cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitudes Toward Monsters

The concept of monsters is ubiquitous across cultures, but there has been little research on monsters themselves and what factors shape people’s attitudes toward them. Kennesaw State University undergraduate psychology students ( N = 450) read unbiased, positively biased, or negatively biased reports of one of 15 fictional monsters before all participants read identical stories about an encounter with the monster. Questionnaire responses indicated that reading a negatively biased report results in significantly more negative attitudes toward a monster than reading an unbiased report, that attitudes toward animals positively correlate with attitudes toward monsters, and that attitudes toward monsters differ depending on what real-life animals they most resemble. The results provide a greater understanding of how humans perceive and react to unfamiliar nonhumans, specifically those with characteristics of various animals, and suggest that research on animal-like monsters can elucidate human perceptions of real-life animals. Applications include identifying the best methods to counteract negative media images of animals, discovering a culture’s views on animals through the monsters in its folklore, and identifying in advance which unfamiliar endangered animals likely need the most publicity in order to engender public support.
Skeletal Muscle and Nerve-Muscle Junction

Skeletal muscles are the major ending of the efferent branch of the central nervous system. We work our will upon the outside world through these muscles. Skeletal muscles occupy about 80 % of the total weight of the body. They use about 6 % of the resting oxygen consumption to maintain ionic gradients; after strenuous exercise they may use as much as 70 % of the oxygen consumption. Each anatomic muscle is delimited by strong fascial sheets and has a characteristic origin and insertion. The basic unit of the muscle is the muscle fiber or cell that runs from one end of the muscle to the other end and has a diameter of 50 to 100 µm.
Theories of antibody formation

The chapter aims to provide the history of theories of antibody formation that calls for attention the many contributions to its progress. The discovery of circulating antibody provides a new and almost impregnable rallying point for those who argued that humoral factors rather than cellular mechanisms are all important in explaining natural and acquired immunity. The theory of antibody formation is universally credited to Breinl and Haurowitz, Mudd, and Alexander, and was rapidly and widely accepted in the early 1930s. In addition, Paul Ehrlich's theory of antibody formation was based upon a Darwinian evolution of the process of intracellular digestion. He pointed out that many different types of nutrients were utilized, apparently specifically, in the metabolism of the cell, and suggested that these could interact and be absorbed by the cell only if structurally-specific receptors exist on the cell surface with which the nutrient molecules can react chemically.
Assessing Perfusion Using 3D Bioprinting

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging and promising technology that is being used in the field of tissue engineering to study biological tissue constructs. A central issue with tissue engineering has been the inability to adequately perfuse the fabricated tissue, thus limiting their thickness, morphology, and overall size. A promising solution to this issue is the use of 3D bioprinting to generate prevascularized tissue constructs in vitro. Recent advances in 3D bioprinting methodologies have enabled researchers to fabricate in vitro vascularized tissue constructs of greater sizes, thicknesses, and complexities. These 3D bioprinted tissues have important clinical applications for use as tissue replacements and in medical research models, although these potential applications are largely proof-of-concept at the moment. In the future, improved bioprinting methods will enable faster fabrication of vascularized tissues with greater resolution and biological complexity, enabling these tissues to provide and assess perfusion within a clinical context.
High Body Mass Index Masks Body Composition Differences in Physically Active Versus Sedentary Participants.

Abstract Background: Despite the benefits of aerobic exercise on body composition, runners with high body mass index (BMI) remain understudied. We examined body composition differences between sede...
Local control of defects and switching properties in ferroelectric thin films

Electric-field switching of polarization is the building block of a wide variety of ferroelectric devices. In turn, understanding the factors affecting ferroelectric switching and developing routes to control it are of great technological significance. This work provides systematic experimental evidence of the role of defects in affecting ferroelectric-polarization switching and utilizes the ability to deterministically create and spatially locate point defects in $\mathrm{PbZ}{\mathrm{r}}_{0.2}\mathrm{T}{\mathrm{i}}_{0.8}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ thin films via focused-helium-ion bombardment and the subsequent defect-polarization coupling as a knob for on-demand control of ferroelectric switching (e.g., coercivity and imprint). At intermediate ion doses ($0.22--2.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{14}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ions}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$), the dominant defects (isolated point defects and small clusters) show a weak interaction with domain walls (pinning potentials from $200--500\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MV}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), resulting in small and symmetric changes in the coercive field. At high doses ($0.22--1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ions}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$), on the other hand, the dominant defects (larger defect complexes and clusters) strongly pin domain-wall motion (pinning potentials from 500 to $1600\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MV}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), resulting in a large increase in the coercivity and imprint, and a reduction in the polarization. This local control of ferroelectric switching provides a route to produce novel functions; namely, tunable multiple polarization states, rewritable pre-determined 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} domain patterns, and multiple zero-field piezoresponse and permittivity states. Such an approach opens up pathways to achieve multilevel data storage and logic, nonvolatile self-sensing shape-memory devices, and nonvolatile ferroelectric field-effect transistors.
CPS Optimal Control for Interconnected Power Grid Based on Model Predictive Control

The CPS standard can be more objective to evaluate the effect of control behavior in each control area on the interconnected power grid. The CPS standard is derived from statistical methods emphasizing the long-term control performance of AGC, which is beneficial to the frequency control of the power grid by mutual support between the various power grids in the case of an accident. Moreover, CPS standard reduces the wear of the equipment caused by the frequent adjustment of the AGC unit. The key is to adjust the AGC control strategy to meet the performance of CPS standard. This paper proposed a dynamic optimal CPS control methodology for interconnected power systems based on model predictive control which can achieve optimal control under the premise of meeting the CPS standard. The effectiveness of the control strategy is verified by simulation examples.
CAMEL Dataset for Visual and Thermal Infrared Multiple Object Detection and Tracking

We present a visual-infrared video sequence dataset for object detection and tracking, called the CAMEL dataset1. The dataset consists of 26 video sequences captured in the visible and thermal infrared domains. The sequences include multiple real world urban environments, as well as multiple targets. The goal is to provide a challenging benchmark similar to MOT challenge that includes sequences that have corresponding visual and infrared pairs. Our hope is that this dataset can be used to help improve work on visible-infrared fusion techniques, as well as object detection and tracking.
On a not so chance encounter of neurophilosophy and science studies in a sleep laboratory

This article was inspired by participant observation of a contemporary collaboration between empirically oriented philosophers of mind and neuroscientists. An encounter between this anthropologist of science and neurophilosophers in a Finnish sleep laboratory led to the following philosophical exploration of the intellectual space shared by neurophilosophy and science studies. Since these fields emerged in the 1970s, scholars from both sides have been visiting brain research facilities, but engaged with neuroscientists very differently and passionately fought with each other over the reduction of mind to brain. As a case in point, this article looks at the philosophical controversy over the dreaming brain. It serves as a window on the problem space opened up by the demise of positivist conceptions of science, now inhabited by both neurophilosophy and science studies. Both fields face the problem of how to bridge the gap between empirical research and conceptual work. At a time when ontological speculation...
General-Purpose Interface and Logic Experiment Devices

A number of relatively inexpensive and versatile logic laboratory devices are commercially available in preassembled or “kit” forms. Most of these include, at a minimum, provisions for easy patchcord wiring of logic circuits, power supplies, a clock and two or more indicator lights and push buttons or switches. The price of such items is from $100 or less to well above $1,000. As one might expect, the more elaborate the system, the higher its cost. Because of the great variety of options available, a detailed list of specifications will not be included here. Rather, the minimal system will be described. This is adequate for performance of the digital logic experiments (Sec. I, Experiments 1–5 and Sec. II, Experiments 6 and 7), although the more elaborate (and more expensive) alternatives will certainly be equally suitable. One such device is the EL Instruments “Digi-designer.”
For Critical Race Practitioners: Race, Racism and American Law (4th ed.) by Derrick A. Bell, Jr.

Critical Race Theory in practice. Dedicated to “cause lawyers” who, though skeptical about the ability to find true justice in a society riddled through with racism, do not give up and still struggle to win.
The Efficacy of Customer’s Voluntary Use of Self-Service Technology (SST): A Dual-Study Approach

Although self-service technologies (SST) are ubiquitous, little is known about the efficacy of customers’ voluntary choice to use SST over traditional face-to-face interactions with an employee. Dr...
A frequency-dependent ground-motion spatial correlation model of within-event residuals for Fourier amplitude spectra:

Ground motion time series recorded at stations separated by up to about 50 km show a frequency-dependent spatial coherency structure, and the corresponding ground motion intensity measures are foun...
Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels Promote Expression of Paxillin, a Muscle-Tendon Junction Marker

Abstract Muscle and tendon injuries are prevalent and range from minor sprains and strains to traumatic, debilitating injuries. However, the interactions between these tissues during injury and recovery remain unclear. Three-dimensional tissue models that incorporate both tissues and a physiologically relevant junction between muscle and tendon may aide in understanding how the two tissues interact. Here, we use tissue specific extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from muscle and tendon to determine how cells of each tissue interact with the microenvironment of the opposite tissue resulting in junction specific features. ECM materials were derived from the achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle, decellularized, and processed to form tissue specific pre-hydrogel digests. C2C12 myoblasts and tendon fibroblasts were cultured in tissue-specific ECM conditioned media or encapsulated in tissue-specific ECM hydrogels to determine cell-matrix interactions and the effects on a muscle-tendon junction marker, paxillin. ECM conditioned media had only a minor effect on upregulation of paxillin in cells cultured in monolayer. However, cells cultured within ECM hydrogels had 50-70% higher paxillin expression than cells cultured in type I collagen hydrogels. Contraction of the ECM hydrogels varied by the type of ECM used. Subsequent experiments with varying density of type I collagen (and thus contraction) showed no correlation between paxillin expression and the amount of gel contraction, suggesting that a constituent of the ECM was the driver of paxillin expression in the ECM hydrogels. Using tissue specific ECM allowed for the de-construction of the cell-matrix interactions similar to muscle-tendon junctions to study the expression of MTJ specific proteins. Impact Statement The muscle-tendon junction is an important feature of muscle-tendon units; however, despite cross-talk between the two tissue types, it is overlooked in current research. Deconstructing the cell-matrix interactions will allow the opportunity to study significant junction specific features and markers that should be included in tissue models of the muscle-tendon unit, while gaining a deeper understanding of the natural junction. This research aims to inform future methods to engineer a more relevant multi-tissue platform to study the muscle-tendon unit.
Incipient dynamic recrystallization and adiabatic shear bands in Ti–7Al studied via in situ X-ray diffraction

Abstract The interconnected phenomena of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) are critical features of dynamic deformation and fracture in metals. Despite their importance, observations of these phenomena have largely been restricted to post-mortem analyses. Here we report on the first in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) observations of DRX. By combining high strain rate loading via Kolsky bar with high speed X-ray diffraction, time resolved observations of microstructural evolution in Ti–7Al are made. XRD measurements are coupled with explicit finite element simulations to assess the stress, strain, and temperature dependence of the microstructural evolution. These observations reveal a continuous evolution of the microstructure with increasing plastic strain up to a maximum stress. At the maximum stress, the structure ceases evolving and the subsequent softening suggests the onset of shear banding. As a whole, these unique experiments definitively reveal the onset of DRX to be driven by accumulation of plastic strain and not the temperature rise associated with plastic deformation. The observed sequence of events further suggests DRX results in microstructural softening and precedes ASB formation.
The Degree of Rivalry (Competition) in an Industry can be Measured

A relationship between rivalry (competition), concentration measures and the number of firms in an industry was reported in an earlier paper (Cooke, 1987). A numerical application of the concept is presented in this paper.
955 – Long-term effectiveness of long- and short-term psychotherapy in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders

Introduction Little is known about long-term effects of psychotherapy on depressive or anxiety disorders. Aims To compare the effectiveness of three psychotherapies of different length in a clinical trial with a 5-year follow-up. Methods In the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study, 326 outpatients with mood or anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to longterm psychodynamic psychotherapy (LPP), short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPP), and solution-focused therapy (SFT), and were followed up for 5 years from start of treatment. Depressive, anxiety and general psychiatric symptoms (BDI, SCL-90-Anx, and SCL-90-GSI), working ability (WAI), and recovery (based on changes in psychiatric symptoms and use of auxiliary treatment) were used as outcome measures. Results For patients with depressive disorder LPP was more effective than SPP or SFT in reducing symptoms, improving work ability and leading to recovery during the 3 last years of follow-up. For patients with anxiety disorder effectiveness of LPP was less pronounced with no differences between short-term and long-term therapy in recovery from anxiety symptoms. No differences were found between the effectiveness of the short-term therapies. Conclusions Long-term psychotherapy is more effective than short-term therapy during a long follow-up especially in the treatment of depressive disorder. More research especially considering different anxiety disorders is still needed.
Interactive probabilistic search for GikiCLEF

In this paper we will briefly describe the approaches taken by the Berkeley Cheshire Group for the GikiCLEF task of the QA track. Because the task was intended to model some aspects of user search, and because of the complexity of the topics and their geographic elements, we decided to conduct interactive searching of the topics and selection of results. Because of the vagueness of the task specification early-on, some disagreements about what constituted a correct answer, and time constraints we were able to complete only 22 of the 50 topics. However, in spite of this limited submission the interactive approach was very effective and resulted in our submission being ranked third overall in the results.
CAPSUL: A constraint-based specification of repeating patterns in time-oriented data

We use a constraint-based language to specify repeating temporal patterns. The Constraint-based Pattern Specification Language (CAPSUL) is simple to use, but allows a wide variety of patterns to be expressed. This paper describes in detail the syntax of CAPSUL, including its layers of abstraction and four types of constraints. We also discuss the semantics of CAPSUL, including the concept of interference between patterns and the expressive power of the language. We have implemented CAPSUL in a temporal-abstraction system called Resume, and used it in a graphical knowledge-acquisition tool to acquire domain-specific knowledge from experts about patterns to be found in large databases. We summarize the results of preliminary experiments using the pattern-specification and pattern-detection tools on data about patients who have cancer and have been seen at the Rush Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center.
Pollution Abatement as a Barrier to Entry

With the dramatic increase in federal and state environmental regulation in the 1970s, the cost of compliance also rose. While compliance costs have been discussed elsewhere, the implications for the competitiveness of markets have been evaluated using case studies of specific law changes and specific industries. This study examines the role of environmental regulations as barriers to entry using a panel of industries over ten years. The results indicate that environmental costs increase the value of q for the top quartile of firms, which suggests that compliance cost constitutes a barrier to entry and creates rents for larger existing firms.
Active Site-directed Inactivation of Escherichia coli Glucosamine-6-phosphate Synthase DETERMINATION OF THE FRUCTOSE 6-PHOSPHATE BINDING CONSTANT USING A CARBOHYDRATE-BASED INACTIVATOR

Abstract Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlmS) catalyzes the formation of glucosamine 6-phosphate from fructose 6-phosphate using glutamine as the ammonia source. Because N-acetylglucosamine is an essential building block of both bacterial cell walls and fungal cell wall chitin, the enzyme is a potential target for antibacterial and antifungal agents. N-Iodoacetylglucosamine 6-phosphate is an active site-directed irreversible inactivator of GlmS from Escherichia coli (k/K = 17 (±3) M s). Both fructose 6-phosphate and glutamine protect the enzyme from inactivation, indicating that this reagent is directed at both the sugar binding site and the glutamine binding site. Protection studies with fructose 6-phosphate demonstrate that the value of the dissociation constant for fructose 6-phosphate is 3.3 (±0.5) × 10M, approximately 3 orders of magnitude less than the K value for this substrate determined from initial velocity experiments (Badet, B., Vermoote, P., and Le Goffic, F.(1988) Biochemistry 27, 2282-2287).
Verification of Basic Block Schedules Using RTL Transformations

We present an approach to aid in debugging/development ofsc heduling algorithm implementations. Our technique makes use ofa sequence ofa correctness-preserving RTL transformation called Register Transfer Split (RTS), to collectively perform the same task as that of a scheduler. Violation ofthe transformation precondition signals an error and the sequence of RTS transformations applied so far forms a trace which can be used for debugging purposes.
The existence of nonfunctional active sites in milk xanthine oxidase: reaction with functional active site inhibitors.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses experimental study analyzing the existence of nonfunctional active sites in milk xanthine oxidase. In this study, milk xanthine oxidase was prepared, and xanthine–oxygen reductase activity was measured spectrophotometrically at 295 nm and at a temperature of 25°. Following the original work of Avis, such catalytic activity is also expressed as AFR 25° values. This value is obtained by dividing the change in absorbancy per minute at 295 nm by the absorbancy at 450 nm of the xanthine oxidase employed in the assay. Under anaerobic conditions, xanthine oxidase was found to be readily reduced by allopurinol. On the addition of allopurinol anaerobically, there was an immediate reduction of the enzyme to the same level as that found in the rapid phase of reduction with xanthine. However, with xanthine further reduction occurred over several hours to a level close to that given by dithionite, whereas with allopurinol, there was only a small secondary decrease in absorbance that was complete in 2–3 min. No further changes occurred even on incubation for as long as 24 h.
Contraception and the obese woman.

PURPOSE: Obesity has reached epidemic rates among U.S. women of reproductive age many of whom want to use contraception. However some forms of contraception can have adverse effects on an obese womans health. This article explores risks of contraception available in the United States and provides clinical recommendations for use by obese women. DATA SOURCES: Information was compiled by reviewing the scientific literature on contraception and female obesity using CINAHL MEDLINE PubMed search engines. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is largely supportive of combined oral contraceptive (COC) use in carefully screened obese women without known risks factors for cardiovascular disease. The efficacy of COCs may be slightly reduced in obese women because of increased body mass. Other types of hormonal contraceptives have varying safety and efficacy reports when used by obese women. Intrauterine devices do not have reduced efficacy nor increased risks for obese women but insertion may be more difficult. Obesity has no effect on efficacy of barrier methods of contraception. IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians should conduct a careful history and physical exam with selected supporting laboratory tests when considering prescription of hormonal contraceptives for obese women. Obese women require health counseling to carefully follow directions for contraceptive use to avoid unintended pregnancy. (c)2013 The Author(s) Journal compilation (c)2013 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Density Gradient Centrifugation of Rubella Virus

Rubella virus was centrifuged in sucrose density gradients. One of two densities could be ascribed to the virus, depending upon the suspending medium used. The virus was found at a density of 1.16 g/cm(3) after centrifugation for 18 hr in sucrose gradients prepared in distilled water. By contrast, when the sucrose gradients were prepared in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)buffer containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the virus was found at a density of 1.18 g/cm(3) after 18 hr of centrifugation. The virus banded at this higher density after only 2 hr of centrifugation when pretreated by overnight incubation in the Tris-EDTA buffer. A kinetic study showed that, in sucrose gradients containing this buffer, the virus gradually migrated as a single peak of infectivity from a density of 1.16 g/cm(3) after 2 hr of centrifugation to the higher 1.18 g/cm(3) density after 18 hr. The density change was shown to be reversible; after the removal of the Tris-EDTA buffer, rebanding of virus harvested at the heavy density resulted in its banding at the lower 1.16 g/cm(3) density. The data indicate that density change could not be explained on the basis of the loss of some component from the virus or on the basis of the failure of the virus to reach equilibrium. However, it is possible that the two densities observed were a reflection of the existence of rubella virus in different hydration states in the presence and absence of Tris buffer containing EDTA.
The pragmatics and aesthetics of knowing: implications for online education

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to contribute to making higher education, particularly online education, more relevant and inspiring by orienting it toward the pragmatics and aesthetics of knowing. This paper also demonstrates the relevance of cybernetics and cybernetic thinking in education today. Design/methodology/approach – The author's general strategy is to connect processes of knowing to the purpose of education, thus providing an organizing principle for the design and practice of online education. Nontrivial conversation and aesthetic experience are combined in a cybernetic complementarity, conceptualized as the processes that foster understanding. This serves the purpose of education, defined here as developing an understanding of how knowledge is constructed and fostering ways of knowing that are creative and complex. Findings – Because the world has become increasingly complex, ambiguous, and pluralistic, the type of thinking needed to act and interact in the world must also be complex, e.g...
Variational Inference for Adaptor Grammars

Adaptor grammars extend probabilistic context-free grammars to define prior distributions over trees with "rich get richer" dynamics. Inference for adaptor grammars seeks to find parse trees for raw text. This paper describes a variational inference algorithm for adaptor grammars, providing an alternative to Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. To derive this method, we develop a stick-breaking representation of adaptor grammars, a representation that enables us to define adaptor grammars with recursion. We report experimental results on a word segmentation task, showing that variational inference performs comparably to MCMC. Further, we show a significant speed-up when parallelizing the algorithm. Finally, we report promising results for a new application for adaptor grammars, dependency grammar induction.
QML (qualified manufacturing line): a method of providing high quality integrated circuits

The military integrated circuit (IC) suppliers desire to operate using 'best manufacturing and processing practices' while maintaining the freedom to make timely changes without government approval. The suppliers believe that if granted this operational freedom, they will still deliver high quality ICs and possibly reduce the per unit cost to the military. The military insists that they must continue to exercise change control approval for their product and also conduct screening test programs due to the potential serious consequences which can result from the insertion of nonconforming ICs into their equipment. The resolution of the IC suppliers versus the military concerns appeared to be at an impasse. The QML concept has emerged as a possibility for resolving the suppliers versus the military concerns. >
Baseline and follow-up association of the MAX-PC in Men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Due to advances in screening and surgical techniques, the past decade has seen dramatic increases in the number of men who are living for longer periods of time after surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) [1, 2]. As a result, emphasis has grown in the field of PCa survivorship, particularly for psychosocial factors [3-5]. It has been established that men who undergo surgery for localized PCa can experience significant levels of cancer-specific anxiety before and after surgery [3-8]. Thus, there has been a growing interest in evaluating factors that affect the quality of life of men being treated for PCa [3, 5]. The ability to identify those who might benefit from psychological intervention at baseline could positively impact postsurgical quality of life outcomes. Investigators have reported that cancer-specific anxiety represents the most common psychological reaction that men experience following the diagnosis and surgical treatment for PCa [9-13]. We previously reported that anxiety at one-year is associated with poor sexual satisfaction, depressive mood, and other psychosocial factors [3]. This suggests that interventions could be designed to lower anxiety in men, especially those with more indolent disease. The focus then becomes whether we could predict which men will be anxious at one-year on the basis of baseline scores and other metrics. In this way, we could identify men who would most benefit from early (i.e., from diagnosis to within three months of surgery) anxiety interventions, whereas sparring those whose anxiety will dissipate on its own. Although the existence of PCa-specific anxiety is well known, the development of PCa-specific anxiety and its association with survivorship remains undetermined [14-18]. Over the past decade, Roth et al. developed and subsequently validated a questionnaire, the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC), designed to measure several types of PCa-specific anxieties [9, 19]. This study provides the opportunity to explore unanswered questions in the literature regarding whether PCa-specific anxiety at baseline is associated with psychosocial and physical factors known to affect PCa survivorship at 1 year [5, 7, 8, 14-18, 20-24]. We utilized data from our ongoing PCa database to conduct a prospective, longitudinal study of PCa-specific anxiety in men undergoing treatment for PCa at our institution. Employing the MAX-PC, we examined the baseline and follow-up associations of PCa-specific anxiety, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and PCa aggressiveness in men with newly diagnosed PCa undergoing prostatectomy at our institution.
Neoadjuvant radiation therapy does not increase perioperative morbidity among patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Background Neoadjuvant radiation therapy (RT) as a component of the multimodality treatment of gastric cancer has demonstrated promising results. Data regarding its effect on perioperative safety are limited. Methods Adults undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the 2005–2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were included. Groups were defined by neoadjuvant RT use, and then propensity-matched based on preoperative variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess neoadjuvant RT as an independent predictor of outcomes. Results Among 2,764 patients identified, 55 (2.0%) were treated with neoadjuvant RT. Patients who received neoadjuvant RT were more likely to have received preoperative chemotherapy and steroids, and experienced weight loss (all P < 0.01). After matching, however, there were no preoperative differences. At time of surgery, total (vs. partial) gastrectomy was more common among patients who underwent neoadjuvant RT (70.9 vs. 46.7%, P < 0.01), and operative time was longer (290 vs. 236 min, P < 0.01). There were no differences in overall complications (23.6 vs. 29.7%, P = 0.49) or 30-day mortality (3.6 vs. 3.6%, P = 0.99). Conclusions Neoadjuvant RT was not associated with increased morbidity or mortality following resection for gastric cancer. These findings support the ongoing investigation of neoadjuvant RT as part of the multidisciplinary management of resectable gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:46–50. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Binding of bacterial peptidoglycan to CD14

The hypothesis that soluble peptidoglycan (sPGN, a macrophage-activator from Gram-positive bacteria) binds to CD14 (a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor) was tested. sPGN specifically bound to CD14 in the following three assays: binding of soluble 32P-CD14 (sCD14) to agarose-immobilized sPGN, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and photoaffinity cross-linking. sCD14 also specifically bound to agarose-immobilized muramyl dipeptide or GlcNAc-muramyl dipeptide but not to PGN pentapeptide. Binding of sCD14 to both sPGN and ReLPS (where ReLPS is LPS from Salmonella minnesota Re 595) was competitively inhibited by unlabeled sCD14, 1-152 N-terminal fragment of sCD14, sPGN, smooth LPS, ReLPS, lipid A, and lipoteichoic acid but not by dextran, dextran sulfate, heparin, ribitol teichoic acid, or soluble low molecular weight PGN fragments. Binding of sCD14 to sPGN was slower than to ReLPS but of higher affinity (KD = 25 nM versus 41 nM). LPS-binding protein (LBP) increased the binding of sCD14 to sPGN by adding another lower affinity KD and another higher Bmax, but for ReLPS, LBP increased the affinity of binding by yielding two KD with significantly higher affinity (7.1 and 27 nM). LBP also enhanced inhibition of sCD14 binding by LPS, ReLPS, and lipid A. Binding of sCD14 to both sPGN and ReLPS was inhibited by anti-CD14 MEM-18 mAb, but other anti-CD14 mAbs showed differential inhibition, suggesting conformational binding sites on CD14 for sPGN and LPS, that are partially identical and partially different.
Relies to our critics

We respond to the central concerns raised by our commentators to our book, The Epistemological Spectrum. Casullo believes that our account of what we term “low-grade a priori” justification provides important clarification of a kind of philosophical reflection. However he objects to calling such reflection a priori. We explain what we think is at stake. Along the way, we comment on his idea of that there may be an epistemic payoff to making a distinction between assumptions and presumptions. In the book, we argued that an epistemically important form of nonaccidental reliability can be understood as a matter of processes being “transglobally reliable under modulational control.” Graham recommends another form of nonaccidental reliability, one rooted in evolutionary etiology. We explain why we think that the reliability of perceptual processes is best understood as turning of the kinds of modulational control that we highlight. We clarify how this approach represents a kind of reasonable epistemic patience—modulational control takes time, as it must turn on agents generating information about their own capacities and foibles. Lyons raises interesting questions regarding how (what we term) morphological content possessed by the agent can do the work that we set for it. We argue that it is necessary in order for agents to accommodate the background information that is relevant to many central problems of belief formation. We clarify how it can be expected to work.
Mechanically fastened hybrid composite strips for flexural strengthening of concrete beams

Abstract While externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcing has become an accepted technology for the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete members, less information is available on flexural strengthening using mechanically fastened FRP (MF-FRP). This study presents the development of a vacuum-infused, hybrid glass–carbon MF-FRP system for the flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams. Two different FRP fabric architectures were considered to assess the impact of fiber orientation on behavior. The resistance of the MF-FRP composite strips to freeze–thaw cycling and saltwater submersion was assessed with single-fastener tension–bearing testing. Test results indicate that the MF-FRP system should display adequate residual capacity in typical cold-climate bridge applications. The flexural strengthening capabilities of MF-FRP composite strips were evaluated using four-point bending tests of MF-FRP-strengthened, steel-reinforced concrete beams and non-strengthened beams. The flexural test results for two glass–carbon MF-FRP reinforcing systems show an average increase in ultimate capacity of nearly 50% with good ductility. Flexural fatigue testing was conducted on four MF-FRP reinforced specimens. The cyclic flexural test results indicate that the strength gains that can be realized with the MF-FRP systems used here may be limited by fatigue performance, and that fatigue is an area that warrants further study.
The laser homodyne “self-beating” technique in light scattering☆

Abstract Taking advantage of the temporal and spatial coherence of laser light, we are able to investigate translational motions relating to transport properties of the system by means of quasielastic light scattering. This spectral distribution of quasielastically scattered light is particularly useful for investigating the dynamics of colloids in suspension or macromolecules in solution. We have tested our self-beating spectrometer by reinvestigating the power spectrum of laser light scattered by suspensions of 0.357-μ diameter polystyrene latex spheres and measured colloidal gold in water to demonstrate the potentials of this technique.
Complications and management of ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts, a case report

Background An 18 year old female with history of myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus had her ventriculoperitoneal shunt converted to a VA shunt following development of peritonitis at age 11 years. Seven years later she was admitted with abdominal pain. CT revealed a perihepatic abscess and incidental right lower lobe pulmonary embolus (PE). Further investigation revealed a large right cardiac ventricle thrombus. She underwent open thrombectomy and was anticoagulated. Pathologic evaluation of the thrombus demonstrated focal purulent inflammation without identifiable organisms.
SIMPLE REACTION STRUCTURES IN A "COMPLICATED" KINEMATIC RANGE

The energy range between 500 and 1000 MeV is usually considered a "complicated" one for elastic proton-proton scattering in which there is no simple description. It is shown that in that energy range, for much of the angular range, two simple features of the magnitudes and relative phases of the invariant amplitudes in the planar transverse frame give a good approximation of the observed data on unpolarized cross section as well as all the various polarization measurements. The features appear to be particularly pronounced at the larger scattering angles and higher energies, thus suggesting a connection with the small distance part of the internucleon force which thus may shed light on the validity of various quark models. Similar regularities also appear in a similar energy and angular range for pion-nucleon scattering. A simple way is presented on a quark level to summarize these regularities.
Estimation and inference with censored and ordered multinomial response data

Abstract We propose a new formulation of the statistical model and the use of the maximum entropy principle for recovering information when the dependent variable is censored or ordered. This approach makes use of weak sampling assumptions and performs well over a range of non Gaussian error distributions and ill-posed and well-posed problems. Analytical and illustrative Monte Carlo sampling results are presented.
Ordering of fractional monolayers of H2O on Ni(110)

Abstract The ordering of water adsorbed on Ni(110) at monolayer and lower coverages was studied using molecular dynamics simulations. No long-range order could be found for the complete monolayer. At fractional coverage of θ ∼ 0.9, oriented zones of quasi-hexagonal ice-like structure are stabilized by the formation of empty gaps aligned along the 〈001〉 direction. At half coverage we observed the aggregation of hydrogen bonded patches. The growth process is dependent on the highly anistropic surface diffusion with the faster rate in the less dense 〈110〉 direction. These results have been obtained using a novel model for the water-substrate interaction, treating the site specific chemisorption and electrostatic induction in atomic detail.
Results of a Pilot Study of Pre-release STD Testing and Inmates’ Risk Behaviors in an Ohio Prison

This study presents the results of a pilot study of mandatory pre-release testing for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a behavioral risk survey for male inmates at an Ohio prison. Approximately 4–6 weeks prior to scheduled release, inmates took part in a mandatory blood test and optional genital swab and physical examination to test for STDs. At the time of testing, a voluntary behavioral and knowledge survey was administered to inmates. Pre-release testing identified 53 new cases of STDs among the 916 inmates (5.5%) scheduled for release during the pilot study period. Trichomoniasis and hepatitis C were the most common infections identified through pre-release testing. Nearly all inmates participated in the required blood test. Participation rates for the other testing methods averaged less than 45%. Inmates reported engaging in various risky behaviors during incarceration such as having sex (12.1%), tattooing (36.5%), and drug use (19.5%). Pre-release testing identified several new cases of STDs not identified through existing intake and for-cause testing procedures. Substantial useful information about the prevalence of STD risk behaviors can be obtained through a pre-release survey.
Effects of Water Soluble Phosphotidylserine on Bovine Factor Xa: Functional and Structural Changes Plus Dimerization

Previous work has shown that two molecules of a soluble form of phosphatidylserine, C6PS, bind to human and bovine factor Xa. Activity measurements along with the fluorescence of active-site-labeled human factor Xa showed that two linked sites specifically regulate the active site conformation and proteolytic activity of the human enzyme. These results imply, but cannot demonstrate, a C6PS-induced factor Xa conformational change. The purpose of this paper is to extend these observations to bovine factor Xa and to demonstrate that they do reflect conformational changes. We report that the fluorescence of active-site-labeled bovine factor Xa also varied with C6PS concentration in a sigmoidal manner, whereas amidolytic activity of unlabeled enzyme varied in a simple hyperbolic fashion, also as seen for human factor Xa. C6PS induced a 70-fold increase in bovine factor Xa's autolytic activity, consistent with the 60-fold increase in proteolytic activity reported for human factor Xa. In addition, circular dichroism spectroscopy clearly demonstrated that C6PS binding to bovine factor Xa induces secondary structural changes. In addition, C6PS binding to the tighter of the two sites triggered structural changes that lead to Ca2+-dependent dimer formation, as demonstrated by changes in intrinsic fluorescence and quantitative native gel electrophoresis. Dimerization produced further change in secondary structure, either inter- or intramolecularly. These results, along with results presented previously, support a model in which C6PS binds in a roughly sequential fashion to two linked sites whose occupancy in both human and bovine factor Xa elicits different structural and functional responses.
Investor attention and advisor social media interaction

In this article, we use a unique data set of financial advisors’ daily tweets to study investor attention. We develop an investor attention measure based on tweets between individual investors and their advisors in order to study the relation between investor attention and market fluctuations. Tweet frequency data indicate that investor attention increases on days with larger price fluctuations. Investors pay more attention to smaller gains than to smaller losses. However, attention increases by a greater magnitude for large losses than for large gains. Our findings provide evidence that daily equity return fluctuations are associated with individual investor attention and that large negative returns have the strongest impact on attention.
Altered skin reactivity induced by repeated histoplasmin skin tests

T HERE recently came under our observation a patient who, four weeks prior to admission to the hospital, displayed a negative intradermal test with histoplasmin. Although all clinical studies for histoplasmosis were negative, a repeat intradermal test with histoplasmin shortly after admission was observed to be strongly positive. This aroused our interest in the possibility that repeated intradermal injections of test antigens of this type might transform negative skin reactions to positive ones as a result of altered skin reactivity. To test this possibility, repeated intradermal tests were performed with a variety of antigens in healthy young persons.
Penalized likelihood methods improve parameter estimates in occupancy models

Summary Occupancy models are employed in species distribution modelling to account for imperfect detection during field surveys. While this approach is popular in the literature, problems can occur when estimating the model parameters. In particular, the maximum likelihood estimates can exhibit bias and large variance for data sets with small sample sizes, which can result in estimated occupancy probabilities near 0 and 1 (‘boundary estimates’). In this paper, we explore strategies for estimating parameters based on maximizing a penalized likelihood. Penalized likelihood methods augment the usual likelihood with a penalty function that encodes information about what parameter values are undesirable. We introduce penalties for occupancy models that have analogues in ridge regression and Bayesian approaches, and we compare them to a penalty developed for occupancy models in prior work. We examine the bias, variance and mean squared error of parameter estimates obtained from each method on synthetic data. Across all of the synthetic data sets, the penalized estimation methods had lower mean squared error than the maximum likelihood estimates. We also provide an example of the application of these methods to point counts of avian species. Penalized likelihood methods show similar improvements when tested using empirical bird point count data. We discuss considerations for choosing among these methods when modelling occupancy. We conclude that penalized methods may be of practical utility for fitting occupancy models with small sample sizes, and we are releasing R code that implements these methods.
Fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage with gastrinoma in pregnancy

Abstract Objective: To describe the first case of fatal hemorrhage secondary to a functioning islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas during pregnancy reported in the literature. Methods: Data used for this case report come from the autopsy report of an obstetric patient and the special stains performed on sections of the tumor that were obtained at surgery. Results: The special stains used reveal this to be a functioning neuroendocrine tumor producing gastrin. Conclusions: No previous cases of a fatal hemorrhage from a gastrinoma in pregnancy were found during literature review.