cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Electoral Geography on Pork Barreling in Bicameral Legislatures

How does the electoral geography of legislative districts affect pork barreling? This article presents a formal model extending Mayhew's classic credit-claiming theory to account for the electoral geography of bicameralism. Under bicameralism, upper chamber (Senate) and lower chamber (Assembly) legislators who share overlapping constituencies must collaborate to bring home pork projects. Collaboration is easier between a Senator and an Assembly Member who share a large fraction of their constituents and thus have relatively aligned electoral incentives. But dividing a Senate district into a larger number of Assembly district fragments misaligns these electoral incentives for collaboration, thus reducing equilibrium pork spending. Hence, increased Senate district fragmentation causes a decrease in equilibrium spending. I exploit the 2002 New York Senate expansion as a natural experiment, examining how sudden changes in the geographic fragmentation of Senate districts account for differences in the distribution of pork earmarks immediately before and after the redrawing of district boundaries.
Age‐related changes in bone in the dog: Calcium homeostasis

To explore the changes in the relationship between skeletal and Ca2+ homeostasis with age, we studied 50 dogs divided into four age groups. The skeletal uptake of 85Sr decreased markedly with age, and the immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level increased. There was a significant correlation between iPTH value and the calculated short-term exchange of Ca in bone (r = 0.55; p less than 0.001). Bone formation and bone resorption decreased with age except that in the oldest group of dogs the resorption increased (p less than 0.001). We suggest that in aging dogs the skeletal exchange of Ca falls to a very low level that decreases the immediate effect of PTH and thus leads to a chronic net increase in circulating PTH. Concomitant with this is an increase in osteoclastic bone resorption and, over a long time, loss of skeletal mass.
The Cost of Special Education in Nonpublic Schools

Program expenditure and income data collected from a sample of 61 nonpublic special education schools were analyzed to illuminate their market behavior. Primary emphasis was on profits, tuition levels, and tuition trends. The study demonstrates that, contrary to several commonly held assumptions, nonpublic special education schools typically earn very small profits, do not take unfair advantage of state subsidization, and are not primarily motivated by monetary considerations. The data provided and conclusions drawn in this article will hopefully be used by national, state, and local educational agencies in their planning efforts toward meeting the needs of exceptional children.
Realism, emotion, and dynamic allegiances in global politics

This article appeals to classical realism for new insights into the role emotions play in shifting the terrain of political allegiance in global politics. Although undetected in readings emphasizing rational statecraft, realists such as Hans Morgenthau and Reinhold Niebuhr were centrally concerned with human emotions and their political impact. While following the intellectual currents of their time in regarding emotions as fixed impulses, these realists’ deep appreciation for the contingencies of history also led them to cast emotions as socially conditioned mechanisms of adaptation. By revisiting the texts of classical realism, this paper develops a fresh account of how emotion responds to and engenders change in the social world – in particular, change in the location of political allegiances. I then show how Morgenthau and Niebuhr applied these ideas not only to the nation-state but also to the most vexing transnational phenomena of their time – communism and liberal internationalism. In conclusion, the paper speculates that these reflections on dynamic allegiances at the transnational level offer realists and other international relation theorists insight into the emotional appeal, adaptability, and organizational complexity of contemporary non-state movements and actors.
Double-Stranded RNA Decreases IGF-I Gene Expression in a Protein Kinase R-Dependent, but Type I Interferon-Independent, Mechanism in C6 Rat Glioma Cells

We previously demonstrated that Poly (IC) decreased the growth of C6 cultures in association with reduced IGF-I synthesis and secretion. In this study we characterized the mechanism(s) by which Poly (IC) decreased IGF-I mRNA in C6 cells. Both Poly (IC) and type I interferon (IFN) decreased IGF-I mRNA. Cycloheximide and a blocking antibody against IFN did not alter the Poly (IC)-mediated inhibition of IGF-I mRNA, but prevented IFN from reducing IGF-I mRNA. Poly (IC) did not alter the stability of IGF-I mRNA. Poly (IC) decreased the abundance of IGF-I pre-mRNA in C6 nuclei, but did not inhibit proximal IGF-I exon 1 promoter/luciferase fusion constructs in transient transfection assays. Poly (IC) activated double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR) at 5 min and increased PKR protein levels at 48 and 72 h. Exogenous IGF-I did not prevent Poly (IC) from activating PKR, but inhibited the Poly (IC)-mediated increase in PKR protein levels. The PKR inhibitor 2-aminopurine prevented the Poly (IC) stimulatio...
High-speed low-power charge-buffered active-pull-down ECL circuit

The circuit features a charge-buffered coupling between the common-emitter node of the switching transistors and the base of an active-pull-down npn transistor. This coupling scheme provides a much larger dynamic current than that which can be reasonably achieved through the capacitor coupling and a DC path to alleviate the AC-testing requirement. Furthermore, the dynamic current is utilized effectively by the logic stage, thus allowing a reduction in the power consumption of the logic stage without sacrificing the switching speed. Based on an 0.8- mu m double-poly self-aligned bipolar technology at a power consumption of 1.0 mW/gate, the circuit offers 37% improvement in both the speed and load driving capability for a loaded gate compared with the conventional ECL circuit. The design and scaling considerations of the circuit are discussed. >
Posterior fossa reconstruction using titanium plate for the treatment of cerebellar ptosis after decompression for Chiari malformation.

Objective We describe our use of a perforated titanium plate to perform a partial posterior fossa cranioplasty in the treatment of cerebellar ptosis and dural ectasia after posterior fossa decompression (PFD). Methods Twelve patients who had undergone PFD underwent posterior fossa reconstruction using a titanium plate. Symptoms were related to either descent of the cerebellum into the decompression or to dural ectasia into the craniectomy defect. Results Twelve patients who had undergone large suboccipital craniectomies and who presented with persistent headaches and some with neurological symptoms related to syringomyelia, underwent reoperation with placement of a small titanium plate. Ten of 12 patients showed symptomatic improvement after reoperation. Conclusions Placement of a titanium plate appears to be an effective method of treatment of cerebellar ptosis and dural ectasia after PFD for Chiari malformation.
Can cost shifting continue in a price competitive environment

Both Medicare and Medicaid are reducing payments to hospitals, and there is widespread concern that hospitals may respond by increasing prices to privately insured patients. Theoretical models of hospital behaviour have ambiguous predictions as to whether, and under what circumstances, hospitals will shift costs to private payers. This paper extends previous theoretical models and then tests empirically using data from California for the 1983-1991 period, a time of increasingly intense price competition. Hospitals did increase their prices to private payers in response to reductions in Medicare rates; they had far smaller and generally insignificant responses to changes in Medicaid reimbursement. Hospital ownership and the competitiveness of the hospital market both affected this behaviour, but there was no significant change over time. The results suggest the need to broaden our models of hospital behaviour to 'embed' them in their local markets.
7 F 0 - 5 D 1 Transition in Eu 3+ :Y 2 SiO 5

We report a spectroscopic study of the 7F0–5D1 transition of europium ions in crystal yttrium orthosilicate (Eu3+:Y2SiO5) with a focus on low-temperature properties relevant to its use in time-domain optical data storage. The optical dephasing time T2 for this green transition was found to be approximately 50 μs for Eu3+ in one optical site (site 1) and 56 μs for Eu3+ in the other site (site 2), both of which exceeded their respective excited-state lifetimes (32 μs for site 1 and 42 μs for site 2). Of the two optical sites, the transition on site 2 has a slightly larger inhomogeneous linewidth (~2.7 GHz) but a significantly larger oscillator strength (~6 × 10−8), making it a good candidate for time-domain optical storage. The hyperfine structures of the transition for both sites were also measured by spectral hole burning.
Enhanced sensitivity to cloransulam-methyl in imidazolinone-resistant smooth pigweed

Abstract Several populations of smooth pigweed with resistance to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides have been identified in recent years. One IMI-resistant population (R2) was 10-fold more sensitive to cloransulam-methyl in the greenhouse when compared with a susceptible (S) population. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine if differences in the absorption, translocation, and metabolism of cloransulam-methyl existed between S and R2 populations and to determine if these differences could account for the whole-plant responses observed in the greenhouse. Enzyme assays were also conducted to determine if differences in acetolactate synthase (ALS) sensitivity to cloransulam-methyl existed between S and R2 populations. Absorption of foliar-applied cloransulam-methyl was rapid and similar in both populations of smooth pigweed. Translocation of the absorbed radioactivity out of the treated leaf was symplastic and generally similar in both populations. Translocated radioactivity was detected primarily in sh...
On the Relationship between Exchange Rates and Stock Prices: Evidence from Emerging Markets

This study examines dynamic linkages between the exchange rates and stock prices for twelve emerging market countries for the period from May 1994 to April 2010 by using linear and non-linear Granger causality tests. Our empirical results show that stock prices and exchange rates have linear and non-linear bi-directional causality in most cases. The exceptional countries are Brazil, Poland and Taiwan that there is no evidence for a nonlinear Granger causality from stock prices to exchange rates. The results support both the portfolio balance and the goods market theories for eight out of twelve countries.
Pattern Formation in Vertically Vibrated Granular Layers: Experiment and Simulation

We report on pattern formation in experiments and simulations of vertically vibrated granular layers. We find that initially flat vibrated layers lose stability to sub-harmonic standing wave patterns when the driving acceleration is increased to about 2.5 times gravity. Patterns can be squares, stripes, hexagons, or localized structures (oscillons), depending on frequency and acceleration. Event driven simulations show excellent qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experiments.
Completed Suicide in Youth

The purpose of this study was to collect descriptive information on a large number of children, adolescents and young adults who had committed suicide. The medical examiner's records for deaths of persons 25 and under from non-natural causes were reviewed; 656 youth suicides were identified. Children, adolescents and young adults who committed suicide were most likely to be older males with a current psychiatric disorder, usually an affective disorder or alcohol or drug abuse. Suicides appeared to be impulsive and triggered by age-normative precipitants. Sex, age and cohort differences are presented. Results are evaluated in light of previous research.
Hemodynamics in Sepsis

Hemodynamics in sepsis change as sepsis develops. Initial hemodynamics of sepsis often are much different from later stages of sepsis, shifting from low cardiac output states to high cardiac output states. Tissue oxygenation also changes with initial mixed venous oxyhemoglobin (Svo2) or central venous oxyhemoglobin (Scvo2) levels below normal, with later stages reflecting high values. These changes occur as sepsis progresses, producing a marked disturbance in capillary flow and tissue oxygenation. Treatments for these changes in sepsis are different, making the identification of the hemodynamic state essential to optimally treat the patient. Fortunately, hemodynamic monitoring techniques are markedly improved from older techniques such as the pulmonary artery catheter. With noninvasive techniques such as esophageal and external Doppler for measuring hemodynamics, clinicians beyond the intensive care unit can make hemodynamic assessments that were not possible until just recently. This improved assessment should make it much easier to properly identify sepsis and initiate appropriate treatments in a timely manner.
Anisotropy in the Far Infrared Conductivity of Magnetically-Oriented YBa2Cu3O7-δ Between 50–300K

The far infrared reflectance of magnetically-oriented YBa2Cu3O7-δ has been measured from 30–600 cm-1 over the temperature range 300–50 K. A strongly temperature dependent optical anisotropy is observed in this region. The low energy Ē⊥c spectrum displays a high reflectivity associated with the dominant free carrier contribution. Peaks corresponding to phonons are present in the spectrum associated with the direction perpendicular to the high conductivity Cu - O planes. However the reflectivity for Ē∥c is not characteristic of an insulating material but rather shows a metallic-like rise with decreasing photon energy. The plasma frequencies for both polarizations, obtained from fits to the reflectance data, decrease with decreasing temperature. There is some evidence in the parallel conductivity data taken below Tc, for the onset of an energy gap that is substantially smaller than that deduced for the in-plane value; such a result suggests a large gap anisotropy. The parameters describing a number of low frequency phonon modes for Ē∥c have been determined from fits to the R∥ data. Most show a slight softening as Tc is traversed.
Rearing Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Larvae on Synthetic Media

A procedure was developed for rearing larvae of Douglas fir tussock moth, Hemerocampa pseudotsugata McDun-nough, in large numbers on a synthetic medium for use laboratory testing of insecticides. The insect was reared from the egg stage generally to the fourth to seventh in-star, depending on testing needs. The larvae appeared normal in every way, reaching a weight of about 300 mg before pupation. An initial high loss from a nuclear polyhedrosis virus in the third instal was avoided by soaking the eggs in a 10% formaldehyde solution. Mortality during the larval stage on media was about 10%. Three thousand larvae were reared per week at a cost (excluding overhead) of about $15. At least 25,000 larvae could be reared weekly by I person working full time.
Right ventricular myocardial responses to progressive exercise in young adult males.

Recent attention has been focused on possible unique features of the right ventricular response to exercise. This study investigated a) the responses of right ventricular cardiac dynamics and myocardial function to a standard bout of progressive cycle exercise in healthy young males, and b) the effect of level of aerobic fitness on these responses. 14 athletically-trained males (20.4±1.5 years) and 11 normally-active males (21.1±1.3 years) underwent a progressive upright cycle test to exhaustion with measurement of gas exchange variables and assessment of right ventricular stroke volume, systolic and diastolic myocardial velocities, and tricuspid inflow velocities by standard Doppler echocardiographic techniques at rest, submaximal and peak exercise. Stroke volume rose initially by approximately 27% in each group, followed by stable values to exhaustion. Values of maximal stroke index and maximal oxygen uptake were significantly greater in the trained group than the normally-active males (62±10 ml m −2 , 54.3±4.0 ml kg −1 min −1 ; 49±7 ml m −2 , 40.3±5.6 ml kg −1 min −1 , respectively). No significant differences were observed in increases in systolic or diastolic myocardial velocities, peak pulmonary outflow velocity, systolic ejection rate, or tricuspid inflow velocity between the 2 groups. The magnitude of change of these variables was similar to those previously described for left ventricular responses to similar exercise. This study revealed no unique features of right ventricular functional responses to an acute exercise challenge in young males.
Thought About Protection of Distributed Generation and Microgrid

The strategies of protection for distributed generation(DG) and microgrid are analyzed in macroscopic view.The research objects and research methods of protection for DG are analyzed.Based on the current achievements,four strategies of protection for DG are summarized and compared.The protection for AC microgrid is analyzed in the view of whether it depends on communication or not,and a thought of establishing microgrid switch station is presented.The feasibility of DC microgrid is analyzed.The size of DC microgrid is proposed,and the main points of protection for DC microgrid are discussed.At last,based on the grid topology,the connection strategies of DG and microgrid are proposed.
Non-standard neutrino interactions in IceCube

Neutrinos interact weakly with matter mediated by the W and Z bosons. For example, neutrino interactions with electrons in the earth interferes with the propagation of neutrinos, producing a measurable effect called the "MSW effect" [2]. These types of interactions are the "standard interactions" of neutrinos in standard matter. Some non-standard model theories predict the existence of heavy TeV-scale bosons. Recent ATLAS results have 3.4 sigma significance for a resonance in the diboson channel around 2 TeV [1], which could be caused by non-standard bosons interacting with matter. The neutrino interaction rate in matter would then fluctuate from the standard prediction due to interactions with these bosons in addition to the standard W and Z. Like the MSW effect, the fluctuation of neutrinos detected compared to those produced on the opposite side of the earth would be measurable. This analysis aims to measure this effect in the IceCube experiment using the event selection from the DeepCore three-year muon disappearance result. Because of the wide range of neutrino energies it can observe IceCube has the potential to set world leading limits for this measurement. The limits that can be set on the NSI parameters from interactions of muon neutrinos with non-standard bosons will be discussed.
Interactions between the colonic transcriptome, metabolome and microbiome in mouse models of obesity-induced intestinal cancer

Obesity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the relative contribution of high-fat (HF) consumption and excess adiposity remains unclear. It is becoming apparent that obesity perturbs both the intestinal microbiome and metabolome, and each has the potential to induce protumorigenic changes in the epithelial transcriptome. The physiological consequences and the degree to which these different biologic systems interact remain poorly defined. To understand the mechanisms by which obesity drives colonic tumorigenesis, we profiled the colonic epithelial transcriptome of HF-fed and genetically obese (DbDb) mice with a genetic predisposition to intestinal tumorigenesis (Apc(1638N)); 266 and 584 genes were differentially expressed in the colonic mucosa of HF and DbDb mice, respectively. These genes mapped to pathways involved in immune function, and cellular proliferation and cancer. Furthermore, Akt was central within the networks of interacting genes identified in both gene sets. Regression analyses of coexpressed genes with the abundance of bacterial taxa identified three taxa, previously correlated with tumor burden, to be significantly correlated with a gene module enriched for Akt-related genes. Similarly, regression of coexpressed genes with metabolites found that adenosine, which was negatively associated with inflammatory markers and tumor burden, was also correlated with a gene module enriched with Akt regulators. Our findings provide evidence that HF consumption and excess adiposity result in changes in the colonic transcriptome that, although distinct, both appear to converge on Akt signaling. Such changes could be mediated by alterations in the colonic microbiome and metabolome.
Understanding Evidence-Based Practice

This chapter discusses the definitions of evidence-based practice (EBP) and some of the criticisms of the approach found in the literature. Among the strongest criticism of EBP is that practitioners fail to have a well-defined literature at present and what they do have is difficult to read and comprehend, and too time-consuming. There is evidence that clinicians do not use manuals that contain best evidence. On the positive side, there is a need to organize best practices and to assure clients and third-party providers that what practitioners do actually works. EBP is an approach that tries to organize a way of providing the best possible service to clients using a knowledge-guided approach to practice and substantial involvement of clients in decision-making to assure that the client-worker relationship is cooperative.
Improvement of writing skills during college: A multi-year cross-sectional and longitudinal study of undergraduate writing performance

Abstract We examined persuasive and expository writing samples collected from more than 300 college students as part of a nine-year cross-sectional and longitudinal study of undergraduate writing performance, conducted between 2000 and 2008. Using newly developed scoring rubrics, longitudinal analyses of writing scores revealed statistically significant growth in writing performance over time. These findings held for both persuasive and expository writing. Although writing performance was better among women than men, and better among students majoring in the humanities and social sciences than in natural sciences and engineering, neither women nor humanities and social science majors showed differential improvement over time from freshman to senior year. Our findings showed reliable increases in writing performance during a student’s college years, and moreover demonstrated that such longitudinal changes can be effectively measured. We call for more such outcome assessment in higher education as an essential tool to enhance student learning.
M1 macrophage triggered by Mincle leads to a deterioration of acute kidney injury

In the early stage of acute kidney injury, M1 macrophages are proinflammatory and destructive. In this study, Lv et al. reveal that Mincle (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin, Clec4e) is expressed on M1 macrophages in acute kidney injury, and the kidney is protected in a murine model of cisplatin-induced renal injury by inhibiting Mincle expression on macrophages. Mincle expression is regulated by Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB signaling, and Mincle maintains the inflammatory phenotype through spleen tyrosine kinase signaling, leading to acute kidney injury.
Spruce-fir forest changes during a 30-year nitrogen saturation experiment

A field experiment was established in a high elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) - balsam fir (Abies balsamea) forest on Mount Ascutney Vermont, USA in 1988 to test the nitrogen (N) saturation hypothesis, and to better understand the mechanisms causing forest decline at the time. The study established replicate control, low and high dose nitrogen addition plots (i.e., 0, 15.7 and 31.4kgNH4Cl-Nha-1yr-1). The treatments began in 1988 and continued annually until 2010, but monitoring has continued to present. During the fertilization period, forest floor C:N, net in situ N mineralization, spruce foliar Ca%, and live spruce basal area decreased with increasing N addition, while foliar spruce N% and forest floor net nitrification increased with increasing N addition. The control plots aggraded forest floor N at a rate equal to the sum of the net in situ N mineralization plus average ambient deposition. Conversely, N addition plots lost forest floor N. Following the termination of N additions in 2010, the measured tree components returned to pre-treatment levels, but forest floor processes were slower to respond. During the 30year study, site surface air temperature has increased by 0.5°C per decade, and total N deposition has decreased 5.5 to 4.0kgNha-1yr-1. There have also been three significant drought years and at least one freeze injury year after which much of the forest mortality on the N addition plots occurred. Given that there was no control for the air temperature increase, discussion of the interactive impacts of climate and change and N addition is only subjective. Predicted changes in climate, N deposition and other stressors suggest that even in the absence of N saturation, regeneration of the spruce-fir ecosystem into the next century seems unlikely despite recent region-wide growth increases.
Use of acellular pertussis vaccines in the United States: can we do better?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Despite robust vaccination schedules and high vaccination rates, many countries, including the U.S., have seen large pertussis outbreaks with a shift in recent years in the distribution of disease burden towards adolescents and young adults.Areas covered: This perspective covers problems related to the increased incidence of pertussis among adolescents. Because the Tdap vaccine only protects against pertussis for 1–2 years after vaccination, we propose a new strategy which aims to optimize the benefit of Tdap in adolescents.Expert commentary: Current pertussis vaccination schedules are based on age and have not been effective at protecting adolescents and teenagers from pertussis outbreaks. An alternative to the current practice would be to take advantage of the cyclical nature of pertussis outbreaks. Rather than immunizing children and adolescent solely based on age regardless of risk of pertussis at that moment, perhaps we should consider a ‘timed’ Tdap. The goal would be to admini...
All-digital jets are taking off: Aboard developmental commercial and military aircraft, digital electronics score high in compactness, control flexibility, and reliability

The key attributes of second-generation digital avionics systems are discussed. These are: increased integration, allowing more functions in less space; increased reliability through redundancy of components and systems and augmented fault-tolerance capabilities; and an improved man-machine interface, including such features as flat panels and voice controls. Examples of increased integration include more efficient data buses that cut down on wiring and connectors, and an inertial reference system and an air-data computer combined into one line-replacement unit. The author describes several commercial and military aircraft with emphasis on the European Airbus Industrie A-320, which will be the first commercial aircraft to use second-generation digital avionics. This 150-passenger, medium-range airliner is schedule to enter service in the spring of 1988. Issues in fault tolerance and improved aircraft control are included.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Iron

The frequency of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) increases dramatically with age. The prevalence of AD among people over 65 years of age is 5–10%. The prevalence is as high as 47% among those over age 85 (Evans et al., 1989). Similarly, small age-related increases in neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) have been observed in brains of nonde-mented individuals (Price et al., 1991; Morris et al., 1991; Arriagada et al., 1992). NFT density has been specifically associated with both dementia severity (Berg et al., 1993) and cortical atrophy (Huesgen et al., 1993). Based on the age-related increases observed both in AD and NFT, some have speculated that there is a common pathologic process leading to NFT formation in both aging and AD (Arriagada et al., 1992), while others suggest that AD may represent a specific brain vulnerability to age-related oxidation in which iron may play a role (Stadtman, 1990; Smith et al., 1991).
Stability of Limit Sets

Stable limit sets are of supreme importance in experimental and numerical settings because they are the only kind of limit set that can be observed naturally, that is, by simply letting the system run. In this chapter, we examine the conditions for a limit set to be stable.
Pole structure of the J pi =3/2(+) resonance in 5He.

The S-matrix pole structure of the ${\mathrm{J}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}$${=(3/2}^{+}$ resonance in $^{5}\mathrm{He}$ is obtained from R-matrix parameters for the system. Two poles are found on different unphysical Riemann sheets. One is a conventional resonance that is primarily responsible for structure in the n-\ensuremath{\alpha} total cross section. The other is a ``shadow'' pole that contributes to the large values of the cross section for the reaction $^{3}\mathrm{H}$(d,n${)\mathrm{}}^{4}$He at low energies. It is the first experimental evidence for the existence of shadow poles in nuclear and particle physics. The two-pole structure of the resonance accounts for different peak positions and widths in the amplitudes for the n-\ensuremath{\alpha} total cross section and for the $^{3}\mathrm{H}$(d,n) reaction cross section.
The somatic patient.

Summary A significant proportion of patients seen in the Emergency Department will present with somatic complaints for which there is no apparent physiologic cause. Such patients may be divided into two broad categories: (1) those with symptoms and signs consciously synthesized by the patient, either for obvious secondary gain (malingering) or as a result of more subtle and complex motivations (factitious disorders); and (2) those patients with symptoms that are the unconscious expression of psychological stress (somatoform disorders). The somatoform disorders include (1) somatization disorder (characterized by a chronic history of numerous and widely divergent somatic complaints), (2) psychogenic pain disorder (somatization expressed in terms of persistent pain), (3) hypochondriasis (a conviction that one is diseased and disabled in conjunction with a well-focused constellation of supporting symptoms), and (4) conversion disorder (a single, usually nonpainful neurologic symptom, often with identifiable coping value for the patient). The first three disorders have been aggregately termed the “common somatization syndrome.” Management of the somatically focused patient includes the communication of a caring attitude to the patient in conjunction with a cautious and diligent search for treatable medical or psychiatric illness. Resocialization and development of patient links with ongoing, nurturing nonmedical as well as medical support systems is of benefit.
An Analysis of the Geological Stability of a Hypothetical Radioactive Waste Repository in a Bedded Salt Formation

We report on the development of mathematical models used in preliminary studies of the long-term safety of radioactive wastes deeply buried in bedded salt formations (1). Specifically, two analytical approaches to estimating the geological stability of a waste repository in bedded salt are described: (a) use of probabilistic models to estimate the a priori likelihoods of release of radionuclides from the repository through certain idealized natural and anthropogenic causes, and (b) a numerical simulation of certain feedback effects of emplacement of waste materials upon ground-water access to the repository’s host rocks. These models are applied to an idealized waste repository for the sake of illustration.
Ductus arteriosus-associated infective endarteritis: Lessons from the past, future perspective.

BACKGROUND Since routine clinical use of antibiotics as well as surgical and catheter-based closure of a patent arterial duct (PDA), PDA-associated infective endarteritis (PDA-IE) is rare but can still occur when the ductus is still open or as it closes. Thus, clinicians should maintain a high index of concern for patients with unexplained fever. METHODS We report on a PDA-IE in a young infant shortly after potentially delayed obliteration of a PDA. We discuss this case report by reviewing the literature in regard to the pathogenesis (infection primary or secondary to PDA thrombus formation), clinical (new heart murmur) and diagnostic findings (transthoracic echocardiography, total body MRI, laboratory findings), and clinical outcome during mid-term follow-up after successful antibiotic treatment. RESULTS A 7-week-old term infant with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis and a new heart murmur was diagnosed with PDA-IE by transthoracic echocardiography at the pulmonary artery end of an obliterated PDA. Broad diagnostic workup excluded other reasons for sepsis. After 4 weeks of antibiotic treatment the vegetation reduced in size and the infant recovered completely. A review of all cases of PDA-IE (in pediatric and adult patients) previously published was performed. CONCLUSION Nowadays, a PDA-IE is an extremely rare, but still life-threating condition that may even affect patients with a nonpatent ductus arteriosus shortly after its obliteration and should be considered as infective complication in preterms, neonates, and small infants. Therefore, in septic neonates with bacteremia, transthoracic echocardiography may be integrated in the diagnostic workup, especially by fever without source and clinical signs of IE such as a new heart murmur.
Corporate Governance and Performance of Listed Commercial Banks during Financial Crisis: Evidence from China’s Banking Industry

This paper examines the impact of corporate governance on bank performance. Using a sample of China’s listed commercial banks from years 2007 to 2009, we investigate how corporate governance practices affect the performance of China's listed banks during financial crisis. We use two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression to solve the well-known endogeneity problem in corporate governance literature, and compare our results to OLS regression of bank performance on governance mechanisms. A number of interesting findings are yielded in our study. First, there are an inverted U-shaped relation between board size and bank performance, and between proportion of independent directors and performance. Second, the banks whose controlling shareholder is the State can generate better performance than other banks. Third, the shareholding of the largest shareholder affects bank performance but its effect is non-linear, while the shareholding of other large shareholders affects negatively on the bank performance. Fourth, executive compensation incentives have a significant positive impact on bank performance. Our results are robust to various specifications.
Perceived Effectiveness of Web Conferencing Software in the Digital Environment to Deliver a Graduate Course in Applied Behavior Analysis

This article provides an overview of the planning and instructional delivery of a course in Applied Behavior Analysis using Adobe Connect Pro™. A description of software features used by course ins...
Reliable interpretation of scapular kinematics depends on coordinate system definition.

Abstract Background Interpretation of shoulder motion across studies has been complicated due to the use of numerous scapular coordinate systems in the literature. Currently, there are no simple means by which to compare scapular kinematics between coordinate system definitions when data from only one coordinate system is known. Research question How do scapular kinematics vary based on the choice of coordinate system and can average rotation matrices be used to accurately convert kinematics between scapular local coordinate systems? Methods Average rotation matrices derived from anatomic landmarks of 51 cadaver scapulae (29 M/22 F; 59 ± 13 yrs; 26R/25 L; 171 ± 11 cm; 70 ± 19 kg; 23.7 ± 5.5 kg/m2) were generated between three common scapular coordinate systems. Absolute angle of rotation was used to determine if anatomical variability within the cadaver population influenced the matrices. To quantify the predictive capability to convert kinematics between the three coordinate systems, the average rotation matrices were applied to scapulothoracic motion data collected from 19 human subjects (10 M/9 F; 43 ± 17 yrs; 19R; 173 ± 9 cm; 71 ± 16 kg; 23.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2) using biplane fluoroscopy. Root mean squared error (RMSE) was used to compare kinematics from an original coordinate system to the kinematics expressed in each alternative coordinate system. Results The choice of scapular coordinate system resulted in mean differences in scapulothoracic rotation of up to 23°, with overall different shapes and/or magnitudes of the curves. A single average rotation matrix between any two coordinate systems achieved accurate conversion of scapulothoracic kinematics to within 4° of RMSE of the known solution. The average rotation matrices were independent of sex, side, decomposition sequence, and motion. Significance Scapulothoracic kinematic representations vary in shape and magnitude based solely on the choice of local coordinate system. The results of this study enhance interpretability and reproducibility in expressing scapulothoracic motion data between laboratories by providing a simple means to convert data between common coordinate systems. This is necessitated by the variety of available motion analysis techniques and their respective scapular landmark definitions.
An Improved Method to Calculate the Heat Release Rate of a Mine Fire in Underground Mines

Continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide and other fire-related parameters by means of an atmospheric monitoring system (AMS) has been used by the mining industry for early fire detection in underground mines. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) initiated a project to integrate real-time AMS sensor data with NIOSH’s mine fire simulation program, MFIRE 3.0, to simulate and predict the spread of smoke that would provide assistance to mine fire emergency response personnel. Determining the heat release rate of a fire using the monitored sensor data was a critical component of the successful completion of this project. NIOSH researchers developed a direct method to calculate the heat release rate when a fire is within close range of sensors. However, this method is only applicable to the case where a fire occurs in AMS-monitored airways. This paper presents an improved method for determining the fire heat release rate for complicated scenarios where a fire is distant from sensors and airflow splits and merges are present. The method was validated using a full-scale diesel fuel fire test conducted in the Safety Research Coal Mine at the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division and can help mine operators and safety personnel make informed decisions during a fire emergency.
Development of pulmonary embolism in a nonhospitalized patient with COVID-19 who did not receive venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with thrombotic complications such as stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and VTE prophylaxis for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is recommended. However, extended postdischarge VTE prophylaxis and VTE prophylaxis for nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 are not routinely recommended due to uncertain benefit in these populations. SUMMARY: Here we report development of a pulmonary embolism (PE) in a young patient without other VTE risk factors who was treated for COVID-19 in an emergency department (ED) and discharged home without VTE prophylaxis, which was consistent with current recommendations. The patient presented to the ED 12 days later with complaints of chest pain for 1 day and was found to have a PE within the segmental and subsegmental branches of the left lower lobe. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 may be at higher risk for VTE than patients with other medical illnesses and warrants further research into the risk of VTE in outpatients with COVID-19.
Do Consumers View the Genetically Modified Food Labeling Systems Differently? “Contains GMO” Versus “Non-GMO” Labels

This article fills the gap in literature by studying consumers’ perceptions of the genetically modified (GM) food labeling systems in China, in terms of the comparison between the mandatory “Contai...
The Impact of Work History on Economic Security at Old Age Among Africans in South Africa

Work histories of most Africans in South Africa determine whether or not they will be poor at old age. Findings show racial discrimination in education and in the labor market as resulting in the concentration of the majority of Africans in low paying jobs. Low wages and the absence of a national pension scheme prevent most Africans from saving for their retirement. African workers constitute the largest percentage of the working poor in South Africa. Their circumstances are unlikely to change even after retirement. The paper recommends issues for incorporation into a post-apartheid social welfare policy.
Focal cryotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a report from the national Cryo On‐Line Database (COLD) Registry

Study Type – Therapy (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Selective destruction of targeted prostate tissue is now technically feasible. Much has been theorized but little is known about the proper patient selection or treatment outcomes to determine if this organ preserving approach to prostate cancer has merit for further study and diffusion into wider practice. Herein we present the largest retrospective registry report of men treated with sub-total prostate cryotherapy in order to begin to understand how this treatment is being applied despite the paucity of data. OBJECTIVES • To identify recent trends in focal cryotherapy from a prospectively maintained treatment registry. • To describe treatment outcomes after uncontrolled application of focally ablative techniques within community practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS • We conducted an analysis of the COLD Registry to identify patients treated with partial gland prostate cryoablation between 1997 and 2007. • Preoperative characteristics and postoperative cancer-specific and functional outcomes were assembled for analysis. RESULTS • The COLD Registry contained information for 5853 patients and focal cryotherapy was the codified procedure in 1160 patients (19.8%). • A dramatic increase in focal treatments was observed, from 46 in 1999 to 567 in 2005 (P < 0.01). • The biochemical recurrence-free rate (ASTRO definition) at 36 months was 75.7%. • Prostate biopsy, performed in 164/1160 of patients (14.1%), was positive in 43 (26.3%) of those suspected of cancer recurrence, but in only 3.7% (43/1160) of treated patients. • Urinary continence (defined as use of 0 pads) was 98.4%. Maintenance of spontaneous erections was 58.1%. Prolonged urinary retention (>30 days) occurred in six (1.1%) patients. Rectourethral fistula was observed in one (0.1%) patient. CONCLUSIONS • Focal cryoablation is increasingly used for selected patients with prostate cancer. • Oncological efficacy in the present series appears similar to that of whole-gland cryoablation. • The impact of focal cryoablation on urinary, sexual and bowel function appears to be less than that of radical therapies, although preservation of sexual function is not as high as might be expected.
Beef heart malic dehydrogenases. VI. A pH-dependent transition observed in the presence of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide.

Abstract The constants for the dissociation of reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide from both the binary (E. DPNH) and ternary (E . DPNH . d-malate) complexes of bovine heart supernatant malic dehydrogenase have been determined at pH values between 6 and 10 by spectrofluorometric techniques. The constants have minimum values at pH 6.5. Above pH 7, the presence of d-malate stabilizes bound DPNH. Furthermore, the dissociation constant of the binary complex increases at pH values above 9.0, although this is not observed for the ternary complex dissociation constant. The changes are interpreted as reflecting the titration of groups on the protein involved in the binding of DPNH. By use of similar techniques, the dissociation constant of the ternary complex with respect to D-malate has been measured. This constant is unchanged beween pH 6 and 8, but increases above pH 8. A group on the protein dissociating at pH 9.0 to 9.5 is considered to be involved in the binding of d-malate. Measurements of the quantum yields of fluorescence of DPNH in the binary and ternary complexes have been made between pH 6 and pH 10. No change in the quantum yield of the free protein can be observed in the pH range from 6 to 10. The results indicate that the quantum yield of DPNH in the complexes cannot be simply related to its dissociation constant. Some of the effect of d-malate on the DPNH quantum yield is attributed to local electronic interactions at the DPNH-binding site, producing changes in coenzyme fluorescence independent of changes in the stability of the bound DPNH. A parameter, q, which defines some properties of the energy transfer phenomenon is derived. In agreement with theoretical predictions, the energy transfer appears to be mainly nonradiative in nature. Examination of the q values indicates that a transition occurs between pH 7.0 and 7.5. A similar transition is observed with the ternary complex. The extent of quenching of the protein fluorescence upon binding of DPNH or DPNH + d-malate has also been measured. The degree of quenching, measured between pH 7.5 and 10.0, reflects the efficiency of energy transfer. In this pH region, the efficiency of energy transfer for both binary and ternary complexes decreases by 40 to 50% with increasing pH. The efficiency of energy transfer is about 10% greater in the ternary than in the binary complex. Below pH 7.5 the observed quenching is a reflection both of the energy transfer process and of quenching arising from other mechanisms. Optical rotatory dispersion studies of free supernatant malic dehydrogenase at pH 6.5 and 8.5, and of enzyme bound to DPNH at pH 8.5, gave almost identical b0 values. However, measurements carried out at pH 6.5 with the enzyme-DPNH complex show a 60% increase in b0 above the value obtained for this complex at pH 8.5. The pH- and DPNH-dependent transition observed from optical rotation and fluorescence studies may be related to a change in the kinetic properties of the enzyme (described in an earlier publication), which occurs over the same pH range.
EWD 1308: what led to notes on structured programming

The purpose of this historical note is to describe the experiences which with hindsight seem to have influenced me when I wrote EWD 249 “Notes on Structured Programming” in 1969. The note is based on what I remember; I am sure my memory has been selective and hence don’t claim the objectivity of a professional historian.