cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A formal model of several fundamental VHDL concepts

This paper presents a formal model of several fundamental concepts in VHDL including the semantics of individual concurrent statements, and groups of those statements, resolution functions, delta delays, and hierarchical component structuring. Based on this model, several extensions to VHDL are proposed including nondeterministic assignments and unbounded asynchrony. Nondeterminism allows the specification of environments and of classes of devices. This model naturally captures the meaning of composition of VHDL programs. >
Swine Vesicular Disease Virus

This chapter provides an overview of the classification, description, hosts, key developments, and diagnostic techniques for the swine vesicular disease virus. The virus belongs to the Picornaviridae family and the Entero­virus genus. It is transmitted through pigs, humans, and sheep. Disease reports have come from the Far East and Europe; however, the Western Hemisphere, Northern Ireland, Australia, and Africa apparently are free of the virus. The disease was first reported in Italy in 1966. The next report was from Hong Kong in 1970. Laboratory workers have seroconverted demonstrating infection in humans by the virus, and it has been shown to have a close relationship to Coxsackie B-5. Diagnostic techniques for the virus include agar gel immunodiffusion, compliment fixation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, electron microscopy, fluorescent antibody, and virus neutralization.
Temporary Labor Convergence: Newsworkers mobilize massive community support to organize the newspaper chain, 1963–1966

This paper examines a history of the union organizing of editorial workers at Thomson Newspapers from 1963 to 1966. In doing so, it outlines the labor organizing tactics that the American Newspaper...
Exaggerated glucagon responses to hypoglycemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract Context Premenopausal women have blunted counter-regulatory hormone responses (CRR) to hypoglycemia compared to men. Postmenopausal women have CRR similar to men; the premenopausal pattern can be restored by estrogen. However, glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) responses remain lower in postmenopausal women than in men. Since hyperandrogenemia contributes to the metabolic phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we hypothesize that CRR to hypoglycemia especially of glucagon and PP is exaggerated in premenopausal women with PCOS compared to premenopausal control women. Study Subjects and Methods Ten obese women with PCOS and 9 control women of similar ethnicity, age and BMI underwent determination of CRR in response to hypoglycemia during 180-min 60 mU/m 2 /min insulin dose hypoglycemic clamp with isotopic assessment of endogenous glucose production (EGP). To assess CRR to hypoglycemia, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone (GH), epinephrine, norepinephrine, PP, lactate, free fatty acid (FFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, and glycerol levels were sampled at 15-min intervals throughout the clamp. Main Findings Incremental glucagon levels were ~ 3-fold higher during hypoglycemia ( P = 0.03) in PCOS. Postabsorptive, steady-state and incremental GH, cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, PP, FFA, glycerol and β-hydroxybutyrate did not differ. At target glucose levels of ~ 52 mg/dL, insulin mediated glucose disposal (IMGD) was decreased by ~ 40% ( P = 0.02) in PCOS, compared to control women, despite ~ 20% higher steady-state insulin levels ( P = 0.03). Neither postabsorptive nor steady-state EGP differed. However, postabsorptive lactate levels were ~ 50% higher ( P = 0.02). PCOS status ( P = 0.04) and IMGD ( P = 0.02) predicted the differential glucagon response to hypoglycemia in separate regression models, however, neither parameter remained an independent predictor in a combined model. Principal Conclusions Glucagon responses were increased in PCOS, whereas other CRR did not differ. Women with PCOS were insulin resistant under hypoglycemic conditions and higher postabsorptive lactate levels in PCOS were consistent with this finding. Insulin resistance may have contributed to exaggerated glucagon response to hypoglycemia in PCOS.
The “We” and “Me” of Transformational Leadership: Implications for Helping and Group Performance

We examine the joint, unique effects of group- and individual-focused transformational leadership on group performance, individual felt obligation, and individual helping behavior. We assert that e...
Economic Competitiveness and Social Policy in Open Economies

While many studies have shown that greater trade openness affects the overall size of social spending, this study emphasizes that it also affects types of social policies that a government prioriti...
Mathematical modeling of crime as a social epidemic

This paper presents a new mathematical model of crime that incorporates certain important relationships and behavioral changes of the individuals under consideration. The main model assumption is t...
Intrahousehold Power in Russia and the Maternal Capital Law

Natalya Y. Shelkova – Ph.D., Associate Professor, Economics Department, Guilford College, Greensboro, USA. Email: shelkovany@guilford.edu It has been documented that the introduction of market economy institutions in Russia has disadvantaged Russian women, weakening their economic position and their power within the family. This paper investigates whether the introduction of the 2007 the Maternal Capital Law, which aims to promote fertility by granting Russian women a non-cash subsidy for having more than one child, affected the intrahousehold balance of power in Russian families. In order to investigate this hypothesis, the paper looks at changes in the ratio of family expenditure on children to spending on alcohol and tobacco before and after passing of the law. Data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS-HSE), 2002 to 2010, is used. The estimated regression models employ the difference-in-difference methodology and are based on Lundberg, Pollack and Wales, who researched a similar policy shift in the UK in 1970s. The results demonstrate that the year 2008 was a critical turning point: starting with 2008 the ratio of family expenditure on children to spending on alcohol and tobacco increased for families with two or more children (the results are statistically significant). After 2007, on average, expenditure on children increased by fifty-nine roubles per every ruble of alcohol and tobacco expenditures (mesearured in 2002 roubles), nearly doubling. The effect in families with a husband not holding a college degree was shown to be larger and more siginifcant than in families with college-educated husbands. It is concluded that the 2007 Law has had a positive impact on the bargaining power of Russian women.
The Propagation of Lateral Electromagnetic Waves in Air over Vertical Discontinuities

When a horizontal electric dipole is located at a depth d below the surface of the earth or sea, the electromagnetic field along the boundary (z = 0) is dominated—at all but very short distances from the source—by the lateral-wave terms. This is a consequence of the fact that the direct field decays rapidly with distance in lossy media. The lateral-wave field of electric type has the following components in the earth or sea—Region 1 (z ≥ 0, k1)—when |k1| ≫ |k2| (see Chapter 5): $$ E_{{1\rho }}^L(\rho, \phi, z) = A(\phi )\frac{{{k_2}}}{{{k_1}}}{e^{{i{k_1}z}}}{e^{{i{k_2}\rho }}}g(\rho; {k_1},{k_2}) $$ (10.1.1) , $$ E_{{1z}}^L(\rho, \phi, z) = A(\phi )\frac{{k_2^2}}{{k_1^2}}{e^{{i{k_1}z}}}{e^{{i{k_2}\rho }}}f(\rho; {k_1},{k_2}) $$ (10.1.2) , $$ B_{{1\phi }}^L(\rho, \phi, z) = \frac{{{k_1}}}{\omega }E_{{1\rho }}^L(\rho, \phi, z) $$ (10.1.3) , where $$ A(\phi ) = \frac{{\omega \mu 0}}{{2\pi {k_1}}}{e^{{i{k_1}d}}}\,\cos \phi $$ (10.1.4) , and $$ \begin{gathered} g(\rho; {k_1},{k_2}) = f(\rho; {k_1},{k_2}) - \frac{i}{{{k_2}{\rho^3}}} \hfill \\ = \frac{{i{k_2}}}{\rho } - \frac{1}{{{\rho^2}}} - \frac{i}{{{k_2}{\rho^3}}} - \frac{{k_2^3}}{{{k_1}}}{\left( {\frac{\pi }{{{k_2}\rho }}} \right)^{{ \frac{\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}}{\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}} }}}{e^{{ - i{p_1}}}}F({p_1}) \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ (10.1.5) , In $$ {p_1} \equiv {k_2}\rho \left( {\frac{{k_2^2}}{{2k_1^2}}} \right) $$ (10.1.6) , $$ F({p_1}) = \tfrac{1}{2}(1 + i) - {C_2}({p_1}) - i{S_2}({p_1}) $$ (10.1.7a) , with $$ {C_2}({p_1}) + i{S_2}({p_1}) = \int_0^{{{p_1}}} {\frac{{{e^{{it}}}}}{{(2\pi t) \frac{\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}}{\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}} }}} dt $$ (10.1.7b) .
Animal Models of Cutaneous and Hepatic Fibrosis

Fibrosis occurs as a part of normal wound healing. However, excessive or dysregulated fibrosis can lead to severe organ dysfunction and is a feature of a variety of diseases. Due to its insidious onset, fibrosis tends to go undetected in its early stages. This is in part why these diseases remain so poorly understood. Animal models have provided a means to examine these early stages and to isolate and understand the effect of perturbations in signaling pathways, chemokines, and cytokines. Here, we summarize recent progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of fibrosis, both its initiation and its maintenance phases, from animal models of fibrosis in the skin and liver. Due to these organs' properties, modeling fibrosis in them poses unique challenges. Elegant solutions have therefore been developed for modeling fibrosis in each, and now, great potential for animal models to contribute to our understanding appears scientifically imminent.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome that results from an individual experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, military combat, assault, or a motor vehicle accident. This article discusses screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment monitoring. Recommendations are offered for PTSD, acute stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance use, psychosocial functioning, and interpersonal problems. Various treatment approaches for PTSD and related disorders are reviewed.
Enhanced anticancer effect by combination of proteoglucan and Vitamin K3 on bladder cancer cells

Aim: Mushroom extract, PDF, is a bioactive proteoglucan with anticancer/antitumor activity, and Vitamin K3 (VK3) is a synthetic VK derivative with antitumor activity as well. An unconventional approach using these two agents was tested to see their anticancer effects on bladder cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Human bladder cancer T24 cells were treated with PDF, VK3, or their combination, and cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. To explore the anticancer mechanism, cell cycle and epigenetic alterations were specifically studied. Results: PDF ≥ 500 μg/mL led to a ~ 35% reduction in cell viability while VK3 had little effects. However, when PDF (300 μg/mL) was combined with VK3 (5 μM), a ~ 75% cell viability reduction was attained. This specific combination induced a G1 cell cycle arrest with the downregulation of G1-specific regulators. In addition, histone deacetylase was inactivated while histones 3 and 4 were highly acetylated. Two apoptotic regulators were significantly activated with PDF/VK3 combination as well. Conclusion: The specific combination of PDF and VK3 appears to potentiate anticancer effect on T24 cells. This is primarily attributed to a G1 cell cycle arrest with chromatin modifications, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Thus, the PDF/VK3 combination may offer a potential therapeutic option for bladder cancer.
Cooperative Learning Control for Multi Input Multi Output Systems

A new Cooperative Learning Control problem is introduced where a dynamical system is controlled by the sum of two controllers. Each of the two controllers, we design, has the structure of an iterative learning controller, which learns to track a desired, a priori chosen, output sequence. Once learned, the strength of one of the controller is reduced while this loss of control is iteratively transfered to the other controller. There is no direct communication between the two controllers and each controller updates iteratively, using the error signal between the system and the desired output. The point of this paper is to show that ‘controller participation’ can be iteratively transferred until one controller has completely acquired full control of the closed loop system. An important application of the proposed cooperative control system is in Rehabilitation of stroke patients, wherein a loss of control in the arm movement is initially aided by additive control signals from a computer. Subsequently, with therapeutic recovery, dependence on the computer control is reduced while the patient learns to be self reliant on his/her own motor control capability. The proposed cooperative control is illustrated using a non-square linear dynamical system in discrete time and we also consider a 2-link arm as an additional example of a nonlinear system.
Integration of renewable energy resources from the perspective of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator: A review

Abstract Due to the abundance of wind resources in its footprint and favorable energy policies and economics, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator has seen an increase of wind energy to its fuel mix since 2006. With over 11,000 MW under its control and 7000 MW on the generation interconnection queue, MISO has begun to act with respect to understanding what higher levels of variable renewable energy resources would mean for its system.
Primary Sellar Paraganglioma: Case Report with Literature Review and Immunohistochemistry Resource.

Background Differential diagnosis of sellar masses includes adenoma, meningioma, craniopharyngioma, and metastasis. Primary paraganglioma is seldom considered. We present a case of this unique pathology, review the relevant literature, and compile a compendium of immunohistochemical characteristics for use as a resource. Case Description A 73-year-old woman presented to the hospital with visual changes in her left hemifield. Noncontrast head computed tomography demonstrated a large sellar mass with suprasellar extension and displacement of the optic chiasm (diameter of 3.1 cm). Magnetic resonance imaging was unobtainable owing to an incompatible pacemaker. Computed tomography characterization was most consistent with a macroadenoma. Given the acute visual decline, surgical decompression via an endonasal transsphenoidal route was performed without complication. A diagnosis of paraganglioma was made based on histopathology. Following resection, the patient's visual field deficit improved. Computed tomography body imaging was negative for a metastatic origin. Conclusions Paraganglioma is a rare but potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating sellar masses.
Mechanics of Earthquake Source Processes: Insights from Numerical Modeling

Many major faults separate two tectonic plates that slowly move past each other in opposite directions. The relative motion is accommodated by faults by both sudden dramatic rupture events perceived as earthquakes and much slower, quasi-static fault slips. We study the mechanics of these rupture processes using dynamic-fracture ideas and continuum-mechanics modeling that incorporates laboratory-derived fault friction laws [1, 2, 3], shear heating, and effects of pore fluids [4, 5, 6]. The modeling can reproduce all stages of the past behavior of some fault segments—including locked, slowly moving, and earthquake-producing—with remarkable qualitative, and often quantitative, agreement. In part, it reveals the potential physics behind the unexpected extreme events, such the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake in Japan [6, 7] that caused up to 40-m tsunami and numerous casualties. The modeling has been used to study situations in which energy-related quantities estimated from seismic shaking based on traditional fracture mechanics theory are valid and when they are not [8]. Such continuum-mechanics-based models, when further developed, will enable us to incorporate our increasing understanding of earthquake source physics into the assessment of seismic hazards and seismicity response to perturbations of natural or anthropogenic origins.
Energy based load-impulse diagrams with multiple failure modes for blast-loaded reinforced concrete structural elements

Abstract An energy based load-impulse diagram is an alternative of damage assessment tool for protective structures. By defining energy flow relationships, the entire domain of structural responses and corresponding damage can be characterized. The damage level or failure type of a reinforced concrete element under a specific threat or hazard (e.g. impact and blast) can be determined by examining the corresponding combination of energy input and its rate. An energy balance approach for deriving energy based load-impulse diagrams with multiple failure modes for structural elements are presented in this paper. Two different structural behaviors of reinforced concrete elements subjected to blast loads were considered (i.e. flexure and direct shear), and the energy flow in a structural system were described by proposing an energy tank analogy. The application of these approaches to the damage assessment of tested structural elements is illustrated.
Con: Should Varicocele Be Repaired Before ART?

Varicoceles are present in 15–20% of post-pubertal men with a 2–3 times increased likelihood of diagnosis in those presenting for infertility evaluation. However, not all men with varicoceles suffer from subfertility. There is no diagnostic measure in current clinical practice that may predict which individuals will have a negative sequela or which will see improved fertility potential following repair. Despite decades of published literature, the heterogeneous study populations and methodological parameters, as well as a broad range of outcome measures, there continues to be a lack of consensus on the management of varicoceles in the infertile couple. The clinical debate that surrounds the repair of a clinically palpable varicocele prior to assisted reproduction focuses on two patient cohorts: the non-azoospermic male and the azoospermic male.
The Changing Accounting Landscape

It should come as no small surprise, especially to those of you reading this book, that the business landscape at large is in the midst of a technological paradigm shift. That phrase may appear to be to be excessive or perhaps a little buzzworthy, but it is difficult to think of a word or phrase that would be equally appropriate. In addition to the underlying trends that are redefining society and business at large, namely demographic changes, the machinations of global trade, and the increased digitization of information, there are who new areas of business and science being developed as we speak. Even the new technology tools that are the focus of this text, however, it is important to note that the evolution, iterations, and developments of accounting and financial services is not necessarily new; the tools have continued to change rather than the goal of the tools themselves (Winsen and Ng 1976). With every new development, however, comes the proverbial push and pull of innovation and regulation; blockchain and artificial intelligence are not exempt from this market reality. These dynamics, specifically as the relate to the accounting profession, represent forces and changes that must acknowledged and addressed in a proactive manner. Accounting professionals seem to be aware of, from the number of articles and discussions focused around the emerging technology space itself, but action steps still seem to be a work in progress. Specifically, as of this writing, there is no authoritative or definitive guidance issued by any accounting institutions or bodies that have entered into the marketplace. To kick things off and to help frame the conversation, Fig. 2.1 presents a summary and highlight of trends that are changing the accounting profession from its current position to where many experts predict it will end up.
Voltage Balancing of Series Connected Clamping Diodes in Medium Voltage NPC Converter enabled by Gen-3 10 kV SiC MOSFETs for Asynchronous Micro-Grid Power Conditioning System (AMPCS)

Asynchronous micro-grid power conditioning system (AMPCS) had been proposed for integrating two medium voltage nonsynchronous grids. Neutral point clamped (NPC) converter based active front-end converters (AFECs) and three-phase dual active bridge (DAB) are used as basic building blocks for the AMPCS. Switching and voltage clamping operations of these NPCs are achieved using series connected 10 kV SiC MOSFETs and 10 kV SiC JBS diodes, respectively. In the earlier reported work on AMPCS, voltage balancing across the series connected MOSFETs is reported. It is observed that in a few cases voltage unbalance also appears across the series connected clamping diodes due to dissimilar nature of their characteristics. This voltage imbalance across the clamping diodes can affect the operation of AMPCS. In this digest, a balancing scheme for series connected clamping diodes of the AMPCS system using passive snubber circuit is presented. A systematic set of experiments have been reported which can be conducted to ensure the voltage balancing across the series connected clamping diodes before applying them in actual medium voltage AMPCS. The balancing scheme is validated using the experimental results.
Efficiency and Domination in the Socialist Republic: A Reply to O’Shea:

In a recent essay in this journal, Tom O’Shea defends socialist republicanism, marrying the value of freedom as nondomination to public ownership of the means of production. In this reply, I argue ...
Abstract P3-08-71: Medication use to reduce mammographic breast density in premenopausal women: A systematic review

Background: Mammographic breast density (MBD) is a strong modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women. It is estimated that up to 39% of breast cancer cases in premenopausal women could potentially be prevented by reducing dense breasts to non-dense breasts. Therefore, reducing breast density through targeted interventions is an excellent opportunity to substantially reduce breast cancer incidence in premenopausal women. We performed a critical evaluation of the literature to determine the associations of chemoprevention agents use with MBD. This will guide the management of premenopausal women at risk for breast cancer. Methods: Eleven databases were searched on July 2019. We included interventional, cross-sectional, longitudinal or observational studies in Englishreporting the associations of medication with mammographic breast density in premenopausal womenwith no history of breast cancer. Two researchers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the studies. Supplements not otherwise specified were excluded. Results: After de-duplication process, 1,464 citations were screened for eligibility. Seven studies met our inclusion criteria: two observational, four randomized controlled, and one non-randomized controlled trials (RCT). There were two categories of medications: dietary supplements (i.e. vitamin D, calcium, isoflavone) and drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) goserelin, and GnRHA deslorelin acetate). In observational studies, calcium use was associated with a significant reduction in MBD, while vitamin D and NSAIDs showed no reduction6. Likewise, Isoflavone and vitamin D in doses of 1000, 2000 or 3,000IU/day were not associated with a reduction in MBD in two different RCT. Groselin, GnRHA, deslorein acetate, statins were not associated with MBD reduction in an RCT’s. SERMs (tamoxifene and raloxifene) were the only drugs associated with reductions in MBD in RCTs. Conclusions: Only a very limited number of medications (SERMs) are associated with reductions in MBD. In view of their low uptake and adherence, identifying other medications that can reduce MBD is crucial, as these could have utility in breast cancer prevention. Citation Format: Ana S. Salazar, Malika Rakhmankulova, Laura E. Simmon, Adetunji Toriola. Medication use to reduce mammographic breast density in premenopausal women: A systematic review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-71.
The clinical significance of isolated diastolic hypertension.

The prevalence of isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) has been increased in hypertensive subjects with the new 2017 ACC/AHA blood pressure treatment guidelines to 6.5% from 1.3% by the JNC-7 guid...
Mitochondrial quality control: Just walk away.

The repair and removal of damaged mitochondria is essential for sustaining cellular and tissue homeostasis. Now in Cell, Jiao et al. (2021) describe a novel mechanism of such quality control in which damaged mitochondria move to the plasma membrane where they are "packaged" and left behind the trailing edge of migrating cells.
Geographic Aspects of Hydropolitics: The Case of Nile and Mekong River Basins

The filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2020 raised the age-old confrontation between upstream Ethiopia and downstream Egypt to a new level. In this study, a geographic approach is used to ascertain whether Ethiopia could survive without touching the Blue Nile water by investigating the balance between quality of land resources and demographic pressures against the backdrop of the geohyropolitics in the Mekong River. We used a set of geospatial databases acquired from measured and modeled scientific data sources. DEM, slope, and contours were generated from the terrain data. Rasterized population data were used to discern the temporal trend and plot population density across topographic gradients. Global Climate Model (GCM) generated temperature, and precipitation data, averaged for 2020–2040, 2040–2060, 2060–2080, and 2080–2100, were extracted from five sample locations in each river basin and analyzed for December and June, representing Winter and Summer seasons, respectively. To explore alternative water sources for Egypt, multiple buffer zones were created from the Red Sea and Mediterranean Seas. Results revealed (1) In light of intensifying demographic pressure, dwindling carrying capacity of land resources, warming atmospheric temperature, and growing uncertainty of rainfall patterns, Ethiopia’s vulnerability to food and economic insecurity is bound to worsen in the foreseeable future, which ultimately calls for equitable and reasonable utilization of the Blue Nile water. (2) Over 75% of settlements and over 97% of Egypt’s population are seated within a 300-km distance from the two seas where desalinated water could be harvested for domestic and agricultural uses. The study concludes that Egypt should come to terms with the biophysical and demographic dynamics of the Nile Basin and diversify its water sources rather than hoping to cling to obsolete treaties of the Nile, which the upper riparian countries were not a party to.
Teaching engineering statics and dynamics completely on the Web

This paper describes my experience with the design, development and delivery of EGR 281: Engineering Statics and EGR 282: Engineering Dynamics at Broome Community College (USA), entirely over the Internet. The Statics course was developed in the Summer of 1998, with implementation starting in the Fall of 1998. The Dynamics course was developed for implementation in the Spring of 1999. Both courses have been offered each semester since then, including a Summer session.
Intrauteruterine growth restriction increases tyrosine hydroxylase expression and propensity for addiction in low birth weight rats (1107.9)

Obesity is an epidemic of growing concern. Much research has focused on the roles of hypothalamic feeding peptides in energy balance and how these are affected by gestational programming, the impac...
Takeover Defenses, Managerial Ownership, and Firm Leverage

We examine the impact of the agency conflicts of debt on firm financing decision. Consistent with the hypothesis that firm financing policy is determined by the tradeoff between the market for corporate control (takeover defenses) and managerial opportunism, we find that managerial equity ownership and its interaction with takeover defenses affect firm financing decisions. Specifically, we find that (i) firms with large takeover defenses carry high levels of debt, (ii) firms with large managerial ownership operate at high levels of debt unless the firm has a large number of takeover defenses, in which case these managers reduce debt levels, and (iii) the relation between leverage and takeover defenses becomes insignificant when we control for the interaction between these defenses and managerial ownership. Further testing reveals that while bond covenants have a role in reducing the agency conflicts related to the cost of debt financing, they have an insignificant role related to firm leverage. Overall, the evidence suggests that a two-dimensional aspect of governance that includes the interaction between managerial ownership and takeover defenses is imperative in understanding the impact of the agency costs on firm financing decisions.
Mechanisms for coping with unfair ratings and discriminatory behavior in online reputation reporting systems

Reputation reporting systems have emerged as an important risk management mechanism in online trading communities. However, the predictive value of these systems can be compromised in situations where conspiring buyers intentionally give unfair ratings to sellers or where sellers discriminate on the quality of service they provide to different buyers. This paper proposes a set of mechanisms that eliminate or significantly reduce the negative effects of such fraudulent behavior. The proposed mechanisms can be easily integrated into existing online reputation systems in order to safeguard their reliability in the presence of deceitful buyers and sellers.
Analysis of online patient education materials in pediatric ophthalmology

Background Patients increasingly consult online resources for healthcare information. The American Medical Association (AMA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that online education resources be written between a 3rd- and 7th-grade level. This study assesses whether online health information abides by these guidelines. Methods Ten pediatric ophthalmology conditions were entered into a commonly used search engine, Google.com , and analyzed using 10 validated readability scales. Scientific articles and articles written on patient forums were excluded. The 10 conditions—amblyopia, cataract, conjunctivitis, corneal abrasion, nystagmus, retinoblastoma, retinopathy of prematurity, strabismus, stye, and glaucoma—were also searched and analyzed separately from widely used websites, including Wikipedia and WebMD, as well as those of professional societies, including the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). Results The majority of articles were written above recommended guidelines. All scales showed that the 100 articles were written at a mean grade-level of 11.75 ± 2.72. Only 12% of articles were written below a 9th-grade level and only 3% met recommended criteria. The articles accrued separately from Wikipedia, WebMD, AAPOS, and AOA also had average grade levels above the recommended guidelines. Conclusions The readability of online patient education material exceeds NIH and AMA guidelines. This disparity can adversely affect caregiver comprehension of such resources and contribute to poor decision making. Pediatric ophthalmology online articles are generally written at a level too high for average caregiver comprehension. Revision of articles can increase satisfaction, improve outcomes, and facilitate the patient–ophthalmologist relationship.
Higher Spin AdS$_{d+1}$/CFT$_d$ at One Loop

Following S. Giombi and I. R. Klebanov, [J. High Energy Phys. 12 (2013) 068], we carry out one-loop tests of higher spin ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{d+1}/{\mathrm{CFT}}_{d}$ correspondences for $d\ensuremath{\ge}2$. The Vasiliev theories in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{d+1}$, which contain each integer spin once, are related to the $U(N)$ singlet sector of the $d$-dimensional CFT of $N$ free complex scalar fields; the minimal theories containing each even spin once---to the $O(N)$ singlet sector of the CFT of $N$ free real scalar fields. Using analytic continuation of higher spin zeta functions, which naturally regulate the spin sums, we calculate one-loop vacuum energies in Euclidean ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{d+1}$. In even $d$ we compare the result with the $O({N}^{0})$ correction to the $a$ coefficient of the Weyl anomaly; in odd $d$---with the $O({N}^{0})$ correction to the free energy $F$ on the $d$-dimensional sphere. For the theories of integer spins, the correction vanishes in agreement with the CFT of $N$ free complex scalars. For the minimal theories, the correction always equals the contribution of one real conformal scalar field in $d$ dimensions. As explained in Giombi and Klebanov, this result may agree with the $O(N)$ singlet sector of the theory of $N$ real scalar fields, provided the coupling constant in the higher spin theory is identified as ${G}_{N}\ensuremath{\sim}1/(N\ensuremath{-}1)$. Our calculations in even $d$ are closely related to finding the regularized $a$ anomalies of conformal higher spin theories. In each even $d$ we identify two such theories with vanishing $a$ anomaly: a theory of all integer spins, and a theory of all even spins coupled to a complex conformal scalar. We also discuss an interacting UV fixed point in $d=5$ obtained from the free scalar theory via an irrelevant double-trace quartic interaction. This interacting large $N$ theory is dual to the Vasiliev theory in ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{6}$ where the bulk scalar is quantized with the alternate boundary condition.
An improved thermionic microwave gun and emittance-preserving transport line

The positron/electron linac for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory can be used to accelerate electrons to 650 MeV. As part of a project, to use this linac to test the quality of insertion devices, work has been done to develop a higher-brightness thermionic microwave gun of the SSRL type. The new gun design has smaller emittance by a factor of 3 to 4. The ratio of cathode field to maximum surface field is more than doubled. The new alpha-magnet-based transport line design produces negligible emittance degradation due to chromatic aberrations, in spite of the /spl plusmn/5% momentum spread. >
Consumer evaluations of different promotion types and price presentations: the moderating role of promotional benefit level

Abstract The effects of promotion type (i.e., price discounts and bonus packs) and price presentation (i.e., dollars and percentages) across promotional benefit levels were investigated in three experimental studies. The results suggest, for the products considered, that price discounts and bonus packs were valued similarly for both low and moderate promotional benefit levels, while price discounts were preferred when high promotional benefit levels were employed. Additionally, promotions presented in percentage terms were preferred when the benefit level was high. The implications of these results for retailers and manufacturers are that percentage price presentations should be used when large discounts are being offered. Furthermore, it appears that bonus packs are a viable alternative to price discounts when promotion levels are small or moderate since they have less of a deleterious effect on the brand.
Social Capital and College Planning: Students of Color Using School Networks for Support and Guidance.

Through analyses of focus group transcripts, the author highlights key school-based supports and resources students viewed as helpful in their college-planning activities and explores the challenges students' expressed about being exposed to school-based social capital while living in disadvantaged community contexts. The findings suggest the importance of intersecting dosages of school-based social capital such as high expectations and experiential learning to help students complete their college-planning activities as well as the need for coping strategies for the psychological barriers of being college-bound within contexts where college access is not widely available.
Successful Treatment of Mediastinal Germ Cell/Endodermal Sinus Tumors*

Three patients with endodermal sinus tumor of the mediastinum and two with endodermal sinus tumor mixed with other histologies were treated with CEBA (cisplatin, etoposide, bleomycin, and doxorubicin [Adriamycin]) and by cytoreductive surgery. Three patients treated with CEBA followed by surgery achieved a complete remission and remain free of disease at 36 +, 35 +, and 28 + months, respectively, from diagnosis. Two patients were treated initially with vinblastine, bleomycin, cisplatin, and surgery, and neither achieved a complete remission. Both then received CEBA, and one achieved a complete remission (duration 47 + months). Bone marrow toxicity from CEBA was severe, abrupt, and cumulative. All patients experienced neutropenic fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia requiring platelet transfusions. The CEBA followed by vigorous cytoreductive surgery is effective treatment for germ cell tumors of the medastinum containing endodermal sinus tumor elements.
Spatial and temporal soil moisture resource partitioning by trees and grasses in a temperate savanna, Arizona, USA.

Stable isotope analysis was used to determine sources of water used by coexisting trees and grasses in a temperate savanna dominated by Quercus emoryi Torr. We predicted that (1) tree seedlings and bunchgrasses utilize shallow sources of soil water, (2) mature savanna trees use deeper sources of water, and (3) trees switch from shallow to deep water sources within 1 year of germination. We found that Q. emoryi trees, saplings, and seedlings (about 2 months, 1 year, and 2 years old), and the dominant bunchgrass [Trachypogon montufari (H.B.K.) Nees.] utilized seasonally available moisture from different depths within the soil profile depending on size/age relationships. Sapling and mature Q. emoryi acquired water from >50 cm deep, 2-month-old seedlings utilized water from <15 cm, and 1- and 2-year-old seedlings and grasses used water from between 20 cm and 35 cm. This suggests that very young seedlings are decoupled from grasses in this system, which may facilitate germination and early establishment of Q. emoryi within extant stands of native grasses. The potential for subsequent interaction between Q. emoryi and native grasses was evidenced by similar patterns of soil water use by 1- and 2-year-old seedlings and grasses. Q. emoryi seedlings did not switch from shallow to deep sources of soil water within 2 years of germination: water use by these seedlings apparently becomes independent of water use by grasses after 2 years of age. Finally, older trees (saplings, mature trees) use water from deeper soil layers than grasses, which may facilitate the stable coexistence of mature trees and grasses. Potential shifts in the seasonality of precipitation may alter interactions between woody plants and grasses within temperate savannas characterized by bimodal precipitation regimes: reductions in summer precipitation or soil moisture may be particularly detrimental to warm-season grasses and seedlings of Q. emoryi.
New Ventures for Colleges and Universities

Anyone who has been a member of academia for any considerable length of time will resonate with de Bono and Machiavelli. Our universities do not usualloy befriend change and innovation; in fact, these institutions usually ignore them.
Eating attitudes in high school students in the Philippines: A preliminary study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes among high school students from Pasig Catholic College in the Philippines. Methods: Two survey questionnaires, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), were administered to 932 high school students. The height and weight of the subjects were measured, and their body mass indices (BMI) calculated. Results: The prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes according to the EAT scores was 14.5±3.2% among males and 15.0±3.5% among females, comparable to the 7-22% found in Western countries. There was a weak correlation between the EAT scores and BMI (r=0.180, p=0.01), and between the EAT scores and Beck’s Depression Inventory (r=0.187, p=0.01). Conclusions: The results indicate the presence of abnormal eating attitudes among Filipino high school students from Pasig Catholic College, which suggests that further study of eating disorders and their associated risks is warranted.
A Steady-State Evaluation of the Effects of Propantheline Bromide and Cholestyramine on the Bioavailability of Digoxin When Administered as Tablets or Capsules

Drug interactions can profoundly alter the absorption of digoxin in tablet form. This study evaluated whether digoxin solution in capsules, a new dosage form with 90% to 100% bioavailability, would reduce such alterations, specifically those caused by cholestyramine and propantheline bromide. The investigation used a six-treatment, steady-state, balanced, incomplete block design with 18 healthy adults studied for four continuous two-week treatment periods. Treatments were either two 0.25 mg digoxin tablets or two 0.20 mg digoxin capsules administered alone, with propantheline, 15 mg qid, or with cholestyramine, 8 g qd. Bioavailability was determined from steady-state, 24-hour area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC, ng × h/mL) and from 0- and 24-hour trough serum digoxin concentrations (ng/mL). The AUCs for tablets alone, with cholestyramine, and with propantheline were 32.8 ± 13.3 (± SD), 22.4 ± 12.1, and 40.6 ± 13.9, respectively, while corresponding values for capsules were 31.7 ± 9.3, 24.7 ± 7.9, and 35.9 ± 12.8. The trough concentrations for tablets alone, with cholestyramine, and with propantheline were 0.88 ± 0.47, 0.61 ± 0.38, and 1.09 ± 0.35, respectively; trough concentrations for capsules were 0.77 ± 0.28, 0.74 ± 0.28, and 0.96 ± 0.48, respectively. The only significant differences in AUC were seen when comparing tablets alone versus tablets with cholestyramine (P < .0005) and tablets with propantheline (P < .01). A significant finding was also observed when comparing trough concentrations for tablets alone versus tablets with cholestyramine (P < .005). The results confirm (1) bioequivalence of 0.20 mg capsules versus 0.25 mg tablets, (2) significant alterations in tablet bioavailability due to cholestyramine and propantheline, and (3) reduction of these alterations by the capsule dosage form. These findings suggest that digoxin capsules may offer clinical advantages over digoxin tablets in achieving predictable, consistent serum digoxin concentrations in patients receiving cholestyramine, propantheline, and similar drugs.
A Reynolds-Eyring Equation for Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication in Line Contacts

Equation de Reynolds-Eyring appliquee a la lubrification elastohydrodynamique d'un contact lineaire
Boundary velocity method for continuum shape sensitivity of nonlinear fluid–structure interaction problems

Abstract A Continuum Sensitivity Equation (CSE) method was developed in local derivative form for fluid–structure shape design problems. The boundary velocity method was used to derive the continuum sensitivity equations and sensitivity boundary conditions in local derivative form for a built-up joined beam structure under transient aerodynamic loads. For nonlinear problems, when the Newton–Raphson method is used, the tangent stiffness matrix yields the desired sensitivity coefficient matrix for solving the linear sensitivity equations in the Galerkin finite element formulation. For built-up structures with strain discontinuity, the local sensitivity variables are not continuous at the joints, requiring special treatment to assemble the elemental local sensitivities and the generalized force vector. The coupled fluid–structure physics and continuum sensitivity equations for gust response of a nonlinear joined beam with an airfoil model were posed and solved. The results were compared to the results obtained by finite difference (FD) method.
Inhibition of growth of MX-1, MCF-7-MIII and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer xenografts after administration of a targeted cytotoxic analog of somatostatin, AN-238.

Since somatostatin (sst) receptors are expressed in a high percentage of human breast cancers, we studied the effects of a targeted cytotoxic somatostatin analog (AN-238) formed by linking the highly active doxorubicin (DOX) derivative 2-pyrrolino-DOX (AN-201) to octapeptide RC-121 (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Lys-Val-Cys-Thr-NH(2)) in 3 human breast cancer models. The models included estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 and MX-1 and estrogen-sensitive MCF-7-MIII tumors. Nude mice bearing xenografts of these cancers were injected i.v. with 250 nmol/kg doses of cytotoxic radical AN-201, cytotoxic analog AN-238 or the unconjugated mixture of AN-201 and sst analog RC-121. Significant inhibition of growth of MDA-MB-231, MX-1 and MCF-7-MIII tumors was observed 1 week after injection of a single dose of cytotoxic analog AN-238. The volume of MDA-MB-231 tumors remained significantly decreased 3 weeks after treatment. The volumes and weights of MCF-7-MIII tumors continued to be significantly reduced 60 days after therapy with AN-238. AN-238 also caused complete regression of MX-1 tumors in 5 of 10 animals, which remained tumor-free 60 days after treatment. In contrast, after treatment with cytotoxic radical AN-201, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7-MIII tumors grew steadily and the regression of MX-1 tumors was only transitory in most animals. Toxicity of AN-201 was much greater than that of AN-238, as measured by animal deaths, loss of body weight and leukopenia. High-affinity sst receptors and mRNA for both sst(2) and sst(5) subtypes were found in all 3 tumor lines. Expression of sst receptors was not significantly affected by treatment with AN-238. Our results indicate that the cytotoxic somatostatin analog AN-238 efficaciously inhibits growth of human breast cancers expressing sst receptor subtypes 2 and 5.
Risk-taking, warning labels, training, and regulation: Are they associated with the use of helmets by all-terrain vehicle riders?

Training programs and warning labels have been advocated as a means of convincing consumers to follow safety precautions when using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and are emphasized in the recent consent decree signed between the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ATV manufacturers. An alternative approach is to mandate safe behavior through regulations and law. This field study of ATV operator behavior conducted in six states in 1988 and 1989 provides initial insight into the effectiveness of these approaches. Logit analysis revealed that helmet use was significantly higher when required by law or when riders had 3 or more years of riding experience. Helmet use was significantly lower when riders rode frequently, when helmets were perceived as uncomfortable or not used on motorcycles, and when subjects had been moderately or seriously injured in ATV accidents. The presence of warning labels, reading of a manual, and participation in a training course were not significantly related to helmet use.