cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune-Related Adverse Events with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Arthritis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) cause a variety of adverse events due to increased immune activation. Inflammatory arthritis is the most common side effect of ICIs seen by rheumatologists. Inflammatory arthritis can have heterogeneous presentations, but, most commonly, presents as an oligoarthritis or polyarthritis. Tendons may also be involved, and imaging shows a variety of changes, including synovitis, joint effusions, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, tendinitis, and enthesophytes. Treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), systemic corticosteroids, intra-articular corticosteroids, conventional synthetic disease modifying drugs (e.g., methotrexate), and biologics, depending on severity and persistence of the arthritis. More studies are needed, but preliminary data do not show increased tumor progression in patients who require these therapies.
Circadian Rhythms, Disease and Chronotherapy:

Circadian clocks are biological timing mechanisms that generate 24-h rhythms of physiology and behavior, exemplified by cycles of sleep/wake, hormone release, and metabolism. The adaptive value of clocks is evident when internal body clocks and daily environmental cycles are mismatched, such as in the case of shift work and jet lag or even mistimed eating, all of which are associated with physiological disruption and disease. Studies with animal and human models have also unraveled an important role of functional circadian clocks in modulating cellular and organismal responses to physiological cues (ex., food intake, exercise), pathological insults (e.g. virus and parasite infections), and medical interventions (e.g. medication). With growing knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying circadian physiology and pathophysiology, it is becoming possible to target circadian rhythms for disease prevention and treatment. In this review, we discuss recent advances in circadian research and the potential for therapeutic applications that take patient circadian rhythms into account in treating disease.
Bailey, David J. Naturalism Against Nature: Kinship and Degeneracy in Finde- siècle Portugal and Brazil. Legenda, 2020.

A recente publicacao de Naturalism Against Nature: Kinship and Degeneracy inFin-de-siecle Portugal and Brazil traz como principal proposta revisitar obras eautores relevantes no escopo do Realismo-Naturalismo em Portugal e Brasil. O objetivo de David J. Bailey, professor de Estudos Culturais do Portugues naUniversidade de Manchester, e apontar para a particularidade da producao naturalista lusofona cujo principal traco seria, justamente, a resistencia ao discurso positivista.
Twenty-Year Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Prospectively Collected Data.

Background:Several long-term (≥20 years) follow-up studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been published in recent years, allowing for a systematic evaluation of outcome...
Efficacy of longevity interventions in C. elegans is determined by early life activity of RNA splicing factors

Geroscience aims to target the aging process to extend healthspan. However, even isogenic individuals show heterogeneity in natural aging rate and responsiveness to pro-longevity interventions, limiting translational potential. Using in vivo mini gene reporters in isogenic C. elegans, we show that alternative splicing of mRNAs related to lipid metabolism in young animals is coupled to subsequent life expectancy. Further, activity of RNA splicing factors REPO-1 and SFA-1 early in life modulates effectiveness of specific longevity interventions via POD-2/ACC1 and regulation of lipid utilization. In addition, early inhibition of REPO-1 renders animals refractory to late onset suppression of the TORC1 pathway. Together these data suggest that activity of RNA splicing factors and the metabolic landscape early in life can modulate responsiveness to longevity interventions and may explain variance in efficacy between individuals.
Is currency union a feasible option in East Asia

Abstract This paper investigates empirically the feasibility of creating a currency union in East Asia following closer monetary cooperations in recent years. Relying on a four-variable structural VAR model, we identify various types of shocks in nine East Asian economies, with nine European Monetary Union countries adopted as benchmarks. The analysis of structural disturbances suggests that it may be beneficial for Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to take the lead in endorsing and fostering a common currency zone.
Progress in Structure-Property Modeling Tools for γ-Tial

Intermetallic γ-TiAl based alloys have sought-after good high temperature specific strength and creep resistance; however, their low room temperature ductility presents significant design challenges. A better balance of mechanical properties may be achieved with proper microstructure optimization. Microstructure-sensitive structure-property modeling allows for this optimization to be done faster and less expensively, through the use of finite element simulations. Three modeling tools are required for microstructural modeling: microstructure generators to re-create statistically realistic microstructures, crystal viscoplasticity constitutive equations implemented for use with finite element solvers, and post-processing tools to evaluate important mechanical properties and fatigue at a variety of microstructural features. A preliminary investigation into the development and application of these tools is reviewed here for a γ-TiAl based alloy known as a TNM alloy, which has a triplex microstructure.
Tunable, CW, multicolor visible upconversion fiber lasers operating at room temperature

We describe continuous-wave, red, orange, green, and blue upconversion laser output for various lengths of ZBLAN fluorozirconate fiber doped with trivalent praseodymium and ytterbium ions. The lasers operate at room temperature, are modestly tunable, and are pumped either with a single Ti:sapphire laser tuned anywhere in the 780-880-nm wavelength region, or a single 860-nm semiconductor diode laser.
Circulating Very-Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in US Men and Women

Background—Circulating very-long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFAs) may play an active role in the origin of cardiometabolic diseases. Methods and Results—We measured 3 VLCSFAs (C20:0, C22:0, and C24:0) in plasma and erythrocytes using gas-liquid chromatography among 794 incident coronary heart disease (CHD) cases who were prospectively identified and confirmed among women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1990–2006) and among men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS; 1994–2008). A total of 1233 CHD-free controls were randomly selected and matched to cases in these 2 cohorts. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Plasma VLCSFAs were correlated with favorable profiles of blood lipids, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin in the NHS and HPFS and with fasting insulin and C-peptide levels in a nationally representative US comparison population. After multivariate adjustment for lifestyle factors, body mass index, diet, and long-chain n-...
1017 SULFA-TRIMETHOPRIM PROPHLAXIS AND THE NATURAL HISTORY OF RECURRENT OTITIS MEDIA

In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of prevention of acute otitis media (OM) in 50 children, those taking sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) had significantly fewer episodes of OM than others not taking SXT during the year-long trial. Multiple regression models revealed, however, that the influence of SXT on the number of OM episodes children experienced was relatively minor. The most important factor, regardless of study group, was exposure to potential pathogens, in terms of acquisition or reacquisition (ACQ) of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, as determined by serial nasopharyngeal cultures. The 19 children with no OM had significantly less exposure (3 ACQ/pt/yr) than the 31 children with ≥ 1 OM (4.5 ACQ/pt/yr; p < 0.001). It was also noted that 19/23 episodes of pneumococcal OM were associated with recent acquisition, rather than prolonged carriage, of the infecting strain, entirely consistent with our previously reported observations in a prospective study of pneumococcal carriage and infection. Except for the small influence of age at first OM, there was no reliable way to predict in advance which children were at greatest risk for OM. The usefulness of SXT prophylaxis is limited by the ability to select patients who are most likely to benefit. Consideration of SXT and other modes of OM prevention should take into account the variation in OM risk in terms of exposure to possible pathogens.
Atomistic simulations of langmuir monolayer collapse.

Monolayers at the vapor/water interface collapse by exploring the third dimension at sufficient lateral compression, either by forming three-dimensional structures or by solubilization into the aqueous solution. In this paper, we provide an atomistic description of collapse from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. More specifically, we investigate monolayers of arachidic acids spread on pure water and in an aqueous solution with Ca2+ ions in the subphase. In both cases, it is found that the collapsed systems generally lead to the formation of multilayer structures, which in the system with Ca2+ ions, proceeds by an intermediate regime where the monolayer exhibits significant roughness (of the order of 4 A). If no roughness is present, the system forms collapsed structures into the aqueous solution. The computational cost of atomic MD limits our simulations to relatively small system sizes, fast compression rates, and temporal scales on the order of a nanosecond. We discuss the issues caused by these limi...
Characteristics of particle size distribution functions of a supported metal catalyst during sintering

It has been recognized for years that to arrive at an identification of the mechanism of thermal sintering of catalysts one requires detailed characterization of the metal particle size distribution (PSD) function during sintering. The purpose of this paper is to report the analysis performed on the existing PSDs and to show that the results provide further evidence that sintering at temperatures of 700/sup 0/C and below takes place by particle migrations and that during 800/sup 0/C sintering the atomic migration mechanism becomes operative. The analyses reported here are mainly concerned with fitting the existing PSDs to log-normal distribution functions (LNDF), and observing the behavior of the standard deviations of the PSD functions related to sintering time, sintering temperature, and the geometric mean average particle size. The results indicate that: (1) Nickel particles on a silica support follow a LNDF both in the as-reduced condition and after sintering at temperatures up to 800/sup 0/C; and (2) The values of the standard deviation of the particle size distribution functions increase with sintering temperature. The time-dependent increase of the standard deviation observed at the highest sintering temperature is a possible indicator of a change in sintering mechanism.
Selective Runx2-II deficiency leads to low-turnover osteopenia in adult mice

Runx2 transcribes Runx2-II and Runx2-I isoforms with distinct N-termini. Deletion of both isoforms results in complete arrest of bone development, whereas selective loss of Runx2-II is sufficient to form a grossly intact skeleton with impaired endochondral bone development. To elucidate the role of Runx2-II in osteoblast function in adult mice, we examined heterozygous Runx2-II (Runx2-II+/−) and homozygous Runx2-II (Runx2-II−/−)-deficient mice, which, respectively, lack one or both copies of Runx2-II but intact Runx2-I expression. Compared to wild-type mice, 6-week-old Runx2-II+/− had reduced trabecular bone volume (BV/TV%), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), and bone mineral density (BMD), decreased osteoblastic and osteoclastic markers, lower bone formation rates, impaired osteoblast maturation of BMSCs in vitro, and significant reductions in mechanical properties. Homozygous Runx2-II−/− mice had a more severe reduction in BMD, BV/TV%, and Ct.Th, and greater suppression of osteoblastic and osteoclastic markers than Runx2-II+/− mice. Non-selective Runx2+/− mice, which have an equivalent reduction in Runx2 expression due to the lack one copy of Runx2-I and II, however, had an intermediate reduction in BMD. Thus, selective Runx2-II mutation causes diminished osteoblastic function in an adult mouse leading to low-turnover osteopenia and suggest that Runx2-I and II have distinct functions imparted by their different N-termini.
Modelling habitat associations with fingernail clam (Family: Sphaeriidae) counts at multiple spatial scales using hierarchical count models

SUMMARY 1. Macroinvertebrate count data often exhibit nested or hierarchical structure. Examples include multiple measurements along each of a set of streams, and multiple synoptic measurements from each of a set of ponds. With data exhibiting hierarchical structure, outcomes at both sampling (e.g. within stream) and aggregated (e.g. stream) scales are often of interest. Unfortunately, methods for modelling hierarchical count data have received little attention in the ecological literature. 2. We demonstrate the use of hierarchical count models using fingernail clam (Family: Sphaeriidae) count data and habitat predictors derived from sampling and aggregated spatial scales. The sampling scale corresponded to that of a standard Ponar grab (0.052 m 2 ) and the aggregated scale to impounded and backwater regions within 38–197 km reaches of the Upper Mississippi River. Impounded and backwater regions were resampled annually for 10 years. Consequently, measurements on clams were nested within years. Counts were treated as negative binomial random variates, and means from each resampling event as random departures from the impounded and backwater region grand means. 3. Clam models were improved by the addition of covariates that varied at both the sampling and regional scales. Substrate composition varied at the sampling scale and was associated with model improvements, and reductions (for a given mean) in variance at the sampling scale. Inorganic suspended solids (ISS) levels, measured in the summer preceding sampling, also yielded model improvements and were associated with reductions in variances at the regional rather than sampling scales. ISS levels were negatively associated with mean clam counts. 4. Hierarchical models allow hierarchically structured data to be modelled without ignoring information specific to levels of the hierarchy. In addition, information at each hierarchical level may be modelled as functions of covariates that themselves vary by and within levels. As a result, hierarchical models provide researchers and resource managers with a method for modelling hierarchical data that explicitly recognises both the sampling design and the information contained in the corresponding data.
Arthroplasty in the military: a preliminary experience with ProDisc-C and ProDisc-L

Object The introduction of cervical and lumbar arthroplasty has allowed for management of cervical radiculopathy and lumbar degenerative disease in patients with the preservation of motion at the affected segment. While the early clinical outcomes of this technology appear promising, it remains unclear what activity limitations should be imposed after surgery in patients with these implants. This is of particular interest in military personnel, who may be required to return to a rigorous level of activity after surgery. The goals of the FDA trials evaluating various disc arthroplasty devices were to establish safety, efficacy, and equivalency to arthrodesis. Information regarding the level of physical performance attained and restrictions or limitations is lacking, as these were outside the objectives of these trials. Nevertheless, there data are essential for the military surgeon, who is tasked with guiding the postoperative management of patients treated with arthroplasty and returning them to full duty...
No-Tillage Improves Broomrape Control with Glyphosate in Faba-Bean

Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) causes considerable losses in faba-bean (Vicia faba L.) production in the Mediterranean region. The application of an ultra-low glyphosate rate at an early broomrape parasitic phase, i.e., tubercle development, is the most common control system. This study sought to determine the effect of tillage system and glyphosate application on broomrape infestation, faba-bean yield, and yield components. A field experiment was performed over a 3-yr period in Cordoba (Spain) in a rainfed Vertisol. Experimental factors and respective treatments were: tillage system (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage) and glyphosate application (none vs. 0.113 kg a.i. ha -1 ). Year x tillage system x glyphosate interactions were apparent in the results. Averaging over 3-yr, no-tillage with glyphosate application reduced weed infestation (42 plants m -2 ) and increased faba-bean seed yield (1.73 Mg ha -1 ) in comparison with conventional tillage with glyphosate application (10 broomrape plants m -2 , and 1.14 Mg ha -1 of seed yield). When glyphosate was not applied, broomrape density varied from 80 to 45 plants m -2 and faba-bean seed yield from 0.50 to 1.24 Mg ha -1 for tillage and no-tillage systems, respectively. Within each tillage system, glyphosate application always reduced broomrape infestation and increased seed yield. Even in the absence of glyphosate application, seed yields were higher under no-tillage than under conventional tillage with herbicide application over 2 yr. Pod m -2 was the yield component most affected by broomrape infestation. No-tillage is an important tool for broomrape control, but the addition of glyphosate application substantially enhances the degree of control.
Metastable chaotic state in K2ZnCl4

Abstract The 35 Cl NQR frequencies of K 2 ZnCl 4 have been measured close to the incommensurate-commensurate transition. A calculation of the temperature dependence of the soliton density n s from the NQR data showed that in K 2 ZnCl 4 close to T c exists a metastable chaotic state.
Experiment manager software for an automated chemistry workstation, including a scheduler for parallel experimentation

Abstract An automation system with the ability to work relentlessly, precisely, strategically, adn autonomously in pursuit of scientific goals will provide a powerful tool for tackling difficult scientific problems. We now present our work over the past seven years aimed at developing the hardware and software architecture for such an automated chemistry workstation. The workstation is designed for microscale experimentation in relatively clean domains of synthetic chemistry. This paper has two themes. First, the software system is presented in a comprehensive manner. An experiment manager software package has been developed that provides for composition of experimental plans, controls all aspects of automated experimentation, and manages the data. Experiment manager software is comprised of open-loop and closed-loop experiment planners bundled together with supporting features for timing, scheduling, material databases, resource management, automated start-up procedures, running display, data handling, configuration options, and maintenance operations. The experiment planners provide a menu-driven user interface, editing features, and a modular set of procedural events with which diverse experimental protocols can be composed. An overarching objective has been to achieve versatility in experiment planning yet still maintain access to the power that parallelism can confer in experimentation. Accordingly, the second theme in this paper is a description of approaches for performing experiments in parallel. Parallelism originates chiefly through simultaneous processing of samples at semi-autonomous hardware modules, at the user interface, and through the use of a scheduler. The scheduler takes as input a set of experimental protocols, establishes a sequence of the protocols, then interleaves the experimental protocols without altering the relative times of the procedures within each protocol. Experimental throughput can be increased by up to ten-fold by this approach. The straightforward planning and implementation of concurrent experimental protocols should yield major increases in research productivity.
Differences in the Relationship of Oral Reading Fluency and High-Stakes Measures of Reading Comprehension:

The current study examined the predictive validity of oral reading fluency measures across first, second, and third grades for two reading achievement measures at the end of third grade. Oral reading fluency measures were administered to students from first grade to third. The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills and the Stanford Achievement Test were also administered in the third grade. Oral reading fluency was a reliable predictor of student success on both measures. Data suggest that greater student growth in oral reading fluency is needed through the grade levels to ensure high probabilities of success on the nationally normed measure, as compared to what is needed for the state-normed measure. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
THE BRAZILIAN MYXOPHYCEAE. II

THROUGH THE courtesy of Dr. Rodolpho voln Ihering, Dr. Stillman Wright, and Prof. Wm. Randolph Taylor, I received an invitation early in 1935 to spend six months with the Commissao Technica de Piscicultura do Nordeste 2 in a study of the flora of the artificial lakes of northeastern Brazil. Shortly after arriving in Rio de Janeiro on June 6, 1935, I joined the Commissao as it was moving to the state of Parfa. On June 23rd we became established in a temporary laboratory at the Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi at Belem, where we enjoyed for a month the gracious hospitality of Dr. Carlos Estevan and his staff. The algal collections from the vicinity of Belem come chiefly from the botanical and zoological gardens surrounding the Museu, from the various parks in the city, from Lag6a Agua Preta, a large reservoir situated in the virgin jungle near the outskirts of the bairro (borough) Souza, and from aqudes (artificial lakes) in and about the village of Santa Izabel in the Municipio (township) de Belem. Algae were also collected at the Fonte Maguary and in the neighborhood of Estrella do Norte in the Municipio de Beleim and in pools and streams in the Municipio de Vigia. A four-day trip by launch, provided through the generosity of the 'Port of Parka' at Belemr, brought us up the Rio Tocantins to a point beyond Baiao. We were permitted to take collections during stops of an hour or more each at the following stations: Porto do Bazar (Igarape-mirim), Abaete, Cameta, Villa Carmo (Camet'a), Porto da Turca (on the Ilha Mararia Baiao), and Baiao. During this trip plankton samples were collected at various points in the river. Other material was secured by Dr. Wright on the Ilha de Marajo. On the return to the permanent headquarters of the Commissao at Fortaleza, we stopped for a day, July 24th, at Sho Luiz, Maranhao. The vegetation and terrain of this region is described by Gardner in Travels in the Interior of Brazil (London, 1846). Dr. Wright and I made collections in the reservoir at Sacavem, from which the water-supply of Sao Luiz is derived, and in small reservoirs (tanques) in the village of Anil, both on the Ilha de Sao Luiz. On July 26th we arrived at Fortaleza, Cearfa, and soon became comfortably established in the Commissao's laboratory there. During the succeeding four and one-half months I had the opportunity to visit
Dynamic localization and related resonance phenomena

Resonance phenomena related to Bessel function roots appearing in several diverse areas of physics, namely, electron transport in solids, atom excitation under the influence of light, spin evolution under applied magnetic fields, device design in Josephson junction arrays, motion in optical lattices, dynamics of Bose condensates, nuclear magnetic resonance as a probe of confined spaces and laser damage in materials, are discussed in the context of a unified picture.
A predictive study of learner satisfaction and outcomes in face-to-face, satellite broadcast, and live video-streaming learning environments

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the predictive relationships among delivery mode (DM), self-perceived learner-to-teacher interaction, self-rated computer skill, prior distance learning experience, and learners' satisfaction and outcomes. Participants were enrolled in courses which used three different DMs: face-to-face, satellite broadcasting, and live video-streaming (LVS). In each case, the course was offered simultaneously by the same teacher via all three formats. The results indicated no predictive utility of delivery mode for self-perceived learner-to-teacher interaction. On the other hand, the results supported the validity of self-perceived learner-to-teacher interaction as a predictor for student satisfaction and learning outcomes (measured by course final grades). To a lesser extent, self-rated computer skills and the number of distance learning courses taken played a weak role in learning outcomes and students' satisfaction. Overall, findings from the study support prior research that has reported the importance of learner-to-teacher interaction in learning outcomes and satisfaction of distance education students.
Bonding properties in organolithium aggregates

Results are given of the application of the CNDO/2 method to bonding in alkyllithium aggregates. Calculations relative to monomers and dim ers of methyl-, ethyl-, and vinyllithium, plus methyllithium tetramer are described.
Subfornical organ efferents to neural systems for control of body water

The subfornical organ, a circumventricular structure of the central nervous system, has efferent neural projections to sites within the brain known to be involved in drinking behavior and secretion of antidiuretic hormone. By using anterograde tracing techniques, it is shown that the subfornical organ projects to the nucleus medians of the medial preoptic area, to the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, and to the supraoptic nuclei bilaterally. Its efferent connectivity is confirmed by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. The organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, another circumventricular organ and a suspected receptor site for angiotensin II, is involved in the circuitry of the subfornical organ and also has an efferent projection to the supraoptic nuclei.
Inhibition of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene- and urethan-induced lung tumor formation in A/J mice by long-term treatment with dehydroepiandrosterone

Long-term treatment with the adrenal steroid dehydro-epiandrosterone reduces weight gain without suppressing appetite and inhibits the occurrence of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene- and urethan-induced lung tumors in A/J mice.
OBG: Somatic, hormonal changes during adolescence.

(1968). OBG: Somatic, hormonal changes during adolescence. Hospital Topics: Vol. 46, No. 4, pp. 95-110.
ESTIMATING ANNUAL SURVIVAL IN SEXUALLY DIMORPHIC SPECIES FROM PROPORTIONS OF FIRST-YEAR BIRDS

We estimated the annual adult survival (Ŝ) of several species of temperate and tropical sexually dimorphic tanagers and manakins from the proportions of first-year and older individuals in museum collections. In the case of the sexually dimorphic species included here, young males through their first year resemble females and can be distinguished from older males. We assumed that the sex ratio among first-year birds is even and estimated the number of immature females (IF) in a sample as equal to the number of immature males (IM), using sex information on museum labels. The number of adult females (AF) is the total number of females (F) minus IF, and survival can be estimated by Ŝ = AF/F. We used a Monte Carlo resampling approach to estimate standard errors and 1% and 99% confidence limits on Ŝ for samples of size N, based on 1000 sets of N randomly drawn individuals and observed proportions of the F, IM, and AM classes. Estimates of annual survival (Ŝ) were 0.60–0.73 in four North American species of Piranga tanagers and 0.50 and 0.62 in two montane Central American species. Values of Ŝ in lowland species of Habia and Ramphocelus tanagers ranged between 0.68 and 0.82. Annual survival in Pipra manakins was 0.53–0.68, and values for two Manacus species were 0.69 and 0.70. Where estimates of apparent survival (φ^) from capture–recapture studies were available, the two methods produced correlated results with a tendency for φ^ < Ŝ. Among tanagers, only Ramphocelus dimidiatus (0.82) and Piranga bidentata (0.50) stood out from the other species, for which Ŝ averaged 0.66 ± 0.05 (SD). Annual survival rates of temperate and tropical species overlapped broadly in this analysis, reinforcing the conclusion that distinctive life-history traits of temperate vs. tropical species cannot be explained completely by the adjustment of reproductive investment in relation to adult survival and the expectation of future life.
E-tailer׳s return policy, consumer׳s perception of return policy fairness and purchase intention

Abstract While e-commerce is growing, returns are proving to be a major problem for e-tailers (i.e. internet retailers). We argue that e-tailers׳ return policies play a strategic influence on consumer behavior. Specifically, we focus on the effect of return depth - full return policy (FRP) vs. partial return policy (PRP) – on consumer׳s perceived fairness of return policy and purchase intention. Using a structural equation model (SEM), we empirically show that an e-tailer׳s return depth has a positive influence on the consumer׳s perceived fairness of the return policy and purchase intention. Further, e-tailer׳ competition and its reputation significantly moderate the relationships between the return policy depth and the perception of the return policy׳s fairness and purchase intention. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our results.
NAFLD and insulin resistance do not increase the risk of postoperative complications among patients undergoing bariatric surgery--a prospective analysis.

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance are common consequences of obesity and are highly prevalent among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Insulin resistance and NAFLD have been reported to be associated with postoperative complications following major surgery.
Triplet—triplet annihilation rate in anisotropic crystals: diffusion and non-diffusion controlled cases

Abstract The geminate survival probability against triplet—triplet annihilation has been calculated for several aromatic crystals by solving the adjoint to the diffusion equation and the homogeneous triplet—triplet annihilation rates have been evaluated through the integral relationship between it and the survival probability. The results show that a hopping model of exciton diffusion with annihilation at adjacent sites is adequate for anthracene, naphthalene and 1,4-dibromonaphthalene, however, it is not appropriate for pyrene or trans-stilbene.
Fuzzy decision-making in turbine engine controls

The design of a multi-level fuzzy-logic control system for the control of turbine engines using type-1 fuzzy-logic is presented in this paper. A Matlab-Simulink model of an advanced turbine engine was used to test and validate the performance of the developed fuzzy control system. The model provided comprehensive and complex model of a turbine engine. As with most modeling of turbine engines, it was assumed that the fundamental dynamic characteristics of a turbine engine can be achieved by control of the engine fuel flow. In this model a single input single output (SISO) system is used to control the engine fuel flow, where the input to the SISO system is the low spool speed error signal and the output is the fuel flow actuator control signal. A fuzzy controller was developed for the SISO system and its performance is compared with that of the existing proportional integral (PI) controller. Both controllers were tested under normal operating conditions and with introduction of engine faults embedded in the model.
Protecting the lesbian border: The tension between individual and communal authenticity

Far from considering sexuality a dichotomous system of classification, with exclusive categories such as heterosexual and homosexual, scholars are paying closer attention to the ways in which individuals navigate sexual identity categories and engage in behavior that makes a single classification problematic. The focus of this article is on the experience of self-identified lesbian, bisexual and queer women who have moved from relationships with female partners to relationships with male partners. After 14 interviews, this research shows that the women in question reject some labels, such as straight and bisexual, but become protective of other labels, such as lesbian. The women themselves begin to serve as a sort of boundary police, protective of who exactly fits into the lesbian category.
Surface states and barrier heights of metal-amorphous silicon schottky barriers

Abstract The barrier heights, φB, of Schottky barriers formed between Al, Ni, Cr, Pd, Au, Rh, and Pt metal films and undoped discharge-produced amorphous silicon (a-Si) have been measured. The dependence of φB on the metal work function, φM, has been characterized for values of φM between ≈4.0 and 5.5 eV. Experiments were performed to compare the effects of surface states on φB of both the undoped (n-type) amorphous and n-type single crystal Si. These effects of surface states are very similar, indicating similar densities and energy distributions of surface states. The densities of surface states on a-Si are found to be ≳1013cm−2eV−1 which result in the pinning of φB to values ≳0.7 eV even with φM as low as 4.0 eV.
Effect of housing on open-field test behavior of gestating gilts☆

Abstract Open-field test behaviors of 36 gestating gilts maintained in either tethers, crates, loose stalls or dirt-lot ( N = 9 per treatment) were recorded. The gestation crates (C) were 0.6 m wide by 1.7 m long and enclosed by bars on all 4 sides. Tethered (T) gilts were anchored to the concrete floor by 50.8-cm chains attached to neck collars. The 0.6 × 1.7-m loose stalls (LS) opened into a slatted concrete dunging area (0.7 × 1.7 m) containing a nipple waterer which was shared by 3 loose stalls. The dirt-lot (DL) was 15.2 × 30.5 m with a 2-sided shed at one end which contained 3 feeding stalls (each 0.6 × 1.7 m) and a den area (2.9 × 1.9 m). The gilts were tested for 5 min 3 days after being bred and placed in their respective treatments, and weekly thereafter for 8 weeks. The field tests were conducted in a 3 × 12-m enclosure on pasture. Data collected included numbers of bouts and time spent chewing, grazing, snout employment (rooting, nudging and sniffing), vocalizations, standing, walking, trotting, running/bucking and distance traveled. Across all test days, the T and C gilts performed more bouts of standing and walking than did DL gilts. Crated gilts ran/bucked more than T gilts, who ran/bucked more than LS gilts, and LS gilts ran/bucked more than DL gilts. These findings suggest that an increased specific-action potential for specific innate motor patterns results from maintaining gilts in housing with minimal amounts of maneuvering and interaction room.
Extensive analysis of Linear Complementarity Problem (LCP) solver performance on randomly generated rigid body contact problems

The Linear Complementarity Problem (LCP) is a key problem in robot dynamics, optimization, and simulation. Common experience with dynamic robotic simulations suggests that the numerical robustness of the LCP solver often determines simulation usability: if the solver fails to find a solution or finds a solution with significant residual error, interpenetration can result, the simulation can gain energy, or both. This paper undertakes the first comprehensive evaluation of LCP solvers across the space of multi-rigid body contact problems. We evaluate the performance of these solvers along the dimensions of solubility, solution quality, and running time.
Why diabetes camp

This is a correct, but insipid, definition for an emotionally charged, phenomenally rewarding, and clarifying life experience. A radical education proposal was to use modern technology to give students universal access to the best teachers and the most innovative teaching and testing methods for learning concepts and content. The time, space, and personnel this would free up would then be applied to personal and social development in the broadest sense. The proposer based much of his argument on the fact that the most important and enduring lessons he learned as a child and adolescent were in camp; he realized that these lessons developed sensitivities about people and nature, and self-knowledge, that guided him through life. For those who grew up thinking that camping was for the rich, the inner city poor, or the very religious, and who did not fall into any of those categories, the attributes of a camping experience may not be obvious.
The Voyager infrared spectroscopy and radiometry investigation

The infrared investigation on Voyager uses two interferometers covering the spectral ranges 60–600 cm−1 (17–170 μm) and 1000–7000 cm−1 (1.4–10 μm), and a radiometer covering the range 8000–25 000 cm−1 (0.4–1.2 μm). Two spectral resolutions (approximately 6.5 and 2.0 cm−1) are available for each of the interferometers. In the middle of the thermal channel (far infrared interferometer) the noise level is equivalent to the signal from a target at 50 K; in the middle of the reflected sunlight channel (near infrared interferometer) the noise level is equivalent to the signal from an object of albedo 0.2 at the distance of Uranus. For planets and satellites with substantial atmospheres, the data will be used to investigate cloud and gas composition (including isotopic ratios), haze scale height, atmospheric vertical thermal structure, local and planetary circulation and dynamics, and planetary energy balance. For satellites with tenuous atmospheres, data will be gathered on surface and atmospheric composition, surface temperature and thermal properties, local and global phase functions, and surface structure. For Saturn's rings, the composition and radial structure, particle size and thermal characteristics will be investigated. Comparative studies of the planets and their satellite systems will be carried out.
Cowden Syndrome: What Oncology Nurses Need to Know About Increased Risk of Developing Certain Cancers

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign tissue growths (i.e., hamartomas) and an increased risk of developing specific cancers, such as breast, thyroid, kidney, endometrial, or colorectal cancer (Genetics Home Reference, 2012). This genetic syndrome was named after a person diagnosed with the disorder (Lloyd & Dennis, 1963). CS is part of a larger syndrome called PTEN hamartomatous syndrome, which also includes Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, PTEN-related Proteus syndrome, and Proteus-like syndrome (Eng, 2014).
Review of small specimen test techniques for irradiation testing

Small specimen test technology has evolved out of the necessity to develop and monitor materials proposed for or used in nuclear power generation systems. Development of materials for improved cladding and in-core structures for fission reactors and assessment of core materials and pressure vessel steels already under irradiation necessitated the use of specimens which fit into existing irradiation space or which could be extracted from irradiated structures, such as cladding or ducts. Interest in simulating neutron irradiation by light and heavy ion irradiation led to the development of thin foil and wire geometry specimens. Further, interest in developing materials for fusion reactors has added additional constraints on specimen sizes associated with available irradiation volumes in existing and proposed high-energy neutron irradiation facilities. Consequently, a wide array of specimen geometries and test techniques has now been developed. It is the purpose of this paper to review these techniques and examine their status, problems, and potential for future applications.
Management of major pancreatic duct injuries in children

Background: The operative versus nonoperative management of major pancreatic ductal injuries in children remains controversial. The computed tomographic (CT) scan may not be accurate for determination of location and type of injury. We report our experience with ductal injury including the recent use of acute endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for definitive imaging, and an endoscopically placed stent as definitive treatment. This has not been reported in children. Methods: In review of 14,245 admissions to a regional pediatric trauma center over a 14-year period, 18 patients with major ductal injuries from blunt trauma were noted. Records were reviewed for mechanism of injury, method of diagnosis, management, and outcome. Results: There were 10 girls and 8 boys, ranging in age from 2 months to 13 years. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle and bicycle crashes. Admission CT scan in 16 children was suggestive of injury in 11, and missed the injury in 5. Distal pancreatectomy was carried out in eight patients with distal duct injuries: one died of central nervous system injury. Nonoperative management in three proximal duct injuries suggested by initial CT scan and in three missed distal duct injuries resulted in pseudocyst formation in five survivors; one patient died of central nervous system injuries. Two children with minimal abdominal pain, normal initial serum amylase, and no initial imaging developed pseudocysts. Two of seven pseudocysts spontaneously resolved and five were treated by delayed cystogastrostomy. Two recent children with suggestive CT scans were definitively diagnosed by acute ERCP and treated by endoscopic stenting. Clinical and chemical improvement was rapid and complete and the stents were removed. Follow-up ERCP, CT scan, and serum amylase levels are normal 1 year after injury. Conclusion: Pancreatic ductal injuries are rare in pediatric blunt trauma. CT scanning is suggestive but not accurate for the diagnosis of type and location of injury. Acute ERCP is safe and accurate in children, and may allow for definitive treatment of ductal injury by stenting in selected patients. If stenting is not possible, or fails, distal injuries are best treated by distal pancreatectomy; proximal injuries may be managed nonoperatively, allowing for the formation and uneventful drainage of a pseudocyst.
Switched-capacitor resonator structure with improved performance

A novel switched-capacitor resonator circuit is proposed. Its centre frequency is insensitive to the finite bandwidth and gain of the opamps used.
Effect of adding reduced glutathione during insemination on the development of porcine embryos in vitro

This study evaluated the effect of adding reduced glutathione (GSH) during sperm washing and insemination on the subsequent fertilization dynamics and development of IVM porcine oocytes. Follicular oocytes were matured in vitro in NCSU 23 medium with porcine follicular fluid, cysteine and hormone supplements for 22 h. They were then matured in the same medium but without hormones for another 22 h. Matured oocytes were stripped of cumulus cells and co-incubated with frozen-thawed spermatozoa for 5 h. Putative embryos were cultured in NCSU 23 with BSA for either 7 h to examine fertilization parameters or 6 d to evaluate cleavage (2 d) and blastocyst rates. In Experiment 1, GSH was added to the insemination medium at 0, 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mM. The presence of GSH during insemination did not affect (P > 0.05) rates of penetration, polyspermy, male pronuclear formation or cleavage, but did increase (P 0.05). The presence of GSH during insemination was found not to significantly increase intracellular glutathione concentrations of oocytes (P > 0.05). In Experiment 2, addition of GSH (0.25 mM) during sperm washing did not affect cleavage or blastocyst formation rates or cell numbers (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of GSH during insemination improves the developmental competence of IVM pig oocytes in a dose-dependent manner.
Fibronectin fragments active in chondrocytic chondrolysis can be chemically cross-linked to the alpha5 integrin receptor subunit

Abstract Objective To determine whether fibronectin fragments (Fn-f) known to enhance cartilage matrix degradation and to alter chondrocyte metabolism, bind on the chondrocyte cell surface close enough to the alpha 5 beta 1 fibronectin (Fn) receptor to be chemically cross-linked to it. Design Biotinylated Fn-fs were added to chondrocytes, followed by cross-linking with dithiobissulfosuccinimidyl propionate, and the resultant alpha 5 complexes trapped on to antialpha 5 -agarose. Adherent material was analysed by probing with avidin-HRP. In a more specific approach in which only proximal targets could be cross-linked, photoaffinity labeled Fn-fs or Fn were added to cells, the derivatives activated and the cross-linked material analysed. Interaction of biotinylated Fn-fs and Fn with insolubilized alpha 5 beta 1 receptor was also visualized and quantified. Results Biotinylated Fn-fs and Fn, but not a control of BSA, were cross-linked to alpha 5 protein in the presence of the propionate. Photoaffinity label Fn-f and Fn, but not BSA, were cross-linked to alpha 5 protein as well. Interaction was decreased by addition of an excess of unlabeled Fn-f or Fn. Fn-fs bound to alpha 5 beta 1 -agarose, although the affinity was 30-fold weaker and the stoichiometry 20-fold greater when the smallest Fn-f was compared to native Fn. Conclusions These data are consistent with a role for the alpha 5 subunit in Fn-f activities and suggest that the Fn-fs bind proximal or directly to alpha 5 receptors. The weaker, higher stoichiometry interaction of Fn-fs with receptor suggests that fragmentation has allowed de novo interactions not possible in native Fn. Copyright 2002 OsteoArthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.