cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into the Role of Brand Affiliation and Content Emotions on Crowdfunding Success: An Extended Abstract

Crowdfunding, a process of generating monetary resources for a certain need through the power of the crowds’ collaboration, is becoming a popular practice among entrepreneurs (Mollick 2012). The popularity of crowdfunding has exponentially grown in the last few years, generating around $5.1B worldwide each year (Massolution 2012) to support entrepreneurial and social ventures in the areas such as, arts, fashion, technology, and so on. In parallel with the growing popularity in the marketplace, crowdfunding is also considered an important research topic among researchers. Past studies have examined the role of important factors such as project characteristics (Mollick 2014), social information (Kuppuswamy and Bayus 2014), and consumer motivation (Gerber et al. 2012) on the funding success. While these studies advance our understanding of what leads to the ultimate funding success, we have limited understanding on how marketing factors such as branding and emotions of the rhetoric used to promote the projects affect the final outcome.
Human Self as Information Agent: Functioning in a Social Environment Based on Shared Meanings:

A neglected aspect of human selfhood is that people are information agents. That is, much human social activity involves communicating and discussing information. This occurs in the context of inco...
Physicochemical properties of mucus and their impact on transmucosal drug delivery

Abstract Mucus is a selective barrier to particles and molecules, preventing penetration to the epithelial surface of mucosal tissues. Significant advances in transmucosal drug delivery have recently been made and have emphasized that an understanding of the basic structure, viscoelastic properties, and interactions of mucus is of great value in the design of efficient drug delivery systems. Mucins, the primary non-aqueous component of mucus, are polymers carrying a complex and heterogeneous structure with domains that undergo a variety of molecular interactions, such as hydrophilic/hydrophobic, hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. These properties are directly relevant to the numerous mucin-associated diseases, as well as delivering drugs across the mucus barrier. Therefore, in this review we discuss regional differences in mucus composition, mucus physicochemical properties, such as pore size, viscoelasticity, pH, and ionic strength. These factors are also discussed with respect to changes in mucus properties as a function of disease state. Collectively, the review seeks to provide a state of the art roadmap for researchers who must contend with this critical barrier to drug delivery.
The Dependent Effect of Health IT and Hospital-Physician Integration on Evidence Based Practices

Health IT adoption and hospital-physician integration are both increasing, with the goal of improving healthcare, specifically, increasing adherence to evidence-based practices (EBPs). We sought to...
Measuring climate change adaptation in Pacific small island states: nissology and success

Pacific small island states (PSIS) currently experience harsh impacts of a changing climate: sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, internal migration and displacement. Are adaptation strategies based upon island-centric principles more successful than those originating from a more continental point of view? This research examined the principles of island-centric thinking using an island-centric lens by which to determine ‘successful’ climate adaptation planning. The findings illustrate a statistically significant relationship between PSIS that have higher nissological (island-centric) levels displayed within their climate change action plans (CCAPs) and CCAPs that were found to be more successful. In other words, highly nissological states are forecasted to be more successful in planning for the current and future impacts of climate change than those with lower nissological scores. In total, nissology explains approximately 28.37% of a PSIS9s success. The policy relevance is rooted in the unique cultural, geographical, and social aspects of islands. Findings are applicable to other islands as well countries that share islander-based qualities. The methodological and quantitative-based areas of the study assist in forming policy-relevant determinations for island societies based on the climate-related parameters and metrics tested and evaluated herein.
Characterization and outcomes of reinterventions in Food and Drug Administration-approved versus trial endovascular aneurysm repair devices

Abstract Objective Published rates of reintervention after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) range from 10% to 30%. We evaluated a single university center's experience with reinterventions in the context of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and trial devices. Methods Retrospective data collection was performed for patients who underwent infrarenal EVAR and required reintervention from 2000 to 2016. Trial devices included those used in FDA feasibility and pivotal trials. Time-to-event analysis was performed using Cox regression. Predictors of mortality and explantation were evaluated using logistic regression; survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier methods. Results From 2000 to 2016, there were 1835 EVARs performed, and 137 patients (116 men; mean age, 72.2 ± 10.0 years) underwent reintervention with a mean aneurysm size of 5.9 ± 1.2 cm. The median follow-up was 5 years with an overall survival of 70.1%. The overall reintervention rate was 7.5%. FDA-approved devices had a reintervention rate of 6.4%, whereas trial devices had a rate of 14.4% ( P P = .010) and age at the time of EVAR (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P = .006) as risk factors for time to first reintervention. Among patients requiring reintervention, the mean number of reinterventions for trial devices was significantly greater than that for FDA-approved devices (2.18 vs 1.65; P = .01). Trial devices requiring reintervention had a nearly threefold higher odds for the need for more than two reinterventions (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.12-7.37; P = .034). Trial device, cause of reintervention, and type of reintervention were not predictive of the need for explantation or mortality, but the number of reinterventions was significantly associated with the need for explantation (odds ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.17-2.96; P = .012). EVAR device and the need for explantation did not have an impact on mortality. Conclusions Despite the rigorous nature of patient enrollment in clinical trials and the development of newer iterations of investigational devices, patients undergoing EVAR with trial devices are more likely to undergo a greater number of reinterventions than with FDA-approved devices. Although mortality and the need for explantation were not significantly associated with trial devices, the finding of a greater number of reinterventions highlights the need to properly inform patients willing to partake in investigational device trials.
The role of HoxA11 and HoxA13 in the evolution of novel fin morphologies in a representative batoid ( Leucoraja erinacea )

Batoids exhibit unique body plans with derived fin morphologies, such as the anteriorly expanded pectoral fins that fuse to the head, or distally extended anterior pelvic fin lobes used for a modified swimming technique utilized by skates (Rajidae). The little skate (Leucoraja erinacea), exhibits both of these unique fin morphologies. These fin modifications are not present in a typical shark body plan, and little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying their development. A recent study identified a novel apical ectodermal ridge (AER) associated with the development of the anterior pectoral fin in the little skate, but the role of the posterior HoxA genes was not featured during skate fin development. We present the first evidence for HoxA expression (HoxA11 and HoxA13) in novel AER domains associated with the development of three novel fin morphologies in a representative batoid, L. erinacea. We found HoxA13 expression associated with the recently described novel AER in the anterior pectoral fin, and HoxA11 expression in a novel AER domain in the anterior pelvic fin that we describe here. We find that both HoxA11 and HoxA13 are expressed in claspers, and while HoxA11 is expressed in pelvic fins and claspers, HoxA13 is expressed exclusively in developing claspers of males. Finally, HoxA11 expression is associated with the developing fin rays in paired fins. Overall, these results indicate that the posterior HoxA genes play an important role in the morphological evolution of paired fins in a representative batoid. These data suggest that the batoids utilize a unique Hox code, where the posterior HoxA genes exhibit distinct expression patterns that are likely associated with specification of novel fin morphologies.
A nonlinear resonance (eigenvalue) approach for computation of elastic collapse pressures of harmonically imperfect relatively thin rings

Abstract A nonlinear resonance (eigenvalue) based semi-analytical approach is employed here for computation of the elastic mode 2 collapse pressures of moderately-thick to thin isotropic rings, weakened by harmonic or modal type imperfections. The mode 2 collapse pressure is, by definition, associated with the buckled mode shape of cos(2θ) type, and is the harmonically imperfect ring counterpart to the Euler type buckling pressure of a hydrostatically pressurized thin perfect ring. A von Karman type iterative nonlinear analysis, which is based on the assumptions of transverse inextensibility and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), is utilized for computation of hydrostatic collapse pressure of a harmonically imperfect ring. Interesting and hitherto unavailable numerical results pertaining to the effects of harmonic imperfections on the hydrostatic collapse pressures of imperfect metallic rings are also presented.
A Qualitative Study of Chronic Pain and Self-Management in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract Acute, intermittent vaso-occlusive pain is the hallmark of sickle cell disease (SCD) and is associated with substantial morbidity and impaired quality of life (QOL). The subgroup of adults with SCD who transition from recurrent, acute pain to chronic, persistent pain have even greater QOL impairment and higher rates of healthcare utilization. Self-management is central to SCD management; however, its role in chronic pain management is not established. This qualitative study was conducted to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the chronic pain experience of adults with SCD? (2) What self-management strategies do adults with SCD use for chronic pain? and (3) Do adults with SCD have any needs in the self-management of chronic pain? Eighteen Black adults with SCD completed a demographics questionnaire and an interview. The majority of the participants were 21–30 years of age (mean 33.5, SD 7.6), female (61.1%), employed at least part-time (61.1%), single/never married (72.2%), and had a SCD type of sickle cell anemia (55.5%). Interview analysis revealed three major themes: (1) the chronic pain experience; (2) strategies for managing chronic pain; and (3) challenges and needs in managing chronic pain. Study findings can be used to support chronic pain management among adults with SCD. Further research is needed to devise and implement effective strategies for the prevention and management of chronic SCD pain.
Mechanisms for improving walking speed after longitudinal powered robotic exoskeleton training for individuals with spinal cord injury

The goal of this study was to establish strideparameter gait models correlated to speed on individuals with chronic SCI and able-bodied controls walking with a powered robotic exoskeleton (EksoGT $^{\mathrm{ TM}}$). Longitudinal exoskeleton training $( >100$ hours) across eight individuals with SCI resulted in a 30% increase in walking speed. A simple linear regression between step length, stride length for given speed were very tightly correlated along a line of best fit $( \mathrm {p}<$.001). The temporal parameters of stride time, stance time and double support time depicted a non-linear exponentially decaying relationship for given walking speed. The research findings indicate that although longitudinal exoskeleton training reduces the temporal parameters, increases in spatial parameters are only marginal.
Optimising NBA player signing strategies based on practical constraints and statistics analytics

In National Basketball Association (NBA), how to comprehensively measure a player's performance and how to sign talented players with reasonable contracts are always challenging. Due to various practical constraints such as the salary cap and the players' on-court minutes, no teams can sign all desired players. To ensure the team's competency on both offence and defence sides, player's efficiency must be comprehensively evaluated. This research studied the key indicators widely used to measure player efficiency and team performance. Through data analytics, the most frequently referred statistics including player efficiency rating, defence rating, real plus minus, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, etc. were chosen to formulate the prediction of the team winning rate in different schemes. Based on the models trained and tested, two player selection strategies were proposed according to different objectives and constraints. Experimental results show that the developed team winning rate prediction models have high accuracy and the player selection strategies are effective.
Epigenetic Factors of Disease

The development of tissues involves the direction of specific programs for gene expression among distinct cell types. These programs are often established in a heritable state by virtue of epigenetic mechanisms and corresponding pathways of cellular memory. Thus, the broad synchronization in patterns of gene expression ultimately dictates cellular consequences. Aberrations in these epigenetic mechanisms are known to be associated with a range of diseases. Herein, we highlight epigenetic factors that, when aberrantly expressed, lead to a broad range of diseases. Further, we call upon the community of biomedical researchers to share their findings related to the epigenetic factors of disease.
Transhuman Crypto Cloudminds

Considering the mutual benefits of blockchain and transhumanism, this essay proposes crypto cloudminds as a safe mechanism by which the human mind might transcend its unitary limitations by permissioning partial resources to join a multi-party mind (comprised of human and machine minds) in a cloud-based environment. Cloudminds could have diverse purposes including problem solving (addressing future-of-work issues with Maslow Smart Contracts), learning, experience, exploration, innovation, artistic expression, and other personal development activities. Crypto cloudminds could be multicurrency, operating with payment remuneration, security, and (especially) ideas as the denominations of measure. For thriving in the future, mind node peers could enter “Yes-and” Payment Channels with one another for collaborative idea development. For surviving in the future, good-player behavior could be game-theoretically enforced with the simultaneous privacy-transparency property of blockchains, together with the immutable peer-confirmed consensus algorithm and audit-log checks and balances system. Overall, blockchains might serve as an institutional technology that is the basis for treaties and progress in a multi-species society of human, algorithm, and machine, guiding the way to positive transhuman futures.
Centralization of High-Risk Cancer Surgery Within Existing Hospital Systems

PURPOSECentralization is often proposed as a strategy to improve the quality of certain high-risk health care services. We evaluated the extent to which existing hospital systems centralize high-ri...
Snagfall the first decade after severe bark beetle infestation of high-elevation forests in Colorado, USA.

The persistence and fall rate of snags (standing dead trees) generated during bark beetle outbreaks have consequences for the behavior, effects, and suppression of potential wildfires, hazard tree and timber salvage operations, wildlife habitat, and numerous ecosystem processes. However, post-beetle snagfall dynamics are poorly understood in most forest types. We tagged standing live and dead lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), including beetle-killed pine snags following the peak of a recent mountain pine bark beetle outbreak in watersheds at the Fraser Experimental Forest in northcentral Colorado and sampled snagfall 10 and 12 years later. Bark beetle attacks began in 2003, peaked by 2006, and killed 78% of overstory lodgepole pine in 133 plots distributed across a range of stand and site conditions. Of those snags, only 17% fell between 2007 and 2018. Most snags broke at ground level, due to butt rot, and were oriented downhill. In contrast, snags that tipped up or snapped off above the ground were oriented with the prevailing winds. Equal numbers of snags fell singly and in multiple-tree groups, and equal numbers remained elevated rather than in contact with the ground. Lodgepole pine snagfall was 1.6-times higher on steep slopes (>40%) where dead pine density was higher, compared to flatter sites. Based on our findings and previous research, we estimate that one-half the beetle-killed lodgepole pine in high-elevation forests such as those at Fraser may fall within 15-20 yr of beetle infestation, but that some pine snags are likely to persist for decades longer. Post-outbreak snagfall dynamics create a multiple-decade legacy of bark beetle outbreaks that will persist longer in high-elevation compared to lower-elevation forests.
Compact binary coalescences: The subtle issue of angular momentum

In presence of gravitational radiation, the notion of angular momentum of an isolated system acquires an infinite dimensional supertranslation ambiguity. This fact has been emphasized in the mathematical general relativity literature over several decades. We analyze the issue in the restricted context of compact binary coalescence (CBC) where the initial total angular momentum of the binary and the final black hole spin generically refer to distinct rotation subgroups of the Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group, related by supertranslations. We show that this ambiguity can be quantified using gravitational memory and the ``black hole kick.'' Our results imply that, although the ambiguity is conceptually important, under assumptions normally made in the CBC literature, it can be ignored in practice for the current and foreseeable gravitational wave detectors.
A multiphase Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin hydrodynamic method for high-explosive detonation physics

Abstract We present a new multidimensional multiphase Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin (DG) hydrodynamic method that supports programmed burn and reactive burn high-explosive (HE) detonation models. A modal DG approach is used to evolve fields relevant to conservation laws. These fields are approximated by Taylor series polynomials of varying degree. The HE reaction mass fraction is represented using a nodal quantity. A new limiting approach is presented along with new special limiting conditions for the reactive burn model. The HE models are applied to individual quadrature points in the DG elements to better resolve the physics with the modal method. In the programmed burn model, this means that reaction times are calculated for each point separately. The Scaled Unified Reactive Front (SURF) reactive burn model uses a lead shock pressure to determine the reaction rate at the quadrature points, with a new lead shock pressure detector that works with the Taylor series polynomials. The temporal evolution of the governing equations is achieved with the total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta (TVD RK) time integration method. The robustness of the new limiting approach is tested using 1D and 2D strong shock gamma-law gas problems. The accuracy of the point-wise programmed burn model is tested using a 1D gamma-law gas verification problem and a 2D radial problem. The implementation of the SURF reactive burn model within the DG method is tested using a 1D shock-to-detonation problem simulating the behavior of PBX-9501 and a 2D confined slab problem simulating the behavior of PBX-9502, both represented by the Davis equations of state with a multiphase modeling method. All 2D results use quadratic elements, which have faces that can bend.
THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON FERTILITY CARE: AN EVALUATION OF SOCIETY FOR ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY (SART) MEMBER CLINICS’ WEBSITES

Objective: To evaluate the available COVID-19 content in regard to fertility care on the websites of Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) member clinics Design: Cross-sectional study Materials and Methods: From March 17 to March 30, 2020, following the release of the first American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) COVID-19 recommendations, SART member clinics’ websites were examined The presence of information on COVID-19 and pregnancy implications, acknowledgement of and compliance with ASRM recommendations, description of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk mitigation strategies and local health department guidelines, as well as advertisement of telehealth and available mental health resources were queried Websites were categorized by practice size (small: <500 vs large: ≥500 cycles/year), type (academic vs private) and degree of statewide COVID-19 burden based on CDC data (low: 0-1000;high: ≥1000 diagnosed cases) Group differences were evaluated using χ2 Results: Larger clinics, compared to smaller, were more likely to report COVID-19 information, acknowledge and comply with ASRM recommendations, mention CDC risk mitigation strategies and local health department guidelines, discuss pregnancy implications and advertise telehealth [88% (130/148) vs 64% (146/227);49% (72/148) vs 32% (72/227);52% (77/148) vs 34% (75/227);76% (112/148) vs 53% (120/227);50% (74/148) vs 31% (71/227);36% (53/148) vs 21% (48/227) and 38% (101/148) vs 29% (119/227), respectively, P<0 05, all values] Academic clinics, compared to private, were more likely to report COVID-19 information and report CDC risk mitigation strategies [87% (77/89) vs 70% (199/286);76% (68/89) vs 57% (164/286), respectively, P<0 05, all values] Private clinics were more likely to acknowledge and quote ≥3/5 ASRM key recommendations but tended to devise individualized guidelines [44% (126/286) vs 20% (18/89);28% (80/286) vs 12% (11/89) and 34% (97/286) vs 4% (4/89), respectively, P<0 05, all values] Private clinics were also more likely to advertise telehealth and discuss pregnancy implications [63% (179/286) vs 46% (41/89) and 37% (106/286) vs 20% (18/89), respectively, P<0 05, all values] Only 35/375 websites offered mental health resources Degree of statewide COVID-19 burden did not appear to impact the information available on clinic websites Conclusions: Clinic size and type of practice, rather than COVID-19 burden, influenced websites use for patient education and care during the pandemic Telehealth advertisement as well as adherence to regulatory agencies' and societal recommendations were more common in larger clinics Private clinics more frequently devised individualized patient care guidelines, addressed common concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on pregnancy, and made telehealth more readily accessible The exclusion of such information on clinic websites may be a missed opportunity to support and educate patients about fertility treatment during a uniquely vulnerable time
Use of Creatine and Creatinine to Minimize Doxorubicin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts.

Doxorubicin (DOX), an effective anticancer agent, can damage cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue via excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Supplemental creatine (Cr) has been shown ...
Third Space, New Ethnic Identities, and Possible Selves in the Imagined Communities: A Case of Korean Heritage Language Speakers

The Korean heritage language (HL) speakers exercised their agency to speak Korean HL, and transformed their ambivalent language experiences, caused by the contradictory ideologies of assimilation a...
WHO recommends corticosteroids for patients with severe or critical COVID-19.

SOURCE CITATION: Lamontagne F, Agoritsas T, Macdonald H, et al. A living WHO guideline on drugs for covid-19. BMJ. 2020;370:m3379. 32887691.
Active surveillance for thyroid Cancer: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to implementation

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines supported active surveillance (AS) as a strategy for managing select low-risk thyroid cancers. Data examining physicians’ attitudes about the acceptability of this option are limited. This study aimed to characterize the barriers and facilitators to implementing AS as perceived by practicing endocrinologists and surgeons in the United States. We conducted 24 semi-structured interviews probing physicians’ attitudes toward AS for patients with small, low-risk thyroid cancer. We used deductive content analysis guided by a well-known model of guideline implementation. Analysis characterized concepts and themes related to AS implementation as physician, guideline, or external factors. We performed member checking to validate results. The most prominent barriers to AS were related to physician factors, although guideline-specific and external barriers were also observed. Physician attitudes towards AS comprised the majority of physician-related barriers, while lack of knowledge about the guideline was also discussed. Participants’ concerns about the potential negative outcomes resulting from observing a cancer were notable as were the lack of confidence in performing and offering surveillance. Beliefs about patient expectations and lack of knowledge about the guideline were also identified as barriers to offering surveillance. Guideline-specific and external barriers included the vagueness of surveillance protocols, lack of data supporting active surveillance, and societal beliefs about cancer. Facilitators of active surveillance included patients’ desire to avoid surgery and shared decision-making. Barriers and facilitators of active surveillance for low-risk thyroid cancers exist at multiple levels. Strategies to increase adoption of active surveillance should focus on physicians’ attitudes, patient expectations, data supporting surveillance outcomes, and promoting societal-level acceptance of surveillance.
Self-employment through the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of linked monthly CPS data

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic that began in the United States in March of 2020 had a profound adverse effect on the economy. In particular, the pandemic had a harsh impact on women, minorities, and self-employed individuals. However, research on why the pandemic hit some groups harder is in its nascent stages. We contribute to the growing body of knowledge by comparatively analyzing the inability to work due to the pandemic in the wage and self-employment sectors. We utilize data from the Current Population Survey from May 2020 to May 2021 to investigate the effect of individual, business, and geographic characteristics on the probability of work interruption in each sector. We find that self-employers were much harder hit but fared better than wage workers in several of the harder-hit sectors and when they had incorporated businesses. We also find that women, non-Whites, and Hispanics were more adversely affected in both sectors.
Flood Control and Air Cleaning Regulatory Ecosystem Services of Agroforestry

Agroforestry (AF) mimics natural forestry where perennial multispecies vegetation and/or livestock is intentionally integrated with agriculture and urban areas and thereby microclimate, landscape, soil properties, and ecosystem services are modified. The integration of AF improves flood control; wider riparian buffers protected levees and farmlands from flooding and sand deposition. Water storage and use by trees, and soil modification processes contribute to reduction of floods. The green vegetation improves air quality by removing particulate matter, gases, vapor, volatile organic chemicals, minerals, spores, and odor from the atmosphere. Air cleaning varies by vegetation characteristics, season, pollution type, concentration, location, and meteorological parameters. Selecting proper species, integrating more species, establishing effective designs, and maintaining green vegetation effectively control floods and clean air.
Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells in Transplantation

CD1d (i.e., Group II CD1) molecules are recognized by T cells, just as their “mainstream” counterparts, CD8+and CD4+T cells, are activated by MHC class I and class II molecules, respectively. A unique population of T cells (called natural killer T [NKT] cells), are specific for the CDld moleculesl•2. NKT cells are the predominant T-cell subpopulation in the thymus, liver, and bone marrow although they are present in spleen and lymph nodes as well. Overall, at least in mice, they are present at a level of about 1 X 106NKT cells per organ. These novel T cells are designated “NKT cells” based upon the original discovery of a subpopulation of T cells with a T-cell receptor bias (V438) and the NK cell marker, NK1.13, 4. Subsequent studies have further shown that the majority of NKT cells have an invariant T-cell receptor a chain rearrangement (Val4Ja18 in mice; NKT cells in humans express the homologous Va24JaQ rearrangement) (reviewed in refs [5], [6]), also referred to as “canonical” or “invariant” NKT cells. Like “mainstream” (i.e., CD4+and CD8+) T cells, NKT cells are thymus dependent6develop in many respects like their mainstream counterparts7-9but their homeostasis is dependent on the cytokine, IL-1510which is very important in NK cell development as well“12. Canonical NKT cells express CD4 or are CD4-CD8(see refs [6], [13]). Rapidly upon activation, NKT cells produce both T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cytokines14-16such as IFN-y and IL-4, respectively. It appears that the double negative NKT cells predominantly express Thl cytokines, whereas the CD4+ NKT cells, although producing the majority of the Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13 in particular).
K-ras mutation is an early event in pancreatic duct carcinogenesis in the Syrian golden hamster.

Abstract K- ras oncogene mutation has been shown to be a frequent event in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas induced by the carcinogen N -nitroso-bis(2-oxopropyl)amine in the hamster. The present study examines the mutational status of the K- ras oncogene in lesions that precede the appearance of invasive ductal adenocarcinomas. Syrian golden hamsters (80–100 g) received 12 weekly doses of 15 mg/kg N -nitroso-bis-(2-oxopropyl)amine and were serially sacrificed at 8, 12, 14, 16, or 24 weeks following the initiation of treatment. Ten µm-thick sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pancreas were examined for hyperplasia, papillary hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ , and invasive and metastatic ductal carcinoma. Marked lesions of interest were scraped from the slide, subjected to polymerase chain reaction-mediated amplification of the first exon of the K- ras gene, and probed by oligonucleotide-specific hybridization for mutations at codon either 12 or 13. Of 186 samples assayed, K- ras codon 12 mutations were detected in 26% of hyperplasias, 46% of papillary hyperplasias, 76% of carcinoma in situ , 80% of adenocarcinomas, and 43% of lymph node metastases. Codon 12 mutations were exclusively G to A changes at the second position. Codon 13 mutations were only detected in 9 of 168 samples. These results suggest that K- ras activation is an early event in N -nitroso-bis-(2-oxopropyl)amine-induced pancreatic carcinogenesis in the hamster.
Predicting contrast effects following reliable spectral properties in speech perception.

Vowel perception is influenced by precursor sounds that are resynthesized to shift frequency regions [Ladefoged and Broadbent (1957). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 29(1), 98–104] or filtered to emphasize narrow [Kiefte and Kluender (2008). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123(1), 366–376] or broad frequency regions [Watkins (1991). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90(6), 2942–2955]. Spectral differences between filtered precursors and vowel targets are perceptually enhanced, producing spectral contrast effects (e.g., emphasizing spectral properties of /ɪ/ in the precursor elicited more /ɛ/ responses to an /ɪ/-/ɛ/ vowel continuum, and vice versa). Historically, precursors have been processed by high-gain filters, resulting in prominent stable long-term spectral properties. Perceptual sensitivity to subtler but equally reliable spectral properties is unknown. Here, precursor sentences were processed by filters of variable bandwidths and different gains, then followed by vowel sounds varying from /ɪ/-/ɛ/. Contrast effects were widely observed,...
A General Model of Multipath Error for Coherently Tracked BOC Modulated Signals

A new class of signals, modulated using a binary offset carrier (BOC), is being implemented and tested in multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs). A receivers that tracks a BOC signal is considered more resistant to interference than tracking a signal modulated with a binary phase shift key (BPSK). In this study, that resistance is evaluated by analytically modeling the impact of multipath interference on signal tracking. Signal tracking error is then mapped to errors in the measurements produced by GNSS receivers, pseudorange and carrier phase. The model is general so that it can apply to measurements derived from any BOC modulated signal, including those from Galileo or modernized GLONASS systems. The model incorporates a single reflector and signal tracking that is coherent with signal phase. The timing between early and late correlation processes is left as a free parameter in order to emulate the design known as narrow correlation. The error models are applied to predict errors inserted into the GPS control segment ephemeris generation process, when control segment begins tracking the BOC modulated M-Code. First, conditions by which it is possible for M-Code receivers to exhibit more multipath error than P/Y-Code receivers are solved. Second, the mean multipath error is examined. For carrier phase, the condition for zero mean is proven to be uniformly true. In contrast, pseudorange exhibits zero mean only in certain tracking conditions.
Analysis of Premixed Charge Compression Ignition Combustion with a Sequential Fluid Mechanics-Multizone Chemical Kinetics Model

We have developed a methodology for analysis of PCCI engines that applies to conditions in which there is some stratification in the air-fuel distribution inside the cylinder at the time of combustion. Our analysis methodology consists of two stages: first, a fluid mechanics code is used to determine temperature and equivalence ratio distributions as a function of crank angle, assuming motored conditions. The distribution information is then used for grouping the mass in the cylinder into a two-dimensional (temperature-equivalence ratio) array of zones. The zone information is then handed on to a detailed chemical kinetics model that calculates combustion, emissions and engine efficiency information. The methodology applies to situations where chemistry and fluid mechanics are weakly linked. The results of the multi-zone model have been compared to the results obtained from a fully integrated code, in which a chemical kinetics code is directly linked into a fluid mechanics code to calculate chemistry in every cell of the grid. The results show that the multi-zone model predicts burn duration and peak cylinder pressure with good accuracy. However, ignition timing predicted by the multi-zone model is sensitive to the transition angle between the fluid mechanics code and the chemical kinetics code. Themore » paper explores the possibility of using three different criteria for determining the transition angle: fraction of heat release at the time of ignition, temperature of the hottest cell at the time of ignition, and a fixed crank angle of transition. The results show that the three criteria have some validity as transition criteria. Further research is necessary to investigate the effect of fuel properties and operating conditions on transition angle.« less
Over-Preemption of State Vacatur Law: State Courts and the FAA

This article explores the issue of whether the Federal Arbitration Act or state arbitration law applies to a motion to vacate. After examining inconsistent application of state standards to motions to vacate arbitration awards both among various states and within several states, the article finds that states do not apply properly the Supreme Court's FAA preemption jurisprudence. The article concludes that too many state courts apply the FAA in circumstances in which their own state's arbitration law should apply instead, leading to what I call over-preemption - an unnecessary expansion of the FAA into state law matters.
Modeling, extraction and simulation of CMOS I/O circuits under ESD stress

A CAD tool set for VLSI CMOS I/O circuit design is developed. It includes a circuit simulator, a layout extractor and a substrate resistance solver. This paper presents a new layout extractor for CMOS I/O circuits and a new method for modeling the substrate resistance. With these tools, for the first time, full I/O circuits can be simulated accurately at the circuit-level with the substrate-coupling effects taken into consideration. The CAD tools are demonstratively applied to an industrial circuit.
Chapter 6 Statistical methods

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses many of the statistical methods that are used in fitting stochastic models to real data. There are four common approaches to finding point estimators of a parameter: Bayesian methods, maximium likelihood methods, the method of moments, and minimum variance unbiased estimates. . Stochastic modelling provides a framework and a set of tools with which to study systems and phenomena and treat models which incorporate uncertainty. As a result, the models can be used to predict or evaluate the future performance of such systems or the evolution of the phenomena. The practical use of stochastic modeling requires the selection of a particular model from a class of models that best captures the actual situation. This entails both the collection and analysis of data to fit model parameters appropriately and the analysis of data generated by the model to observe if it conforms to the applied situation with reality.
Retail competition and Duke Power Company

Retail competition means that the customer will be able to choose their electricity supplier, sometime in the future. The author begins with a brief overview of the retail competition pilot that is going on in New Hampshire. After that, the author provides an overview of what's happening across the United States with retail competition. The author discusses his company's position and some of the key issues that need to be adequately addressed before retail competition begins.
Photoelectric emission from negative-electron-affinity diamond (111) surfaces: Exciton breakup versus conduction-band emission

We have recently reported that bound electron-hole pairs (Mott-Wannier excitons) are the dominant source of photoelectron emission from specially prepared [``as-polished'' C(111)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1):H] negative-electron-affinity diamond surfaces for near-band-gap excitation up to 0.5 eV above threshold [C. Bandis and B. B. Pate, Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 777 (1995)]. It was found that photoexcited excitons transport to the surface, break up, and emit their electron. In this paper, we extend the study of exciton-derived emission to include partial yield (constant final-state) analysis as well as angular distribution measurements of the photoelectric emission. In addition, we find that exciton-derived emission does not always dominate. Photoelectric emission properties of the in situ ``rehydrogenated'' (111)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1):H diamond surface are characteristically different than emission observed from the as-polished (111)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1):H surface. The rehydrogenated surface has additional downward band bending as compared to the as-polished surface. In confirmation of the assignment of photoelectric yield to exciton breakup emission, we find a significant enhancement of the total electron yield when the downward band bending of the hydrogenated surface is increased. The functional form of the observed total electron yield demonstrates that, in contrast to the as-polished surface, conduction-band electrons are a significant component of the observed photoelectric yield from the in situ hydrogenated (111)-(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1):H surface. Furthermore, electron emission characteristics of the rehydrogenated surface confirms our assignment of a Fan phonon-cascade mechanism for thermalization of excitons.
Adiabatic cross-polarization via intermediate dipolar-ordered state.

Abstract It is experimentally demonstrated that an adiabatic demagnetization–remagnetization in the laboratory frame, where the Zeeman order of abundant nuclei is first adiabatically converted into the dipolar order, and then, into the Zeeman order of rare nuclei, can significantly increase polarization of rare nuclei compared to the conventional cross-polarization technique.
Serial evaluations of myocardial infarct size after alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and effects of the changes on clinical status and left ventricular outflow pressure gradients.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) as a treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy produces septal infarction. There is a concern that such infarcts could be detrimental. Changes in the size of these infarcts by serial perfusion testing have not been studied. We performed resting serial-gated single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging in 30 patients (age 51 ± 17 years, 57% were women) who had ASA between September 2003 and March 2007 before, 2 ± 0.8 days (early), and 8.4 ± 6.9 months (late) after ASA. Patients were also followed clinically and with serial 2-dimensional echocardiography. New York Heart Association class decreased from 3.50 ± 0.51 before to 1.14 ± 0.36 (p
Regulation of local tissue-type plasminogen activator release by endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent agonists in human vasculature.

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to define the local regulation of vascular tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release. Background. The vascular endothelium, through the production of t-PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), is an important regulator of fibrinolysis. Plasma t-PA levels increase in response to adrenergic stimulation; however, it is unclear whether this increase is the result of systemic reflex responses or direct effects on the vascular endothelium. Methods. Forearm blood flow dose responses were generated to low doses of agonist infused directly into the brachial artery in 15 normotensive men (mean [±SE] age 28.9 ± 2.2 years). Simultaneous arterial and venous blood samples were drawn at baseline and in response to the intraarterial administration of isoproterenol (400 ng/min), methacholine (8 μg/min) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (8 μg/min). PAI-1 and t-PA antigen levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the net release across the forearm was calculated. Results. Forearm plasma flow increased significantly from baseline (1.4 ± 0.2 ml/100 ml per min) after administration of isoproterenol, methacholine and SNP (9.7 ± 1.9, 8.7 ± 1.9 and 6.7 ± 1.1 ml/100 ml per min, respectively) (p Conclusions. Marked, rapid local t-PA release occurred in response to isoproterenol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, and methacholine, an endothelium-dependent nitric oxide agonist, in the human forearm. This effect was selective and independent of the effects of shear stress due to increased flow because SNP induced similar increases in forearm blood flow without affecting t-PA release. Vascular t-PA release may be a potentially valuable tool for evaluating endothelial function in diseases associated with increased risk of thrombosis.
Optimal H ∞ synthesis of robust controllers for systems with structured uncertainty

A finite-dimensional nonlinear program is shown to yield the solution to the diagonally scaled multivariable L∞ optimization problem: min || D(s)(T11(s) + T12(S)Q(s)T21 (s))D-1(s) ||∞ D,D-1, Qe(H)n×n. D diagonal for the case of square T12,T21,T11eH∞)n×n. This problem is of central importance in the synthesis of feedback control laws for robust stability and insensitivity in the presence of "structured" plant uncertainty. The solution to this problem facilitates the design of multivariable feedback controllers which optimize the "excess stability margin" [3] (or, equivalently, the structured singular value μ [4]) of diagonally perturbed feedback systems.
Effect of dopants on the activity of Cu/M0.3Zr0.7O2 (M = Ce, Mn, and Pr) for CO hydrogenation to methanol

Abstract Previous investigations have shown that Cu/ZrO2 is an active catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO to methanol and that both components of the active play an active role in the reaction mechanism. It has also been shown that the substitution of Ce for Zr into the ZrO2 lattice results in significantly enhanced methanol synthesis activity. The present investigation was undertaken with the aim of understanding whether other substituents, such as Mn and Pr, could also enhance the activity of Cu/ZrO2. Zirconia and Ce-, Mn-, and Pr-substituted zirconia were prepared by forced hydrolysis at low pH, starting from nitrates of each metal, and Cu was then dispersed onto the surface of the calcined oxide by deposition–precipitation. All catalysts were characterized by XRD, XANES, and temperature-programmed reduction in H2. H2 and CO chemisorption capacities were also measured. The area-based activity of 3 wt% Cu/M0.3Zr0.7O2 decreased in the order 3 wt% Cu/Ce0.3Zr0.7O2 > 3 wt% Cu/Pr0.3Zr0.7O2 > 3 wt% Cu/Mn0.3Zr0.7O2 > 3 wt% Cu/ZrO2. Catalyst activity was found to correlate with H2 adsorption capacity and the proportion of bridge-bonded hydroxyl groups. The importance of the latter species is ascribed to their higher Bronsted acidity, which contributes to the rapid release of methoxide groups formed on the oxide surface and the formation of methanol. Dopant cations that can participate in redox cycles (e.g., Ce and Mn) are desirable, because they can enhance the methanol synthesis activity of Cu/M0.3Zr0.7O2 catalysts to a greater degree than cations that do not participate in redox cycles (e.g., Pr).