cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Levels of Pine Shavings and Sand Used as Poultry Litter

SUMMARY Bacterial loads associated with sand and pine shavings litter were determined in 2 grow-out experiments with broilers that lasted 7 wk. These experiments consisted of 8 pens each of pine shavings and sand. Birds were placed with 1.16 ft 2 /bird. Litter samples were collected weekly and plated to enumerate (cfu/g) aerobic, anaerobic, and enteric bacterial counts. In addition each sample was analyzed for water activity and percentage moisture levels. Overall, sand litter had lower bacterial counts, water activity, and moisture level compared with pine shavings litter. This work illustrates that, bacteriologically, sand can be a viable litter alternative to pine shavings if locally available.
Stabilization of mechanical systems using controlled Lagrangians

We propose an algorithmic approach to stabilization of Lagrangian systems. The first step involves making admissible modifications to the Lagrangian for the uncontrolled system, thereby constructing what we call the controlled Lagrangian. The Euler-Lagrange equations derived from the controlled Lagrangian describe the closed-loop system where new terms are identified with control forces. Since the controlled system is Lagrangian by construction, energy methods can be used to find control gains that yield closed-loop stability. The procedure is demonstrated for the problem of stabilization of an inverted pendulum on a cart and for the problem of stabilization of rotation of a rigid spacecraft about its unstable intermediate axis using a single internal rotor. Similar results hold for the dynamics of an underwater vehicle.
Chip level modeling and simulation

An approach to the modeling of LSI devices at the chip level is described. The complexity of these devices requires that higher level modeling techniques be developed. However, it is impor tant to preserve as much model accuracy as possible when developing high level models. In the approach described here, the chip level models are used to simulate not only device microoperations and internal memory, but also detailed inter face timing requirements. Modeling of such interface timing specifications as set up time, hold time, and minimum pulse width are possible. A modeling example is presented. Opera tion of the complete simulator is described. Two research ap plications of chip level modeling are discussed and an evalua tion of this approach to modeling and simulation is given.
Beyond Pubertal Timing New Directions for Studying Individual Differences in Development

Dramatic physical and emotional changes mark puberty as one of the most important transitions of the human life span. To date, the majority of psychological studies on puberty have focused on pubertal timing, or when children mature relative to their peers. Yet understanding why puberty is meaningful requires adequate attention to multiple domains of developmental variation. The current article outlines four additional aspects of puberty relevant to health and well-being: tempo, synchrony, secular trends, and perceived development.
Extension of classical EM solution representations to nonhomogeneous isotropic media with sources

An attempt is made to present unified, cohesive, and complete derivations of the classical representations of solutions to Maxwell's equations. The traditional arguments are reviewed with an eye towards generality, as regards the assumptions about the nature of the medium and the source terms. In this manner very specific results are obtained categorizing the existence, universality, and utility of the various transverse/longitudinal wave decomposition schemes in the presence of nonuniform permittivity and permeability, and arbitrary charge/current configurations. This makes it possible to differentiate between intrinsic physics and boundary conditions as the cause of mode 'disenfranchisement' in particular cases. Familiar physical examples are cited to demonstrate and delimit the conclusions. >
Slow rate during AF improves ventricular performance by reducing sensitivity to cycle length irregularity

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by short and irregular ventricular cycle lengths (VCL). While the beneficial effects of heart rate slowing (i.e., the prolongation of VCL) in AF are well r...
Regulation of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor System by Acute Acidosis*

Many catabolic conditions are characterized by disturbances in acid-base balance and concomitant alterations in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. However, the influence of acidosis per se on the various components of the IGF system has not been extensively examined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of acute metabolic acidosis on the plasma and tissue concentrations of IGF-I and the various IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Conscious unrestrained fasted rats were infused iv with either 0.2 N HCl or an equal volume of saline for 4 h. The arterial blood pH decreased within 60 min after starting the HCl infusion and remained lower than time-matched control values for the entire experimental protocol. Although the plasma IGF-I concentration fell gradually and was reduced by 30%, compared to time-matched control values, GH levels were unaltered. The IGF-I content of tissues collected at the conclusion of the experiment was increased in liver (35%) and kidney (63%), and unchanged in skeletal muscle. However, whereas acidosis moderately increased IGF-I messenger RNA abundance in liver, no significant alteration in IGF-I expression was detected in kidney. Acidosis also increased the plasma levels of IGFBP-1 and -2 as well as the IGFBP-1 content of liver and kidney. In contrast, the concentration of intact IGFBP-3 was decreased in acid-infused rats, and this reduction was associated with an increased rate of IGFBP-3 protease activity. Acidotic rats demonstrated unremarkable changes in the plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin, but corticosterone levels were elevated throughout the experiment. The results of the present study demonstrate that in the absence of underlying pathology, acute metabolic acidosis decreases circulating levels of IGF-I, probably by increasing renal clearance of the peptide, not by decreasing hepatic IGF-I synthesis.
Systematic desensitization with pre-treatment and intra-treatment therapeutic instructions

Abstract Three groups of 10 Ss each received tape-recorded desentitization along a snake approach hierarchy. One group (SD++) received therapeutic instructions before each desensitization session. A second group (SD+) was presented with therapeutic instructions before only the initial desensitization session. The third group (SD) received no therapeutic instructions. As compared with 10 untreated and 10 “pseudodesensitized” Ss, the Ss in the SD++ and SD+ conditions displayed significant behavioral improvements, while those in the SD group did not. Improvements for Ss in the SD++, SD+ and SD conditions did not differ.
Acoustically active red blood cell carriers for ultrasound-triggered drug delivery with photoacoustic tracking

As a biological alternative to conventional microbubble and droplet based ultrasound therapeutic agents, red blood cell (RBC) carriers have a potentially higher drug payload and extended circulation lifetime. RBC carriers, however, lack remote triggering for active release of payload. In this work we conjugate perfluoropentane (PFP) and perfluorobutane (PFB) nanodroplets (NDs) to RBC carriers and show ultrasound-triggered release of a model drug from carrier RBCs. With a fluorescence release assay, we achieve a release of 55.0 ± 5.0% and 46.5 ± 10.8% for RBC carriers with PFP or PFB NDs, respectively. We load magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic targeting and the FDA approved optically absorbing dye, indocyanine green (ICG), into RBCs (ICG-RBCs) for photoacoustic (PA) imaging. ICG-RBCs generated a 17 dB increase in PA signal over background and lysis of ICG-RBCs was confirmed by PA imaging. Our results demonstrate the acoustic release mechanism of RBC drug carriers, and the ability to monitor these agents in real-time.
Performance Analysis of IBM Cell Broadband Engine on Sequence Alignment

The Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm is the most accurate sequence alignment approach used by computational biologists for DNA matching. However it’s computational complexity makes SW impractical to use in clinical environment compared to much faster but less accurate sequence alignment technique such as BLAST. High performance computing community is examining alternative multi core architectures such as IBM Cell Broadband Engine (BE) and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) that address the limitations of modern cache based designs. In this paper we investigate the performance of IBM Cell BE architecture in the context of SW. We present an analysis on architectural features of the Cell BE, study the architecture’s fitness for accelerating sequence alignment based on its parallel processing power, interconnect structure and communication protocols among the processing cores. We then evaluate the performance of Cell BE against the state of art implementation of SW on NVIDIA’s Tesla GPU. Results show that based on the memory architecture of the SW algorithm, Cell BE performs much better than Tesla GPU in terms of both cycle count and execution time metrics. Compared to purely serial implementation, in terms of cycle count, while state of the art GPU implementation delivers 15x speedup, our solution achieves 64x speedup.
Molecular targets of nitric-oxide-donating aspirin in cancer

Nitric-oxide-donating aspirin (NO-ASA), consisting of ASA (aspirin) plus an -ONO2 moiety linked to it via a molecular spacer, is a new drug for cancer prevention. NO-ASA seems to overcome the low potency and toxicity of traditional ASA. The -ONO2 moiety is responsible for releasing NO, and it appears to be required for biological activity. In studies in vitro, NO-ASA inhibits the growth of colon, pancreatic, prostate, lung, skin, leukaemia and breast cancer cells, and is up to 6000-fold more potent than traditional ASA. This effect is owing to cell kinetics [inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis (multiple criteria) and blocking the G1 to S cell-cycle transition] and cell signalling [inhibition of Wnt signalling (IC50=0.2 microM), inhibition of NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) activation (IC50=7.5 microM), inhibition of nitric oxide synthase-2 expression (IC50=48 microM), inhibition of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling (IC50=10 microM) and induction of cyclo-oxygenase-2 at approx. 10 microM]. In studies in vivo, NO-ASA inhibits intestinal carcinogenesis in Min mice (tumour multiplicity was reduced by 59% after 3 weeks, with no effect in control animals and no side effects) and in the N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine model of pancreatic cancer, where there was an 89% reduction in NO-ASA (3000 p.p.m. in the diet)-treated animals (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant effect by traditional ASA at equimolar doses. Our data indicate that NO-ASA is a highly promising agent for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.
Looking for Meaning in the Alabama Lectures' Book Series: An Epitaph for an Old Friend of Public Administration after 57 Years

This essay analyzes and reviews the significance of the Alabama Public Administration Lecture Series, one of the most distinguished and long-lasting platforms in public administration. Based on guest lectures that were delivered annually to University of Alabama graduate students in public administration, the series began in 1944 and concluded in 2000. During those 57 years, most of the lectures were published as books, usually by the University of Alabama Press. The last book of the series will be published in 2009. This article examines the series as a whole and asks, what does the series tell us about public administration? What does it tell us about how our field got to where it is now? These questions are important because the books present a running conversation on the important subjects of public administration. The article shows that the lecture series offers a history of the field, reflecting the topics that were considered important by leading thinkers in their times.
The amyloidosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—comparative studies in polish and american children. i. levels of serum saa protein

Serum SAA concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay in 21 Polish children with amyloidosis secondary to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The results were compared to controls and children with JRA in Polish populations (where amyloidosis is a frequent complication of JRA) as well as to American children with JRA (where amyloidosis in JRA has been observed only sporadically) and American control children. No significant differences of SAA protein levels were found in the amyloidotic Polish children when compared to JRA Polish and American children. However, significantly higher levels of SAA protein were present in amyloidotic Polish children when compared to the control Polish and American group. High serum SAA protein concentration in JRA children did not necessarily correlate with the presence of secondary amyloidosis. Other mechanisms are probably involved in the development of amyloidosis.
The role of work habits in the motivation of food safety behaviors.

The authors considered work habits within an integrated framework of motivated behavior. A distinction made between automatic and controlled action led to 2 measures of work habits: a habit strength measure reflecting the 4 characteristics of automaticity and a measure of work routines under conscious control. Workers at a turkey processing plant (N 162) responded to an extensive survey of these work habits measures with regard to food safety. Results indicated that attitudes and subjective norms predicted food safety intentions. These intentions, along with perceived behavior control and work habits, predicted reports of food safety behaviors. A mediation analysis indicated that the work routines measure accounted for the variance in self-reported behavior and mediated any effect of the habit strength measure.
Distribution of myosin heavy chain isoforms in non-weight-bearing rat soleus muscle fibers.

Talmadge, Robert J., Roland R. Roy, and V. Reggie Edgerton.Distribution of myosin heavy chain isoforms in non-weight-bearing rat soleus muscle fibers. J. Appl. Physiol. 81(6): 2540–2546, 1996.—The ...
Structural dependency of collagen fibers on ion types revealed by in situ second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging method

Ionic species in aqueous solutions alter protein solubility and aggregation behavior through a variety of complex interactions. Employing second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging in a backscattering configuration in situ we discovered that added phosphate modulates the aggregated collagen fibers' lengths within 3D hydrogels. For example, the about 1 μm in length collagen fibers formed in 30 mM phosphate-only buffer, 37 °C, 2 g l−1 collagen solid content extended to about 45 μm and increased in width in high (>/ = 60 mM) phosphate. Adding sodium sulfate in a 30 mM phosphate buffer to polymerize collagen into a hydrogel at 37 °C had similar effects. On the other hand, adding sodium chloride did not lengthen collagen fibers. The fiber lengths and widths decreased in very high concentrations of all salts. To establish the timescales of the involved polymerization processes, we used traditional turbidity measurements of gelation. Based on the solubility experiments we concluded that over 85% of collagen had precipitated under all experimental conditions. The non-invasive in situ SHG imaging in this study is valuable because it reduces the possibility of artifacts associated with changes to the fragile collagen hydrogels taking place in the conventional electron and optical imaging experiments.
The impact of a measurement and feedback intervention on blood pressure control in ambulatory cardiology practice.

Background Although hypertension is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, up to one-third of ambulatory patients have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). We evaluated the impact of a targeted provider feedback intervention on rates of BP control. Methods Clinic BP readings were aggregated among approximately 3,000 hypertensive patients followed up in 42 outpatient cardiology clinic practices at a large quaternary care academic medical center. Physician practices received quarterly reports on BP control rates. Provider-specific reports were benchmarked vs overall peer performance and distributed quarterly between September 2011 and September 2012. Rates of BP control were evaluated before and after the intervention. Medical record reviews were performed for a subset of patients with uncontrolled BP before (n = 300) and after (n = 300) the intervention to evaluate provider responses and interventions. Results At baseline, 27.9% of clinic patients had uncontrolled BP. After one 1 of reports, the rate of uncontrolled BP remained unchanged (27.7%, P = .86). Analysis of provider performance revealed a subset of providers who consistently outperform their peers. In the sample of patients selected for medical record reviews, at baseline (n = 300) and follow-up (n = 300), cardiologists discussed BP in 80% of clinic notes for patients with uncontrolled BP. Cardiologists more frequently documented repeat measurements after the intervention (28.0% vs 35.7%, P = .04). No other changes were found in documentation of provider responses to BP. Conclusions Clinician-specific audit and feedback reports as a stand-alone intervention did not affect overall BP control rates in cardiology clinics. Future BP control interventions should consider real-time patient-specific reminders, provider incentive programs, and patient engagement interventions.
Present day morphology of cirrhosis.

The term "cirrhosis" is applied, sometimes loosely, to a large number of diseases with many types of etiology and at many stages and pathways of development. To make the term meaningful for the clinical management of the individual patient, it is necessary to understand and clearly designate the structural and functional alterations present. As to the definition of cirrhosis-chronic hepatitis of viral etiology, for example, does not deserve the designation "cirrhosis," even when fibrosis is present, as long as the lobular architecture is preserved. Functionally, cirrhosis is characterized by the following manifestations not necessarily present in chronic hepatitis: portal hypertension, reduced hepatic function, tendency of hepatic parenchyma to degeneration, and ascites. The morphologic criterion for the designation of cirrhosis is the altered reconstruction of the lobular architecture reflected in two structural features which together account for the functional characteristics. One is the regenerative nodule, I in which the liver cell plates converge independently from the preexisting center of the lobule. Characteristically, the liver cell plates show greater intensity of regeneration reflected in plates several cells thick on the periphery of the nodules.2 This compresses the surrounding tissue. The pressure is considerably more effective upon the hepatic veins not surrounded by extensive connective tissue,3 in contrast to the portal veins. This is especially apparent in injection preparations of the vascular tree in which the hepatic veins appear distinctly flattened. 4 The regenerative nodules thus produce a postsinusoidal obstruction of the hepatic blood flow and are therefore one of the causes of portal hypertension. The second morphologic feature of cirrhosis are the connective· tissue septums rich in veins. If the portal and hepatic veins are injected by different colored mediums, the center of the nodules shows injection by the hepatic veins and the periphery by the portal vein; however, in the septums a surprisingly great number of vessels can be demonstrated which exhibit many anastomoses between portal vein branches and hepatic vein tributaries.4 Moreover, branches of the hepatic artery also anastomose with the venous system. These vascular anastomoses have three functional consequences: 1. Hepatic arterial pressure is brought to bear upon the portal venous system and provides thus a second cause for the portal hypertension which is the one
Use of intra-arterial nitrogen mustard therapy in the treatment of cervical and vaginal cancer.

Abstract The local administration of nitrogen mustard (methyl-bis [B-chloroethyl amine] hydrochloride) has resulted in partial regression of malignant tumors which are not amenable to intravenously administered drug. 1, 2. 3 This therapeutic effect has usually been obtained by repeated injections of the chemotherapeutic agent over a prolonged period of time, through a cannula inserted directly into the artery which supplies the tumor region. This is a study of the immediate effects of HN 2 given by intra-arterial injection in cases of carcinoma of the cervix and vagina.
Abstract 19615: The Gender Differences in the Natural History of Subjects With Isolated Metabolic Syndrome: A Population Based Study

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS), as defined by the presence ≥3 ATP-NCEP-III criteria, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Isolated MS is defined as metabolic syndrome subjects that do not meet the diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes and are not on therapy for either, despite having elevated blood pressure and hyperglycemia. The gender differences in the natural history of isolated MS remain undefined. Objectives: To determine the gender differences in the natural history of isolated MS. Methods: Data was collected prospectively on a population-based random sample of 2042 Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged 45 years or older who underwent clinical evaluation, medical record abstraction, and echocardiography (Visit 1 [1997-2000]). After a median (IQR) of 4.0 (3.9, 4.1) years, participants returned for Visit 2 (2001-2004). From visit 2, we have a median (IQR) of 8.3 (7.3, 9.2) years of follow-up. Isolated MS was defined by non-hypertensive or non-diabetic s...
On-site confirmatory test, film wrapped bales, and shipping conditions of a multiple quarantine treatment to control Hessian fly (Diptera : Cecidomyiidae) in compressed hay

No Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), adults emerged from infested wheat seedlings (15,377 total puparia) in an on-site confirmatory test when exposed to compression and fumigation (60 g/28.3 m3 aluminum phosphide) in hay bales in 5 different locations in a freight container. Mean temperatures in the freight container ranged from 15.4 to 19.6°C during the 7-d fumigation in a heated building. Hydrogen phosphide residues were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tolerance of 0.1 parts per million in animal feeds 1 and 3 d after aeration. The successful completion of the on-site confirmatory test allowed approval in December 1996, of timothy, alfalfa, oat, Sudan grass, and Bermuda grass hays for export to Japan. Hydrogen phosphide concentrations in film wrapped and unwrapped units of compressed timothy hay were not significantly different throughout the 7-d fumigation period of the multiple quarantine treatment. The data showed that use of film-wrapped units of compressed hay bales would not diminish the efficacy of the treatment and was approved by regulatory agencies in December 1997. The highest bale temperatures in freight containers of either timothy, alfalfa, Sudan grass, or Bermuda grass hays were recorded on days 1–3 (mean ± SE) (range of 15.87 ± 0.02°C to 27.44 ± 0.02°C) during ocean freight from Seattle, WA, to Nagoya, Japan. Lowest temperatures enroute were recorded on days 7–9 (range, of 6.75 ± 0.03°C to 9.59 ± 0.02°C). The range of the mean percentage relative humidity (mean ± SE) was 31.7–60.0 for all species of hay at 3-d intervals during 12 d of ocean freight. Mean bale temperatures and relative humidities during ocean freight were in general lower than optimum for growth and development of Hessian fly.
Wnt9A Induction Linked to Suppression of Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation

Most studies of Wnt signaling in malignant tissues have focused on the canonical Wnt pathway (CWP) due to its role in stimulating cellular proliferation. The role of the non-canonical Wnt pathway (NCWP) in tissues with dysregulated Wnt signaling is not fully understood. Understanding NCWP’s role is important since these opposing pathways act in concert to maintain homeostasis in healthy tissues. Our preliminary studies demonstrated that LiCl inhibited proliferation of primary cells derived from colorectal cancer (CRC). Since LiCl stimulates cell proliferation in normal tissues and NCWP suppresses it, the present study was designed to investigate the impact of NCWP components in LiCl-mediated effects. LiCl-mediated inhibition of CRC cell proliferation (p < 0.001) and increased apoptosis (p < 0.01) coincided with 23-fold increase (p < 0.025) in the expression of the NCWP ligand, Wnt9A. LiCl also suppressed β-catenin mRNA (p < 0.03), total β-catenin protein (p < 0.025) and the active form of β-catenin. LiCl-mediated inhibition of CRC cell proliferation was partially reversed by IWP-2, and Wnt9A antibody. Recombinant Wnt9A protein emulated LiCl effects by suppressing β-catenin protein (p < 0.001), inhibiting proliferation (p < 0.001) and increasing apoptosis (p < 0.03). This is the first study to demonstrate induction of a NCWP ligand, Wnt9A as part of a mechanism for LiCl-mediated suppression of CRC cell proliferation.
Flow resistance characteristics analysis and structure optimization of braking pipeline based on FLUENT

Aiming at the problem of production tempo which is affected by the compact filling process when certain vehicle is being charged with braking fluid in the production line,the technology of FLUENT was investigated in the analysis of the flow field of hard pipes of four way-left front wheels and four way-right front wheel.After the analysis of numerical simulation and simulation analysis,the relationship between elbow coefficient of local resistance and respective influencing factors was established.A method was presented to optimization of pipe structure parameters.The brake fluid charging amount,pipeline length and flow resistance were evaluated with no effect of the braking pipeline layout,and the filling verification experiments after structure optimization were tested.The research results indicate that,total length of both hard pipes of four way-left front wheel and four way-right front wheel is been shortened 153.5 mm and flow resistance of each hard pipe is been reduced about 10%,which improves flow characteristics of brake fluid in hard pipes and shortens filling time,total cavity volume of both hard pipes is reduced 1 338 mm3,which saves brake fluid charging amount and hard pipe materials of each vehicle accordingly,thus reduces production cost.
Biochemical Response to a Moderate Running Bout in Participants With or Without a History of Acute Knee Injury.

Context: Individuals with an acute knee-injury history are 4 times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than those without a prior knee injury, and it is unknown why. Individuals with an injury history may exhibit aberrant changes in tissue turnover after physical activity (eg, running), which could lead to osteoarthritis, but this has yet to be determined among young, physically active individuals. Objective: To determine collagen degradation and synthesis and inflammatory biomarker concentration levels before exercise and changes in response to an acute running bout in injured participants compared with healthy control participants. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 22 physically active individuals between 18 and 25 years of age were recruited for the study: 11 injured participants (knee injury within 4 years of the study) who were medically cleared for physical activity and 11 matched healthy control participants. Main Outcome Meas...
What should be done now with retiree health benefit prefunding

At least in its early stages, health care reform is not likely to signal the end of concerns about retiree health benefits. Employers may want to explore prefunding as a practical approach to the problem.
The Effect of Compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on Small Cap Technology Company’s Stock Prices

This paper analyzes the effect of compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, also referred to as SOX, on small market cap technology firms using a comparable company analysis model. The comparable company analysis model is used to calculate and compare the average intrinsic values of 45 small and 45 large cap technology companies from the periods of January 1, 1999 to January 1, 2001 (Pre SOX era) and January 1, 2007 to January 1, 2009 (Post SOX era). The purpose of looking at large cap technology firms as a benchmark is to compare how different sized firms within the same industry fair after implementation and compliance of SOX. The stated objective of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was to improve the quality of financial reporting and to ultimately increase investor confidence again due to the major corporate accounting scandals with companies such as Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco International. According the SEC, Section 404 procedures are intended to help companies detect fraudulent reporting early and deter financial fraud, directly improving the reliability of financial statements. The intentions of Sarbanes-Oxley were in favor of improving investor confidence; however, it had an adverse effect on small cap technology firm’s stock prices. This hypothesis is supported and analyzed by the data derived from the comparable company model results.
What's Trending? The Performance and Motivations for Mutual Fund Startups

We examine how the motivation behind the launch of a mutual fund is associated with the fund's subsequent performance. We find that mutual funds have incentives to cater to investor sentiment to attract assets under management by launching trendy mutual funds. The incentives to launch trendy funds exist regardless of whether the fund sponsor is skilled or expects future outperformance. Newly launched trendy funds generate significant additional inflows in their first twelve months, yet underperform over their first five years compared to non-trendy funds. Our results suggest that mutual fund launches appear to be motivated by considerations other than skill.
Comments on "From 'Reaction Concept' to 'Conjugate Gradient': Have We Made Any Progress?" and Reply to Dr. Wang's Comments

Dr. Sarkar's paper, as the feature article of the August 1989 AP-S Newsletter [1], provides a vivid and informal (and therefore perhaps more revealing and informative) discussion on a subject of common interest. However, he has also expressed several views which, according to my observation, are not shared by many students of the field. Since Dr. Sarkar specifically referenced my work as an introductory basis for his discussions, and since he has, to some extent, misinterpreted my opinions, I would like to offer the following comments and clarifications, which hopefully will provide the readers a more clear and balanced view on this subject.
Finding meaning in us: The role of meaning in life in romantic relationships

AbstractThe present research tested a model of relationship functioning that incorporates meaning in life (MIL), proposing that MIL plays an important role in individuals’ motivations and perceived quality of romantic relationships. Study 1 employed a weekly diary methodology (N = 121 individuals in romantic relationships) and found that both within- and between-person relationship MIL are associated with internalized motivational states (i.e. intrinsic motivation, harmonious passion) and relationship quality (i.e. satisfaction, commitment). Study 2 was a dyadic study that examined both members of romantic couples (N = 238 dyads). Results found that both one’s own and one’s partner’s MIL predict motivation and relationship quality. Further, we also found evidence of a hierarchical model of MIL, such that relationship-specific experiences of MIL mediate associations between general MIL and relationship motivation and quality. Taken together, this research provides consistent and compelling evidence regardi...
Fragility Curves for RC Frames Subjected to Tohoku Mainshock-Aftershocks Sequences

ABSTRACTThe damaging effects of aftershocks are overlooked by current building codes and not properly accounted for in commercial seismic loss assessment software. In this paper, an evaluation of the seismic fragility relationships for reinforced concrete (RC) frame systems prone to mainshock-aftershocks sequences is conducted. Fiber-based finite element models for different types of RC frames are established and subjected to a suite of ground motions obtained from the Tohoku sequence. Fragility relationships are derived with and without consideration to multiple earthquake effects. The results from this study confirm that multiple earthquakes have significant effects on the vulnerability relationships of RC frames.
Marital Dissolution and Formation for Interracial Couples: Evidence from Parents of Biracial Children

There is a large amount of literature on whether interracial relationships are more unstable than same-race relationships. This study utilizes data on the race of respondents’ children and examines how marital dissolution and formation differ for those who mate interracially. Contrary to several previous studies, this study finds that some interracial couples are more likely to proceed to marriage and have more stable marriage than same-race couples. White men with Asian biracial children are more likely to be married than other white male parents, black women with white biracial children are more likely to be married than other black female parents, and Asian women with white biracial children are more likely to get married (but more likely to get divorced or separated once married) than other Asian female parents.
Urbanization and roads drive non-native plant invasion in the Chicago Metropolitan region

Human modification of the landscape, including urbanization and road construction, has facilitated the spread and establishment of non-native plant species. The effects of urbanization and roads are expected to be species-specific due to differences in species habitat requirements. We examined the influence of urbanization and roads on the occurrences of 16 non-native plant species in over 2000 wetlands within the Chicago metropolitan region in northeastern Illinois, USA. We found that species, or groups of species, responded differently to the effects of urbanization, roads, and proximity to conspecific populations. Occurrences of halophyte species were best predicted by road variables; halophytes were more commonly associated with major roads such as interstates and federal highways, road types that are likely to receive greater applications of de-icing salts. Several species were associated with proximity to Chicago. Proximity to Chicago may serve as a proxy for the degree of urbanization; or alternatively, may reflect a pattern of outward dispersal from an initial establishment point in the urban center. All study species were positively associated with distance to the nearest occupied wetland, implying that for each species, wetlands were more likely to be occupied if closer to other occupied sites. Our results support the need for species-specific understanding of responses to urbanization and roads to facilitate management of non-native species.
Monitoring the impact of coastal erosion on archaeological sites: the Cyprus Ancient Shoreline Project

Coastal erosion of archaeological sites has long been a problem for archaeologists seeking to understand maritime interactions in the past. A new model, using ArcGIS to collate various sources of data relating to processes of erosion over time along the south coast of Cyprus, is showcased here, with the hope that it can be expanded and adapted for use elsewhere in prioritising sites according to rates of destruction.
Linking Momentum Strategies with Single-Period Portfolio Models

Several versions of the Markowitz portfolio model are evaluated with respect to patterns in the equity markets. Much research has shown that strategies based on momentum have generated superior risk adjusted returns. We form a long-only portfolio of momentum strategies via industry-level assets; the strategy beats, many others over numerous markets and time periods and provides a good benchmark for competing optimization models. Simple Markowitz models are quite effective, as long as the proper historical period of time is chosen for the stochastic projections. Investment performance of optimal asset allocation models can be improved by considering the momentum effects in the parameter estimation procedures.
Antennal grooming facilitates courtship performance in a group-living insect, the German cockroach Blattella germanica.

The antennae of adult male German cockroaches detect a contact sex pheromone embedded in the female’s cuticular lipids. The female pheromone stimulates courtship behavior in males, notably a wing-raising (WR) display. Within aggregations, however, cuticular lipids are disseminated by contact among group members, including nymphs and adults of both sexes, and “contamination” of cockroaches with the cuticular lipids of another stage or sex may interfere with sex discrimination and disrupt courtship. We used behavioral observations, bioassays and chemical analysis to determine how males maintain their sensitivity to sex pheromone in aggregations. Males contaminated with female pheromone displayed lower courtship, because residual female pheromone on their antennae adapted their peripheral sensilla and habituated the central nervous system. Female pheromone that contaminated the male’s antennae also elicited courtship from other non-contaminated males, disrupting their sex discrimination in the group. However, antennal grooming effectively removed female pheromone from males’ antennae and maintained their chemosensory acuity and sexual discrimination among group members. Thus, grooming of the antennae and other sensory appendages is an important strategy to enhance sensory acuity, especially in group-living insects like the German cockroach.
Revisiting Culture and Meaning-Making in World-Systems Analysis: A Proposal for Engaging with the Cultural Political Economy Approach:

World-systems analysis (WSA) understands socio-cultural phenomena as fundamental to the operation of global capitalism, whether through geocultures that sustain centrist liberalism, the emergence o...
Hot exciton transport in WS e 2 monolayers

We experimentally demonstrate hot exciton transport in hexagonal boron nitride encapsulated $\mathrm{WS}{\mathrm{e}}_{2}$ monolayers via spatially and temporally resolved photoluminescence measurements at room temperature. We show that the nonlinear evolution of the mean-squared displacement of the nonresonantly excited hot exciton gas is primarily due to the relaxation of its excess kinetic energy and is characterized by a density-dependent fast expansion that converges to a slower, constant rate expansion. We also observe saturation of the hot exciton gas's expansion rate at high excitation densities due to the balance between Auger-assisted hot exciton generation and the phonon-assisted hot exciton relaxation processes. These measurements provide insight into a process that is ubiquitous in exciton transport measurements where nonresonant optical excitation is typically employed.
World War I and the American Constitution

The First World War profoundly affected the American political system by transforming constitutional law and providing the predicate for the modern administrative state. In this groundbreaking study, William G. Ross examines the social, political, economic and legal forces that generated this rapid change. Ross explains how the war increased federal and state economic regulatory powers, transferred power from Congress to the President, and altered federalism by enhancing the powers of the federal government. He demonstrates how social changes generated by the war provided a catalyst for the expansion of personal liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the rights of women, racial minorities, and industrial workers. Through a study of constitutional law, gender, race, economics, labor, the prohibition movement, international relations, civil liberties, and society, this book provides a major contribution to our understanding of the development of the American Constitution.
Factors influencing carbonated soft-drink and bottled water consumption: survey evidence from Nicaragua

The consumption of bottled water and carbonated soft drinks is rapidly increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. Consuming bottled water and carbonated soft drinks have negative con...
Hidden Communities of Practice in Social Media Groups: Mixed Methods Study

Background: Although most US mothers initiate breastfeeding, suboptimal breastfeeding rates still exist. Although breastfeeding is a complex process, social support has been linked with increases in positive breastfeeding outcomes. Recent technological advances, including the development of social networking sites, provide mothers with convenient access to a unique array of audiences from which to seek advice about parenting, including breastfeeding. However, little is known about how the use of the sites—specifically groups centered around breastfeeding—influences breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors. Objective: This mixed methods study aimed to explore utilization of an existing probreastfeeding Facebook group and how utilization influences breastfeeding-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Methods: Participants were recruited online through Facebook wall posts from within the existing group. Mothers aged between 18 and 50 years who were pregnant and intended to breastfeed, were currently breastfeeding, or had recently weaned their infant in the past 3 years were eligible to participate. Participants engaged in online focus group discussions (n=21) and individual interviews (n=12). Inductive content analysis of qualitative data led to the conceptualization and contextualization of a breastfeeding community of practice (COP). Using qualitative results, a quantitative survey was then developed to assess the prevalence of qualities of a COP as well as how COP usage influenced breastfeeding-related attitudes and knowledge. A total of 314 mothers completed the online survey. Results: Qualitative findings showed an overall sense of community, with subthemes of group trust, interaction, and the promotion of breastfeeding. A majority (287/314, 91.5%) of mothers initiated breastfeeding, with 69.0% (216/314) of mothers reporting exclusive breastfeeding their infant at 6 months. Approximately 98.5% (309/314) of mothers reported that the Facebook group captured and stored knowledge; therefore, information could be easily accessed and applied. In addition, 96.2% (302/317) of mothers reported that the Facebook group motivated them to share breastfeeding-related knowledge. Conclusions: The results suggest that this existing probreastfeeding Facebook group exhibits characteristics of an online COP, which was organically formed. Utilization of the Facebook group, in the context of an online COP, could be beneficial in impacting breastfeeding-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. However, further examination and exploration of breastfeeding COPs, including using this type of model as a method of lactation support or as a telemedicine framework, is a clear need.
Rib Fractures in Geriatric Patients: An Observational Study of Surgical Management

Background: Due to increased frailty and comorbidities, surgeons may be reluctant to perform surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in geriatric (≥65yr) and super-geriatric (≥80yr) patients. We hypothesized that elderly patients would have delayed time to operation and more complications. We aimed to determine whether advanced age was a factor in deciding to proceed with SSRF and presented a risk for mortality. Methods: Single-institution review of rib fracture (RF) patients from 8/2009-2/2017. Univariate analysis was performed for groups age ≤64yr, 65-79yr, and ≥80yr, and SSRF vs non-SSRF. Baseline injury characteristics were compared for all age groups. Results: We identified 3098 non-SSRF patients (≤64yr, n=1770; 65-79yr, n=706; ≥80yr, n= 622) and 277 SSRF (≤64yr, n=162pt; 65-79yr, n=73pt; ≥80yr, n=42pt). For SSRF, there were no differences in sex or race, time from admission to operation, number of RF, or SSRF indications between any age group. Mortality was greater for non-SSRF patients overall [155/3098 (5%) vs 4/277 (1.4%), P Conclusions: Age was not associated with longer time to OR nor with difference in injury pattern or severity as indication for SSRF. Although mortality increases for RF after 80yr, among appropriately selected super-geriatric patients SSRF is a safe and effective treatment. Level of Evidence: IV Study type: Therapeutic.
Reviewer Essay: What Makes a Great Article for IJ-SoTL

Excerpt: First, Happy Fifth Anniversary to the International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning! In this anniversary issue, Dr. Altany’s request to have the review board members reflect on what makes a great article for IJ-SoTL gives our readers insight on why this journal is so successful: in short, we have high expectations and standards that have provided authors with a high-quality international forum for meaningful contributions to the educational research community.
Title IX and Social Media: Going Beyond the Law

The U.S. Department of Education is currently investigating over eighty colleges and universities for civil rights violations under Title IX. From a punitive standpoint, these investigations likely will have minimal impact. Indeed, since the Alexander v. Yale plaintiffs first conceived of Title IX in a sexual harassment context, the nondiscriminatory principles of Title IX have proven disappointingly difficult to enforce. However, in today’s world of grassroots social activism, Title IX has taken on a new, extralegal import. Title IX has become a rallying cry for college activists and survivors. Despite (or perhaps because of) its limitations as a law, it has prompted an unprecedented shift in the cultural landscape. In this Note, I will examine the evolution of Title IX as a means to combat sexual harassment and sexual assault on college campuses.