cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Interpretations of Public Disclosure, Price Efficiency, and Keynesian Beauty Contests

This paper examines how public information about the fundamental value of a firm affects the firm’s stock price behavior and efficiency in the presence of Keynesian beauty contests when such information is heterogeneously interpreted by investors. In an overlapping generations rational expectations model of capital markets, we show that, if transparency and clarity of a public disclosure are of comparable magnitude, clarity is of first-order importance in improving price efficiency. Moreover, marginally improving transparency can be detrimental to price efficiency if the initial level of transparency is already sufficiently high.
Impact of different surgical protocols on dimensional changes of free soft tissue autografts: A randomized controlled trial.

Background To determine if there is a difference in the amount of shrinkage during healing of free soft tissue autografts (FSTAs) using different surgical techniques-suturing the vestibular flap margin apically to the base of the recipient bed versus leaving the flap margin free and unsutured. Methods Twenty-eight patients with mucogingival defects requiring FSTAs were recruited and enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into test and control groups (14 per group) and received ≥1 FSTAs on non-molar mandibular teeth. In the test group the mucosal flap margin was sutured apically to the periosteum at the base of the graft; whereas, the mucosal flap margin in the control group was left free. Graft dimensional measurements were taken at time of surgery, then at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. Results Thirty-five grafts were performed (15 test, 20 control). All FSTAs experienced vertical shrinkage after 6 months, but there was no significant difference (P = 0.51) in the mean amount of shrinkage after 6 months between the test (23.20% ± 20.88%) and control (21.10% ± 21.88%) groups. There was significantly greater horizontal shrinkage in the test (loss of 7.59% ± 10.20%) compared with the control (small gain of 0.32% ± 4.20%) group (P = 0.01). Conclusions The findings suggest that there is similar vertical shrinkage when performing FSTA surgery when the mucosal flap margin is left free and unsutured when compared with leaving the flap margin free.
Symptoms in blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis versus other respiratory illnesses in commercially insured adult outpatients, United States, 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND Blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, and histoplasmosis cause various symptoms and syndromes, which may present similarly to other infections such as bacterial or viral community-acquired pneumonia, influenza, and tuberculosis. METHODS We used the IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases to identify adult outpatients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes during 2016-2017 for blastomycosis; coccidioidomycosis; histoplasmosis; pneumonia (viral, bacterial, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and unspecified pneumonia); influenza; tuberculosis; and other lower and upper respiratory infections. We compared symptoms on and in the 90 days before diagnosis between patients with these diagnosis codes. RESULTS Fever was less common in blastomycosis (2.6%), histoplasmosis (5.3%) and coccidioidomycosis (9.4%) than in influenza (18.5%) or pneumonia (12.6%-16.3%) patients. Fungal diseases resembled bacterial, viral, and unspecified pneumonias for many pulmonary symptoms. However, cough was more common with coccidioidomycosis (31.4%) and less common with histoplasmosis (14.0%) and blastomycosis (13.1%) vs. influenza (20.2%). Although less frequent, solitary pulmonary nodule (5.2%-14.4%), enlarged lymph nodes (3.7%-9.0%), hyperhidrosis (<2%), and erythema nodosum (<2%) were particularly suggestive of fungal diseases. CONCLUSIONS Despite limitations inherent in administrative coding, this analysis of symptom codes across disease types suggests that fungal diseases may be difficult to clinically distinguish from other causes of pneumonia except when certain uncommon symptoms are present. Healthcare providers caring for patients with pneumonia, especially if non-responsive to conventional treatment, should consider fungal diseases as possible etiologies.
Transmission zeros with topological symmetry in complex systems

Understanding vanishing transmission in Fano resonances in quantum systems and metamaterials and perfect and ultralow transmission in disordered media has advanced the knowledge and applications of wave interactions. Here, we use analytic theory and numerical simulations to understand and control the transmission and transmission time in complex systems by deforming a medium and adjusting the level of gain or loss. Unlike the zeros of the scattering matrix, the position and motion of the zeros of the determinant of the transmission matrix (TM) in the complex plane of frequency and field decay rate have robust topological properties. In systems without loss or gain, the transmission zeros appear either singly on the real axis or as conjugate pairs in the complex plane. As the structure is modified, two single zeros and a complex conjugate pair of zeros may interconvert when they meet at a square root singularity in the rate of change of the distance between the transmission zeros in the complex plane with sample deformation. The transmission time is the spectral derivative of the argument of the determinant of the TM. It is a sum over Lorentzian functions associated with the resonances of the medium, which is the density of states, and with the zeros of the TM. Transmission vanishes, and the transmission time diverges as zeros are brought near the real axis. Monitoring the transmission and transmission time when two zeros are close may open new possibilities for ultrasensitive detection.
The MAGIC of E-Health: A Gesture-Based Approach to Estimate Understanding and Performance in Remote Ultrasound Tasks

This work presents an approach to estimate task understanding and performance during a remote ultrasound training task via gestures. These task understanding insights are obtained through the PIA metric, a score that represents how well are gestures being used to complete a shared task. To evaluate our hypothesis, 20 participants performed a remote ultrasound training task consisting of three subtasks: vessel detection, blood extraction, and foreign body detection. Afterwards, their task understanding and performance was estimated using our PIA metric and three other metrics: error rate, idle time rate, and task completion percentage. After performing a correlation analysis, we found significant correlations between the PIA metric and all the other metrics for task understanding estimation. In addition, the insights generated from our PIA score explained inconsistencies in the participants’ scores that were not expressed using the other metrics. Finally, we used two post-experiment questionnaires to subjectively evaluate the participants’ perceived understanding and performance, and found that the PIA score was significantly correlated with the participants’ overall task understanding. All these results indicate that a gesture-based metric can be used to estimate task understanding, which can have a positive impact in the way remote ultrasound tasks are performed and assessed.
Examining civic engagement opportunities for system-involved youth: a comparative analysis

Research has demonstrated positive individual and community benefits from youth civic engagement. But not all youth have access to opportunities for engagement. Race and class have been identified ...
Influence of Age and Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Serological Test for Celiac Disease in Children.

Purpose Serological tests of tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and deamidated gliadin (DGP) antibodies for celiac disease diagnosis show conflicting correlation with histology in young children and in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Tests' ability to predict histology and cutoff values based on age and T1DM was evaluated. Methods A retrospective study of children who had celiac serological tests between 6/1/2002 and 12/31/2014 at a pediatric hospital. Results TTG IgA displayed similar results in predicting histology between <4.0 and ≥4.0 years age groups with sensitivity 98% and 93%, and specificity 88% and 86%, respectively. In children <4.0 years old, sensitivity for DGP antibodies was 100% and specificity 94%; in ≥4.0 years age groups, sensitivity was 60%, 88% for DGP IgA and IgG and specificity 95%, 96%, respectively. TTG IgA had low specificity in patients with T1DM compared with non-T1DM, 42% vs. 91%. Positive TTG IgA with normal histology was associated with higher T1DM prevalence at 36% compared with negative tests at 4%. Finally, the TTG IgA cutoff value was higher in T1DM at 36 vs. 16.3 units in non-T1DM. DGP IgG cutoff showed similar values between age groups; TTG IgA and DGP IgA cutoffs were lower in <4.0 years at 8.3 and 11.9 units than ≥4.0 years at 23.4 and 19.9, respectively. Conclusion TTG IgA is sufficient for the <4.0 years age group and DGP antibodies had no advantage over TTG IgA in older children. The cutoff value to determine a positive TTG IgA should be higher for children with T1DM.
Thick crust, hydrous magmas, and the paradox of voluminous cold magmatism

Andesites are refined and “cold” magmas compared to their basaltic parents, yet large volumes of andesites are generated at continental arcs. We show that large andesitic plutons are favored when arc crust attains a thickness of ~60 km while mafic plutons are small and favored when arc crust is thin. Using simple thermal models, we show that large, long-lived and relatively cold partially molten zones, sustained by recharge of hydrous basaltic magmas, are favored at depth when arc crust is thick due to the reduced efficiency of heat loss with increasing crustal thickness. Thin crust and drier magmas favor hotter and thinner partially molten zones. Our study provides an explanation for the apparent paradox that the most voluminous magmas in continental arc settings are cold. The origin of andesites may be linked to the interplay between magmatic differentiation, the availability of water, and the processes that control crustal thickness.
Popper’s World of Human Reality

According to Karl Popper, the Universe can be better understood by dividing it into three parts: World 1, which consists of the entities of the physical world; World 2, the world of human reality, including mental states, consciousness, and psychological dispositions; and World 3, the world of the constructions of the human mind. World 3 includes literature and the arts, the social institutions, and especially the findings and theories of science.21 Popper’s major interest in this tripartite division was to argue for the independent reality of World 3 despite the fact that it was the product of human minds. Because of this dominant interest, he failed to elaborate in detail the difference between World 1 and World 2, though he clearly saw a necessity to make such differentiation. Without a clearer differentiation between the physical world of objects and the world of human reality, it is of course possible that one may mistakenly treat objects as subjects, and subjects as objects. If it can be assumed that there are essential differences between Popper’s World 1 and 2, then each may require its own appropriate method of study. Otherwise, the application of methods for the study of subjects to objects, and vice versa, may be expected to produce a confusing World 3.
MO-F-CAMPUS-T-02: An Electronic Whiteboard Platform to Manage Treatment Planning Process

Purpose: In an effort to improve patient safety and streamline the radiotherapy treatment planning (TP) process, a software based whiteboard had been developed and put in use in our facility Methods: The electronic whiteboard developed using SQL database (DB) and PHP/JavaScript based web interface, is published via department intranet and login credentials. The DB stores data for each TP process such as patient information, plan type, simulation/start dates, physician, dosimetrist, QA and the current status in planning process. Users interact with the DB per plan and perform status updates in real time as the planning process progresses. All user interactions with the DB are recorded with timestamps so as to calculate statistical information for TP process management such as contouring times, planning and review times, dosimetry, physics and therapist QA times. External beam and brachytherapy plans are categorized according to complexity (ex: IMRT, 3D, HDR, LDR etc) and treatment types and applicators. Each plan category is assigned specific timelines for each planning process. When a plan approaches or passes the predetermined timeline, users are alerted via color coded graphical cues. When certain process items are not completed in time, pre-determined actions are triggered such as a delay in treatment start date. Results: Our institution has been using the electronic whiteboard for two years. Implementation of pre-determined actions based on the statistical information collected by the whiteboard improved our TP process. For example, the average time for normal tissue contouring decreased from 0.73±1.37 to 0.24±0.33 days. The average time for target volume contouring decreased from 3.2±2.84 to 2.37±2.54 days. This increase in efficiency allows more time for quality assurance processes, improving patient safety. Conclusion: The electronic whiteboard has been an invaluable tool for streamlining our TP processes. It facilitates timely and accurate communication between all parties involved in the TP process increasing patient safety.
Trace Formulas in Classical Dynamical Systems

Dynamics is posed in terms of local equations, but the ergodic averages require global information. How can we use a local description of a flow to learn something about the global behavior? We shall now relate global averages to the eigenvalues of appropriate evolution operators. The eigenvalues are given by the zeros of corresponding determinants, and one way to evaluate determinants is to expand them in terms of traces, using the matrix identity log det = tr log. Traces of evolution operators can be evaluated as integrals over Dirac delta functions, and in this way the spectra of evolution operators become related to periodic orbits. If there is one idea that one should learn about chaotic dynamics, it is this: there is a fundamental local ↔ global duality which says that the spectrum of eigenvalues is dual to the spectrum of periodic orbits For dynamics on the circle, this is called Fourier analysis; for dynamics on well-tiled manifolds, Selberg traces and zetas; and for generic nonlinear dynamical systems the duality is embodied in the formulas that we will now introduce: trace formulas, zeta functions and spectral determinants. These objects are to dynamics what partition functions are to statistical mechanics.
What happened after Bell spilled the acid?: Telecommunications history: a view through the literature

Abstract The article is an extensive review of the literature covering the history of telecommunications, primarily the telephone and telegraph. Much of the history itself is discussed in the process, including the politics of inventions, monopolies and anti-trust pressures, and industry interaction with government. The ignorance of many authors on the actual workings of the telephone is decried, and many sources for gaining an understanding of the technology are indicated.
Non Anode Effect PFCS: Measurement Considerations and Potential Impacts

Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) evolved from aluminum electrolysis pots during periods when pot voltage is below eight volts are considered non-anode effect (NAE) PFC emissions, consistent with current PFC measurement protocols. NAEPFC emissions occur from all commercial smelters, regardless of plant size or technology type. This work uses historical estimations to illustrate the potential impact of including NAEPFC emissions across a portfolio of location and technology specific PFC inventories and discusses technical considerations regarding the current measurement protocol and potential modifications to include NAEPFC emissions.
Internet path characterization using common internet tools

Ping and traceroute are two popular Internet tools that allow network administrators and users to detect problems on the Internet. The most popular use of ping is to find out whether a host on a network is online or not. However, the most popular use of traceroute is to identify routers along an Internet path. Each tool has many other uses often ignored by common users. This work describes how to use these tools to find the bandwidth of an Internet link, discover the path MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit), identify the bottleneck link in a path, and detect and measure upstream and downstream bandwidths of an asymmetric link. By conducting such experiments, students in networking courses can obtain a good insight of an Internet path and be interested in in-depth research and further study in computer networking.
The Black Aesthetic in the Black Novel

Fundamental to the development of a conceptual picture of a people is the relationship which exists between the culture and the artist. Both culture and artist function to express the collective personality of the people-the culture, by constructing a pattern of traditions reflecting the frame of reference of the people; and the artist, by constructing models of the frame of reference of the people, reflecting folk traditions. An artist who attempts to focus the lens of his art so as to capture the personality of an entire culture group must participate in this mutual interchange between culture and artist. If the artist draws upon the culture of the society, his art, whatever else it does, derives from the code of symbols and modes of expressions specific to the people of the culture. If, on the other hand, the artist draws upon the ideology of the society, his art derives from the values of the people. Therefore, the interaction between native culture and artist results in artists of at least two types: those influenced
Global nondestructive detection of mass and structural damage to conventional and floating bridges

The merits and limitations of vibrationally based non-destructive (NDD) methods such as frequency response only, displacement time history, system identification, acoustic emission, and work at Texas A&M University which includes the damage sensitivity or damage index method are reviewed with respect to their applicability in detecting damage to a floating structure and the findings stated. One of these methods, namely the damage sensitivity method, is reported to be suitable for detecting structural damage, with a slight adjustment, for floating platforms. Due in part to the fact that floating structures depend on the surrounding aqueous environment for their vertical support, the detection of flooding, conceivable as mass damage, is stated to be remaining outside the scope of the existing methods. A sensitivity based mass damage index is formulated for the latter case. The performance feasibility of the stiffness and mass damage indicators when applied to a floating structure, as exemplified by a bridge, is demonstrated.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Do You See What I See? Lessons about the Use of Models in High School Chemistry Classes

A number of concerns have been raised by researchers regarding the use of models in science classrooms. Those concerns have largely been raised in studies involving interviews with students and teachers. In this article, I address issues that surfaced through my examination of classroom teaching episodes; two of these episodes and their associated issues are presented as a pair of vignettes. I offer a framework for reflecting on such issues that focuses on four key terms from a definition of models: embody, tools, phenomena, and characteristics. Preceding each vignette, the meaning of the term is unpacked, and following each vignette, that term is used to analyze the way model-related actions unfolded in the episode. This framework has the potential to allow teachers to better facilitate their students’ use of models for investigating chemical phenomenon. This could endow students with the capacity to engage in more sophisticated modeling processes such as creating and analyzing their own models.
Dissection of the aorta complicating intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

A 61-year-old man with recent myocardial infarction complicated by a ventricular aneurysm and recurrent ventricular tachycardia underwent intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation prior to angiography and left ventricular aneurysmectomy. A dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta adjacent to the position of the balloon catheter was found at autopsy. No intimal tear or cystic medial degeneration of the aorta was present to account for the dissection. The authors suggest that lateral and shearing forces generated by inflation of the balloon could result in dissection of the aorta.
Copper cyanide catalyzed palladium coupling of α-lithio amines and aryl iodides

Abstract Treatment of α-aminoalkyllithium reagents with aryl iodides in the presence of catalytic amounts of CuCN and PdCl 2 (PPh 3 ) 2 or [( p -MeOC 6 H 4 ) 3 P] 4 Pd affords 2-aryl substituted amines in modest to good yields. Coupled products are obtained with electron rich aryl iodides and the reaction fails with electron poor aryl halides.
Stimulated Inverse Compton Scattering in Radio Sources

OSTER1 has claimed that energy losses due to the inverse Compton effect can be considerably larger than was previously thought, when stimulated scattering is taken into account. If true, this would seriously hinder the understanding of compact radio sources. We wish to point out that Oster's discussion is erroneous and grossly exaggerates the importance of stimulated inverse Compton scattering.
Predator avoidance and antipredator mechanisms : distinct pathways to survival

Prey may respond evolutionarily to predator pressure either by removing themselves from the foraging microhabitat of the predators (predator avoidance mechanisms) or by reducing the probability of successful predation when they are within the perceptual field of the predators (antipredator mechanisms). These two categories of survival mechanisms are under different selective regimes and the evolution of one type of prey survival mechanism reduces selection on the other.
Large-Scale Chromosomal Changes and Associated Fitness Consequences in Pathogenic Fungi

Pathogenic fungi encounter many different host environments to which they must adapt rapidly to ensure growth and survival. They also must be able to cope with alterations in established niches during long-term persistence in the host. Many eukaryotic pathogens have evolved a highly plastic genome, and large-scale chromosomal changes including aneuploidy, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) can arise under various in vitro and in vivo stresses. Both aneuploidy and LOH can arise quickly during a single cell cycle, and it is hypothesized that they provide a rapid, albeit imprecise, solution to adaptation to stress until better and more refined solutions can be acquired by the organism. While LOH, with the extreme case of haploidization in Candida albicans, can purge the genome from recessive lethal alleles and/or generate recombinant progeny with increased fitness, aneuploidy, in the absence or rarity of meiosis, can serve as a non-Mendelian mechanism for generating genomic variation.
Three-dimensional bulk index inhomogeneity measurement using computed tomography

Manufacturers of optical glass strive to make a product that is homogeneous, isotropic, and free of any bubbles or mechanical strain. Glass used in forming images is very good, but the process of mixing the constituent materials, and melting them into a glass is limited. As uniform as the mixtures are, they are not perfect, and the effects can be seen anytime light must propagate through several centimeters of glass. One method for measuring the three dimensional inhomogeneities in a piece of glass will be shown. Interferometry and computed tomography will be used to map the bulk refractive index variations. Having three dimensional information on the refractive index is the first step in compensating for errors in an imaging system.
Abundance of Fe relative to H at 1.5 solar radii

The abundance of Fe relative to H is obtained by using resonantly scattered intensities of lambda 284 of Fe XV that were measured with OSO-7 and resonantly scattered intensities of L-alpha of H I that were obtained by Gabriel (1971). Because of possible differences in electron densities along lines of sight for these non-simultaneous measurements and in relative calibrations, results are rather uncertain but still indicate that the average Fe abundance relative to H in the corona appears to be at least as large as a recent photospheric abundance. Some limitations in using this method for obtaining abundances are examined for future experiments with simultaneous measurements and well calibrated detectors.
Incremental capacitance extraction and its application to iterative timing-driven detailed routing

In this paper, we consider delay optimization in multilayer detailed routing. Given a detailed routing by some detailed router, we iteratively improve the delays of critical nets or nets with timing violation in an aggressive way. A rip-up and reroute approach is employed to generate the alternate routes. The optimal route which satisfies the timing constraints is chosen. The net delays are calculated using the Elmore delay model. The coupling capacitances are computed using a 3D extractor by applying the process parameters. In such an approach, the interconnect delay can be most accurately modeled. However, this aggressive approach is likely to be computationally unaffordable, because the delay of each alternate route should be evaluated. To overcome this problem, the key is to efficiently handle the detailed 3-D extraction in each iteration step. In our approach, we represent the design changes in an incremental way. Then we compute the coupling capacitance using the incremental extraction algorithm which is specifically tuned to an iterative design environment. This makes the aggressive improvement approach computationally practical. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the approach.
Relationship between soil-test P and K and yield response of runner peanuts to fertilizer

Abstract Direct fertilization of peanuts (Arachis hypogaeaL.) with P and K has generally shown few yield responses, resulting in only limited information concerning critical soil‐test levels of P and K. The purpose of the experiments in this report was to determine the critical soil‐test levels of P and K for runner peanuts using the double‐acid extraction procedure. Fertilizer experiments were conducted on farmers’ fields from 1973 to 1986. Site selection was based on soil test data that indicated “medium”; or “low”; levels of available P or K but “high”; in Ca and Mg. Phosphorus and potassium were applied together at all sites at rates of 20 and 74 kg/ha, respectively, as concentrated superphosphate and potassium chloride. There were yield increases to fertilizer in 6 of the 39 experiments. Soil‐test P for these six ranged between 4 and 53 kg/ha; soil‐test K ranged between 10 and 31 kg/ha. Delineating the yield effect into their P and K components with the aid of multiple regressions of yield on soil te...
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Advanced Refractory Shock in Acute and Chronic Cardiomyopathy

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used to obtain rapid resuscitation and stabilization in advanced refractory cardiogenic shock (CS), but clear strategies to optimize outcomes and minimize futile support have not been established. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ECMO in patients with advanced refractory CS, after an acute myocardial infarct (AMI) compared with patients receiving ECMO after an acute decompensating chronic cardiomyopathy (CCM). Results Between January 2003 and February 2009, 33 patients required ECMO support for advanced refractory CS secondary to AMI (AMI-CS) and 9 patients were supported by ECMO in the presence of an acutely decompensated CCM (CCM-CS). Survival at 30 days, 1 and 2 years for patients with AMI-CS, was 64%, 48%, and 48% compared with 56%, 11%, and 11% at the same time points for those with CCM-CS (p = 0.05). In the AMI-CS group, 14 of 33 (42%) patients were weaned directly from ECMO after revascularization; 15 of 33 (45%) patients were bridged to ventricular assist device (VAD) support and subsequently either underwent heart transplantation (n = 6), were successfully weaned from VAD (n = 2) or died while on VAD support (n = 7). In the CCM-CS group, 7 patients were bridged to VAD support (77%), with 1 patient surviving after VAD weaning. Conclusions Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in advanced refractory AMI-CS is associated with acceptable outcomes in a well-selected population. The ECMO in patients with an acute decompensation of a chronic CM should be carefully considered, to avoid futile support.
Estimating spatial variation in disease risk from locations coarsened by incomplete geocoding

Abstract Inference for spatial variation in relative risk of disease is an important problem in spatial epidemiologic studies. A standard component of data assimilation in these studies is the assignment of a geocode, i.e. point-level spatial coordinates, to the address of each subject in the study population. Unfortunately, when geocoding is performed by the standard procedure of street-segment matching to a georeferenced road file and subsequent interpolation, it is rarely completely successful. Typically, 10-30% of the addresses in the study population fail to geocode, which can adversely affect relative risk estimation, especially if one of the disease groups (e.g. cases) has a different geocoding success rate than another (e.g. controls). The possibility exists, however, for ameliorating this effect by incorporating geographic information coarser than a point (e.g. a Zip code) that is measured for the observations that fail to geocode. This article develops coarsened-data methods for relative risk estimation from incompletely geocoded data. Nonparametric (kernel smoothing) estimation procedures are featured; parametric (likelihood-based) procedures are described as well, but their applicability is much more limited. We demonstrate, via simulation and a real example of childhood asthma cases in an Iowa county that substantial improvements in the quality of relative risk estimates are possible using the proposed nonparametric coarsened-data methods.
Ziprasidone: efficacy and safety in patients with bipolar disorder

Atypical antipsychotics have been increasingly shown to have efficacy in the treatment of various phases of bipolar disorder. Ziprasidone acts primarily through serotonergic and dopaminergic receptor antagonism, and exerts effects as an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Ziprasidone exhibits dose proportional, linear changes in exposure and is hepatically metabolized primarily by aldehyde oxidase. In studies of patients with acute manic or mixed episodes, treatment with ziprasidone monotherapy or in combination with lithium, resulted in rapid symptom improvement and was generally well tolerated. Results from open-label extension studies of ziprasidone indicate continued improvement in manic symptoms. Preliminary data in pediatric patients with bipolar disorder also suggest it may be efficacious in this population. Ziprasidone is considered as a first-line treatment option in patients with bipolar manic or mixed episodes, with or without psychosis and displays a favorable side-effect profile.
Distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity of 14C-DDT in the dogfish, Squalus acanthias

Abstract 1. In vitro studies indicate that DDT was associated with the plasma lipoproteins. 2. No significant amount of radioactivity was found in the erythrocytes nor was any significant amount eliminated by the gills, bile or urine. 3. DDT was taken up by all tissues examined. The principal storage sites were liver and muscle, the major lipid depots in elasmobranchs. 4. Studies over a 17-day period indicate that dogfish do not metabolize DDT rapidly; at least 95% of the drug present in the liver was p,p′-DDT. 5. Toxicity studies indicate that the brain of elasmobranchs may be more sensitive to DDT than that of mammals.
The local axisymmetric instability criterion in a thin, rotating, multicomponent disc

Purely gravitational perturbations are considered in a thin rotating disc composed of gas and several stellar components. The dispersion relation for the axisymmetric density waves propagating through the disc is found and the criterion for the local axisymmetric stability of the whole system is formulated. In the appropriate limit of two-component gas we confirm the findings of Jog & Solomon and extend consideration to the case when one component is collisionless. Gravitational stability of the Galactic disc in the solar neighbourhood based on the multicomponent instability condition is explored using recent measurements of the stellar composition and kinematics in the local Galactic disc obtained by the Hipparcos satellite.
Discovery of a Major D-Loop Replication Origin Reveals Two Modes of Human mtDNA Synthesis

Mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication has long been considered to occur by asymmetric synthesis of the two strands, starting at the multiple origins of the strand-displacement loop (D-loop). We report the discovery of a major replication origin at position 57 in the D-loop of several human cell lines (HeLa, A549, and 143B.TK^–) and immortalized lymphocytes. The nascent chains starting at this origin, in contrast to those initiated at the previously described origins, do not terminate prematurely at the 3′ end of the D-loop but proceed well beyond this control point, behaving as “true” replicating strands. This origin is mainly responsible for mtDNA maintenance under steady-state conditions, whereas mtDNA synthesis from the formerly identified D-loop origins may be more important for recovery after mtDNA depletion and for accelerating mtDNA replication in response to physiological demands.
Evaluating Five Models of Human Colonization

Five patterns for the human colonization of unoccupied regions are tested for viability by the use of a new stochastic band simulation program, called ETHNOPOP ©, that incorporates four demographic variables: (1) sex ratio at birth, (2) distribution of sibships, (3) maternal risk of giving birth, and (4) risk of death; as well as three cultural variables: (1) marriage choice, (2) polygyny, and (3) marriage pool. It was discovered that small colonizing bands initially undergo a Stochastic Crisis because of a demographic version of the Sewall Wright Effect, followed most often by a Malthusian Takeoff in population size if fertility rates are high enough. Of the models tested, it was discovered that the "string of pearls" model, in which bands are arrayed along a stream or coastline, is the most viable colonizing pattern, and that the "outpost" model, in which a band has no contiguous bands, and the "beachhead" model, in which a group of bands are clustered against a body of water, should be subsumed under the "pulse" model, in which successive waves of colonists enter a previously unoccupied area, [colonization, modeling, simulation, sex ratio, fertility]
Developmental changes in ATP (CTP)tRNA nucleotidyltransferase activity of mouse brain.

Abstract Brain ATP (CTP) transfer RNA nucleotidyltransferase activity was measured with enzyme preparations isolated from mice of different ages. In general, the properties of the enzyme were similar to those previoulsy described for transferases isolated from rabbit muscle, rat liver and E. coli . The activity of brain nucleotidyltransferase per g wet wt of total soluble protein decreased slightly during the first 6 days following birth, followed by a more rapid decrease to that of adult levels by the twentieth day. The loss in nucleotidyltransferase activity during maturation appeared to be due to a decrease in the amount of the enzyme and not due to an alteration of the enzyme itself. The presence of nucleotidyltransferase and CTP in aminoacylation reaction mixtures resulted in a stimulation of the binding of amino acids to tRNA. A possible mechanism which regulates the amount of aminoacylated tRNA in developing brain tissue is proposed.
Preparation of thin sections of coated fibers for characterization by transmission electron microscopy

A method of preparing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens of coated ceramic fibers has been developed, which produces large electron transparent areas due to the minimal preferential milling of the fiber, coating, or epoxy matrix. Multiple individual fibers or tows are impregnated with a high-temperature epoxy and contained to assure a high fiber-to-epoxy volume ratio. The samples are then sectioned and mechanically thinned either parallel or normal to the fiber axes using a wedge polisher on diamond lapping films to achieve a thickness of less than 5 {micro}m. The thinned sample is then ion-milled to electron transparency in less than 30 min, giving representative specimens of the coating, fiber, and coating-fiber interface. This technique is also well suited to preparing extremely flat specimens for scanning electron microscopy analysis of thin coatings. Examples of TEM sections of coated fibers prepared using this technique are presented.
Preparation and X-ray structure of a novel chiral methylene bridged titanocene complex

Abstract The synthesis of a novel titanocene complex 2a containing a cyclopentadienyl and an indenyl ligand is reported. The complex was prepared in a one-pot procedure from indene and pentamethylene fulvene. The preparation and X-ray structure determination of the tetrahydroindenyl analog 2b is also reported. Catalytic hydrogenation of 2-phenylpyrroline was conducted with the two complexes. It was found that complex 2b catalyzed the reaction at a rate of five times that observed for complex 2a. This rate difference is attributed to the difference in electron density at the metal center.
Inadequacies of current approaches to prediabetes and diabetes prevention

In view of the global shift from communicable to chronic, non-communicable diseases including obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the increasing prevalence of the latter creates a considerable challenge to the clinician and public health infrastructure. Despite the substantial research efforts in the last 10–15 years highlighting the considerable benefit of lifestyle modification in thwarting the insidious progression to diabetes and its complications, many individuals will ineluctably progress even when initially responsive. Furthermore, the vast majority of individuals with prediabetes remain undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore, the responsibilities of the medical and public health communities involve identifying new methods for screening and identifying those at risk as well as refining therapeutic approaches availing as many high-risk individuals as possible to novel treatment modalities.
The use of deep-field microscopy in crystal morphology

This paper discusses for the first time the limitations of the deep-field microscope1) from the standpoint of the breadth of field as well as the usual consideration of depth of field, with particular consideration to its use in observing the morphology of grown crystals. Of special consideration in studies of crystal habit is the use of this instrument for goniometry, that is, the measurement of interfacial angles by means of contours produced on the picture of the crystal. The contours are formed by applying a beam chopper to the optical slit system illuminating the sample.
Day hospital treatment following brief inpatient medical stabilisation for adolescents with anorexia nervosa is equivalent in efficacy to inpatient treatment

Aggressive treatment and weight restoration as early as possible offer the best chance of recovery from anorexia nervosa.1 Inpatient treatment is often used to ensure adequate weight restoration; however, there are significant drawbacks. In adolescents with anorexia nervosa, family involvement in the treatment is crucial to continued improvement and maintenance of recovery,2 but this can be difficult to attain in an inpatient setting. Furthermore, healthcare spending in most countries is not sustainable at current rates and it is vital to find ways to treat patients effectively while being respectful of limited resources.3
Peak period tolls: precepts and prospects

This article presents the economic rationale for road pricing and provides some scale on the magnitude of peak period tolls that might be justified. It discusses the impacts of such tolls on congestion, air quality and economic development and suggests a long term strategy towards areawide implementation of peak period pricing. It discusses current trends which are increasing the likelihood for implementation of congestion pricing and toll roads in the future. In particular, it discusses some aspects of the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) which will eliminate some of the current restraints on congestion pricing and toll highways.
Computer simulations of water flux and salt permeability of the reverse osmosis FT-30 aromatic polyamide membrane

Abstract The relative permeability of salt to water across an atomistic model of the FT-30 reverse osmosis (RO) membrane is studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The membrane model is built using a heuristic approach and gives a membrane density, water solubility and flux that are in good accord with the experimental values. The salt permeability is calculated from inhomogeneous solubility–diffusion theory using ion pathways from non-equilibrium targeted MD simulations, yielding an estimated salt rejection of 99.9% that is similar to the experimental value. The encouraging agreement with experimental data of FT-30 membrane suggests that MD simulations based on atomic models offer a useful way to support the experimental exploration of RO membrane development.
A structural nonlinear analysis workspace (SNAW) based on meshless methods

Abstract In this paper, a Structural Nonlinear Analysis Workspace (SNAW) based on meshless methods is presented. Using the meshless methods in SNAW, the modeling of structures for nonlinear analysis is accomplished by a set of particles, and the use of an explicit structured mesh as in the conventional finite element methods is unnecessary. Due to the use of smooth shape functions in the meshless methods, SNAW effectively deals with large structural deformations that usually lead to mesh distortion and solution divergence in finite elements. The meshless formulation in SNAW is applicable to hyperelastic and elasto-plastic materials, explicit and implicit time integrations, and rigid-to-flexible-body frictional contact conditions. This SNAW development interfaces meshless analysis code with MSC/PATRAN for pre- and post-processing using graphical menu-driven functionalities. A number of example problems, including engine mount, rubber seal, metal bar impact and metal-forming simulations, are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of SNAW.
Norming and Performing: Using Microworlds to Understand the Relationship Between Team Cohesiveness and Performance1

The current study used a microworld simulation to investigate the direction of the relationship between group cohesiveness and performance. The study involved ten 4-person teams who undertook 12 sessions of an air traffic control simulation. Performance and cohesiveness data were collected at each 1-hr session. Using hierarchical linear modeling, group performance was found to predict group cohesiveness and not vice-versa. These findings are discussed with respect to previous research and popular theories of group development.
Self‐Neglect in an Elderly Community‐Dwelling U.S. Chinese Population: Findings from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago Study

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of self-neglect and its specific behaviors in an elderly community-dwelling U.S. Chinese population through a population-based cohort study (PINE Study) in the greater Chicago area. Community-dwelling population of older Chinese adults were interviewed from 2011 to 2013 (n = 3,159). The personal and home environment of participants was rated based on prevalence of hoarding behavior, personal hygiene, repairs needed on the home, sanitary condition of the home, and adequacy of utilities. Prevalence estimates were presented according to self-reported quality of life (QOL). It was found that the prevalence of self-neglect was 18.2% for mild self-neglect and 10.9% for moderate to severe self-neglect. Unsanitary conditions (17.0%) was the most prevalent, followed by need for home repair (16.3%), hoarding behavior (14.9%), poor personal hygiene (11.3%), and inadequate utilities (4.2%). The prevalence of elder self-neglect of all severities and of all types was higher in older adults with fair or poor QOL than in those with good or very good QOL. Poorer QOL was significantly associated with greater risk of self-neglect of all severities (mild self-neglect: odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-2.96, P < .001; moderate to severe self-neglect: OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.79-7.13, P < .001) and specific personal and environmental hazards. The study's authors conclude that elder self-neglect is prevalent, especially in elderly adults with poorer QOL. Future research is needed to examine risk and protective factors associated with elder self-neglect.
Comparative Evaluation of Registration Algorithms in Different Brain Databases With Varying Difficulty: Results and Insights

Evaluating various algorithms for the inter-subject registration of brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) is a necessary topic receiving growing attention. Existing studies evaluated image registration algorithms in specific tasks or using specific databases (e.g., only for skull-stripped images, only for single-site images, etc.). Consequently, the choice of registration algorithms seems task- and usage/parameter-dependent. Nevertheless, recent large-scale, often multi-institutional imaging-related studies create the need and raise the question whether some registration algorithms can 1) generally apply to various tasks/databases posing various challenges; 2) perform consistently well, and while doing so, 3) require minimal or ideally no parameter tuning. In seeking answers to this question, we evaluated 12 general-purpose registration algorithms, for their generality, accuracy and robustness. We fixed their parameters at values suggested by algorithm developers as reported in the literature. We tested them in 7 databases/tasks, which present one or more of 4 commonly-encountered challenges: 1) inter-subject anatomical variability in skull-stripped images; 2) intensity homogeneity, noise and large structural differences in raw images; 3) imaging protocol and field-of-view (FOV) differences in multi-site data; and 4) missing correspondences in pathology-bearing images. Totally 7,562 registrations were performed. Registration accuracies were measured by (multi-)expert-annotated landmarks or regions of interest (ROIs). To ensure reproducibility, we used public software tools, public databases (whenever possible), and we fully disclose the parameter settings. We show evaluation results, and discuss the performances in light of algorithms' similarity metrics, transformation models and optimization strategies. We also discuss future directions for the algorithm development and evaluations.