cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maintaining Popular Support for the Chinese Communist Party: The Influence of Education and the State‐Controlled Media

Literature on public opinion in China suggests that public support for the Chinese Communist party (CCP) is quite high. No matter how survey questions regarding regime support are phrased, the results are the same. The obvious question arises: how does an authoritarian regime, such as the PRC, garner the support of the vast majority of its citizens? I argue that the exposure-acceptance model best explains the high level of public support in China. This model suggests that educated citizens, who are politically aware, display high levels of political support within an authoritarian regime, but citizens at the highest levels of education are more resistant to political messages and tend to have lower levels of support. However, in a developing country such as China there are unequal educational opportunities for rural and urban citizens. This has a significant influence on how education affects regime support. Despite lower levels of support among the most educated citizens, the CCP still manages to maintai...
Endocrine Disorders During Pregnancy

It has been 11 years since the last publication of an issue of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America that focused on endocrine disorders during pregnancy. In the preface, Lois Jovanovic, guest editor of and contributing author in that issue, wrote that there were three endocrine components to mammalian pregnancy: fetal, placental, and maternal endocrinology. And, of these, she observed, the maternal was the most understood and the focus of many of the articles contained in that issue. Fortunately, in the ensuing 11 years, we have learned much about the other two components, specifically the influences of maternal endocrine disorders on the feto–placental unit. In this issue, I have selected topics that cover each of the main subspecialties (adrenal, pituitary, diabetes, thyroid, and calcium/bone) within adult endocrinology. For each area, the authors have delineated the current understanding of its physiology and pathophysiology during gestation as well as outlined the maternal therapy to optimize pregnancy outcome. In addition, I have included an article on the impact of polycystic ovarian syndrome on fertility, relevant because of its prevalence and the availability of therapy. Cardiovascular endocrinology, a newer subspecialty within our discipline, is well-represented by the article on pregnancy and hypertensive disorders. There are two other ‘‘nontraditional’’ articles. Recently, we have gained understanding of the effects of the intrauterine milieu on the future endocrine development of the child and this is presented in the section on imprinting. Lastly, the conclusion of pregnancy, parturition, represents a complex hormonal interplay that is described in the article on endocrinology of parturition. Susan J. Mandel, MD, MPH
ELECTIVE INACTIVATION OF TOTAL ARTIFICIAL HEART TECHNOLOGY IN NON-FUTILE SITUATIONS: INPATIENTS, OUTPATIENTS AND RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

Total artificial heart technology as a potential clinical therapy raises the issue of elective device inactivation in both futile and non-futile situations. This article explores elective device inactivation in non-futile situations. In reply to such requests for inactivation, the medical team should reflect on the individual's decision-making capacity, the clinical appropriateness of the therapy, and the setting of the request (clinical research vs. clinical practice). A decision-making flowchart is presented as a guide for managing inactivation requests. In the research setting, current U.S. federal regulations are murky as to the matter of study withdrawal made by participants who lack decision-making capacity. This compared with clear legal and ethical approaches in the non-research setting (clinical practice).
Structure-activity relationship and liver microsome stability studies of pyrrole necroptosis inhibitors.

Abstract Necroptosis is a regulated caspase-independent cell death pathway resulting in morphology reminiscent of passive non-regulated necrosis. Several diverse structure classes of necroptosis inhibitors have been reported to date, including a series of [1,2,3]thiadiazole benzylamide derivatives. However, initial evaluation of mouse liver microsome stability indicated that this series of compounds was rapidly degraded. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of the [1,2,3]thiadiazole benzylamide series revealed that increased mouse liver microsome stability and increased necroptosis inhibitory activity could be accomplished by replacement of the 4-cyclopropyl-[1,2,3]thiadiazole with a 5-cyano-1-methylpyrrole. In addition, the SAR and the cellular activity profiles, utilizing different cell types and necroptosis-inducing stimuli, of representative [1,2,3]thiadiazole and pyrrole derivatives were very similar suggesting that the two compound series inhibit necroptosis in the same manner.
A CYTOPHOTOMETRIC STUDY OF NUCLEIC ACIDS AND PROTEINS IN THE SHOOT APEX OF WHITE SPRUCE

During the annual three-phase growth cycle of white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] the vegetative shoot apex changed in anatomical configuration. Relative amounts of DNA, histones, RNA, and proteins were measured in three cytohistological zones and were related to the anatomical changes during ontogeny. An extended period of DNA synthesis (S) and G2 preceded an increase in the number of apical initial cells which were part of the mammillary apex. While DNA and histones were generally synchronous during ontogeny, the ratio of DNA to histone increased on June 20. This loss of histone and subsequent increases in RNA and cytoplasmic proteins preceded the appearance of needle primordia on next year's apex. We propose that induction of the apex to reorganize and form needle primordia occurred when the DNA was in a 2C condition, following the loss of histone on June 20.
Herpes simplex virus: incidence of neonatal herpes simplex virus, maternal screening, management during pregnancy, and HIV.

Purpose of review Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection is often severe, if not fatal. What is our understanding of the epidemiology of this disease? How is it diagnosed? Would maternal screening for herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) in pregnancy make a difference? Does maternal HSV alter transmission of HIV vertically or horizontally or both? These questions continue to be pursued and unfortunately, there are few clear answers. Recent findings A nationally reportable incidence and case definition of neonatal herpes simplex virus is desirable but not yet in effect. Maternal screening for HSV during pregnancy is becoming prevalent but not supported by any national committee or recommendation. Several lines of research have demonstrated HSV expression facilitates HIV transmission. Recently, HSV suppression has been attempted to decrease horizontal transmission of HIV. Summary Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection is a rare and serious neonatal illness. The true burden of disease is uncertain. Several recent retrospectively determined incidences identify a case rate of about one per eight thousand live births. HSV reactivation occurs more often than previously thought. Current prophylactic HSV strategies do not decrease horizontal or vertical transmission of HIV-1.
Aortic cholesterol esterase: characteristics of normal rat and rabbit enzyme.

Abstract The enzymes catalyzing the synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters were studied in the acetone dry powder of normal aorta of male rat and rabbit. In both species the enzymes were found to have similar stability, solubility and kinetic properties. The synthetic enzyme was found to be most effective with an emulsified substrate and had a pH maximum of 6.2. Exogeneous ATP or CoA did not stimulate the activity. Sodium taurocholate was essential for activity but was found inhibitory at higher concentrations. The hydrolytic enzyme was about three times more effective when using a micellar substrate than for the emulsified substrate. The enzyme preparation exhibited two pH optima for hydrolysis, depending upon the physical state of the substrate. The micellar substrate was optimally hydrolyzed at pH 6.6 and the albumin dispersed substrate at pH 7.4. In the rat aorta preparation, the specific activities for hydrolysis and synthesis were 9.5 and 5.7, respectively; in the rabbit they were 3.0 and 3.3, respectively.
Gonadotropins and Estradiol Stimulate Immunoreactive Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Production by Porcine Granulosa Cells in Vitro*

Previous studies have established the ovarian granulosa cell as a site of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretion and action, suggesting an autocrine function for this peptide in the ovary. To better understand how this putative autocrine system is regulated and its interface with the classic ovarian trophic hormones FSH, LH, and estradiol (E2), we have studied the effects of these hormones on the secretion of immunoreactive IGF-I (iIGF-I) by cultured porcine granulosa cells. Immature granulosa cells were cultured under serum-free conditions which were optimized to allow maximal iIGF-I production and hormonal responsivity. Measurements of iIGF-I were made after minimizing the influence of IGF-binding proteins by either acid gel filtration or reverse phase chromatography. Since the two preparative procedures gave roughly comparable results, the more expeditious reverse phase procedure was chosen for most samples. Cycloheximide virtually eliminated measurable iIGF-I in culture, suggesting that the peptide measured was newly synthesized, and degradation of IGF-I by cultured granulosa cells was negligible. Consequently, the medium levels provided an accurate indication of cellular secretion over the collection period. Under optimal culture conditions, iIGF-I was readily measurable and responsive to treatment with ovarian trophic hormones. The iIGF-I levels in several experiments with these hormones were as follows: FSH treatment, 1.58 +/- 0.21 times the control value (n = 5 experiments); E2 treatment, 1.26 +/- 0.12 times the control value (n = 5); E2 plus FSH, 3.12 X 0.31 times the control value (n = 8); LH, 1.33 +/- 0.12 times the control value (n = 3); LH plus FSH, 1.78 +/- 0.2 times the control value (n = 1). To assess the role of cAMP in the mediation of gonadotropin effects in this system, granulosa cells were treated with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (methylisobutylxanthine), which resulted in iIGF-I levels 1.61 +/- 0.7 times the control level. In the presence of FSH, a further stimulatory effect was demonstrated (3.76 +/- 0.29 times control). In addition, the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP dramatically increased iIGF-I levels (6.3 +/- 0.72 times control). These data provide the first demonstration that gonadal iIGF-I secretion can be stimulated by the principal hormones involved in trophic regulation of the ovary. As with other gonadotropin-dependent functions of granulosa cells, this effect appears to be mediated by cAMP and enhanced by E2. This interface between circulating hormones and autocrine systems could provide an important mechanism to amplify the effects of gonadotropic hormones on a local level.
The “Big Questions” of Katrina and the 2005 Great Flood of New Orleans

The “big questions” associated with Hurricane Katrina and the great flood of New Orleans lie at the intersection of the natural and human-shaped environments. The interactions dominating the intersection of the two environments are found in the social-political-economic system, culture and history, intergovernmental relations, and law. The big questions are not whether specific individuals were to blame for the destruction of lives and property, and they do not begin with the slow and inadequate intergovernmental response to the disaster. Instead, the big questions involve the roles of individuals, governments, and private markets in creating so-called natural disasters; whether government, through its lead role in the emergency management system, is incompetent, or whether capability and performance in protecting life and property have been eroded through a long-term “hollowing out” process; and whether Katrina’s lessons will be learned or merely noted.
Astrophysics: Waves on Orion's shores.

Waves have been discovered in the molecular cloud surrounding the Orion nebula, generated by shearing flows in the cloud. This finding provides clues to the way filamentary substructures form in the interstellar medium.
Haemostasis in periradicular surgery

Summary The successful performance of endodontic surgical procedures is predicated on many factors. However, the ability of achieve sustained tissue haemostasis in the surgical site is crucial to the performance of these procedures. This achievement improves vision in the surgical site, minimizes surgical time, enhances the surgical procedures (root-end resection, preparation and filling), and reduces surgical blood loss, postsurgical haemorrhage and postsurgical swelling. A multitude of materials have used in dentistry and medicine to achieve both generalized and localized haemostasis, many without full assessment of their biological implications. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough and critical review of these materials from the perspective of surgical endodontics, highlighting their development, application and potential role in achieving proper haemostasis.
New Way to Utilize Remote Sensing Data: Automated Road Travel Survey

Travel behavior analysis and demand models have been relying on data collected from households through questionnaires. This study demonstrated a combined analysis of the license plates obtained through remote sensing of vehicle emissions, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) address records, and census proxies of those addresses, referred to collectively as an automated road travel survey (ARTS). This study demonstrated an application of the ARTS method to the analysis of the income distribution of motorists in Los Angeles, California, at a spatially and temporally disaggregated level. The demonstration used the data of 1 day from a single study site obtained in 2007 by the California South Coast Air Quality Management District. By a match of 4,704 license plate images to California DMV registration records, anonymized individual ownership records were obtained. The missing demographic and socioeconomic profiles of vehicle owners were supplemented with census data at the level of census block groups. In con...
Computer-assisted interpretation of infrared spectra

Abstract Pattern recognition and artificial intelligence programming techniques for the interpretation of infrared spectra are compared in an effort to determine the best technique for assisting the solution of actual structural elucidation problems. For several reasons, artificial intelligence is the method of choice. When information pertaining to a large number of classes is required, an excessively large training set would be needed with pattern recognition procedures. If the program makes a mistake, it must be alterable so that a similar error will not occur again. Artificial intelligence programs are amenable to this correction procedure.
Adding dimensions to unimodal cardiac images.

In the June issue of iJACC , we highlighted the concept of integrating visualized datasets from complementary cardiac imaging strategies as multimodal-multiparametric processing for disease recognition and prognostication ([1][1]). With the next generation of quantum computers that may enable ten
Temporal Summation of Second Pain and Its Maintenance Are Useful for Characterizing Widespread Central Sensitization of Fibromyalgia Patients

Abstract Temporal summation of second pain (TSSP) results from repetitive stimulation of peripheral C-fibers (>0.33 Hz) and is thought to reflect summation mechanisms of dorsal horn neurons (ie, windup). Both TSSP and windup result in short term enhancement of C fiber-evoked responses that decay rapidly after the end of stimulation. However, very low stimulus frequencies (0.17 to 0.08 Hz) can maintain this enhancement after TSSP and windup have occurred. This maintained enhancement is termed TSSP-maintenance (TSSP-M) and is indicative of central sensitization. TSSP-M may be especially relevant for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia (FM) and may play an important role in its pathogenesis. Whereas TSSP-M of heat induced pain is well-characterized in human subjects at spinal cord levels related to the upper body, TSSP-M at spinal levels related to the lower body has not been previously studied. The present study was designed to evoke TSSP-M at the upper and lower extremities of normal controls (NC) and FM patients and thus characterize their spatial distribution of central sensitization. Twenty-three NC and 26 FM patients were enrolled in this study. TSSP-M testing consisted of repetitive heat pain stimulation at the thenar eminences of the hands or feet. The subjects rated the pain intensity of repetitive heat stimuli as well as 15- and 30-second pain aftersensations. The experiments demonstrated significant TSSP-M for both NC and FM patients. In contrast to NC, TSSP-M ratings of heat stimuli were increased in FM patients and their TSSP-aftersensations (TSSP-AS) were prolonged. There was, however, no statistical difference between TSSP-M ratings or TSSP-AS at the hands or feet in either NC or FM patients. These findings demonstrate that central sensitization of FM patients is widespread and similar along the spinal neuroaxis. Perspective The pain of FM seems to be accompanied by generalized central sensitization, involving the length of the spinal neuroaxis. Thus, widespread central sensitization appears to be a hallmark of FM and may be useful for the clinical case definition of this prevalent pain syndrome. In addition, measures of widespread central sensitization, like TSSP-M could also be used to assess treatment responses of FM patients.
Tocopherols and the treatment of colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Vitamin E (VE) and other antioxidants may help prevent colon cancer by decreasing the formation of mutagens arising from the free radical oxidation of fecal lipids or by "non-antioxidant" mechanisms. VE is not a single molecule, but refers to at least eight different molecules, that is, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Methods: Both animal models and hu- man colon cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of different forms of VE. Rats were fed diets deficient in tocopherols or supple- mented with either -tocopherol or -tocopherol. Half the rats in each of these groups received normal levels of dietary Fe and the other half Fe at eight times the normal level. In our cell experiments, we looked at the role of -tocopherol in upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (PPAR-) in the SW 480 human cell line. Results: Rats fed the diets supplemented with -toco- pherol had higher levels of VE in feces, colonocytes, plasma, and liver than did rats fed diets supplemented with -tocopherol. Dietary Fe levels did not influ- ence tocopherol levels in plasma, liver, or feces. For colonocytes, high dietary Fe decreased tocopherol levels. Rats fed the -tocopherol-supplemented diets had lower levels of fecal lipid hydroperoxides than rats fed the -tocopherol- supplemented diets. Ras-p21 levels were significantly lower in rats fed the - tocopherol-supplemented diets compared with rats fed the -tocopherol-sup- plemented diets. High levels of dietary Fe were found to promote oxidative stress in feces and colonocytes. Our data with the SW480 cells suggest that both - and -tocopherol upregulate PPAR- mRNA and protein expression. -to- copherol was, however, found to be a better enhancer of PPAR- expression than -tocopherol at the concentrations tested.
Mechanisms of acid-induced activation of airway afferent nerve fibres in guinea-pig

The mechanisms underlying the response of airway afferent nerves to low pH were investigated in an isolated guinea-pig airway nerve preparation. Extracellular recordings were made from single jugular or nodose vagal ganglion neurons that projected their sensory fibers into the airways. The airway tissue containing the mechanically sensitive receptive fields was exposed into acidic solutions. Rapid and transient (∼3 s) administration of 1 mm citric acid to the receptive field consistently induced action potential discharge in nociceptive C-fibers (41/44) and nodose Aδ fibres (29/30) that are rapidly adapting low threshold mechanosensors (RAR-like fibres). In contrast, citric acid activated only 8/17 high threshold mechanosensitive jugular Aδ fibres. The RAR-like fibres were slightly more sensitive than C-fibres to acidic solutions (pH threshold > 6.7). The RAR-like fibres response to the ∼3 s acid treatment was not affected by a vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) antagonist, capsazepine (10 μM), and was rapidly inactivating (action potential discharge terminated before the acid administration was completed). Gradual reduction of pH did not activate the RAR-like fibres even when the pH was reduced to ∼5.0. The C-fibres responded to the gradual reduction of pH with persistent action potential discharge that was nearly abolished by capsazepine (10 μM) and inhibited by over 70% with another VR1 antagonist iodo-resiniferatoxin (1 μM). In contrast the C-fibre response to the transient ∼3 s exposure to pH ∼5.0 was not affected by the VR1 antagonists. We conclude that activation of guinea-pig airway afferents by low pH is mediated by both slowly and rapidly inactivating mechanisms. We hypothesize that the slowly inactivating mechanism, present in C-fibres but not in RAR-like fibres, is mediated by VR1. The rapidly inactivating mechanism acts independently of VR1, has characteristics similar to acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) and is found in the airway terminals of both C-fibres and RAR-like fibres.
An efficient control-oriented coverage metric

Coverage metrics, which evaluate the ability of a test sequence to detect design faults, are essential to the validation process. A key source of difficulty in determining fault detection is that the control flow path traversed in the presence of a fault cannot be determined. Fault detection can only be accurately determined by exploring the set of all control flow paths, which may be traversed as a result of a fault. We present a coverage metric that determines the propagation of fault effects along all possible faulty control flow paths. The complexity of exploring multiple control flow paths is greatly alleviated by heuristically pruning infeasible control flow paths using the algorithm that we present. The proposed coverage metric provides high accuracy in designs that contain complex control flow. The results obtained are promising.
Genetic algorithms in hypothesize-and-verify image interpretation

ABSTRACT Image interpretation plays an important role in computer vision and robotics. We describe here a new approach to image understanding whose novel feature is that it integrates segmentation and interpretationinto a single feedback process that incorporates contextual knowledge and uses a genetic algorithm technique to produce an optimal image interpretation. In this paper, we describe the principles of our approach, demonstrate its feasibility, and assess the accuracy of the proposed method using artificially-generatedimages. 1. INTRODUCTION The continued development of imaging systems that produce new forms of images has provided much of theimpetus for research on computer methods of image processing and understanding. Digital image processingtechniques are widely used in many applications today [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Examples include manufacturing,navigation, remote sensing, and medical imaging. Increasingly, multiple image data sources are becomingavailable and image information fusion is becoming common, e.g., utilizing a combination of radar, laser,and sateffite data in meteorology and remote sensing, or fusing X-ray computer tomographic data with thoseacquired by positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound in medical imaging. Withlarge amounts of digital image data being readily available in many application areas, the need for reliableautomated image understanding methods is quickly growing and image understanding is becoming an areaof active research.Methods for image understanding generally include segmentation, object recognition, and scene inter-pretation steps. Segmentation refers to the process of dividing an image into regions that correspond toindividual objects or structures. Object recognition entails the assignment of names or labels to each object.Scene interpretation involves drawing conclusions about the collection of objects in an image. Accurate seg-mentation is critical to the success of any method for image understanding. Object recognition can best bedone by incorporating information about individual objects and their relationships into the process. Thispoint is illustrated in Fig. 1 which demonstrates that even a human observer has difficulty recognizing an
Promoting farm health planning.

SIR, — defra announced some time ago its intention to promote sustainable farm health planning and allocated funds to pump prime the initiative. To ensure that the veterinary profession was aware of the opportunities and to stimulate some discussion on how best this funding might be used, the bva
How evaluator domain expertise affects search result relevance judgments

Traditional search evaluation approaches have often relied on domain experts to evaluate results for each query. Unfortunately, the range of topics present in any representative sample of web queries makes it impractical to have expert evaluators for every topic. In this paper, we investigate the effect of using "generalist" evaluators instead of experts in the domain of queries being evaluated. Empirically, we ind that for queries drawn from domains requiring high expertise, (1) generalists tend to give shallow, inaccurate ratings as compared to experts. (2) Further experiments show that generalists disagree on the underlying meaning of these queries significantly more often than experts, and often appear to "give up'' and fall back on surface features such as keyword matching. (3) Finally, by estimating the percentage of "expertise requiring'' queries in a web query sample, we estimate the impact of using generalists, versus the ideal of having domain experts for every "expertise requiring'' query.
Special Interest Capture of Regulatory Agencies: A Ten‐Year Analysis of Voting Behavior on Regional Fishery Management Councils

This article tests capture theory by analyzing voting behavior on U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils. Some seats on the councils are reserved for state and federal agency representatives; others, for political appointees. The political appointees primarily represent special interests (specifically, commercial and recreational fishing interests); a smaller number of appointees represent public interests. We use logistic regression to model the vote of state and federal agency representatives on the councils as a function of the votes of commercial interests, recreational interests, and public interests. We find evidence that some state agencies are captured by special interests from their states, but not systematic evidence across all states. We find that state agency representatives voted with commercial interests from their own state in five of the sixteen states in our sample; with recreational interests in three states; and with both special interests in two states. These ten states support the capture hypothesis; the other six states do not. We find no evidence that federal agencies were captured on the councils. We conclude that the gubernatorial-driven appointment process leads to capture at the state level by promoting voting blocs among state agency representatives and special interests from those states. Federal agency representatives, by contrast, are better able to maintain their distance from state-level politics on the councils, and thereby enhance their ability to vote independently on fishery management measures.
Arterial flow characteristics in the presence of vascular disease and implications for fast spin echo-based noncontrast MR angiography.

Purpose: To investigate arterial flow characteristics in the setting of vascular disease, and examine their effect on the performance of fast spin-echo (FSE)-based noncontrast MR angiography (NC-MRA). Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients were recruited from among those scheduled for routine contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) of the lower extremities at 1.5 Tesla. The research portion of the exam was performed before the clinically-indicated protocol and included phase-contrast imaging at multiple levels in the legs and FSE-based NC-MRA in the calf and thigh, using a three-dimensional ECG-gated technique that exploits differences in arterial flow velocity between diastole and systole. Results: Vascular occlusions were associated with reduced systolic velocity, a delayed systolic peak, and, in two middle-aged patients, an increase in diastolic velocity. Elevated systolic and diastolic velocities were observed in a subject with a nonhealing ulcer. NC-MRA allowed visualization of arteries with systolic velocities as low as 3 cm/s, and exhibited comparable depiction to CE-MRA for diastolic velocities as high as 6 cm/s. At the highest diastolic velocities observed (15 cm/s) arterial depiction was severely degraded. Conclusion: FSE-based NC-MRA as presently implemented performs successfully over a wide range of flow patterns, but does not accommodate extremely low systolic velocities or very high diastolic velocities. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Merger Repair: A Conceptual Framework for Restoring Employer/Employee Relationships

During mergers and acquisitions a variety of integration management transgressions both intentional and unintentional - occur. If these are not addressed, there will be a severe and potentially permanent damage to the relationship between the organization and its employees. This area of study has been identified as lacking sufficient examination and is ripe for future work (Haleblian, Devers, McNamara, Carpenter, & Davison, 2009). In this paper, we identify the common sources of these integration transgressions. Drawing on research based in social psychology and merger integration, we develop the construct of merger repair. We also identify several techniques for repairing the damaged relationships. Implications for practitioners and propositions to guide future research are developed. Every corporate acquisition or merger begins with high expectations. Those in favor of the deal –typically, senior management - routinely project synergies to be achieved which will produce levels of performance that have never been achieved. However, this is an often naive view held by decision makers about a potential deal and the majority of M&A transactions fail to meet those lofty expectations. Moreover, because management is often out of touch with rank-and-file's typically lower expectations pertaining to a pending merger or acquisition, management’s confidence about the ease of synergy achievement is frequently unrealistic. We don’t have to look far to find examples of failed mergers and acquisitions. The illfated 1998 acquisition of Chrysler by Daimler, was based on the promise of the Daimler CEO that the acquisition would result in “an historic merger of mass with class” (Edmondson, Welch, Thornton, & Palmer, 2005, pp.1). Together, these giants of the automotive industry would have the money, clout, and know-how needed to produce next-generation engine technologies. They would produce a series of small cars for the world's emerging middle classes. Chrysler would tap into Mercedes technology, and Chrysler would give Mercedes the ideal hedge in case the luxury car market plateaued. Synergies and cost savings would proliferate. Nothing worked out as planned. (Edmondson, et al., 2005).
Human-Wildlife Contact and Emerging Infectious Diseases

The majority of all emerging pathogens in humans are zoonotic (nonhuman animal) in origin. Population, ecological, and behavioral changes that increase contact with wildlife exacerbate emergence of these pathogens. Anthropogenic modification of the physical environment has altered not only our risk of zoonotic infection from wildlife but also the likelihood of pathogen transmission from human to nonhuman animal populations. This is particularly the case for primates that share a number of common infections with humans. In this chapter, I use a series of case studies involving SARS, HIV, Nipah virus, Lyme disease, malaria, and Ebola to exemplify how various anthropogenic factors have facilitated pathogen transmission between human and nonhuman animal populations. The costs and benefits of primate-based ecotourism are also reviewed to better illustrate how human-wildlife contact can affect both populations. Responsible health monitoring of human-wildlife interactions is a necessary prerequisite for prevention of the transmission of future emerging infectious diseases.
On Geometry of the Zeros of a Polynomial

Let \(p(z) = a_{0} + a_{1}z + a_{2}z^{2} + a_{3}z^{3} + \cdots + a_{n}z^{n}\) be a polynomial of degree n, where the coefficients a k may be complex. The problem of locating the zeros of a polynomial p(z) is a long-standing classical problem which has frequently been investigated. These problems, besides being of theoretical interest, have important applications in many scientific specialization areas, such as coding theory, cryptography, combinatorics, number theory, mathematical biology, engineering, signal processing, communication theory, and control theory, and for this reason there is always a need for better and sharper results. This paper is expository in nature, and here we make an attempt to provide a systematic study of these problems by presenting some results starting from the results of Gauss and Cauchy, who we believe were the earliest contributors in this subject, to some of the most recent ones. When possible, we have tried to present the proofs of some of the theorems. Also, included here are some results on evaluating the quality of bounds by using numerical methods or MATLAB.
Reduced Order Probabilistic Prediction of Rogue Waves in One-Dimensional Envelope Equations

We describe a method for prediction of rogue waves in the one-dimensional Nonlinear Schrodinger and Modified Nonlinear Schrodinger equations. This method is based on distinguishing the unstable wave groups likely to generate rogues out of a complex background field. After a careful study of the evolution of isolated wave groups, we then apply an automatic scale selection algorithm to pick out these individual wave groups that will trigger the formation of rogue waves. We demonstrate the skill of our scheme for Reduced Order Prediction of Extremes (ROPE), predicting rogues well in advance of their formation with low rates of false positives/negatives.
Selectively Initiated Ship-In-A-Bottle Assembly of Yolk–Shell Nanostructures

Yolk–shell nanostructures, or nanorattles, are created by growing metal nanoparticles exclusively inside hollow porous polymer nanocapsules. Metal ions enter the nanocapsules through size-selective nanopores. Synthesis of metal nanoparticles is initiated by an agent entrapped in nanocapsules. Tannic acid, β-cyclodextrin, and polyether dendrimer were used as sacrificial molecules for initiation and growth of gold nanoparticles. If needed, initiator molecules can be fragmented by acid hydrolysis and removed from nanocapsules. Variations in reaction conditions yield encapsulated nanoparticles with different size and shape. Further functionalization of nanorattles forms encapsulated core–shell nanoparticles.
A Genetic Analysis of Sporocarp Production in Pleurotus Sapidus

Dikaryotic growth rates of Pleurotus sapidus exceeded that of their component monokaryons and mono- and dikaryotic growth rates showed a high correlation. No correlation was found between growth ra...
Giant Upper Triassic bivalves of Wrangellia, Vancouver Island, Canada

One of the most distinctive components of the Late Triassic warm-water biota are alatoform, reclining bivalves of the genus Wallowaconcha. Wallowaconcha raylenea was first described from shallow-water, fine-grained Upper Triassic carbonate rocks of the Wallowa terrane, northeastern Oregon, and later found in coeval limestone in the Yukon. Fossils of the family Wallowaconchidae are easily recognized and readily distinguished from other fossil groups by their large size (over a metre in length), alatoform morphology, and especially the chambered wing-like extensions likely associated with photosymbiosis. Several different taxa of Norian age inhabited lagoon and reef-related settings on four separate terranes of western North America (Antimonio terrane, Sonora, Mexico; Wallowa terrane, northeastern Oregon; Stikine terrane in the Yukon; Chulitna terrane of Alaska), which during Triassic time existed as volcanic islands in the eastern Panthalassa Ocean. Outside eastern Panthalassa in the eastern Tethys, two ot...
Commentary: compasses to help navigate the terrain on mental health classification.

OBJECTIVE To study current patterns of panic disorder (PD) recognition and management by primary care physicians (PCPs). METHOD We administered a vignette describing a female PD patient to 189 PCPs. RESULTS Three-quarters of respondents believed that PD was at least 50 percent probable, and the mean PD likelihood rating was 63 percent. Diagnostic suspicion was significantly higher for PD than for other anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and cardiac disorders. Medication was rated as significantly more necessary than medical testing and mental health referral. A benzodiazepine was suggested by 78 percent of respondents, while 35 percent suggested a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI). Under half rated the patient as requiring medical testing, mostly for hyperthyroidism (70%) and/or cardiovascular disorder (62%), and half felt that the patient required mental health referral. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that most PCPs are able to recognize PD. However, they may be excessively inclined to prescribe benzodiazepines rather than more appropriate medications.
The demand for doctorally prepared public health personnel in institutions of higher education.

We examined the demand for doctorally prepared public health personnel in academia. We developed an unduplicated list of positions advertised during 1983 in several of the nation’s public health journals. Based on this, we identified a total of 217 available positions. We surveyed the persons who placed the advertisements regarding their perceptions of the applicant pool, their experiences in filling the positions, and their perceptions of the future supply of doctorally prepared public health personnel. Of the respondents, 93% were in institutions of higher education. Based on their response, it appears that the current supply of doctorally prepared public health personnel is short and is likely to continue to be limited. Respondents had difficulty filling the advertised positions, based on the amount of time necessary to fill the position, and a number of positions had to be modified in order to be filled. Thirty-two percent of the respondents replied that the pool of applicants was low or poor. Thirty-four percent felt there was a shortage of such personnel, and a similar percentage felt there would be a future shortage. Based on our data, we believe that there is now a shortage of doctorally educated public health personnel for academic positions and that this shortage is likely to continue.
Data-Driven Transit Network Design From Mobile Phone Trajectories

This paper presents a data-driven method for transit network design that relies on a large sample of user location data available from mobile phone telecommunication networks. Such data provide opportunistic sensing and the means for transit operators to match supply with mobility demand inferred from mobile phone locations. In contrast to previous methods of transit network design, the proposed method is entirely data driven, leveraging the large-sample properties of disaggregate mobile phone network data and mobility pattern mining. The method works by deriving frequent patterns of movements from anonymized mobile phone location data and merging them to generate candidate route designs. Additional routines for optimal route selection and service frequency setting are then employed to select a network configuration made up of routes that maximizes systemwide traveler utility. Using data from half a million mobile phone users in Abidjan from the telco operator Orange, we demonstrated to provide resource-neutral system improvement of 27% in terms of end-user journey times.
SU-F-J-94: Development of a Plug-in Based Image Analysis Tool for Integration Into Treatment Planning

Purpose: To extend the functionality of a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) to support (i) direct use of quantitative image-based metrics within treatment plan optimization and (ii) evaluation of dose-functional volume relationships to assist in functional image adaptive radiotherapy. Methods: A script was written that interfaces with a commercial TPS via an Application Programming Interface (API). The script executes a program that performs dose-functional volume analyses. Written in C#, the script reads the dose grid and correlates it with image data on a voxel-by-voxel basis through API extensions that can access registration transforms. A user interface was designed through WinForms to input parameters and display results. To test the performance of this program, image- and dose-based metrics computed from perfusion SPECT images aligned to the treatment planning CT were generated, validated, and compared. Results: The integration of image analysis information was successfully implemented as a plug-in to a commercial TPS. Perfusion SPECT images were used to validate the calculation and display of image-based metrics as well as dose-intensity metrics and histograms for defined structures on the treatment planning CT. Various biological dose correction models, custom image-based metrics, dose-intensity computations, and dose-intensity histograms were applied to analyze the image-dose profile. Conclusion: It is possible to add image analysis features to commercial TPSs through custom scripting applications. A tool was developed to enable the evaluation of image-intensity-based metrics in the context of functional targeting and avoidance. In addition to providing dose-intensity metrics and histograms that can be easily extracted from a plan database and correlated with outcomes, the system can also be extended to a plug-in optimization system, which can directly use the computed metrics for optimization of post-treatment tumor or normal tissue response models. Supported by NIH - P01 - CA059827
Interacting effects of obesity, race, ethnicity and sex on the incidence and control of adult-onset asthma.

To improve care and control for patients with adult-onset asthma, a better understanding of determinants of their risk and outcomes is important. We investigated how associations between asthma, asthma control and obesity may be modified by patient demographic characteristics. This retrospective study of adults enrolled in several health plans across the U.S. (n = 2,860,305) examined the interacting effects of obesity, age, race, and sex on adult-onset asthma and asthma control. Multivariable adjusted Cox and logistic regression models estimated hazard ratios (HR), and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between body mass index (BMI) and study outcomes, and interactions of BMI with demographic characteristics. Compared with individuals who had a BMI <25 kg/m2, the hazard of adult-onset asthma progressively increased with increasing BMI, from a 12 % increase among persons with a BMI of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 (HR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.10, 1.14) to an almost 250 % increase among persons with a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 (HR 2.49, 95 % CI 2.38, 2.60). The magnitude of the association between obesity and asthma risk was greater for women (compared with men) and lower for Blacks (compared with non-Hispanic Whites). Among individuals with asthma, obesity was associated with poorly controlled and high-risk asthma. The present study demonstrates that the magnitude of the associations between obesity and adult-onset asthma incidence and control are modified by race, age, and sex. Understanding the role of obesity in the development of adult-onset asthma will help to improve asthma treatment algorithms and to develop targeted interventions.
Management of Direct-Acting Antiviral Failures in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Direct-acting antiviral agents have revolutionized the treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection with very high cure rates. Treatment failures are commonly due to non-adherence and relapse but less often to viral breakthrough while on therapy. Resistance-associated variants have also emerged to be a culprit for treatment failures. Optimal retreatment regimens in patients who fail direct-acting antiviral agents have been unclear due to limited data. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that hepatitis C drug-resistant variants undermine direct-acting antiviral-based therapy in patients who do not achieve viral eradication. The risk of developing these variants depends on host- and virus-related factors, the properties of the drugs used, and the treatment strategies applied. The most effective methods in preventing the development of resistant variants include using potent antiviral combinations with high barriers to resistance and reinforcing patient compliance with treatment. Despite the effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral agents, patients may fail to attain sustained virologic response and salvage therapy may need to be considered. Therapeutic options are limited and more research needs to be directed towards this select group of patients.
Bioprinting Complex 3D Tissue and Organs

Abstract Recent advances in tissue engineering technologies have demonstrated the potential to produce functional tissues that could be used to restore, maintain, or improve kidney function. 3D bioprinting is one such technology, which facilitates the layer-by-layer precise positioning of biological materials, biochemicals, and living cells, with spatial control of the placement of functional tissue components. There are several philosophical approaches to using 3D bioprinting to form new tissues, including: tissue fabrication, developmental biomimicry, and enhanced wound healing. There are also multiple technological strategies, including use of jetting-based bioprinters, light-based bioprinters, as well as extrusion-based bioprinters. Advances in the development and application of various biomaterials, stem cell populations, and technical tools is allowing researchers, for the first time, to accurately reproduce the structure and function of the healthy tissues in vitro for future transplantation into patients with chronic kidney disease. However many challenges remain, such as the need to develop techniques to combine these materials and cells in high-resolution and in combination with vascular and tubular networks to facilitate physiological function on the macroscale.
Solving distributed constraint optimization problems using logic programming

This paper explores the use of Answer Set Programming (ASP) in solving Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (DCOPs). The paper provides the following novel contributions: (1) it shows how one can formulate DCOPs as logic programs; (2) it introduces ASP-DPOP, the first DCOP algorithm that is based on logic programming; (3) it experimentally shows that ASP-DPOP can be up to two orders of magnitude faster than DPOP (its imperative programming counterpart) as well as solve some problems that DPOP fails to solve, due to memory limitations; and (4) it demonstrates the applicability of ASP in a wide array of multi-agent problems currently modeled as DCOPs.