cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Zinc content of human retinal pigment epithelium decreases with age and macular degeneration, but superoxide dismutase activity increases

We previously reported an age-related decline of catalase activity and metallothionein (MT) in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) isolated from donor eyes. MT content and catalase activity also were shown to decrease in RPE cells cultured in zinc-deficient medium. We now sought to determine whether zinc content and superoxide dismutase activity change with age and signs of macular degenerative disease in isolated human RPE. Eyes from 57 donors were graded with respect to disease by the presence or absence of visible drusen and macular pigment changes. RPE was collected from macular and peripheral regions. Tissues from 39 donors were separated into soluble and pigment granule fractions and zinc content determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. RPE from 18 separate donors was used for SOD activity analysis. Total RPE zinc was 9% lower in eyes from donors >70 years of age compared to that from donors age 70 and showed a greater decline in the soluble fraction of macular RPE in eyes with signs of macular disease. Total SOD activity increased significantly (P < .05) with donor age. We conclude that zinc content decreased dramatically in the soluble fraction of macular RPE with age and signs of macular degeneration. Total SOD activity correlated negatively with changes in zinc content. It remains to be determined whether the age-related decline in macular zinc is causal with respect to previously observed decreases in cellular MT and catalase. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EXPERIMENTAL TESTS OF HULL'S REASONING PARADIGMS'

Summary.-Two tests of Hull's reasoning paradigm were conductecl. The basic paradigm required that rats be trained to approach goal box C for one incentive and to approach goal boxes B and D for an incentive which differed in quality and/or quantity. It was further required that goal box B serve as the termination of an A-B sequence and [he beginning of a B-C sequence. Hull predicted on the basis of the r, mechanism that under test conditions requiring a choice between the A-B route and the A-D route a significant proportion of Ss would make an "insightful" choice of the A-B route. The resulrs were uniformly negative for Hull's prediction. Under these conditions rats do not manifest the ability to assemble separately acquired behavior segments. Over thirty years ago Maier (1929) reported a series of studies from which he inferred "reasoning" processes in white rats. Specifically he suggested chat rats could combine independently acquired behavior segments in order to "solve a problem." Hull (1935) recasc the essentials of Maier's procedures into a conventional alley-type runway apparacus and suggested improvements in experimental procedure. With reference to Fig. 1, Hull proposed that in the first phase of training Ss should be trained while hungry to traverse the A-C and B-C segments for food. In the second phase, they should be [rained, under thirst drive, to run from A to B and A to D for water. On the test day Ss would again be made hungry and placed in the start box leading to A with the A-C segment blocked. S is thus forced to choose between segments A-B and A-D. Selection of the A-B route by a significantly greater number of Ss than the A-D route would be taken as evidence that rats were in fact able co combine independently acquired behavior segments in order to reach food. Apparently Hull was not confident that rats could solve chis problem, bur if chey did he proposed a stimulus-response explanation relying on che ancicipatory goal response mechanism. In brief, Hull's interpretation is as follows. During Phase 1 when S is hungry and obtains food at C, a fractional cornponenc of the eating response (r,e) becomes condicioned to che stimuli of the goal box and to the stimulus traces of all stimuli preceding the eating response (Rce). In Phase 2 S is thirsty and fractional components of drinking (r,d) become conditioned to the goal box stimuli at B and D and become short circuited to
The influence of clay and elastomer concentration on the morphology and fracture energy of preformed acrylic rubber dispersed clay filled epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract The influence of toughener and clay concentration on the morphology and mechanical properties of three-phase, rubber-modified epoxy nanocomposites was studied. Nanocomposite samples were prepared by adding octadecyl ammonium ion exchanged clay to a dispersion of pre-formed acrylic rubber particles in liquid epoxy, so as to minimize alteration to the rubber morphology in the final cured specimen. The state of clay platelet exfoliation and rubber dispersion in the cured nanocomposites was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The amounts of clay platelet separation and dispersion of clay aggregates in the epoxy matrix were found to be sensitive to clay and toughener concentration, and clay platelets preferentially adsorb to the rubber particles. Tensile modulus and strength increase and ductility decreases with increasing organoclay content, while rubber has the opposite effects on the properties of epoxy resin. When both additives are present in epoxy resin, a favorable combination is produced: ductility is enhanced without compromising modulus and strength. Modulus and strength are improved by nano and micro dispersion of nanoclay in the epoxy matrix, whereas elongation and toughness are improved by clay adsorption to the rubber particle surface, which promotes cavitation. The glass transition temperature of epoxy resin remains relatively unchanged with clay addition.
The MMPI assistant : a microcomputer program to assist in teaching interpretation of the MMPI

Abstract The design and distribution of the MMPI Assistant is believed to partially answer several criticisms of commercially available profile interpretation programs. The Assistant is intended for research and training in the interpretation of psychiatric patient profiles only, and output from it is never to appear in a patient's chart. The program encourages the inclusion of additional information by writing to a disk file suitable for editing with a word processor, rather than directly to the printer. The rules used for each interpretive hypothesis precede that hypothesis, first on the screen and then in the output file. Certain blatant attempts to misuse the program result in termination of the program. The program is available only upon completion of a statement agreeing to abide by the author's rules for its use (professional licensure, specific training, target population). Finally, research is encouraged by making the program available to qualified persons at no charge.
A cache for an associative memory

Abstract We use aggregation techniques to represent an associative memory by a smaller memory, which we call a cache, which approximates it. There is never a cache miss as in the case of RAM, but rather a degradation of the information sought, a soft miss. Three variants are given, and the degradation error is characterized for each. The discrete Fourier transform provides an example. In the appendix, we sketch an approach to refinement of the memory approximation.
A nonlinear finite element eigenanalysis of antiplane shear including higher order terms

Abstract A finite element formulation for the determination of higher order stress and displacement fields for antiplane shear loading of power-law hardening materials is presented. In this displacement based finite element formulation, the Newton method is coupled with singular value decomposition to solve the nonlinear system of equations. The first two asymptotic terms in the displacement field are included in the formulation, which gives the first three terms in the stress field. Examples are presented for the single material crack problem subjected to antisymmetric and arbitrary loading, the single material wedge, and the bimaterial case of a crack perpendicular to an interface.
Linear discrete-time system stability under parameter variations

The problem of discrete system stability when the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are allowed to vary independently, is considered. A sufficient condition is given to guarantee system stability under such coefficient variations. The non-conservativeness of this condition is demonstrated by two examples.
Mother's and father's reports on their child's temperament: does gender matter?

Abstract Temperament ratings were obtained from 56 pairs of parents throughout the child's first year to examine similarities and discrepancies in their report. Age, gender, stress, depression, and mother's temperament were considered as factors possibly contributing to differences in the parents’ ratings of their child's temperament.
Characteristics, stratigraphic architecture, and time framework of multi-order mixed siliciclastic and carbonate depositional sequences, outcropping Cisco Group (Late Pennsylvanian and Early Permian), Eastern Shelf, north-central Texas, USA

Abstract The Cisco Group on the Eastern Shelf of the Midland Basin is composed of fluvial, deltaic, shelf, shelf-margin, and slope-to-basin carbonate and siliciclastic rocks. Sedimentologic and stratigraphic analyses of 181 meter-to-decimeter-scale depositional sequences exposed in the up-dip shelf indicated that the siliciclastic and carbonate parasequences in the transgressive systems tracts (TST) are thin and upward deepening, whereas those in highstand systems tracts (HST) are thick and upward shallowing. The sequences can be subdivided into five types on the basis of principal lithofacies, and exhibit variable magnitude of facies shift corresponding to variable extents of marine transgression and regression on the shelf. The sequence stacking patterns and their regional persistence suggest a three-level sequence hierarchy controlled by eustasy, whereas local and regional changes in lithology, thickness, and sequence type, magnitude, and absence were controlled by interplay of eustasy, differential shelf subsidence, depositional topography, and pattern of siliciclastic supply. The outcropping Cisco Group is highly incomplete with an estimated 6–11% stratigraphic completeness. The average duration of deposition of the major (third-order) sequences is estimated as 67–102 ka on the up-dip shelf and increases down dip, while the average duration of the major sequence boundaries (SB) is estimated as 831–1066 ka and decreases down dip. The nondepositional and erosional hiatus on the up-dip shelf was represented by lowstand deltaic systems in the basin and slope.
Mutational load analysis of unrelated individuals

Evolutionary genetic models predict that the cumulative effect of rare deleterious mutations across the genome—known as mutational load burden—increases the susceptibility to complex disease. To test the mutational load burden hypothesis, we adopted a two-tiered approach: assessing the impact of whole-exome minor allele load burden and then conducting individual-gene screening. For our primary analysis, we examined various minor allele frequency (MAF) thresholds and weighting schemes to examine the overall effect of minor allele load on affection status. We found a consistent association between minor allele load and affection status, but this effect did not markedly increase within rare and/or functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our follow-up analysis considered minor allele load in individual genes to see whether only one or a few genes were driving the overall effect. Examining our most significant result—minor allele load of nonsynonymous SNPs with MAF < 2.4%—we detected no significantly associated genes after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. After moderately significant genes (p < 0.05) were removed, the overall effect of rare nonsynonymous allele load remained significant. Overall, we did not find clear support for mutational load burden on affection status; however, these results are ultimately dependent on and limited by the nature of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 simulation.
Transmit beamforming in multiple-antenna systems with finite rate feedback: a VQ-based approach

This paper investigates quantization methods for feeding back the channel information through a low-rate feedback channel in the context of multiple-input single-output (MISO) systems. We propose a new quantizer design criterion for capacity maximization and develop the corresponding iterative vector quantization (VQ) design algorithm. The criterion is based on maximizing the mean-squared weighted inner product (MSwIP) between the optimum and the quantized beamforming vector. The performance of systems with quantized beamforming is analyzed for the independent fading case. This requires finding the density of the squared inner product between the optimum and the quantized beamforming vector, which is obtained by considering a simple approximation of the quantization cell. The approximate density function is used to lower-bound the capacity loss due to quantization, the outage probability, and the bit error probability. The resulting expressions provide insight into the dependence of the performance of transmit beamforming MISO systems on the number of transmit antennas and feedback rate. Computer simulations support the analytical results and indicate that the lower bounds are quite tight
Building capability throughout a change effort: leading the transformation of a police agency to community policing

This case describes a change effort to move a police agency to become a community policing organization. The community policing effort was seen as a means to make a transformational change to become a learning organization with the goal of improving the delivery of police services. The case describes the steps taken to meet the new vision of community policing as well as the steps taken to deal with the challenges or realities of trying to make change happen. The lens for this case is the leadership role across the stages of change (exploration, planning, implementation, monitoring and institutionalization) in building capacity within the organization to sustain the change effort. The capacity building focused on incorporating systems thinking into the mindset of the members of the organization, breaking down the command and control mindset by building a new norm around high involvement of committed teams, and developing skill sets to support continuous learning and improvement in order to align organizational systems. A key lesson learned is that effective leaders do not just prepare an organization prior to a change effort. They must have the patience to constantly build the capacity for change among organizational members throughout the various stages of the change effort.
Frustular morphology and taxonomic affinities of Navicula complanatoides (Bacillariophyceae)

Live and prepared cells of the marine pennate diatom Navicula complanatoides Hust. were examined with light and electron microscopy. It has narrowly lanceolate valves (26–55 μm long, 4–5 μm wide) and girdles 10–24 μm in depth. Striae are parallel at the center of the valve (24–28 in 10 μm), becoming slightly convergent toward the apices. Electron microscopy revealed that the external valve surface presents a longitudinally ribbed appearance (20–28 parallel ribs at its maximum width), whereas internally, rectangular areolae are occluded by ricae. The raphe slit lies in a narrow axial area, and one side of the raphe sternum is deeper and folds over the other, obscuring the internal opening. Internally, the central virga on one side of the raphe and two virgae on the other are somewhat broader. A conspicuous pore (stigma) is present between the two broadened virgae. The girdle consists of valvocopulae, copulae, and pleurae. There are 16–20 bands per cingulum. The valvocopulae and copulae are hollow tube-like structures, with inner and outer portions contrsting in morphology. They decrease in diameter in an abvalvar direction. There are four pleurae. These are flat bands which facilitate overlap of the epicingulum and hypocingulum. Fundamental features of the valve and girdle reveal the distinctness of this species within Navicula. The areolae, external longitudinal ribs, and raphe structure suggest affinities with Pleurosigma, Gyrosigma, and Haslea. It is hypothesized that they share a derived state which indicates a recent common ancestor for these taxa. N. complanatoides and related species of the Naviculae microstigmatacae are distinctive enough to merit their own genus within the Naviculaceae.
Bacteriological Survey of the Frozen Prepared Foods Industry: IV. Frozen Breaded Fish

During sanitation-inspections of 23 breaded-fish processors, 573 finished product units and 604 line samples were collected and analyzed bacteriologically. Data for finished product units processed on the same data are presented in groups; most of the groups consisted of 10 units. Groups of frozen, raw-breaded fish produced under good and poor conditions of sanitation were studied. No more than 20% of the units in each group produced under good conditions of sanitation were positive for Escherichia coli or coagulase-positive staphylococci. Groups of frozen, fried-breaded fish produced under good and poor sanitary conditions were also studied. No more than 10% of the units in each good-sanitation group were positive for E. coli or coagulase-positive staphylococci. However, approximately 30% of the groups processed under poor sanitary conditions also did not exceed these viable bacterial counts because of the lethal effect of the terminal fry to which the product is subjected. It was found that line samples collected from the processing lines reflected the sanitary conditions of the plant and provided bacteriological support for inspectional evidence of plant insanitation.
Semi-Markov Decision Processes

Considered are infinite horizon semi-Markov decision processes (SMDPs) with finite state and action spaces. Total expected discounted reward and long run average expected reward optimality criteria are reviewed. Solution methodology for each criterion is given; constraints and variance sensitivity are also discussed. Keywords: Markov decision process; decision rule; Weibull distribution; unichain; reward structure
Finite‐Difference Time‐Domain Analysis

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD ) solution of Maxwell's equations is a robust and popular computational technique in science and engineering for modeling electromagnetic wave interactions with complex material structures. This article reviews key elements of the foundation of FDTD analysis as well as selected recent and emerging FDTD application areas. Keywords: finite-difference time domain; FDTD, Maxwell's equations; numerical methods; computations; electromagnetic waves; computational electrodynamics
Dorsal stream activation during retrieval of object size and shape

We investigated dorsal visual stream involvement in the retrieval of a variety of visual attributes of common objects, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Seven subjects made binary decisions about the shape, color, and size of named objects during scanning. Bilateral parietal activity was significantly greater during retrieval of shape and size information than during retrieval of color information. Consistent with a domain-specific distributed model of semantic organization, the finding that dorsal stream activity is associated with size and shape retrieval, as compared with color retrieval, may indicate that both size and shape information are learned partly through dorsally mediated processes, such as visually guided grasping. These results demonstrate that both visual-processing streams (i.e., the ventral “what” pathway and the dorsal “where” pathway) are involved in the storage and/or retrieval of knowledge of object appearance but that, just as in vision, these two pathways may play different roles in conceptual processing.
Feminist Visualization: Re-envisioning GIS as a Method in Feminist Geographic Research

Despite considerable progress in recent geographic information systems (GIS) research (especially on public-participation GIS), the critical discourse on GIS in the 1990s does not seem to have affected GIS practices in geographic research in significant ways. Development in critical GIS practice has been quite limited to date, and GIS and critical geographies remain two separate, if not overtly antagonistic, worlds. This suggests that critical engagement that seeks to conceive and materialize the critical potential of GIS for geographic research is still sorely needed. In this article, I explore the possibilities for this kind of critical engagement through revisiting some of the central arguments in the critical discourse from feminist perspectives. I examine whether GIS methods are inherently incompatible with feminist epistemologies through interrogating their connection with positivist scientific practices and visualization technologies. Bearing in mind the limitations of current GIS, I explore severa...
Kinetics of bilirubin oxidation with peroxidase, as applied to studies of bilirubin-albumin binding.

In the determination of unbound bilirubin by rate of oxidation with peroxidase, errors may be caused by (1) phenol, propylparaben, and phenothiazines (free radical acceleration), (2) haemoglobin (peroxidase effect), and (3) ascorbate (inhibition). Such errors may be diminished by dilution 1:40, or with an antioxidant, tert-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole, and ascorbate oxidase.
Toward a robust computational screening strategy for identifying glycosaminoglycan sequences that display high specificity for target proteins

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) interact with many proteins to regulate processes such as hemostasis, cell adhesion, growth and differentiation and viral infection. Yet, majority of these interactions remain poorly understood at a molecular level. A major reason for this state is the phenomenal structural diversity of GAGs, which has precluded analysis of specificity of their interactions. We had earlier presented a computational protocol for predicting “high-specificity” GAG sequences based on combinatorial virtual library screening (CVLS) technology. In this work, we expand the robustness of this technology through rigorous studies of parameters affecting GAG recognition of proteins, especially antithrombin and thrombin. The CVLS approach involves automated construction of a virtual library of all possible oligosaccharide sequences (di- to octasaccharide) followed by a two-step selection strategy consisting of “affinity” (GOLD score) and “specificity” (consistency of binding) filters. We find that “specificity” features are optimally evaluated using 100 genetic algorithm experiments, 100,000 evolutions and variable docking radius from 10 A (disaccharide) to 14 A (hexasaccharide). The results highlight critical interactions in H/HS oligosaccharides that govern specificity. Application of CVLS technology to the antithrombin–heparin system indicates that the minimal “specificity” element is the GlcAp(1 → 4)GlcNp2S3S disaccharide of heparin. The CVLS technology affords a simple, intuitive framework for the design of longer GAG sequences that can exhibit high “specificity” without resorting to exhaustive screening of millions of theoretical sequences.
Metformin, a Promising Oral Antihyperglycemic for the Treatment of Noninsulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has historically been treated with diet therapy alone or the addition of an oral hypoglycemic agent such as a sulfonylurea, or the two in combination with insulin. Although these medical interventions lower blood glucose concentrations, they may also potentiate hyperinsulinism through increased serum insulin concentrations. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism are associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertriglyceridemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, among others. Therefore, a desirable therapeutic alternative would lower blood glucose, not result in hyperinsulinism, and have beneficial effects on lipid profiles. Metformin is a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent that provides these effects. When administered to carefully selected patients and monitored appropriately, metformin may prove to be valuable in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and in altering its cardiovascular sequelae.
Three hFE Degradation Mechanisms and their Associated Characteristics

Degradation of hFE in bipolar transistors has been a recurrent problem with all makers and users of solid state devices. To date, three distinct mechanisms have been identified with hFE degradatiofi and are the subject of this paper. The first and most important hFE degradation mechanism, that associated with positive ion migration within the passivating device oxide, requires total protection of that oxide if device reliability is to be assured. The second mechanism, that associated with emitter-base reverse bias avalanche, is due to the introduction of fast surface states. While these two mechanisms affect hFE primarily at low collector current levels, a third mechanism has been identified which affects hFE at moderate current levels as well.
Characterizations of Certain Continuous Univariate Distributions Based on the Conditional Distribution of Generalized Order Statistics

The problem of characterizing probability distributions is an interesting problem which has recently attracted the attention of many researchers. Various characterization results have been established in different directions as reported in the literature. We present here, various characterizations of certain univariate continuous distributions based on the conditional distribution of generalized order statistics.
Effect of temperature distribution on moisture flow in porous materials

Several experimenters have observed moisture flow rates through porous materials under a temperature gradient, which are many times the calculated rates based on vapor diffusion. To investigate this discrepancy, a temperature gradient was applied across an enlarged model of a particular, high-quartz wet sand, and the temperature distribution within the pore spaces was measured. For the ‘air-dry condition’ of the model, the average temperature gradient in the pore spaces was six times the over-all applied gradient. Approximately this same ratio exists, therefore, between the respective vapor pressure gradients. It is proposed that the flow mechanism consists of multiple vapor diffusion and liquid flow steps in series, the resistance to flow in the liquid phase being negligible, so that the flow rate is determined by the vapor pressure gradients in the pore spaces. The fact that these gradients are of the order of six times the over-all gradient previously used to calculate the flow rate at least partially explains the discrepancy.
Managed Care in California: Daunting New Realities for Dermatology and Academic Medicine

Managed predominant method of health care delivery in Sacramento, Calif; the effect on our academic medical center is profound. The lessons we are learning in the development of a university-based health care network have applicability to dermatology. The future of dermatology demands that all practicing dermatologists have an understanding of the challenges and that they participate in the design of appropriate cost-effective strategies for the future. (Arch Dermatol. 1994;130:1539-1542)
Prevalence of Breast Milk Expression and Associated Factors

OBJECTIVES. Our goal was to describe the prevalence of any, occasional, and regular breast milk expression, mothers9 reasons for expressing their milk, and sociodemographic factors associated with breast milk expression. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. Breastfeeding mothers participating in the 2005–2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II formed the cohort for these analyses, which were conducted among those with infants in 3 age groups: 1.5 to 4.5 months ( n = 1564); >4.5 to 6.5 months ( n = 1128); and >6.5 to 9.5 months ( n = 914). For the analyses we used frequency and stepwise multiple logistic regression procedures. RESULTS. Eighty-five percent of breastfeeding mothers of infants in the youngest age group had successfully expressed milk at some time since their infant was born. When asked only about the previous 2-week period, 68% of the breastfeeding mothers of infants in this youngest age group had expressed milk, with 43% having done so occasionally and 25% on a regular schedule. Approximately one quarter of breastfeeding mothers of infants in the 2 older infant age groups also expressed milk on a regular schedule. The percentage of mothers expressing milk decreased with increasing infant age. Mothers expressed milk for various reasons. The most frequently cited reason was to get breast milk for someone else to feed their infant. In all 3 age groups, reporting any breast milk expression, compared with none, was positively associated with maternal employment, higher income, lack of previous breastfeeding experience, and living in the Midwest versus the West. In all 3 age groups, expressing milk on a regular schedule, compared with occasionally, was positively associated with maternal employment and the use of an electric versus manual breast pump. CONCLUSIONS. Breast milk expression is a very common practice. It is associated most strongly with maternal employment, a recognized barrier to breastfeeding.
Rolfing structural integration treatment of cervical spine dysfunction

Summary Background Misalignments in the body compromise the architectural integrity. At the tissue level, fascia shortens and thickens as the body engages in compensatory strategies to maintain itself upright; these changes are known as myofascial contractions. In physical therapy, there are several methods by which practitioners treat neck dysfunction. However, studies showing the effect of those techniques are limited. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rolfing structural integration (RSI) in neck motion and pain levels of 31 subjects who received RSI. RSI is a type of therapy that focuses on aligning the human body with gravity. Methods This retrospective study, over a period of 3 years of clinical practice, analyzes changes in motion and pain levels at the neck for 31 subjects who completed the RSI in 10 basic sessions. Participants were evaluated before and after they received RSI. The data collected included: age, sex, occupation, referral source, diagnosis, height, weight, photographs of postural views, range of motion (ROM), pain, and functional complaints. ROM was assessed with the use of an arthordial protractor. Data analysis using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested the hypothesis at a significance of 0.5. Results The mean pain levels and active range of motion ( AROM ) of the neck before RSI significantly changed after the treatment ( p AROM . Pain levels/ AROM-Age within-subject effect demonstrated significant difference only in pain at best and rotation right ; the mean pain levels in the older group decreased by 67%, and the mean AROM for rotation right in the younger group increased by 34%. Discussion In this sample, pain now was reduced more than pain best and pain worst . Increased motion for lateral flexion was more than rotation , extension , and flexion . Conclusion This investigation demonstrates that the basic 10 sessions of RSI, when applied by a physical therapist with advanced RSI certification, is capable of significantly decreasing pain and increasing AROM in adult subjects, male and female, with complaints of cervical spine dysfunction regardless of age.
The Exchange of Emotional Support With Age and Its Relationship With Emotional Well-Being by Age

This study tested three hypotheses derived from the application of socioemotional selectivity theory and exchange theory to the exchange of emotional support with age and its relationship with positive and negative affect by age. Data are from the Midlife in the United States study of 3,032 U.S. adults between the ages of 25 and 74. The social contact hypothesis predicts that hours of emotional support given and received should decrease with age. The exchange hypothesis predicts that the discrepancy between the hours of emotional support given and received should decrease with age to reflect more balanced exchanges with age. The goal hypothesis predicts that unequal exchanges of support should predict higher negative and lower positive affect with age. Findings supported each hypothesis. Hours of emotional support given and received decreased as chronological age increased. Although adults of all ages gave more support than they received, the discrepancy between hours of emotional support given and received became more balanced with age. Compared with equal exchanges, unequal exchanges predicted worse emotional well-being profiles only among the oldest adults in this study (i.e., those aged 55-64 and 65-74). Findings contribute to the growing literature on the changing nature of the quantity and quality of interpersonal exchanges with age.
An Investigation Of The Effect Of Variable Reduction On Classification Accuracy Rates Of Consumer Loans

The profitability of loan granting institutions depends largely on the institutions’ ability to accurately evaluate credit risk. Their goal is to maximize income by issuing as many good loans to consumers as possible while minimizing losses associated with bad loans. Financial institutions have been using various computational intelligence methods and statistical techniques to improve credit risk prediction accuracy. This paper examines historical data from consumer loans issued by a German bank to individuals. The data consists of the financial attributes of each customer and includes a mixture of loans that the customers paid off and defaulted upon. This paper examines and compares the classification effectiveness of four computational intelligence techniques: 1) logistic regression (LR), 2) neural networks (NNs), 3) support vector machines (SVM), and 4) k-nearest neighbor (kNN) on three data sets to predict whether a consumer defaulted or paid off a loan. The first data set contains a full set of 20 input variables. The second and third data sets contain a reduced set of ten and six variables, respectively. The results from computer simulation show a limited effect of variable reduction on improvement in the classification performance.
Do Socially Responsible Firms Pay More Taxes

ABSTRACT: We investigate the relation between corporate tax payments and corporate social responsibility. Because existing theory and empirical studies find inconsistent evidence on the relation between these constructs, we investigate whether the two activities act as complements or substitutes. We estimate the relation between measures of corporate social responsibility and (1) the amount of corporate taxes paid, and (2) the amount invested in tax lobbying activities using both ordinary least squares and a system of simultaneous equations. We find consistent evidence that corporate social responsibility is negatively related to five-year cash effective tax rates and positively related to tax lobbying expenditures. Our evidence suggests that, on average, corporate social responsibility and tax payments act as substitutes. Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
Novel Molecular Markers for Breast Cancer

The use of molecular biomarkers assures that breast cancer (BC) patients receive optimal treatment. Established biomarkers, such as estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, and Ki67, have been playing significant roles in the subcategorization of BC to predict the prognosis and decide the specific therapy to each patient. Antihormonal therapy using 4-hydroxytamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors have been employed in patients whose tumor cells express hormone receptors, while monoclonal antibody to HER2 has been administered to HER2-positive BCs. Although new therapeutic agents have been developed in the past few decades, many patients still die of the disease due to relapse; thus, novel molecular markers that predict therapeutic failure and those that can be targets for specific therapy are expected. We have chosen four of such molecules by reviewing recent publications, which are cyclin E, B-Myb, Twist, and DMP1β. The oncogenicity of these molecules has been demonstrated in vivo and/or in vitro through studies using transgenic mice or siRNAs, and their expressions have been shown to be associated with shortened overall or disease-free survival of BC patients. The former three molecules have been shown to accelerate epithelial–mesenchymal transition that is often associated with cancer stem cell-ness and metastasis; all these four can be novel therapeutic targets as well. Thus, large prospective studies employing immunohistochemistry will be needed to establish the predictive values of these molecules in patients with BC.
Using the chemical composition of carbonate rocks on Mars as a record of secondary interaction with liquid water

In the search for habitable environments on Mars, sites that have been altered by liquid water represent an important target. Quickly dissolving and precipitating carbonates, found in multiple locations on Mars, represent a key potential mineral indicator of locations with a history of aqueous alteration, and therefore possible habitability. Recent liquid surface water on Mars may differ significantly from the fluids, either sedimentary, hydrothermal, or pedogenic, that formed carbonate minerals on Mars. Interactions of carbonate rocks with such recent surface water may therefore cause changes in chemistry and mineralogy with depth that form weathering profiles recording the conditions of alteration. To test the prediction that martian carbonates may record a signature of aqueous alteration on Mars, we performed reactive transport modeling of putative carbonate outcrops on Mars using the reactive transport code CrunchFlow. Model inputs included two parent rocks chosen based on the carbonate-rich rock at Gusev Crater, Comanche, one consisting of 60% magnesite, 20% siderite, and 20% porosity, and one consisting of 50% magnesite, 20% siderite, 9% calcite, 1.6% rhodochrosite, and ~20% porosity. Reacting solutions consisted of four scenarios: acidic, sulfate-containing solutions, perhaps resulting from an acid vapor scenario; dilute solutions resulting from martian analog basalt dissolution; concentrated solutions resulting from modeled evaporation of the dilute solutions; and solutions based on the results of the Phoenix Lander. Modeling was performed under low oxidation and high oxidation conditions. Based on the modeling results, a carbonate rock would become enriched in siderite upon interaction with acidic water under low oxidation conditions; the same rock would become enriched in calcite after interaction with Ca-enriched solutions. A carbonate rock reacting under more oxidizing conditions would preferentially dissolve siderite, leaving a surface enriched in magnesite and ferric oxide. Therefore, the Mg-rich carbonates on Mars are consistent with possible interaction with liquid water under oxidizing conditions, similar to those measured at the Phoenix landing site. Future detailed chemical and mineralogical profiles through weathered rock into the unaltered interior of carbonate rocks may therefore allow the quantitative interpretation of the aqueous history and possible habitability of locations on Mars.
Trends in the Incidence of Oropharyngeal Cancers in the United States.

ObjectiveThe incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) has increased in the United States despite a decrease in tobacco usage, and it may be driven by an increase in oral human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. We studied the incidence of tongue base and tonsillar SCCa over time to understand the changing epidemiology of oropharyngeal SCCa.SettingLarge national tumor registry.Subjects and MethodsWe studied patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal SCCa in SEER data (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) from 1973 to 2009. Age-adjusted incidence rates standardized to the 2000 US population were computed, with stratifications for age, sex, race, and stage.ResultsThe sample included 10,061 tongue base and 11,515 tonsillar oropharyngeal cancers. When stratified by age, the incidence of oropharyngeal SCCa in patients ≤55 years of age more than doubled over 30 years. While the incidence rate in females remained stable, the rate in males more than doubled, from 2 per 100,000 persons in 1973 to ...
A Fast BCS/FCS Algorithm for Image Segmentation

A fast and efficient segmentation algorithm based on the Boundary Contour System/Feature Contour System (BCS/FCS) of Grossberg and Mingolla [3] is presented. This implementation is based on the FFT algorithm and the parallelism of the system.
The Design and Application of Laboratory Information Management System in CDC

The thesis introduced the design of the laboratory information management system, the software and hardware constitution, work procedure and management system in CDC. The application of the system obviously simplified the operatation process, reduced the operator's workload, shortened the examination period of specimen,and reduced mistake occurrence.It has a great role in raising the examination quality, management layer and work efficiency,which helps to build up in CDC a well-found function, simple operatation, efficient management of the movement system and good laboratory information management system, renewing and perfecting the laboratory management mode, carrying out preferably the whole laboratory quality control.
SU-F-T-578: Characterization of Vidar DosimetryPro Advantage RED Scanner with Application to SBRT and SRS QA

Purpose: To use Gafchromic EBT3 film to quantify key dosimetric characteristics of the Vidar DosimetryPro Advantage RED film scanner for use in SBRT/SRS QA, by analyzing scanner uniformity and dose sensitivity. Method: Gafchromic EBT3 film was used in this study. Films were irradiated using 6MV FFF and 10MV FFF beams from a Varian Edge linear accelerator, with setup of 100cm SAD at depth 5 cm. Nine doses were delivered per film, with calibration dose ranges of 1–10 Gy and 3–24 Gy for 6MV FFF, and 3–27 Gy for 10MV FFF. Films were scanned with the long side of the film parallel to the detector array. Dose calibration curves were fitted to a 3rd degree polynomial. The derivative of a calibration curve was taken to determine the scanner's sensitivity per dose delivered (OD/Gy). Scanner non-uniformity was calculated in 2 dimensions by taking the mean of standard deviation in each row and column. Absolute dose SRS/SBRT Gamma analyses were performed with passing criteria of 3% and 1mm DTA. For comparison, Gamma analyses were also performed using an Epson Expression 10000 XL. Results: Uniformity for the Vidar scanner was 0.37% +/− 0.03% in the perpendicular to scan direction and 0.67% +/− 0.05% in the parallel to scan direction, with an overall uniformity of 0.52% +/− 0.03%. Epson red channel uniformity was 0.85% +/− 0.05% and 0.88% +/− 0.08% for the green channel. The Vidar average dose sensitivity from 1–10 Gy was 0.112 OD/Gy and 0.061 OD/Gy for 3–24 Gy. SBRT/SRS Gamma pass rates were 97.8 +/− 1.4 for Vidar and 97.5 +/− 1.4 for Epson. Conclusion: The Vidar scanner has 41% less non-uniformity compared to Epson XL10000 green channel. The dose sensitivity is 2–3 time greater for the Vidar scanner compared to the Epson in the SRS/SBRT dose range of 5–24 Gy.
Pottery production at the Mugler site (14CY1-A), a central plains tradition house in North-Central Kansas

Clay processing and resource use were investigated at the Mugler site, a late prehistoric site in north-central Kansas. Seven sherds from Mugler (14CY1-A) were thin-sectioned for petrographic analysis and three were also submitted for x-ray diffraction. Two sherds from the Steed-Kisker type site (23PL13) in western Missouri were included in the petrographic analysis for comparison. Data from these analyses were compared to published data to determine which clay accumulations or deposits were the most likely sources for prehistoric potters at Mugler. Montmorillonite-rich alluvial clays were probably used for most of the vessels sampled. The preservation and size of iron mottles in the paste suggests that clays were minimally processed before vessel manufacture.
In response to David Greenwood’s ‘Place mobility and faculty life: mindfulness through change’ through the lens of science teacher education programs

In writing this review, I draw on the experience of David Greenwood (Cult Stud Sci Educ 10:5–16, 2015) whose ethnographic study sheds light on his growth as a faculty member who has taught in various settings that are quite different from the culture that he grew up with. I extend his thoughts on ecological mindfulness to encompass a culturally aware method of teaching based on place sensitized more to the needs of science teacher preparation programs. The methods used in writing the review included literature searches for articles that incorporate ecological mindfulness and culturally responsive teaching in science teacher preparation programs and reflected ideas voiced in Greenwood’s article. Although he seems that he is primarily addressing other faculty members, his experiences can be used as lifelong lessons for preservice teachers entering a primarily homogeneous workforce expected to teach an increasingly diverse student population. His humor, use of Haiku, poetry and mindfulness as a way of becoming one with a culture that he is not accustomed has many lessons that prove useful in training more culturally responsive teachers. In light of an increasingly diverse US student population versus a stagnantly homogeneous teaching workforce, his reflective practice will prove useful to teachers who are expected to teach students with cultures different from their own.
CVA with Neurofibromatosis Type I

A two year old developmentally delayed girl with neurofibromatosis type I and a sudden onset of left sided hemiparesis is reported from the Children’s National Medical Center and George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
Compositional Analysis of Homogeneous Regions in Human Genomic DNA

Due to the increased production of human DNA sequence, it is now possible to explore and understand human genomic organization at the sequence level. In particular, we have studied one of the major organizational components of vertebrate genome organization previously described as isochores (Bernardi, 1993), which are compositionally homogeneous DNA segments based on G+C content. We have examined sequence data for the existence of compositionally differing regions and report that while compositionally homogeneous regions are present in the human genome, current isochore classification schemes are too broad for sequence-level data.
Potential of Magnetotactic Bacteria for the Fabrication of Iron Nanoparticles

Magnetotactic bacteria are typically found in soils rich in iron. These prokaryote bacteria have the property of using ingesting atoms of iron and generating magnetosomes of nanoparticles of either diamagnetic or paramagnetic nature within each cell. We report on the use of magnetotatic bacteria for the production of uniform nanoparticles of iron mineral magnetite (Fe3O4). The potential for mass production was investigated along with the molecular, physical, and magnetic properties of the magnetosomes using various growth and microscopy techniques. Results reveal that the magnetic particles are stable and that bacteria growth can be optimized to produce magnetosomes with different magnetic properties, suggesting that the industrial development of these bio manufactures lies in the foreseeable future.
Surgical Correction of Articular Damage in the Knee: Osteoarticular Transplantation to Joint Reconstruction

Injuries of the articular cartilage remain difficult to treat and can range from small articular cartilage defects to end-stage severe osteoarthritis. In this review, we discuss various surgical treatment options including imaging features and associated complications. Specifically, we review microfracture, acellular matrix-induced microfracture, autologous osteochondral transplantation, osteochondral allograft transplantation, autologous chondrocyte implantation, along with various forms of knee arthroplasties.