cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CASE STUDY: National survey of barriers related to precision phosphorus feeding

ABSTRACT In 2010, a national survey was conducted in cooperation with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) to document adoption barriers related to reduced P feeding. An online electronic survey of 12 questions was sent to all ARPAS members with a dairy emphasis (approximately 700). Fifty-three percent of 130 respondents indicated that balancing for ration P was a priority (rank of 7, 8, 9, or 10 out of 1 to 10 rank); 75.2% of respondents indicated that they perceived current NRC (2001) recommendations for P as adequate, whereas 8.5% indicated that they are too low and 16.3% indicated they are too high. The respondents (54.8%) identified the most challenging aspect of reducing P in the diet was due to uncertainty of P content of feedstuffs, whereas 36.8% indicated cost and 9.6% indicated uncertainty of ration ingredients. Fifty-two respondents indicated why they fed more than the recommended NRC (2001) level of P and selected one or more of the following: 1) concern about negative impact on metabolic diseases (46.2%), 2) mastitis (9.6%), 3) foot problems (7.7%), 4) heat detection efficiency (55.8%), 5) conception rate (63.5%), and 6) retained placenta (23.1%). When asked what information is needed to assist them in ration formulation for P, 69.7% indicated availability of P from different sources; 56.3% indicated updated requirements for maintenance, production, and reproduction; and 45.4% indicated that more documentation was needed that current NRC (2001) recommendations for P are adequate. Information collected indicate that more progress needs to be made to ensure the P availability from feedstuffs and ensure that no impairment of reproduction would be expected from feeding NRC (2001) recommended levels of P.
Optimal stimulus design for multi-frequency cell membrane capacitance estimation

Electrical measurements of cell membrane capacitance serve as a marker for cell surface area and, hence, are widely used to study stimulus-secretion coupling in a variety of cells. The fundamental goal is to estimate the fractional (fF) changes in baseline capacitance that occur as secretory granules fuse with the cell membrane and subsequently extrude the contents of the vesicle. In order to confidently detect these minute events the authors have developed a method of optimizing the stimulus waveform in order to minimize the variance of the parameter estimates. The optimization process is constrained by the fact that the authors are severely limited in terms of the overall excursion of the voltage waveform that is used to stimulate the cell. They discuss a method for tailoring the waveform, by adjusting the relative magnitude and phase of the individual components of the multi-frequency stimulus, such that the voltage excursion is minimized. Finally, the authors demonstrate that significant improvements are obtainable using multiple frequencies to further customize the stimulus waveform.
Low-Q, Electrically Small, Efficient Near-Field Resonant Parasitic Antennas

Metamaterial-inspired electrically small Z, stub and canopy antennas are reported. They are near-field, resonant parasitic designs. Different Z and stub antenna configurations and the effect on their Q values are studied. Their behavior led to the canopy antenna design. At the size of ka ~ 0.046, the canopy antenna is an electric-based antenna with high overall efficiency (over 90%) and low Q-ratio value and whose input resistance is almost completely matched to a 50 Omega source. The resonant frequency, ~300 MHz, in the UHF band is selected for the designs. The canopy antenna is studied extensively to explore the lowest achievable Q values. Various coupling configurations, canopy shapes, and metal-air ratios are investigated. Circuit models are also introduced to explain the radiation mechanism. Numerical simulation results are analyzed and compared with previously derived Q value limits for electrically small antennas that are based on the standard circuit models of spherical wave multipoles. The Q value of the canopy antenna for the lowest order, single electric resonance is shown to reach a fundamental limit of approximately 1.75 times the Chu value.
The pion decay constant as a scale for hadron dynamics

We speculate on the implications of the ground-state meson decay constantfπ≅93 MeV setting the scale for hadron dynamics. On this basis we conjecture that the asymptotic cross-sections obey σπN/σKN =fK/fπ in agreement with experiment. We also find σππ=π/12fπ2≃14 so that the pion decay constant scales the asymptotic cross-section.
Modeling Deformations of General Parametric Shells Grasped by a Robot Hand

The robot hand applying force on a deformable object will result in a changing wrench space due to the varying shape and normal of the contact area. Design and analysis of a manipulation strategy thus depend on reliable modeling of the object's deformations as actions are performed. In this paper, shell-like objects are modeled. The classical shell theory [P. L. Gould, Analysis of Plates and Shells. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1999; V. V. Novozhilov, The Theory of Thin Shells . Gronigen, The Netherlands: Noordhoff, 1959; A. S. Saada, Elasticity: Theory and Applications. Melbourne, FL: Krieger, 1993; S. P. Timoshenko and S. Woinowsky-Krieger, Theory of Plates and Shells, 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959] assumes a parametrization along the two lines of curvature on the middle surface of a shell. Such a parametrization, while always existing locally, is very difficult, if not impossible, to derive for most surfaces. Generalization of the theory to an arbitrary parametric shell is therefore not immediate. This paper first extends the linear and nonlinear shell theories to describe extensional, shearing, and bending strains in terms of geometric invariants, including the principal curvatures and vectors, and their related directional and covariant derivatives. To our knowledge, this is the first nonparametric formulation of thin-shell strains. A computational procedure for the strain energy is then offered for general parametric shells. In practice, a shell deformation is conveniently represented by a subdivision surface [F. Cirak, M. Ortiz, and P. Schroder, “Subdivision surfaces: A new paradigm for thin-shell finite-element analysis,” Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng., vol. 47, pp. 2039-2072, 2000]. We compare the results via potential-energy minimization over a couple of benchmark problems with their analytical solutions and numerical ones generated by two commercial software packages: ABAQUS and ANSYS. Our method achieves a convergence rate that is one order of magnitude higher. Experimental validation involves regular and free-form shell-like objects of various materials that were grasped by a robot hand, with the results compared against scanned 3-D data with accuracy of 0.127 mm. Grasped objects often undergo sizable shape changes, for which a much higher modeling accuracy can be achieved using the nonlinear elasticity theory than its linear counterpart.
Rate of egg penetration in vitro accelerated by T/t locus in the mouse

Spermatozoa from fertile mice heterozygous for tw32, a recessive lethal allele of the T/t locus, were compared to normal spermatozoa in a fertilization in vitro system. The rate of egg penetration following insemination in vitro was determined for epididymal spermatozoa from C57BL/6-tw32/+ mice and for epididymal spermatozoa from C57BL/6-+/+ mice. At one hour after insemination, the mean of penetration +/- standard deviation for spermatozoa from BL/6-tw32/+ mice was 20% +/- 2.1 (109 eggs observed, 5 experiments), while the mean for spermatozoa from BL/6-+/+ mice was 1% +/- 1.5 (107 eggs observed, 4 experiments). By five hours post-insemination, the levels of egg penetration were not significantly different. These results suggest that tw32 increases the initial rate of egg penetration. Preliminary observations of sperm motility and sperm-egg association at one hour post-insemination in vitro do not support the hypothesis that this earlier penetration is due to improved sperm progress to the egg. Rather, the earlier penetration may be a result of changes in the timing of capacitation, the acrosome reaction, or sperm-egg fusion. It is possible that the earlier penetration may play a role in the distortion of the transmission ratio of tw32.
Diffusivity of gases and main‐chain cooperative motions in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)

Permeability and time-lag measurements for H2 and CO in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticized with tricresyl phosphate show that the apparent diffusion coefficients at first decrease as the plas-ticizer concentration is increased. The diffusion coefficients then increase as the additive concentration is raised above 15 wt %. These changes in the apparent diffusion coefficients can be related to the behavior of a variety of mechanical properties and are attributed to antiplasticization and plasticization effects of low and high concentrations of tricresyl phosphate, respectively. The antiplasticization-plasticization effects reflect altered molecular motions of the polymer. Carbon-13 NMR rotating-frame relaxation rate measurements show directly that the cooperative main-chain molecular motions of PVC are reduced when the additive acts as an antiplasticizer and are increased when the polymer is plasticized. Both the apparent diffusion coefficient and the rotating-frame relaxation rate have a similar dependence on additive concentration. An application of the molecular theory of diffusion of Pace and Datyner accounts qualitatively for the way in which additives alter the average chain interaction energy, cooperative polymer main-chain motions, and the diffusion coefficients of gaseous penetrants.
Hierarchical disaster image classification for situation report enhancement

In this paper, a hierarchical disaster image classification (HDIC) framework based on multi-source data fusion (MSDF) and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) is proposed to aid emergency managers in disaster response situations. The HDIC framework classifies images into different disaster categories and sub-categories using a pre-defined semantic hierarchy. In order to effectively fuse different sources (visual and text) of information, a weighting scheme is presented to assign different weights to each data resource depending on the hierarchical structure. The experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed approach can effectively classify disaster images at each logical layer. In addition, the paper also presents an iPad application developed for situation report management using the proposed HDIC framework.
Manufacturing plant location analysis by multiple attribute decision making: part I—single-plant strategy

The plant location problem is one which entails multiple factors (attrihutes). The decision process is often made intuitively because of the conflicting nature among attributes and the lack of awareness of proper evaluation techniques, The multiple attribute decision making (MADM) methods are management decision aids in evaluating and/or selecting a desired one from the finite number of options, which are characterized by multiple attributes. Usually the number of prospective sites is finite, hence MADM methods are clearly suitable tools for site selection problems. This paper employs five newly-developed MADM methods for different versions of manufacturing plant site selection problems. The present part I considers the single-plant strategy with qualitative and quantitative data. Part II will cover the multi-plant strategy with the budget constraint and the relocation strategy.
A Network of Fractal Force Chains and Their Effect in Granular Materials under Compression

Granular materials forming part of civil engineering structures such as rockfill dams and the granular base in pavement systems are subjected to large compressive stresses resulting from gravity and traffic loads respectively. As a result of these compressive stresses, the granular materials break into pieces of different sizes. The size distribution of the broken granular material has been found to be fractal in nature. However, there is no explanation to date about the mechanisms that cause the granular materials to develop a fractal size distribution. In the present study, a compression test designed to crush granular materials is presented. The tests used 5 mm glass beads and a plexiglass cylinder having an internal diameter equal to 5 cm. As a result of compression in the cylinder, the glass beads broke into pieces that had a fractal size distribution. The compression test was numerically simulated using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The DEM simulation indicated that the particles developed a network of force chains in order to resist the compressive stress. These force chains did not have a uniform intensity but was found to vary widely through out the sample. Also, the distribution of the force chains in the sample did not involve all the grains but only a selective number of them. Thus, the force chains did not cover the whole sample. Using the box method, it was determined that the distribution of the force chains in the sample was fractal in nature. Also, the intensity of the force chains in the sample was found to be fractal in nature. Thus, the fractal nature of the intensity of the force chains and their distribution were found to be the main reason why granular material develop fractal fragments as a result of compression.
Evolving American Investing Attitudes: The Hybrid Shift In Mutual Fund Distribution

This paper studies the dramatic evolution in the way American investors choose to invest in the mutual fund industry. The industry’s change from direct-to-shareholder model to a third-party distribution model is discussed, as well as the implications for future mutual fund investors. Ever since the first recorded asset and debt managers arose in the 14 th and 15 th centuries in Europe, investing has grown into a tug-and-pull type of system that the human mind seems drawn to. The way that Americans choose to invest their money is changing as we enter the 21 st century and the new methods and procedures are having a greater impact than many of us realize. In the U.S., trillions of dollars each year are invested in mutual funds, but more and more investors are taking a less-involved route by allowing financial analysts to choose where their money is invested. In the following pages, we will take a closer look at the mutual fund market and its basic components, the ways that mutual funds have been viewed and traded in the past, and the revolutionary changes that are happening right under our noses that the average American may not even be aware of. With the help of many credible sources, such as the Investment Company Institute, Reflow Investments LLC, and the Financial Planning Journal, the change from direct-toshareholder mutual fund distribution to third-party intermediary distribution will be explained and the effects these changes has on the average investor will be explored.
Roflumilast: A Novel Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of roflumilast, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February 2011 as a treatment to reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.Data Sources:Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1977-December 2011), using the terms roflumilast and COPD. In addition, US government Web sites, including clinicaltrials.gov and fda.gov, were reviewed for pertinent information. Lastly, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles published in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. For the evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety, only Phase 3 studies were included.Data Synthesis:Limited treatment options are available for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and repeated exacerbations. In 6 published Phase 3 trials to date, roflumilast 500 μg daily exhi...
Transmission scheduling in ad hoc networks with directional antennas

Directional antennas can adaptively select radio signals of interest in specific directions, while filtering out unwanted interference from other directions. Although a couple of medium access protocols based on random access schemes have been proposed for networks with directional antennas, they suffer from high probability of collisions because of their dependence on omnidirectional mode for the transmission or reception of control packets in order to establish directional links. We propose a distributed receiver-oriented multiple access (ROMA) channel access scheduling protocol for ad hoc networks with directional antennas, each of which can form multiple beams and commence several simultaneous communication sessions. Unlike random access schemes that use on-demand handshakes or signal scanning to resolve communication targets, ROMA determines a number of links for activation in every time slot using only two-hop topology information. It is shown that significant improvements on network throughput and delay can be achieved by exploiting the multi-beam forming capability of directional antennas in both transmission and reception. The performance of ROMA is studied by simulations, and compared with a well-know static scheduling scheme that is based on global topology information.
AMPS modeling of nanocrystalline Si p-layer in a-Si nip solar cells

. This paper reports numerical simulations for the impact of a wide bandgap p-type hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) on the performances of a-Si based component solar cells, using Analysis of Microelectronic and Photonic Structures (AMPS) computer model developed at Penn State University. The effects of band offset and potential barrier formed at the interfaces of player with i-layer and ITO front contact were also investigated. The simulated results show that 1) with increasing bandgap of p-nc-Si:H (E/sub gp/), the V/sub oc/ increases beyond 1 V, then decreases, due to the band offset at the p/i interface, which also leads to an anomalous illuminated I-V characteristics with a bending close to the open circuit point; and 2) the front contact barrier plays a similar role to hinder the hole collection and may cause the illuminated I-V curve to bend seriously.
Calcium and Stimulus-Secretion Coupling in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Pancreatic acinar cells synthesize and secrete a variety of digestive enzymes with the major physiological secretagogues being the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the gut hormone cholecystokinin. These secretagogues also bring about other changes in acinar cell function, including depolarization, secretion of Cl--rich pancreatic juice, and increased glucose uptake, O2 consumption, and protein synthesis [14,34]. Most if not all of these secretagogue effects are mediated at least in part by Ca2+ as a second messenger. Douglas and colleagues originally coined the term stimulus-secretion coupling to refer to the role of Ca2+ as an intracellular messenger in the control of secretion by a number of tissues [10]. Although this term has also been applied to pancreatic acinar cells, it might be more appropriate to refer to this sequence as stimulus-response coupling since as mentioned above, secretagogues affect a number of acinar cell functions.
Zinc deficiency decreases plasma level and hepatic mRNA abundance of apolipoprotein A-I in rats and hamsters

The influence of Zn deficiency on the plasma level as well as the hepatic and intestinal gene expression of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I was examined in rats and hamsters. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 w...
Direct probing of regioregularity for polycarbodiimide systems via 15N NMR analysis

After more than a decade of ambiguity, polycarbodiimides have been discovered to be fully regioregular when containing two sterically inequivalent pendant groups. To directly probe the regioregular...
Molecular springs, muscles, rheostats, and precessing gyroscopes: from review to preview

The concepts of molecular springs and gyroscopes have existed for some time, and there have been numerous reports published about these fascinating topics. Here we describe our interest in this topic, reviewing our initial progress. This is not a complete story, rather an offering of synthetic strategies, interesting molecular structures, observations, and possibilities. In many cases, the “properties” component of the structure–property relationship for a given compound is the result of a computational prediction. Given the present state of theoretical chemistry, a computer's predictive power can far exceed that which can be presently accomplished by existing experimental analytical means. The theoretical results reported here allude to intriguing possibilities. Hopefully, this intrigue will help catalyze the development of definitive, albeit rather esoteric, single-molecule analytical experiments. The intentionally speculative nature of this review is intended to stimulate new challenges for and perspectives from those in related fields of interest; hopefully presenting a preview of what is to come.
PWE-061 Ercp Practice in a UK District Hospital– are we Meeting the Standards?

Introduction The 2004 NCEPOD report “Scoping our Practice”1 had been highly critical of certain aspects of ERCP practise in UK, raising specific concerns about case selection and sedation practise. We analysed our own ERCP practise in a medium sized district hospital with a moderate case workload and a growing proportion of elderly population. Methods Retrospective data was collected from 263 ERCPs performed between 2009–2011. Comprehensive information regarding demographics, indications, success and complication rates was recorded from ERCP reports and case notes and our practise was compared to NCEPOD recommendations. Results 263 (n) ERCPs were included in this study. Median age was 72 (range = 16–98), 63% were females. 55% of patients were ASA grade 3–4. 84% of ERCPs were of grade 1 difficulty. All ERCP referrals were reviewed and authorised by a consultant gastroenterologist. Indications for ERCP were choledocholithiasis (63%), pancreatic or biliary malignancy with obstructive jaundice (18%), stent removal/replacement (10%), dilatation of biliary ducts with abnormal liver function tests (10%) and others (4%). > 90% of ERCPs were performed with a therapeutic intent and success was achieved in 86% of ERCPs at first attempt. Our successful cannulation rate was of 92%. Only 9.1% of cases were referred to tertiary centres for further management. Prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin was used in 60% of patients. Patients received a combination of midazolam and pethidine with a mean dose (±SD) of 3.2 mg (± 2.03) and 44.3 mg (±16.05) respectively. Reversal with flumazenil or naloxone was not required in any of the patients included in this study. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 60%(156), pre-cut sphincterotomy in 2.6%(7), stricture dilatation in 9.5%(25), biliary stenting 30.4%(80), balloon sphincteroplasty 3%(8), balloon trawl 67%(177) and mechanical lithotripsy 8.7%(23). 78.7% of malignant strictures were successfully stented (37). Overall complication rate was 5.7% - moderate haemorrhage requiring blood transfusion in 1.5%(4), post ERCP pancreatitis in 2%(6), sepsis 1.9%(5), duodenal perforation 0.7%(1) and respiratory arrest in 0.7%(1). 30 day mortality rate was 0.76%(2). Conclusion In contrast to NCEPOD report, our audit demonstrates that ERCP practise is effective, safe and of high quality in a district general hospital setting. Complication and mortality rates are minimal and comparable to national standards, even in the elderly population. Post ERCP very low sepsis rate is most likely due to use of prophylactic antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin). Disclosure of Interest None Declared. Reference 1. NCEPOD. Scoping our practise; the 2004 report of the National Confidential Enquiry into patient Outcome and Death. London. NCEPOD 2004. Available from: URL: http://www. ncepod.org.uk/2004.htm
Full-distance inertial guidance trajectory technique for ground to ground missile

Design principle of full-distance inertial guidance trajectory for ground to ground missile in range of 150～250 km was analyzed by means of proportional guide trajectory theory and simulation calculation.The trajectory features consist of four characteristic points,such as flameout point,turning point,dive point and target point.The range of missile can be changed by adjustment of three parameters(turning point,dive point and target point).Function and selection principle of four characteristic points were given through trajectory simulation investigation.Advantages and disadvantages of full-distance trajectory control scheme were analyzed.
Obstetric and Gynecologic Care for Individuals Who Are LGBT

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) has historically been defined as the provision of care to women, specifically their reproductive organs, across the lifespan and during pregnancy. In actuality, OB/GYN encompasses the provision of care irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and natal pelvic anatomy. Understanding the barriers to OB/GYN care faced by LGBT patients and how to perform a sensitive history and physical to reduce re-traumatization form the foundation for OB/GYN care. This chapter further discusses the risk and health disparities faced by individuals who identify as LGBT, recommendations for preventive screening, routine gynecologic care, family building, fertility and reproduction in order to improve care for LGBT patients.
Metabolic mapping with cellular resolution: c-fos vs. 2-deoxyglucose

2-Deoxyglucose (2DG) studies have been most useful in mapping activated regions of the nervous system. Cellular localization studies using 2DG have been less rewarding, but results are consistent with current views that increases of 2DG accumulation produced by synaptic activation represent increases in glycolytic glucose metabolism occurring mainly in presynaptic neuronal and possibly glial elements. Immediate early genes (IEGs), including the fos, jun, and NGFI-A families, are induced by a wide variety of intracellular signaling pathways. The nuclear localization of the protein products of these genes and their induction by a variety of stimuli make them useful in metabolic activation studies carried out at the cellular level. IEGs have been induced in neurons by osmotic, bacterial endotoxin, steroids, stress, and other hormonal stimuli; by light, auditory, painful, and other sensory stimuli; during stimulation of motor cortex and other motor behaviors; and by various drugs and toxins that act on a variety of neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine and glutamate. In addition, the localization of c-fos gene expression identifies cells that respond to growth factors in vivo. Retinal Muller cells, the major glial cell type of the retina, demonstrate nuclear Fos immunostaining after the intravitreal injection of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). This observation demonstrates that adult glia can respond to these growth factors in vivo. The investigation of early response gene expression may be particularly useful for elucidating the role of trophic factors in the cellular response to central nervous system injury.
Perceived Effectiveness of Antismoking Ads and Association with Quit Attempts Among Smokers: Evidence from the Tips From Former Smokers Campaign

ABSTRACTBackground. Measures of perceived effectiveness (PE) of ads have been validated to predict changes in cognitive precursors of quit attempts, but a relationship between PE and actual quit attempts has not been shown in population-based studies. We analyzed smokers’ PE ratings of ads from the national Tips From Former Smokers (Tips) campaign to (1) establish the validity of PE in predicting quit attempts in a large, nationally representative sample of smokers; (2) identify behavioral and demographic correlates of PE among respondents; and (3) examine whether PE is influenced by matching the race/ethnicity of ad participants with that of the ad viewer.Methods. We used survey data from two waves (baseline and follow-up) of a longitudinal online cohort of adult U.S. cigarette smokers. Respondents were shown one or more of 14 Tips campaign ads and were asked to assess each ad in terms of PE. We used multivariate models to estimate the association between baseline PE and prospective quit attempts; cross-...
Underlying Mechanisms Involved in Surface Electrical Potential Measurements for the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer: An Electrophysiological Approach to Cancer Diagnosis

This chapter explores at a basic level the interface between breast cancer diagnosis, cellular proliferation, cancer biology, epithelial ion transport and electrophysiology. It is not intended for the epitheliologist who wishes to understand more about epithelial biology, but rather for the epitheliologist who wishes to know how his discipline may interface with other, apparently unrelated ones.
Race, poverty, and markets: urban inequality after the neoliberal turn

Classic scholarship on the problem of urban inequality tends to highlight the absence of “the market” and the correspondingly problematic and inadequate role of the state in poor communities. This article explores how the relationship between markets and urban poverty has shifted in recent decades. Scholars have become increasingly attentive to the growing influence of market logics and privatization—core features of “neoliberal” change—in areas such as housing, education, federal policy, local politics, employment, and social services. I discuss how this recent work adds to our understanding of how markets shape urban disadvantage. I also argue that—given the rising influence of market logics in city governance—urban scholarship stands to benefit from a deeper engagement with insights from the field of economic sociology. Building bridges between the two subfields, I argue, will help to specify what markets mean in the lives of the urban poor, and also can bring issues of race and poverty to the attention of economic sociologists.
Expression of Entomophaga maimaiga at Several Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Population Densities and the Effect of Supplemental Watering

Assessment of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), populations in western Virginia during the year 2000, showed that larval mortality factors differed as a function of popul...
The Effect of Preference Stability and Extremity on Personalized Advertising

Personalized advertising is widely believed to be an effective persuasion strategy. A typical personalized advertising process consists of two phases: The message sender first “learns” the message ...
Valence Band Discontinuities in HgTe-CdTe-ZnTe Heterojunction Systems

II-VI HgTe-based semiconductor microstructures have recently attracted much interest because of their unique fundamental properties and their great technological interest for novel infrared devices. An important parameter, which determines most of the heterostructure properties is the valence-band discontinuity ΔEv. The value of ΔEv is presently disputed in HgTe-CdTe heterojunctions. Although large discrepancies exist between optical or magneto-optical and x-ray photoemission experiments it turns out that ΔEv can be classified into two groups: small ΔEv (0–120 meV) and large ΔEv (300–400 meV). This paper presents an overview of these experimental data.
The Starry Messenger

Light—electromagnetic radiation—is the messenger that brings us information from the stars. We can think of many interesting things we might want to know about a star—mass, size, chemical composition, brightness, temperature, distribution of matter (density), color, age, and energy production are some that come to mind. These characteristics are interrelated and all must be extracted from the light we get from the star.
The long run impact of early childhood deworming on numeracy and literacy: Evidence from Uganda.

Background Up to 1.45 billion people currently suffer from soil transmitted helminth infection, with the largest burden occurring in Africa and Asia. Safe and cost effective deworming treatment exists, but there is a debate about mass distribution of this treatment in high prevalence settings. While the World Health Organization recommends mass administration of anthelmintic drugs for preschool and school-aged children in high (>20%) prevalence settings, and several long run follow up studies of an influential trial have suggested large benefits that persist over time, recent systematic reviews have called this recommendation into question. Methods and findings This paper analyzes the long-term impact of a cluster-randomized trial in eastern Uganda that provided mass deworming treatment to preschool aged children from 2000 to 2003 on the numeracy and literacy skills of children and young adults living in those villages in 2010-2015. This study uses numeracy and literacy data collected seven to twelve years after the end of the deworming trial in a randomly selected subset of communities from the original trial, by an education-focused survey that had no relationship to the deworming study. Building on an earlier working paper which used data from 2010 and 2011 survey rounds, this paper uses an additional four years of numeracy and literacy data (2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015). Aggregating data from all survey rounds, the difference between numeracy scores in treatment versus control communities is 0.07 standard deviations (SD) (95% CI -0.10, 0.24, p = 0.40), the difference in literacy scores is 0.05 SD (95% CI -0.16, 0.27, p = 0.62), and the difference in total scores is 0.07 SD (95% CI -0.11, 0.25, p = 0.44). There are significant differences in program impact by gender, with numeracy and literacy differentially positively affected for girls, and by age, with treatment effects larger for the primary school aged subsample. There are also significant treatment interactions for those living in households with more treatment-eligible children. There is no evidence of differential treatment effects on age at program eligibility or number of years of program eligibility. Conclusions Mass deworming of preschool aged children in high prevalence communities in Uganda resulted in no statistically significant gains in numeracy or literacy 7-12 years after program completion. Point estimates were positive but imprecise; the study lacked sufficient power to rule out substantial positive effects or more modest negative effects. However, there is suggestive evidence that deworming was relatively more beneficial for girls, primary school aged children, and children living in households with other treated children. Research approval As this analysis was conducted on secondary data which is publicly available, no research approval was sought or received. All individual records were anonymized by the data provider prior to public release.
Ethanol Exposure Impairs AMPK Signaling and Phagocytosis in Human Alveolar Macrophages: Role of Ethanol Metabolism

Background Chronic alcohol consumption impairs alveolar macrophage's (AM) function and increases risk for developing lung infection and pneumonia. However, the mechanism and metabolic basis of alcohol-induced AM dysfunction leading to lung infection are not well defined, but may include altered ethanol (EtOH) and reactive oxygen species metabolism and cellular energetics. Therefore, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the formation of fatty acid ethyl esters [FAEEs, nonoxidative metabolites of EtOH], AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and phagocytic function were examined in freshly isolated AM incubated with EtOH. Methods AMs separated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from normal volunteers were incubated with EtOH for 24 hours. AMPK signaling and ER stress were assessed using Western blotting, FAEEs by GC-MS, oxidative stress by immunofluorescence using antibodies to 4-hydroxynonenal, and phagocytosis by latex beads. Oxidative stress was also measured in EtOH-treated AMs with/without AMPK activator [5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR)] or inhibitor (Compound C), and in AMs incubated with FAEEs. mRNA expression for interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was measured in AM treated with EtOH or FAEEs using RT-PCR. Results EtOH exposure to AM increased oxidative stress, ER stress, and synthesis of FAEEs, decreased phosphorylated AMPK, and impaired phagocytosis. Attenuation or exacerbation of EtOH-induced oxidative stress by AICAR or Compound C, respectively, suggests a link between AMPK signaling, EtOH metabolism, and related oxidative stress. The formation of FAEEs may contribute to EtOH-induced oxidative stress as FAEEs also produced concentration-dependent oxidative stress. An increased mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 by FAEEs is key finding to suggest a metabolic basis of EtOH-induced inflammatory response. Conclusions EtOH-induced impaired phagocytosis, oxidative stress, ER stress, and dysregulated AMPK signaling are plausibly associated with the formation of FAEEs and may participate in the pathogenesis of nonspecific pulmonary inflammation.
Relations Between Voice and Profile Parameters

In Chap. 2 we saw why voice is susceptible to, and how it can respond to, intricate changes in the mechanisms of its production. In this chapter we will look at empirical evidence of this fact. We will take a closer look at what causes these changes—at the various bio-relevant and environmental parameters that have been observed to affect it. The purpose of this chapter is to give an overview of this topic, based on prior studies. However, the range of scientific studies in this context is vast. This chapter only represents a small sampling of the key findings and current understanding of the subject.
Asking out and Sliding in: Gendered Relationship Pathways in College Hookup Culture

The cultural dominance of non-relational sexual scripts for short-term sexual encounters on college campuses, combined with the persistence of gendered practices for heterosexual relationship formation, complicates students’ interest in committed, monogamous, and gender egalitarian relationships. This paper draws on interviews with 56 heterosexual undergraduates ages 18–23 at the University of Illinois at Chicago to examine how students perceive and experience committed relationships and the role of gendered practices in their formation. I find that relationships begin with “hanging out” and then follow either date (“asking out”) or hookup (“sliding in”) pathways into exclusivity. The dating pathway is characterized by “symbolic gendering” (Lamont, 2014) but presents clear progression into commitment. In contrast, “sliding in” is less characterized by gendered practices but also generates ambiguity in its lack of direct verbal communication. This ambiguity is particularly challenging for women, given perceptions and realities of their greater interest in relationships than men and the operation of a sexual double standard. Students face some trade-off between gender egalitarianism and definitional clarity in forming committed relationships.
Exploiting Phase for Extended Efficiency Range in Symmetrical Doherty Power Amplifiers

This work presents a symmetrical Doherty power amplifier (DPA) that exhibits an extended high-efficiency range with respect to output power backoff (OBO). The presented theoretical analysis illustrates that certain phasing constraints placed at the Doherty combining node can achieve extended load modulation and enhanced efficiency for a DPA with symmetric carrier and peaking devices, without sacrificing maximum output power. This proposed design approach has been validated with measurements on a gallium nitride (GaN) DPA operating from 2.1–2.3 GHz. Under continuous-wave (CW) excitation, the power amplifiers (PAs) delivers 43.6 dBm of output power at 3-dB compression and exhibits a drain efficiency (DE) of 54% at 9-dB OBO, which demonstrates an extended OBO efficiency range compared to a conventional symmetrical DPA. The measured DPA achieves 51% DE with a 20-MHz LTE input signal. This work is the first time that current combine phasing has been presented as a method to achieve extended Doherty load modulation, hence resulting in an extended efficiency range over OBO.
Closed Vitreous Surgery for Complications of Intraocular Lens Implantation III. Results and Complications

Closed vitrectomy techniques have been useful in managing many complications of intraocular lens implantation. Over the past few years we have managed a consecutive series of 74 cases in which complications of intraocular lens implantation represented indications for subsequent closed vitreous surgery (Table 1). This report will discuss the anatomical and visual results and the complications observed in 48 consecutive cases unassociated with retinal detachment, macular pucker, or massive proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Follow-up information was obtained a minimum of six months following surgery. It should be noted that this series does not include cases of infectious endophthalmitis, but during the same time period that this series was obtained, 28 cases of culture proven pseudophakic endophthalmitis were diagnosed and managed at our institution by J. James Rowsey, M.D. (personal communication-July 1984), and these will not be discussed in this presentation.
Ellipsis licensing and redundancy reduction: A focus-based approach

The focus of this paper is the characterization of the identity condition on sluicing. While the formulation of this condition remains an open issue, recent work suggests that sluices are anaphoric to an implicit question or issue that the antecedent raises in the discourse (Q-equivalence approaches, Ginzburg & Sag 2000; AnderBois 2011; 2014; 2016; Barros 2014; Weir 2014; Kotek & Barros 2018). We highlight several challenges to Q-equivalence accounts, and argue instead for a return to focus-based accounts (Rooth 1992a; Romero 1998; Fox 2000; Merchant 2001). Under such an approach, antecedents are importantly not responsible for raising any particular issue/question themselves, a point we show to be a critical challenge to Q-equivalence accounts. We propose instead that sluicing is possible provided that the antecedent and sluice have the same focus-theoretic propositional content. We show that this account is similar to, but improves upon, Merchant’s (2001) influential e-GIVENness account. We extend this account to cases of VP ellipsis, and moreover argue in support of the idea that the theory of ellipsis licensing should be integrated into a more general theory of redundancy reduction. In other words, that the semantic condition on identity in ellipsis is the same as the semantic condition on deaccenting (Rooth 1992a; Tancredi 1992). We propose a generalized condition on redundancy reduction, which may replace Schwarzschild’s (1999) GIVENness condition.
Expression of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in endometrial adenocarcinoma: Prognostic potential

Abstract Background In the United States endometrial carcinoma is the most common female gynecologic malignancy. An average of more than 60,000 new cases of endometrial carcinomas have been diagnosed yearly over the past 5 years, with a higher incidence occurring in the central Appalachian states of Ohio and West Virginia. In the U.S., the national average of newly diagnosed endometrial carcinomas is 26.8 in every 100,000 women, while in the states of Ohio and West Virginia the average is 30.5 and 31.1 in every 100,000 women, respectively. This notable increase in the incidence of endometrial carcinomas may be due a variety of elevated risk factors including but not limited to: tobacco use, obesity, and genetic predisposition of the predominant demographic. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 55,000 new cases of endometrial carcinoma will be diagnosed in 2020 yet, this disease is widely considered understudied and under-represented in mainstream cancer research circles. Methods The aim of this study was to quantitate the co-expression of two DNA repair proteins poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 and 2 (Parp-1 and Parp-2) by enzyme- linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) in 60 endometrioid endometrial tumor samples and compare their expression to matched non-malignant endometrial tissue from the same corresponding donors from central Appalachia. Results We found that Parp-1 was significantly overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma relative to corresponding normal tissue. This overexpression implicates Parp inhibition therapy as a possible treatment for the disease. Our results also found a protective effect of native Parp-2 expression in non-malignant endometrial tissue with each 1 ng/mL increase in PARP-2 concentration in normal tissue was associated with a 10 % reduction in the hazard of tumor progression (HR = 0.90; p = 0.039) and a 21 % reduction in the hazard of death (HR = 0.79; p = 0.044). Conclusions This study demonstrated the over-expression of the druggable target Parp-1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma and observed a strong negative correlation of native Parp-2 expression and disease progression via the quantification of the Parp proteins using enzyme- linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) assays.
Primary chemoradiation with cisplatin versus cetuximab for locally advanced head and neck cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

To explore the efficacy of primary chemoradiation with cisplatin versus cetuximab with respect to HPV/p16 and smoking statuses. We retrospectively reviewed patients from our center with locally advanced non-nasopharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who received primary chemoradiation with cisplatin or cetuximab between 2006 and 2018. The median OS for cisplatin (n = 66) was not reached versus 132 months when treated with cetuximab (n = 55) (p = 0.03). For HPV/p16-positive patients, we found the median OS for cisplatin (n = 34) was not reached versus 60 months with cetuximab (n = 21) (p = 0.036). In the smoking group, the median OS was not reached in the cisplatin group (n = 44) versus 60 months when treated with cetuximab (n = 32) (p = 0.03). HPV/p16-positive and smoking cohorts treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy had a significantly better OS versus cetuximab.
Reliability Analysis of Field-aged Glass/Glass PV Modules: Influence of Different Encapsulant Types

This paper presents a preliminary reliability analysis of field-aged glass/glass (G/G) PV modules. Several characterization tests were performed on more than 60 modules with two different encapsulant types (EVA and ionomer) exposed in hot-dry Arizona (AZ) climate over 10–35 years. The common degradation mode observed in both encapsulant types was the delamination of encapsulant along with encapsulant browning (EVA only), glass cracking (EVA only), and metallic corrosion over junction box area (ionomer only). The EVA encapsulated G/G modules showed the higher median power degradation rate at 0.91-1.99%/yr whereas modules with ionomer showed the lower at 0.21%/yr.
Consequences of real earnings management on subsequent operating performance

Abstract Using three criteria, we identify firms that may have engaged in real earnings management. We then investigate whether real earnings management activities lead to a significant decline in these firms’ subsequent operating performances. Our test results demonstrate that firms identified as conducting real earnings management activities do not experience a significant decline in subsequent operating performance. The finding enhances our understanding of the process through which management evaluates the costs and benefits of real earnings management and helps address concerns about costs of the increase in real earnings management activities that arose due to the heightened accounting regulation implemented by the Sarbanes–Oxley Act.
Editorial overview: mentoring for individualized growth in schools and universities

This is my third issue of Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning journal, and I am not certain that I have been properly introduced. I am Nathan (Nate) Templeton and I bring a wealth of ex...