cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonhormonal Pharmacotherapies for Menopause Management

Though many women manage menopausal symptoms with hormone therapy, increasing numbers are considering nonhormonal options, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, and, less commonly, clonidine. In choosing a nonhormonal medication, women want to understand the effectiveness of nonhormonal medication and how it might compare with traditional hormone therapies. In addition, many women have concerns about medication side effects and are hesitant to take an “antidepressant.” What is the evidence for the efficacy and tolerability of these nonhormonal medical therapies? To date, randomized controlled trials have shown efficacy for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) with certain SSRIs (namely, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram) and the SNRIs venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine. Although studies evaluating the benefit of two other SSRIs sertraline and fluoxetine have not shown benefit, methodologic issues relating to the specified studies may explain the negative findings. Randomized controlled trials additionally show benefit with gabapentin, pregabalin, and perhaps clonidine for VMS. The clinical use of SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, and clonidine however precedes our understanding of their mechanism of action, but ongoing studies seek to elucidate the physiology of menopausal hot flashes and will drive development of future nonhormonal pharmacotherapies.
Can beaches survive climate change

Anthropogenic climate change is driving sea level rise, leading to numerous impacts on the coastal zone, such as increased coastal flooding, beach erosion, cliff failure, saltwater intrusion in aquifers, and groundwater inundation. Many beaches around the world are currently experiencing chronic erosion as a result of gradual, present-day rates of sea level rise (about 3 mm/year) and human-driven restrictions in sand supply (e.g., harbor dredging and river damming). Accelerated sea level rise threatens to worsen coastal erosion and challenge the very existence of natural beaches throughout the world. Understanding and predicting the rates of sea level rise and coastal erosion depends on integrating data on natural systems with computer simulations. Although many computer modeling approaches are available to simulate shoreline change, few are capable of making reliable long-term predictions needed for full adaption or to enhance resilience. Recent advancements have allowed convincing decadal to centennial-scale predictions of shoreline evolution. For example, along 500 km of the Southern California coast, a new model featuring data assimilation predicts that up to 67% of beaches may completely erode by 2100 without large-scale human interventions. In spite of recent advancements, coastal evolution models must continue to improve in their theoretical framework, quantification of accuracy and uncertainty, computational efficiency, predictive capability, and integration with observed data, in order to meet the scientific and engineering challenges produced by a changing climate.
Quantitative Brain SPECT in three Dimensions

An analytical (noniterative) approach to nonuniformly attenuated brain SPECT without transmission scans has been developed. This approach treats the Poisson noise of projection data by a Wiener filter after a square-root transformation. It removes scatter portion in primary-energy-window measurements by subtracting a fraction of smoothed secondary-energy-window samples. Resolution variation as a function of depth from the collimator is corrected by a depth-dependent deconvolution using the variation kernel. The approach enlarges the head boundary radially for a uniform attenuation map to overcome the nonuniform attenuation of the skull and scalp. Attenuation by the head is then compensated in inverting the uniformly attenuated Radon transform. Studies using patient head CT (for the attenuation map), point-source measurement (for the resolution kernel), and the Hoffman brain phantom demonstrated accurate reconstruction by the enlarged uniform attenuation map (< 1% ROI error), as compared to the reconstruction using the true head attenuation map.
Potentially Inappropriate Antidepressant Prescriptions Among Older Adults in Office-Based Outpatient Settings: National Trends from 2002 to 2012

Using data from 2002 to 2012 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, we estimated that the prevalence of overall antidepressant prescriptions increased almost twofold from 5.2% in 2002 to 10.1% in 2012 in office-based outpatient visits made by older adults. In addition, older adults were exposed to the risk of potentially avoidable adverse drug events in approximately one in ten antidepressant-related visits, or 2.2 million visits annually. Amitriptyline and doxepin were the two most frequent disease-independent potentially inappropriate antidepressants. Racial/ethnic minorities, and Medicaid beneficiaries had higher odds of potentially inappropriate antidepressant prescriptions (P < 0.05). Efforts to minimize potentially inappropriate antidepressant prescriptions are needed.
Support Vector Machine

Support Vector Machine is one of the classical machine learning techniques that can still help solve big data classification problems. Especially, it can help the multidomain applications in a big data environment. However, the support vector machine is mathematically complex and computationally expensive. The main objective of this chapter is to simplify this approach using process diagrams and data flow diagrams to help readers understand theory and implement it successfully. To achieve this objective, the chapter is divided into three parts: (1) modeling of a linear support vector machine; (2) modeling of a nonlinear support vector machine; and (3) Lagrangian support vector machine algorithm and its implementations. The Lagrangian support vector machine with simple examples is also implemented using the R programming platform on Hadoop and non-Hadoop systems.
Kepler-37b: A Moon-Sized Planet

Kepler-37b, with a radius of ~0.303 Earth radii, slightly larger than the radius of the Moon, is the smallest extrasolar planet discovered as of February 28, 2013 (Fig. 1). Kepler-37 is a main-sequence star, slightly cooler and smaller than the Sun. It has an effective temperature of ~5417 K, and its mass and radius are 0.803 and 0.770 times the mass and radius of the Sun, respectively. This star is host to three planets, Kepler-37b, c, and d. The radii (in Earth radius), semimajor axes (in AU), and orbital periods (in days) of these planets are (0.303, 0.1, 13.37), (0.74, 0.14, 21.30), and (1.99, 0.21, 39.79), respectively. Observational data cannot be used to constrain the mass of Kepler-37b. However, models of the interior of planetary systems suggest that a mass a few times larger than that of the Moon would result in an unreasonably high bulk density for the planet.
Case Studies on Global Value Chains in Automobiles

This chapter provides empirical examples of global value chains (GVCs) in the automobile sector by focusing on six emerging countries/regions—Brazil, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), China, India, Mexico, and Thailand. Although all are emerging developing countries/regions, the chapter explains how they represent different dynamics in global automobile structure, and how all of them are increasingly being brought under the nexus of foreign direct investment (FDI), multinational enterprises (MNEs), and the GVCs. The automobile GVCs of these countries are examined by focusing on historical background, supply chains, and trends in production and trade of automobiles in each country.
The effects of chemotherapy and irradiation on ovarian and cervical cancer cells in tissue culture.

The effects of thio-TEPA (triethylenethiophosphoramide) and Co/sup 60/ radiation on various types of cultured ceils were investigated. Ovarian cancer cells developed tolerance to thio-TEPA when it was added in sublethal doses, but did not develop tolerance to sublethal radiation exposure. The ID/sub 50/ (inhibitory dose) of radiation for the cells was approximates 200 r, and a linear reiation was found between log cloning capacity and radiation dose between l00 and 500 r. Cloning capacity declined from 8.3% after 100 r to 11.1% at 500 r. Utilizing ID/sub 50/ doses of Co/sub 60/ and thio-TEPA, no significant difference could be determined between the depressive effect of the injurious agents on celi population and their effect on cloning capacity of ovarian cancer ceils (3-59) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) in tissue culture. Whereas the primary effect noted following exposure to the alkylating agent was cytoplasmic shrinking and nuclear swelling, irradiation largely effected the nucieus with an increase in the numbers of multinuclear cells and aberrant nuclear forms. When the ceils were subjected to both agents, nuclear aberrations became extreme and the development, of long spinous cytopiasmic extensions from cell to cell was prominent. (H.H.D.)
Active sensing with a dextrous robotic hand

What separates sensing with a hand from other more passive sensing modalities such as vision is its active nature. This paper describes our efforts in building a useful active hand sensing environment that can be used for a number of different tasks including intelligent grasping, manipulation, and haptic object recognition. We outline the system we have built to control the hand/arm system, discuss the tactile sensors we have mounted on the hand’s fingers, and elaborate on some exploratory procedures (EP’s) we have implemented to allow the hand to do active tactile sensing for object recognition tasks.
The fault in his seeds: Lost notes to the case of bias in Samuel George Morton's cranial race science.

The discovery of nearly 180-year-old cranial measurements in the archives of 19th century American physician and naturalist Samuel George Morton can address a lingering debate, begun in the late 20th century by paleontologist and historian of science Stephen Jay Gould, about the unconscious bias alleged in Morton’s comparative data of brain size in human racial groups. Analysis of Morton’s lost data and the records of his studies does not support Gould’s arguments about Morton’s biased data collection. However, historical contextualization of Morton with his scientific peers, especially German anatomist Friedrich Tiedemann, suggests that, while Morton’s data may have been unbiased, his cranial race science was not. Tiedemann and Morton independently produced similar data about human brain size in different racial groups but analyzed and interpreted their nearly equivalent results in dramatically different ways: Tiedemann using them to argue for equality and the abolition of slavery, and Morton using them to entrench racial divisions and hierarchy. These differences draw attention to the epistemic limitations of data and the pervasive role of bias within the broader historical, social, and cultural context of science.
Cessation Attitudes and Preferences in Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Implications for Cessation Program Design: A Brief Report.

IntroductionThis brief report examined prior cessation attempts, attitudes toward nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and interests in cessation interventions among head and neck cancer (HNC) patie...
Characterizing fusion market entry via an agent-based power plant fleet model

Abstract An agent based model characterizing the U.S. power plant fleet was formulated to compare scenarios for fusion energy technology diffusion. The model employs historical data to form distributions for power plant retirements, and simulates construction of new capacity to meet electricity demand on an annual basis. Scenario analysis within this paper explores model sensitivity to 1) the year of market entry for commercial fusion technologies, 2) rate of diffusion, and 3) market capture limit. Results indicate that the first-decade market potential for fusion power plants depends on retirements of other generating resources and finds that near-term availability of fusion technology has limited potential to mitigate fleet-wide emissions in the near term, even at high rates of market capture.
MECHANISMS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

This chapter discusses the mechanisms involved in the evolution of facial expressions. It is observed that many expressions and displays across varied species are behavioral caricatures with a functional structure and purpose, for example, the tooth-baring of a threatening feline closely resembles that exhibited by an attacking one. The modern selectionist account of the origins of display behavior began with efforts to formulate taxonomies for behavioral repertoires, in the tradition of species taxonomies. The ethologist Niko Tinbergen helped link display behavior and the morphological caricatures. He proposed that, like ornamental features, behavior itself could evolve for its signal value and that it did so by exhibiting the twin qualities of conspicuousness and simplicity. The ways that ritualized behavior can become simple and conspicuous are manifold; display modalities, topographies, and kinetics vary widely across species. The social instrumental habits best preadapted for display would be those behaviors likely to be made in the course of overt action toward others. Modern intention-movement accounts see displays as being derived directly from the partial commission of instrumental acts. Many animals show special sensitivities to salient displays; seeing a face in toto depends upon a visual scan pattern that traverses the critical features of the face, especially in humans. Whether animals develop cognitive templates attuned to specific signal properties of salient displays is a pivotal issue. Now, in contemporary ethology, displays and the vigilance for them coevolve. The complementarity of displays and vigilance applies not only among conspecifics but also to predator–prey relations as well. Displays in general may not signal simple intentions but indecision or conflict among several intentions.
Disruption of Supernovae and would-be "Direct Collapsars"

The speed of an intensity pattern of polarization currents on a circle, induced within a star by its rotating, magnetized core, will exceed the speed of light for a sufficiently large star, and/or rapid rotation, and will, in turn, generate focused electromagnetic beams which disrupt them. Upon core collapse within such a star, the emergence of these beams will concentrate near the two rotational poles, driving jets of matter into material previously ejected via the same excitation mechanism acting through the pre-core-collapse rotation of its magnetized stellar core(s). This interpenetration of material, light-days in extent from the progenitor, produces a significant fraction of the total supernova luminosity, and the magnitude and time of maximum of this contribution both vary with the progenitor's rotational orientation. The net effect is to render supernovae unusable as standard candles without further detailed understanding, leaving no firm basis, at this time, to favor any cosmology, including those involving "Dark Energy." Thus we are not now, nor have we ever been, in an era of precision cosmology, nor are we likely to be anytime soon. Mass loss induced through the same mechanism also keeps aggregates of gas and plasma in the early Universe, or at any other epoch, from forming the ~billion solar mass stars which have been suggested to produce ~billion solar mass black holes via "direct collapse," but can also provide a signature to predict core collapse some months in advance.
Photocatalytic Radical Aroylation of Unactivated Alkenes: Pathway to β-Functionalized 1,4-, 1,6-, and 1,7-Diketones.

We report the development of a photocatalytic strategy for the synthesis of β-functionalized unsymmetrical 1,4-, 1,6-, and 1,7-diketones from aroyl chlorides and unactivated alkenes at room tempera...
THE EPIDEMIOLOGIC SCOPE OF KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

The unique epidemiology of Kaposi's sarcoma among patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome suggests a multifactorial cause. Although the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plays a major role in the
An Outpatient Telehealth Elective for Displaced Clinical Learners during the Coronavirus Pandemic

IntroductionIn response to the Coronavirus pandemic, medical schools suspended clinical rotations. This displacement of students from the wards has limited experiential learning opportunities. Concurrently, outpatient practices are experiencing reduced volumes of in-person visits and shifting towards virtual healthcare. This transition comes with its own logistical challenges. Here, we discuss a workflow that enabled students to engage in meaningful clinical education while helping the RWJMS outpatient practices implement remote telehealth visits. MethodsA four-week virtual elective was designed to offer clerkship students the opportunity to participate in virtual telehealth patient encounters. Students were prepared with EMR training and introduced to an outpatient workflow that supports healthcare providers in the ambulatory setting. Patients were consented to telehealth services before encounters with students. All collected clinical information was documented in the EMR, after which students transitioned patients to a virtual Doxy.me video call appointment. Clinical and educational outcomes of students participation were evaluated. ResultsSurvey results showed students felt well-prepared to initiate patient encounters. They also expressed comfort while engaging with patients virtually during telehealth appointments. Students further identified educational value, citing opportunities to develop patient management plans consistent with in-person clinical experiences. A significant healthcare burden was also alleviated by student involvement. Over 1000 total scheduled appointments were serviced by students who transitioned over 80% of patients into virtual provider waiting rooms. DiscussionAfter piloting this elective with rising fourth-year students, pre-clerkship students were also recruited to act in a role normally associated with clinical learners (e.g., elicit patient histories, conduct a review of systems, etc.). An additional telehealth elective is being designed so medical students can contribute to inpatient care without risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. These efforts are designed to allow students to continue with their clinical education during the pandemic.
Effect of early and late prenatal vitamin D and maternal asthma status on offspring asthma or recurrent wheeze.

Abstract Background Childhood asthma developmental programming is complex. Maternal asthma is a strong risk factor for childhood asthma, while vitamin D (VD) has emerged as a modifiable prenatal exposure. Objective To examine the combined effect of early and late prenatal VD status in pregnancies with and without asthma on childhood asthma/recurrent wheeze development. Methods We conducted a cohort study using prospectively collected data from the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled vitamin D supplementation trial in pregnant women at high risk of offspring asthma (N=806 mother-offspring pairs). 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] was measured in early and late pregnancy. Our main exposure was an ordered variable representing early and late prenatal VD sufficiency [25(OH)D > 30ng/mL)] status in pregnancies with and without asthma. The primary outcome was offspring asthma or recurrent wheeze by age 3 years. We also examined the effect of prenatal VD on early life asthma/recurrent wheeze progression to active asthma at age 6 years. Results Among maternal asthmatics, compared to those with early and late prenatal VD insufficiency, those with early or late VD sufficiency (aOR=0.56; 95% CI 0.31-1.00) or early and late VD sufficiency (aOR=0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.81) had lower risk of offspring asthma/recurrent wheeze by age 3 years (Pfor trend=0.008). This protective trend was reiterated in asthma/recurrent wheeze progression to active asthma from age 3 to 6 years (Pfor trend=0.04). Conclusion This study implicates a protective role for VD sufficiency throughout pregnancy, particularly in attenuating the risk conferred by maternal asthma on childhood asthma/recurrent wheeze development. Clinical Implication Early identification and correction of vitamin D insufficiency in asthmatic pregnant women have implications for the prevention of early offspring asthma/recurrent wheeze and the persistence of offspring asthma to later childhood.
The Effects of Rising Proportions of Adult Students on Graduation Rates at Public, Two-Year Institutions

Two-year public colleges serve roughly one-third of undergraduate students in the United States, and, like other types of colleges across the country, they face shifting population demographics. Ad...
Author Correction: Modeling COVID-19 scenarios for the United States.

In the Supplementary Information (item 4.4.1, Data processing) of the version of this article initially published, the date range of data incorporated in the reported analyses (23 April 2020 to 26 June 2020) was incorrect. The correct date range is 23 April 2020 to 21 September 2020, as indicated in the main text of the manuscript. The paper and its conclusions are unaffected by this correction to the Supplementary Information. The Supplementary Information has been replaced online with an updated version. *A list of authors and their affiliations appears online.
Robot-Assisted Resection of a Para-Aortic Paraganglioma

Abstract Introduction: Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine neoplasms that originate from paraganglia of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The optimal treatment is complete surgical...
Nominal sovereign debt, risk shifting, and reputation

Abstract This paper analyzes a reputational equilibrium in a model in which nominal sovereign debt serves to shift risk associated with the unpredictability of tax revenues from the sovereign to its lenders. The analysis answers the following set of related questions: Why would a sovereign refrain from inflating when faced with servicing a large quantity of nominal debt? If a sovereign does not plan to use inflation to repudiate its nominal debt, why would it want to issue such debt in the first place. What are the distinguishing features of those sovereigns who are willing and able to issue nominal debts.
Increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption in adult survivors of preterm birth

Background Premature birth affects roughly 10% of live births and is associated with long-term increased risk for multiple comorbidities. Although many comorbidities are associated with increased oxidative stress, the potential late impact of extreme premature birth on mitochondrial function has not previously been assessed. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function would be impaired in adult survivors of premature birth. Methods Mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young adults born moderately to extremely preterm was measured using a Seahorse XF Analyzer at baseline and in response to acute oxidative stress, and compared to age-matched term-born adults. Adult pulmonary function was also obtained. Results Young adults born preterm (average gestational age 29 weeks) had increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption at baseline, particularly with respect to basal and non-ATP-linked respiration. Maximal and spare capacities were also higher, even in response to acute oxidative stress. Lung function was lower in adults born preterm, and the degree of airflow obstruction correlated only modestly with mitochondrial function. Conclusions In conclusion, adults born preterm have higher basal and non-ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration. Similar mitochondrial profiles have previously been documented in diabetics, and may support the increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in adults born preterm. Impact Adults born preterm have higher maximal but also higher basal and non-ATP-linked mitochondrial respiration. Similar mitochondrial profiles have previously been documented in diabetics, and may support the increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in adults born preterm. Prior studies demonstrate a link between perinatal mitochondrial function and risk for development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Here, maximal mitochondrial respiration correlates modestly with adult lung function. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell mitochondrial function may be a biomarker of both early lung function and late cardiometabolic risk after preterm birth.
Harnessing Multiple-Platform/Sensor Real-Time Information Through Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP)

The Community Satellite Processing Package (CSPP) was developed in 2011 with its first release in 2012(http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/cspp/history.shtml). Since then, as of January 2021, over 62 new and updated releases of software packages to process the satellite direct broadcast raw data into sensor data records (SDRs) and produce various Environmental Data Records (EDRs). CSPP supports the Direct Broadcast (DB) meteorological and environmental satellite community through the packaging and distribution of open-source science software when possible. CSPP supports DB users of both polar-orbiting and geostationary satellite data processing and regional realtime applications through the distribution of free open source software and training in local product applications. So far comprehensive multiple sensors sensors (AVHRR, MODIS, AIRS, AMSU, VIIRS, CrIS, ATMS, IASI, MHS, ABI, and AHI) onboard multiple international satellite platforms (NOAA-17, NOAA-20, S-NPP, Terra, Aqua, METOP-A/B, GOES 16/17, and Himawari-8) are making global visible, infrared, and microwave imaging and sounding spectral measurements and producing environment products (composite color images, cloud property, aerosol, dust, fire, flood, drought, temperature/water vapor profile, total precipitable water, precipitation, trace gases, ocean/land surface property, and many others).
Interaction between Runway Loading and Effective Speed of Arriving Aircraft

We analyzed a special-purpose dataset containing times at which flights crossed concentric circles at various distances from six major US airports in July 2001. We converted the circle-crossing information into effective speeds along four flight segments defined by the circles. Working with data in 15 minute intervals, we correlated the segment speeds with runway loading, defined as expected arrival demand relative to runway capacity. We find that effective speeds of arriving traffic vary with their physical distance from the runway and their temporal distance from runway congestion. These traffic flow characterizations are made visible in a new data display developed in this paper. We thus have developed a new spatio-temporal characterization of arrival traffic flow that should be useful in efforts to understand the operation of this complex system.
Five Vignettes: Stories of Teacher Advocacy and Parental Involvement

Qualitative research can, and sometimes should, utilize fictional representations, particularly when attempting to connect to and collaborate with communities outside of the academy. This work utilizes an arts-informed methodology of representation to communicate the importance and potential consequences of teacher advocacy and parental involvement. Specifically, I use fiction as a mode of representing the interview data that my research participant and I generated. After analyzing the data using grounded theory methods, I chose to represent the data with five vignettes. Vignette 1 introduces the reader to Ms. Abeni, a public school teacher who is passionate about educating every child. Vignettes 2-4 illustrate challenges that Ms. Abeni faces in working with parents, students, and school personnel. The final vignette shows one of the consequences that Ms. Abeni faces for being such a radical change agent in her school. The vignettes are fictional representations of the real life of a teacher who I interviewed. I detail my process for creating the vignettes and offer justification for why the use of fiction is appropriate for this research study. Keywords: Creative Fiction, Arts-Based Research, Teacher Advocacy, Parental Involvement
Primitive Beginnings, Circa 1667

Although the name of the person who prepared this seven-page manuscript, and of the place where it was prepared, are unknown, the last owner indicated that the manuscript was purchased from a very long-established family in Maine, New England. Importantly, the paper is clearly watermarked, and the watermark indicates the paper was made in 1666 or 1667. We have assumed that the paper was brought from Europe to New England during the second half of the 1660s, and that the writing in the manuscript was done in New England. If that was indeed the case then this is easily the oldest of known extant North American cyphering books and, in that sense, is extraordinary. A second notable feature of the manuscript is that the mathematics and spelling are at a very low level. Two other interesting features of the manuscript are: (a) the person who prepared it seemed to want to be able to claim that he or she had cyphered to the rule of three because, all of a sudden, that rule is mentioned on the last page; and (b) one of the topics mentioned was “halving,” which was not a normal part of the abbaco curriculum sequence for arithmetic, but was part of the Sacrobosco curriculum sequence for arithmetic.
Continuous Stochastic Models

Even under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, uncertainty is an inherent feature of Tribolium populations. Replicate populations which are initiated with the same initial age structures and maintained in the same incubator will exhibit variation in the densities of individuals at any given time. The densities in a single population will also fluctuate over time in an apparently random way. Deterministic models are incapable of describing this type of behavior. Variability must be described using a stochastic model.
Decision, Estimation and Classification: An Introduction to Pattern Recognition and Related Topics

Probability theory for random vectors simple statistical decision procedures operations upon random vectors feature extraction and nonlinear mapping quadratic and linear classifiers parameter estimation nonparametric estimation and classification estimating and bounding the probability of error classification of stationary time series context-dependent methods other methods of classification.
Relaxing RF component requirements in a Weaver architecture by learning and adapting to the environment

This paper presents an architecture that utilizes spectrum sensing with a Weaver architecture receiver to ease the requirements on the RF front-end components. With the ability to sense the environment, large interferers that overwhelm small desired signals can be avoided. The learning and adapting capabilities are enabled by means of a flexible receiver architecture with variable local oscillators (LOs) and tunable bandpass filters. Avoiding large interferers can reduce image rejection (IR) requirements for a given performance level and results in greater tolerance for low-Q filters and receiver mismatches. The design approach is applied to an IEEE 802.11a receiver and has shown significant performance improvements compared to conventional approaches despite an 18 dB lower image rejection.
Do Auditors Price Audit Committee's Expertise? The Case of Accounting Vs. Non-Accounting Financial Experts

The issue of whether audit pricing reflects the risk of corporate governance failure is of fundamental interest to auditors, managers, and others. Auditors are expected to price corporate governance risk because it relates to the control risk and thus, the overall audit risk. This study examines the relation between audit fees and a key aspect of effective governance, i.e., the expertise of the audit committee. Though the Sarbanes-Oxley Act mandates the disclosure of a financial expert, the SEC defined experts broadly to include accounting or non-accounting financial experts. Does audit pricing differentiate between accounting and non-accounting financial expertise? For a sample of S&P 500 firms for the years 2000 through 2002, we find that after controlling for several board and audit committee characteristics and firm characteristics, audit pricing is negatively related to accounting financial expertise. However, this finding is conditional upon the strength of the overall governance structure, i.e., in weak boards the presence of audit committee financial expertise may not be effective in mitigating control risk. Overall, our evidence is consistent with the SEC's initial narrow definition to include only accounting financial experts that is valued by the auditors. The lack of a significant relationship between non-accounting financial expertise and audit fees suggests that auditors perceive only accounting financial expertise contributes to increased monitoring by the audit committee and thus, mitigates the risk of governance failure.
Redlining Cities: How Banks Color Community Development

Headline-grabbing crises in the American banking and financial system vie with lurid coverage of urban decline as staples of our domestic news. The general public essentially perceives these as two separate areas of crisis. But they are interconnected, as this examination of the banking practice known as "redlining" reveals. The health of America's cities depends on both public and private investment. The 1980s witnessed a decline in federal funds for cities and community development, forcing local governments and community organizations to seek private financing (developers, corporations, banks, and foundations) for community development projects. At the same time, government deregulation of the banking industry led to an orgy of speculation that destabilized both the industry and urban neighborhoods. The savings-and-loan scandal, as well as the collapse and merger of many commercial banks, have recently put the arcane and complex topic of banking industry reform on the front pages and on the national agenda. Often lost in the crossfire between different sectors of
Simplified simulation and modeling technique for integrated magnetic components in power electronic converters

The inductance modeling technique is used as the traditional method for analyzing magnetic components. This model is simple to generate for individual components, i.e., an inductor and a transformer. However, it becomes difficult to realize this model for the integrated magnetic structures where multiple inductors and transformers exist on one assembly. In addition, it is difficult to model the effect of the magnetic saturation in the inductance model. This work presents a simple model for the discreet as well as integrated magnetic components. In this model, the magnetic circuit is converted to a pure electric circuit with capacitors; every winding is replaced with a pair of current controlled voltage sources, namely a Gyrator. Finally, the complete simulation model for the isolated Cuk converter with integrated magnetics is presented as an illustrative example.
A Political Economy Model of Agricultural Taxation, R&D, and Growth in Africa

Why do so many African governments adopt predatory policies towards the private sector, when pro-growth reforms might yield greater tax revenues as well as higher national income? In this paper we first use a growth regression which, controlling for the factors identified in previous studies, identifies taxation of primary exports and investment in agricultural R&D as independently significant correlates of economywide growth. We then posit a game-theoretic political economy model in which the government sets these two policy instruments in strategic interaction with domestic producers. We find significant evidence that some African policymakers could be trapped in a low-growth equilibrium, which they can break only when changes in game structure (and hence institutions such as political parties) allow them to make credible commitments to pro-growth, low-tax/high-investment strategies. Aknowledgements Many thanks to Andrew Warner and Phil Pardey for sharing data, and to USAID’s collaborative agreement on Equity and Growth through Economic Research (EAGER) for financial support. \mcmillan\growth&policy.doc February 19, 1999 Growth and Policy in Africa p. 1 Growth and Policy in Africa: A strategic-interaction model of predatory regimes
Effective charge measurements reveal selective and preferential accumulation of anions, but not cations, at the protein surface in dilute salt solutions

Specific-ion effects are ubiquitous in nature; however, their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Although Hofmeister-ion effects on proteins are observed at higher (>0.3M) salt concentrations, in dilute (<0.1M) salt solutions nonspecific electrostatic screening is considered to be dominant. Here, using effective charge (Q*) measurements of hen-egg white lysozyme (HEWL) as a direct and differential measure of ion-association, we experimentally show that anions selectively and preferentially accumulate at the protein surface even at low (<100 mM) salt concentrations. At a given ion normality (50 mN), the HEWL Q* was dependent on anion, but not
Does Treatment of Periodontal Disease Influence Systemic Disease

Periodontal diseases are the most common human diseases globally, with gingivitis affecting up to 90% and periodontitis affecting 50% of adults. Tooth enamel is the only nonshedding tissue in the human body. In the absence of proper oral hygiene measures, microbial biofilm (dental plaque) develops on the teeth to include more than 700 different bacterial species, along with viruses, fungi, archea, and parasites. With time, ecological imbalances promote the growth of selected commensal species that induce host inflammatory pathways resulting in tissue destruction, including ulceration of the periodontal epithelium.
Rod photoreceptor neurite sprouting in retinitis pigmentosa

In animal models for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod photoreceptors show abnormal distribution of rhodopsin prior to undergoing cell death. To elucidate the steps in degeneration of human photoreceptors, immunocytochemistry was performed on donor retinas from 15 RP patients and five normal subjects. Rhodopsin immunolabeling in the normal retinas was restricted to the rod outer segments. In the RP retinas, rhodopsin was present in shortened rod outer segments and in the surface membranes of the rod inner segments and somata. In regions of photoreceptor death, the surviving rods had sprouted rhodopsin-positive neurites that were closely associated with gliotic Muller cell processes and extended to the inner limiting membrane. Rods and cones in the RP maculas did not form neurites, but the axons of peripheral cones were abnormally elongated and branched. Double immunofluorescence labeling showed that the rod neurites bypassed the horizontal and rod bipolar cells that are normally postsynaptic to rod axons. To our knowledge, this is the first report of rod neurite sprouting in vivo. We were unable to find neurites on degenerate rods in old rds mice, an animal model for RP. The rod neurites in the human RP retinas resemble the long, branched processes formed by rods cultured on Muller cells or purified N-CAM. Neurite growth by surviving rods in the RP retinas may be a response to neurotrophic factor upregulation, loss of inhibitory factors, or changes in molecules associated with reactive Muller cells. Such changes in the retinal microenvironment may impede functional integration of transplanted photoreceptors. The contributions of the rhodopsin-positive rod neurites and abnormal cone axons to the functional abnormalities observed in RP are unknown.
Convergence of series of translations

For a mean zero norm one sequence (f n )⊂L 2[0, 1], the sequence (f n {nx+y}) is an orthonormal sequence inL 2([0, 1]2); so if $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left| {c_n } \right|^2 \log ^2 } n< \infty $$ , then $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {c_n f_n \{ nx + y\} } $$ converges for a.e. (x, y)∈[0, 1]2 and has a maximal function inL 2([0, 1]2). But for a mean zerof∈L 2[0, 1], it is harder to give necessary and sufficient conditions for theL 2-norm convergence or a.e. convergence of $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {c_n f_n \{ nx\} } $$ . Ifc n ≧0 and $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {c_n = \infty } $$ , then this series will not converge inL 2-norm on a denseG δ subset of the mean zero functions inL 2[0, 1]. Also, there are mean zerof∈L∞[0, 1] such that $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {({1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 n}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} n})} f\{ nx\} $$ never converges and there is a mean zero continuous functionf with $$\mathop {sup}\limits_N \left| {\sum\limits_{n = 1}^N {(\log {n \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {n n}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} n})} f \{ nx\} } \right| = \infty $$ a.e. However, iff is mean zero and of bounded variation or in some Lip(α) with 1/2<α≦1, and if |c n | = 0(n −δ) for δ>1/2, then $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {c_n } f\{ nx\} $$ converges a.e. and unconditionally inL 2[0, 1]. In addition, for any mean zerof of bounded variation, the series $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {({1 \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {1 n}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} n})} f\{ nx\} $$ has its maximal function in allL p[0, 1] with 1≦p<∞. Finally, if (f n )⊂L δ[0, 1] is a uniformly bounded mean zero sequence, then $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left\| {f_n } \right\|_2^2 }< \infty $$ is a necessary and sufficient condition for $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {f_n \{ x_n + y\} } $$ to converge for a.e.y and a.e. (x n )⊂[0, 1]. Moreover, iff∈L δ[0, 1] is mean zero and $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\left| {c_n } \right|^2 }< \infty $$ , then for a.e. (x n )⊂[0, 1], $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {c_n f} \{ x_n + y\} $$ converges for a.e.y and in allL p [0, 1] with 1≦p<∞. Some of these theorems can be generalized simply to other compact groups besides [0, 1] under addition modulo one.
Origins of the Human Genome Project: Why Sequence the Human Genome When 96% of It Is Junk?

I was not much involved in the discussion and debate about initiating a program to determine the base-pair sequence of the human genome, until the idea surfaced publicly. As I recall the genesis of the Human Genome Project, the idea for sequencing the human genome was initiated independently and nearly simultaneously by Robert Sinsheimer, then Chancellor of the University of California–Santa Cruz (UCSC), and Charles DeLisi of the United States Department of Energy. Each had his own purpose in promoting such an audacious undertaking, but the goals of their ambitious plans are best left for them to tell. The proposal was initially aired at a meeting of a small group of scientists convened by Sinsheimer at UCSC in May 1985 and received the backing of those who attended. I became aware of the project through an editorial or op-ed–style piece by Renato Dulbecco in Science, March 1986. Dulbecco’s enthusiasm for the project was based on his conviction that only by having the complete human genome sequence could we hope to identify the many oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and their modifiers. Although that particular goal seemed problematic, I was enthusiastic about the likelihood that the sequence would reveal important organizational, structural, and functional features of mammalian genes.
Pole Placement Control of a Smart Flexible Beam

This paper concerns active vibration control of a 3.35 meter long composite I-beam that is used in civil structures in a cantilevered configuration by using peizoceramics materials, in particular the PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate), in the form of patches. These PZT patches are surface-bonded on the I-beam and perform as actuators and sensors. A real-time data acquisition and control system is used to record the experimental data and to implement controllers. To assist control system design, open loop testing and system identification are conducted. A Pole Placement controller is designed and is simulated using the identified model. Simulations show the dramatic increase in damping of the beams which when implemented experimentally corroborates the simulation results. Experimental results verify the simulated results and demonstrate the effectiveness of active control of a civil structure using smart materials.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Do Secondary Conditions Explain the Relationship Between Depression and Health Care Cost in Women With Physical Disabilities

Abstract Morgan RO, Byrne MM, Hughes RB, Petersen NJ, Taylor HB, Robinson-Whelen S, Hasche JC, Nosek MA. Do secondary conditions explain the relationship between depression and health care cost in women with physical disabilities? Objective To examine the influence of depression on health care utilization and costs among women with disabilities and to determine whether the severity of other secondary health conditions affects this association. Design A time series of 7 interviews over a 1-year period. Setting Large, southern metropolitan area. Participants Community-dwelling women (N=349) with a self-identified diagnosis of a physical disability. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Primary disability, secondary health conditions (Health Conditions Checklist), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory–Second Edition), and health care utilization (based on the Health and Social Service Utilization Questionnaire and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire). We estimated health care costs using standardized criteria and published average costs. Results Outpatient and emergency department health care utilization and overall costs were higher in women with depressive symptoms and increased with the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Depressive symptoms were highly correlated with the severity of secondary health conditions. Adjusting for demographics and primary disability, both the presence and severity of depressive symptoms were associated with significantly higher health care costs. However, secondary health condition severity explained the association between depressive symptoms and cost; it also substantially increased the variance in cost that was explained by the multivariate models. Conclusions Secondary health conditions are significantly associated with depressive symptoms and higher health care costs, with secondary health conditions accounting for the association between depressive symptoms and costs. This association suggests that effective management of secondary health conditions may help reduce both depressive symptomatology and health care costs.
Threshold Bifurcation in Tissue Interaction Models for Spatial Pattern Generation

Experimental evidence indicates that tissue interaction plays an essential role during skin pattern formation. Here we focus on the mathematical aspects of two specific tissue interaction models. Introducing interaction mechanisms into the traditional pattern formation models is not only biologically consistent, but also leads to results agreeing more closer to those observed in embryogenesis. We specifically examine the bifurcations from spatially simple solutions to spatially complex patterns. In both models this increased complexity in solution is obtained by increasing the effect of the interaction mechanism through a certain threshold. The role of tissue interaction in sequential patterning is also considered.
Effect of long-term urban wastewater irrigation on heavy metal contamination of soils under conditions of Egypt

It is established that, with wastewater irrigation of corn on alluvial and gray-brown desert soils, the total content of heavy metals and their mobile compounds increases. However, the content of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Co didn’t exceed the maximum allowable concentration. But Cd and Pb exceeded the maximum allowable concentration during long-term wastewater irrigation of alluvial soils. Irrigation with ground, river, and waste waters for 3 years didn’t lead to considerable heavy metal contamination of soils.