cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Myth of Scheduling Bias With Back-to-Back Games in the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) league office determines the playing schedule for its member teams and in doing so assigns an unequal number of games played on consecutive nights (back-to-back games). Although NBA coaches privately complain of a bias in the scheduling of these types of games, a study of five seasons of data show that no bias exists. Although differences in the number of back-to-back games do result in a slight variation in competitive balance, one positive externality is that these type games reduce travel costs by millions of dollars per year.
Characterization of T-DNA Insertion Sites in Arabidopsis thaliana and the Implications for Saturation Mutagenesis

A key component of a sound functional genomics infrastructure is the availability of a knockout mutant for every gene in the genome. A fruitful approach to systematically knocking-out genes in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been the use of transferred-DNA (T-DNA) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens as an insertional mutagen. One of the assumptions underlying the use of T-DNA as a mutagen is that the insertion of these DNA elements into the Arabidopsis genome occurs at randomly selected locations. We have directly investigated the distribution of T-DNA insertions sites in populations of transformed Arabidopsis using two different approaches. To begin with, we utilized a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure to systematically catalog the precise locations of all the T-DNA elements inserted within a 65 kb segment of chromosome IV. Of the 47 T-DNA insertions identified, 30% were found within the coding regions of genes. We also documented the insertion of T-DNA elements within the centromeric region of chr...
Temperature dependence of a superexchange interaction determined from merging effect of copper(II) EPR lines

Abstract An analytical expression describing the shape of an EPR spectrum containing two lines from differently oriented exchange coupled copper(II) complexes is presented and used for the determination of the interdimer exchange integral J′ in [Co(en)3]2[Cu2Cl8] Cl2-2H2O crystal. The value 2J′ = 0.0072 cm−1 is found at room temperature and decreases linearly with temperature as a result of thermal lattice vibrations.
Concentration of Norepinephrine in the Hypothalamus of the Rat in Relation to the Estrous Cycle

Norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in the hypothalamus of female Sprague-Dawley rats with normal estrous cycles averaged about 2.2 μg/g of wet tissue and these values were similar at the 3 phases of the estrous cycle. Comparison of NE levels in the hypothalamus of the rat at the 3 different time periods on proestrous day—preceding, following and coincidingcoinciding with the presumed time of the release of the ovulatory quota of gonadotropins—did not reveal measurable changes in hypothalamic concentrations of the neurohumor. Similarly, no measurable changes in NE levels were found as a result of castration. {Endocrinology 83: 1383,
Rhythms of Learning Patterns that Bridge Individuals and Organizations

Most studies that examine patterns of individual and organizational learning stem from similar European American epistemological assumptions. To enrich this approach, this article begins with a considerably different foundation-the Native American medicine wheel- and constructs a learning framework that has distinct advantages for contexts that are dynamic, diverse, and interconnected. The frame work encourages us to perceive, to think, and to create in ways that are multifarious rather than dichotomous, circular rather than linear, longitudinal rather than cross-sectional, and integrative rather than compartmental. We are only beginning to understand how different perspectives may all contribute legitimate insight about the same phenomena; this article celebrates this growing realization.
An investigation of the strengthening of H.C.P. single crystals by α-Mn precipitates

Abstract The mechanical behavior of the fully-hard condition of Mg + 1.33% Mn alloy single crystals has been studied between 77 and 500°K. Considerable strengthening, relative to the quenched condition, is found and a single linear dependence of the critical resolved shear stress (C.R.S.S.) on T 2 3 exists over the temperature range studied. This dependence is similar to that exhibited by Guinier-Preston II zones in Al-Cu age-hardening alloys. The α-Mn precipitate ribbons, although hard particles in a soft matrix, are sheared by dislocations in somewhat the same way as are Guinier-Preston zones in Al base age hardening alloys; however, a large increase in work hardening rate is produced by testing at low temperatures, which is not characteristic of zone shearing in Al alloys. This is believed to be due to the behavior of dislocation segments close to and within the α-Mn particles.
A high-efficiency modular switched-capacitor converter with continuously variable conversion ratio

The multilevel modular capacitor clamped converter (MMCCC) topology overcomes the difficulties of the multilevel switched capacitor (SC) based dc-to-dc converters in high conversion ratio applications. MMCCC is completely modular and has many other advantageous features. Like most other SC converters, MMCCC suffers from limited voltage regulation. The conversion ratio of an ideal MMCCC converter in step-up mode is an integer, and this integer conversion ratio depends on the number of active modules. The maximum conversion ratio in step-up configuration for a k-module MMCCC is (k+1). It has already been shown in literature that different integer CRs can be achieved by changing the number of active modules of an MMCCC. Achieving voltage regulation by lowering the operating frequency is another well known technique for switched capacitor converters. However, the output voltage ripple increases in inverse proportion of the frequency. In this paper, a new switching scheme is proposed for MMCCC to achieve continuously variable CRs. The proposed switching scheme requires introducing a small inductor in each module of the MMCCC without altering the modular structure of the converter. This additional inductor can be realized using the stray inductance distributed in the circuit or small external inductors. It has been shown that continuous CR variation with lower output ripple can be achieved without lowering the operating frequency of the converter. This proposed method introduces another degree of freedom in order to achieve variable CR using MMCCC. Simulation results and experimental results obtained from an MMCCC prototype have been used to validate the new control scheme.
Naturalism in Ethics and Hegel’s Distinction between Subjective and Objective Spirit

It is widely acknowledged that Hegel's ethical thought moves in a naturalistic direction away from the pure practical reason of Kant's moral philosophy. But the exact character of that naturalistic turn has proven elusive, in part because Hegel so insistently foregrounds the theme of freedom. He often opposes self-determination through freedom to being determined merely by nature, and while Hegel's incorporation of the natural into his theory of freedom has been emphasised by many recent commentators, there remains a fundamental lack of consensus about how nature and freedom intersect in Hegel's ethics. My goal is to shed light on this issue by examining Hegel's distinction between Subjective Spirit and Objective Spirit. This distinction between two domains of inquiry and two perspectives on human action is fundamental for understanding his views about the natural and the normative in ethics. My central claim is that by advocating a division of labor between these domains, and by showing how they are integrated, Hegel is able to capture the best elements of naturalistic inquiry into human psychology and to preserve the distinctive character of the ethical domain. This paper aims to open an avenue for future research into Hegel's naturalism and to demonstrate Hegel's relevance for contemporary debates. In focusing on the difference between Subjective Spirit and Objective Spirit, I am already taking on a large topic for a single essay, and there are many related issues in Hegel that will necessarily go untouched. Some of these are worth mentioning up front. First, one would expect a paper about Hegel's naturalism to explore Hegel's view on nature in general, namely, the content of the Philosophy of Nature which forms the middle part of the Encyclopaedia. Without an account of how Hegel conceives of nature, it seems that we have to assume a conception of nature foreign to his system, and using that to measure his views would seem to violate a number of hermeneutical strictures. While I admit that this is a problem, it is simply beyond the scope of this paper, and I hope that using an intuitive account of the natural, and Hegel's claims about human nature, is enough at least to get this project going. The project itself can then provide a further spur to examining Hegel's views on non-human nature.
Self-Adaptive Dissemination of Data in Dynamic Sensor Networks

The distribution of data in large dynamic wireless sensor networks presents a difficult problem due to node mobility, link failures, and traffic congestion. In this paper, we propose a framework for adaptive flooding protocols suitable for disseminating data in large-scale dynamic networks without a central controlling entity. The framework consists of cooperating mobile agents and a reinforcement learning component with function approximation and state generalization. A component for agent coordination is provided, as well as rules for agent replication, mutation, and annihilation. We examine the adaptability of this framework to a data dissemination problem in a simulation experiment.
Language Structure Knowledge of Preservice Teachers: Connecting Speech to Print

This study investigated the efficacy of an instructional training module focused on alphabetic principle, more specifically, the speech sounds of English on letter-sound knowledge of preservice teachers enrolled in elementary or special education teacher certification programs. In addition, this study examined preservice teachers' ability to apply and generalize their letter-sound knowledge. The training module, a video tutorial and online study guide, was completed in 2 to 6 hours over one week by preservice teachers. Following instruction, preservice teachers increased oral and written letter-sound correspondence knowledge as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to tasks requiring letter-sound analysis. Statistically significant increases were not observed on tasks requiring preservice teachers to generalize their knowledge to analyzing child letter-sound production errors. The instructional training module described in this study provides an efficient and effective model for delivering languag...
MOCVD Growth of Gan on Silicon and Related Surfaces

The growth of GaN on silicon (Si) substrates by MOCVD is reported in this paper. The use of a high-temperature AIN buffer layer appears to be necessary to establish an initial template morphology for the subsequent growth of GaN. Nucleation modes of GaN on SiO2, (100) Si, and (111) Si are compared; it is shown that the spatial coherency among the nuclei is most preserved when the growth occurred on the hexagonal Si (111) surface. To circumvent the problem associated with cracking due to a thermal expansion mismatch, we also investigate the possibility of using a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) scheme.
A systolic architecture for LZ based decompression

Summary form only given. A parallel architecture is proposed for decompression of data compressed using the Lempel-Ziv technique. This paper reports ongoing work towards realizing high speed VLSI hardware for the decompression process. The semi-systolic architecture aims at reducing the interconnect area and global communication, thereby increasing the clock speed. The algorithm has been mapped onto a special purpose VLSI architecture, which requires three global control signals. The hardware can yield a decompression rate of one symbol per clock cycle. The clock speed is improved by minimizing propagation delays. >
Students' Attitudes towards Rapport-Building Traits and Practices in Online Learning Environments.

This research was a triangulated study of student attitudes towards instructors' rapport-building traits and their preferences amongst instructors' rapport-building practices in online learning environments. Participants were undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in courses within an educational technology program at a central Texas university. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving the Likert-item assessment of learners' attitudes, the identification and prioritization of learner preferences through pairwise comparisons, and semi-structured interviews that provided richer, more detailed information. Findings indicated a strong preference for instructor-based traits and practices over pedagogically-based ones. These traits and practices loaded into the components of social presence, enjoyable interaction, and personal connection.
Fear of Criminal Victimization : the Effect of Neighborhood Racial Composition

This analysis extends previous research on fear of crime by focusing on neighborhood racial composition as a salient predictor of fear of criminal victimization. Although its main effect was not strongly associated with fear, a multiplicative interaction term for neighborhood racial composition by race (WRAC) suggests that whites living in mostly black neighborhoods are the most fearful. Only sex and size of community were stronger predictors of fear. A parsimonious model including the variables sex, age, community size, and the interaction term WRAC is found to explain twenty-six percent of the variance in fear for personal safety on neighborhood streets at night.
Bioavailability of Manganese Sulfate and Manganese Monoxide in Chicks as Measured by Tissue Uptake of Manganese from Conventional Dietary Levels

Abstract The biological availability of reagent grade manganese sulfate and manganese monoxide was determined in broiler chicks fed conventional dietary Mn levels. A basal corn-soybean meal diet (35 ppm Mn) was supplemented with 40, 80, or 120 ppm Mn from the two sources and fed ad libitum for 21 days. There were no differences in average daily feed intake, daily gain, or feed conversion among treatments. There was a linear (P
Structured duplicate detection in external-memory graph search

We consider how to use external memory, such as disk storage, to improve the scalability of heuristic search in state-space graphs. To limit the number of slow disk I/O operations, we develop a new approach to duplicate detection in graph search that localizes memory references by partitioning the search graph based on an abstraction of the state space, and expanding the frontier nodes of the graph in an order that respects this partition. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach both analytically and empirically.
Perspective: Research Needs For Managed Care

The view from a managed care plan executive on the need for clinical research: “In God we trust; all others bring data.”
PharmGKB Submission Update: IX. ADRB1 Gene Summary

Pharmacological Reviews periodically publishes summaries of new information available from the PharmGKB database ([www.pharmgkb.org][1]) as a service to our readers. Full information with references for this summary is available at [www.pharmgkb.org/search/annotatedGene/adrb1][2]. Gene HGNC Name:
On pseudocyclic table algebras and applications to pseudocyclic association schemes

Pseudocyclic table algebras are generalizations of Bose-Mesner algebras of pseudocyclic association schemes. Constructions of pseudocyclic association schemes have been studied among others by Hollmann [Hh], Hollmann and Xiang [HX] and Mathon [M]. In this paper we prove some general properties of pseudocyclic association schemes via the study of pseudocyclic table algebras. In particular, we will show that subschemes and quotient schemes of pseudocyclic association schemes are also pseudocyclic association schemes, and combinatorial morphisms between any two t-pseudocyclic association schemes induce algebra homomorphisms between their Bose-Mesner algebras. Furthermore, we will prove that an algebra isomorphism between two t-pseudocyclic table algebras under some weak condition is an exact isomorphism. Properties of pseudocyclic P-polynomial table algebras will also be studied.
Flavin redox chemistry precedes substrate chlorination during the reaction of the flavin-dependent halogenase RebH.

The flavin-dependent halogenase RebH catalyzes chlorination at the C7 position of tryptophan as the initial step in the biosynthesis of the chemotherapeutic agent rebeccamycin. The reaction requires reduced FADH2 (provided by a partner flavin reductase), chloride ion, and oxygen as cosubstrates. Given the similarity of its sequence to those of flavoprotein monooxygenases and their common cosubstrate requirements, the reaction of FADH2 and O2 in the halogenase active site was presumed to form the typical FAD(C4a)−OOH intermediate observed in monooxygenase reactions. By using stopped-flow spectroscopy, formation of a FAD(C4a)−OOH intermediate was detected during the RebH reaction. This intermediate decayed to yield a FAD(C4a)−OH intermediate. The order of addition of FADH2 and O2 was critical for accumulation of the FAD(C4a)-OOH intermediate and for subsequent product formation, indicating that conformational dynamics may be important for protection of labile intermediates formed during the reaction. Format...
Weakly supervised nonnegative matrix factorization for user-driven clustering

Clustering high-dimensional data and making sense out of its result is a challenging problem. In this paper, we present a weakly supervised nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) and its symmetric version that take into account various prior information via regularization in clustering applications. Unlike many other existing methods, the proposed weakly supervised NMF methods provide interpretable and flexible outputs by directly incorporating various forms of prior information. Furthermore, the proposed methods maintain a comparable computational complexity to the standard NMF under an alternating nonnegativity-constrained least squares framework. By using real-world data, we conduct quantitative analyses to compare our methods against other semi-supervised clustering methods. We also present the use cases where the proposed methods lead to semantically meaningful and accurate clustering results by properly utilizing user-driven prior information.
Robust current control for PMSMs using sliding mode control with uncertainties estimation

In this paper, a simple and novel sliding mode controller (SMC) with uncertainties estimation is proposed for robust current control in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, estimation laws are derived to estimate uncertainties of a PMSM caused by parametric variations or unmodeled dynamics and the system robustness, as well as stability is guaranteed. On-line estimated uncertainties can be used to eliminate the effect caused by the real uncertainties. Superior control performance can be obtained and a limitation in conventional SMC which is to know the upper bounds of the system uncertainties is not necessary. The proposed control method is very simple and can be effectively implemented. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Exploring L2 language play as an aid to SLL : A case study of humour in NS-NNS interaction

In the past few years researchers have begun to show an interest in humour and language play as it relates to second language learning (SLL). Tarone (2000) has suggested that L2 language play may be facilitative of SLL, in particular by developing sociolinguistic competence, as learners experiment with L2 voices; and by destabilizing the interlanguage (IL) system, thus allowing growth to continue. She recommends research examining the ways in which adult L2 speakers interacting outside the classroom play with language as a way of learning more about this issue. Using case study methodology to document the ways in which L2 verbal humour was negotiated and constructed by three advanced non-native speakers (NNSs) of English as they interacted with native speakers (NSs) of English, this study contributes to this knowledge base by showing patterns of interaction that arise during humorous language play between NSs and NNSs and how these may benefit second language acquisition (SLA). Results suggest that language play can be a marker of proficiency, as more advanced participants used L2 linguistic resources in more creative ways. Language play may also result in deeper processing of lexical items, making them more memorable, thus it may be especially helpful in the acquisition of vocabulary and semantic fields.
High-Performance Scalable Java Virtual Machines

In this paper, we discuss the requirements for building high-performance scalable Java virtual machines (JVMs) for server applications executingon symmetric multiprocessors (SMPs). We provide a survey of known performance issues, and outline future technology solutions. We also introduce a simple performance model for scalability of JVMs in server environments, and validate the model by presenting preliminary experimental results obtained by executing server applications on the Jalapeno virtual machine.
Antifungal prophylaxis in liver transplant recipients.

Although the overall incidence of fungal infections in liver transplant recipients has declined, these infections still contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of patients with risk factors for infection. Although antifungal prophylaxis has been widely studied and practiced, no consensus exists on which patients should receive prophylaxis, with which agent, and for what duration. Numerous studies have attempted to ascertain independent risk factors for invasive fungal infections in liver transplant patients, and these data, in addition to clinical trials, identify several patient groups at exceedingly high risk of fungal infection. These include retransplant patients, patients with renal failure requiring hemodialysis or renal replacement therapy, and those requiring reoperations after transplant. Because the majority of infections occur in the first month after transplantation, prophylaxis should be continued for 4-6 weeks. However, local epidemiology and research should guide decisions regarding choice of agent as well as overall development of interinstitutional guidelines, because the incidence and spectrum of infection may differ dramatically among institutions. Liver Transpl 15:842-858, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Choosing the Right Words: The Development of Guidelines for the Selection of the “Appropriate” Crisis-Response Strategies

Although crisis management has evolved rapidly over the past decade, the symbolic aspect of crisis management has been ignored. More specifically, little research has examined crisis-response strategies (public statements made after a crisis) to see how these messages can be used to shape public perceptions of the crisis and the organization in crisis. This article synthesizes existing literature to create a list of crisis-response strategies and develops a set of guidelines for appropriate use of a given strategy. The guidelines are based upon Attribution Theory and use the crisis situation and the publics as the factors that help to determine when a crisis-response strategy is appropriate.
New pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence ... revisited.

Over the past decade, a number of factors have served to focus national attention on the prospects for developing effective pharmacologic treatment to reduce cocaine dependence. The media, the general public, and its elected leaders became alarmed about the spread of cocaine use, abuse, and dependence. 1 Traditional drug treatment programs reported that cocaine dependence was less amenable to established treatment strategies, 2,3 while researchers cited animal data on the powerful reinforcing potency of the drug. 4 The historical success of methadone maintenance treatment for heroin addiction, combined with a growing base of research on the neuropharmacology of cocaine, suggested that some new pharmacotherapy offered the best and most cost-effective hope for a seemingly intractable and growing problem. Knowledge of some of the residual effects of cocaine and/or stimulants in the central nervous system 5-7 and of kindling phenomena related to repeated cocaine administration 8 led to a number of
Sexual Function and Pessary Management among Women Using a Pessary for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Introduction Pessaries are commonly used to treat pelvic floor disorders, but little is known about the sexual function of pessary users.
Malignant-functioning neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas: A survival analysis.

Background Malignant-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (mFpNETs) are rare. Research analyzing the presentation, biological behavior, and patient outcomes of these tumors is limited. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to identify patients with malignant insulinomas, gastrinomas, glucagonomas, vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumors (VIPomas), somastatinomas, and mixed islet cell tumors (MICTs). The primary endpoint of this study was to identify factors affecting survival. Results We identified 401 patients with mFpNETs. Between histologic subtypes, there were significant differences in sex and age, and in tumor size, grade, location, and stage. Median survival time for insulinomas was 12.7 years; gastrinomas, 10.2 years; glucagonomas, 7.7 years; VIPomas, 7.9 years; and MICTs, 3.4 years. Multivariable analysis showed that histology (insulinoma, gastrinoma, and VIPoma; P = .009), absence of distant metastases (P = .002), age Conclusion mFpNETs are rare tumors that commonly present at an advanced stage despite hormonal secretion. Primary tumor resection is associated with longer survival in stages I–III as well as stage IV tumors.
Some Analysis and Thoughts on Financial Sector Development Policy and Strategy in European and Cetntral Asian Countries

This paper aims at providing some analysis and thoughts for the formulation of European and Central Asian (ECA) region financial sector development strategy through a review of the financial sector reform and development experiences in ECA as well as in some other regions of the world.
Context-Dependent Utilities

Savage’s framework of subjective preference among acts provides a paradigmatic derivation of rational subjective probabilities within a more general theory of rational decisions. The system is based on a set of possible states of the world, and on acts, which are functions that assign to each state a consequence. The representation theorem states that the given preference between acts is determined by their expected utilities, based on uniquely determined probabilities (assigned to sets of states), and numeric utilities assigned to consequences. Savage’s derivation, however, is based on a highly problematic well-known assumption not included among his postulates: for any consequence of an act in some state, there is a “constant act” which has that consequence in all states. This ability to transfer consequences from state to state is, in many cases, miraculous – including simple scenarios suggested by Savage as natural cases for applying his theory. We propose a simplification of the system, which yields the representation theorem without the constant act assumption. We need only postulates P1-P6. This is done at the cost of reducing the set of acts included in the setup. The reduction excludes certain theoretical infinitary scenarios, but includes the scenarios that should be handled by a system that models human decisions.
Investigation of Optimal Wavenumber Range and Resolution for Determination of Combustion Gas Temperature and Concentration

An inverse radiation algorithm was developed to reconstruct temperature and species concentrations from a homogeneous gas column to determine the optimal wavenumber range and resolution for such reconstruction. By minimizing the error between calculated and measured transmissivity spectra, temperature and species concentrations are deduced as results of the inversion process. The error is minimized while considering multiple factors, including spectral region, spectral resolution, temperature and concentration range, and susceptibility to measurement drift (systematic error) and noise (random error). Results are obtained for homogeneous mixtures containing CO2, H2O or CO with N2. Measured spectra were synthesized through calculations from HITEMP2010, the high-temperature spectral database. These optimal parameters can be further used for guiding experiment and inversion of gas temperature and concentration in nonhomogeneous media.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Importance of Ecological Economics in the Undergraduate Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Curricula

For students of environmental science and studies, as well as students in sustainability programs, critical thinking about the economy–environment interdependence is a key learning objective and a ...
BPTF transduces MITF-driven prosurvival signals in melanoma cells

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays a critical and complex role in melanocyte transformation. Although several downstream targets of MITF action have been identified, the precise mechanisms by which MITF promotes melanocytic tumor progression are incompletely understood. Recent studies identified an oncogenic role for the bromodomain plant homeodomain finger transcription factor (BPTF) gene in melanoma progression, in part through activation of BCL2, a canonical target of MITF signaling. Analysis of the BPTF promoter identified a putative MITF-binding site, suggesting that MITF may regulate BPTF expression. Overexpression of MITF resulted in up-regulation of BPTF in a panel of melanoma and melanocyte cell lines. shRNA-mediated down-regulation of MITF in melanoma cells was accompanied by down-regulation of BPTF and BPTF-regulated genes (including BCL2) and resulted in reduced proliferative capacity of melanoma cells. The suppression of cell growth mediated by MITF silencing was rescued by overexpression of BPTF cDNA. Binding of MITF to the BPTF promoter was demonstrated using ChIP analysis. MITF overexpression resulted in direct transcriptional activation of BPTF, as evidenced by increased luciferase activity driven by the BPTF promoter. These results indicate that BPTF transduces key prosurvival signals driven by MITF, further supporting its important role in promoting melanoma cell survival and progression.
Perioperative blood transfusion adversely affects prognosis after resection of Stage I (subset N0) non-oat cell lung cancer.

Recent studies suggest that pretransplant blood transfusions prolong kidney graft survival by nonspecific immune suppression. Since immune suppression in patients with cancer is associated with early recurrence and poor prognosis, we studied the relationship of perioperative blood transfusion to recurrence of Stage I (subset N0) lung cancer. Technique-related variables were minimized by limiting the study to one surgeon (P. A. K.). Life-table and Cox proportional hazards analysis of age, sex, tumor size, histopathology, admission and discharge hematocrit values, estimated operative blood loss, duration of operation, extent of resection, anesthetic agents, and blood transfusion revealed two statistically significant prognostic factors: extent of resection (p = 0.0056) and use or non-use of transfusions (p = 0.0283). The cumulative 5 year disease-free survival rate of the 15 patients undergoing pneumonectomy was 42 % compared to 75 % for 150 patients undergoing lobectomy and lesser procedures. Transfused patients had lower disease-free rates within 5 years than nontransfused patients (62% versus 76%, p = 0.0132). Survival advantage was also noted in nontransfused patients after deleting patients subjected to pneumonectomy. These results indicate that perioperative transfusion in patients with lung cancer undergoing resection accelerates the appearance of recurrent or metastatic cancer. This supports the findings of previous studies of breast and colon cancer that blood transfusion is detrimental to the patient with cancer.
In Situ Amplification

A major limitation of solution phase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the inability to visualize and localize amplified product within cellular and tissue specimens. In situ hybrrdization (ISH) does permit localization of specific nucleic acid sequences at the individual cell level. In conventional nonisotopic in situ (IS) detection systems, most protocols do not detect single copy genes, except for those incorporating elaborate sandwich detection techniques as described by Herrington et al. (1).
Management of Short Bowel Syndrome in the High-Risk Infant

Appropriate management of patients with short bowel syndrome depends upon a thorough understanding of normal intestinal physiology and of the adaptive response following intestinal resection. The author outlines such an approach in order to achieve maximal adaptation and. underscores the importance of close monitoring in long term follow-up in order to prevent metabolic complications.
Demographic Consequences of Barker Frailty

In this paper we develop a formal model to represent effects of early life conditions with delayed health impacts on old age mortality. The model captures several mechanisms through which early conditions influence adult health and mortality. The model is an extension of the standard frailty model in demographic analysis but has distinct and unique implications. We show that populations with Barker frailty experience adult mortality patterns equivalent to a class of time-varying and/or age dependent frailty. We demonstrate formally and via simulations that populations with Barker frailty could experience unchanging or increasing adult mortality even when background mortality has been declining for long periods of time. We also show that the rate of increase of adult mortality rates in populations with Barker frailty will change over time and will always be lower that the rate of increase of adult mortality in the background mortality pattern. We argue that Barker frailty should be pervasive in low-to-middle income populations, e.g. those that experienced a mortality decline fueled largely by post-1950 medical innovations that reduced the load and lethality of infectious and parasitic diseases.
The German whitefish market: An application of the LA/AIDS model using retail-scanner-data

ABSTRACTWhitefish is one of the largest segments in the global seafood market. The whitefish market includes traditional wild-caught species; cod, pollock and Alaska pollock, and the more recent introduction of aquaculture species; pangasius and tilapia. This study specifically addresses price elasticity estimates for wild and aquacultured whitefish on the German market. For demand estimation, the general form of the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) with linear approximation (LA) is used. The demand for whitefish on the German market is found to be relatively elastic. The uncompensated cross-price elasticities indicate substantial substitution between pangasius and the three wild species, yet tilapia does not seem to be a part of the larger whitefish market in Germany.
Opting Out of Incentive Mechanisms: A Study of Security as a Non-Excludable Public Good

In a network of interdependent users, the expenditure in security measures by an entity affects not only herself, but also other users interacting with her. As a result, users’ efforts toward security can be viewed as a public good; the optimal provision of which in a system of self-interested entities requires the design of appropriate incentives through an external mechanism. In this paper, we propose the notion of exit equilibrium to study users’ voluntary participation in such incentive mechanisms. We show a fundamental result that, due to the non-excludable nature of security, there exists no reliable mechanism, which can incentivize socially optimal investments, while ensuring voluntary participation and maintaining a weakly balanced budget, for all instances of security games. To further illustrate this result, we analyze the performance of two well-known incentive mechanisms, namely the Pivotal (VCG) and Externality mechanisms, in security games. We illustrate how, given a mechanism, stable coalitions of participating users may emerge, leading to an improved, yet sub-optimal security status. We further extend the impossibility result to risk-averse users, and discuss its implications on the viability of using cyber-insurance contracts to improve the state of cyber security.
James Madison, the South, and the Trans‐Appalachian West, 1783–1803. By Jeffrey Allen Zemler. (Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2014. Pp. vii, 207. $90.00.)

Scholars have generally examined James Madison's early career in terms of his evolving political and constitutional thought, often parsing the nuances of his ideas in the depth befitting a profound...
Statistical Significance and the Dichotomization of Evidence: The Relevance of the ASA Statement on Statistical Significance and p-values for Statisticians.

Empirical efforts to document the practices and thought processes of data analysis are a promising way to understanding the real-world impact of statistical methodology. The empirical findings of M...
Contracting Strategies in Entrepreneurial and Established Firms

Entrepreneurial and established firms need different contracting strategies because they operate in different environments. Established firms operate in an environment of economic equilibrium, whereas entrepreneurial firms operate in an environment of economic disequilibrium. A general contracting model is developed that takes into account risk, environmental context, governance structure, safeguards, transaction costs, and transaction justice. The model is used to develop hypotheses about how entrepreneurial and established firms’ contracting strategies differ and how contracting strategies lead to firm success or failure.
Capture of melon flies, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), in a food-baited Multilure trap: Influence of distance, diet, and sex

Abstract Many countries operate trapping programs to detect invasions of pestiferous fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae). Surveillance relies heavily on traps baited with male lures, which, while highly attractive, have limited effectiveness, because (i) they are sex-specific and (ii) males of some species do not respond to the lures currently in use. For these reasons, detection programs also include food-baited traps that are neither sex- nor species-specific. Compared to male lure-baited traps, however, few studies have measured the attractiveness of food-based traps. The present study describes a mark-release-recapture study conducted in a fruit orchard in Hawaii that measured the attractiveness of a liquid protein hydrolysate-based (torula yeast/borax slurry) trap to adults of the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett). Multiple release points were used at varying distances from a single, central trap to generate estimates of distance-dependent capture probabilities. The potential influences of sex and pre-release diet on capture probability were also examined. Flies were released at 14 d of age and were maintained on one of four dietary regimes that offered a protein hydrolysate-rich diet for varying intervals (i.e., 0, 3, 7, or 14 d, respectively). Recapture rates were similar between the sexes and over both sexes and all diets averaged 3.6%, 3.2%, and 0.6% for release distances of 10, 25, and 50 m, respectively. Pre-release diet had a significant effect on recapture probability for releases at 10 and 25 m: flies fed sugar only or protein hydrolysate-rich diet for only 3 d were captured more frequently than flies that had longer access to yeast extract prior to release.
Design Thinking Approaches

Design thinking approaches are frameworks that guide the design processes. This chapter will summarize several popular approaches, includi user-centered design, design-driven innovation, knowledge brokering, and competitor orientation. Then, the chapter will examine the differential impact of a strict adoption of using user-centered design and design-driven innovation, the two most popular approaches used by the industry. OXO and Alessi products will be used to illustrate user-centered and design-driven innovation approaches.
Investigating the nature of evidence 6 th grade students use when constructing scientific explanations in biodiversity

This paper investigates the nature of evidence that six grade students use when constructing scientific explanations in biodiversity situations. We employ a coding scheme that specifically targets the coherence of students' arguments and the way students use inscriptions when completing tasks. We found out that students use inscriptions differently depending on the nature of the inscription and that oftentimes, students' explanations have logical coherent reasoning regardless of scientifically accepted answers.
A New Critical Behavior for Nonlinear Wave Equations

We study the inhomogeneous semilinear wave equations\(\Delta u{\text{ + }}\left| u \right|^p - u_{tt} + w = 0\) on \({\text{M}}^n \times \left( {0,\infty } \right)\)with initial values \(u\left( {x,0} \right) = u_0 \left( x \right)\) and \(u_t \left( {x,0} \right) = v_0 \left( x \right)\),where \({\text{M}}^n \) is a noncompact, complete manifold. We founda new critical behavior in the following sense. There exists ap* > 0. When 1 p^* \) the problem has a global solution for some\(w = w\left( x \right) > 0\) and some \(u_0 \) and \(v_0 \). If\({\text{M}}^n = {\text{R}}^n \), which is equipped with the Euclideanmetric, then \(p^* = n/\left( {n - 2} \right),n \geqslant 3\). If\(n = 3\) we show that \(p^* = 3\) belongs to the blow upcase. Although homogeneous semilinear wave equations are known to exhibit acritical behavior for a long time, this seems to be the first result oninhomogeneous ones.
Studies with Monoclonal Antibodies to Breast Tumors

Monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor associated antigens have tremendous potential for providing information about the diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic disease as well as being tools for targeted therapy of cancer. We review the characteristics of two antibodies produced in our laboratory that may prove useful in the understanding of neoplasia as well as in patient management.
A retrospective analysis of treatment of wounds caused by calciphylaxis: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy with and without sodium thiosulfate

Introduction/Background Calciphylaxis, or calcific uremic arteriolopathy, is a rare, but devastating condition with a mortality approaching 80% in the United States, often seen in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is characterized by calcification and intimal fibrosis with arteriolar stenosis and subsequent thrombosis. Skin changes such as livedo reticularis, tender papules, and violaceous plaques result and progress to necrotic ulceration. Management of calciphylaxis includes maintenance of normal levels of calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, and optimization of hemodialysis and nutritional status. In our cohort, aggressive wound management coupled with sodium thiosulfate and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has achieved improvement in rates of healing for recalcitrant wounds associated with calciphylaxis but limited evidence for the efficacy of either treatment exists. Material and method We conducted a retrospective analysis of 94 patients treated for calciphylaxis at a Wound and Hyperbaric Center at an academic institution between 2000 and 2017 who were considered for HBOT. We assessed whether response to therapy as measured by wound healing varied among patients who received sodium thiosulfate, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, both therapies, or neither therapy. Results We found HBOT to be beneficial in healing compared to no therapy - 81.7% or 36 of 44 patients with complete or substantial resolution of their wounds vs. neither therapy - 11.4% or 3 of 26 patients. We found sodium thiosulfate to be beneficial in healing compared to neither therapy - 66.6% or 2 of 3 patients with complete or substantial resolution of their wounds vs. no therapy. We found combined HBOT & sodium thiosulfate to be more beneficial in healing compared to either therapy alone and to neither therapy - 86.3% or 19 of 22 patients with complete or substantial resolution of wounds. Conclusion Given the dramatic clinical improvement, HBOT in combination with sodium thiosulfate has an important adjunctive role in the treatment of calciphylaxis.
Training for Family Preservation Practice with Lesbian Families

To work effectively with lesbian families, family preservation workers must be equipped with additional knowledge and skills beyond those usually provided in family preservation curricula. The auth...
Time dependent heat transfer of proliferation resistant plutonium

Abstract Increasing proliferation resistance of plutonium by way of increased 238Pu content is of interest to the nuclear nonproliferation and international safeguards community. Considering the high alpha decay heat of 238Pu, increasing the isotopic fraction leads to a noticeably higher amount of heat generation within the plutonium. High heat generation is especially unattractive in the scenario of weaponization. Upon weaponization of the plutonium, the plutonium may generate enough heat to elevate the temperature in the high explosives to above its self-explosion temperature, rendering the weapon useless. In addition, elevated temperatures will cause thermal expansion in the components of a nuclear explosive device that may produce thermal stresses high enough to produce failure in the materials, reducing the effectiveness of the weapon. Understanding the technical limit of 238Pu required to reduce the possibility of weaponization is key to reducing the current limit on safeguarded plutonium (greater than 80 at. % 238Pu). The plutonium vector evaluated in this study was found by simulating public information on Lightbridge’s fuel design for pressurized water reactors. This study explores the temperature profile and maximum stress within a simple (first generation design) hypothetical nuclear explosive device of four unique scenarios over time. Analyzing the transient development of both the temperature profile and maximum stress not only establishes a technical limit on the 238Pu content, but also establishes a time limit for which each scenario would be useable.