cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiphase materials with lignin: 13. Block copolymers with cellulose propionate

Abstract Block copolymers consisting of rubbery lignin derivative components (i.e. hydroxypropyl lignin, L) and cellulose propionate (CP) segments ranging in size from degree of polymerization ( DP ) 5 to 60 were synthesized using chemistry described previously. The block copolymers (LCP) varied in relation to architecture and size of component. The copolymers were characterized by solution, thermal and optical techniques, and their effect on the properties of L/CP blends was determined by mechanical tests. The results suggest that copolymer properties are dictated primarily by CP segment size. Whereas copolymers with short CP segments behaved like spherical macromolecules, copolymers with large CP segments had rod-like behaviour. All block copolymers displayed T m values, even if CP arm length was as low as 5. Crystallinity was highest at CP chains of DP 60. Copolymer morphologies varied; they revealed patterns resembling dispersed fibrils, spheres and alternating lamella types depending on composition and segment geometries. The block copolymers had surprisingly little effect on L/CP blend properties. This was attributed to the overall- compatibility of lignin derivatives with CP.
Evaluation of Copan 4N6FLOQSwabs™ used for crime scene evidence collection

Abstract The 4N6FLOQSwabs™ are an alternative type of swab, developed by Copan Italia, manufactured by flocking short, nylon fibers onto a plastic stick. It has been proposed that this design allows for the more efficient release of sample when compared to the cotton swab. These swabs are also treated with antimicrobial agents and are packaged in sterile, plastic sample collector tubes that allow for easy collection and storage. The Nucleic Acid Optimizer™ (NAO™) also has been developed by Copan Italia as an alternative spin basket that allows for sample incubation to occur directly in the spin basket. In this study, the 4N6FLOQSwabs™ were experimentally compared to cotton swabs by extracting DNA samples using two different magnetic bead technology based kits (Prepfiler ® and DNA IQ™). The efficiency of the NAO™ was also tested. In our hands, highest recovery of DNA occurred with 4N6FLOQSwabs™ extracted with Prepfiler ® using the NAO™. It was also determined that the 4N6FLOQSwabs™ are incompatible with the DNA IQ™ Lysis buffer unless the extraction protocol is modified. Furthermore, a 48% increase in DNA recovery was observed when 4N6FLOQSwabs™ and cotton samples were processed with the NAO. Samples were also treated with highly concentrated bacterial solution confirming the antimicrobial activity of the 4N6FLOQSwabs™.
Drug biotransformation in the placenta.

Abstract In comparison with the heavily investigated hepatic drug metabolic process, placental drug metabolism remains virtually unexplored. Much of the available data is of a preliminary, exploratory nature and much is also conflicting. It has become evident, however, that in comparison with the liver, the placenta possesses a very limited capacity to biotransform foreign organic molecules. The limitation appears to apply both to the quantity of enzymes that have been detected, as well as to the number and variety of actual enzymes present. Nevertheless, certain metabolic pathways for xenobiotic biotransformation do exist in placental tissues and, in some cases, these may be quite efficient. Nearly all of the common ‘classical’ drug metabolic pathways have been detected in placental tissues; no unusual metabolic pathways have been described. A concern which has arisen in recent years pertains to the relative activities of bioactivating vs inactivating placental enzymes. Results indicate that in cases of exposure to methylcholanthrene-type inducing agents (e.g. via cigarette smoking) the ratio of bioactivation to inactivation may be sufficiently high to be of major concern. Thus, recent studies have focused on the capacity of placental tissues to convert promutagenic and procarcinogenic organic chemicals into their active forms.
Creating a national strategy for Internet development in Chile

Abstract A growing body of literature points to the importance of both economic and non-economic factors in reducing the digital divide. This paper examines Chile as a successful case where changes in government policies dramatically increased Internet access from about 2% of the population in 1998 to 23.8% in 2002. After reviewing the literature, the paper examines the debates in Chile over Internet development, tracing how public opinion was able to influence government policies, and how in turn, government policies increased Internet access. Specific policies include lowering telephone rates, connecting the various national networks, creating public access centers, and passing e-commerce legislation.
Endoplasmic reticulum/cytosolic localization of von Hippel-Lindau gene products is mediated by a 64–amino acid region †

Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor-suppressor gene causes both the familial cancer syndrome VHL disease and corresponding sporadic tumor types, including renal-cell carcinoma. Subcellular localization of VHL gene products was determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Both native and exogenously expressed VHL proteins displayed a cytoplasmic peri-nuclear immunostaining pattern, which co-localized with markers for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition, subcellular fractionation indicated that both native and exogenously expressed VHL products are found predominantly in the cytosolic compartment. Deletion analyses demonstrated that a 64-amino acid region of VHL (residues 114-177) is responsible for cytosolic as well as ER subcellular localization. Taken together, the immunostaining and biochemical fractionation studies suggest that VHL localizes to the cytosolic face of the ER. The relationship between VHL subcellular localization and VHL-associated ubiquitination was examined. Chimeric VHL-green fluorescent protein (GFP) products, which localized to the peri-nuclear region, were shown to undergo ubiquitination. VHL amino acids 114-177 were necessary and sufficient for this modification. Consistent with a role of VHL in ubiquitination, expression of VHL led to enhanced ubiquitination of cellular proteins, and amino acids 114-177 were also critical for this effect. Therefore, amino acids 114-177 were required for accurate VHL subcellular localization, ubiquitination of VHL-GFP products and VHL-dependent increases in cellular ubiquitination. Since mutations in this region of VHL are frequently detected in renal-cell carcinomas, these results suggest that proper VHL subcellular localization and associated ubiquitination functions may be necessary for VHL-mediated tumor suppression.
Foliar nutrient dynamics and resorption in naturalized Lonicera Maackii (Caprifoliaceae) populations in Ohio, USA

Foliar phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) concentrations and nutrient resorption in the forest understory shrub Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim (Caprifoliaceae) were measured along contiguous topographic gradients in two southwestern Ohio forests during 1992-1994. Mean summer foliar P varied significantly among topographic positions (but not sites or years), with uplands having greatest P concentrations and bottomlands exhibiting the lowest. Unlike for P, the mean summer foliar N concentrations varied little among sites, topographic positions, and years. Mean absolute and proportional P resorption ranged from 0.48 mg/dM2 (33.7%) in slope positions to 0.80 mg/dM2 (53.1%) in bottomland positions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) for P resorption indicated significant topographic and year effects, a site X year and a site X year X topographic interaction. Mean absolute and proportional foliar N resorption ranged from 6.82 mg/dM2 (30.7%) in bottomlands to 8.41 mg/dM2 (37.3%) in slope positions. RMANOVA indicated a significant topographic effect for both absolute and proportional N resorption and a significant year effect for absolute N resorption. These significant year effects for P and N stemmed from lowest resorption of nutrients in 1993. The results for P resorption support the hypothesis that foliar resorption is greater in forested sites with lower P fertility. However, resorption rates for N did not support the hypothesis clearly, as slopes with intermediate N availability had greater N resorption rates than did N-rich bottomlands.
New naphthoquinones and a new δ-lactone produced by endophytic fungi from Costa Rica.

Abstract While searching for compounds with antimalarial activity, two new naphthoquinones, delitzchianones A (1) and B (2), were separated from Delitzchia winteri, an endophytic fungus from Costa Rica. The same search also led to a new 8-acetoxy pestalopyrone (3) and the known compound, pestalopyrone (4) from another Costa Rican endophytic fungus, Phomatospora bellaminuta. The structures of the three new compounds 1, 2, and 3 were established with extensive NMR and MS analyses. All four compounds were tested for activity in a growth/no growth Dd2 assay but only compound 4 had measurable activity with an IC50 value of 37 μM.
Serial quantitative skin surface fluorescence: A new method for postoperative monitoring of vascular perfusion in revascularized digits

Postoperative monitoring of vascular perfusion was performed in 72 revascularized/replanted digits in 40 patients. Sodium fluorescein (1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 2 hours for 36 to 48 hours beginning immediately after surgery. Quantitative fluorescence readings of each injured digit were obtained 10 minutes after fluorescein injection and were compared with readings from an uninjured (control) digit. A ratio between the fluorescence of the injured digit and that of the control digit was used for analysis. Viable digits had a fluorescein perfusion ratio of 86.4 ° 16. Digits that did not survive had fluorescein perfusion ratios of 5.2 ° 10 ( p
Nonlinear optical interferometer

The interferometer described, based on the second harmonic generation of light, is useful in the contouring of refractive objects with large variations in optical depth. The device is a real-time common-path self-referencing interferometer that yields interferograms in the visible with an equivalent wavelength of the order of 50 microm. We describe experiments that show that it can serve as a useful device. The key to the device is the use of Y-cut LiNbO(3) configured for surface acoustooptic applications rather than for conventional second harmonic applications. The crystals are noncritically phase matched by temperature control and are used with a repetitively pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.06 microm.
Application of High Performance Computing to Rapid Assessment of Tunnel Vulnerability to Explosive Blast and Mitigation Strategies

To credibly assess tunnel vulnerabilities to explosives and the mitigation of these vulnerabilities, one must consider the energetic source of the shock, the geophysical response of the surrounding soil or rock under strong dynamic loading, and the structural and material response of the tunnel to the explosion. Tools used for such assessments often require significant computational resources and expert analyses. This chapter provides a concise overview of some recent high fidelity multiphysics approaches to modeling tunnel structures and the need for careful experimental validation of these models. Presented also is an example of how the building of reduced order models from these higher fidelity capabilities can help to quickly estimate the effects of explosions within carefully defined tunnel scenarios.
Effects of Silver on Barium Titanate as a Function of Stoichiometry

This work examines the effects of Ag on stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric BaTiO3 in terms of the unit cell dimensions, the polycrystalline microstructure, and the dielectric properties. Stoichiometric BaTiO3 and compositions with 0.5 mol% TiO2 excess and 0.5 mol% BaO excess were prepared via solid-state synthesis with varying amounts of Ag up to 0.3 mol%. Experimental results indicate that stoichiometry plays a significant role in the solubility of Ag and its effects on the physical properties. Overall, the solubility of Ag was negligible in stoichiometric BaTiO3. However, compositions with excess TiO2 stabilized the solubility of Ag as evidenced from changes in the unit cell dimensions and dielectric properties. Based on these data, it is proposed that Ag occupies the A-site in the perovskite structure with an upper limit of Ag solubility of 0.06 mol% Ag in BaTiO3 with 0.5 mol% excess TiO2. Dielectric measurements showed that Ag concentrations approaching 0.3 mol% gave rise to an increase in the space charge effect, especially at temperatures above TC. In both nonstoichiometric compositions, the presence of a liquid Ag phase during thermal processing was found to affect microstructural development and sintering.
Outcomes in pregnancies complicated by methamphetamine use

Objective Methamphetamine use is widespread. Our goal was to examine the effects of methamphetamine use on various maternal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study looking at all pregnancies between 2005 and 2008 in the state of California that were associated with a diagnosis of methamphetamine use. Outcomes examined included gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, small for gestational age, birthweight, abruption, intrauterine fetal death, neonatal death, infant death, jaundice, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results After adjustment for multiple confounding variables on multivariable regression analysis, results indicated that compared with control subjects, methamphetamine users had greater odds of gestational hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–2.0), preeclampsia (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.4–3.0), intrauterine fetal death (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.7–7.2), and abruption (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 4.9–6.3). Additionally, these patients had higher odds of preterm birth (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.7–3.1), neonatal death (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.3–4.2), and infant death (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7–3.7). Conclusion Methamphetamine use in pregnancy was found to be associated with specific patterns of increased maternal and fetal morbidity and death. With these results in mind, further work can be done to improve the care of pregnancies that are complicated by methamphetamine use in hopes of reducing these complications.
Deposition and Function of Histone H3 Variants in Tetrahymena thermophila

In Tetrahymena, HHT1 and HHT2 genes encode the same major histone H3; HHT3 and HHT4 encode similar minor H3 variants (H3s), H3.3 and H3.4. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged H3 is deposited onto chromatin through a DNA replication-coupled (RC) pathway. GFP-tagged H3.3 and H3.4 can be deposited both by a transcription-associated, replication-independent (RI) pathway and also weakly by an RC pathway. Although both types of H3s can be deposited by the RC pathway, DNA repair synthesis associated with meiotic recombination utilizes H3 specifically. The regions distinguishing H3 and H3.3 for their deposition pathways were identified. RC major H3 is not essential. Cells can grow without major H3 if the minor H3s are expressed at high levels. Surprisingly, cells lacking RI H3s are also viable and maintain normal nucleosome density at a highly transcribed region. The RC H3 is not detectably deposited by the RI pathway, even when there are no RI H3s available, indicating that transcription-associated RI H3 deposition is not essential for transcription. Minor H3s are also required to produce viable sexual progeny and play an unexpected role in the germ line micronuclei late in conjugation that is unrelated to transcription.
Accommodating employees with and without disabilities

Efforts to recruit and retain employees with disabilities are often tempered by employers� concerns over potential workplace accommodation costs. This study reports on accommodations requested and granted in intensive case studies of eight companies, based on more than 5,000 employee and manager surveys, and interviews and focus groups with 128 managers and employees with disabilities. Two unique contributions are that we analyze accommodations for employees without disabilities as well as for those with disabilities, and compare perspectives on accommodation costs and benefits among employees, their coworkers, and their managers. We find people with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to request accommodations, but the types of accommodations requested and the reported costs and benefits are similar for disability and non-disability accommodations. In particular, fears of high accommodation costs and negative reactions of coworkers are not realized; all groups tend to report generally positive coworker reactions. Multilevel models indicate granting accommodations has positive spillover effects on attitudes of coworkers, as well as a positive effect on attitudes of requesting employees, but only when coworkers are supportive. Consistent with recent theorizing and other studies, our results suggest the benefits from a corporate culture of flexibility and attention to the individualized needs of employees. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
lin-35/Rb and xnp-1/ATR-X function redundantly to control somatic gonad development in C. elegans.

Abstract In screens for genetic modifiers of lin-35/Rb, the C. elegans retinoblastoma protein (Rb) homolog, we have identified a mutation in xnp-1. Mutations in xnp-1, including a presumed null allele, are viable and, in general, appear indistinguishable from the wild type. In contrast, xnp-1 lin-35 double mutants are typically sterile and exhibit severe defects in gonadal development. Analyses of the abnormal gonads indicate a defect in the lineages that generate cells of the sheath and spermatheca. xnp-1 encodes the C. elegans homolog of ATR-X, a human disease gene associated with severe forms of mental retardation and urogenital developmental defects. xnp-1/ATR-X is a member of the Swi2/Snf2 family of ATP-dependent DEAD/DEAH box helicases, which function in nucleosome remodeling and transcriptional regulation. Expression of an xnp-1∷GFP promoter fusion is detected throughout C. elegans development in several cell types including neurons and cells of the somatic gonad. Our findings demonstrate a new biological role for Rb family members in somatic gonad development and implicate lin-35 in the execution of multiple cell fates in C. elegans. In addition, our results suggest a possible conserved function for xnp-1/ATR-X in gonadal development across species.
Effects of environmental and operational variability on structural health monitoring.

Stated in its most basic form, the objective of structural health monitoring is to ascertain if damage is present or not based on measured dynamic or static characteristics of a system to be monitored. In reality, structures are subject to changing environmental and operational conditions that affect measured signals, and these ambient variations of the system can often mask subtle changes in the system’s vibration signal caused by damage. Data normalization is a procedure to normalize datasets, so that signal changes caused by operational and environmental variations of the system can be separated from structural changes of interest, such as structural deterioration or degradation. This paper first reviews the effects of environmental and operational variations on real structures as reported in the literature. Then, this paper presents research progresses that have been made in the area of data normalization.
Characteristics of Snowfall over the Eastern Half of the United States and Relationships with Principal Modes of Low-Frequency Atmospheric Variability

Monthly data from 206 stations for the period 1947‐93 are used to examine characteristics of snowfall over the eastern half of the United States and relationships with precipitation and the maximum temperature on precipitation days. Linkages between snowfall and modes of low-frequency circulation variability are diagnosed through composite analyses, based on results from a rotated Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of monthly 500-hPa geopotential height. Results are examined for the 2-month windows of November‐December, January‐ February, and March‐April. The three dominant PCAs for each window capture regional components of the Pacific‐North American (PNA), Tropical-Northern Hemisphere (TNH), and east Pacific (EP) teleconnection patterns. Two general snowfall regimes are identified: 1) the dry and cold upper midwest, Nebraska and Kansas, where snowfall is strongly a function of precipitation; and 2) the Midwest, southeast, and northeast, where snowfall is more closely tied to the mean maximum temperature on precipitation days. The PNA (the dominant circulation mode) and the EP pattern are both associated with strong snowfall signals, best expressed for November‐ December and January‐February. Snowfall for the PNA over the southeast, midwest, and mid-Atlantic states increases (decreases) under positive (negative) extremes, when the eastern United States is dominated by a strong 500-hPa trough (zonal flow or weak ridge) with associated lower (higher) precipitation-day temperatures. Snowfall signals are more extensive under positive PNA extremes where the lower temperatures have a greater impact on precipitation phase. An opposing precipitation-controlled snowfall signal is found over the upper Midwest. The positive phase of the EP pattern, describing a western ridge‐eastern trough, is associated with negative snowfall signals clustered over the midwest and upper midwest. Opposing signals are found under the midwestern trough‐eastern ridge pattern of the negative mode. These signals are primarily precipitation controlled, which for the Midwest are counter to the climatological control by temperature. TNH snowfall signals are fairly weak except for March‐April, when significant differences are found for the upper Midwest and from Missouri northeast into New England. No coherent trends are observed in snowfall or in the strength of the circulation patterns derived from the PCA.
Wholesaling at Destination and Terminal Market Facilities

In the ever-changing world of marketing fresh fruits and vegetables, wholesaling at destination and terminal wholesale market facilities play several important roles. Fresh produce arrives by truck, railcar, ship, or airplane at major population centers across the country from nearby and distant growing areas. Wholesalers, some clustered on central terminal facilities and others scattered throughout the market area, receive this produce. These wholesalers perform essential market services such as ripening or repacking, and resell smaller amounts to many different types of customers.
Exact minimum control switch motion planning for the snakeboard

We study the problem of computing an exact motion plan for the snakeboard by exploiting its kinematic controllability properties and its decoupling vector fields. Decoupling vector fields allow us to treat the underactuated dynamic system as a kinematic one, and rest-to-rest paths are the concatenation of integral curves of the decoupling vector fields. These paths can then be time-scaled according to actuator limits to yield fast trajectories. Switches between decoupling vector fields must occur at zero velocity, so to find fast trajectories, we wish to find paths minimizing the number of switches. In this paper we solve the minimum switch path planning problem for the snakeboard. We consider two problems: (1) finding motion plans achieving a desired position and orientation of the body of the snakeboard, and (2) the full problem of motion planning for all five configuration variables of the snakeboard. The first problem is solved in closed form by geometric considerations, while the second problem is solved by a numerical approach with guaranteed convergence. We present a complete characterization of the snakeboard's optimal paths in terms of the number of switches.
Spirituality in Persons with Heart Failure

Spiritual expression has been proposed as a dimension of quality of life. Persons with chronic diseases such as AIDS or cancer have described the value of spiritual expression in living with their illnesses. The authors examined the role spirituality plays in the lives of 58 people with heart failure being treated medically or by transplant. Instruments used included the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 and Index of Well-Being measures of quality of life, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and the Relative Importance Scale. Combined spirituality scores predicted 24% of the variance in global quality of life. There were no significant gender differences in spiritual well-being or quality of life.
Generating T -ary Trees in Linked Representation

This paper presents a new algorithm for the generation of all n node t-ary trees in linked representation. It also gives two constant average time implementations of the algorithm. The first directly generates the next tree from its predecessor while the second retains additional information about the predecessor and is faster for t > 4.
Cognitive binding: A computational-modeling analysis of a distinction between implicit and explicit memory

Four models were compared on repeated explicit memory (fragment cued recall) or implicit memory (fragment completion) tasks (Hayman & Tulving, 1989a). In the experiments, when given explicit instructions to complete fragments with words from a just-studied list---the explicit condition---people showed a dependence relation between the first and the second fragment targeted at the same word. However, when subjects were just told to complete the (primed) fragments---the implicit condition---stochastic independence between the two fragments resulted. Three distributed models---CHARM, a competitive-learning model, and a back-propagation model produced dependence, as in the explicit memory test. In contrast, a separate-trace model, MINERVA, showed independence, as in the implicit task. It was concluded that explicit memory is based on a highly interactive network that glues or binds together the features within the items, as do the first three models. The binding accounts for the dependence relation. Implicit memory appears to be based, instead, on separate non interacting traces.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Host Plants: Implications for Reintroduction of an Endangered Hemiparasitic Plant (Castilleja levisecta)

Rare, parasitic plants pose an interesting challenge to restoration practitioners. In addition to the problems associated with small population size, rare parasites may also be limited by their host requirements. We examined how the performance of a rare Pacific Northwest hemiparasite, Castilleja levisecta, was affected by the availability of different host combinations in the greenhouse and in the field. Castilleja levisecta individuals were grown with two individuals of the grass Festuca roemeri ,t wo individuals of the aster Eriophyllum lanatum, one individual of each of these species (a ‘‘mixed’’ treatment), or without any host. We did not find support for the complimentary diet hypothesis, which predicts that parasites grown with multiple host species perform better than individuals grown alone or with a single host. In the greenhouse, C. levisecta individuals grown in the mixed treatment had greater stem growth than those planted with F. roemeri, but did not differ from E. lanatum or nohost treatments. In the field, vole activity had indirect effects on C. levisecta survival mediated through host species: vole tunneling and C. levisecta mortality were strongly associated with host treatments including E. lanatum. Vole tunneling and C. levisecta mortality were strongly associated with host treatments including E. lanatum. Field survival of no-host and F. roemeri treatments were significantly higher than those grown with E. lanatum. Our results emphasize the importance of basing conservation decisions on experimental research conducted under conditions similar to those of the intended application, as greenhouse results were a poor predictor of field performance. For restoration of endangered hemiparasitic plants, we recommend planting with hosts that are not attractive to herbivores.
Settling into a New Paradigm

There is a Kuhnian crisis in cognitive science. This is one reason for the enormous increase in connectionist research in the last five years. Reflecting on the problems that have provoked the crisis, and the reasons why connectionism is attractive as a response to those problems, has led us to a view of cognition and cognitive processing that we think deserves serious consideration whatever one may think of connectionism. Our main purpose in this paper is to draw attention to this neglected region in the logical space of views about cognition.
Introduction to glycosylation and mass spectrometry

Glycosylation is increasingly recognized as a common and biologically significant post-translational modification of proteins. Modern mass spectrometry methods offer the best ways to characterize the glycosylation state of proteins. Both glycobiology and mass spectrometry rely on specialized nomenclature, techniques, and knowledge, which pose a barrier to entry by the nonspecialist. This introductory chapter provides an overview of the fundamentals of glycobiology, mass spectrometry methods, and the intersection of the two fields. Foundational material included in this chapter includes a description of the biological process of glycosylation, an overview of typical glycoproteomics workflows, a description of mass spectrometry ionization methods and instrumentation, and an introduction to bioinformatics resources. In addition to providing an orientation to the contents of the other chapters of this volume, this chapter cites other important works of potential interest to the practitioner. This overview, combined with the state-of-the-art protocols contained within this volume, provides a foundation for both glycobiologists and mass spectrometrists seeking to bridge the two fields.
Choice Anxiety in Decision Making: Why People Turn to Strangers for Information

This research-in-progress examines the conditions that cause individuals to rely on electronic word of mouth (eWoM) when making purchasing decisions. I theorize that, paradoxically, turning to strangers for information gives individuals a sense of control in a decision environment characterized by overwhelming amounts of alternatives and prevailing information asymmetries. Building on information systems (IS) literature examining questions of usage from both intentional (conscious) and automatic (subconscious) prisms, I introduce the notion of choice anxiety. I propose a model testing the extent to which subconscious choice anxiety, together with adverse selection avoidance is associated with an individual’s sense of control rising from reliance on eWoM information. Analysis of the data shows strong association between cognitive level variables and subconscious choice anxiety with use of eWoM information as a mechanism for achieving sense of control. I theorize that the emergence of choice anxiety and its successful resolution triggers a classical conditioning that reinforces an individual’s reliance on eWoM information sources, thereby contributing to their institutionalization.
Multi-layered security investment optimization using a simulation embedded within a genetic algorithm

The performance of a multi-layered security system, such as those protecting high-value facilities or critical infrastructures, is characterized using several different attributes including detection and interruption probabilities, costs, and false/nuisance alarm rates. The multitude of technology options, alternative locations and configurations for those technologies, threats to the system, and resource considerations that must be weighed make exhaustive evaluation of all possible architectures extremely difficult. This paper presents an optimization model and a computationally efficient solution procedure to identify an estimated frontier of system configuration options which represent the best design choices for the user when there is uncertainty in the response time of the security force, once an intrusion has been detected. A representative example is described.
Integrated analysis of multiple high-dimensional data sets by joint rank-1 matrix approximations

In this work, we developed an algorithm for the integrated analysis of multiple high-dimensional data matrices based on sparse rank-one matrix approximations. The algorithm approximates multiple data matrices with rank one outer products composed of sparse left singular-vectors that are unique to each matrix and a right singular-vector that is shared by all of the data matrices. The right-singular vector represents a signal we wish to detect in the row-space of each matrix. The non-zero components of the resulting left-singular vectors identify rows of each matrix that in aggregate provide a sparse linear representation of the shared right-singular vector. This sparse representation facilitates downstream interpretation and validation of the resulting model based on the rows selected from each matrix. False discovery rate is used to select an appropriate l1 penalty parameter that imposes sparsity on the left singular-vector but not the common right singular-vector of the joint approximation. Since a given multi-modal data set (MMDS) may contain multiple signals of interest the algorithm is iteratively applied to the residualized version of original data to sequentially capture and model each distinct signal in terms of rows from the different matrices. We show that the algorithm outperforms standard singular value decomposition over a wide range of simulation scenarios in terms of detection accuracy. Analysis of real data for ovarian and liver cancer resulted in compact gene expression signatures that were predictive of clinical outcomes and highly enriched for cancer related biology.
Daily weight monitoring as a method of weight gain prevention in healthy weight and overweight young adult women

Experimental research is needed to examine whether weight monitoring impacts weight and whether it has unintended harmful effects. This study randomly assigned 49 first-year university women (body ...
A method to organize the charging of electric vehicle based on demand analysis

With the use of electric vehicles put into practice progressively, one primary problem that how the grid responds to the introduction of mass charging load of EV has drawn more and more attention. Due to the aggregation of charging load, random introduction of electric vehicle charging load may result in various effects on power grid especially distribution network of the power supply terminal. The composition of electric vehicles charging demand and the key influencing factors are analyzed firstly. In consideration of different power energy supply modes, the critical factors which affect electric vehicle charging demand is discussed too. Based on charging load management and charging demand, a method to carry out organized charging of electric vehicle is proposed. Combined with different setting modes of electric vehicles charging infrastructures, taking the virtual charging unit as one control cell of load configuration at power grid side, the hierarchical distribution implementation framework from power grid optimization operation to electric vehicles charging terminal is established.
Secondary extremity compartment syndrome after traumatic cardiac arrest

The objective of this case report is to investigate the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of secondary extremity compartment syndrome. This case-based review documents the development of secondary extremity compartment syndrome in the setting of high-volume fluid resuscitation for a hemorrhagic cardiac arrest complicated by a global ischemia-reperfusion injury. A 21-year-old male presented with traumatic, hemorrhagic cardiac arrest. Following a resuscitative thoracotomy, massive transfusion and return of spontaneous circulation, the patient underwent damage control surgery. Over the first 48 h following the injury, the patient developed progressive diffuse interstitial edema ultimately culminating in compartment syndrome of the remaining three uninjured extremities as well as both uninjured gluteal compartments. The patient underwent bilateral lower extremity, thigh, gluteal, and right upper extremity compartment fasciotomies, with the left lower extremity being the single, traumatically...
Developmental changes in flow-wave propagation velocity in embryonic chick vascular system

We analyzed flow-wave propagation velocity in the early embryonic vascular system and its responses to acute alterations in circulating blood volume. Two 20-MHz pulsed Doppler velocimeters were positioned along the arterial system in stage 18 (n = 12), 21 (n = 10), and 24 (n = 11) chick embryos. Distance between the two measurement sites was measured by video-microscopy. Phase velocity was calculated using Fourier transform up to the fourth harmonics. Wave-front velocity was also calculated by threshold technique. In a subset of embryos at stage 24 (n = 10), circulating blood volume was acutely altered to change stroke volume. Mean phase velocity increased from 42.9 +/- 3.3 to 95.8 +/- 7.5 cm/s from stage 18 to 24 (P < 0.05 by analysis of variance), whereas wave-front velocity increased from 52.8 +/- 2.4 to 72.2 +/- 5.2 cm/s. Stroke volume and mean aortic pressure paralleled the changes in mean phase velocity and wave-front velocity in normal development and in response to changes in circulating blood volume. Thus developmental changes in wave-propagation velocity were consistent with changes in the size of the vascular system, pressure range, and elastic properties of the arterial wall during systemic vasculogenesis in the embryo.
Advanced quantitative imaging and biomechanical analyses of periosteal fibers in accelerated bone growth

Abstract Purpose The accepted mechanism explaining the accelerated growth following periosteal resection is that the periosteum serves as a mechanical restraint to restrict physeal growth. To test the veracity of this mechanism we first utilized Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging to measure differences of periosteal fiber alignment at various strains. Additionally, we measured changes in periosteal growth factor transcription. Next we utilized SHG imaging to assess the alignment of the periosteal fibers on the bone both before and after periosteal resection. Based on the currently accepted mechanism, we hypothesized that the periosteal fibers adjacent to the physis should be more aligned (under tension) during growth and become less aligned (more relaxed) following metaphyseal periosteal resection. In addition, we measured the changes in periosteal micro- and macro-scale mechanics. Methods 30 seven-week old New Zealand White rabbits were sacrificed. The periosteum was imaged on the bone at five regions using SHG imaging. One centimeter periosteal resections were then performed at the proximal tibial metaphyses. The resected periosteal strips were stretched to different strains in a materials testing system (MTS), fixed, and imaged using SHG microscopy. Collagen fiber alignment at each strain was then determined computationally using CurveAlign. In addition, periosteal strips underwent biomechanical testing in both circumferential and axial directions to determine modulus, failure stress, and failure strain. Relative mRNA expression of growth factors: TGFβ-1, -2, -3, Ihh, PTHrP, Gli, and Patched were measured following loading of the periosteal strips at physiological strains in a bioreactor. The periosteum adjacent to the physis of six tibiae was imaged on the bone, before and after, metaphyseal periosteal resection, and fiber alignment was computed. One-way ANOVA statistics were performed on all data. Results Imaging of the periosteum at different regions of the bone demonstrated complex regional differences in fiber orientation. Increasing periosteal strain on the resected strips increased periosteal fiber alignment (p Conclusion Periosteal fibers adjacent to the growth plate do not appear under tension in the growing limb, and the alignments of these fibers remain unchanged following periosteal resection. Significance The results of this study call into question the long-accepted role of the periosteum acting as a simple mechanical tether restricting growth at the physis.
Letter by Secemsky et al Regarding Article, "Relationship Between Femoral Vascular Closure Devices and Short-Term Mortality From 271 845 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedures Performed in the United Kingdom Between 2006 and 2011: A Propensity Score-Corrected Analysis From the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society".

As interventional cardiologists, we often decide at the end of a procedure whether to close the femoral arterial access site with a vascular closure device (VCD). We make this decision based on a multitude of factors, including the extent of calcification of the femoral artery, the location and quality of the arterial puncture site, and whether the patient requires continued arterial pressure monitoring because of a tenuous condition, or conversely, might benefit from earlier ambulation with a VCD to facilitate same day discharge. As clinical investigators, we have learned that the inability to capture the clinical nuances that govern treatment decisions create the preconditions for confounding of observational studies, particularly when these variables may themselves be associated with …
Effect of reconstruction kernel width on optimal regularization for focal lesion detection in PET

Iterative statistical algorithms offer desirable properties; however, the maximum likelihood solution provides sub-maximal performance for detecting focal lesions unless noise effects are regularized. Typical approaches include stopping the algorithm prior to convergence, penalizing objective functions, or post-reconstruction filtering. The width of the reconstruction kernel-i.e. the geometric component of the system matrix describing the projection operation and associated detector effects-dramatically affects noise correlations. This work explores the relationship between reconstruction kernel width and optimal regularization parameters that maximize focal lesion detection in PET. Experiments from the Utah PET Lesion Detection Database were used to model fully-3D oncologic whole-body FDG imaging, including multiple scans with- and without numerous lesions distributed throughout the phantom. Three reconstruction kernels were studied: a ray-driven projector with delta-function kernel; an area-driven projector with kernel width matched to the coincidence line spacing; and a volumetric projector with approximate point spread function model. Images were reconstructed to 250 iterations MLEM, storing intermediate iterations, and localization receiver operating characteristics analysis was applied using the channelized non-prewhitened observer. Maximal performance was obtained at 40, 70, and 100 iterations for the ray-driven, area-driven, and volumetric projectors, respectively. Conversely, optimal filter strength varied inversely with reconstruction kernel width. Overall, detection improved with broader kernels that more accurately modeled the tomograph's actual response. These results clarify the complex relationship between reconstruction kernel width and the regularization needed to maximize focal lesion detection-important considerations when selecting regularization parameters and interpreting published results from different scanners or reconstruction methods.
Situation Awareness Issues in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Accidents and Incidents

This study examined environmental situation awareness issues associated with accidents and incidents involving civil and public use unmanned aircraft systems operating in the National Airspace System. The data were derived from an information synthesis of archival publically available reports from the FAA Preliminary Reports of Unmanned Aircraft System Accidents and Incidents database, as recorded in the Aviation Safety Information and Analysis Sharing system. Some type of environmental situation awareness was an issue in 13 of the 274 accident and incidents examined, with navigation situation awareness as the most prevalent issue followed by lesser frequencies of weather, terrain, and altitude situation awareness related events. The identification of the types of environmental situation awareness issues associated with accidents and incidents provided insights for consideration when developing technology and training for unmanned aircraft systems.
Genetic Effective Size of a Metapopulation

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study on the genetic effective size of a metapopulation. The amount of genetic variation in a population is generally determined using the measure heterozygosity, because of both its biological importance (individuals are either heterozygotes or homozygotes) and the extensive theory that predicts heterozygosity levels due to various evolutionary factors. This chapter determines the relationship between effective size of a metapopulation and the parameters that govern the dynamics of the metapopulation: the number of patches, the local extinction and recolonization rates, the local carrying capacity, the number of founders that recolonize a metapopulation, and the rate of gene flow between extant patches. It is suggested that prediction of the effective metapopulation size, based on these parameters, may allow understanding of the retention of heterozygosity in spatially structured populations and should be of great value in conservation planning. The chapter investigates, in a sensitivity analysis, the influence of these parameters on the effective metapopulation size, and the relationship of the effective size to the census number. It is shown that under the assumptions of the basic model, as the carrying capacity is increased, the effective metapopulation size is increased, but asymptotes at a value less than 100, even when the carrying size in each patch is assumed to be infinite.