cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causes of Excess Mortality in Veterans Treated for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Introduction Published research indicates that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased mortality. However, causes of death among treatment-seeking patients with PTSD remain poorly characterized. The study objective was to describe causes of death among Veterans with PTSD to inform preventive interventions for this treatment population. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted for all Veterans who initiated PTSD treatment at any Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center from fiscal year 2008 to 2013. The primary outcome was mortality within the first year after treatment initiation. In 2018, collected data were analyzed to determine leading causes of death. For the top ten causes, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated from age- and sex-matched mortality tables of the U.S. general population. Results A total of 491,040 Veterans were identified who initiated PTSD treatment. Mean age was 48.5 (±16.0) years, 90.7% were male, and 63.5% were of white race. In the year following treatment initiation, 1.1% (5,215/491,040) died. All-cause mortality was significantly higher for Veterans with PTSD compared with the U.S. population (SMR=1.05, 95% CI=1.02, 1.08, p Conclusions Veterans with PTSD have an elevated risk of death from suicide, accidental injury, and viral hepatitis. Preventive interventions should target these important causes of death.
Evaluating the Impact of Small Group Supplemental Math Enrichment in Kindergarten.

This article reports findings from a one-year evaluation of a kindergarten math enrichment program. A randomized design was used to assess the impact of High 5s on children’s math skills, attitudes...
Reply to Farrell: Experimental evidence is the ultimate judge for model assumptions

In PNAS (1), we report the full-field interferometric imaging of the dynamics of neuronal deformations during the action potential. The imaging methodology we describe provides a noninvasive approach to observation of the neural signaling and also allows scientists to verify their models with more degrees of freedom provided by the spatial distribution of the deformations, compared to previous single-point measurements. We also show that the mechanical model based on voltage-dependent membrane tension proposed by Zhang et al. (2) fits our observations. Farrell (3) argues that the membrane tension should change in a parabolic manner with the transmembrane voltage, with its maximum value at 16 mV, … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: tongling{at}stanford.edu, kcb76{at}stanford.edu, or palanker{at}stanford.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Situation-Driven Context-Aware Safety Model for Risk Mitigation Using LTL in a Smart Home Environment

Early-stage dementia impacts aging adults' cognitive functioning including the initiative and performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) that require a series of actions to be completed (e.g., meal preparation, medication management). Thus, cognitive impairment predisposes adults to temporal organization of action sequence error in IADLs that may constitute life-threatening injuries or accidents [11]–[13]. To mitigate this inherent risk in the performance of IADLs, a linear temporal logic (LTL)-based safety model is proposed for detection of risky behaviors inherent IADLs in smart home environments. Keywords-Safety; Aging; Situation; IADLs; Smart Home; Temporal Logic
Speaking up about patient-perceived serious visit note errors: Patient and family experiences and recommendations.

Background Open notes invite patients and families to read ambulatory visit notes through the patient portal. Little is known about the extent to which they identify and speak up about perceived errors. Understanding the barriers to speaking up can inform quality improvements. Objective To describe patient and family attitudes, experiences, and barriers related to speaking up about perceived serious note errors. Methods Mixed method analysis of a 2016 electronic survey of patients and families at 2 northeast US academic medical centers. Participants had active patient portal accounts and at least 1 note available in the preceding 12 months. Results 6913 adult patients (response rate 28%) and 3672 pediatric families (response rate 17%) completed the survey. In total, 8724/9392 (93%) agreed that reporting mistakes improves patient safety. Among 8648 participants who read a note, 1434 (17%) perceived ≥1 mistake. 627/1434 (44%) reported the mistake was serious and 342/627 (56%) contacted their provider. Participants who self-identified as Black or African American, Asian, "other," or "multiple" race(s) (OR 0.50; 95% CI (0.26,0.97)) or those who reported poorer health (OR 0.58; 95% CI (0.37,0.90)) were each less likely to speak up than white or healthier respondents, respectively. The most common barriers to speaking up were not knowing how to report a mistake (61%) and avoiding perception as a "troublemaker" (34%). Qualitative analysis of 476 free-text suggestions revealed practical recommendations and proposed innovations for partnering with patients and families. Conclusions About half of patients and families who perceived a serious mistake in their notes reported it. Identified barriers demonstrate modifiable issues such as establishing clear mechanisms for reporting and more challenging issues such as creating a supportive culture. Respondents offered new ideas for engaging patients and families in improving note accuracy.
The Effects of Cannabis: Implications for the Surgical Patient.

Cannabis use is increasingly prevalent. Cannabinoid receptors regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, and compounds in marijuana exert diverse physiologic effects. As more patients use cannabis, clinicians should recognize implications of perioperative cannabis use. Although the role of cannabis use in perioperative pain control has been explored, little is known about its effect on perioperative wound healing or on hematologic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular physiology. Methods We searched PubMed for English-language articles related to cannabis (ie, marijuana, cannabidiol oil, and tetrahydrocannabinol) and wound healing, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or hematologic outcomes, and surgery. Titles and abstracts were reviewed, and relevant articles were analyzed. Human, animal, and pathology studies were included. Editorials, case reports, and review articles were excluded. Results In total, 2549 wound healing articles were identified; 5 human studies and 8 animal/pathology studies were included. Results were conflicting. An estimated 2900 articles related to cardiovascular effects were identified, of which 2 human studies were included, which showed tetrahydrocannabinol and marijuana caused tachycardia. A total of 142 studies regarding pulmonary effects were identified. Three human studies were included, which found no difference in respiratory complications. In total, 114 studies regarding hematologic effects were identified. The 3 included human studies found conflicting venous thromboembolism risks. The overall study quality was poor. Information about dose/duration, administration route, and follow-up was reported with variable completeness. Conclusions Surgeons should consider effects of cannabis in the perioperative setting. Little is known about its perioperative effects on wound healing, or on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic physiology. Further research should elucidate the effects of administration route, dose, and timing of cannabis use among surgical patients.
Predictive Model for Hurricane Wind Hazard under Changing Climate Conditions

AbstractHurricanes are among the most destructive and costly extreme weather events. The intensity of future hurricanes is generally expected to increase due to climate change effects. In this work...
Why ROE, ROA, and Tobin’s Q in Regressions Aren’t Good Measures of Corporate Financial Performance for ESG Criteria

It is demonstrated theoretically why ROE, ROA, and Tobin’s Q aren’t good measures of corporate financial performance for ESG criteria. Essentially due to E, S, and G criteria affecting productivity and debt costs, this causes measurement error in the dependent variables of regressing ROE, ROA, and Tobin’s Q on E, S, and G criteria where the measurement error is correlated with the independent variables. This results in biased estimators and inflated standard errors.
Rethinking Undistributed Dividend Taxation in Brazil

In this article, the author argues that Brazil should update its rules on undistributed dividend taxation, to better agree with international norms and its own tax treaties.
Photoinduced Halide Segregation in Ruddlesden-Popper 2D Mixed Halide Perovskite Films.

2D lead halide perovskites, which exhibit bandgap tunability and increased chemical stability, have been found to be useful for designing optoelectronic devices. Reducing dimensionality with decreasing number of layers (n = 10-1) also imparts resistance to light-induced ion migration as seen from the halide ion segregation and dark recovery in mixed halide (Br:I = 50:50) perovskite films. The light-induced halide ion segregation efficiency, as determined from difference absorbance spectra, decreases from 20% to <1% as the dimensionality is decreased for 2D perovskite film from n = 10 to 1. The segregation rate constant (ksegregation ), which decreases from 5.9 × 10-3 s-1 (n = 10) to 3.6 × 10-4 s-1 (n = 1), correlates well with nearly an order of magnitude decrease observed in charge-carrier lifetime (τaverage = 233 ps for n = 10 vs τavg = 27 ps for n = 1). The tightly bound excitons in 2D perovskites make charge separation less probable, which in turn decreases the halide mobility and resulting phase segregation. The importance of controlling the dimensionality of the 2D architecture in suppressing halide ion mobility is discussed.
Statistical gain-scheduling method for aircraft flight simulation

Abstract A global polynomial variable scheduling method for aircraft controller is proposed to achieve runtime benefits with no degradation of controller stability. The method is benchmarked against two conventional methods: nearest neighbor and bilinear interpolation. An examination of conventional method constructs reveals recursive local approximation generation as the most expensive step, whereas discontinuities and lack of first derivative smoothness lead to poor approximations. The proposed method features a multivariate polynomial as the variable scheduling mechanism that addresses both drawbacks concurrently and achieves significant runtime improvements by virtue of its very simple functional form. The mathematical formulation of the proposed approach is discussed along with practical considerations for implementation. Numerical flight dynamics simulations are conducted with the three methods for four flight maneuvers and using four scheduling variable sets of increasing resolution. Results show the proposed method significantly reduces runtime relative to nearest neighbor, and even more so relative to bilinear interpolation. Results also indicate comparable controller stability in terms of deviation from margins of optimum solutions.
The Smarter Sex: A Critical Review of Sex Differences in Intelligence

Although there are no sex differences in general intelligence, reliable differences are found on some tests of cognitive abilities. Many of the tasks that assess the ability to manipulate visual images in working memory show an advantage for males, whereas many of the tasks that require retrieval from long-term memory and the acquisition and use of verbal information show a female advantage. Large effects favoring males are also found on advanced tests of mathematical achievement, especially with highly select samples. Males are also overrepresented in some types of mental retardation. Effects sizes are variable and often large. These differences are generally found cross-culturally and across the life span. The nature–nurture dichotomy is rejected as an interpretive framework. In light of recent findings that environmental variables alter the biological underpinnings of intelligence and individuals actively participate in creating their environments, we prefer a psychobiosocial model for understanding sex differences in intelligence.
On the Sprague-Grundy Values of the $\mathcal{F}$-Wythoff Game

We examine the Sprague-Grundy values of $\mathcal{F}$-Wythoff, a restriction of Wythoff's game introduced by Ho, where the integer ratio of the pile sizes must be preserved if the same number of tokens is removed from both piles. We answer two conjectures raised by Ho. First, we show that each column of Sprague-Grundy values is ultimately additively periodic. Second, we prove that every diagonal of Sprague-Grundy values contains all the nonnegative integers. We also investigate the asymptotic behavior of the sequence of positions attaining a given Sprague-Grundy value.
Western Bean Cutworm Monitoring Project in Northwest Iowa

Introduction The western bean cutworm (WBC) has typically been an occasional pest of corn in northwest Iowa and is more notably known to cause damage to crops in western Nebraska. Yet, beginning in 1999, the WBC caused economic damage to corn in isolated locations of northwest Iowa, primarily in northern Ida County. In 2002, western bean cutworm moths were found in most northwest Iowa counties (Table 1). Because of the western bean cutworm’s potential to cause large yield losses in corn and its presence in successive years, ISU extension researchers felt it was necessary to monitor its presence in northwest Iowa with the use of moth traps. The trap data were also a tool to help determine when scouting for WBC should begin.
Cytokinins in Regulation of Plant Growth

The extension of principles governing gene-controlled protein biosynthesis in prokaryotes as a basic regulatory mechanism common to all growth and developmental processes in eukaryotes, also, is now generally accepted. The question, then, is, what factors are involved in modulating the expression of genetic potentials in cells with an identical genome so as to permit development of functional, multicellular organisms? In the case of plants, it is clear that environmental factors, temperature, light, and inorganic nutrients influence differentiation and development in striking, specific ways, but, as in animals, it is recognized that endogenous growth factors, or hormones, mediate these effects and more generally serve to regulate the expression of genetic potentials. Furthermore, in plants as in animals, several categories of such substances exist, and changing balances in activity between them may modulate metabolism and bring about morphogenesis and functional changes characteristic of normal ontogeny. In this context, I wish to discuss the group of substances referred to as cytokinins.
Sulfhydryl Levels in Regenerating Rat Liver in the Presence of Nitrogen Mustard or Protein-Depletion Diet.

SummaryThe non-protein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels of liver stimulated to regenerate by partial hepatectomy increase to a maximum about 12 hours before the maximum mitosis occurs in the presence of a low protein-depletion diet which causes a decrease in NPSH in normal liver, and in the presence of nitrogen mustard which slows the process of mitosis. This pattern is similar to that found in regenerating liver not subject to these influences. Thus a rather direct influence of the mitotic process on sulfhydryl metabolism seems to exist.
Yogic Breathing and Ayurveda in Aphasia: A Case Study

AbstractPurpose: We present a case study of a woman who used yogic breathing as Ayurvedic medicine in her recovery from poststroke aphasia. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the most ancient medicines of the world, but it is not widely used for aphasia rehabilitation in many Western countries. The description of this case aims to further the understanding of the benefits that this type of medicine may provide to poststroke patients living with aphasia. Method: After her stroke, the patient received brief conventional language therapy for her aphasia. At 5 weeks post stroke, she received no further conventional rehabilitation; instead, she consulted with a Vedic priest. She followed a regimen of different body manipulations, yogic breathing techniques, and ingestion of coconut oil. Cognitive and language testing was performed throughout a 3-month period while she was involved in this therapy. Results: Overall, improvement was noted in language, visual attention, and some mood measures. Conclusion: Although case...
Mutation load under additive fitness effects

Under the traditional mutation load model based on multiplicative fitness effects, the load in a population is 1-e-U , where U is the genomic deleterious mutation rate. Because this load becomes high under large U, synergistic epistasis has been proposed as one possible means of reducing the load. However, experiments on model organisms attempting to detect synergistic epistasis have often focused on a quadratic fitness model, with the resulting general conclusion being that epistasis is neither common nor strong. Here, I present a model of additive fitness effects and show that, unlike multiplicative effects, the equilibrium frequency of an allele under additivity is dependent on the average absolute fitness of the population. The additive model then results in a load of U/(U +1), which is much lower than 1-e-U for large U. Numerical iterations demonstrate that this analytic derivation holds as a good approximation under biologically relevant values of selection coefficients and U. Additionally, regressions onto Drosophila mutation accumulation data suggest that the common method of inferring epistasis by detecting large quadratic terms from regressions is not always necessary, as the additive model fits the data well and results in synergistic epistasis. Furthermore, the additive model gives a much larger reduction in load than the quadratic model when predicted from the same data, indicating that it is important to consider this additive model in addition to the quadratic model when inferring epistasis from mutation accumulation data.
Electronic Resources for Human Factors and Ergonomics Education: Lessons from Human-Computer Interaction:

I describe four electronic educational resources available via computer networks and electronic mail: (1) a curriculum module on user interface development; (2) a bibliography on human-computer int...
Journey to the center of mathematics

Opening a copy of The Mathematical Intelligencer you may ask yourself uneasily, “What is this anyway—a mathematical journal, or what?” Or you may ask, “Where am I?” Or even “Who am I?” This sense of disorientation is at its most acute when you open to Colin Adams’s column.
X-ray inspection utilizing knowledge-based feature isolation with a neural network classifier

ABSTRACT This paper describes a generalized flaw detection scheme for a molded and machined turbine blade.The data used are radiograph images. Based on knowledge of the molding and machining process selectivefeatures may be isolated and classified for each possible flaw candidate.The proposed classification system requires the incorporation of many smaller pattern recognitionsystems. Several of these pattern recognition subsystems have been developed and implemented. Described isthe implementation of one such subsystem whose characteristics are best realized utilizing a back propagationneural network. The results of the network are compared with other classification schemes (K nearest neighborand Bayes classifier). 1. INTRODUCTION Currently the inspection of turbine blade radiographs is carried out by an inspection engineer. Theelements of human fatigue and error warrant the development of a system capable of ai tomatically classifyingthe blades as "good" or "bad' which could act to enhance the quality and efficiency of '
Micron and Submicron-Scale Characterization of Interfaces in Thermal Interface Material Systems

One of the key challenges in the thermal management of electronic packages are interfaces, such as those between the chip and heat spreader and the interface between a heat spreader and heat sink or cold plate. Typically, thermal interfaces are filled with mate-rials such as thermal adhesives and greases. Interface materials reduce the contact resistance between the mating heat generating and heat sinking units by filling voids and grooves created by the nonsmooth surface topography of the mating surfaces, thus improving surface contact and the conduction of heat across the interface. However, micron and submicron voids and delaminations still exist at the interface between the interface material and the surfaces of the heat spreader and semiconductor device. In addition, a thermal interface material (TIM) may form a filler-depleted and resin-rich region at the interfaces. These defects, though at a small length scale, can significantly deteriorate the heat dissipation ability of a system consisting of a TIM between a heat generating surface and a heat dissipating surface. The characterization of a freestanding sample of TIM does not provide a complete understanding of its heat transfer, mechanical, and interfacial behavior. However, system-level characterization of a TIM system, which includes its freestanding behavior and its interfacial behavior, provides a more accurate understanding. While, measurement of system-level thermal resistance provides an accurate representation of the system performance of a TIM, it does not provide information regarding the physical behavior of the TIM at the interfaces. This knowledge is valuable in engineering interface materials and in developing assembly process parameters for enhanced system-level thermal performance. Characterization of an interface material between a silicon device and a metal heat spreader can be accomplished via several techniques. In this research, high-magnification radiography with computed tomography, acoustic microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize various TIM systems. The results of these characterization studies are presented in this paper. System-level thermal performance results are compared to physical characterization results.
Relationships Between Creative Thinking Abilities and a Measure of the Creative Personality

Persons with creative abilities might be expected to have creative personality characteristics. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the relationships between a creative personality measure, What Kind of Person Are You? Test, and three verbal and four figural creative ability measures derived from the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. The subjects were 65 males and 164 female undergraduates enrolled in the introductory course in educational psychology at the University of Georgia. For the males, multiple coefficients of correlation were .57 for all seven creative ability measures, .42 for the three verbal measures, and .51 for the four figural measures (all significant at the .01 level). For the females, multiple coefficients of correlation were .33 for all seven measures, .22 for the three verbal measures, and .30 for the four figural measures (all significant at or beyond the .05 level).
Systematic audit of third-party android phones

Android has become the leading smartphone platform with hundreds of devices from various manufacturers available on the market today. All these phones closely resemble each other with similar hardware and software features. Manufacturers must therefore customize the official Android system to differentiate their devices. Unfortunately, such heavily customization by third-party manufacturers often leads to serious vulnerabilities that do not exist in the official Android system. In this paper, we propose a comparative approach to systematically audit software in third-party phones by comparing them side-by-side to the official system. Specifically, we first retrieve pre-loaded apps and libraries from the phone and build a matching base system from the Android open source project repository. We then compare corresponding apps and libraries for potential vulnerabilities. To facilitate this process, we have designed and implemented DexDiff, a system that can pinpoint fine structural differences between two Android binaries and also present the changes in their surrounding contexts. Our experiments show that DexDiff is efficient and scalable. For example, it spends less than two and half minutes to process two 16.5MB (in total) files. DexDiff is also able to reveal a new vulnerability and details of the invasive CIQ mobile intelligence software.
Psychophysical correlates of photoreceptor activity.

Abstract Psychophysical experiments done on a rod monochromatand a normal resulted in the following: (1) above rod saturation , the rod monochromat cannot see any test field with her eyes open, but can detect the test by means of discriminable weak afterimages caused by bleaching as little as 10 −5 of the rhodopsin; (2) these weak afterimages occur in normals and have the spectral sensitivity of rhodopsin. Analysis of the data implies that the weak afterimage originates in the outer segment but can not be explained by the usual equivalent dark light hypothesis which accounts for strong afterimages produced by intense bleaches. An alternative hypothesis about the production of the photocurrent is introduced; (3) strong afterimages show saturation. Two retinal regions that received 70 and 85% bleaches appear subjectively identical for the first 11 min. Thereafter one can discriminate the two different bleached areas; (4) saturation in dark adaptation is shown in the rod monochromat. After a full bleach, it is impossible to detect any increment on the bleached area until 9 min have elapsed; (5) the last two results are consistent with the hypothesis that the rod photoreceptor signal remains saturated for many minutes after an intense bleach is turned off.
Modeling and Simulation of Unconventional Traffic Circles

Microscopic simulation tools have been gaining popularity among traffic engineers. Enhanced input-output capabilities of these simulation tools allow engineers to model and to simulate complex transportation networks and to gather results relatively quickly. However, extensive validation and calibration efforts are required to verify the credibility of the results of these simulation models. This paper deals with the development of credible and valid simulation models of two unconventional traffic circles in New Jersey, namely, the Collingwood and Brooklawn Circles. These two circles are modeled in PARAMICS simulation software. Model development and the validation and calibration steps are presented in detail. PARAMICS is one of the few off-the-shelf simulation software packages that can model unconventional traffic circles. However, the default capabilities of PARAMICS are not sufficient to model statistically valid simulation models of these two unconventional circles. Use of the application programming...
The Relationship Between the Variance of Energy Estimates and the Uncertainty Parameter

The relationship between the uncertainty (4π times the product of rms duration, Dt, and rms bandwidth, Df) and the variance of energy estimates of random transients is examined. If a transient can be modeled with the product model, it is shown that for many cases the normalized error in the energy estimate, as measured by the uncertainty, is approximately the same as the normalized error determined from the more exact statistical duration and bandwidth. The uncertainty is a quantitative measure of the expected energy estimate errors. If the transient has a significant random component, a small uncertainty parameter implies a large error in the energy estimate. Attempts to resolve a time/frequency spectrum near the uncertainty limits of a transient with a significant random component will result in large errors in the spectral estimates.
Dueling enigmas: neurosteroids and sigma receptors in the limelight.

Neurosteroids can be positive or negative regulators of neurotransmitter receptor action, depending on the receptor and the chemical structure of the neurosteroid. This Perspective by Gibbs and Farb is one of two on the subject of neurosteroids. The authors address the possible role of σ receptors in mediating neurosteroid action and describe how the regulation of inhibitory and excitatory ion channels by neurosteroids has implications for the role of these molecules in learning and memory, nociception, and excitotoxicity.
A Novel Approach to the Laparoscopic Antegrade Continence Enema Procedure: Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Techniques

ABSTRACTPurpose: The use of laparoscopic techniques in the construction of an antegrade continence enema (ACE) channel is evolving as a minimally invasive procedure that attempts to address issues of morbidity commonly associated with the technique as originally described. Because of our experience with “open” ACE construction, we maintain that true fecal continence of the ACE channel requires more than dependence on the appendicocecal sphincteric mechanism. Therefore, we have implemented intracorporeal or extracorporeal suturing to create a reliable continence mechanism.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients who underwent laparoscopic ACE and compared the outcome to 20 consecutive conventional open ACE procedures. Outcome measures included operative time, perioperative pain control, length of hospital stay, channel leakage, stenosis and herniation.Results: There was no significant difference in operative time between the laparoscopic and conventional groups. The laparoscopic approa...
Effects of dynorphin1-13 on opiate binding and dopamine and GABA uptake in stroked cat brain.

Abstract We previously reported that the opioid peptide dynorphin 1–13 improves survival chances in stroked cats. Some evidence also suggests that changes in dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake may be associated with stroke. In the present study, therefore, we determined binding of the opiate [ 3 H]ethylketocyclazocine (EKC), as well as dopamine and GABA uptake in various brain regions of control, stroked and dynorphin 1–13 -treated stroked cats. Cats were stroked by middle cerebral artery occlusion. In the EKC binding study, the K d of the high-affinity site of the occluded cortex was significantly increased, relative to that of both the unoccluded side and control cortex. Dynorphin 1–13 treatment reversed this effect, lowering the K d to control level. In the dopamine uptake study, the K m was decreased and V max was increased significantly in unoccluded cortex, compared with that in the occluded cortex or in control cortex. Again, dynorphin 1–13 reversed these effects, raising the K m and lowering the V max . However, the K m of occluded cortex was also increased so that it became significantly higher than that of control cortex. The K m of unoccluded subcortex in stroked cats treated with dynorphin 1–13 was significantly reduced compared with control. In the GABA uptake study, there was no significant change in any parameter. The change in opioid binding observed here and its reversal by dynorphin 1–13 are consistent with the notion that the peptide's beneficial effect on stroke is mediated through opiate receptors. Since opioid systems in the brain are known to have association with dopaminergic ones, the change in dopamine uptake could also be the result of an opioid effect.
National and Regional Population Trends in Ukraine: Results from the Most Recent Census

An American specialist on urbanization and population dynamics in the countries of the former Soviet Union examines changes in Ukraine's population revealed by analysis of that country's first post-Soviet census (2001). Among the more salient developments examined in this second-largest post-Soviet republic are extremely high rates of natural population decrease among Ukrainians and Russians alike, a substantial exodus of ethnic Russians from Ukraine (and in some cases their ethnic re-identification as Ukrainians) with major implications for nationality distribution both at the national and regional levels, and interesting trends involving other minority nationalities such as (Crimean) Tatars, Armenians, and Jews. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: J11, O18, R23. 3 figures, 7 tables, 25 references.
A total internal reflection fluorescence biosensor for aluminum (III)

Abstract Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is widely used for investigating interfacial interactions. It has proven to be a well-suited technique for biosensing applications due to its surface sensitivity and minimal sample consumption. In this paper, the protein phosvitin has been investigated as a molecular sensor for the detection of aluminum (III). Phosvitin was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and immobilized on a quartz surface via EDC/NHS chemistry. Phosvitin–FITC and aluminum complexation, both in free solution and surface-bound form, was studied. A TIRF biosensor selective for Al 3+ was constructed using surface-immobilized phosvitin–FITC. An enhancement of phosvitin–FITC fluorescence intensity was observed upon addition of Al 3+ . The response was linear over the range 0.1–10 μM of aluminum concentration.
A constellation of complications: The metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a common cluster of risk factors for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus that includes obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome itself appears to be an important risk factor for atherogenic cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and there is recent evidence that its components cluster, rather than occurring together by coincidence. A recent statement from the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute slightly modifies and clarifies the diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome that are most widely used in the United States, along with giving practical guidance about management. Prompt therapeutic attention to the underlying risk factors—abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, and atherogenic/diabetogenic diet—is warranted for all patients with the metabolic syndrome, and drug therapy for specific metabolic risk factors should be considered for those at high or moderately high 10-year absolute risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A new class of investigational drugs that block cannabinoid type 1 receptors have shown promise. This review also discusses issues that require additional research and new drugs that are considered promising for treatment of the metabolic syndrome itself.
SU-FF-I-32: Performance and Stability of the Varian Cone-Beam CT System

Purpose: A cone‐beam CT(CBCT) system was implemented on a Varian Trilogy linac in our department in May 2005. Weekly CBCTquality assurance has been performed. The purpose of this work is to present clinical CBCT performance and determine parameters that are predictive of reduced performance. Method and Materials: From July 2005 to February 2006, a quality assurance program was conducted on a weekly basis to include both image quality and geometrical characteristics of the system. Cone‐beam CT software version 1.2 was used during this study. Both large scan volume ‘half‐fan’ and small scan volume ‘full‐fan’ CBCT scans were included for analysis. Parameters checked as part of our quality assurance procedures were: constancy of Hounsfield units (HU) for different materials,image uniformity, high contrastspatial resolution, low contrast resolution, and spatial linearity. Data was analyzed globally using the descriptive statistics of mean and range to give an overall statement of CBCT performance and was analyzed in a time‐ordered fashion using process behavior charts to identify predictive parameters. Results: Geometrical accuracy was within 1 mm for both scan types and was reproducible throughout the study period. The average and (minimum, maximum) data for image uniformity, average HU difference for 7 materials, and high contrastspatial resolution were as follows: large scan volume; 73.7 HU (−21.2, 103.8), 0 HU (−32, 39), 0.55 mm (0.45, 0.63) and for small scan volume; 92.1 HU (49.7, 116.1), −1 HU (−32, 26), 0.48 mm (0.45, 0.56). For image uniformity, action levels by time‐ordered process behavior analysis were identified. Conclusion: Apart from a single data point, the Varian CBCT system was stable over the study period. Image uniformity was predictive for a mis‐performing CBCT system.
Testing an analytic model for Richtmyer–Meshkov turbulent mixing widths

We discuss a model for the evolution of the turbulent mixing width $$h(t)$$ after a shock or a reshock passes through the interface between two fluids of densities $$\rho _A$$ and $$\rho _B$$ inducing a velocity jump $$\Delta V$$ . In this model, the initial growth rate is independent of the surface finish or initial mixing width $$h_0$$ , but its duration $$t^{*}$$ is directly proportional to it: $$h(t)=h_0 +2\alpha A\Delta Vt$$ for $$0\le t\le t^{*}$$ , and $$h(t)=h^{*}({1+(\dot{h}^{*}/\theta h^{*})(t-t^{*})})^{\theta }$$ for $$t\ge t^{*}$$ . Here $$A$$ is the Atwood number $$(\rho _B -\rho _A)/(\rho _B +\rho _A), \alpha $$ and $$\theta $$ are dimensionless, $$A$$ -dependent parameters measured in past Rayleigh–Taylor experiments, and $$\beta $$ is a new dimensionless parameter we introduce via $$t^{*}=(h_0 /\Delta V)\beta $$ . The mixing width $$h$$ and its derivative $$\dot{h}$$ remain continuous at $$t=t^{*}$$ since $$h^{*}=h_0 +2\alpha A\Delta Vt^{*}$$ and $$\dot{h}^{*}=2\alpha A\Delta V$$ . We evaluate $$\beta \sim 6$$ at $$A\approx 0.7$$ from air/SF $$_{6}$$ experiments and propose that the transition at $$t=t^{*}$$ signals isotropication of turbulence. We apply this model to the recent experiments of Jacobs et al. (Shock Waves 23:407–413, 2013) on shock and reshock, and discuss briefly the third wave causing an unstable acceleration of the interface. We also consider the experiments of Weber et al. (Phys Fluids 24:074105, 2012) and argue that their smaller growth rates reflect density gradient stabilization.
Fracture of Ni with grain-size from nanocrystalline to ultrafine scale under cyclic loading

A two-step fatigue loading scheme was developed to study the fracture characteristics of nanocrystalline and ultrafine-grained Ni, with grain-sizes of 23 and 260 nm, respectively. Cyclic work-hardening, measured by the mid-loop width during cycling, was observed in both types of material in the first loading step. The loop width increases rapidly as the load is upgraded in the second step. Crack initiation and striation have been observed for the first time in nanocrystalline Ni.
Advances in industrial marketing theory and research from the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing

Abstract The Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing (JBIM) has had a significant and important impact on the field of business-to-business (industrial) marketing over the past 10 years. During that time , JBIM's broad variety of subject matter and diversity of contributors have provided readers with important information and insight into numerous issues in the “real world” of business-to-business marketing. In this article, the authors review JBIM's 10-year tenure, as well as 27 of the more interesting and unique articles previously published in JBIM.
Mechanical failure of the American Medical Systems Ultrex inflatable penile prosthesis: before and after 1993 structural modification.

Purpose: The 700 Ultrex (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, Minnesota) is the only penile prosthesis capable of length and girth expansion. Early experience with the 700 Ultrex showed an increased mechanical failure rate compared with the 700CX, mostly secondary to cylinder failure. In 1993 the Ultrex cylinders were modified. We examined the performance of the Ultrex device before and after modification.Materials and Methods: We compared our results with the Ultrex prosthesis before (group 1) and after (group 2) the 1993 modification. We implanted 239 devices from October 1989 to December 1999. A total of 26 patients have died. Followup was obtained on the results of 137 of the remaining 213 implants (64%), including 85 pre-modification devices in 85 patients and 52 post-modification devices in 51, via a mailed questionnaire, telephone survey or chart review. The questionnaire and survey included a 5-point satisfaction scale. Groups 1 and 2 were compared in regard to 3 end points, namely cylinder, mech...
MEASURING EVOLUTIONARY CONSTRAINTS: A MARKOV MODEL FOR PHYLOGENETIC TRANSITIONS AMONG SEED DISPERSAL SYNDROMES.

I introduce a Markov probabilistic model of transitions among discrete morphological states as a method for describing and testing nonrandom patterns of evolutionary change. The Markov model assumes one-generational dependency, i.e., that the future direction of evolutionary change depends on the current morphology of a species, not on any history of changes. This model is very flexible, allowing for any number of discrete states to describe morphology, yet permit rigorous testing of even complex evolutionary hypotheses. I apply this model to changes in seed dispersal mechanisms within 571 genera of Neotropical plants, using cladistic methods to infer the ancestral and derived states within each genus. I then test a series of progressively more complex hypotheses about the constraints that might shape the patterns of observed evolutionary transitions: 1) no transition constraints; 2) all dispersal mechanisms are equally labile evolutionarily; 3) the probability of particular evolutionary transitions among dispersal mechanisms depends on the descendant state but not on the ancestral state; 4) transition probabilities differ among pairs of dispersal mechanisms, but are reciprocal within such pairs. More complex hypotheses matched the data significantly better than did simpler hypotheses. However, only one of the hypotheses (reciprocal transitions) fit the observed data and then only for the most cautious interpretation of the frequencies of transitions within genera. These results suggest that evolutionary transitions among major adaptive syndromes are indeed ordered, and the observed patterns of transitions suggest possible reasons for such macroevolutionary structure.
Core–Shell Nanoparticles Driven by Surface Energy Differences in the Co–Ag, W–Fe, and Mo–Co Systems

Core–shell nanoparticles are known to form in binary systems using a one-step gas-condensation deposition process where a large, positive enthalpy of mixing provides the driving force for phase separation and a difference in surface energy between component atoms creates a preferential surface phase leading to a core–shell structure. Here, core–shell nanoparticles have been observed in systems with enthalpy as low as −5 kJ mol−1 and a surface energy difference of 0.5 J m−2 (Mo–Co). This suggests that surface energy dominates at the nanoscale and can lead to phase separation in nanoparticles. The compositions and size dependence of the core–shell structures are also compared and no core–shell structures are observed below a critical size of 8 nm.
A Measure of the Contribution of a Gesture to the Perception of Speech in Listeners With Aphasia

The contribution of a visual source of contextual information to speech perception was measured in 12 listeners with aphasia. The three experimental conditions were: Visual-Only (referential gestur...
Cellular and regional distribution of reduced glutathione in the nervous system of the rat: Histochemical localization by mercury orange and o-phthaldialdehyde-induced histofluorescence

Differences in the cellular distribution of antioxidant defense mechanisms in heterogeneous tissue such as the nervous system are likely critical determinants of differential sensitivity to toxicants. Regional and cellular localization of reduced glutathione (GSH) in central and peripheral nervous tissue was determined from the pattern of fluorescence observed in tissue sections stained with mercury orange; localization was confirmed using a novel histofluorochromatic staining method, o-phthaldialdehyde (OPT). Excellent concordance between the distribution of fluorescence obtained with mercury orange and OPT staining was observed. Depletion of GSH by treatment with diethyl maleate resulted in a diminution in both mercury orange and OPT histofluorescence. Generally, strong staining of the CNS neuropil was seen with little or no observable fluorescence in neuronal somata. The cerebellar granular cells were an exception, exhibiting fluorescence with both mercury orange and OPT. Cerebellar Purkinje cells exhibited nonuniform fluorescence with mercury orange but generally uniform staining with OPT. In contrast to the patterns observed in the CNS, the sciatic nerve and the sensory cell bodies of the lumbar dorsal root ganglia exhibited prominent fluorescence with both mercury orange and OPT. Reduced glutathione in the central nervous system appears primarily localized in the neuropil and white matter tracts; with a few exceptions, the neuronal somata do not appear to contain appreciable amounts of GSH. The heterogenous distribution of GSH and enzymes involved in the detoxification and/or excretion of xenobiotics in the nervous system may form a basis for selective cellular and/or regional expression of neurotoxicity.
Surface Adsorption and Orientation Near the Critical Point of Binary Liquid Mixtures

Critical binary liquid mixtures have proven to be extremely useful for quantitatively studying wetting and adsorption phenomena that occur at the surfaces of these systems. In this paper recent experimental developments in our understanding of adsorption gained via the study of critical mixtures are reviewed. At the noncritical liquid/vapor surface the component possessing the smallest surface tension completely saturates this surface for sufficiently large surface tension differences Δσ between the two components. This complete (or strong) adsorption is described by a universal scaling function P which depends upon the dimensionless depth z/ξ where ξ is the correlation length. Weakly polar and nonpolar binary liquid mixtures have been used to define the scaling function P. If the surface energy difference Δ σ between the two components is small, then the surface is no longer completely saturated by one component. In this weak adsorption egime the adsorption behavior is now described by a universal function G of both z/ξ and Δ σ. The functional dependence of G is elucidated by examining a homologous series of critical binary AB liquid mixtures where component A is an n-alkane while component B (methyl formate) is fixed. For this system Δ σ changes sign with increasing n-alkane chain length. In addition to adsorption, dipole surface orientational order at the liquid/vapor surface of highly polar + nonpolar mixtures is also discussed. This orientational order is induced by the dipole-image dipole interaction in the vicinity of a surface.
Effects of cortical and thalamic lesions on temperature discrimination and responsiveness to foot shock in the rat

Summary Forty male albino rats received lesions in one or both somatosensory cortical areas or in thalamic nuclei which receive lemniscal or extralemniscal somatosensory input. Sixteen control animals received lesions of the occipital cortex or sham operations. The following measures were obtained: acquisition of a series of temperature discriminations as fine as 3°C difference; reflexive flinch, jump, and vocalization responses to foot shocks graded in intensity; a battery of neurological tests; cortical evoked potentials elicited by shocks to the forepaws. Somatosensory cortical and thalamic lesions produced statistically significant deviations from normal performance when reflexive response threshold to shock and temperature discrimination data were analyzed together or when the former were analyzed alone. Refined statistical analyses failed to reveal specific lesions responsible for these deviations, although 3 of 5 rats with lesions of the parafascicular complex performed poorly on the temperature discrimination test. The experimental animals also showed some deficiencies on a number of neurological tests. Short latency cortical evoked potentials to forepaw shocks were present in several rats which exhibited deficits n temperature discrimination or deviant responsiveness to foot shock.