cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The timing of industry and firm earnings information in security prices: A re-evaluation

Abstract This paper re-evaluates evidence in Ayers and Freeman [Ayers, F., Freeman, R., 1997. Market assessment of industry and firm earnings information. Journal of Accounting and Economics 24, 205–218] suggesting that investors anticipate industry-wide components of earnings earlier than firm-specific components, and that post-earnings-announcement drift following annual earnings announcements is due primarily to firm-specific components of earnings. Our tests indicate that post-announcement drift is entirely attributable to coefficient bias due to measurement errors in the use of realized earnings changes as proxies for unexpected earnings. Also, coefficient differences in the market's anticipation of subsequent-year industry and firm-specific earnings become insignificant when we introduce suitable controls for non-linearity in the return/earnings relation.
Safe grounding practices and recommendations for industrial facilities

Grounding has a significant impact on personnel and property safety, and is an integral part of electrical system design. Specific areas relating to safety criteria, system grounding, and equipment grounding that are either neglected or not covered in sufficient detail in presently published standards, guides, and codes are discussed. Some considerations and recommendations are presented. The major purpose of system grounding is to improve system safety by using the earth as a reference. The type, size, and location of the resulting grounds must be determined in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and good engineering judgement. The connection of a specific point of an electrical system to the earth creates a potential reference point for that electrical system. By doing so, overvoltages are controlled and limited, contributing to safe system operation. >
BI-RADS update for breast cancer caregivers

This review will discuss changes relevant to breast cancer caregivers in the fifth edition of the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System.
Postnatal Elongation of Eye Size in DBA/2J Mice Compared with C57BL/6J Mice: In Vivo Analysis with Whole-Eye OCT

Purpose. To characterize postnatal changes in eye size in glaucomatous DBA/2J (D2) mice and in nonglaucomatous C57BL/6J mice (B6) in vivo by means of whole-eye optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Pacifier Restriction and Exclusive Breastfeeding

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that removing pacifiers from routine distribution in our mother-baby unit (MBU) would be associated with greater breastfeeding initiation or exclusivity during the birth hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively compared exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding plus supplemental formula feeding, and exclusive formula feeding rates for 2249 infants admitted to the MBU at our university teaching hospital during the 5 months before and 8 months after restriction of routine pacifier distribution. Formula supplementation, if not medically indicated, was discouraged per standard practice, but access to formula was not restricted. RESULTS: Of the 2249 infants, 79% were exclusively breastfed from July through November 2010, when pacifiers were routinely distributed. During the 8-month period after pacifier restriction, this proportion decreased significantly to 68% ( P P P CONCLUSIONS: Restricting pacifier distribution during the newborn hospitalization without also restricting access to formula was associated with decreased exclusive breastfeeding, increased supplemental formula feeding, and increased exclusive formula feeding. Because high-quality, prospective medical literature addressing pacifier use and breastfeeding does not conclusively show an adverse relationship in women who are motivated to breastfeed, more studies are needed to help determine what effect, if any, pacifiers have on breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity in the immediate newborn period.
Neural networks to identify glaucomatous visual field progression.

Abstract Purpose To describe a method to determine progression of glaucoma based on visual field thresholds. Design Observational retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Methods A back propagation neural network with three hidden layers was developed with commercial software. Visual field data from 80 patients who participated in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) were used. Glaucomatous visual field progression was defined as a change of 4 or more units in the AGIS score, confirmed by at least two sequential subsequent tests. Inputs to the neural network consisted of threshold measurements from 55 visual field locations from the baseline examination and each follow-up examination. The data set was randomized so the sequence of examinations would not influence the training or testing of the neural network. Two thirds of the randomized data were used for training and the remaining one third for testing. Results The mean age of 80 patients enrolled in AGIS at initial examination was 67.4 (± 7.3 standard deviation [SD]) years. The average follow-up period was 7.2 (±2.3 SD) years and the mean duration between examinations was 0.46 (± 0.39 SD) years. The neural network estimated the probability of progression for each baseline and follow-up comparison with an average sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 88%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.92, with a sensitivity of 86% at the 80% specificity level and a sensitivity of 91% at the 90% specificity level. Conclusions From analysis of AGIS data, progression of glaucoma could be detected from visual field thresholds with a neural network.
The Effect of Acetaldehyde on Human Plasma Factor XIII Function

The effect of acetaldehyde on the transglutaminase activity in pooled normal human plasma has been investigated. In this study, 0.05, 0.2, and 0.7 ml of pooled human plasma were preincubated for 30 min. at room temperature with buffer or acetaldehyde at final concentrations of 40.6, 22.4, and 11.2 mM before being utilized for Factor XIIIa assay with fibrinogen and thrombin which had been preheated at 40°C to destroy endogenous Factor XIII/XIIIa activity. At all concentrations of acetaldehyde and all concentrations of plasma-containing Factor XIII which were employed, prolongation of both clotting time and stabilization time was observed. The 11.2 mM acetaldehyde is within the range of daily acetaldehyde production to be predicted in severe alcoholics as a consequence of imbibing alcohol. The stabilization times measured for Factor XIIIa activity appear to be the most sensitive to acetaldehyde compared to acetaldehyde effects on thrombin, Factor Xa, and fibrinogen studied earlier in this laboratory, as well as Factors II, VII, and X.
Diatom ecological guilds display distinct and predictable behavior along nutrient and disturbance gradients in running waters

Abstract Three diatom ecological guilds were distinguished based on their potential to tolerate nutrient limitation and physical disturbance, i.e. a low profile, high profile, and motile guild. The guild distributions were examined along nutrient and flow disturbance gradients and across habitats in two extensively sampled streams. The guilds showed distinct distributional patterns, i.e. the low profile guild was favored in nutrient-poor and high disturbance habitats; the high profile guild reached a maximum in nutrient-rich sites and in conditions of low flow disturbance; and the motile guild increased along the nutrient gradients and decreased along the disturbance gradient. Guild distribution was habitat-specific: the low profile guild dominated the epipsammon, the high profile guild showed preference for epilithon and epiphyton, and the motile guild—for epipelon. The highest guild diversity was observed at high nutrient levels across all habitats, at higher flow disturbance levels, and in the epipelon and epiphyton. Comparisons of species, guild, and environmental distances, derived from species counts, guild abundance, and physico-chemical data, respectively, revealed high congruence between species–environment and guild–environment correlations. The predictable behavior of the three ecological guilds along nutrient and disturbance gradients, and across major benthic habitats elucidates the functional value of different diatom growth morphologies in species–environment interactions and suggests a potential use in ecological assessments of human-impacted ecosystems.
Cognitive Differences in Dream Content between English Males and Females Attending Dream Seminars Using Quantitative Content Analysis

This study investigated if dream content differences exist between male and female dreamers in England. One most recent dream report was collected from each of the 100 male and 100 female research ...
Evaluating the effectiveness of intercultural teachers.

Abstract With globalization and major immigration flows, intercultural teaching encounters are likely to increase, along with the need to assure intercultural teaching effectiveness. Thus, the purpose of this article is to present a conceptual framework for nurse educators to consider when anticipating an intercultural teaching experience. Kirkpatrick's and Bushnell's models provide a basis for the conceptual framework. Major concepts of the model include input, process, output, and outcome. The model may possibly be used to guide future research to determine which variables are most influential in explaining intercultural teaching effectiveness.
Blocking in autoshaped lever-pressing procedures with rats

Rats will approach and contact a lever whose insertion into the chamber signals response-independent food delivery. This “autoshaping” or “sign-tracking” phenomenon has recently attracted considerable attention as a platform for studying individual differences in impulsivity, drug sensitization, and other traits associated with vulnerability to drug addiction. Here, we examined two basic stimulus selection phenomena—blocking and overshadowing—in the autoshaped lever pressing of rats. Blocking and overshadowing were decidedly asymmetrical. Previously reinforced lever-extension conditioned stimuli (CSs) completely blocked conditioning to auditory cues (Exps. 1 and 2), and previously nonreinforced lever-extension CSs overshadowed conditioning to auditory cues. By contrast, conditioning to lever-extension CSs was not blocked by either auditory (Exp. 3) or lever-insertion (Exp. 4) cues, and was not overshadowed by auditory cues. Conditioning to a lever-insertion cue was somewhat overshadowed by the presence of another lever, especially in terms of food cup behavior displayed after lever withdrawal. We discuss several frameworks in which the apparent immunity of autoshaped lever pressing to blocking might be understood. Given evidence that different brain systems are engaged when different kinds of cues are paired with food delivery, it is worth considering the possibility that interactions among them in learning and performance may follow different rules. In particular, it is intriguing to speculate that the roles of simple cue–reinforcer contiguity, as well as of individual and aggregate reinforcer prediction errors, may differ across stimulus classes.
Modulation of the BP response to diet by genes in the renin-angiotensin system and the adrenergic nervous system

BACKGROUND Essential hypertension results from the interaction of several genetic and environmental factors. Identification of genetic factors that modulate blood pressure (BP) response to interventions can lead to improved strategies for prevention and control. The purpose of this study was to identify genes that modulate BP response to dietary interventions. METHODS We used data and samples collected in two randomized feeding studies to determine the extent to which genetic architecture is associated with the effect on BP of sodium intake and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern. Participants in both trials were adults with above-optimal BP or unmedicated stage 1 hypertension. Genomic DNA was typed for several candidate genes. RESULTS The effect of sodium intake on BP differed by genotype at the angiotensinogen, β2-adrenergic receptor, and kallikrein loci. The effect of DASH dietary pattern on BP differed by genotype at the β2-adrenergic receptor locus. CONCLUSIONS These findings have implications for understanding the mechanism(s) through which diet affects BP, the heterogeneity of these effects, and the extent to which dietary interventions can modulate genetic predisposition.
Blood antioxidants changes in young women following beta-carotene depletion and repletion.

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between beta-carotene intake and biochemical indices of antioxidant status in the blood of nine premenopausal women ages 18 to 42.Nine healthy adult women were fed a low beta-carotene diet for 68 days. They were repleted with the same diet supplemented with beta-carotene (15 mg beta-carotene) for 28 days. During the last week of the study, they received an additional mixed carotenoid supplement. Indices of blood antioxidant status were measured on days 1, 29, 36, 43, 50, 64, 71, 92, and 99.We found significant increases of erythrocyte conjugated dienes between the 71st and 99th day of the study; increases of glutathione (GSH) peroxidase (GP) on day 43 and day 92 compared to a decrease on day 29; and decreases of GSH reductase throughout the treatment period. Erythrocyte catalase activities seemed to parallel GP activities. Erythrocyte oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels were depressed both after beta-carotene depletion and repletion. beta-Carotene d...
Oxide materials for high temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Abstract Thermoelectric energy conversion can be used to capture electric power from waste heat in a variety of applications. The materials that have been shown to have the best thermoelectric properties are compounds containing elements such as tellurium and antimony. These compounds can be oxidized if exposed to the high temperature air that may be present in heat recovery applications. Oxide materials have better stability in oxidizing environments, so their use enables the fabrication of more durable devices. Thus, although the thermoelectric properties of oxides are inferior to those of the compounds mentioned above, their superior stability may expand potential the high temperature application of thermoelectric energy conversion. In this paper, the thermoelectric properties of promising oxide materials are reviewed. The different types of oxides used for thermoelectric applications are compared and approaches for improving performance through doping are discussed.
A new synthesis of aromatic thiolis

Abstract Benzenoid and heterocylic lithio derivatives react smoothly with tetraisopropyl-thiuram disulfide to give highly crystalline and readily purified S-aryl-N, N-diisopropyldi-thiocarbamates, which yield aromatic thiols on alkaline hydrolysis.
Computational searching and mutagenesis suggest a structure for the pentameric transmembrane domain of phospholamban.

Structural and environmental constraints greatly simplify the folding problem for membrane proteins. Computational methods can be used in a global search to find a small number of chemically reasonable models within these constraints, such that a modest set of experimental data can distinguish among them. We show that for phospholamban, the global search can be further simplified by reducing the problem to two-body, rather than many-body, interactions. This method of a constrained global search combined with experimental mutagenesis data yields a three-dimensional structure for this pentameric ion channel. The model is a left-handed symmetric homopentamer of α-helices with a well-defined channel, lined solely by hydrophobic residues.
Comment on Breiner et al. Does the prevailing hypothesis that small-fiber dysfunction precedes large-fiber dysfunction apply to type 1 diabetic patients? Diabetes care 2014;37:1418-1424.

We read with great interest the article by Breiner et al. (1) demonstrating the presence of small-fiber dysfunction in type 1 diabetes of significant duration in the absence of perceptible abnormalities in large-fiber function, and we congratulate the authors for their simple, clear, and elegant study design. We also agree with the authors that this study “has made an important contribution to the literature” in understanding the development of early neuropathy in type 1 diabetes. As reviewed by the authors, the association of small-fiber dysfunction prior to large-fiber change is already an established concept in the neuropathy of type 2 diabetes and, indeed, in impaired glucose metabolism. It …
Superovulation using recombinant human FSH and ultrasound-guided transabdominal follicular aspiration in baboon (Papio anubis).

Abstract The response of baboon females to a modified human ovarian stimulation protocol incorporating start of pituitary suppression in the luteal phase of the cycle with a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) and recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) was studied. A long-acting GnRHa implant supplying goserelin acetate was administered s.c. to six adult female baboons experiencing regular menstrual cycles (33–34 days) on days 22–24 of the cycle. Follicular development was monitored by transabdominal ultrasonography and serum levels of E2 and progesterone (P4) and rhFSH were determined by ELISA. Menses occurred 9–10 days after GnRHa administration. Daily i.m. administration of 75 IU rhFSH commenced 9–10 days after menses and continued for 9–10 days. When most follicles were ≥5 mm diameter and serum E2 had reached its maximum level, 2000 IU hCG was administered i.m. to induce follicle maturation. Transabdominal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration of follicles ≥2 mm diameter was performed 30–34 h after hCG administration. One baboon did not show an adequate response to rhFSH stimulation. This animal did not receive further treatment and no data for it are presented. The number of follicles aspirated was 21±4 and 17.2±3.8 oocytes were recovered per animal with an average recovery rate of 82% (86/105). The number of oocytes collected from five animals were 14, 21, 16, 15, and 20 ( n =86). Most of the oocytes recovered were in metaphase II and 3 h after recovery 91% (78/86) were considered suitable for in vitro fertilization. It was concluded that recombinant human FSH can successfully induce follicular recruitment and oocyte maturation in baboon females during pituitary suppression with a GnRHa
Basic approach to inflammatory ulcers

Cutaneous ulcers are a difficult problem. A multidisciplinary approach is often adapted in caring for patients with nonhealing wounds. Internists, surgeons, dermatologists, and nurses must work together to provide a patient with the most comprehensive care possible. Dermatologists are consulted for a number of reasons, particularly if the ulcers are secondary to an inflammatory process. In this discussion, we describe a basic and useful approach to the diagnosis and management of inflammatory ulcers. The spectrum of these conditions is wide, ranging from vasculitis, to pyoderma gangrenosum, to ulcers resulting from the antiphospholipid syndrome and cryoprecipitates. The present authors will emphasize that the approach needs to be all-encompassing, and not focused on the ulceration alone. Certain clues are critical to diagnosis. The management, whereas often difficult, can be very rewarding.
Gas exchange rates in the tidal Hudson river using a dual tracer technique

Gas exchange rates have been determined in the tidal Hudson River by injecting 2 inert gases, 3 He and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) and monitoring their decline with time. Their distributions along the main axis of the river were approximately gaussian and maximum concentrations of excess 3 He and SF 6 observed during each transect decreased from about 6500 × 10 -16 cm 3 STP g -1 and 250 ppt (part per trillion by volume), respectively, to values close to atmospheric equilibrium concentrations over a period of 16 days. Throughout the experiment, vertical gradients in tracer concentration were observed. After 3 days of mixing, tracer concentrations in bottom samples were 0–19% greater than in surface samples. Gas transfer velocities were calculated from the temporal change in the depth averaged excess 3 He/SF 6 ratio from stations having maximum tracer concentrations. They ranged from 1.5 to 9.0 cm h -1 and correlated well with mean wind speed. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1994.t01-2-00003.x
Resveratrol and curcumin enhance pancreatic β-cell function by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity.

Resveratrol (RES) and curcumin (CUR) are polyphenols that are found in fruits and turmeric, and possess medicinal properties that are beneficial in various diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Results from recent studies have indicated that their therapeutic properties can be attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects. Owing to reports stating that they protect against β-cell dysfunction, we studied their mechanism(s) of action in β-cells. In T2DM, cAMP plays a critical role in glucose- and incretin-stimulated insulin secretion as well as overall pancreatic β-cell health. A potential therapeutic target in the management of T2DM lies in regulating the activity of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which degrade cAMP. Both RES and CUR have been reported to act as PDE inhibitors in various cell types, but it remains unknown if they do so in pancreatic β-cells. In our current study, we found that both RES (0.1–10 μmol/l) and CUR (1–100 pmol/l)-regulated insulin secretion under glucose-stimulated conditions. Additionally, treating β-cell lines and human islets with these polyphenols led to increased intracellular cAMP levels in a manner similar to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a classic PDE inhibitor. When we investigated the effects of RES and CUR on PDEs, we found that treatment significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of most of the 11 PDE isozymes, including PDE3B, PDE8A, and PDE10A, which have been linked previously to regulation of insulin secretion in islets. Furthermore, RES and CUR inhibited PDE activity in a dose-dependent manner in β-cell lines and human islets. Collectively, we demonstrate a novel role for natural-occurring polyphenols as PDE inhibitors that enhance pancreatic β-cell function.
Experimental evidence for flux-lattice melting

A low-frequency torsional oscillator has been used to search for flux-lattice melting in an untwinned single crystal of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta). The damping of the oscillator was measured as a function of temperature, for applied magnetic fields in the range H = 0.1-2.3 T. A remarkably sharp damping peak has been located. It is suggested that the temperature of the peak corresponds to the melting point of the Abrikosov flux lattice.
Underwater acoustics at Applied Research Laboratories, The University of Texas at Austin

Several University of Texas physicists and acousticians served at the Harvard Underwater Sound Laboratory during World War II. Among them was Associate Director Paul Boner who founded Applied Research Laboratories (ARL:UT) upon his return to Texas in 1945. The underwater acoustics program began in 1949 under sponsorship of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in support of passive sea mine sensors. The talk will focus on growth of the program in the early years including basic research, advancements in sonar engineering and signal processing, torpedo, mine and mine countermeasures (for both ocean and riverine environments), work on ship signatures, sediment physics and properties, target strength, submarine and anti-submarine sonar for both active and passive modes, in-situ calibration of ship transducers, environmental acoustics, long-range propagation and modeling, and nonlinear acoustics. ARL:UT’s participation and support of the university’s missions of research, education, and public service will also be discussed.
The microbial hydroxylation of solanidine and the mass spectrometric studies of some hydroxylated solanidines

Abstract The steroidal alkaloid solanidine has been hydroxylated by the fungus Helicostylum piriforme (ATCC 8992) to yield 11α-hydroxysolanidine. Proof for its structure was derived from chemical as well as mass spectra data. Mass spectrometric studies of the compound and several related hydroxysolanidines (rubijervine, epirubijervine and isorubijervine) are presented.
Recurrence of endometrial adenocarcinoma in a prior Bartholin's cyst marsupialization incision.

Abstract Background. Endometrial cancer recurrences in surgical incisions are rare and thought to be due to seeding of the area with microscopic disease at the time of original surgery. Case. A 53-year-old woman underwent a dual procedure of a marsupialization of a benign bartholin's cyst with a hysteroscopic dilation and curettage for postmenopausal bleeding and received the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Final pathology from subsequent hysterectomy and staging procedure demonstrated a surgical Stage IB Grade 1 endometrial cancer. An isolated recurrence of disease in her marsupialization scar was discovered 10 months after her staging procedure. Conclusion. This case represents the only described endometrial cancer recurrence in a Bartholin's gland which was contaminated at the time of the original hysteroscopy and dilation and curettage.
Activity of triciribine and triciribine-5'-monophosphate against human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2

Triciribine (TCN) and its 5′-monophosphate (TCN-P) are novel tricyclic compounds with known antitumor activity; TCN-P is currently in phase II human clinical trials. We now report that these compounds have potent and selective activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2. Using a syncytial plaque assay, TCN and TCN-P were active against HIV-1 at 0.01-0.02 μM and had differential selectivities of 2250 and 1900, respectively, compared to 1850 for AZT. In contrast, TCN and TCN-P had minimal selectivity against human cytomegalovirus (50 and 27, respectively). TCN and TCN-P markedly inhibited HIV-1-induced p24 core antigen production, reverse transcriptase, and infectious virus production in a dose-dependent manner using HIV-1 acutely infected CEM-SS, H9, and persistently infected H9IIIB and U1 cells. In acutely infected PBL cells, TCN and TCN-P inhibited reverse transcriptase and infectious virus production but not p24 core antigen production. Using a microtiter XTT assay, TCN and TCN-P were active against a panel of HIV...
The effects of orienting tasks on recognition, recall, and modality confusion of pictures and words

Subjects were presented with a list of pictures and words and performed tasks that oriented processing toward the concept as an image, the concept as a verbal item, or toward underlying referential information associated with the concept. Recognition (Experiment 1) for concepts presented as pictures was superior only when the task required subjects to orient to the concept as a verbal item per se; a word superiority effect was observed when orientation was to the concept as a picture per se. The mode of presentation did not influence concept recognition when subjects had focused on the referential meaning of the items. Memory for form was also influenced by the task, with subjects more likely to claim they saw a word as a picture than vice versa, but only in the referent tasks. When subjects were asked to recall, rather than recognize the concepts (Experiment 2), there was a similar, though not identical, pattern of results. The sensory-semantic model of D. L. Nelson, V. S. Reed, and C. L. McEvoy Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 1977, 3, 485–497) had difficulty with some aspects of these data. The availability of information regarding cognitive operations performed on the input seems to be an important component of memory traces.
The burden of traumatic brain injury among adolescent and young adult workers in Washington State

Abstract Objective This study describes injury characteristics and costs of work-related traumatic brain injury (WRTBI) among 16-24 year olds in Washington State between 1998 and 2008. Methods WRTBIs were identified in the Washington Trauma Registry (WTR) and linked to workers' compensation (WC) claims data. Medical and time-loss compensation costs were compared between workers with isolated TBI and TBI with other trauma. Results Of 273 WRTBI cases identified, most (61.5%) were TBI with other trauma. One-third of WRTBI did not link to a WC claim. Medical costs averaged $88,307 (median $16,426) for isolated TBI cases, compared to $73,669 (median $41,167) for TBI with other trauma. Conclusions Results highlight the financial impact of WRTBI among young workers. Multiple data sources provided a more comprehensive picture than a single data source alone. This linked-data approach holds great potential for future traumatic occupational injury research. Impact on Industry TBI among young workers not only involves long-term health and psychological impacts, but is costly as well.
Nonlinear Algebraic Reduction for Snap-Fit Simulation

Snap-fits are often preferred over other traditional methods of assembly since they reduce part count, assembly/disassembly time, and manufacturing cost. A typical simulation of a snap-fit assembly entails two critical steps: contact detection and nonlinear deformation analysis, which are strongly coupled. One could rely on standard 3D contact detectors and standard 3D finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the two steps. However, since snap-fits are slender, 3D FEA tends to be inefficient and slow. On the other hand, one could rely on an explicit 1D beam reduction for simulation. This is highly efficient for large deformation analysis, but contact detection can pose challenges. Moreover, for complex snap-fits, extracting cross-sectional properties for 1D formulation is nontrivial. We propose here a nonlinear algebraic dimensional reduction method that offers the "best of both worlds. " In the proposed method, a 3D model is used for contact detection. However, to speed-up deformation analysis, the 3D model is implicitly reduced to a 1D beam model via an algebraic process. Thus, it offers the generality of 3D simulation and the computational efficiency of 1D simulation, as confirmed by the numerical experiments and optimization studies.
Comparison of two serum bactericidal assays for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Abstract Pooled normal human serum killing of 14 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was assessed by dilution plate and microtiter methods. In both assays, the strains presented a spectrum of sensitivity to the serum. In the dilution plate assay, results with two different concentrations of human serum were similar for most, but not all of the strains tested. When data for all of the strains were compared, no correlation was found between the dilution plate and microtiter bactericidal assays. Finally, we found that the bactericidal capacities of intact and complement-depleted human sera very similar when assessed by microtiter methods, suggesting a non-complement-mediated serum killing mechanism.
Accuracy of diffraction-based overlay metrology using a single array target

We focus on the capability and theoretical limits of a model-based scatterometry method to determine overlay using a single two-dimensional array target. We use our modeling capability to design an optimized test target for scatterometer-based overlay measurements in a range of semiconductor films. We propose a methodology to measure the overlay using a single two-dimensional array target designed with intentional offsets, Δx and Δy, between the top and bottom grid arrays along the X and Y directions. This method allows extraction of the two-dimensional overlays from first diffraction order measurements through bi-azimuth angle analysis (0 and 90 deg with respect to the incidence plane), and includes a simple linear response algorithm. Two critical issues are taken into account: correlation of Δx and Δy and lithography process errors. We have simulated the diffraction signatures of a two-dimensional target with a pitch of 400 nm and linewidth of 100 nm, and optimized the overlay target design to maximize the measurement sensitivity and minimize the correlation of two axial measurements. We also investigate the influence of parameter variations on overlay measurement error
351 nm, 0.7 ns laser damage thresholds of monomeric liquid-crystalline systems

Abstract The 351 nm laser-damage thresholds (at 0.7 nm pulse length) of monomeric liquid crystals are reported and results from aromatic-core samples are compared with those from fully saturated systems. The role of π-electron conjugation is examined and identified as the key cause for laser damage. For UV laser compatibility of devices, the damage behaviour of an alignment-layer polymer (nylon 6/6) was also investigated.
Capitalism, early market research, and the creation of the American consumer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the way American businesses and marketers used research to shape the concept of the consumer at the turn of the twentieth century.Design/methodology/approach – A historical, cultural approach is used to examine published and unpublished writings of economists, marketers, researchers, and publishers from the 1880s to about 1930. The primary focus is Curtis Publishing Company, publisher of the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies' Home Journal, and creator of one of the first market research departments in the USA.Findings – The argument is made that publishers and advertisers took the values of a republic, values which has long empowered and idealized white property owners, and redefined those values in terms of buying ability. In doing so, they embed many biases in their market research, yet gave businesses a working concept of the consumer and helped shape society's ideals of the consumer.Research limitations/implications – As with all historical research, it...
Domestic and Export Demand for U.S. Agricultural Products: Discussion

The paper by Myers, Blaylock, and White raises in my mind once again the quintessential paradox facing the agricultural sector: why should agriculture languish in an economy otherwise quite prosperous; or, apropos to the paper itself, why should not domestic and foreign demand for farm products be quite high, added the facts of world hunger and malnutrition? After a first reading of the paper, I was reminded of those characteristic analyses on population in the late 1930s and early 1940s which concluded that, given the expected birth and death rates, etc., the United States should level off at about 175 million people in 20 years! What went wrong, then? My point is that irregularities occur, and deviations from
Relationships between incomplete equations of state

Abstract The properties of complete equations of state are well known, but those of incomplete equations of state have received little attention. This paper uses thermodynamic identities to establish the relationships between and the properties of incomplete equations of state. The thermodynamic identities of the Gibbs' equation for temperature and pressure are transformed into linear partial differential equations that are integrated formally by the method of characteristics. The formal solutions of these equations define the relationships between incomplete equations of state and hence demonstrate the structure of classical thermodynamics. The method of integration is convenient for calculating one incomplete equation of state from the other and for specifying the thermodynamic data necessary to make the calculation. These calculations are applicable to shock wave studies; they are also important to the problem of characterizing an incomplete unreactive thermodynamic system, since any two incomplete equations of state are equivalent to a complete equation of state for a nonreactive fluid.
Temporally Controlled Targeting of 4-Hydroxynonenal to Specific Proteins in Living Cells

In-depth chemical understanding of complex biological processes hinges upon the ability to systematically perturb individual systems. However, current approaches to study impacts of biologically relevant reactive small molecules involve bathing of the entire cell or isolated organelle with excess amounts, leading to off-target effects. The resultant lack of biochemical specificity has plagued our understanding of how biological electrophiles mediate signal transduction or regulate responses that confer defense mechanisms to cellular electrophilic stress. Here we introduce a target-specific electrophile delivery platform that will ultimately pave the way to interrogate effects of reactive electrophiles on specific target proteins in cells. The new methodology is demonstrated by photoinducible targeted delivery of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) to the proteins Keap1 and PTEN. Covalent conjugation of the HNE-precursor to HaloTag fused to the target proteins enables directed HNE delivery upon photoactivation. The str...
Characterization of fatigue and combined environment on durability performance of glass/vinyl ester composite for infrastructure applications

Abstract As composite materials find increased use in infrastructure applications, where design lives are typically much longer than those in aerospace, the issue of durability becomes more critical. The tolerance of composites to damage induced by cyclic loading and moisture ingress is of utmost importance. This study highlights the effects of short-term cyclic moisture aging on the strength and fatigue performance of a glass/vinyl ester pultruded composite system. In particular, it addresses the change in quasi-static properties and tension–tension (R=0.1) fatigue behavior of a commercial glass/vinyl ester system in fresh and salt water. The quasi-static tensile strength was seen to reduce by 24% at a moisture concentration of 1% by weight. This reduction in strength was not recoverable even when the material was dried, suggesting that the exposure to moisture caused permanent damage in the material system. Even though the fatigue damage process of the unaged or ‘as-delivered’, fresh-water- and salt-water-saturated material was similar, the cyclic moisture absorption–desorption experiments altered the fatigue performance of the composite system tested. Results were consistent with Mandell's postulate that fatigue failure in glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric composites is a fiber-dominated mechanism with a characteristic slope of 10% UTS/decade.
Human colon cells: culture and in vitro transformation

Normal human colon mucosal epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and treated with the oncogenic simian DNA virus (SV40) and the chemical carcinogen azoxymethane. Both SV40 and azoxymethane altered a number of phenotypic characteristics of the normal human colon cells, including their morphology, culture longevity, growth in soft agar, substrate adherence, and peanut agglutinin binding. The SV40 transformants synthesized intranuclear T antigen. These data indicate that normal human colon mucosal cells were transformed toward the malignant phenotype.
Epithelial cell involvement in the estradiol-stimulated accumulation of IgA in the rat uterus

Abstract Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG) were analyzed in rat plasma, uterus and uterine secretions by radioimmunoassay and in tissues by immunofluorescent microscopy to determine the mechanism by which estradiol controls IgA and IgG movement from the uterus into the uterine lumen. To determine whether there was evidence for immunoglobulin transport, plasma, tissue and uterine fluid concentrations of IgA and IgG were measured in ovariectomized rats at a time when uterine fluid IgA and IgG were elevated by treatment with estradiol. The concentration of IgA in uterine fluid was 22 times greater than that in tissue indicating that, in response to estradiol, IgA accumulated in the lumen against an apparent concentration gradient. In contrast to IgA, the concentration of IgG in uterine fluid was significantly lower than that in the uterus and in plasma. Immunofluorescent analyses indicated that estradiol has a marked effect on IgA associated with uterine epithelial cells. In saline-injected controls, small amounts of IgA were found in the epithelial cells and in the basement region of these cells. In response to estradiol, IgA accumulated in these cells at a time that coincided with the known increase of IgA in the uterine lumen. No IgA increase was observed when progesterone was given along with estradiol. Similar analyses for IgG, failed to demonstrate epithelial cell involvement of IgG into the uterine lumen. These experiments indicate that in response to estradiol, IgA is moved into the uterine lumen by a mechanism that is distinctly different from that which controls IgG. Since IgA movement is against an apparent concentration gradient, it suggests that estradiol acts on epithelial cells to regulate IgA transport from the uterus into the uterine lumen.
Prevalence of surgical site infection at the stoma site following four skin closure techniques: a retrospective cohort study.

Background/Aims: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of stoma reversal. Studies have suggested that different skin closures affect SSI rates. Our aim was to determine which skin closure technique following stoma reversal leads to the lowest rate of SSI. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing stoma reversal at a single institution (2005-2011) and compared the rate of SSI following four skin closure techniques: primary closure (PC), secondary closure (SC), loose PC (LPC), and circular closure (CC). Univariate analysis included χ2 or Fisher's exact test and ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis H test for categorical and continuous data, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was created to identify predictors of SSI. Results: One hundred and forty-six patients were identified: 40 (27%) PC, 68 (47%) SC, 20 (14%) LPC, and 18 (12%) CC. CC was less likely to have SSI (6%) compared to PC (43%), SC (16%), and LPC (15%; p Conclusions: SSI rate was the lowest for stomas that were closed with CC.
a Remote Sensing Approach for Modeling Water Resource Use

Remote sensing data combined with other spatially referenced data were used to predict water resource use in an irrigated area of Central Oregon. Crop type and irrigation method were determined using color infrared aerial photography and thermal infrared imagery, respectively. These data were combined with crop consumptive use and irrigation method application efficiency values to determine total water applied to a transect sample through the heart of the study area. This information, when integrated with data on canal leakage and storage reservoir seepage, allowed the researcher to predict total water use for the entire management unit. The model developed allowed the researcher to attain results accurate to within 92.0 percent of actual values, suggesting that predictive water use models which use such techniques have tremendous potential for providing water resource managers with near real-time statistics required for making wise management decisions.
A small kiss of death for cancer

The tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated by genetic mutations in many cancers, except for neuroblastoma. New findings show that this cancer reversibly inhibits p53 through a microRNA, miR-380-5p (pages 1134–1140). Blocking it to restore p53 function may be an attractive therapeutic option for neuroblastomas.
Use of the terms ‘race’, ‘ethnicity’, and ‘national origins’: A review of articles in the American journal of public health, 1980–1989

Abstract Objectives: To assess the use of the categories of race, ethnicity, and national origin in recent public health research. Methods: We reviewed all research articles on human populations published in the American Journal of Public Health from January 1980 through December 1989. Articles were classified by (1) mention of the categories, (2) use of the categories, (3) presence of explicit definitions, and (4) definitional criteria. Results: Specific categories (e.g. ‘black’, ‘Chinese’, ‘Hispanic') or generic categories (e.g. ‘race’, ‘ethnicity’, ‘national origin') were mentioned in 461 (50.4%) of 914 articles on human populations. In most studies (65.1%), single categories (e.g. race or ethnicity) were considered; in 1.3% of studies, two terms (e.g. both race and ethnicity) were examined independently; in 1.3%, categories were used interchangeably; in 5.6% of the studies, combined categories (e.g. race‐ethnicity) were used; and in 27.5% of the studies, specific population groups were named without r...
The Darker Side of Social Anxiety When Aggressive Impulsivity Prevails Over Shy Inhibition

The majority of definitions, research studies, and treatment programs that focus on social anxiety characterize the prototypical person with the disorder as shy, submissive, inhibited, and risk averse. This stereotype, however, has been challenged recently. Specifically, a subset of people with social anxiety who are aggressive, impulsive novelty seekers deviate from that prototype. People with this atypical profile show greater functional impairment and are less likely to complete or fare well in treatment compared with inhibited socially anxious people. The difference between these two groups of people with social anxiety cannot be explained by the severity, type, or number of social fears, nor by co-occurring anxiety and mood disorders. Conclusions about the nature, course, and treatment of social anxiety may be compromised by not attending to diverse behaviors and self-regulatory styles. These concerns may be compounded in neurobiological and clinical studies of people with social anxiety problems tha...
Frequency of T-Cell Progenitors in Nude Mice

The hypothesis that prothymocytes are distinct from and regulated independently of multilineage hemopoietic progenitors was tested by enumeration of these two cell populations in normal versus congenitally athymic (nude) mice. The absence of a thymus and of peripheral T cells in nude mice had no effect on the frequency of either multilineage progenitors (day 12 CFU-S) or prothymocytes (CFU-T), suggesting that there is no feedback regulation of CFU-T frequency. Thymus seeding from the bone marrow is therefore likely to be regulated by the availability of niches for prothymocyte maturation, rather than by feedback control of prothymocyte production.
A tonic-phasic model of nFOSB action and relevance to environmental enrichment

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 140 (2014) e169–e251 e249 sion, are related to lower dopamine tone and thus relatively lower suppression of prolactin release. Financial support: NIDA-P60-05130 (MJK), NIH-NCRR CTSA UL1-RR024143 (B Coller), NIDA CTN (EV Nunes), and the Adelson Medical Research Foundation. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.687 Knowledge, perception and risk behaviors for HIV transmission among methadone clients in Shanghai, China H. Zhang1,2, M. Chawarski1, R. Schottenfeld1 1 Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States 2 Shanghai Yangpu Mental Health Center, Shanghai,