cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF SELECTED FACTORS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AS RANKED BY BLACK STUDENTS

Summary.-Analysis of 188 black undergraduates' beliefs concerning influence of some selected factors on their academic achievement indicated that, for the females, academic achievement was believed to be significantly more affected by internal factors than by external ones, and for Ss whose mothers had more education than fathers. Ss' desire, efforts, abilities, knowledge about coursework, and educational background were ranked as the five most influential internal factors, while luck, difficulty of curriculum, instructors' fairness, rewards from others, and value attached to grade were ranked as the five least influential external factors. It was hypothesized that black students perceive that internal (intrinsic) factors have more effect on their academic achievement than do external (extrinsic) factors. A sample of 188 black undergraduates, 70 males and 118 females, from four introductory psychology classes at a state university with predominantly black students were Ss. Their average IQ on the Otis Quid-scoring Mental Ability Test (Otis, 1954) was 90.3 (SD = 10.94); their mean ACT composite score was 11.8 (SD = 3.47). To measure Ss' beliefs about factors affecting their academic achievement, 18 separate statements (9 internal and 9 external) were arranged in random order on 8H- X 11-in. sheet and presented to Ss in regular class hours near the end of the winter quarter, 1973. Ss ranked statements in order of the influence of all factors on their academic achievement using a rank of 1 as most influential. No statements concerned success, failure, or race.
The Kazaks of Istanbul: A Case of Social Cohesion, Economic Breakdown and the Search for a Moral Economy

This research is focused on understanding the ways in which the community orientation of the Kazak ethnic community in Istanbul, Turkey have contributed to their economic success which in turn encourages strong community, and the nature of their communitybased support networks for providing material and cultural support. It examines the role of social capital and cohesion in maintaining the community with its positive implications for the continued building of wealth or sourcing of funding on a community level. The theoretical concepts relevant to this project are based on the ideas that the shared values of a community are a positive force that allow communities to achieve common goals and is particularly important in the context of an economy that favors cheap labor and a highly mobile workforce, both factors that negatively affect the asset building and placebased rootedness that communities require for their stability. Key community entrepreneurs and leaders were the main sources of information for this research. The findings of this thesis suggest that it is a combination of factors such as the failure of the community to maintain its stable economic position through unfortunate business practices and choices coupled with external market forces that slowed this community economic development and disabled its continued growth.
Review: Origins of Classical Architecture: Temples, Orders, and Gifts to the Gods in Ancient Greece by Mark Wilson Jones

Mark Wilson Jones Origins of Classical Architecture: Temples, Orders, and Gifts to the Gods in Ancient Greece New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 2014, 304 pp., 65 color and 170 b/w illus. $66, ISBN 9780300182767 The question of how the classical orders achieved their canonical form was first explored by Vitruvius in his Ten Books on Architecture , written at the end of the first century BC.1 In modern times, architects and architectural historians have closely examined extant structures, archaeological evidence, and ancient art in order to identify the sources of inspiration and understand the meanings of classical forms. Among these, Barbara A. Barletta has provided a thorough consideration of the literary and archaeological evidence regarding the Greek architectural orders, and J. J. Coulton has offered a thoughtful investigation of the nature of structure and design.2 In his most recent book, Mark Wilson Jones, an architect and architectural historian, approaches the subject with a sensitivity to design processes and material culture and a thorough grounding in theoretical and philosophical frameworks. The book’s subtitle, Temples, Orders, and Gifts to the Gods in Ancient Greece , indicates a primary thesis that the temple must be understood within the context of the sanctuary, and the connection between temples and gifts to the gods is explicit. The temple is an expression of piety, civic pride, and competition, and its mature structure and decorative forms are the result of cross-fertilization between architecture and a wide range of votive objects that inhabit the same sacred space. In chapters 1 and 2 of Origins of Classical Architecture , Wilson Jones examines the nature and origins of the Greek temple and observes that the temple was not, in fact, essential to religious practice. The ritual acts of sacrifice at an altar, dedication of votive objects, and prayer did not require the existence of a temple. The temple served as the house of the god, protecting venerable cult images and functioning as a repository for valuable offerings. Since congregational worship was not …
53 CHARACTERIZATION OF AUTOMATIC EXCITATORY JUNCTION POTENTIALS IN THE PRESENCE OF SEROTONIN

Purpose The crayfish neuromuscular junction (NMJ) has been used as a study for central nervous system synaptic transmission due to its dual innervation by excitatory and inhibitory neurons to each muscle fiber. Likewise, the NMJs in the walking limb utilize glutamate and GABA as excitatory and inhibitory transmitters, respectively. Many neurotransmitters have been studied at this site, including serotonin (5HT). Application of 5HT locally enhances excitatory junction potential (EJP) amplitudes with excitatory nerve stimulation and can produce spontaneous, repetitive depolarizations of the post-synaptic membrane. This study characterizes automatic EJPs in the presence of 5HT at various concentrations and assesses concentration of threshold for automaticity. Methods The excitatory nerve innervating the dactylopodite opener muscle was isolated in first or second walking limbs of locally obtained crayfish (Oncogenes rusticus). Standard intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques were used to study amplitudes of EJPs evoked at 30 Hz. Control EJPs were recorded in Van Herreveld9s solution (Van H) and averaged over 10 seconds following stimulus onset. The limb was bathed in 5HT concentrations ranging 0.5 to 500 μM. EJPs were obtained within 30 seconds of application and then again at 5 minutes. Recording were made of automatic EJPs to characterize frequency and amplitude changes. Results Threshold of automaticity occurred at 1.0 to 1.3 μM with onset of automaticity occurring from 2-3 min post-application of 5-HT. Automaticity at 5 μM had onset times of 1-2 min, 10 μM at 30 s, 25 μM at 0-30 s, and 50 μM occurring immediately post-application. There were significant trends toward increasing EJP amplitude and frequency which tended to stabilize 30-60 s post-application. In all instances, post-5HT washout resolved automatic EJPs. Conclusion Automatic EJPs in post-synaptic muscle membrane without application of electrical stimulus in the presence of 5-HT was observed. There was an inversely graded response in time to onset with threshold to automaticity in the range of 1.0 to 1.3 μM 5-HT. Increasing frequency and amplitude tended to be seen within the first 30-60 s of automaticity onset, which then stabilized. Concentrations of 5-HT from 0.5 to 0.9 μM were assessed in three preparations without observing automatic EJPs.
SEC FRR No. 48 and analyst forecast accuracy

ABSTRACTSEC FRR No. 48 requires that all firms report their market risk exposures by choosing among three alternative formats: sensitivity analysis, tabular and value at risk (VaR). In this article, we examine how different methods affect analyst forecast accuracy. By regressing analyst forecast errors on a company’s choice of disclosure method, we find that analyst forecast errors are smaller for firms using VaR and tabular than for firms using sensitivity analysis. Our findings suggest that VaR and tabular approaches are more informative than sensitivity analysis.
Perturbative approach to covariance matrix of the matter power spectrum

Author(s): Mohammed, I; Seljak, U; Vlah, Z | Abstract: We evaluate the covariance matrix of the matter power spectrum using perturbation theory up to dominant terms at 1-loop order and compare it to numerical simulations.We decompose the covariance matrix into the disconnected (Gaussian) part, trispectrum from the modes outside the survey (supersample variance) and trispectrum from the modes inside the survey, and show how the different components contribute to the overall covariance matrix. We find the agreement with the simulations is at a 10 per cent level up to k ~ 1 h Mpc-1. We show that all the connected components are dominated by the large-scale modes (k l 0.1 h Mpc-1), regardless of the value of the wave vectors k, k' of the covariance matrix, suggesting that one must be careful in applying the jackknife or bootstrap methods to the covariance matrix. We perform an eigenmode decomposition of the connected part of the covariance matrix, showing that at higher k, it is dominated by a single eigenmode. The full covariance matrix can be approximated as the disconnected part only, with the connected part being treated as an external nuisance parameter with a known scale dependence, and a known prior on its variance for a given survey volume. Finally, we provide a prescription for how to evaluate the covariance matrix from small box simulations without the need to simulate large volumes.
Rearing the Fruit Fly Drosophila melanogaster Under Axenic and Gnotobiotic Conditions

The influence of microbes on myriad animal traits and behaviors has been increasingly recognized in recent years. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a model for understanding microbial interactions with animal hosts, facilitated by approaches to rear large sample sizes of Drosophila under microorganism-free (axenic) conditions, or with defined microbial communities (gnotobiotic). This work outlines a method for collection of Drosophila embryos, hypochlorite dechorionation and sterilization, and transfer to sterile diet. Sterilized embryos are transferred to sterile diet in 50 ml centrifuge tubes, and developing larvae and adults remain free of any exogenous microbes until the vials are opened. Alternatively, flies with a defined microbiota can be reared by inoculating sterile diet and embryos with microbial species of interest. We describe the introduction of 4 bacterial species to establish a representative gnotobiotic microbiota in Drosophila. Finally, we describe approaches for confirming bacterial community composition, including testing if axenic Drosophila remain bacteria-free into adulthood.
Results of a Multi-Center, Phase II Study of Elsamitrucin (SPI-28090) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL).

Background: Elsamitrucin (SPI-28090) is a novel topoisomerase I and II inhibitor. An earlier small study with Elsamitrucin, conducted prior to the introduction of rituximab, showed anti-tumor activity in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL with an acceptable toxicity profile. The objectives of this current trial are to validate these earlier findings and to generate data in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL who had previously received rituximab-based chemotherapy. Methods: Three groups of relapsed or refractory NHL were enrolled: G1: chronic or small B-lymphocytic lymphoma/leukemia; G2: indolent lymphoma (follicular/diffuse small cell or mixed); and G3: large cell or mantle cell lymphoma. Patients were treated with weekly Elsamitrucin 25 mg/m 2 IV administered over 5–10 minutes. All patients were treated until disease progression or toxicity. Results: 55 patients (34 males/21 females) have been enrolled; median age was 70 years (range 40–84). All patients had stage III or IV disease. Most patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 (1–8) prior chemotherapy regimens; 54 out of 55 patients had rituximab-based chemotherapy. Other study characteristics and results are shown on Table 1. One PR occurred in a mantle cell lymphoma patient who had received five prior chemotherapy regimens and lasting for 27 weeks. Minor responses have been documented in several patients still on therapy. Most side effects were mild to moderate in severity and consisted of nausea (51%), fatigue (42%), anorexia (22%), vomiting (16%) and cellulitis (11%). Myelosuppression was uncommon: grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was reported in 2 patients, grade 3 anemia and thrombocytopenia reported in 1 patient each. There was one patient who had moderate transient increase in transaminase level. No drug related serious adverse events have been reported. Conclusions: Elsamitrucin appears to be safe and well tolerated over periods of up to 47 weeks in these patients lymphoma. There is evidence of anti-tumor activity in this very heavily pretreated patient population. With 2 PR, several minor responses and durable stable disease observed. In view of the minimal toxicities in particular myelosuppression, we plan to combine elsamitrucin with one or more active agents in less heavily pretreated patients.
Freebie Rhabdomyolysis: A Public Health Concern. Spin Class-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract Background Rhabdomyolysis is a pathologic condition in which intracellular muscle constituents leak into the blood circulation. It is usually caused by muscle trauma. "Spinning" is an indoor form of cycling where participants use a special stationary exercise bicycle with a weighted flywheel and undergo high-intensity cycling classes focusing on endurance. There have been several case reports in the literature of exertional rhabdomyolysis following spin class. Methods Our nephrology practices have diagnosed a number of cases of symptomatic patients presenting to our emergency departments following their first spin classes, with histories and creatinine phosphokinase levels diagnostic of exertional rhabdomyolysis. Results We present 3 unusual cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis, each occurring after a first spin class. In the first case, rhabdomyolysis developed following 15 minutes of spin class. In the second case, it occurred in a young individual who exercises regularly. In the third case, the patient developed biopsy-proved acute kidney injury secondary to exertional rhabdomyolysis and required hemodialysis. Conclusion The high-intensity exercise associated with "spin class" comes with significant risks to newcomers.
On the Maximum Principle for the Riesz Transform

Let μ be a measure in ℝd with compact support and continuous density, and let Rsμ(x) = | y – x |y – x|s+1 dμ(y), x,y∈ ℝd, 0 < s < d. We consider the following conjecture: sup x∈Rd |Rsμ(x)| ≤ C sup x∈supp μ |Rsμ(x)|, C= C(d, s). This relation was known for d – 1 ≤ s < d, and is still an open problem in the general case. We prove the maximum principle for 0 < s < 1, and also for 0 < s < d in the case of radial measure. Moreover, we show that this conjecture is incorrect for non-positive measures.
Cancer: A targeted treatment with off-target risks

It emerges that blood-cancer-targeting drugs that block a tumour-survival pathway also activate a mutation-causing enzyme in mice and in human cells. This might have implications for the clinical use of these drugs. See Letter p.489 The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ) pathway is highly active in many types of cancer. Several PI3Kδ inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of B-cell cancers such as leukaemias and lymphomas. Besides its cancer-promoting effects, PI3Kδ also controls the activity of the activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enzyme, which promotes DNA recombination. Excessive AID activity due to PI3Kδ inhibition induced genomic instability in leukaemia and lymphoma cell lines in culture, as well as in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with PI3Kδ inhibitors. The authors recommend that these adverse genomic effects are taken into account in patients receiving long-term therapy with this class of drugs.
Covalently-controlled drug delivery via therapeutic methacrylic tissue adhesives

Medical cyanoacrylate adhesives have the potential to eliminate the need for sutures but face challenges to widespread implementation due to their brittleness and release of formaldehyde upon degradation. To overcome these limitations, we used molecular design to create therapeutic methacrylic (TMA) monomers to impart tunable mechanical properties, decreased formaldehyde release, and covalently-controlled bioactivity to commercial cyanoacrylate adhesives. The small molecule therapeutics ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and benzocaine were covalently tethered to the carbonyl of methacrylate using anhydride, ester, and amide bonds. When these TMAs were incorporated into n-butyl cyanoacrylate (BCA) tissue adhesives, the resulting TMA-BCA materials provided release of the therapeutics across a range of time scales according to the reactivity of the tether bond to hydrolysis. The anhydride-tether TMA-BCA adhesive delivered ibuprofen on the same order of magnitude and time scale as topical medications (12 ± 6 mg per g adhesive after 3.4 h). TMA-BCA adhesives also produced less formaldehyde than standard BCA adhesive, showed promising cytocompatibility, and adhered effectively to porcine skin. Further, the anhydride, ester, and amide tether TMA-BCA adhesives exhibited a range of shear moduli, with those containing rigid aromatic amide groups being stiffer, and those with flexible alkyl segments being less stiff, which could enable these adhesives to be tailored to match the mechanical properties of target tissues. The amide-tether TMA-BCA adhesive also showed a 219% increase in toughness compared to BCA. Overall, TMAs represent a platform technology that can be used to build adaptable and bioactive tissue adhesives.
Die erworbene Hallux varus Deformität

Zusammenfassung Die Hallux varus Deformitat tritt entweder als congenitale oder als erworbene Fehlstellung auf. Bei der erworbenen Form ist zwischen der (selteneren) posttraumatischen, der haufigeren Form als Folge einer rheumatisch-entzundlichen Arthritis oder neuromuskularen Erkrankung und der haufigsten Form nach versuchter Korrektur eines Hallux valgus im Sinne einer iatrogenen Deformitat zu unterscheiden. Als unerwunschte Folge einer operativen Hallux valgus Korrektur tritt die Hallux varus Deformitat vor allem nach uberschiesendem lateralen Release oder nach Mc Bride Operationen in einer Haufigkeit von 8% bis 12%) [1,29,22,30,5]. Unter den metatarsalen Korrekturosteotomien birgt die proximale Osteotomie das hochste Gefahrenpotential fur die Entstehung eines Hallux varus [1,2,28]. Entscheidend fur die Behandlungsstrategie sind die Ursachen der Deformitat, die Rigiditat der Weichteile mit der damit verbundenen Funktionseinschrankung und der Leidensdruck des Patienten ebenso wie die Unterscheidung zwischen knochernen und weichteiligen Ursachen fur die Deformitat. Die Wiederherstellung der Funktion gelingt umso besser je geringer und flexibler die Fehlstellung ist. Voraussetzung fur eine gelenkerhaltende Korrektur ist eine weitgehend intakte Gelenkflache. Liegen als Ursache systemische Erkrankungen vor sollte auf Grund der erhohten Rezidivrate eine Korrekturarthrodese in die therapeutischen Moglichkeiten mit einbezogen werden.
Global energy and the greenhouse issue

Global energy production and use results in the release of Co{sub 2} and other gases to the atmosphere which affect the atmosphere's radiative character. The accumulation of CO{sub 2} and other radiatively important (RIGs) is thought to result in higher mean global surface temperatures and other climatic changes, whose character would vary regionally around the globe. Of critical importance to determining the timing and magnitude of global climate change is an understanding of long term global energy systems. 19 refs., 3 tabs.
Immunological Aspects of Asthma

Many investigators now accept that chronic inflammation of the bronchial mucosa plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of asthma. This inflammation resembles a cell-mediated reaction in which selective release of cytokines, principally by activated T lymphocytes but also by other cells, brings about the accumulation and activation of granulocytes. Of the granulocytes, eosinophils are particularly implicated in causing the bronchial mucosal damage that is thought to underlie the clinical manifestations of asthma. Glucocorticoids, which inhibit T lymphocyte activation and cytokine release, currently form the mainstay of asthma therapy. However, many patients do not respond adequately to this therapy and consequently suffer from severe disease. Novel therapies for asthma, such as cytokine antagonists and monoclonal antibodies directed against pro-inflammatory effector cells, show great promise for the future. These agents are based on a knowledge of disease pathogenesis and are particularly directed against the T cell/cytokine/eosinophil interactions evident in the disease. They are urgently needed for those patients whose response to glucocorticoids is inadequate.
A geocomputation and geovisualization comparison of Moran and Geary eigenvector spatial filtering

To date, the basis of eigenvector spatial filtering is solely the centered spatial weights matrix (SWM) that is part of the Moran Coefficient (MC). The Laplacian matrix, diag -C offers an alternative transformation of the SWM, one associated with the Geary Ratio (GR), another popular measure of spatial autocorrelation (SA). This paper compares these two specifications, respectively denoted by MCESF and GRESF. We exploit the properties that the extreme values of the MC are determined by the second and the nth eigenvalues of the MC-based SWM, whereas the limits of the GR are a function of the largest and second smallest Laplacian eigenvalues. Both MC-based and GR-based eigenvectors share the same desirable properties of orthogonality and summing to zero (i.e., uncorrelatedness). Because the centered SWM and its Laplacian matrix counterpart partition a given SA space differently, MCESF captures more positive SA than its GRESF counterpart. The GRESF also tends to confuse positive and negative SA. The GRESF is more closely related to the row-standardized SWM W, whereas the MCESF is more closely tied to the binary SWM C. We conclude that the MCESF should furnish more parsimonious representations of SA, and hence a preferred technique for spatial analysis.
A Stochastic Finite Element Analysis for the Seismic Response of Soil Sites

In this study, a stochastic finite element method is developed for the analysis of seismic response of soil sites. The earthquake-induced ground motion is treated as a random process. A finite element discretization is used to model the soil mass. The dynamic response of the system to the random ground excitation is formulated in the frequency domain with transfer functions for various parameters, viz. displacement, acceleration, strain, and stress. The spectral density functions of these response variables are then readily obtained, from which the calculation of root-mean-squared and the most probable extreme values of the response are made. The nonlinearities of the shear modulus and damping ratio are incorporated by using an equivalent linear model for stress-strain behavior of soils and an iterative solution of the response. The spatial variability of the shear modulus is described through a random field model. The dynamic response of soil sites (uncertain system) to earthquake-induced ground motion (stochastic excitation) is evaluated through a first- order perturbation method and a direct Monte-Carlo simulation technique. The results from these two approaches of stochastic finite element analysis are compared with respect to accuracy and computational efficiency. The results from a case study and some parametric studies are also presented.
Adaptive Neural Networks

The neural networks studied in previous chapters have had a simple flow of information from input to hidden to output neurons through connections without loops and feedback. They were trained by supervised learning techniques where the desired system output was provided during training. Another interesting type of neural network performs unsupervised learning where the system is shown inputs with no desired outputs. The system searches for similar features in the training inputs to group them into categories where members of a single category share common features. These networks are called adaptive resonance theory (ART) networks (Carpenter and Grossberg, 1987). Carpenter and Grossberg have extended their theory to process inputs with a dynamic range. The sample program listed in this chapter uses this newer gray-scale Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART2) which allows inputs to have any value between 0.0 and 1.0 (thus the name gray-scale). This sample program uses the variable naming conventions originated by Gail Carpenter and Stephen Grossberg in their paper introducing the theory for ART2 (Carpenter and Grossberg, 1987). The real time dynamic behavior of ART2 net-works is fascinating to watch; they exhibit interesting behavior when they have few output neurons and are shown a large number of input patterns. The network will reshuffle existing categorizations when necessary.
A non-magnetic gyrator utilizing switched delay lines

A nonreciprocal phase shifter (gyrator) is designed to operate at 24.83 MHz using two transmission lines and two single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switches switched at 24.83 MHz, 90° out of phase. In one direction, the signal passes as if the gyrator were a normal transmission line. In the other, the signal is trapped in the transmission line such that it sees a line effectively three times as long. This design can be easily scaled to higher frequencies with the use of subnanosecond switches in an integrated circuit.
The "L-Word": A Short History of Liberalism.

Are these good or bad times for liberalism? On the domestic front, after eight years of the Reagan administration and a presidential campaign in which liberalism became “the L-word,” they seem to be bad times indeed. The same can be said of Margaret Thatcher's Britain. But elsewhere, especially in the Communist world, events and regimes seem to be moving in a liberal direction. China after Tiananmen Square presents a notable exception, of course, but the Communist regimes of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe are generally moving towards market economies and a greater concern for individual rights and liberties—two of the hallmarks of liberal societies.Hence the question: Are these good or bad times for liberalism? To answer, we shall need a broader perspective than a survey of contemporary developments can provide. We shall need to look back, that is, to see what liberalism was in order to understand what it has become. Only then can we assess its current condition and prospects—and appreciate how politics in the United States is largely an intramural debate between different wings of liberalism.Liberalism did not begin as a self-conscious social and political movement. This is evident in the fact that “liberal” did not enter the vocabulary of politics until the early 1800s, at least a century after what we now call liberalism became an important force in political thought and action.
Student Evaluations of Social Media in a University Course

Although university students use social media such as blogs, Twitter, instant messaging, text messaging, and Facebook to communicate with each other, the number of these tools used in the context of their coursework is more limited. In this qualitative study we investigate student evaluations of the use of social media in a university course. Students in an upper level university class that employed social media were asked to reflect on their use of social media in the class. Most report that they found the tools useful, either for their personal productivity or as training tools. We draw implications for the use of social media in university instruction from these findings.
It Takes a Village: The Role of Emic and Etic Adaptive Strengths in the Persistence of Black Men in Engineering Graduate Programs

Black men, underrepresented in engineering, constitute a missing segment of the population who could contribute to the global knowledge economy. To address this national concern, stakeholders need ...
Surface Modification of PVDF Membranes for Treating Produced Waters by Direct Contact Membrane Distillation

Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) has been conducted to treat hydraulic fracturing-produced water using polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) membranes. Tailoring the surface properties of the membrane is critical in order to reduce the rate of adsorption of dissolved organic species as well as mineral salts. The PVDF membranes have been modified by grafting zwitterion and polyionic liquid-based polymer chains. In addition, surface oxidation of the PVDF membrane has been conducted using KMnO4 and NaOH. Surface modification conditions were chosen in order to minimize the decrease in contact angle. Thus, the membranes remain hydrophobic, essential for suppression of wetting. DCMD was conducted using the base PVDF membrane as well as modified membranes. In addition, DCMD was conducted on the base membrane using produced water (PW) that was pretreated by electrocoagulation to remove dissolved organic compounds. After DCMD all membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy imaging as well as Energy-Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy. Surface modification led to a greater volume of PW being treated by the membrane prior to drastic flux decline. The results indicate that tailoring the surface properties of the membrane enhances fouling resistance and could reduce pretreatment requirements.
Quantification of global lung inflammation using volumetric 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy: a comparison of photon and proton radiation therapy.

IntroductionRadiation pneumonitis is a major dose-limiting complication in thoracic radiation therapy (RT) and presents clinically in the first few months after RT. We evaluated the feasibility of quantifying pulmonary parenchymal glycolysis (PG) as a surrogate of global lung inflammation and radiat
Introduction to “Emerging From Standardization: Learning to Teach for Cultural, Cognitive, and Community Relevance”

During the early 1970s, I inaugurated what became my teaching career by asking the inner city students in the 10th grade World History class where I was student teaching what they wanted to learn. ...
Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic multisystem disease and the most common recessive life-threatening illness in North America. In the United States, there is an estimated incidence of 1 in 2,906 Caucasian and 1 in 10,338 non-Caucasian live births [1]. Affected individuals demonstrate dysfunction of a multifunctional ion-channel protein, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) [1]. This protein acts as an important ion channel which regulates the hydration of airway surface liquid. In addition, mutations in CFTR give rise to a range of clinical manifestations extending from classic CF with airway obstruction and pancreatic insufficiency to single organ pathology. Mucosal obstruction of exocrine glands such as goblet cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts is the chief contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis.
The disucssion about the moral's influence on the social transaction cost

The economical entities and moral people always pay some cost and analyse the cost and profit when they do morals behaviours.The morals has its cost,The morals cost which the reasonal economical people have cost is the guarantee of most profit permanently.While the ordinary morals people pay moral cost and gain moral profit for society.The immoral behaviours should be penalized in material and morale by the system constrution and arrangment to expand the healthy atmosphere in morals.
Generalizability and Dependability of Single-Item and Multiple-Item Direct Behavior Rating Scales for Engagement and Disruptive Behavior

Direct behavior rating (DBR) has been described as a hybrid of systematic direct observation and behavior rating scales. Although single-item (DBR-SIS) and multi-item (DBR-MIS) methods have been advocated, the over- whelming majority of research attention has focused on DBR-SIS. This study employed generalizability theory to compare the dependability of the two DBR methods for two behaviors (Academic Engagement/Motivation and Disruptive Behavior). Two graduate students used both methods to rate 10-min video clips of the classroom behavior of 8 middle school students on three occasions. Generalizability of ratings was examined across raters and occasions, and deci- sion studies were conducted to determine the minimal number of ratings neces- sary to obtain an acceptable level of dependability. Results favor the DBR-MIS method over the DBR-SIS method for making timely decisions across decision- making contexts. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for research and practice.
Deciphering Treg accumulation in melanoma.

e22170 Background: A high density of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) at melanoma tumor sites correlates with poor prognosis due to immunosuppressive effects on the host immune system. While the concentr...
Strategic Financing and Information Revelation Amid Market Competition

In practice, interest expense can account for a large proportion of firms' costs, while the interest rate is often influenced by a firm's market prospect. In the presence of information asymmetry, a firm may have an incentive to borrow a larger amount, thereby signaling a high prospect to the lenders. On the other hand, such market confidence, if publicly shown, may stimulate competitors to respond more aggressively, which may incentivize the firm to instead borrow a smaller amount. Motivated by such observations, we investigate the determinants of a firm's financing and information revelation strategy. First, under public financing where the borrowing information is openly accessible, we find that when the firm's internal capital level and the market competition intensity are both low, the firm over-finances, if the market prospect is high, so as to credibly reveal its information to lower the interest rate. On the contrary, when the firm's internal capital level and the competition intensity are both high, the firm under-finances, if the market prospect is low, to credibly signal its information to alleviate competition. In the remaining scenarios, these two opposing incentives are surprisingly neutralized -- the firm neither imitates nor signals -- and the first-best solution is attained. As such, rather counter-intuitively, we show that an increase of the internal capital level can sometimes even be harmful for the firm while benefiting the competitor, and a more competitive market may not always be detrimental. Second, we investigate when the firm may seek private financing so that the borrowing information is not publicly revealed. A classical signaling game arises between the firm and the lender, while the competitor relies on the prior information to make its response. We find that private financing emerges as an equilibrium outcome only when the firm's internal capital level is sufficiently high and the competition intensity is intermediate.
Multimodal fusion of histology and molecular features for improved survival outcome prediction (Conference Presentation).

Despite holding enormous potential in elucidating the tumor microenvironment and its phenotypic morphological heterogeneity, whole-slide image slides are underutilized in the analysis of survival outcomes and biomarker discovery, with very few methods developed that seek to integrate transcriptome profiles with histopathology data. In this work, we propose to fuse of molecular and histology features using artificial intelligence, and train an end-to-end multimodal deep neural network for survival outcome prediction. Our research establishes insight and theory on how to combine multimodal biomedical data, which will be integral for other problems in medicine with heterogenous data sources.
Machine Learning and Optimal Control of Enzyme Activities to Preserve Solvent Capacity in the Cell

Experimental measurements or computational model predictions of the post-translational regulation of enzymes needed in a metabolic pathway is a difficult problem. Consequently, regulation is mostly known only for well-studied reactions of central metabolism in various model organisms. In this study, we utilize two approaches to predict enzyme regulation policies and investigate the hypothesis that regulation is driven by the need to maintain the solvent capacity in the cell. The first predictive method uses a statistical thermodynamics and metabolic control theory framework while the second method is performed using a hybrid optimization-reinforcement learning approach. Efficient regulation schemes were learned from experimental data that either agree with theoretical calculations or result in a higher cell fitness using maximum useful work as a metric. Model predictions provide the following novel general principles: (1) the regulation itself causes the reactions to be much further from equilibrium instead of the common assumption that highly non-equilibrium reactions are the targets for regulation; (2) regulation is used to maintain the concentrations of both immediate and downstream product concentrations rather than to maintain a specific energy charge; and (3) the minimal regulation needed to maintain metabolite levels at physiological concentrations also results in the maximal energy production rate that can be obtained at physiological conditions. The resulting energy production rate is an emergent property of regulation which may be represented by a high value of the adenylate energy charge. In addition, the predictions demonstrate that the amount of regulation needed can be minimized if it is applied at the beginning or branch point of a pathway, in agreement with common notions. The approach is demonstrated for three pathways in the central metabolism of E. coli (gluconeogenesis, glycolysis-TCA and Pentose Phosphate-TCA) that each require different regulation schemes. It is shown quantitatively that hexokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase, all branch points of pathways, play the largest roles in regulating central metabolism.
Imaging through highly scattering human skulls with ultrasound-modulated optical tomography

Advances in human brain imaging technologies are critical to understanding how the brain works and the diagnosis of brain disorders. Existing technologies have different drawbacks, and the human skull poses a great challenge for pure optical and ultrasound imaging technologies. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of using ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, a hybrid technology that combines both light and sound, to image through human skulls. Single-shot off-axis holography was used to measure the field of the ultrasonically tagged light. This Letter paves the way for imaging the brain noninvasively through the skull, with optical contrast and a higher spatial resolution than that of diffuse optical tomography.
Single-Cell Sequencing of Brain Cell Transcriptomes and Epigenomes

Single-cell sequencing technologies, including transcriptomic and epigenomic assays, are transforming our understanding of the cellular building blocks of neural circuits. By directly measuring multiple molecular signatures in thousands to millions of individual cells, single-cell sequencing methods can comprehensively characterize the diversity of brain cell types. These measurements uncover gene regulatory mechanisms that shape cellular identity and provide insight into developmental and evolutionary relationships between brain cell populations. Single-cell sequencing data can aid the design of tools for targeted functional studies of brain circuit components, linking molecular signatures with anatomy, connectivity, morphology, and physiology. Here, we discuss the fundamental principles of single-cell transcriptome and epigenome sequencing, integrative computational analysis of the data, and key applications in neuroscience.
Mechanism Studies of Madden-Julian Oscillation Coupling Into the Mesosphere/Lower Thermosphere Tides Using SABER, MERRA-2, and SD-WACCMX.

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), an eastward-moving disturbance near the equator (±30°) that typically recurs every ∼30-90 days in tropical winds and clouds, is the dominant mode of intraseasonal variability in tropical convection and circulation and has been extensively studied due to its importance for medium-range weather forecasting. A previous statistical diagnostic of SABER/TIMED observations and the MJO index showed that the migrating diurnal (DW1) and the important nonmigrating diurnal (DE3) tide modulates on MJO-timescale in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) by about 20%-30%, depending on the MJO phase. In this study, we address the physics of the underlying coupling mechanisms using SABER, MERRA-2 reanalysis, and SD-WACCMX. Our emphasis was on the 2008-2010 time period when several strong MJO events occurred. SD-WACCMX and SABER tides show characteristically similar MJO-signal in the MLT region. The tides largely respond to the MJO in the tropospheric tidal forcing and less so to the MJO in tropospheric/stratospheric background winds. We further quantify the MJO response in the MLT region in the SD-WACCMX zonal and meridional momentum forcing by separating the relative contributions of classical (Coriolis force and pressure gradient) and nonclassical forcing (advection and gravity wave drag [GWD]) which transport the MJO-signal into the upper atmosphere. Interestingly, the tidal MJO-response is larger in summer due to larger momentum forcing in the MLT region despite the MJO being most active in winter. We find that tidal advection and GWD forcing in MLT can work together or against each other depending on their phase relationship to the MJO-phases.
Beyond hepatic hemangiomas: the diverse appearances of gastrointestinal and genitourinary hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are common lesions, best known for their appearance in the liver. Their appearance in less common locations, such as the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, is less well known. We will review the typical and atypical appearance of hemangiomas in these locations on sonography, CT, and MRI.
The Effect of Decreasing the Size of the Ring Present in Deamino-oxytocin by One Methylene Group on Its Biological Properties THE SYNTHESIS OF 1-MERCAPTOACETIC ACID-OXYTOCIN

Abstract 1-Mercaptoacetic acid-oxytocin, an analogue of deamino-oxytocin in which the size of the disulfide ring is decreased from 20 to 19 members, has been synthesized and isolated in highly purified form by means of countercurrent distribution. The analogue possessed 4 units per mg of avian vasodepressor activity, 25 units per mg of oxytocic activity, 50 units per mg of milk-ejecting activity, 0.1 unit per mg of antidiuretic activity, and 0.01 unit per mg of pressor activity. The mixed disulfide of l-cysteine and mercaptoacetic acid has been synthesized, and its chromatographic behavior in the Beckman/Spinco amino acid analyzer has been shown to be the same as that of the mixed disulfide produced by acid hydrolysis of 1-mercaptoacetic acid-oxytocin.
Distribution of biomass within small tree and shrub form Quercus gambelii stands

Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) occupies approximately 3.5 million ha in the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It is becoming recognized as an important fuelwood resource. Design of appropriate management strategies requires information on the biomass distribution characteristics within these stands. Biomass components of eight Gambel oak small tree and shrub form stands (clones) were sampled in Utah. Stem densities ranged from 5000 to 34,000 per ha of clone. Mean stem diameters varied from 36 to 117 mm. Live stems averaged 4992 g including dead branches, while standing dead stems averaged 1347 g. Live biomass per occupied hectare averaged 124,388 kg including 40,702 kg of bole. The ratio of aboveground to belowground live biomasses was unusually low -44:56. Total aboveground and belowground biomass including detritus was 184,292 kg per hectare of clone.
Protein kinase C-activated calcium channel in the osteoblast-like clonal osteosarcoma cell line UMR-106.

Abstract The effects of protein kinase C stimulation on free cytosolic Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) were studied in Fura 2-loaded UMR-106 cells. Stimulation of the protein kinase C with the tumor-promoting phorbol esters 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and phorbol 12,13-diacetate or 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol was followed by an increase in [Ca2+]i. The protein kinase C-induced increase in [Ca2+]i has a lag period, the duration of which was dependent on the stimulant and medium Ca2+ concentrations. With 2 microM TPA, the rise in [Ca2+]i peaked within 1.5 min, after which [Ca2+]i returned partially toward base line. The increase in [Ca2+]i was absolutely dependent on the presence of medium Ca2+ and was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blockers nicardipine and verapamil. Cell stimulation also results in Ca2+ release from intracellular pool(s) which appears to be mediated by a Ca2+-dependent Ca2+ release mechanism. The reduction in [Ca2+]i was due to channel inactivation. Pretreatment of the cells with 1 nM TPA, 2 units/ml parathyroid hormone (PTH), or 15 microM forskolin blocked the effect of 2 microM TPA on [Ca2+]i. TPA and PTH were more potent inhibitors than was forskolin. The properties of this channel are compared to the cAMP-independent PTH-stimulated Ca2+ channel present in these cells.
Approximate Hartree-Fock Calculations on Small Molecules

Publisher Summary This chapter presents approximate Hartree-Fock calculations on diatomic molecules and polyatomic molecules. It reviews results obtained by this method for the molecules containing more than two or three electrons. This excludes the smallest molecules, for which special methods can be used to give results of high accuracy. The improvement in results obtained in going from simple (linear combinations of atomic orbitals) LCAO calculations to a reasonable approximation to a true Hartree-Fock calculation has been substantial. For molecular calculations, a general orbital basis is selected. Matrix elements of the one- and two-electron operators in the Hamiltonian must be computed in this basis as input data for the matrix. The term LCAO is used only in reference to the calculations with minimal basis sets, either with Slater orbitals or with more complicated functions, including actual ground state atomic Hartree-Fock orbitals. In general, LCAO calculations have led to unsatisfactory results, due to the rigidity of the basis set. The strong electrostatic field in a molecule distorts the atomic valence orbitals in the sense of changing their radial functional form or of modifying their angular dependence. When orbital basis sets are used, that are capable of representing such distortion, in addition to the superposition of orbitals in the LCAO molecular orbital approximation, significant improvements result.