice of iterative strategies.Extension of the concept of cited title terms to citing title terms shows that these two approaches are compatible with the current two competing models of probability of relevance for document retrieval (Robertson et al. 1982), if a document can also be regarded as a query. Their term usage may therefore provide the necessary statistics for parameter estimation to test both theories.
Autoantibodies against retinal proteins in paraneoplastic and autoimmune retinopathy

Background Autoimmune retinal degeneration may occur in patients who present with sudden or, less commonly, subacute loss of vision of retinal origin, associated with an abnormal ERG, through the action of autoantibodies against retinal proteins. Often the patients are initially diagnosed with or suspected of having a paraneoplastic retinopathy (PR), such as cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). However, there is limited information on the occurrence, the specificity of autoantibodies in these patients, and their association with clinical symptoms.
An approximate upper bound approach for the single-grit rotating scratch with a conical tool on pure metal

An upper bound model has been proposed for the single-grit rotating scratch with a conical tool on a rigid perfectly-plastic material. The model was validated experimentally with a newly-developed technique to make scratches on annealed pure titanium. It has been realized that the built-up edge (BUE) governs the material removal process of the rotating scratch. The current model makes use of the modification of BUE to the tool configuration so that the discretization of plastic region in the vicinity of the tool becomes feasible. The features of side-ridge and front-ridge, BUE and sub-layer plastic zone have been found to be evolving in different ways during the rotating scratch. Three material removal mechanisms were uncovered to be involved with the rotating scratch process, namely, plastic (shear) deformation, contact friction and ductile fracture. In the first-half of the scratch, the first two mechanisms dominate the process, while in the second-half, the ductile fracture plays an active role as evidenced by the extensive tearing along the both banks of scratch.
Low molecular weight pineal and cerebral fractions affecting insulin secretion in vitro.

Abstract Studies were performed to examine the effects of various fractions of pineal gland origin upon rates of immunoreactive insulin release during short-term incubations of pancreatic islets from pinealectomized rats. Fractions of cerebral cortex were employed in control incubations. An ultrafiltrate of pineal extracts containing materials of molecular weight ⩽ 1000 daltons stimulated insulin release while fractions of greater molecular weight were without effect. The stimulation of insulin release observed with the lower molecular weight pineal fraction was seen with both nonstimulatory (2 mM) and stimulatory (10 and 30 mM) medium glucose concentrations, but was abolished in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol (200 μM). Upon further fractionation of the low molecular weight pineal extract, fractions I (estimated molecular weight range 700–1000 daltons) and II (estimated molecular weight range 180–700 daltons) exhibited comparable stimulatory effects upon islet insulin release; similar effects were observed with cerebral cortical fractions in these molecular weight ranges. However, pineal fraction III (estimated molecular weight range We conclude that insulinotropic constituents) of similar molecular weight occur in pineal gland and cerebral cortex, and that the pineal insulinotropic activity stimulates active insulin secretion by the islets independently of concomitant stimulation by glucose; however, lower molecular weight insulinostatic constituents) are notable only in the pineal. It is suggested that mild hyperinsulinemia seen in pinealectomized rats under some circumstances may occur as a result of loss of the pineal insulinostatic factor(s).
Microbial sealants do not decrease surgical site infection for clean-contaminated colorectal procedures

Surgical site infections (SSI) are costly complications that may cause significant morbidity and increase the cost of care, particularly in colorectal surgery. Microbial sealants (MS) are a new class of wound barriers aimed at decreasing SSI; however, there is only evidence of benefit in clean class 1 procedures. Based on its success in class 1 procedures, we hypothesized that a microbial sealant could reduce the rate of SSI by half for clean-contaminated colorectal procedures (class 2). This was a single institution, multihospital, prospective, randomized study approved by the institutional review board. The primary objective was to determine the rate of SSI when microbial sealant (InteguSeal© Kimberly-Clark) is used compared to control (no microbial sealant). Data collected included: open versus laparoscopy, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes and morbidity [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class], hospital readmission, reoperation and wound dehiscence. Enrolled subjects received the same preoperative mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics, operative skin preparation (Chloraprep), Surgical Care Improvement Project guidelines implementation), and postoperative care glycemic control for diabetics. A total of 100 subjects were recruited over 15 months (MS-50; no MS-50). The overall incidence of SSI was 12 %, 14 % (7/50) in the MS versus 10 % (5/50) in the no MS group (p = 0.545). SSI incidence with and without microbial sealant was not significantly different in either the open or the laparoscopic subgroup. Laparoscopy decreased absolute risk of SSI by 16 %. Secondary data (age, BMI, diabetes, ASA) and tertiary data (readmission, reoperation, wound dehiscence) were positively correlated with SSI. Microbial sealant as employed in this study did not appear to offer any benefit in a class 2 (clean contaminated) operative procedure when perioperative care is standardized. The relative benefit of laparoscopy was also confirmed but unaffected by use of the microbial sealant.
Structural Analysis of Reconstituted Lipoproteins Containing the N-Terminal Domain of Apolipoprotein B

Apolipoproteins play a central role in lipoprotein metabolism, and are directly implicated in cardiovascular diseases, but their structural characterization has been complicated by their structural flexibility and heterogeneity. Here we describe the structural characterization of the N-terminal region of apolipoprotein B (apoB), the major protein component of very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein, in the presence of phospholipids. Specifically, we focus on the N-terminal 6.4–17% of apoB (B6.4-17) complexed with the phospholipid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine in vitro. In addition to circular dichroism spectroscopy and limited proteolysis, our strategy incorporates nanogold-labeling of the protein in the reconstituted lipoprotein complex followed by visualization and molecular weight determination with scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging. Based on the scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging analysis of ∼1300 individual particles where the B6.4-17 is labeled with nanogold through a six-His tag, most complexes contain either two or three B6.4-17 molecules. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and limited proteolysis of these reconstituted particles indicate that there are no large conformational changes in B6.4-17 upon lipoprotein complex formation. This is in contrast to the large structural changes that occur during apolipoprotein A-I-lipid interactions. The method described here allows a direct measurement of the stoichiometry and molecular weight of individual particles, rather than the average of the entire sample. Thus, it represents a useful strategy to characterize the structure of lipoproteins, which are not structurally uniform, but can still be defined by an ensemble of related patterns.
Women's experience with breast biopsy.

ABSTRACT •THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY was to obtain descriptions of the perioperative experiences of women who underwent breast biopsies with local anesthesia. Twenty-two participants were interviewed, and open-ended questions were used to allow the woment to describe their experiences. •DATA ANALYSIS REVEALED three major themes—certitude, care, and justice. The women's most pervasive need was to have the biopsy results as soon as possible. They viewed the surgical phase of the biopsy as a stepping-stone to achieving certitude associated with having the pathology results. •THE SURGICAL PHASE of the biopsy did not hold as much significance for the women as the researcher had anticipated. AORN J 80 (November 2004) 885–901.
The posteriorly tilted dens A normal variation mimicking a fractured dens

The normal dens occasionally can be posteriorly tilted and in such cases, can mimic a fractured, posteriorly tilted, dens. Differentiation of the two conditions depends on: [1] knowledge that this normal variation of the dens occurs, and [2] demonstrating that no fracture exists. In many cases, this latter determination can be accomplished on plain films, but in other cases, laminography is required.
CP violation and flavor-changing-currents at μ+μ− colliders

Production and decay (CP) asymmetries at μ + μ − collider, in extensions of the Standard Model (SM) are reported. Production asymmetries appear to be very promising for a large range of parameters, decays are less effective. Importance of flavor-changing scalar currents involving the top are emphasized. At lepton colliders, the tc¯ final state is uniquely suited for such searches. At a muon collider there is the novel possibility of tree level μ + μ − → tc¯ . This talk is based on works done in collaboration with David Atwood and Laura Reina [1–4].
Applying ranking SVM in query relaxation

We propose an approach QRRS (Query Relaxative Ranking SVM) that divides a ranking function into different relaxation steps, so that only cheap features are used in Ranking SVM of early steps for query efficiency. We show search quality in the approach is improved compared to conventional Ranking SVM.
Violence Against Police Officers Are Female Officers at Greater Risk

Violence against officers is an important topic not only because of the negative consequences to the officer but also because it is at the core of one of the most debated issues regarding female officers—their ability to deal with hostile citizens. Using arrest data from several metropolitan departments, the research compared gender differences in assaults on officers, as well as situational and individual officer factors related to the assaults. The findings suggest that when compared to male officers, female officers are at an increased risk for being assaulted in family conflict situations. Furthermore, the results suggest that female officers are at the greatest risk of being assaulted in family conflict situations when the assailant is impaired. More research is needed to better understand why family conflict situations and intoxicated assailants are especially dangerous for female officers and what policies can be instituted to mitigate this potentially threatening situation.
Impact of motion along the field direction on geometric-phase-induced false electric dipole moment signals

Abstract Geometric-phase-induced false electric dipole moment (EDM) signals, resulting from interference between magnetic field gradients and particle motion in electric fields, have been studied extensively in the literature, especially for neutron EDM experiments utilizing stored ultracold neutrons and co-magnetometer atoms. Previous studies have considered particle motion in the transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of the applied electric and magnetic fields. We show, via Monte Carlo studies, that motion along the field direction can impact the magnitude of this false EDM signal if the wall surfaces are rough such that the wall collisions can be modeled as diffuse, with the results dependent on the size of the storage cell's dimension along the field direction.
Ribosomal protein mRNAs increase dramatically during Xenopus development.

Abstract The amount of messenger RNA per microgram of rRNA increases three- to fourfold during Xenopus early development. This increase is the same when measured by stimulation of in vitro protein synthesis or by poly(U) hybridization. The increase in mRNA per embryo therefore is approximately six- to eightfold since the ribosome content doubles between fertilization and the stage 41 tadpole. The amount of ribosomal protein mRNA, as assayed by in vitro protein synthesis, also increases dramatically during early development. This increase is much more pronounced than the general increase in mRNA content, i.e., there is a dramatic increase in the abundance as well as the amount of the ribosomal protein mRNA. Since ribosomal protein mRNAs are predominantly small mRNAs, the increase in ribosomal protein mRNA abundance contributes to the general decrease in the average size of pA + RNA that occurs during early development in Xenopus .
"The greatest surprise for everyone"--notes on the 50th anniversary of the double helix.

“It is the molecule which has style, quite as much as the scientists,” Francis Crick wrote in 1974, for the 21st anniversary of the elucidation of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA.1 Austerely elegant, stupendously parsimonious, and shocking in its explanatory power, the double helix pervades all thinking about the nature of the gene — the transmission and expression of hereditary characters. Max Delbruck said it, in a conversation at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, on a summer's day in 1972: “Nobody, absolutely nobody, until the day of the Watson–Crick structure (Figure 1), had thought that the specificity might be . . .
Changes in γ-aminobutyric acid, μ-opioid and neurotensin receptors in the accumbens-pallidal projection after discrete quinolinic acid lesions in the nucleus accumbens

Abstract Discrete quinolinic acid lesions in the nucleus accumbens altered [3H]muscimol binding to γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, [125I]neurotensin binding to neurotensin receptors, [125I]Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-NMePhe-Gly-OH binding to μ-opioid receptors, and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding to muscarinic receptors. Within lesions of the lateral accumbens core, [3H]muscimol binding increased and [125I]Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-NMePhe-Gly-OH, [125I]eurotensin and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding decreased. Lesions of the medial nucleus accumbens resulted in decreased [125I]Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-NMePhe-Gly-OH and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding while no alterations were observed for [3H]muscimol or [125I]neurotensin binding. These data support anatomical distinctions between medial and lateral nucleus accumbens. Destruction of intrinsic neurons in the dorsomedial nucleus accumbens core increased [3H]muscimol binding in the dorsal rim of the ventral pallidum and the rostral globus pallidus without altering [125I]Tyr- d -Ala-Gly-NMePhe-Gly-OH binding. Destruction of neurons in the lateral nucleus accumbens core or medial shell did not alter [3H]muscimol binding in the ventral pallidum. The lack of upregulation in γ-aminobutyric acid receptors suggests that the γ-aminobutyric acid-containing projection from the dorsomedial core to the dorsal rim of the ventral pallidum differs from the projection from the lateral accumbens core and medial shell to the more ventral regions of the pallidum. Fluoro-gold retrogade tracer histochemistry confirmed the specific projection from the dorsomedial core to the dorsal ventral pallidum; and from the shell of the nucleus accumbens to more ventral regions of the ventral pallidum.
Bringing Multiples Home

Bringing multiples home differs from bringing home a single newborn. Mothers have experienced a more challenging pregnancy; a multiples pregnancy often results in a preterm delivery. As a result, bringing multiples home requires different discharge planning, preparation, and parent education to ensure each multiple receives the nurturing and physical care needed to thrive.
Exploring the dimensions of consumer privacy: an analysis of coverage in british and american media

Abstract This study examines how consumer privacy issues have been perceived over time and across cultures through the analysis of media coverage of the issue in England and the United States over the past 33 years. A major cross-cultural difference was that Americans have expressed more concern about interactional privacy issues (such as intrusions into individuals’ lives through the receipt of direct mail and telephone solicitations). While the British have been primarily concerned with informational privacy issues (such as the collection and exchange of information about individuals). Other differences in coverage over time and across cultures are also presented, and implications for direct marketers are discussed.
Determination of Ice Cream Mix Freezing Points: A Comparison of Methods

Abstract Ten batches of ice cream mix, varying in composition, were prepared. Mix freezing points were calculated by a formula method, determined by an osmometer, and the results of two methods were compared. Mix freezing points calculated by the formula method ranged from −2.36 to −3.59°C (−2.741°C mean); freezing points determined by the osmometer ranged from −2.40 to −3.53°C (−2.745°C mean). Comparative results of these methods differed by an average of .04±.02°C. The correlation coefficient between the two methods was .996, and there was no significant difference between them.
Carbon isotope effects during the pyrolytic formation of early methane from carbonaceous materials

Abstract The amounts and stable carbon isotope compositions of early methane formed during closed system pyrolysis of 4 coal samples of different ranks, 6 lipid-free shales of different maturities, and 1 topped crude oil were determined as a function of time. Except for 1 sample of anthracite coal, the isotopic compositions of the first methane were isotopically heavy relative to later formed methane. A carbon-12 rich peak was generally observed for a total accumulated methane to parent carbon mole ratio of about 0.01–0.03. These changes are discussed in terms of shifts from carbonium ion to free radical mechanisms and carbon isotope heterogeneities in the methane precursor functional groups.
Dictionary Learning Based Color Demosaicing for Plenoptic Cameras

Recently plenoptic cameras have gained much attention, as they capture the 4D light field of a scene which is useful for numerous computer vision and graphics applications. Similar to traditional digital cameras, plenoptic cameras use a color filter array placed onto the image sensor so that each pixel only samples one of three primary color values. A color demosaicing algorithm is then used to generate a full-color plenoptic image, which often introduces color aliasing artifacts. In this paper, we propose a dictionary learning based demosaicing algorithm that recovers a full-color light field from a captured plenoptic image using sparse optimization. Traditional methods consider only spatial correlations between neighboring pixels on a captured plenoptic image. Our method takes advantage of both spatial and angular correlations inherent in naturally occurring light fields. We demonstrate that our method outperforms traditional color demosaicing methods by performing experiments on a wide variety of scenes.
Association between Breast Density and Subsequent Breast Cancer Following Treatment for Ductal Carcinoma In situ

Background: Risk of invasive cancer following treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is associated with both treatment- and tumor-related factors. However, it is unknown whether stromal factors such as breast density may also influence subsequent invasive breast events. We investigated whether breast density is an independent predictor of subsequent breast events among women treated for DCIS. Population: A prospective cohort study of 3,274 women ages 30 to 93 in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium treated with lumpectomy for DCIS between 1993 and 2005. All subjects had an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) breast density measure recorded prior to diagnosis. Methods: Ipsilateral and contralateral breast cancer following lumpectomy for DCIS were ascertained through state tumor registries, regional Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program or pathology databases. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare adjusted risk of breast cancer among women with high (BI-RADS 3 or 4) versus low (BI-RADS 1 or 2) breast density. Results: During a median follow-up period of 39 months (0-132 months), 133 women developed invasive breast cancer. After adjusting for age and radiation treatment, high breast density was associated with increased hazard for contralateral (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-6.1) but not ipsilateral (hazard ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.6) invasive breast events. Conclusion: High breast density is associated with contralateral, but not ipsilateral, invasive breast cancer following lumpectomy for DCIS. Thus, women with DCIS and high breast density may especially benefit from antiestrogenic therapy to reduce the risk of contralateral invasive disease. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(12):2587–93)
SU-E-T-204: Improving Multiple Isocenter Coincidence: Elekta Beam Modulator with HexaPOD Six Degrees Couchtop

Purpose: With evolution from frame-based to image-guided SRS/SRT technique, the coincidence of multiple isocenters must be within a tight tolerance: MV, kV, table mechanical, and, in this case, HexaPOD 6° patient positioning system. Reported here is a method for improving the effectiveness of an isocenter alignment procedure which ultimately led to isocenter coincidence on an Elekta Beam Modulator LINAC equipped with 4 mm MLC leaves and a fixed secondary jaw to within a radius of 1mm. Methods: Utilizing a self-leveling laser, the Elekta ball (BB) bearing phantom (8mm steel ball), the Modus QA Isocenter Cube software, and a colleague-provided isocenter alignment method, the kV, table mechanical, and HexaPOD isocenters were localized to the MV isocenter. Isocenter coincidence was tested using the Isocenter Cube from Modus QA, brought to kV isocenter using CBCT and the HexaPOD system. MV images were taken at various gantry, collimator, and couch angles and then analyzed with the aforementioned software to determine coincidence of the 5mm steel ball at cube center with MV isocenter. To improve overall coincidence, two errors were addressed iteratively: (1) LINAC mechanical and radiation isocenter coincidence allowing each isocenter volume to have similar variations during gantry and collimator rotation and (2) collimator rotational walkout which reduced the size of both mechanical and radiation isocenters. Beam steering was performed to bring MV isocenter closer to mechanical and collimator walkout was adjusted by physically shifting the MLC bank. Initial procedures were repeated to align all isocenters and perform regular checks for consistency. Results: Post-initial alignment revealed a maximum diameter of 1.8mm for MV isocenter and maximum isocenter alignment error of up to 1.22mm radius which improved to roughly 1.0mm MV isocenter diameter and <0.71mm radius alignment error with a consistency within 0.25mm. Conclusion: With the methods described, all isocenters were brought into alignment within a radius of 1mm.
Demonstration of harmonic lasing in a free-electron laser

It has long been known that gain exists at the odd harmonics of a free-electron laser. Using a dispersive intracavity element to alter the cavity lengths for the fundamental and harmonic lasing, we have demonstrated harmonic lasing between 1.4 and 1.8 \ensuremath{\mu}m using the Stanford Mark III infrared free-electron laser. Gain at the third harmonic was seen to agree with theory to within experimental limits. The wavelength of the third harmonic was not quite equal to one third of the fundamental due to saturation and bandwidth effects. Power output was somewhat smaller than expected. This may have been due to losses in the optical transport system.
Intracanal use of a corticosteroid solution as an endodontic anodyne.

Abstract In fifty consecutive clinical patients with endodontically involved teeth that responded with vital pulp test readings, a corticosteroid solution and a saline placebo were alternately used as an intracanal anodyne. The patients subjectively rated their pain on a scale of 0 to 100 as “none,” “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe” (0 = none, 1 to 33 = mild, 34 to 66 = moderate, 67 and above = severe). The ratings were done before the first treatment and then at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. Corticosteroid-treated and placebo-treated cases were not significantly different in terms of type of teeth treated, clinical pulpal diagnosis, and preoperative patient evaluation of pain. The results showed a decreased subjective report of pain for the corticosteroid cases as compared to the controls through the three posttreatment time periods (p
Solvability of Integral Equations with Endogenous Delays

This paper performs a systematic study of some nonlinear integral equations with unknown lower limits of integration, which arise in economics, operations research, population biology and environmental sciences. A general investigation technique is developed for systems of such equations and several theorems about the existence and uniqueness of a solution are proven. The links to other functional equations with state-dependent delays are discussed. Applied interpretation of the obtained results is provided.
Influence of prenylated and non-prenylated flavonoids on liver microsomal lipid peroxidation and oxidative injury in rat hepatocytes

Prenylated chalcones from hops and beer were compared with non-prenylated flavonoids [chalconaringenin (CN), naringenin (NG), genistein (GS) and quercetin (QC)] for their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Chalcones with prenyl- or geranyl-groups (5 and 25 microM) were more effective inhibitors of microsomal lipid peroxidation than CN, NG or GS induced by Fe(2+)/ascorbate. Prenylated chalcones were effective inhibitors of microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(3+)-ADP/NADPH and by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) but to a lesser extent compared to the Fe(2+)/ascorbate system. An increase of prenyl substituents decreased antioxidant activity in the lipid peroxidation systems. Certain flavonoids behaved as prooxidants in the iron-dependent lipid peroxidation systems. For example, at 5 microM, NG enhanced iron/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation whereas CN, diprenylxanthohumol and tetrahydroxanthohumol enhanced Fe(3+)-ADP/NADPH-induced lipid peroxidation. None of the flavonoids (25 microM), except QC, inhibited NADPH cytochrome P450-reductase activity of rat liver microsomes, suggesting that the mechanism of inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by Fe(3+)-ADP/NADPH is not due to inhibition of the reductase enzyme. Chalcones exhibiting antioxidant activity against TBH-induced lipid peroxidation such as xanthohumol and 5'-prenylxanthohumol, and NG, with no antioxidant property at 5 microM concentration protected cultured rat hepatocytes from TBH toxicity. Other antioxidants (desmethylxanthohumol and CN) in the TBH system were not cytoprotective. These results demonstrate the importance of prenyl groups in the antioxidant activity of hop chalcones in the various in vitro systems of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the flavonoids has little or no bearing on their ability to protect rat hepatocytes from the toxic effects of TBH.
Stability Analysis of Power Systems

A procedure for locating directly the lowest saddle point of the potential energy function associated with a power transmission network is presented. This procedure is used to compute a margin of stability that specifies the maximum asynchronous transient energy that can be retained by the system while in synchronism. The potential function is shown to be convex in the principal region of the angle space. A unique solution is shown to exist for the load flow problem if the algorithm of solution is initiated at the origin.
Factors Associated With Pain Reduction After Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection for Lumbosacral Radicular Pain

Abstract Objective To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with pain improvement after a lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for the treatment of radicular pain. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Outpatient center. Participants Adults (N=188) who underwent a fluoroscopically guided TFESI for lumbosacral radicular pain. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Pain reduction from preinjection to 2-week follow-up was measured by visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were grouped by those who experienced no pain relief or worsened pain (≤0%), pain relief but 0%– Results The mean duration of pain prior to injection was 45.8±81 weeks. The mean time to follow-up after TFESI was 20±14.2 days. Significantly more patients who experienced ≥50% pain relief at follow-up reported higher preinjection pain on the VAS ( P =.0001) and McGill Pain Inventory Questionnaire ( P =.0358), reported no worsening of their pain with walking ( P =.0161), or had a positive femoral stretch test ( P =.0477). No significant differences were found between VAS pain reduction and all other demographic and clinical factors, including a radiologic diagnosis of disk herniation versus stenosis or other neural tension signs on physical examination. Conclusions Greater baseline pain on the VAS and McGill Pain Inventory, a history of a lack of worsening pain with walking, and a positive femoral stretch test predict a greater likelihood of pain reduction after TFESI for lumbosacral radicular pain at short-term follow-up. Greater baseline pain on the McGill Pain Inventory and a lack of worsening pain with walking predict a magnitude of >50% pain reduction.