cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use and nonuse of tax deferred annuities by Ohio faculty

Employees of institutions of higher education are entitled to voluntarily contribute to a tax deferred annuity (TDA). Congress created this tax shelter to encourage and assist university faculty to supplement their retirement income. The TDA has been available for over 20 years, and this study measures its use by a large random sample of currently employed faculty of the State of Ohio. A major finding is that only one-half the sample participates in the TDA program. The study provides statistics on the demographic characteristics of participants and nonparticipants.
Reinfusion of aspirated pericardial blood during CPB. Part I. Hypothesis: laparotomy sponges are a significant part of the CPB circuit?

Abstract Blood accumulating in the pericardial sac is routinely reinfused during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. Such reinfusion has been associated with an increased incidence of serious complications such as coagulopathy, systemic inflammation, and neurologic sequelae. We hypothesize that some of these complications occur because the reinfused blood has been exposed to and activated by laparotomy sponges used to elevate the heart during vein graft emplacement. Such laparotomy sponges expose accumulating pericardial blood to a large, raw, cotton surface with an area approximately five times that of the CPB circuit (excluding the biocompatible oxygenator membrane). Because the reinfused blood has been exposed to this surface, the sponge becomes, in essence, a significant—though inapparent—part of the CPB circuit. Steps should be taken to either eliminate the sponge or to reduce the area of this foreign surface and make it more biocompatible.
The effect of leukotriene synthesis inhibitors in models of acute and chronic inflammation

Objective. To assess the efficacy of leukotriene synthesis inhibitors, alone and in combination with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, as potential treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using the mouse air pouch model and the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Methods. Two selective leukotriene synthesis inhibitors, Bay x 1005 and Bay y 1015, were compared with zileuton in terms of their ability to decrease exudate volume, cell infiltration, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production in response to zymosan injection in the mouse air pouch model. The mouse CIA model was used to assess the effect of leukotriene synthesis inhibitors in a model of chronic inflammation. Bay y 1015 and Bay x 1005, and the cyclooxygenase inhibitor naproxen, were evaluated individually and in combination, for their antiarthritic potency in the mouse CIA model. Results. The results indicate that neither zileuton, Bay x 1005, nor Bay y 1015 inhibited exudate production. All 3 compounds decreased LTB4 levels in the air pouch, with Bay y 1015 being the most effective. Cell infiltration was significantly decreased with Bay x 1005, but the degree of this decrease did not appear to correlate with LTB4 levels. No inhibition of arthritis was observed with any compound administered alone. In contrast, a significant inhibition of CIA was observed in animals that received both naproxen and either Bay y 1015 or Bay x 1005. Conclusion. Inhibitors of both cyclooxygenase and leukotriene synthesis in combination may be a more effective treatment of RA than either class of inhibitors alone.
Association between benign thyroid and endocrine disorders and subsequent risk of thyroid cancer among 4.5 million U.S. male veterans.

Context: Risk factors for thyroid cancer (TC) in males are poorly understood. Objectives, Setting, and Participants: Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between history of benign thyroid and endocrine disorders and risk of TC among 4.5 million male veterans admitted to U.S. Veterans Affairs hospitals between July 1, 1969, and September 30, 1996. Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on hospital discharge records with 1053 cases of TC. Main Outcome Measures: We estimated relative risks (RR) and computed 95% confidence intervals (CI) for TC using time-dependent Poisson regression models. To evaluate potential ascertainment bias and/or delayed diagnosis of TC, we also analyzed RR by time between diagnosis of benign disorder and TC (<5 or ≥5 yr). Results: RR for TC were significantly elevated with many disorders and were often higher less than 5 yr compared with 5 yr or more before TC diagnosis. RR (95% CI) less than 5 yr/at least 5 yr were 67.9 (42.4–108.8)/28.9 (9.2–90.2) for thyroid ...
Axonal channelopathies An evolving concept in the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve disorders

Abnormalities of peripheral nerve Na sup + and K sup + channels result in clinical manifestions unrelated to axonal degeneration or demyelination.Na sup + channel blockade causes weakness and sensory loss associated with slowed conduction and decreased motor and sensory action potential amplitudes. K sup + channel abnormalities result in high frequency repetitive action potentials (e.g., myokymia). Ion channel abnormalities may also play an important role in electrophysiologic changes seen in demyelinating disorders. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 18-21
Effects of pH and calcium on action potentials of lobster giant axons

Abstract 1. 1. Low external pH causes reversible deterioration of the excitability of Panulirus interruptus giant axons, without affecting restinal potential. 2. 2. High calcium concentrations protect the axon from the effects of low pH. 3. 3. Lanthanum is even more effective than calcium in protecting the axon from low pH effects. 4. 4. High external pH causes irreversible disruption of giant axon, irrespective of calcium concentration. 5. 5. A chemical adsorption model for calcium action has been constructed, based on the kinetics of calcium and pH effects on the axon. 6. 6. The acidic dissociation of p K of the calcium biinding site is about 6, including that it might be a phosphate ester.
Quinone production of some species of Tribolium

Abstract The quinone secretions of 6 Tribolium species were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography. Procedures were developed for collecting and weighing the secretion which prevented its contamination and oxidation of the quinones. Secretions of all species contained 2-methyl- and 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinones in amounts ranging from 50.5% in T. brevicornis to 73% in T. confusum . Ratios of 2-methyl- to 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone were 1:1.7 in 2 species and 1:2.6 to 1:2.7 in 4 species. The most prevalent non-quinone in secretions of all species was 1-pentadecene, varying from 15.6% in T. confusum to 19.9% in T. brevicornis . Three unidentified compounds, probably long-chain hydrocarbons, were found and designated biosolvents. BS-2 was present in secretions of all species, BS-1a in 4 species and traces of BS-1b in 2 species. The primary function of 1-pentadecene, and probably the unidentified biosolvents, is quinone solvency. This is discussed in relation to other previously proposed functions and to the recently discovered activity as a sex pheromone.
Differential regulation of Na+ transporters along nephron during ANG II-dependent hypertension: distal stimulation counteracted by proximal inhibition

During angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent hypertension, ANG II stimulates, while hypertension inhibits, Na+ transporter activity to balance Na+ output to input. This study tests the hypothesis that ANG II infusion activates Na+ transporters in the distal nephron while inhibiting transporters along the proximal nephron. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with ANG II (400 ng·kg−1·min−1) or vehicle for 2 wk. Kidneys were dissected (cortex vs. medulla) or fixed for immunohistochemistry (IHC). ANG II increased mean arterial pressure by 40 mmHg, urine Na+ by 1.67-fold, and urine volume by 3-fold, evidence for hypertension and pressure natriuresis. Na+ transporters' abundance and activation [assessed by phosphorylation (-P) or proteolytic cleavage] were measured by immunoblot. During ANG II infusion Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) abundance decreased in both cortex and medulla; Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 2 (NKCC2) decreased in medullary thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) and increased, along with NKCC2-P, in cortical TALH; Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) and NCC-P increased in the distal convoluted tubule; and epithelial Na+ channel subunits and their cleaved forms were increased in both cortex and medulla. Like NKCC2, STE20/SPS1-related proline alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and SPAK-P were decreased in medulla and increased in cortex. By IHC, during ANG II NHE3 remained localized to proximal tubule microvilli at lower abundance, and the differential regulation of NKCC2 and NKCC2-P in cortex versus medulla was evident. In summary, ANG II infusion increases Na+ transporter abundance and activation from cortical TALH to medullary collecting duct while the hypertension drives a natriuresis response evident as decreased Na+ transporter abundance and activation from proximal tubule through medullary TALH.
OPN04-2: On the Design of a 2 logN - 2 WDM Optical Path Cross Connect with Full Permutation Capability

In this paper, we propose a new optical path cross connect (OXC) architecture for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks with reduced switching and conversion complexity. The proposed OXC is based on two design principles: bulk wavelength conversion, and single-step space/wavelength switching. Combined power of these two design principles lead to a novel OXC design with minimum number of switches as well as wavelength conversions. The proposed design follows the structure of the well-known Benes network and provides a full-permutation connectivity in both space and wavelength domains using only 2 log2 N - 2 switching stages, and thus, requires N/2 less switching elements (N = FW, where F is the total number of fibers and W that of wavelengths). We investigate the main properties of the proposed design and compare it to well-known existing OXCs.
Embedding discriminant directions in backpropagation

A two-phase backpropagation algorithm is presented. In the first phase the directions of the weight vectors of the first hidden layer are constrained to remain in directions suitably chosen by pattern recognition, data compression, or speech and image processing techniques. Then, the constraints are removed and the standard backpropagation algorithm takes over to further minimize the error function. The first phase swiftly situates the weight vectors in a good position which can serve as the initialization of the standard backpropagation algorithm. The generality of its application, its simplicity, and the shorter training time it requires, makes this approach attractive. >
Alpha actinin distribution and extracellular matrix products during somitogenesis and neurulation in the chick embryo

A discrete stage in two different morphogenetic processes has been examined employing fluorescently labelled alpha-actinin as a probe to localize native alpha-actinin and antibodies to localize fibronectin and collagen type I. The stage of somitogenesis examined is the transition from the compact mesenchymal somitic mass to the epithelial somitic vesicle (ie, epithelialization of the somite). The stage of neurulation examined is the transition from the relatively flat neuroepithelium to the approximation of the neural folds. Before these morphogenetic movements begin, the neuroepithelium is sitting upon a basal lamina and interstitial collagen, and the somite is surrounded by a meshwork of interstitial collagen. During both of these processes, the cells become narrowed at their apices in the region of the tissue that is becoming concave, and alpha-actinin is localized in the apices. The localization of intracellular alpha-actinin and extracellular fibronectin, and the distribution of collagen, suggest that there is a coordinated appearance and distribution of these molecules that is temporally associated with these discrete morphogenetic events.
Comparison of Test and Finite Element Analysis for Two Full-Scale Helicopter Crash Tests

Finite element analyses have been performed for two full-scale crash tests of an MD-500 helicopter. The first crash test was conducted to evaluate the performance of a composite deployable energy absorber under combined flight loads. In the second crash test, the energy absorber was removed to establish the baseline loads. The use of an energy absorbing device reduced the impact acceleration levels by a factor of three. Accelerations and kinematic data collected from the crash tests were compared to analytical results. Details of the full-scale crash tests and development of the system-integrated finite element model are briefly described along with direct comparisons of acceleration magnitudes and durations for the first full-scale crash test. Because load levels were significantly different between tests, models developed for the purposes of predicting the overall system response with external energy absorbers were not adequate under more severe conditions seen in the second crash test. Relative error comparisons were inadequate to guide model calibration. A newly developed model calibration approach that includes uncertainty estimation, parameter sensitivity, impact shape orthogonality, and numerical optimization was used for the second full-scale crash test. The calibrated parameter set reduced 2-norm prediction error by 51% but did not improve impact shape orthogonality.
Brachial plexus palsy in newborn infants.

Experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of residua of brachial plexus paralysis in 25 infants is presented. Associated defects substantiate the traumatic nature of the deliveries. The electromyogram proved a valuable tool in the exact delineation of the pathology and in determination of prognosis. Early optimum treatment prevented atrophy and contractures. Of the 20 babies with adequate follow-up, approximately ⅓ recovered by 6 months with minimal deficit, over ½ recovered by 1 year with moderate residua to include persistent weakness, delay in bone growth, dislocation, and peculiar posturing of the arm; and the other three infants showed significant handicaps.
Rupture directivity of microearthquakes on the San Andreas Fault from spectral ratio inversion

SUMMARY Earthquakes often occur on faults separating materials with different elastic properties. On theoretical grounds, it is expected that earthquakes on such bimaterial interfaces might have a preferred rupture propagation direction, that being the direction of motion of the more compliant material. The goal of this paper is to determine whether a large sample of natural earthquakes on a bimaterial interface exhibits this tendency. Since the creeping section of San Andreas Fault has a large across-fault velocity contrast and has produced thousands of microearthquakes over the last few decades, the rupture directions of ∼3100 magnitude 0.5–3.0 earthquakes were studied using spectral ratio analysis. The spectral ratios of all earthquake pairs in spatially defined clusters were fitted with synthetic spectral ratios at qualified stations. The synthetics were computed from a simple moving point source model in which each modelled earthquake has four parameters: two rupture lengths (one to the SE and one to the NW) and their propagation velocities. The resolution of rupture directivity increases with event size, such that nearly 900 events, mostly those larger than ∼70 m, appear reasonably well resolved. The inversion results suggest that ∼40 per cent of the well-resolved events are roughly bilateral, although more than ∼80 per cent of the 144 events classified as "strongly unilateral" rupture to the SE, consistent with the theoretical prediction. For those rupture halves that were large enough for the propagation speed to be somewhat resolved, that speed was greater by roughly 10 per cent for those halves propagating to the SE, qualitatively consistent with numerical and laboratory experiments. We also found that events with nearby foreshocks within several hours tend to rupture away from those foreshocks, whether to the NW or to the SE, indicating that asymmetry of prior stressing history can exert a stronger influence on rupture directivity than the material contrast.
The wisdom of the crowd playing The Price Is Right

In The Price Is Right game show, players compete to win a prize, by placing bids on its price. We ask whether it is possible to achieve a “wisdom of the crowd” effect, by combining the bids to produce an aggregate price estimate that is superior to the estimates of individual players. Using data from the game show, we show that a wisdom of the crowd effect is possible, especially by using models of the decision-making processes involved in bidding. The key insight is that, because of the competitive nature of the game, what people bid is not necessarily the same as what they know. This means better estimates are formed by aggregating latent knowledge than by aggregating observed bids. We use our results to highlight the usefulness of models of cognition and decision-making in studying the wisdom of the crowd, which are often approached only from non-psychological statistical perspectives.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Antlion (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) Density and Impacts on Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Generalized Arthropod Foraging

Antlion larvae that construct conical pits to capture prey may strongly affect foraging of ants and other arthropods, yet are usually abundant only in sheltered microhabitats. Larval antlion (Myrmeleon crudelis Walker) densities increasedin exposedareas in central Texas in late summer and early autumn of 1998, presumably because of extended dry conditions. I conducted a study to quantify larval antlion pit d ensities in shelteredandexposedareas over time, andto examine the effect of variation in pit density on the foraging activity of ants and other arthropods. Isolated rainfall events decreased pit densities in exposed areas, sometimes to zero, but pit densities returned to high levels as the soil driedout. Pitfall traps at shelteredsites caught signiÞcantly fewer ants andother arthropods inside antlion zones (i.e., areas of high antlion density) than in adjacent areas without antlions. At exposedsites, pitfall traps caught signiÞcantly fewer ants in antlion zones when pits were present (dry conditions) than when they were absent (wet conditions); there was no signiÞcant difference in foraging outside the antlion zones in wet compared with dry conditions. SigniÞcantly fewer ants were caught insid e antlion zones at shelteredsites (that were permanent) comparedwith exposedsites (that were transient), although pit densities were similar at both types of sites. Attraction of ants to baits revealedsimilar patterns. Spatiotemporal variation in antlion pit d ensities andthe associated predation risk to ants and other arthropods may result in behavioral modiÞcations of foraging patterns, higher mortality rates, or both.
A New Computationally-Efficient 2-D Model for Boron Implants into (100) Single-Crystal Silicon

In this paper, the first comprehensive and computationally-efficient two-dimensional model is reported for boron implants into (100) single-crystal silicon with explicit dependence on energy, dose, implant angles, mask height, mask orientation, and rotation of the wafer during the implant. The model and its implementation into SUPREM 4 are described, and where possible, the explicit dependencies are illustrated.
Wearable tactile keypad with stretchable artificial skin

A hyperelastic, thin, transparent pressure sensitive keypad is fabricated by embedding a silicone rubber film with conductive liquid-filled microchannels. Applying pressure to the surface of the elastomer deforms the cross-section of underlying microchannels and changes the electrical resistance across the affected channels. Perpendicular conductive channels form a quasi-planar network within an elastomeric matrix that registers the location, intensity and duration of applied pressure. Pressing channel intersections of the keypad triggers one of twelve keys, allowing the user to write any combination of alphabetic letters. A 5% change in channel output voltage must be achieved to trigger a key. It is found that approximately 100 kPa of pressure is necessary to produce a 5% change in voltage across a conductive microchannel that is 20 microns in height and 200 microns in width. Sensitivity of the keypad is tunable via channel geometry and choice of elastomeric material.
Limitations of Norris-Landzberg equation and application of damage accumulation based methodology for estimating acceleration factors for Pb free solders

With the increasing use of Pb free solder in Electronic assemblies the estimation of their reliability under field use conditions is becoming important. The acceleration factor for solder depends on delta T, dwell times, ramp rates, actual values of temperature extremes, and the type of package. During the last few years, a number of papers have been published to determine the acceleration factors using Norris-Landzberg equation by varying some of these parameters. However, no consistent Norris-Landzberg parameters have been found yet for SnAgCu solders. This paper seeks to relate the field life with accelerated life by using simulations and a damage accumulation methodology. It is shown that the damage accumulation process in solder joints is much more complex to be captured by a simplified equation, such as Norris-Landzberg equation. The data presented here also shows that the acceleration factors depend on the package type and basing reliability requirement on accelerated test conditions, e.g., 1000 cycles for −40 to 125°C, irrespective of package type might preclude a package for a certain application even though the package might pass field level reliability requirements.
Attending to global versus local stimulus features modulates neural processing of low versus high spatial frequencies: an analysis with event-related brain potentials.

Spatial frequency (SF) selection has long been recognized to play a role in global and local processing, though the nature of the relationship between SF processing and global/local perception is debated. Previous studies have shown that attention to relatively lower SFs facilitates global perception, and that attention to relatively higher SFs facilitates local perception. Here we recorded event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to investigate whether processing of low versus high SFs is modulated automatically during global and local perception, and to examine the time course of any such effects. Participants compared bilaterally presented hierarchical letter stimuli and attended to either the global or local levels. Irrelevant SF grating probes flashed at the center of the display 200 ms after the onset of the hierarchical letter stimuli could either be low or high in SF. It was found that ERPs elicited by the SF grating probes differed as a function of attended level (global vs. local). ERPs elicited by low SF grating probes were more positive in the interval 196-236 ms during global than local attention, and this difference was greater over the right occipital scalp. In contrast, ERPs elicited by the high SF gratings were more positive in the interval 250-290 ms during local than global attention, and this difference was bilaterally distributed over the occipital scalp. These results indicate that directing attention to global versus local levels of a hierarchical display facilitates automatic perceptual processing of low versus high SFs, respectively, and this facilitation is not limited to the locations occupied by the hierarchical display. The relatively long latency of these attention-related ERP modulations suggests that initial (early) SF processing is not affected by attention to hierarchical level, lending support to theories positing a higher level mechanism to underlie the relationship between SF processing and global versus local perception.
Using intelligent data analysis to detect abnormal energy consumption in buildings

This paper describes a novel method for detecting abnormal energy consumption in buildings based on daily readings of energy consumption and peak energy consumption. The method uses outlier detection to determine if the energy consumption for a particular day is significantly different than previous energy consumption. For buildings with abnormal energy consumption, the amount of variation from normal is determined using robust estimates of the mean and standard deviation. This new data analysis method will reduce operating costs by detecting problems that previously would have gone unnoticed. Also, operators should save time by not having to manually detect faults or diagnose false alarms. The new data analysis method has successfully detected high-energy consumption in many buildings. This paper presents field test results for buildings that had the following problems: (1) chiller failure and a poor control strategy, (2) poor design of ventilating and air-conditioning equipment, and (3) improper operation of equipment following a change in the electrical panel.
Improving performance analysis with structures of outputs and constraints

This paper is devoted to the analysis of output performances for linear systems with state/output constraints. Analysis methods are obtained by incorporating the structures of outputs and state constraints into non-quadratic Lyapunov functions. Output ranges and overshoots are estimated for given sets of initial conditions and bounded inputs. Attempts are also made to detect a large invariant set within state/output constraints. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the non-quadratic Lyapunov functions and the proposed methods. In particular, it is shown that, even for linear time invariant systems, the output bound can be sharpened by using a simple non-quadratic Lyapunov function that incorporates the structure of the output.
Wide Beam‐Column Connections under Earthquake‐Type Loading

Abstract Wide beam‐column connections, whose beams are wider than their supporting columns, are often found in one‐way concrete joist systems and in other buildings where floor‐to‐ceiling heights are restricted. Research into the seismic behavior of these connections stems from the recommendation by ACI‐ASCE Committee 352 (Monolithic Connections in R/C Framed Structures) that these connections be evaluated for use in high seismic zones. Four exterior 3/4‐scale specimens, including transverse beam with reinforcement, were tested at the University of Michigan Structural Engineering Laboratory. The effects of joint shear stress level, fraction of beam longitudinal reinforcement anchored in the column core, and beam‐width to column‐width ratios (bw/bc) were explored as part of this research. The experiments show that wide beam‐column connections can be used in high seismic zones if they are detailed correctly. If they are not detailed correctly, the exterior connections will be incapable of transferring the p...
Proverbs in Middle East North Africa (MENA∗) Cultural Context:

All proverbs are inextricably related to the culture of their origin. The proverb has a form and function distinctive to that culture. Biblical proverbs thus reflect MENA (Middle East North African...
Yellow warbler defenses are retained in the absence of brood parasitism but enhanced by experience with cowbirds

Yellow warblers, Setophaga petechia, respond to brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds, Molothrus ater, by giving "seet" alarm calls and rushing to protect their nests. These responses are typically given in populations sympatric with cowbirds, but rarely in allopatric populations. Whether the lower expression in allopatry has a genetic basis or instead could be explained by behavioral plasticity has not been investigated. We found that warblers exposed to cowbirds in Montana (sympatric) responded significantly more often to cowbird models with seet calls (85.7%) and nest protection behavior (80.0%) than conspecifics breeding in long-term isolation from cowbirds in Alaska (allopatric, 27.3% and 16.7%, respectively). Warblers breeding in Idaho, which were locally isolated from cowbirds (naive) but presumed to be genetically similar to nearby parasitized warblers, were significantly less likely than sympatric warblers to respond to cowbird models with seet calls (30.3%) and nest protection (17.3%). The lower responsiveness of naive warblers implies behavioral plasticity in trait expression, indicating that the lower responsiveness of allopatric warblers relative to sympatric warblers could be explained entirely by plasticity. The lower expression of these defenses in the absence of cowbirds may contribute to their persistence by minimizing potentially costly recognition errors.
Health Information Technology Policy

Public policy shapes all aspects of a healthcare system, including how health IT is used. This chapter reviews key policy goals relevant to informatics and how health IT policy has changed substantially in recent years, from a focus on accelerating adoption to a greater emphasis on interoperability and fostering innovation. It also discusses the role of policy in protecting privacy of patients’ health information, ensuring health IT products are safe for patients, and improving medical practice workflows.
Breeding Self-Pollinated Crops

The challenge of the plant breeder is to develop better varieties. In this chapter we are concerned with the methods by which new varieties of self-pollinated crop plants originate. Before we proceed into a discussion of these methods, let us consider the question, “What is a variety?”
Association of gender, age, and ethnicity with survival in patients with pancreas cancer

e15587 Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. However little is still known about factors that influence its development and progressio...
Notes on Microscopic Theory of Superconductivity

Abstract The first part of this chapter traces several of the most dramatic events in the long history of studying the superconductivity phenomenon. The second part discusses, in somewhat more detail, the evolution of the theoretical ideas that finally lead to the microscopic theory in its modern form.
Aggregation on the edge: effects of hypoxia avoidance on the spatial distribution of brown shrimp and demersal fishes in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The northwestern Gulf of Mexico shelf experiences the largest seasonal hypoxic (dissolved oxygen, DO ≤ 2.0 mg l−1) zone in the western hemisphere. This study uses bottom trawl and hydrographic surveys over 3 yr to quantify low DO avoidance thresholds, patterns of aggregation in nearby oxygenated refuge habitats, and spatial overlap of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus and several finfishes on the nearshore Louisiana shelf. On average, DO avoidance thresholds were low (1 to 3 mg l−1) and near incipient lethal levels for similar species, suggesting organisms avoid the lowest, lethal DO levels on the shelf. Avoidance thresholds varied both within and among years, indicating that behavioral responses to low DO are context-dependent and vary in relation to the severity of hypoxia and possibly other factors. Despite the absence of physical barriers to movement, evading organisms aggregated at short distances (1 to 3 km) just beyond the margins of the hypoxic zone, indicating that sublethal and indirect effects of hypoxia are probably most intense within a relatively narrow region along the hypoxic edge. DO avoidance thresholds and patterns of aggregation were similar between brown shrimp, the primary target of the commercial shrimp trawl fishery, and several juvenile and small adult finfishes that comprise most of the bycatch. In addition, spatial overlap between brown shrimp and finfishes was highest in the years when hypoxia was most severe, and this effect was stronger for benthic fishes than for pelagic fishes. These results suggest the potential for enhanced harvest and bycatch interactions along the margins of the hypoxic zone as an indirect effect of hypoxia-induced shifts in spatial patterns. Such spatially mediated indirect effects are an important means by which hypoxia influences mobile species in the Gulf.
Origins and Consequences of Changes in U.S. Corporate Taxation, 1981-1998

foreign direct investment. hat U.S. corporate tax policy is partly determined by partisan and organizational forces as well as by domestic economic forces is a standard theoretical view. Scholars find that Democratic Presidential Administrations have differed from Republican Administrations in that the former tended to increase the tax burdens of corporate taxpayers. Other studies report that increasing business political activity has had an ameliorating effect on business tax burdens. On the economic side, corporate tax policy is counter-cyclical, investment inducing, and linked with growth and investment in long-run structural relationships. In at least two important ways, however, the structure of the American economy differed in the 1980s and 1990s from earlier periods. First, the U.S. economy internationalized, with the oil shocks of the 1970's serving as globalization's annunciation. Second, economic agents became increasingly sophisticated in anticipating how governments would respond to economic events and how these government policies would in turn affect economic events. The rational expectations "revolution" led President Reagan, among others, to conclude that traditional U.S. macroeconomic policies were ineffective. Some scholars argue that these structural shifts changed the dynamics of U.S. corporate tax policy. They theorize that, in open economies like the
Comparison of anti-inflammatory mechanisms of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) and pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) in a preclinical model of colitis.

SCOPE Tannin-rich fruits have been evaluated as alternative prevention strategies for colorectal cancer based on their anti-inflammatory properties. This study compared tannin-rich preparations from mango (rich in gallotannins) and pomegranate (rich in ellagitannins) in the dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. METHODS AND RESULTS In rats, mango and pomegranate beverages decreased intestinal inflammation and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mucosa and serum. The mango beverage suppressed the ratio of phosphorylated/total protein expression of the IGF-1R-AKT/mTOR axis and downregulated mRNA expression of Igf1, Insr, and pik3cv. Pomegranate decreased p70S6K and RPS6, as well as Rps6ka2, Map2k2, and Mapk1 mRNA. In silico modeling indicated a high binding of docked of gallic acid to the catalytic domain of IGF-1R, which may suppress the activity of the enzyme. Ellagic acid docked effectively into the catalytic domains of both IGF-1R and EGFR. In vitro assays with lipopolysaccharide-treated CCD-18Co cells using polyphenolic extracts from each beverage, as well as pure compounds, corroborated the predictions made in silico. CONCLUSION Mango polyphenols inhibited the IGF-1R- AKT/mTOR axis, and pomegranate polyphenols downregulate the mTOR downstream pathway through reductions in ERK1/2. These results suggest that extracts rich in gallo- and ellagitannins act on different molecular targets in the protection against ulcerative colitis.
Evolution of Brassica rapa L. (Cruciferae) populations in intra- and interspecific competition

Populations of Brassica rapa were grown for three generations in each of two environments: intraspecific competition, with four surrounding Brassica rapa neighbors per pot, and interspecific competition, with two Raphanus sativus neighbors per pot. In each environment, the largest (by flower number) 10% of the plants were outcrossed and provided seeds for the next generation. As a control, a randomly chosen 10% of the plants in each environment were outcrossed to produce seed for the next generation. Each of these four treatments, the selected lines in intra- and interspecific competition and the corresponding control lines, was maintained for three generations. After a single generation of growth in a common, no-competition environment, replicate plants from each treatment were grown with no competition and with intra- and interspecific competition for determination of growth responses. After two generations of selection, flower number in the intraspecific-selection line had increased by more than 50% over that in the control line and by more than 19% over that under interspecific selection. After a common-environment generation, plants from the intraspecific-selection line were shown to have significantly faster growth in height and flower number as seedlings. Plants in the interspecific-selection line showed similar but nonsignificant trends. No differences in seed mass, emergence time, or photosynthetic rate were found between control and selected lines in either intra- or interspecific competition. Some differences between control and selected lines were noted in biomass allocation related to differences in phenology. The results demonstrate that performance in competitive environments can evolve through changes in plant development but that rates of evolution will differ in intra- and interspecific competition.
Detection of Myocardial Infarction in Dogs by Contrast Enhanced Sequential CT Scans

Surgically induced myocardial infarcts were studied in ten dogs by contrast enhanced computer transmission tomography at several stages of the infarct evolution. The hearts were scanned sequentially at 3.4 second intervals during intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium and every five minutes following the completion of a ten minute contrast medium infusion. Cardiac borders including those of the infarctions were defined by computer graphic techniques. Data from several consecutive scans were combined into one image; the ventricular chamber boundaries and those of the epicardium were reconstructed from images taken during the bolus injection. Images taken during the contrast medium washout phase were used for infarct area determination. A statistical definition of the boundary between normal tissue and infarcted myocardium was obtained which correlated well with autopsy measurements. Image analysis as described here may serve as a basis for infarct volume estimates as well as differentiation between...
[Bilateral loss of vision in temporal arteriitis--a preventable condition?].

BACKGROUND Bilateral loss of vision (BLV) is one of the most feared complications of temporal arteriitis (TA). AIM Analysis of factors contributing to BLV. PATIENTS AND METHODS Observational study in 301 TA patients in- cluding 23 (8%) suffering from BLV. RESULTS Diagnosis of TA was unknown in all patients before BLV. Total blindness of both eyes occurred in 10 and in one eye in 5 patients. BLV evolved simultaneously in 7, sequentially in 12, and time latency remained undetermined in 4 patients. Loss of vision occurred during hospital treatment in 5 patients. Progressive loss of vision despite glucocorticoid treatment was observed in 2 patients with bilateral AION. Warning signs of TA were absent due to atypical manifestation of the disease in 11 patients, and transient visual disturbances preceded BLV only in 5 patients. Typical abnormalities of the temporal artery on palpation were lacking in 11 patients, and ESR was below 50 mm in 5 patients. Co-morbidities were present in all patients, including diseases mimicking TA, other vascular disease and dementia, as an obstacle to correct analysis of the course of the disease. Medical malpractice was claimed and recognised in 2 patients and could not be excluded in other patients. CONCLUSION Prevention of BLV due to TA and ischemia of the anterior visual pathways is not pos- sible in all patients because it may occur suddenly and simultaneously without any preceding clinical warning signs.
Hitting the Road towards a Greater Digital Destination: Evaluating and Testing DAMS at the University of Houston Libraries

Since 2009, tens of thousands of rare and unique items have been made available online for research through the University of Houston Digital Library. Six years later, the Libraries' new digital initiatives call for a more dynamic digital repository infrastructure that is extensible, scalable, and interoperable. The Libraries’ mission and the mandate of its strategic directions drives the pursuit of seamless access and expanded digital collections. To answer the calls for technological change, the Libraries Administration appointed a Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) Implementation Task Force to explore, evaluate, test, recommend, and implement a more robust digital asset management system. This article focuses on the task force’s DAMS selection activities: needs assessment, systems evaluation, and systems testing. The authors also describe the task force’s DAMS recommendation based on the evaluation and testing data analysis, a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and system cost. Finally, the authors outline their DAMS implementation strategy comprised of a phased rollout with the following stages: system installation, data migration, and interface development.
Central Nervous System Infarction

Ischemic stroke is a very common cause of disability and patient mortality with a profound social and economic impact. Neurooncologic patients are at increased risk for central nervous system (CNS) infarcts. A variety of neuroimaging techniques are available for rapid evaluation, diagnosis, and triage of patients with CNS infarcts. The imaging findings of ischemic stroke, advantages and disadvantages of neuroimaging including multimodal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are discussed in this chapter.
Migration Ecology of Marine Fishes. By David Hallock Secor

Migration is of one of the most striking forms of animal behavior—thrilling to the public at large as they watch flocks of birds and butterflies heading south for the winter and crucial to the cons...
3-Dimensional Printing in Medicine: Hype, Hope, and the Challenge of Personalized Medicine

Three dimensional printing or additive manufacturing is a group of technologies that allow creation of three dimensional objects by adding layers of material using a “printer” under computer control. These technologies have long been used to create prototypes of devices for manufacturing, but now many proposed applications are emerging to use the technology to create medical devices, and eventually artificial organs, for patient care. This chapter reviews some proposed and actual biomedical applications of 3-D printing. Three-dimensional printing of medical devices is still largely in what one firm (Gartner) terms the “hype” stage of innovation, which is characterized by high expectations but as yet unproven success. However a few 3-D printed medical devices have achieved considerable success even at this early stage of evolution of the technology. This chapter calls for an ethical technology assessment of 3-D printing. While the products themselves vary greatly, the technology in general provides unprecedented flexibility of design and creation of medical devices, but there is an essential tension between this flexibility and the rigid controls that society has evolved to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices and treatments. Specific issues include the need to reconcile flexibility of design and production with safety of products, the flexible boundaries between research and medical practice, the likely development of new vested interests related to the technology, and issues related to printing of body parts for nonmedical uses.
Retrospective analysis of salvage percutaneous cryoablation of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in liver

e15649 Background: We report our initial experience with percutaneous cryoablation of HCC in liver. Prior published series are limited. Methods: We treated 30 lesions in 23 patients (pts): Child-Pugh class A, 13 pts; B, 8 pts.; C, 2 pts Candidate pts had residual disease after intra-arterial chemotherapy. Probe placement (2.4 mm, Endocare) occurred under general anesthesia with restricted tidal volume to facilitate computer tomographic (CT) localization. An average 2.7 probes (range 1- 5) achieved an estimated margin of 0.5 cm visualizing the ice ball after two 10 min freeze cycles. Median follow-up was 342 days (range 30–947) Results: Tumors ranged from 1.3 to 5.8 cm. Three pts died within 30 days: 2 following intra-peritoneal hemorrhage despite control of bleeding and 1 from ischemic liver injury following a TIPSS for hydrothorax in a pt with refractory ascites. Two additional pts had hemorrhage with recovery. Risk of bleeding was associated with ascites (P = 0.013). One pt had cutaneous needle tract tu...
Beyond Gifting: Harmonizing the Devolution of Reorganization Plan Gifts and the Evolution of Sale Gifts

When a company’s liabilities far exceed asset value, how to structure a plan of reorganization presents a vexing issue that plagues the board room. The conundrum faced by a debtor is how to restructure corporate assets when faced with the inability to propose a confirmable reorganization plan. Corporate debtors struggle with circumstances where (i) dissenting classes will reject the plan; (ii) the debtor cannot cram a plan over the objection of a secured creditor; (iii) the daunting confirmation battle that will cost millions; and (iv) the inherent risks to the enterprise occasioned by a prolonged stay in Chapter 11. Creative debtors and their supporters (creditors who like the proposed chapter 11 plan) have attempted to redirect part of their plan distributions to junior stakeholders with the intention of ‘buying’ support for the plan of reorganization. By deploying part of their expected distributions, senior creditors “gift” these proceeds to a constituency who otherwise would not be entitled to a recovery by virtue of strict compliance with the absolute priority rule (APR). Courts have rejected this approach. Against this backdrop, the Bankruptcy Code provides multiple restructuring alternatives, including section 363, which authorizes a debtor to sell its assets free and clear of liens, claims and encumbrances. Does a Bankruptcy Code section 363 sale allow a purchaser of the debtor’s assets to redirect those assets to satisfy claims outside of the Bankruptcy Code’s payment hierarchy? The purchaser’s directed payments outside of the strictures of the APR juxtapose competing interests in the restructuring arena, namely the Bankruptcy Code’s hierarchical payment structure against the needs of a company aiming to stay intact as a going concern. Bankruptcy Code 363 sales provide an effective vehicle to manufacture a result around the constraints imposed by the APR and the case law interpreting it. Absent an amendment to Bankruptcy Code section 1129(b) (which is proposed in this Note and would remedy the temporal problems stemming from the courts that disapprove of gifts as violating the APR), Bankruptcy Code section 363 sales — pursuant to which a purchaser redirects assets to satisfy certain creditors — best achieve the goals of Chapter 11 when a reorganization plan cannot be confirmed. When the courts stomped on plan gifts as violating the APR, Bankruptcy Code section 363 sales became the best vehicle to achieve the end results without running afoul of the APR. The proposed amendment to Bankruptcy Code section 1129 would obviate these end runs around the APR by creating an exception to the APR which recognizes that despite being “property of the estate,” plan distributions are functionally creditors assets (and temporally become so after the effective date of a plan) which they should be free to gift as they see fit.