cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of UARS MLS radiance variances and their relationship with stratospheric wind

Recently, the 63 GHz radiance variance data obtained from the Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) has shown important spatial and seasonal patterns that may link to strong gravity wave activities at mid- to high-latitudes of winter hemispheres and at sub-tropical regions of summer hemispheres. It has been found that MLS data depends strongly on viewing geometries associated with various instrument operation modes. The viewing angle dependence is caused by the spatial distribution and orientation of the MLS temperature weighting function. Because of the spatial asymmetry of the weighting function, the MLS radiance response to atmospheric temperature perturbations depends strongly on wave propagating direction. The observed radiance variance is larger when the instrument line-of-sight (LOS) direction is aligned with wavephase lines. When the gravity wave energy propagates upward into the stratosphere, the local airflow perceives it at a Doppler-shifted frequency, lower if the wave phase travels in the same direction and higher if the two velocities are opposite. Therefore, for a gravity wave to grow stronger and go through into the upper stratosphere, the horizontal direction of the wave vector needs to be in opposite of the background wind velocity. Otherwise, if the Doppler shift is so severe that the phase of the wave becomes stationary in the wind frame, the wave becomes part of the flow and is absorbed. Such effect is called the directional filter. The background wind absorbs waves in one direction but allows them to pass in the opposite.
Effect of winter flooding on mass and gross energy of bottomland hardwood acorns

Decomposition of red oak acorns (Quercus spp.; Section Erythrobalanus) could decrease forage biomass and gross energy (GE) available to wintering ducks from acorns. We estimated changes in mass and GE for 3 species of red oak acorns in flooded and non-flooded bottomland hardwood forests in Mississippi during winter 2009-2010. Mass loss of acorns was � 8.1% and reduction in GE � 0.03 kcal/g after exposure for 90 days. These small changes in mass and GE of red oak acorns would have minimal effect on carrying capacity of bottomland hardwood forests for ducks. 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Differing Effects of Aprotinin and ϵ-Aminocaproic Acid on Cytokine-Induced Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression

Abstract Background . Cell expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is increased by cytokines, resulting in high endogenous levels of nitric oxide. Expression of iNOS has been implicated in organ injury, including myocardial reperfusion injury. Serine protease inhibitors reduce cytokine-induced iNOS expression. The protease inhibitors aprotinin and ϵ-aminocaproic acid (EACA), used to reduce blood loss after cardiac operations, were evaluated in vitro on cytokine-induced iNOS expression and nitric oxide production. Methods . A murine bronchial epithelial cell line was stimulated with a mixture of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ) with or without aprotinin or EACA. The resultant iNOS expression was measured by northern blot analysis, and nitric oxide production was assessed by cell supernatant nitrite levels. Results . Nitrite concentrations in the supernatant were significantly increased after cytokine stimulation; they were not affected by any concentration of EACA but were significantly ( p p Conclusions . Aprotinin, but not EACA, reduces cytokine-induced nitric oxide production by inhibition of iNOS expression. Because increased endogenous nitric oxide levels secondary to iNOS activation have been implicated in organ injury, aprotinin may have clinical benefit compared with EACA when used for cardiac operations. (Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:74–7)
Program-based static allocation policies for highly parallel computers

Static space sharing is a promising processor allocation strategy for highly-parallel computers. Parallel jobs or tasks are allocated fixed distinct subsets of processors. Thread scheduling can be carried out directly by the applications so as to reduce its cost, interference among jobs is reduced, and a wide range of compiler and runtime optimizations, including static data distribution and binding, are possible. The fundamental problem with static space sharing is processor fragmentation. In this paper we study and compare several no-folding and unlimited-folding program-based static space sharing processor allocation policies. A job is always allocated the number of processors it requests in the no-folding schemes, whereas it can be allocated any number of processors that does not exceed its request in the unlimited-folding policies. The results of a detailed simulation study show that unlimited folding is superior to no folding under medium to high system loads when the speedup curves of applications are significantly sublinear. However, no folding is superior under most or all loads, depending on workload characteristics, when the applications are highly efficient. The unlimited-folding policies suffer more processor fragmentation under most loads, but they exploit the increase in efficiency that typically results when a job executes on fewer processors. In addition, we study schemes based on the assumption that the execution times of jobs when they execute on number of processors they request are known. The results show that giving priority to shorter jobs can result in significant improvement in mean response times. >
The Semaphorin 3E/PlexinD1 Axis Regulates Macrophage Inflammation in Obesity

Increased accumulation of adipose tissue macrophages in obesity propagates chronic inflammation that is closely associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Semaphorin 3E, a guidance molecule for neurons, takes on a new role in obesity by directing the recruitment of macrophages in visceral adipose tissue (Shimizu et al., 2013).
The Psychological Adjustment of Recent Crime Victims in the Criminal Justice System

The goals of this investigation were to examine the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and victim service utilization among crime victims and family members recently involved in the criminal justice system ( N = 251). About one half of the participants met PTSD diagnostic criteria during their lifetime. Females were overrepresented in the more violent crimes (e.g., homicide and sexual assault). Victims of more violent crimes—who sustained physical injuries, who perceived that they would be seriously injured, and who perceived their lives were threatened—were more likely to suffer from PTSD than victims who did not have these characteristics. Most participants believed the criminal justice system should provide a range of victim services. However, most participants reported inadequate access to services. Also, receipt of psychological counseling and diagnostic status were significantly associated with crime type. Results imply that crime victims involved in the criminal justice system are ...
Photooxidation of reserpine

Abstract The final product of the irradiation of reserpine in a chloroform solution was isolated and shown to be 3,4,5,6‐tetradehydroreserpine. The structure was determined by NMR spectroscopy as well as by chemical oxidation of reserpine. 3,4‐Dehydroreserpine was found to be an intermediate in both the chemical and photooxidation reactions. TLC examination of several reserpine tablets showed the presence of small amounts of dehydroreserpine but no tetradehydroreserpine.
Moisture absorption and desorption predictions for plastic ball grid array packages

Plastic electronic packages are known to absorb moisture when exposed to humid ambient conditions during storage in tape and reel in the factory. Reliability becomes a concern when packages are exposed to a humid environment for a prolonged time and then processed through a reflow oven. Thermo-mechanical and moisture induced interfacial stresses generated between the die attach and die may lead to die delamination and package cracking. Current package level moisture evaluation methods are based on experimental weight gain measurements and visual inspection after reflow for cracking or delamination. This study presents a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation of the moisture weight gain or loss in plastic ball grid array (PBGA) packages as a function of time including the effects of package geometry and material selection. Experimental weight gain and bakeout data for a 68 I/O PBGA package are shown to closely match FEA model predictions. Diffusivity and solubility property data for common packaging materials are given as a function of temperature ranging from 23/spl deg/C to 150/spl deg/C. Solder pot dip tests performed at 230/spl deg/C indicate that popcorn failures result when the moisture concentration in the die attach region exceeds 0.0048 g/cm/sup 3/ for the specific package tested.
Cleavage of Bovine Insulin by Rat Adipose Tissue

A previous study in this laboratory showed that rat adipose tissue contains an insoluble enzyme system which cleaves bovine insulin into numerous fragments soluble in 5% trichloroacetic acid. The present study investigated the nature of the cleavage process and the structure of the cleavage products. The insoluble fraction derived from 10–150 g of homogenized adipose tissue from the rat was washed 3 times with aqueous buffer to remove H2O-soluble components, and incubated at pH 7.5 in sodium phosphate or ammonium acetate buffer with 100–1000 mg of bovine insulin. After various periods of incubation, the insoluble enzyme system was removed by centrifugation and filtration and the incubation filtrate was studied by chemical and chromatographic methods. These data showed that the disulfide and acid amide groups of insulin remained intact, and that internal and terminal peptide bonds were hydrolyzed. Eleven free amino acids and 20 peptides produced by these hydrolyses were isolated by gradient elution from ph...
Deployment of Time-Delayed Integral Control for Suppressing Thermoacoustic Instabilities

In this paper, active control of thermoacoustic instabilities is studied using a particular feedback control law and a mathematically novel perspective. The instabilities result from the complex dynamic exchange between the unsteady heat release and the pressure oscillations in a finite volume. A laboratory-scale Rijke tube, which is a simple thermoacoustic device, is considered in the paper. When linearized, its dynamics exhibits the neutral characteristics with multiple delays. To suppress the instabilities in this setting, a time-delayed integral control law is synthesized, and its performance is studied in detail. A recent mathematical paradigm, called the cluster treatment of characteristic roots is used to accomplish the stabilization of the time-delayed system. The paradigm declares exact stability conditions in the space of the system parameters. The analytical findings in this document are also validated with experimental results.
Statistical Power Computations for Detecting Dichotomous Moderator Variables with Moderated Multiple Regression

A revised and improved version of Aguinis, Pierce, and Stone-Romero's (1994) program for estimating the statistical power of moderated multiple regression to detect dichotomous moderator variables is described. The Quick BASIC program runs on IBM and IBM-compatible personal computers and estimates power based on user-provided values for (a) total sample size, (b) sample sizes across the two moderator-based subgroups, (c) correlation coefficients between the predictor and criterion for each of the two moderator-based subgroups, (d) correlation coefficient between the predictor and hypothesized moderator, and (e) sample and population standard deviations for the predictor. Program-generated power estimates for typical research situations in education, psychology, and management indicate that hypothesis tests of moderating effects are typically conducted at insufficient levels of statistical power.
Oxidative Modifications and Down-regulation of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-terminal Hydrolase L1 Associated with Idiopathic Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases that occur either in relatively rare, familial forms or in common, sporadic forms. The genetic defects underlying several monogenic familial forms of AD and PD have recently been identified, however, the causes of other AD and PD cases, particularly sporadic cases, remain unclear. To gain insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in AD and PD, we used a proteomic approach to identify proteins with altered expression levels and/or oxidative modifications in idiopathic AD and PD brains. Here, we report that the protein level of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), a neuronal de-ubiquitinating enzyme whose mutation has been linked to an early-onset familial PD, is down-regulated in idiopathic PD as well as AD brains. By using a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we have identified three human brain UCH-L1 isoforms, a full-length form and two amino-terminally truncated forms. Our proteomic analyses reveal that the full-length UCH-L1 is a major target of oxidative damage in AD and PD brains, which is extensively modified by carbonyl formation, methionine oxidation, and cysteine oxidation. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies show that prominent UCH-L1 immunostaining is associated with neurofibrillary tangles and that the level of soluble UCH-L1 protein is inversely proportional to the number of tangles in AD brains. Together, these results provide evidence supporting a direct link between oxidative damage to the neuronal ubiquitination/de-ubiquitination machinery and the pathogenesis of sporadic AD and PD.
Modern Analogs for the Study of Eurypterid Paleobiology

Eurypterids are extinct, chelicerate arthropods whose life habits might be elucidated through comparison with living analogs. There are at least two potential eurypterid analogs, xiphosurans and arachnids (specifically, scorpions). Eurypterids and scorpions share striking morphologic and structural similarities despite their different habitats (aquatic vs. terrestrial); eurypterids and xiphosurans share numerous morphological characters and an aquatic habit. Despite the physiological differences inherent between aquatic and terrestrial chelicerates, the similarities in the basic body plan suggest that eurypterids and scorpions faced similar functional challenges during ecdysis, but eurypterid feeding was probably more similar to that of xiphosurans. For studies on the mechanical strength and functional morphology of the eurypterid exoskeleton, Limulus is the closer analog. The choice of modern analog for other aspects of eurypterid paleobiology, including reproduction and whether eurypterids were active predators, is a matter of discussion. The lack of a single, clear eurypterid analog from among extant chelicerates may reflect that eurypterids occupied an ecological niche intermediate between xiphosurans and arachnids. The search for a modern analog for eurypterids, then, is not likely to yield a single model organism.
Outward, Inward, Upward: Why Three Goods of Marriage for Augustine?

In this article I argue that Augustine’s three marital goods of procreation, fidelity and sacrament correspond to the familiar Augustinian pattern of ascent as the self turns from outward to inward and then upward. I develop this reading as an alternative to the suggestion that three goods each reflect one of the Triune persons and through critical engagement with recent interpreters of Augustine’s theology of marriage.
Economic Case for Voluntary Structural Separation

In recent years, there has been much interest and discussion about the desirability of mandating structural separation of incumbent local exchange carriers into separate regulated and unregulated businesses (Crandall and Sidak, 2002 4 ; Hall and Lehr, 2002 5 ; OECD, 20016 ). While it is conceivable that further advances in technology and business models will enable sustainable and adequate local infrastructure competition to eliminate any question of a bottleneck for last- mile access facilities, it is also conceivable (even probable) that next generation broadband infrastructure (e.g., fiber to the home) will once again revive concerns about last-mile monopolies. This paper takes a step back from the policy question of the desirability of mandatory structural remedies to focus on the private incentives for providers of last- mile facilities to structurally separate voluntarily in a broadband future. We take as a starting point a hypothetical world in which the provider of broadband access services would be required to provide regulated wholesale access to its local network, while at the same time continuing to compete in downstream retail markets thatmight otherwise be unregulated. The marriage of regulated and unregulated services within a single firm has been uncomfortable – at best – for regulators, managers, and investors. The standard economic analysis of structural separation focuses on the coordination, scale, or scope economies that would be foregone by divesting the regulated and unregulated activities, and compares those to prospective welfare gains from implementing more effective open access to bottleneck facilities.While this analysis provides a useful starting point, it is incomplete. Economic, organization, and finance theory suggest a number of additional reasons why a firm operating in mixed markets might choose to separate its regulated and unregulated activities. In this paper, we apply these arguments to expand understanding of the conditions under which a firm would seek to structurally separate voluntarily. We conclude that much of the current resistance by incumbents to structural separation is based on their belief that the open access regime adopted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is temporary. In a future with effective open access rules, incumbents may find it advantageous to structurally separate voluntarily.
Automatically Mining Negative Code Examples from Software Developer Q & A Forums

In addition to learning good practices and reusing code from mining code examples, programmers can be supported in their learning and code improvement processes through negative, or poorly written, code examples. While it is challenging to identify negative code examples automatically from within source code, we leverage a key insight that the natural language in questions that include code examples posted on forums can provide adequate clues. In this paper, we describe an automatic sentiment analysis-based technique for mining negative code examples from developer question and answer forums along with a technique to automatically mine negative sentiment indicators commonly used by developers, which are used to drive the sentiment-based technique.
Estimating Parameters of the Structural Pilot Model from Simulation Tracking Data

The research to be described presents a preliminary analysis of a method for identifying a limited set of parameters from the Structural Pilot Model using data from human-in-the loop simulation tasks. Four simple controlled-element dynamics are chosen requiring pilot compensation ranging from lags to firstorder leads. Then tracking data for longitudinal control of a model of a large transport aircraft is analyzed for a cruise flight condition. In all cases, the Structural Pilot Model parameters are limited to those in the proprioceptive feedback loop and the forward loop operating on visually displayed error. These parameter values determine fundamental pilot compensation and open-loop crossover frequencies. Using the identified pilot model parameters, Handling Qualities Sensitivity Functions are created for the estimation of vehicle handling qualities levels.
Analysis of Reusable Integrated Thermal Protection Panel Elements with Various Insulating Core Options

A finite element analysis (FEA) tool was developed for evaluating the effects of basic design features and materials choices on a basic panel for an Integrated Thermal Protection System (ITPS). A set of practical optimization problems regarding different insulating core options was solved by utilizing the commercial FEA software ANSYS. The core options represent five different layouts for the insulation layer: bonded/unbonded foam with blade stiffeners, bonded/unbonded foam with hat-section stiffeners, and simple bonded foam. A conventional design with parasitic insulation tiles was also analyzed as a reference. Figures of Merit (FoMs) identifying the combination of load-bearing capability and the mass of the ITPS were defined. Using these FoMs, the optimization objective functions were created so as to consider both the insulation performance and structural strength and stiffness. Some examples of FoMs of each design candidate were optimized and compared with each other to identify the best structural layout. Finally, the effects of materials properties on the best core options were investigated.
Human Capital and R&D Activity:Evidence from Chinese Private Enterprises

By investigating the effects of human capital on RD activities with a set of survey data of private enterprises in China,the paper finds that the human capital of owners,managers and employees has significantly positive effects on RD activities when the characteristics of corporate governance,products and industries are controlled in the regression models.The positive relationship between human capital and RD activities is still remarkable even though possible endogeneity of human capital is taken into consideration.
The human and mouse sex-determining SRY genes repress the Rspo1/β-catenin signaling

The sex-determining region Y (SRY) is the gene on the Y chromosome responsible for switching on male sex determination during mammalian embryogenesis. In its absence, ovaries develop in the embryo. Hence, ovarian determination and differentiation is considered to be a default, or passive, developmental pathway. Recently this classical paradigm of sex determination has been challenged with the discovery of the R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) as an active ovarian determinant. Mutations of RSPO1 cause a female-to-male sex reversal. RSPO1 synergizes with WNT4 in activating an ovarian development in the bipotential gonad via the canonical Wnt signaling. Early stud- ies showed that SRY represses such Wnt signaling, but also generated discrepancies on whether only mouse Sry is capable of inhibiting such Wnt signaling and whether both human and mouse SRY proteins are able to interact with β-catenin, the intracellular messenger re- sponsible for executing the Wnt signals. Our studies show that both human SRY and mouse Sry are capable of repressing the Rspo1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, the repression activities vary among different SRY/Sry proteins and paradoxically related to the presence and/or size of an acidic/glutamine-rich domain. The HMG box of human SRY could bind directly to β-catenin while the mouse Sry binds to β-catenin via its HMG box and glutamine-rich domain. The results clarify some of the initial discrepancies, and raise the possibility that SRY interacts with β-catenin in the nucleus and represses the transcriptional activation of the Rspo1/Wnt target genes involved in ovarian determination, thereby switching on testis determination.
Assessment of antibody responses in local and immigrant residents of areas with autochthonous malaria transmission in Greece.

Abstract. Greece has been officially malaria free since 1974. However, from 2009 to 2012, several locally acquired, cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria were detected, in immigrants and in Greek citizens. In this study, the antibody (Ab) response of Greeks and immigrants with documented malaria was initially assessed, followed by an Ab screening of Greeks and immigrant residents of local transmission areas. Of the 38 patients tested, 10.5% of Greeks and 15.7% of immigrants were positive 5–7 months after infection. Of the 1,019 individuals from various areas of Greece, including those of autochthonous transmission, 85 of the 721 (11.8%) immigrants were positive, whereas all 298 Greeks were negative. The rapid Ab titer decline observed is reasonable, given the non-endemic epidemiological setting. The seroepidemiological findings indicate that the local Greek population remains malaria naive and that at this point Greeks are unlikely to serve as reservoir for the infection of local mosquitoes.
Functional Outcomes of Isolated Medial Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Isolated medial tibial plateau injuries are uncommon and underdescribed in the literature. As such, the range of fracture severity and outcomes in comparison to more frequently described tibial plateau fractures are lacking. To assess outcomes of this rare injury, we compared two cohorts of patients. Overall, 27 patients who sustained 27 isolated medial plateau (Schatzker type IV) fractures and 81 patients with 81 split depression lateral plateau (Schatzker type II) fractures were compared. The outcomes were stratified by injury mechanism energy and assessed with radiographs, clinical and arthroscopic examinations, and functional status with the short musculoskeletal function assessment questionnaire (SMFA). Overall, 52% of Schatzker type IV fractures versus 71% of Schatzker type II were associated with high-energy injuries. Schatzker type IV fractures were more often nondisplaced and amenable to being managed, nonoperatively, 22 versus 6%, with excellent results. Schatzker type II fractures had a corresponding higher proportion of postoperative articular step off greater than 12 mm and poorer 12-month SMFA scores. Schatzker type IV fractures were more often treated with an external fixator than Schatzker type II fractures (22 vs. 1%). Within Schatzker type IV fractures, high- versus low-energy injuries did not differ significantly with regards to initial articular step off (4.2 vs. 5.1 mm), ligamentous and meniscal injury, or SMFA outcomes. Isolated medial plateau fractures had low- and high-energy patterns with differing management and outcomes. Schatzker type IV fractures overall were associated with lower energy mechanisms, less initial articular step off, and better functional outcomes than Schatzker II comparisons in this cohort. The level of evidence is 4.
Sonography of the acute scrotum in children

This review aims to describe the various ultrasonographic appearances of the most common acute scrotal disorders in children. Ultrasonography (US) is the primary imaging modality for evaluating the acute scrotum in children, especially when the history and physical examination do not adequately explain acute scrotal swelling and pain in a child. The acute scrotum is defined as the sudden onset of scrotal pain accompanied by swelling, redness or discoloration. By understanding and recognizing the US appearances of acute pediatric scrotal disorders, the ultrasonographer can make a very significant contribution to the care of these patients, guiding the clinician toward appropriate therapy. Conclusion â€“ US provides excellent anatomic details and permits differentiation between lesions that require urgent surgery and scrotal exploration and those that can be managed conservatively.
Multivalent 3D Display of Glycopolymer Chains for Enhanced Lectin Interaction

Synthetic glycoprotein conjugates were synthesized through the polymerization of glycomonomers (mannose and/or galactose acrylate) directly from a protein macroinitiator. This design combines the multivalency of polymer structures with 3D display of saccharides randomly arranged around a central protein structure. The conjugates were tested for their interaction with mannose binding lectin (MBL), a key protein of immune complement. Increasing mannose number (controlled through polymer chain length) and density (controlled through comonomer feed ratio of mannose versus galactose) result in greater interaction with MBL. Most significantly, mannose glycopolymers displayed in a multivalent and 3D configuration from the protein exhibit dramatically enhanced interaction with MBL compared to linear glycopolymer chains with similar total valency but lacking 3D display. These findings demonstrate the importance of the 3D presentation of ligand structures for designing biomimetic materials.
Growth and development of ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry (Rubus subgenus Eubatus Focke) under shaded systems

Blackberries (Rubus subgenus Eubatus Focke) of the Eastern United States commonly grow along forest edges and in disturbed sites, though the potential for introducing improved cultivars into managed forest systems has been little explored in agroforestry literature. Bare root ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry plants were grown under three neutral shade cloth levels (20, 50, and 70 % irradiance relative to full sunlight) and a full sun control in an orchard system over one growing season. The plants were then excavated from the shade plots and the floricanes forced to fruit in a heated greenhouse after receiving a chilling treatment consistent with data published about the cultivar. Potential yield reflected by primocane yield components was only marginally affected by the light treatments, with no significant differences in primocane counts, cane length, or the numbers of nodes. Cane diameter and attributes of primocane architecture were significant, affecting crown geometries and resulting in the highest percent light interception among plants grown at 70 % relative irradiance. Maximum net photosynthesis rates increased at higher irradiance levels with little increase above 70 % full sunlight, although no differences were observed in whole plant biomass or biomass allocation. Flowering and harvest periods were more concentrated from plants receiving 70–100 % relative irradiance during flower initiation. These results suggest that vegetative phases of ‘Illini Hardy’ blackberry may benefit from partial shading with an optimum light intensity approximating 70 % of full sunlight, but that floral bud differentiation is delayed or incomplete at lower irradiance levels produced by whole canopy or intracane shading.
Design and operation of high efficiency electron-beam-initiated chemical lasers

A new electron-beam-initiated laser system has been developed at Los Alamos to explore a recently discovered operating regime of chemical lasers. This parameter space is attained by initiating a chemical reaction weakly and over a long time duration while maintaining a high internal optical flux within the laser cavity throughout the burn. By operating in this regime, relatively high specific energies can be produced at extremely high electrical efficiencies. Laser pulse lengths range in the area of 40-100 μs, which permit the transport of high fluences through the atmosphere without breakdown.
Activation of the Constitutive Androstane Receptor by Monophthalates

Humans in industrialized areas are continuously exposed to phthalate plasticizers, prompting concerns of their potential toxicities. Previous studies from our laboratory and others have shown that various phthalates activate several mammalian nuclear receptors, in particular the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the pregnane X receptor (PXR), and the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), although often at concentration levels of questionable relevance to human exposure. We discovered that di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), two of the highest volume production agents, were potent activators of human CAR2 (hCAR2), a unique human CAR splice variant and, to a lesser degree, human PXR (hPXR). These diphthalates undergo rapid metabolism in mammalian systems, initially to their major monophthalate derivatives MEHP and MiNP. Although MEHP and MiNP are reported activators of the rodent PPARs, with lower affinities for the corresponding human PPARs, it remains ...
Reduced Order Modal-Space Wireless Control of Civil Engineering Structures

Semi-active actuators are capable of providing control forces to reject unwanted vibrations due to wind or seismic effects in civil structural systems by affecting strategic modifications to structural properties (e.g. stiffness or damping). Such devices enjoy the advantage of being low-cost and low-power (compared to active devices), and are inherently stable, however limitations on the magnitudes of their achievable output forces necessitate the use of numerous (distributed) semiactive devices in order to be effective. Coordination of large, decentralized networks is a natural task for wireless networks given their adaptability and low-cost to install. Low-power wireless sensor nodes are capable of sensing, communication, computation of control forces (using for example, state feedback and state estimation), and issuing commands due to their inherent collocated computing power. However, their relatively low computational speed adds undesirable latency to the control system as models grow large. In this study, a low-order model based on modal condensation is used within a wireless control network to reduce seismically induced vibrations within a six-story steel structure. Tradeoffs between model size and control latency are explored. Both simulation and experimental results are presented.
THU0080 Lipid Testing and Management among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Compared To Patients with Diabetes and The General Population

Background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have high coronary heart disease (CHD) burden. Limited data suggest that these patients may be screened less frequently than other patients with similar CHD risk. Objectives To evaluate the rate of lipid testing and management among RA patients and compare it both to the general population and diabetes (DM) patients. Methods We used a mix of private and public health plans claims data from 2006 to 2010 with medical and pharmacy coverage. Eligible participants were required to 1) have at least 12 months of continuous medical and pharmacy coverage (baseline period), and 2) have 2+ physician diagnosis and relevant medications to categorize them as having 1) RA and DM; 2) RA only; 3) DM only; 4) Neither RA nor DM. Patients with prevalent myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke/CHD during baseline were excluded. We calculated the proportion of patients with low density lipoprotein (LDL) lab test. In a subgroup analysis, we determined the proportion of patients with lab results available with LDL ≥130 mg/dL that initiated treatment with statins. We use chi-square tests to compare differences between the 4 cohorts in the proportion tested for LDL and initiating statins. Results There were 428,109 eligible patients distributed between the 4 cohorts (Table). Overall, 60% were women. The overall age distribution was: 12% ≤40; 29%, 41–65; and 59% >65 years old. RA patients were less frequently tested for LDL compared to DM patients, with or without RA (p-value Conclusions RA patients are less frequently screened and managed for hyperlipidemia compared DM patients. Despite higher CHD risks in RA patients, hyperlipidemia screening and treatment rates in RA patients were no better than the general population. Further studies to investigate the reasons and potential interventions to ameliorate this care gap among RA patients are needed. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Gaussian filter for nonlinear filtering problems

We develop and analyze real-time and accurate filters for nonlinear filtering problems based on the Gaussian distributions. We present the systematic formulation of Gaussian filters and develop efficient and accurate numerical integration of the proposed filter. We also discuss mixed Gaussian filters in which the conditional probability density is approximated by the sum of Gaussian distributions. Our numerical testings demonstrate that new filters significantly improve the extended Kalman filter with no additional cost and the new Gaussian sum filter has a nearly optimal performance.
Residency training programs: Laboratories for innovation.

In 2014, health-system pharmacists celebrated 50 years of pharmacy residency accreditation. Residency training in pharmacy precedes the development of the accreditation process.[1][1] The Commission on Credentialing, the official keeper of pharmacy residency accreditation, constantly works to
Uncemented Metal-Backed Tantalum Patellar Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty Have a High Fracture Rate at Midterm Follow-Up.

Abstract Background There is interest in uncemented total knee arthroplasty due to the hope for long-term biologic fixation, but limited data are available regarding uncemented tantalum patellar components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic outcomes of uncemented tantalum patellar implants at midterm follow-up. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 30 knees in 29 patients who underwent cementless total knee arthroplasty with an uncemented metal-backed tantalum patella between September 2006 and April 2009. Patients were required to have a minimum radiographic follow-up of 2 years. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the knee were evaluated for signs of implant fracture or gross loosening. Clinical follow-up was obtained by reviewing each patient's most recent orthopedic record. Results Thirty knees in 29 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 59.1 years with a mean body mass index of 31.9 kg/m 2 . Mean postoperative radiographic follow-up time was 5.5 years. Six fractures of the patellar component were noted. This represented a fracture rate of 20% among the entire cohort and 35% among the 17 knees with visible patellae on anteroposterior radiograph. All fractures had a transverse pattern. No gross patellar component loosening was noted. Among patients with component fractures, 2 required revisions for instability and 1 revision was for infection. Conclusion Our results suggest a minimum 20% rate of component fracture at midterm follow-up. Although many of these patellar component fractures were asymptomatic, they have the potential to impact revision rates in the longer term.
Lattice vibrations in La ( Ce ) Fe 4 Sb 12 and Co Sb 3 : Inelastic neutron scattering and theory

We present results of time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering phonon density of states measurements on ${(\mathrm{La},\mathrm{Ce})}_{0.9}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{4}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{12}$ and $\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{3}$ as well as of a detailed comparison with lattice dynamical models in the literature. The MARI experimental setup is replicated by a theory for scattering from a polycrystalline material. The model considered for the filled materials is a local density approximation (LDA) based short-range force constant model and those considered for $\mathrm{Co}{\mathrm{Sb}}_{3}$ are the LDA-based model with the La-related parameters removed and a semiempirical model. We show that the presence of La significantly affects the shape of the spectrum. We also conclude that upon filling the Sb intrasquare force constants are weakened and that the transition-metal Sb bonds are almost unchanged.
Non-Linear Time Lower Bound for (Succinct) Quantified Boolean Formulas

We prove a model-independent non-linear time lower bound for a slight generalization of the quantified Boolean formula problem (QBF). In particular, we give a reduction from arbitrary languages in alternating time t(n) to QBFs describable in O(t(n)) bits by a reasonable (polynomially) succinct encoding. The reduction works for many reasonable machine models, including multitape Turing machines, random access Turing machines, tree computers, and logarithmiccost RAMs. By a simple diagonalization, it follows that the succinct QBF problem requires superlinear time on those models. To our knowledge this is the first known instance of a nonlinear time lower bound (with no space restriction) for solving a natural linear space problem on a variety of computational models.
A Typology of Foreign Exchange Auction Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa: Dynamic Models for Auction Exchange Rates

In this analytical sequel to "A Typology of Foreign Exchange Auction Markets in sub-Saharan Africa" , the authors compare the micromanagement of different foreign exchange auctions in sub-Saharan Africa. Multi-unit auctions for foreign exchange were introduced in a number of countries in the 1980s and 1990s, in a transitional step toward a credible, sustainable, unified regime, such as efficient interbank market. But there is little understanding of how auction markets function in sub-Saharan Africa, and there has been virtually no research on the causes of frequent policy reversals or of auction failure. One possible cause of failure -- apart from thin markets, macroeconomic laxity, and vulnerability to terms-of-trade shocks and fluctuations in the disbursement of foreign aid -- is the inappropriate design and management of auctions. The authors estimate models for the microdeterminants of the auction rate, using weekly data on foreign exchange auctions for Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia. Among the policy lessons: 1) Nigeria and Zambia failed to unify and stabilize the exchange rate partly because therewas no reserve price rule. When bidders learn such a rule, speculative bidding diminishes. 2) The management of a credible, sustainable reserve price policy requires an efficient secondary market. A simple underlying model, synthesized from the theoretical literature on auctions, specifies the auction rate as a function of fundamental variables and structural shift dummies. The repeated, sequential nature of these multi-unit auctions and the nonstationary nature of most of the auction variables are captured empirically by a cointegrated (error connection) framework. In addition to consistently estimating long-run and short-run parameters of auction fundamentals, the error correction model allows asymptotically efficient testing of three policy hypotheses deriving from auction theory: the competitiveness hypothesis, the effect of uncertainty on the auction-determined rate, and the revenue-equivalence hypothesis. In other words, they used these models to test the impact on the level of the auction rate of increased comptetition among bidders, of the effect of uncertainty (proxied by a volatile supply of foreign exchange), and of different pricing mechanisms.
Low dose megestrol increases serum albumin in malnourished dialysis patients.

To evaluate the efficacy of low dose megestrol on malnourished dialysis patients we treated 16 dialysis patients with persistent hypoalbuminemia ( 0.3 gm/dl), all of whom reported improved appetite, the maximal increase of serum albumin in 2 months was 0.8 +/- 0.1 gm/dl (range: 0.3-1.2). Four patients did not respond (change of albumin: -0.05 +/- 0.18, range: -0.6-0.2) because of encephalopathy, amyloidosis, depression or noncompliance. One patient stopped megestrol because of vaginal bleeding from uterine leiomyoma. Three patients died from causes unrelated to the megestrol. Our preliminary study suggests that low dose megestrol (40 mg per day) increases serum albumin levels in 75% of dialysis patients with malnutrition. It is well tolerated but may cause vaginal bleeding from uterine tumors.
Sensory, chemical and ultrasonic measurements of the palatability attributes of bovine skeletal muscle

115 INTRODUCTION 116 MATERIALS AND METHODS 117 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 120 CONCLUSION 131 REFERENCES 132
The coronary drug project--findings with regard to estrogen, dextrothyroxine, clofibrate and niacin.

The Coronary Drug Project (CDP) proceeded in the United States from 1966 to 1975 as a collaborative secondary prevention trial supported by the National Heart and Lung Institute (1). It involved 8,341 men age 30 to 64 years on entry in the study, with a documented history of previous myocardial infarction (MI). They participated through 53 clinical centers throughout the country.
Comparative Analysis of Bibliometric, Authorship, and Collaboration Trends Over the Past 30-Year Publication History of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma and Injury.

OBJECTIVES In the scientific and medical field, authorship has become increasingly important for tenure and career advancement in addition to improvement in medical care. It was the purpose of this study to investigate changes in bibliometric variables, authorship, and collaboration trends in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma (JOT) and Injury over a 30-year period. METHODS A bibliometric analysis was completed for all manuscripts meeting the inclusion criteria and published throughout 1 representative year of each decade over the past 30 years. A total of 444 and 1105 manuscripts for JOT and Injury, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. Standard statistical analyses were performed with nonparametric methods for continuous variables and Pearson χ and Cochran linear trend tests for categorical variables. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There were significant increases over time in all bibliometric variables for both journals, except in the number of countries and pages in JOT. For JOT, the overall percentage of female first authors increased 2.3 times from 1987 to 2015 (P = 0.021). The overall percentage of female corresponding authors was 7.3%. For Injury, the overall percentage of female first authors increased 1.5 times (P = 0.007). The overall percentage of female corresponding authors was 13.1%. CONCLUSIONS Understanding changes in publishing characteristics over time and by region is critical with the rising demands of publishing in academic medicine. JOT and Injury have showed an increase in most variables analyzed. However, female authorship in JOT is climbing at a higher rate than Injury.
Minimally Displaced, Isolated Radial Head and Neck Fractures Do Not Require Formal Physical Therapy: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background:Nondisplaced and minimally displaced fractures of the radial head and neck are common injuries, yet the role of physical therapy (PT) in their treatment is unclear. The aim of this trial was to assess the need for formal PT following a simple fracture of the radial head or neck.Methods:Pa