cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human visual perception of haze and relationships with instrumental measurements of turbidity. Thresholds, magnitude estimation and sensory descriptive analysis of haze in model systems

Abstract Spherical polymer beads (0.769, 2.600 and 10.300 μm diameter) were suspended in clear, yellow and red liquids. The samples were measured by turbidimetry and assessed by panelists. Thresholds were determined by the Ascending Method of Limits and ranged from 0.384 to 0.815 NTU. The results were influenced by both particle size and solution color. Visual intensity (assessed by Magnitude Estimation) rose linearly with particle concentration until it reached a plateau. A regression model was developed that expressed visual haze intensity as a function of particle concentration and size, and liquid color ( R 2 =0.949). A relationship between visual and instrumental responses was also developed ( R 2 =0.870); when particle size was included, this improved to R 2 =0.978. Turbidimeter response could be predicted from particle concentration and size ( R 2 =0.986). Principal Components Analysis was applied to Descriptive Analysis results and showed that two factors accounted for 99% of the observed variation. Suspensions of large particles at intermediate concentrations appeared non-homogeneous.
STATISTICAL FLUCTUATIONS OF ENERGY LEVELS: THE UNITARY ENSEMBLE

Abstract The next-nearest neighbour energy level spacing distribution for complex systems with non-time-reversal-invariant interactions is derived from the Gaussian unitary ensemble in three dimensions and is compared to the similar result for the orthogonal ensemble. Since it has been shown for other spacing distributions that low-dimensional results are within a few per cent of infinite-dimensional results in regions of significant probability, the three-dimensional results developed here probably have rather wide numerical validity.
Threshold for repetitive activity for a slow stimulus ramp: a memory effect and its dependence on fluctuations.

We have obtained new insights into the behavior of a class of excitable systems when a stimulus, or parameter, is slowly tuned through a threshold value. Such systems do not accommodate no matter how slowly a stimulus ramp is applied, and the stimulus value at onset of repetitive activity shows a curious, nonmonotonic dependence on ramp speed. (Jakobsson, E. and R. Guttman. Biophys. J. 1980. 31:293–298.) demonstrated this for squid axon and for the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model. Furthermore, they showed theoretically that for moderately slow ramps the threshold increases as the ramp speed decreases, but for much slower ramp speeds threshold decreases as the ramp speed decreases. This latter feature was found surprising and it was suggested that the HH model, and squid axon in low calcium, exhibits reverse accommodation. We have found that reverse accommodation reflects the influence of persistent random fluctuations, and is a feature of all such excitable systems. We have derived an analytic condition which yields an approximation for threshold in the case of a slow ramp when the effect of fluctuations are negligible. This condition predicts, and numerical calculations confirm, that the onset of oscillations occurs beyond the critical stimulus value which is predicted by treating the stimulus intensity as a static parameter, i.e., the dynamic aspect of a ramp leads to a delay in the onset. The condition further demonstrates a memory effect, i.e., firing threshold is dependent on the initial state of the system. For very slow ramps then, fluctuations diminish both the delay and memory effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Production of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Stocked as Juveniles at Different Densities in Temperate Zone Ponds1

Juvenile freshwater prawns Mucrobruchium rosenkrgii (mean wet weight = 0.75, 1986 or 0.17g, 1985) were stocked into 0.06–0.07 ha earthen ponds at densities ranging from 39,536 to 118,608/ha during two separate growing seasons. After growout periods ranging from 135 to 142 days, survival was from 54.3% to 89.9% (x = 77.0%). Mean prawn weight at harvest ranged from 15.0 to 44.3g and decreased with increasing stocking density. The larger stocking weight of prawns was associated with harvest weights that were 16.8 to 39.6% greater than those achieved with the smaller stocking weight at comparable stocking densities. Stocking of juveniles of the proper size and the effective management of the social structure of M. rosenkrgii appear to be critical to the success of intensive pond culture in temperate climates where the length of the growing season is restricted.
Designing IEEE 1149.1 compatible boundary-scan logic into an ASIC using Texas Instrument's Scope architecture

A design that was described and simulated behaviorally in Verilog, and synthesized and optimized using Synopsys, is discussed., IEEE 1149.1-compatible (Scope) logic was added to the optimized design and Mentor gate-level simulations were performed. The performance and area impact on the chip of the Scope logic is examined and synthesis is used to minimize it. >
Human Trafficking: A Review for Mental Health Professionals.

This article provides a review of current research on human trafficking for mental health practitioners and scholars. In addition to an overview of definitions, causes and processes of trafficking, the article highlights mental health consequences of trafficking along with suggestions for treatment of survivors. Directions for counseling services, prevention, policy work and international involvement are also discussed.
Characterization of a N-Bromoacetyl-L-Thyroxine Affinity-Labeled 55-Kilodalton Protein as Protein Disulfide Isomerase in Cultured Glial Cells

In glial cells, thyroid hormone regulates the polymerization state of the actin cytoskeleton by a mechanism that does not require protein synthesis or the nuclear T3 receptor. Using the affinity label N-bromoacetyl-L-T4, we identified a thyroid hormone-binding protein of 55 kDa (glial-p55) in cultured glial cells that is unique from the type II iodothyronine 5′-deiodinase and which exhibits a T4-dependent shift from a membrane-associated pool to the F-actin cytoskeleton. In a number of other cell types, a 55-kDa thyroid hormone-binding protein has been identified and shown to be a subunit of the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). In this study we have characterized glial-p55 and compared it with purified rat hepatic PDI. Glial-p55 appears to be identical to PDI by peptide fragmentation analysis, using multiple methods. The hydrodynamic properties of glial-p55, determined by molecular sieve chromatography and sucrose density centrifugation, showed that this protein has a native molecular mass of 115...
Source constrained clustering

We consider the problem of quantizing data generated from disparate sources, e.g. subjects performing actions with different styles, movies with particular genre bias, various conditions in which images of objects are taken, etc. These are scenarios where unsupervised clustering produces inadequate codebooks because algorithms like K-means tend to cluster samples based on data biases (e.g. cluster subjects), rather than cluster similar samples across sources (e.g. cluster actions). We propose a new quantization technique, Source Constrained Clustering (SCC), which extends the K-means algorithm by enforcing clusters to group samples from multiple sources. We evaluate the method in the context of activity recognition from videos in an unconstrained environment. Experiments on several tasks and features show that using source information improves classification performance.
The HIV-1 Vpr and glucocorticoid receptor complex is a gain-of-function interaction that prevents the nuclear localization of PARP-1.

The Vpr protein of HIV-1 functions as a vital accessory gene by regulating various cellular functions, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, nuclear factor of κB (NF-κB) suppression and cell-cycle arrest of the host cell. Several reports have indicated that Vpr complexes with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), but it remains unclear whether the GR pathway is required for Vpr to function1. Here, we report that Vpr uses the GR pathway as a recruitment vehicle for the NF-κB co-activating protein, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). The GR interaction with Vpr is both necessary and sufficient to facilitate this interaction by potentiating the formation of a Vpr–GR–PARP-1 complex. The recruitment of PARP-1 by the Vpr–GR complex prevents its nuclear localization, which is necessary for Vpr to suppress NF-κB. The association of GR with PARP-1 is not observed with steroid (glucocorticoid) treatment, indicating that the GR association with PARP-1 is a gain of function that is solely attributed to HIV-1 Vpr. These data provide important insights into Vpr biology and its role in HIV pathogenesis.
Association of the Protein D and Protein E Forms of Rat CRISP1 with Epididymal Sperm

Cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (CRISP1) is a secretory glycoprotein produced by the rat epididymal epithelium in two forms, referred to as proteins D and E. CRISP1 has been implicated in sperm-egg fusion and has been shown to suppress capacitation in rat sperm. Several studies have suggested that CRISP1 associates transiently with the sperm surface, whereas others have shown that at least a portion of CRISP1 persists on the surface. In the present study, we demonstrate that protein D associates transiently with the sperm surface in a concentration-dependent manner, exhibiting saturable binding to both caput and cauda sperm in a concentration range that is consistent with its capacitation-inhibiting activity. In contrast, protein E persists on the sperm surface after all exogenous protein D has been dissociated. Comparison of caput and cauda sperm reveal that protein E becomes bound to the sperm in the cauda epididymidis. We show that protein E associates with caput sperm, which do not normally have it on their surfaces, in vitro in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. These studies demonstrate that most CRISP1 interacts with sperm transiently, possibly with a specific receptor on the sperm surface, consistent with its action in suppressing capacitation during epididymal storage of sperm. These studies also confirm a tightly bound population of protein E that could act in the female tract.
Continuous vs. Event Driven Routing Protocols for WSNs in Healthcare Environments

Advances in embedded computing systems have resulted in the emergence of wireless sensor networks, which provide unique opportunities for monitoring and controlling homes, cities and the environments. Recently, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been proposed for hospital/medical care environments to support automated data collection, which is then integrated into the patient care record system. However, wireless sensor networks are application specific, and routing protocols will vary in their ability to healthcare environments.
Jeremiah's Scribes: Creating Sermon Literature in Puritan New England. By Meredith Marie Neuman. (Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2013. Pp. x, 265. $69.95.)

“The aim of this book,” the author explains, “is to explore the experience of sermon culture in order to better understand the phenomenon of sermon literature more clearly” (7). By sermon culture, ...
Rule Breaking, Sociological Citizenship, and Organizational Contestation in Microfinance

This article explores how loan officers enact and adapt organizational policies within Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Some loan officers frequently bend or choose not to enforce written rules in an effort to better address client needs, while others enforce the rules strictly. These differences in enforcement styles are analyzed to explore the structural characteristics that generate and sustain rule-bending behavior. In microfinance, the pressures to standardize and automate lending decisions challenge loan officers' ability to manage clients because context uncertainty cannot be fully captured by centralized policies. The paper shows that officers exercise discretion productively, as measured by the organization's own criteria to (a) better serve client needs when policies can lead to bad outcomes, b) purposefully improve the rules themselves, and c) defend loan officer status within the organization. The paper unveils two inherent tensions in microfinance. First, increased efforts to centralize and enforce policies in fact only increase the motivation for loan officers to work outside the organizations' regulations. Second and ironically, the value of the productive rule bending displayed by some loan officers is best captured when other officers are strict enforcers.
Superoxide Dismutase Activity and Lipid Peroxidation in the Rat: Developmental Correlations Affected by Manganese Deficiency

The activities of the mitochondrial enzyme manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the cytosolic enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and lipid peroxidation in liver were measured in manganese-sufficient and manganese-deficient rats from birth to 60 days of age. In both groups of rats there was an increase in MnSOD activity during development. In control rats MnSOD activity increased over sixfold between day 1 and day 60. However, in manganese-deficient animals the activity of this enzyme increased only threefold during this time period. In both groups of rats there was approximately a sixfold increase in CuZnSOD activity between day 1 and day 60. After day 10, CuZnSOD activity tended to be higher in Mn-deficient rats, with this difference being significant on day 15 (P greater than 0.01). Measurements of thiobarbituric acid-reacting products (TBA index) under conditions of oxidant stress suggested that there was a higher than normal level of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in manganese-deficient rats by 60 days of age. Lipid peroxidation increased from day 1 to day 60 in both groups of rats, but a fivefold increase occurred in manganese-deficient rats while in controls the increase was only threefold. These findings suggest that the damage to mitochondrial membranes observed in manganese-deficient animals may be due to depressed MnSOD activity resulting in increased lipid peroxidation from free radicals.
Molecular regulation of miRNAs and potential biomarkers in the progression of hepatic steatosis to NASH

Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs regulate diverse biological functions in the liver and play a very important function in metabolic-related disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via regulating their target genes expression. In this review, we summarized the most recent progress in identification of miRNAs involving in the progression of liver steatosis and discussed the possible mechanisms by which miRNAs contribute to the diverse pathogenic liver injuries. We provide insights into the functional network of miRNAs by connecting miRNAs, their targets and biological pathways associated to hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, with important implications for our understanding of phenotypic-based disease pathogenesis. We also discuss the possible roles and challenges of miRNAs as biomarkers for drug-induced liver injury.
Environmental Interactions in the GFDL Hurricane Model for Hurricane Opal

Hurricane Opal (1995) crossed the Gulf of Mexico rapidly intensifying to a 130-kt storm, then fortunately weakening before landfall on the Florida panhandle. This intensification was underforecast by the National Hurricane Center. Forecast fields from the 1997 version of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Hurricane Prediction System (GFDL model) for Hurricane Opal are used to diagnose the rapid intensification of the tropical cyclone. While falling short of the realized peak intensity, the simulation did capture the phase of intensification. This study presents the first step toward diagnosing the mechanisms for intensification within a moderate resolution (;15 km) hydrostatic model and testing the extant hypotheses in the literature. Using a mean tangential wind budget, and the Eliassen balanced vortex model, positive eddy vorticity fluxes aloft are identified in the vicinity (;600 km) of Opal, but are not found to aid intensification. A detailed examination of each of the terms of the budget (mean and eddy vorticity flux, mean and eddy vertical advection, and ‘‘friction’’) shows for the most rapidly intensifying episodes a greater forcing for mean tangential winds near the center of the storm, particularly from the mean vertical advection and mean vorticity flux terms. Variations in these mean terms can be primarily attributed to variations in the heating rate. Upper-level divergence exhibits significant vertical structure, such that single-level or layer-average analysis techniques do not capture the divergence signature aloft. Far from the storm ($400 km), divergence features near 200 mb are significantly influenced by convective events over land that are, perhaps, only indirectly influenced by the hurricane. While there is a trough interaction simulated within the model, we suggest that the hurricane develops strongly without an important interaction with the trough. A synthetic removal of specific potential vorticity features attributed to the trough is proposed to test this hypothesis. Imposed shear is proposed to weaken the storm at later times, which is at odds with other recent ‘‘nontrough’’ theories for the behavior of Opal.
Single calcium channels stand out in the crowd

A key property of many synapses in the nervous system is their ability to trigger fast fusion of transmitter-containing vesicles at specialized release sites (active zones; AZs). This raises the qu...
Pricing to Gain Wholesalers’ Selling Support:

Can a manufacturer do anything to increase the selling effort expended by his wholesalers? Is greater emphasis on direct sale the only way to gain greater promotional activity at wholesale levels?T...
Fabrication of Hollow Silica Aerogel Spheres for Direct Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Experiments

Hollow foam spheres are needed for laser fusion experiments on the OMEGA laser facility at the University of Rochester as part of the demonstration of the feasibility of inertial confinement fusion. Previously polymer based foam and aerogel shells have been produced using resorcinol-formaldehyde (R/F) and divinylbenzene (DVB). In this paper we discuss the development of silica aerogel (SAG) shells. SAG may have the increased robustness, which is important in processing these laser targets. SAG shells were fabricated by the microencapsulation method using a triple orifice droplet generator. This technique allows for precise control of the shell diameter and wall thickness. Reduction of the aerogel gelation time is crucial to fabrication of intact shells with high yield. In addition, the proper choice of the components of the different phases of the microencapsulation process is essential for fabrication of intact SAG shells with proper sphericity and wall uniformity. The density of shells fabricated is approximately 100 mg/cc and the diameter ranges from 700–2000 μm, with a wall thickness of 50–200 μm. Development of a full density permeation barrier for retention of the fusion fuel will also be discussed.
Comparison of a New Frequency-Limited Adaptive Control Architecture with Standard and State Predictor-Based Adaptive Controllers

This paper presents a frequency-limited adaptive controller design for an aeroelastic generic transport model. Specifically, the proposed framework consists of a new reference system and an adaptive controller. The proposed reference system captures a desired closed-loop dynamical system behavior modified by a mismatch term representing the highfrequency content between the uncertain dynamical system and this reference system, i.e., the system error. It is shown that this mismatch term allows limiting the frequency content of the system error dynamics, which is used to drive the adaptive controller. This key feature of our framework yields fast adaptation without incurring high-frequency oscillations in the transient performance. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed design for the aeroelastic generic transport model in the presence of degradation in the control effectiveness.
Toward development of evidenced-based quality parameters: What gets counted and who gets paid?

Toward development of evidenced-based quality parameters: What gets counted and who gets paid?
RECOVERY OF FINGER SENSIBILITY AND SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED POTENTIALS FOLLOWING DIGIT-TO-DIGIT REPLANTATION IN MAN

Recovery of finger sensation and digital nerve function following digit-to-digit replantation was studied in 14 patients by clinical sensory evaluation and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to digital nerve stimulation. The mean interval between injury and surgery was 8 +/- 3h; that between surgery and study was 25 +/- 7 months. Sensory examination revealed a mild hypersensitivity to cold. Pinprick, touch and hot sensations had nearly complete recovery, while vibration and two-point discrimination were impaired. In digital SEPs from the replanted side, the N9 component was present and normal in 8 patients (57%), whereas the N13 and N20 components had prolonged latency with normal central conduction time. Absence of the N9 component appeared to correlate with a more proximal level of injury and poor surgical outcome. The present data indicate that sensory recovery of the replanted digits was in general satisfactory but incomplete, and that over half of the patients had normal digital nerve conduction.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer in the elderly: moving from evidence to practice.

States population will be over 65 years old, with 2% of the population over 84. The corresponding projections for 2050 are 21% and 5%, respectively.[1] These projections underscore the aging of the population, with most recent estimates of life expectancy hitting a record high of 78.1 years.[2] With Americans living longer than ever before, physicians are already seeing larger numbers of elderly patients with cancers whose incidence increases with age, including colon cancer.
Adaptive Neural Control for a Class of Pure-Feedback Nonlinear Systems via Dynamic Surface Technique

This brief addresses the adaptive control problem for a class of pure-feedback systems with nonaffine functions possibly being nondifferentiable. Without using the mean value theorem, the difficulty of the control design for pure-feedback systems is overcome by modeling the nonaffine functions appropriately. With the help of neural network approximators, an adaptive neural controller is developed by combining the dynamic surface control (DSC) and minimal learning parameter (MLP) techniques. The key features of our approach are that, first, the restrictive assumptions on the partial derivative of nonaffine functions are removed, second, the DSC technique is used to avoid “the explosion of complexity” in the backstepping design, and the number of adaptive parameters is reduced significantly using the MLP technique, third, smooth robust compensators are employed to circumvent the influences of approximation errors and disturbances. Furthermore, it is proved that all the signals in the closed-loop system are semiglobal uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed method.
Ground‐Motion Prediction Equations for Central and Eastern North America

A new ground‐motion prediction equation (GMPE) model for central and eastern North America (CENA) is presented. The Graizer 2016 (G‐16) model is based on the Next Generation Attenuation‐East (NGA‐East) database for this horizontal peak ground acceleration and 5% damped pseudospectral acceleration RotD50 component (Goulet et al. , 2014). The CENA database is not sufficient for creating purely empirical GMPE with recordings covering mostly a range of moment magnitudes M <6.0 and a limited number of near‐fault recordings. The functional forms of the G‐16 model are derived from filters representing a particular physical phenomenon affecting the seismic‐wave radiation from the source, following the approach developed by Graizer and Kalkan (2007, 2009, and 2011) for active tectonic environment. Main changes in the functional forms for CENA relative to the western United States model (Graizer and Kalkan, 2015) are a shift of maximum frequency of the acceleration response spectrum (RS) toward higher frequencies and an increase in RS amplitudes at high frequencies. The developed site correction is based on multiple runs of representative V S 30 profiles through SHAKE‐type equivalent‐linear codes. Site amplifications are calculated relative to the hard‐rock definition used in nuclear industry ( V S =2800 m/s). The number of model predictors is limited to a few measurable parameters such as moment magnitude M , closest distance to fault rupture plane R rup, V S 30, and anelastic attenuation factor Q . Incorporating Q as an input parameter allows adjustments based on the regional crustal properties. The model is applicable for the stable continental regions and covers the following range: 4.0≤ M ≤8.5, 0≤ R rup≤1000 km, 450≤ V S 30≤2800 m/s, and frequencies 0.1≤ f ≤100 Hz.
History of the Development of the Mutual Fund Industry

Evaluating the regulatory measures that affect the mutual fund industry requires a complete examination of the historical and actual structure of the mutual fund industry, the mode of operation of the funds, and the behavior of mutual fund shareholders. The stated purpose of current regulatory measures, primarily those embodied in the 1940 Investment Company Act and the subsequent 1970 Amendments, is to protect shareholders of mutual funds and of other types of investment companies from abuse by a company’s management. Before the passage of the ICA, mutual fund investors had little regulatory protection from alleged unscrupulous management, and alleged abuse of shareholders was persistently reported. Since the passage of the ICA and the 1970 Amendments, however, there have been significant changes in the organizational structure of investment companies, as well as in the economic structure of the mutual fund industry. It is particularly important, then, to examine whether these changes have altered the prospects for abuse and thereby affected the appropriate regulatory policy. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the overall development and the pertinent changes in the industry.
Codecaying Dark Matter

We propose a new mechanism for thermal dark matter freeze-out, called codecaying dark matter. Multicomponent dark sectors with degenerate particles and out-of-equilibrium decays can codecay to obtain the observed relic density. The dark matter density is exponentially depleted through the decay of nearly degenerate particles rather than from Boltzmann suppression. The relic abundance is set by the dark matter annihilation cross section, which is predicted to be boosted, and the decay rate of the dark sector particles. The mechanism is viable in a broad range of dark matter parameter space, with a robust prediction of an enhanced indirect detection signal. Finally, we present a simple model that realizes codecaying dark matter.
Heavy Sugar and Heavy Water Create Tunable Intact Protein Mass Increases for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry in Any Feed and Organism

Stable isotope labeling techniques for quantitative top-down proteomics face unique challenges. These include unpredictable mass shifts following isotope labeling, which impedes analysis of unknown proteins and complex mixtures and exponentially greater susceptibility to incomplete isotope incorporation, manifesting as broadening of labeled intact protein peaks. Like popular bottom-up isotope labeling techniques, most top-down labeling methods are restricted to defined media/feed as well as amino acid auxotrophic organisms. We present a labeling method optimized for top-down proteomics that overcomes these challenges. We demonstrated this method through the spiking of 13C-sugar or 2H-water into standard laboratory feedstocks, resulting in tunable intact protein mass increases (TIPMI). After mixing of labeled and unlabeled samples, direct comparison of light and heavy peaks allowed for the relative quantitation of intact proteins in three popular model organisms, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic microo...
Nuclear deformations in the pairing-plus-quadrupole model

Abstract The motivation and basic assumptions of the pairing-plus-quadrupole model are reviewed. Analytical and numerical applications are made to the single-j shell, demonstrating the competition between the deforming effect of the quadrupole force and the spherifying effect of the pairing force. When it is deformed, the single-j shell is always axially symmetric. Cases are found for which the potential energy of deformation has a spherical minimum and a deformed minimum simultaneously. The results are valid for any j. The importance of zero-point motion is studied and is found to decrease with increasing j.
Consumer Sensory Acceptance of Standard Pre-cooked Hamburger Patties versus Premium Patties

Consumers’ increasing concerns toward nutrition, health, and sustainable food have influence food industry. Practitioners in the meat product industry and retailers are focusing on premium labeled meat products, such as Certified Angus Beef and grass-fed beef, to meet consumers’ demand. Although many consumers assume the premium has better taste and texture, there is little research comparing the sensory attributes of the premium and non-premium burgers. This study compared the sensory attributes of three different hamburger patties: flame broiled pre-cooked beef (non-premium, standard patties), Angus beef, and grass-fed beef patties (premium patties). The results show that participants prefer pre-cooked hamburger patties significantly than Angus and grass-fed patties in initial taste and flavor. Also, this pre-cooked hamburger patties are significantly preferred compared to grass-fed patties in overall quality and overall liking attributes. Other sensory attributes, such as appearance, texture, juiciness, and seasoning, show no significant difference among three different patties. This indicates that the pre-cooked hamburger patties can be preferred than (or compatible to) Angus or grass-fed patties.
Effect of coating thickness on the stress profile at the epoxy/silicone interface subjected to pull-off loading: A finite element analysis

Abstract Previous experimental studies of silicone coatings have shown three distinct types of release behavior in the tensile flat punch test, depending on coating thickness. The mechanical response in the punch test is highly dependent upon the Poisson's ratio of the coating and its confinement ratio (punch radius divided by coating thickness). This study developed a high accuracy finite-element model of the punch test using the adaptive p-method with extensive mesh refinement to produce smooth stress profiles up to the punch edge. Stress distributions were found for a wide range of confinement parameters and Poisson's ratios. At a typical Poisson's ratio of 0.49, the highest center stress occurred for the intermediate thickness coatings—not thin or thick. Also, the thickest coatings demonstrated steadily increasing high stress towards the edge, while other thicknesses showed the steep singularity at the edge with a protective stress depression bordering inside it. The results further help explain why the critical pull-off force continues to increase as the thickness decreases, even with different release mechanisms. The stress profiles for thick coatings have almost no sensitivity to Poisson's ratio, unlike other thicknesses which show high sensitivity. Edge peeling is most likely to occur for all thick coatings, while other debonding modes are most likely for thin and intermediate thickness coatings. Together, results show the stress mechanics of the flat punch test follow three distinct types of confinement.
Papillary thyroid cancer

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of therapy. There is controversy regarding the extent of resection, ranging from thyroid lobectomy plus isthmusectomy to total thyroidectomy, but in experienced hands total thyroidectomy has many significant advantages over a lesser operation. Nonoperative therapy has no role as primary therapy for papillary thyroid cancer, but can be used in conjunction with surgery to improve outcome. Radioiodine in patients who have received total thyroidectomy can be used to identify residual occult tumor, recurrence, and metastasis, and can also be used to ablate the neoplasm, resulting in a substantial cure rate. Thyroid hormone is needed as replacement after total thyroidectomy, but can also be given as thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression, which may have an adjunctive benefit after resection.
Re-evaluating osteoporosis and fracture risk in Crohn's disease patients in the era of TNF-alpha inhibitors.

Introduction Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures as compared to the general population. Recently, various cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha are found to play a major role in bone health. In this study, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the risk factors for osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in the era of TNF-alpha inhibitors. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 464 consecutive patients with CD in our GI clinic between 2008 and 2015. Statistical analysis was performed using the student t-test and chi-square test. Results CD patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors (TNF) and those who are anti-TNF naive (NB) had similar rates of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and normal vitamin D-25-OH levels. Similarly, rates of osteoporosis (16% vs 18%), osteopenia (53% vs 57%) and normal bone density (31% vs 25%) were comparable between the TNF and NB groups respectively. However, Z-scores at the spine (-0.47 vs -0.05) were significantly lower in the TNF group (p = .03). Interestingly, rates of osteoporosis in the NB group were drastically different before and after age 60 (3.6% vs 30%) with no major difference in the TNF group (15% vs 18%). Bone density was positively correlated with BMI (Pearson's R = 0.39) and negatively correlated with age and smoking status (R= -0.25). Conclusions TNF group patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis from an earlier age compared to NB group but with a smaller increase in osteoporosis after menopause. Further prospective studies are necessary to further determine the role of anti-TNF medications in osteoporosis.
Entry modes of foreign direct investment and industry demand for trade protection

AbstractThis paper investigates how two entry modes of foreign direct investment should affect industry lobbying for trade protection in different ways. The paper hypothesises that, in the case of ...
Efficient Processing of Reachability Queries with Meetings

The prevalence of location tracking systems has resulted in large volumes of spatiotemporal data generated every day. Addressing reachability queries on such datasets is important for a wide range of applications, such as security monitoring, surveillance, public health, epidemiology, social networks, etc. Given two objects OS, OT and a time interval I, a reachability query identifies whether information (or physical items etc.) could have transferred from OS to OT during I (typically indirectly through intermediaries). While traditional graph reachability queries have been studied extensively, little work exists on processing spatiotemporal reachability queries for large disk-resident trajectory datasets. Moreover, previous research assumed that information can be passed from one object to another instantaneously. However, in many applications such transfer takes time (i.e., a short conversation), thus forcing interacting objects to stay in contact for some time interval. This requirement makes the query processing even more challenging. In this paper, we introduce a novel problem, namely, spatiotemporal reachability queries with meetings and propose two algorithms, RICCmeetMin and RICCmeetMax. To prune the search space during query time, these algorithms precompute some reachability events: the shortest valid meetings (RICCmeetMin), and the longest possible meetings (RICCmeetMax) respectively. An extended experimental evaluation examines the efficiency and pruning characteristics of both algorithms over a variety of spatiotemporal reachability queries with meetings on large disk-resident datasets.
Trade-based adoption of voluntary environmental programs in the developing world: Racing to the top or stuck in the mud?

Scholars have consistently found that firms in developing countries adopt voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) in high numbers when their major trade partners are home to many VEP-certified firms. This reflects the following dynamic: Importers based in countries with many VEP-certified facilities demand similarly sustainable production processes from trade partners, and so exporting firms in partner countries adopt VEPs to signal their sustainable practices. Studies have identified characteristics of developing countries that make local exporting firms more likely to adopt VEPs as a signal; however, there has been little analysis as to the country-level characteristics that make importers more (or less) likely to demand VEPs from suppliers abroad, beyond having many VEP-certified firms themselves. This study considers this matter, theorizing that VEP diffusion only accompanies exporting to countries with high levels of income and education, as well as a high number of VEP-certified firms. Panel data analysis provides support for the theory, showing that developing countries only experience trade-based diffusion of ISO 14001 (a widely adopted VEP) through their exports to countries with high income and/or education levels. In contrast, exporting to countries that lack these characteristics creates no such diffusion, even where importing countries’ VEP certification levels are high. Instead, such trade produces a “stuck in the mud” effect, as developing countries’ certification levels stagnate even as those of their import partners rise.
Computing with Scalars

The numerical analysis routines described in this book are organized into a Mathematical Software Package (MSP). Its components are C++ functions for manipulating numbers, vectors, matrices, and polynomials, and for solving equations and systems of equations frequently encountered in science and engineering. Many of these routines—for example, functions that evaluate sums and products—are individually quite simple, while others, such as some routines that solve polynomial equations and linear systems, are quite intricate. A major MSP design goal is to make the individual functions as simple as possible, while enabling client programmers to build very powerful and complicated application programs easily.
Local Analysis of Singularly Perturbed WCNNs

In this chapter we study the local dynamics of singularly perturbed weakly connected neural networks of the form $$\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} \hfill {\mu {{X}_{i}}^{\prime } = Fi\left( {{{X}_{i}}{{Y}_{i}},\lambda ,\mu } \right) + \varepsilon {{P}_{i}}\left( {X,Y,\lambda ,\rho ,\mu ,\varepsilon } \right)} \\ \hfill {{{Y}_{i}}^{\prime } = {{G}_{i}}\left( {{{X}_{i}},{{Y}_{i}}\lambda ,\mu } \right) + \varepsilon {{Q}_{i}}\left( {X,Y,\lambda ,\rho ,\mu ,\varepsilon } \right)} \\ \end{array} ,\varepsilon ,\mu \ll 1} \right.$$ (6.1) where X i ∈ ℝ k Y i ∈ ℝ m are fast and slow variables, respectively; τ is a slow time; and ′ = d/dτ. The parameters e and μ are small, representing the strength of synaptic connections and ratio of time scales, respectively. The parameters λ ∈ Λ and ρ ∈ R. have the same meaning as in the previous chapter: They represent a multidimensional bifurcation parameter and external input from sensor organs, respectively. As before, we assume that all functions F i , G i , which represent the dynamics of each neuron, and all P i and Q i which represent connections between the neurons, are as smooth as necessary for our computations.
Renewable Resource Management

Consider a multispecies ecosystem (e.g., predator-prey) that is exploited by different groups of harvesters. Each group will concentrate on a single species. The operation is to be directed by a manager who must set rules for the maximum level of harvesting by each group of harvesters. The manager must set these limits without knowing the specific details of how the harvesters may actually operate under these rules, except that it is assumed that the harvesters will not violate the maximum limits. The manager’s objective is to “maximize” the harvested yield for each species without having any of them become endangered by being driven to unacceptably low population levels.
Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest as an Adjunct to Complex Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery

Conventional surgical techniques for clipping of giant intracranial aneurysms carry high operative risks. Therefore, many patients are left untreated, or subjected to alternative treatment. The use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest as an adjunct for clipping complex giant intracranial aneurysms is being investigated.
Behavioral conflict and fairness in social networks

We report on a series of behavioral experiments in social networks in which human subjects continuously choose to play either a dominant role (called a King ) or a submissive one (called a Pawn ). Kings receive a higher payoff rate, but only if all their network neighbors are Pawns, and thus the maximum social welfare states correspond to maximum independent sets . We document that fairness is of vital importance in driving interactions between players. First, we find that payoff disparities between network neighbors gives rise to conflict, and the specifics depend on the network topology. However, allowing Kings to offer "tips" or side payments to their neighbors substantially reduces conflict, and consistently increases social welfare. Finally, we observe that tip reductions lead to increased conflict. We describe these and a broad set of related findings.
Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) parasitizing terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea)

A new mermithid nematode, Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) was found parasitizing two terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea) in California. The hosts, Armadillidium vulgare (Latr.) (a pillbug) and Porcellio scaber (Latr.) (a sowbug) represent the first cases of isopods attacked by mermithid nematodes. The genus Thaumamermis can be distinguished from all previously described mermithids by the extremely dimorphic spicules, one being short and broad and the other long and filiform. It has been discovered that the nematodes are infected with an iridiovirus which commonly destroys the isopod hosts. ac]19800917
Signaling Sepsis Scenario Development & Validation

Patient-based scenario-driven usability tests are routinely created for health information technology and clinical decision support evaluations. Due to low clinician awareness of sepsis, a study wa...
Efficient mesoscale phenotypic screening in cultured primary neuron culture

A longstanding question in neuroscience is how the activity of ion channels shapes neuronal activity and, as a result, computation in circuits and networks. Optogenetic reagents are tools to answer this question by enabling precise and dynamic perturbation of cellular states. However, development of these reagents can be hampered by low-throughput assays in non-physiological contexts. Here, we develop an all optical phenotypic screen in cultured primary hippocampal neurons that enables the functional assessment of large libraries of genetically encoded optogenetic actuators. Combining real-time analysis and data reduction methods allows for continuous observation of several thousand neurons for several days without onerous data storage overhead. This screening system may be useful in a diversity of research questions that can be coupled to optical perturbation and sensing.
Surgical Device Exchange is Favorable to Treat Device Thrombosis Compared to Medical Therapy

Purpose Device thrombosis is a significant adverse event of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with device thrombosis undergoing device exchange versus medical therapy alone. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing a LVAD implant (HeartMate II and HeartWare) between July 2008 and October 2018 were included in this analysis. Device thrombosis was diagnosed with comprehensive assessments including a ramp test, laboratory data (lactate dehydrogenase, plasma hemoglobin, haptoglobin), device parameters (e.g. power spike), and clinical presentations (e.g. hematuria). Once diagnosed as device thrombosis, medical therapy (e.g. heparin) was initiated in all patients. Surgical device exchange was considered if it was refractory to medical therapy, and/or if it resulted in end-organ impairment and/or hemodynamic instability. Preoperative and postoperative data were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 471 patients underwent a LVAD insertion during the period (HeartMate II N=341, HeartWare N=130). Fifty patients (10.6 %) were diagnosed with device thrombosis and then medical therapy was initiated (HeartMate II N=45, HeartWare N=5). Device exchange was subsequently performed in 36 patients (EX group), medical therapy was continued in 14 patients (ME group). There was no statistical difference in patient characteristics between the groups. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the EX group compared to the ME group (5.6% vs 28.6%, P=0.034). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 1-year survival did not statistically differ between the groups with a tendency of the EX group being greater (EX 72.3 % vs ME 44.4 %, Wilcoxon 0.570). Freedom from cerebrovascular accident at 1 year was greater in the EX group (EX 61.5 % vs ME 30.1 %; Wilcoxon 0.008). Conclusion Surgical device exchange was associated with improved in-hospital mortality and fewer cerebrovascular adverse events compared to medical therapy alone. Aggressive surgical intervention in selected LVAD patients with device thrombosis might be a favorable option.
The Moderating Influence of Self-Compassion on the Relationship between Shame Tendency and Hypersexuality

AbstractHypersexual behavior is thought to be associated with many negative outcomes, as well as shame-proneness. Self-compassion may be helpful in targeting the shame, which may attenuate the prop...
Distinguishing Mentally Retarded Persons from Nonretarded

Are there any real differences in the way persons labeled “retarded” and “nonretarded” behave? I think that there are such differences, and that in the aggregate they can be counted as deficits. These deficits make mildly retarded persons far more likely than nonretarded persons to be subject to exploitation, to be denied needed services, and to make errors of judgment that will have adverse consequences for themselves and others.
Reaching for the high note: judgments of auditory pitch are affected by kinesthetic position

Auditory pitch is represented on a vertical continuum (e.g., high vs. low). In three experiments, we examined whether the kinesthetic experience of moving in a particular direction (e.g., walking up vs. down stairs; reaching up vs. down) would affect judgments of auditory pitch. Participants listened to three tones twice each, once while moving upward and once while moving downward, and estimated the pitch of each tone. In all experiments, participants’ judgments of the tones’ pitch were biased in the direction of their movement. Moreover, this effect is not due to visibility of the movement or to using a numerical response method. Our results suggest that kinesthetic information from one’s own bodily movements biases pitch estimation, and several possible mechanisms for the effect are discussed.