cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using recursion to solve the pill problem

A probability question regarding the distribution of whole and half pills in a bottle is studied. Four different recursive implementations are used to investigate this question, and the performance of each implementation is measured in terms of the trade-off between computing time and storage required.
18 F-FDG-PET/CT in Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

This chapter details the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis, treatment planning, evaluation of response to therapy, and assessment for recurrent disease in breast cancer as well as the most common gynecologic cancers in women (endometrial, cervical, and ovarian). Although 18F-FDG-PET/CT does not currently play a significant role in the primary diagnosis of any of these malignancies, PET/CT performed as part of disease staging can provide valuable information regarding the extent of disease. Metabolic imaging with PET is particularly valuable in detecting metastatic disease in lymph nodes that are not enlarged by CT or MRI size criteria. 18F-FDG-PET/CT can be utilized to assess both early treatment response and response following the completion of therapy for patients with breast and gynecologic cancers. For some female-related malignancies, patterns of 18F-FDG uptake on staging scans, as well as post-therapy scans, may provide information prognostic of disease-free survival. Finally, we explore selected promising PET radiotracers aimed at characterizing specific biology of the disease to help guide treatment and therapy.
Sex-Specific Metabolite Biomarkers of NAFLD in Youth: A Prospective Study in the EPOCH Cohort.

Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in developed nations. There are currently no accurate biomarkers of NAFLD risk in youth. Objective Identify sex-specific metabolomics biomarkers of NAFLD in a healthy cohort of youth. Design/setting This prospective study included 395 participants of the EPOCH cohort in Colorado, who were recruited 2006-2009 ("T1 visit") and followed for 5 years ("T2 visit"). We entered 767 metabolites measured at T1 into a reduced rank regression model to identify the strongest determinants of hepatic fat fraction (HFF) at T2, separately for boys and girls. We compared the capacity of metabolites versus conventional risk factors (overweight/obesity, insulin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase) to predict NAFLD (HFF ≥5%) and high HFF (fourth vs first quartile) using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results Prevalence of NAFLD was 7.9% (8.5% of boys, 7.1% of girls). Mean ± SD HFF was 2.5 ± 3.1%. We identified 13 metabolites in girls and 10 metabolites in boys. Metabolites were in lipid, amino acid, and carbohydrate metabolism pathways. At T1, the metabolites outperformed conventional risk factors in prediction of high HFF but not NAFLD. At T2, the metabolites were superior to conventional risk factors as predictors of high HFF (AUC for metabolites vs conventional risk factors for boys: 0.9565 vs 0.8851, P = 0.02; for girls: 0.9450 vs 0.8469, P = 0.02) with similar trends for NAFLD, although the differences were not significant. Conclusions The metabolite profiles identified herein are superior predictors of high HFF when assessed 5 years prior and concurrently in a general-risk setting.
The Effects of a Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Outpatient Diabetes Program on Hospital Readmission Rates in Patients with Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT Objective: The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of hospital readmissions. The goal of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in the rates of 30-day and 365-day hospital readmissions between diabetic patients who, upon their discharge, received diabetes care in a standard primary care setting and those who received their care in a specialized multidisciplinary diabetes program. Methods: This was a randomized controlled prospective study. Results: One hundred and ninety two consecutive patients were recruited into the study, 95 (49%) into standard care (control group) and 97 (51%) into a multidisciplinary diabetes program (intervention group). The 30-day overall hospital readmission rates (including both emergency department and hospital readmissions) were 19% in the control group and 7% in the intervention group (P = .02). The 365-day overall hospital readmission rates were 38% in the control group and 14% in the intervention group (P = .0002). Conclusion: Patients with diabetes who are assigned to a specialized multidisciplinary diabetes program upon their discharge exhibit significantly reduced hospital readmission rates at 30 days and 365 days after discharge.
Exploring a social work lead mindfulness-based intervention to address burnout among inpatient psychiatric nurses: a pilot study.

Acute psychiatric nurses experience workplace stressors related to organizational factors including staffing shortages, along with interpersonal conflict with patients and colleagues. The pilot stu...
Municipal Bond Sectoral Risk and Information Intermediation in Uncertain Times: Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The municipal bond market is not homogeneous but consists of varying credits supporting different governmental activities. In this paper we discuss how sectors form and how they are differentially subject to market risks, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. The pandemic has disrupted all financial markets, and particularly some municipal bond sectors supported by non-general obligation credits, such as health care, arts, and transportation. By comparing the sectors that face a greater increase in risk with others, we empirically examine the market uncertainty hypothesis that intermediation provides stronger certification value when sectoral risk increases. We find an increased use of insurance among high risk-elevation bonds. Bond insurance, nevertheless, is not associated with larger reductions in offering yield in the high risk-elevation sectors on average, but only for issuers consistently insuring all issuances. The yield difference between unrated and rated bonds expands more in the high risk-elevation sectors; for an average unrated bond in such sectors, receiving any investment-grade rating is associated with yield reductions.
Word-of-mouth, servicescapes and the impact on brand effects

This paper empirically tests a framework integrating servicescape satisfaction, word-of-mouth (WOM), brand image, brand love, engagement, and consumer loyalty intentions. Survey data within a noncommercial context were electronically collected from three large universities in the United States. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that positive WOM valence enhances servicescape satisfaction and WOM credibility positively moderates this relationship. Servicescape satisfaction directly affects brand image and brand love, as well as indirectly through the mediating mechanism of servicescape engagement. Brand image was also found to directly affect brand love. In turn, brand image and brand love yield a greater likelihood of consumer loyalty intentions including recommendation and monetary donations. Managers on a quest to achieve brand love need to place an increased focus on managing servicescape experiences. Managers must not become complacent when customer have been retained over the years. They must still monitor and respond to WOM communications and continue to find new ways to engage customers to enhance brand image and brand love. Finally, managers must recognize that servicescapes are the “packaging” that prepares consumers for the level of quality and value of the service.
MULE TALES: AN EXPLORATION OF MOTIVES AMONG FEMALE DRUG SMUGGLERS

This study is an exploration of motives among female drug smugglers held under custodial control in a Caribbean prison. This exploratory study provided some insight into why women engaged in the risk associated with smuggling drugs. While past research has primarily focused on the economic hardships women tried to address by engaging in drug smuggling, other research has emphasized the glorification of drug culture in some communities, past victimization and abuse, and the need to improve one’s status. This research revealed some additional reasons that are not typically examined in extant research. In particular, some women rather than making a rational choice to smuggle drugs, were simply tricked or bamboozled into schemes to smuggle and that in many instances, women became involved in smuggling because of their desire to please or help a male figure in their lives.
Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence-Augmented Digital System for Histologic Classification of Colorectal Polyps.

Importance Colorectal polyps are common, and their histopathologic classification is used in the planning of follow-up surveillance. Substantial variation has been observed in pathologists' classification of colorectal polyps, and improved assessment by pathologists may be associated with reduced subsequent underuse and overuse of colonoscopy. Objective To compare standard microscopic assessment with an artificial intelligence (AI)-augmented digital system that annotates regions of interest within digitized polyp tissue and predicts polyp type using a deep learning model to assist pathologists in colorectal polyp classification. Design, Setting, and Participants In this diagnostic study conducted at a tertiary academic medical center and a community hospital in New Hampshire, 100 slides with colorectal polyp samples were read by 15 pathologists using a microscope and an AI-augmented digital system, with a washout period of at least 12 weeks between use of each modality. The study was conducted from February 10 to July 10, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Accuracy and time of evaluation were used to compare pathologists' performance when a microscope was used with their performance when the AI-augmented digital system was used. Outcomes were compared using paired t tests and mixed-effects models. Results In assessments of 100 slides with colorectal polyp specimens, use of the AI-augmented digital system significantly improved pathologists' classification accuracy compared with microscopic assessment from 73.9% (95% CI, 71.7%-76.2%) to 80.8% (95% CI, 78.8%-82.8%) (P < .001). The overall difference in the evaluation time per slide between the digital system (mean, 21.7 seconds; 95% CI, 20.8-22.7 seconds) and microscopic examination (mean, 13.0 seconds; 95% CI, 12.4-13.5 seconds) was -8.8 seconds (95% CI, -9.8 to -7.7 seconds), but this difference decreased as pathologists became more familiar and experienced with the digital system; the difference between the time of evaluation on the last set of 20 slides for all pathologists when using the microscope and the digital system was 4.8 seconds (95% CI, 3.0-6.5 seconds). Conclusions and Relevance In this diagnostic study, an AI-augmented digital system significantly improved the accuracy of pathologic interpretation of colorectal polyps compared with microscopic assessment. If applied broadly to clinical practice, this tool may be associated with decreases in subsequent overuse and underuse of colonoscopy and thus with improved patient outcomes and reduced health care costs.
A Culturally Tailored Education Intervention for Korean Seniors Increases Stroke Knowledge (S13.007)

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death in Asian-Americans; stroke risk factor prevalence is higher among elderly Korean-Americans than Caucasians. However, few interventions target stroke recognition and response among Korean seniors. Methods: An advisory panel of Los Angeles-area Korean-American leaders guided intervention development and ensured its cultural validity. Intervention content addressed unique cultural misperceptions about stroke among Korean elders, based on prior focus group findings. A 1-hour slide presentation on 5 stroke knowledge aspects (risk factors, symptoms, appropriate response, acute treatment time window, and treatments) was delivered by one of two Korean-speaking, non-neurologist health professionals to 257 Korean seniors at 2 adult day health care centers, 1 megachurch, 1 senior center, and 2 public housing facilities. Participants received a tote bag with pictures/messages about risk factors and acute treatment timeframe, and a sheet with key presentation messages. Knowledge was assessed via self-administered surveys prior to (pre-) and immediately after (n=242; post-) the presentation, and at 3 months (n=99). For each of 5 questions, participants chose answers from a list. Repeated measures analysis was used to assess changes in knowledge over time; gender, age, location, and years in US were covariates. Models accounted for missing data. Results: Mean age=78.4 years; mean years in US=23.8; 63[percnt] were female. Knowledge increased from pre- to post- on all five questions (p-values range from p=0.0017 to p 0.13). Conclusions: This culturally-tailored intervention broadly increased stroke knowledge immediately afterwards, with persistent gains for 2 aspects. How to extend the intervention to sustain knowledge gains and whether these changes translate into behavior changes and improved outcomes should be tested. Disclosure: Dr. Song has nothing to disclose. Dr. Son has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barry has nothing to disclose. Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tsieng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ryan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vickrey has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono as a consultant.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans: A Brief History

Good nutrition is vital to good health and is essential for the healthy growth and development of children and adolescents [1]. A poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to excessive weight or obesity, which have been associated with various diseases and ailments (Tables 13.1 and 13.2). About one-third of US adults and approximately 17% of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years are obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [2]. Adequate physical activity and a high-quality diet that does not provide excess calories will together enhance the health of most individuals [1].
Concentric and Eccentric Isokinetic Rotator Cuff Ratios in Skilled Tennis Players

Kevin Kennedy, PT, ATC* • David W. Altchek, MDt Irving V. Glick, MD=I= Hospital for Special Surgery, New York --------------------. -------------------The purpose of this study was to compare the concentric and eccentric strength of the internal and external rotators in skilled tennis players. Isokinetic testing of 62 male and female tennis players (Volvo levels 4-5 through 6-0) was performed on a LIDO Active Isokinetic System. Tests were conducted bilaterally for concentric internal and external rotation at 60 deg/sec, and for concentric and eccentric external rotators at 150 deg/sec. The concentric isokinetic testing of the dominant side at 60 deg/sec showed an external rotation to internal rotation ratio of 0.67 for average work per repetition. On the nondominant side, the ratio was 0.77. This difference represents a statistically significant difference in the work of the internal rotators in the playing arm. When tested at 150 deg/sec concentrically and eccentrically for the external rotators, it was found that the eccentric to concentric ratio was 1.46 for the average work per repetition on the dominant side. On the nondominant side, the ratio was 1.19. This difference represents a statistically significant difference in the work performed by the external rotators eccentrically. It was also determined that on the playing arm the external rotators' torque ratio, eccentric to concentric, was 1.43. From our data it was concluded that when measured eccentrically, the external rotators of the dominant arm were significantly stronger than those on the nondominant arm.
An 84-μG magnetic field in a galaxy at redshift z = 0.692

The magnetic field pervading our Galaxy is a crucial constituent of the interstellar medium: it mediates the dynamics of interstellar clouds, the energy density of cosmic rays, and the formation of stars. The field associated with ionized interstellar gas has been determined through observations of pulsars in our Galaxy. Radio-frequency measurements of pulse dispersion and the rotation of the plane of linear polarization, that is, Faraday rotation, yield an average value for the magnetic field of B approximately 3 microG (ref. 2). The possible detection of Faraday rotation of linearly polarized photons emitted by high-redshift quasars suggests similar magnetic fields are present in foreground galaxies with redshifts z > 1. As Faraday rotation alone, however, determines neither the magnitude nor the redshift of the magnetic field, the strength of galactic magnetic fields at redshifts z > 0 remains uncertain. Here we report a measurement of a magnetic field of B approximately 84 microG in a galaxy at z = 0.692, using the same Zeeman-splitting technique that revealed an average value of B = 6 microG in the neutral interstellar gas of our Galaxy. This is unexpected, as the leading theory of magnetic field generation, the mean-field dynamo model, predicts large-scale magnetic fields to be weaker in the past rather than stronger.
On Syntactic Pattern Recognition

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on syntactic pattern recognition. Syntactic pattern recognition adapts the techniques of formal language theory, which provide both a notation and an analysis mechanism to the problem of representing and analyzing patterns containing a significant syntactic content. Regardless of the precise form of the data, syntactic analysis can proceed only if a grammatical model for the data generation and/or analysis process can be formulated. The structural description of the language in terms of a grammar is called syntax of the language. Analysis in terms of this structure is called—syntactic analysis or parsing. A related practical problem is the development of efficient analysis procedures based on the grammatical model. In formal language theory, the only relation between the elements in a string, either a terminal string or an intermediate string containing nonterminals, is concatenation, that is, the juxtaposition of adjacent elements. The first step in formulating a syntactic model for pattern analysis is the determination of a set of primitives, in terms of which the data of interest can be described. This can be largely influenced by the nature of the data, the specific application in question, and the technology available for implementing the analysis.
Metalloprotein design: Current Opinion in Structural Biology 1993, 3:585–588

Abstract The design of proteins with desired or novel properties remains a very challenging area of research. Metal ions have certain characteristics which make them particularly suitable for use in such studies. Many different approaches ranging from de novo design to the recombination of existing metal-based modules are being pursued. Some important successes have been achieved but much is left to do in terms of the characterization of the novel species prepared to date and the extension of lessons learned to more complex systems.
A 10 GHz active annular ring antenna

An X-band oscillating element can be achieved in compact form with high-efficiency operation and high isotropic conversion gain. An annular ring is used here both as the radiating element and microstrip feedback circuit for the amplifier. A maximum DC-RF conversion efficiency for co-polarized radiated power is 55% at 10 GHz with maximum effective radiated power of 23.6 dBm and total radiated power of 15.5 dBm. The active ring is a good candidate for high aperture efficiency spatial power combining arrays and compact low-cost wireless sensors.
Electromechanical Characterization of Piezoelectric Shear Actuators

Piezoelectric materials exhibit electromechanical coupling which has led to their widespread application for sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. These materials possess anisotropic behavior with the shear coefficient have the largest electromechanical coupling coefficient. However the shear mode is difficult to measure with existing techniques and thus has not been fully capitalized upon in recent devices. Better understanding of the full shear response with respect to the driving electric field would significantly help the design of optimized piezoelectric shear devices. Here a simple and low cost direct measurement method based on digital image correlation is developed to characterize the shear response of piezoelectric materials and its nonlinear behavior as a function of external field. The piezoelectric shear coefficient (d15) of a commercial shear plate actuator is investigated in both bipolar and unipolar electric fields. Two different nonlinearities and hysteresis behaviors of the actuators were observed, and the relation between the driving field amplitude and the corresponding d15 coefficient is determined. Moreover, the measured transverse displacement of the plate actuator in simple shear condition is validated through a laser interferometry technique.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Finding out the liars: Fighting against false channel information exchange attacks in cognitive radio ad hoc networks

Cognitive radio (CR) technology has emerged as a promising solution to alleviate the spectrum scarcity problem. With the capability of sensing the frequency bands in a time and location-varying spectrum environment, CR technology allows an unlicensed user to exploit those frequency bands unused by licensed users in an opportunistic manner. Since different unlicensed users may acquire different channel availability information, they often need to exchange their channel information with each other for the realization of many networking protocols. However, if malicious unlicensed users exchange false channel information among other nodes, the networking protocols may fail, which leads to significant performance degradation. We name this type of attack as the false channel information exchange attack. In this paper, a distributed algorithm is proposed to identify the malicious nodes and fight against the false channel information exchange attack in CR ad hoc networks. The spatial correlation of the channel information is used to analyze the authenticity of the received channel information. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm achieves very high detection rate to find out the malicious nodes, while the false alarm rate is relatively low. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the false channel information exchange attacks in CR ad hoc networks.
Chronic toxicity of hydrogen peroxide to Daphnia magna in a continuous exposure, flow-through test system.

Abstract A flow-through, continuous exposure test system was developed to expose Daphnia magna to an unstable compound. 35% Perox-Aid® is a specially formulated hydrogen peroxide (a highly oxidative chemical) product approved for use in U.S. aquaculture and therefore has the potential to be released from aquaculture facilities and pose a risk to aquatic invertebrates. The study objective was to assess the effects of 35% Perox-Aid® on an aquatic invertebrate by evaluating the survival, growth, production, and gender ratio of progeny from a representative aquatic invertebrate continuously exposed to 35% Perox-Aid®. The study design consisted of 6 treatment groups (10 test chambers each) with target hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 0.0, 0.32, 0.63, 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg L− 1. The study was initiated with
Results and factors affecting outcome of revision surgery for shoulder instability.

We conducted a clinical study identifying the causes of failure and the variables affecting outcome in 28 patients with failed open or arthroscopic anterior shoulder reconstruction for anterior glenohumeral instability. All patients underwent an open revision stabilization procedure. Surgical outcomes at a minimum 24 months’ follow-up were available in 25 patients. The most common findings at revision surgery were capsular redundancy and Bankart lesions. Satisfactory results were found in 21 patients (84%) after repeat instability surgery. Factors contributing to negative outcome were glenohumeral arthritis, age greater than 30 years, 2 or more previous instability procedures, a bony Bankart lesion, the diagnosis of multidirectional instability, and surgery involving the nondominant arm ( P
WBCSim: an environment for modeling wood-based composites manufacture

This paper describes a computing environment WBCSim that increases the productivity of wood scientists conducting research on wood-based composite materials and manufacturing processes. WBCSim integrates Fortran 90 simulation codes with a Web-based graphical front end, an optimization tool, and various visualization tools. WBCSim serves as an example for the design, construction, and evaluation of small-scale problem solving environments. WBCSim supports six models. A detailed description of the system architecture and a typical scenario of usage are presented, along with optimization and visualization features.
Balancing Competing Uses for Water Resources — A Griffy Lake Example

ABSTRACT The relative scarcity of recreational water resources in southern Indiana places great demands on existing lakes and reservoirs, often to the detriment of the resource. Such is the case with Griffy Lake, a small (44 ha) water supply reservoir on the northern edge of Bloomington. Griffy Lake's setting and its heavily forested, steeply sloping, and largely undeveloped watershed offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. In recent years, heavy public demand, inappropriate recreational uses, and the lack of a written management plan or policy have resulted in deterioration of the lake and its watershed. Using environmental and sociological survey techniques, the present study developed a matrix approach to assist policymakers in evaluating environmental impacts, recreational demand, and compatibility of various recreational uses. The matrix was then used to develop a long-range use and management plan consistent with the long-range planning goals, which balanced recreational, water supply, and...
Evaluation of a Substance Use Disorder Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Teaching about diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae of substance use disorders (SUDs) is insufficient in most Internal Medicine residency programs. To address this, the authors developed, implemented, and evaluated a novel and comprehensive SUD curriculum for first year residents (interns) in Internal Medicine, which anchors the ensuing 3-year longitudinal SUD curriculum. This intern curriculum includes didactic and experiential elements and allows skills practice. Topics include local epidemiology of substance abuse, neurobiology of SUDs, and screening, treatment, and referral. The entire curriculum is delivered over 7 hours during a month-long ambulatory rotation. Among 58 interns who have completed a pre-post evaluation of the curriculum, the majority reported an increased sense of responsibility for and confidence in treating patients with SUDs.
Male-Produced Aggregation Pheromone of the Lesser Mealworm Beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus

The lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), is a widespread serious pest in poultry production facilities and is difficult to control by conventional means. Although pheromone-based tools have become useful in the management of other beetle pests, no pheromone was known for A. diaperinus, and this study sought to develop basic pheromone information. Volatiles were collected in the laboratory from groups of male and female A. diaperinus maintained on poultry food (chick starter mash). Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis of volatiles collected from feeding males and females revealed five male-specific compounds that were identified as (R)-(+)-limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, (S)-(+)-linalool, (R)-(+)-daucene, and 2-nonanone. Emission of these began 1–2 weeks after adult emergence and could continue for at least 1 year, ceasing and resuming in response to changes in food availability and quality and other factors. No female-specific compounds were discovered. A synthetic blend of the five male compounds was attractive to both sexes in poultry production facilities in Illinois and Arkansas, indicating that the blend functions as an aggregation pheromone, but it is not yet known whether all five compounds are required for activity. A new pitfall trap is described for field use.
Antiproliferative effect of retinoic acid in 1% sodium hyaluronate in an animal model of PVR

PURPOSE. To determine the antiproliferative activity of intravitreous retinoic acid (RA) dispersed in 1% sodium hyaluronate (HA). METHODS. Six groups of pigmented rabbits underwent gas-compression vitrectomy. Four days later, gas/HA or gas/balanced salt solution (BSS) exchange (1.0 ml) was performed in all rabbits. Groups A (n = 10) and B (n = 5) received intravitreous RA dissolved in 0.01 ml of ethanol and dispersed in 1% HA (10 and 15 µg RA/ml, respectively). Group C (n = 10) received intravitreous RA dissolved in ethanol and dispersed in BSS (10 µg RA/ml). Groups D (n = 5) and F (n = 4) received 1 ml of HA with ethanol; group E (n = 5) received 1 ml of HA without ethanol. All groups except group F also received homologous fibroblasts and autologous, platelet-rich plasma intravitreously. The eyes were examined ophthalmoscopically for 1 month. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) findings were graded according to the classification of Fastenberg et al. All group F eyes also were examined by light and el...
Activation and stabilization of 10 starch-degrading enzymes by Triton X-100, polyethylene glycols, and polyvinyl alcohols

Abstract A dilute solution (0.01–0.1 unit/mL) of porcine pancreatic α-amylase (PPA) at pH 6.5, 24 °C, and 1 mM CaCl 2 was found to lose 98% of its activity on standing for 2 h. Addition of 0.02% (w/v) Triton X-100 gave 41% activation and stabilization for 3 h. Because Triton X-100 has a polyethylene glycol side chain, seven polyethylene glycols (PEGs), ranging in MWs of 400–8000 Da and two polyvinyl alcohols (PVAs) of MWs of 10,000 and 50,000 Da were tested as activators and stabilizers of 10 starch-degrading enzymes: PPA, human salivary α-amylase (HSA), Aspergillus oryzae α-amylase (AOA), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α-amylase (BAA), Bacillus licheniformis α-amylase (BLA), Aspergillus niger glucoamylase (GA), barley β-amylase (β-A), Pseudomonas amylodermosa isoamylase (IA), Bacillus acidopullulyticus pullulanase (PUL), and Bacillus macerans cyclomaltodextrin glucanyltransferase (CGTase). Although nearly all of the additives gave activation and stabilization of the 10 enzymes, there was one specific additive and concentration for each enzyme that gave a maximum degree of activation: 0.02% (w/v) PEG 1500 Da gave 77% activation for β-A; 0.04% PEG 1500 Da gave 70% for PPA; 0.04% PEG 2000 Da gave 58% for IA; 0.04% PEG 1500 Da gave 53% for AOA; 0.04% PVA 50,000 Da gave 48% for GA; 0.04% PEG 4500 Da gave 46% for BLA; 0.02% Triton X-100 gave 45% for HSA; 0.04% PEG 1000 Da gave 42% for BAA; 0.02% Triton X-100 gave 27% for PUL; and 0.02% PEG 1500 Da gave 20% for CGTase. The mechanism of activation and stabilization is postulated to be the binding of the additives to the enzyme-proteins to give a single tertiary structure that results in a maximum enzyme activity, whereas without the additive the enzymes have several tertiary structures in equilibrium, each with a specific activity that results in an average lower activity.
FURTHER COMMENT ON "A RAPID ASSESSMENT MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL COST OF CARBON"

In this reply to the comment by Gerlagh, we confirm an error in our estimate of the certainty-equivalent social cost of carbon (SCC) reported in Newbold et al. (2013), and we discuss the underlying conceptual difficulties that arise in conducting a social welfare analysis when preferences are heterogeneous or uncertain. The certainty-equivalent SCC depends crucially on the reference level of per capita consumption used to normalize marginal utility across possible preference parameters, and our estimate of the certainty-equivalent SCC was driven largely by an arbitrary choice of measurement units. All other results from our rapid assessment model are based on the deterministic SCC or its simulated probability distribution, which does not depend on the reference level of per capita consumption.
Viscoelastic stress-triggering of the 1999 Hector Mine Earthquake by the 1992 Landers Earthquake

The 1999 Mw 7.1 Hector Mine earthquake occurred only 20 km from the 1992 Mw 7.3 Landers earthquake fault. The close spacing between the two earthquakes suggests that the Landers earthquake trigger the Hector Mine event. Based on an elastic half-space model, scientists from the USGS, SCEC and CDMG (2000) have found a negative Coulomb stress change at the Hector Mine hypocenter due to Landers. This negative stress change is inconsistent with the hypothesis of static stress triggering. In this paper, I show evidence of stress triggering of the Hector Mine earthquake by Landers, due to a process governed by viscoelastic flow in the lower crust. This visoelastic flow has produced broad-scale postseismic rebound observed by GPS and InSAR measurements. The result of this study is that viscoelastic flow has significantly modified the regional stress field in the Mojave Desert after the Landers earthquake. The evolving stress field, including viscoelastic flow, has gradually moved the Coulomb stress change at the Hector Mine hypocenter to a positive level. The increase in Coulomb stress exceeded 1 bar right before the Hector Mine earthquake, bringing the Hector Mine ruptures to the proximity of catastrophic failure.
A mathematical formula for prediction of gray and white matter volume recovery in abstinent alcohol dependent individuals

article We propose a mathematical formula that predicts the trajectory of the recovery from lobar gray and white matter volume deficits in individuals with sustained abstinence from alcohol. The formula was validated by using MRI-measured volumetric data from 16 alcohol dependent individuals who had brain scans at three time points during abstinence from alcohol. Using the measured volumetric data of each individual from the first two time points, we estimated the individual's gray and white matter volume of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes for the third time point using the formula. Similarly, using the measured data for the second and third time points, we estimated the first time point data for each individual. The data predicted from the formula were very similar to the experimentally measured data for all lobes and for both gray and white matter. The intra-class correlation coefficients between the measured data and the data estimated from the formula were N0.95 for almost all the tissues. The formula may also be applicable in other neuroimaging studies of tissue volume changes such as white matter myelination during brain development and white matter demyelination or brain volume loss in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Modeling the unsteady lift and drag on a finite-length circular cylinder in cross-flow

Abstract Semi-empirical models for unsteady lift and drag are developed to predict the spectral features of the unsteady forces on a finite-length, right circular cylinder in cross-flow. In general, the models consist of two parts; the spatial variation of r.m.s wall pressure on the cylinder, and the correlation lengths which describe the spatial extent of the correlation of the unsteady wall pressures. Experiments were conducted in a low noise wind tunnel as a function of cylinder diameter Reynolds number (19 200
Automated preparation of DNA sequences for publication

A computer program which draws DNA sequences is described. A simple method is used which enables the user to highlight or annotate specific parts of a sequence. The sizes of the characters in the sequence to be drawn are specified by the user. In addition, vertical spacing between lines and horizontal spacing between characters can be specified. Sequences can be prepared and high quality output produced on a plotter in a short period of time, making the program advantageous to use over typing, computer printing, or preparation by a graphics department.
Photonics in Computing: Interconnects and Beyond

With the advent of VCSELs, optical interconnects became pratical for machine-to-machine communication and are penetrating inside the machine. This presentation will review the progress made so far to assess future directions for photonics in computing.
Analysis of Flow Parameters Influencing Carry-Over Coefficient of Labyrinth Seals

Accurate prediction of the mass flow rate through labyrinth seals is extremely important especially for rotodynamic analysis of turbomachinery. The integral control volume based rotodynamic coefficient prediction programs are no more accurate than the accuracy of the leakage mass flow rate. A leakage flow equation can be developed by comparing the seal to a series of orifices and cavities. An equation of this type usually contains a discharge coefficient and a carry-over coefficient. The carry-over coefficient represents the effectiveness of each cavity to dissipate the kinetic energy entering the cavity and has an effect upon the value of the discharge coefficient for the constriction following that cavity. Therefore, an effective model for the carry-over coefficient must be developed before a leakage model can be obtained. This paper investigates how flow conditions and geometry variations for a smooth shaft operating in straight though tooth on stator rectangular cavity labyrinth seals affect the value of the carry-over coefficient for incompressible flow. The effect of Reynolds number, pressure ratio, clearance, number of teeth and shaft speed are considered using computational fluid dynamics. It was found that Reynolds number and clearance to pitch ratio have a major influence on the carry-over coefficient. Models for the same were developed for a generic rectangular tooth on stator labyrinth seal. The carry-over coefficient varied from 1.0 at the lowest clearance/pitch ratio and Reynolds numbers to 1.8 for the largest clearance/pitch ratio and Reynolds number considered. Future studies will investigate how the discharge coefficient is dependent upon the same flow and geometry conditions as well as the carry-over coefficient in order to obtain a complete leakage model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Matrix mean-field theory for the paramagnetic susceptibility of disordered magnets

A matrix-based mean-field theory for the paramagnetic susceptibility of disordered Heisenberg and Ising magnets with conventional long-range order is outlined. The wave-vector-dependent static susceptibility is expressed in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a symmetrized exchange matrix. The resulting expression is subsequently written as an integral involving a weighted eigenvalue distribution of the matrix. The conditions under which the distribution can be approximated by a single $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function are investigated, and a criterion is established for the validity of the $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function approximation for the critical temperature. The criterion and the position of the $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function are written in terms of the moments of the distribution which are expressed as products of the elements of the exchange matrix. An alternative approach in which the susceptibility is expressed as the Laplace transform of a linear combination of functions obtained by integrating a set of coupled first-order differential equations is outlined. The theory is applied to a dilute ferromagnet with exponential exchange interactions. The limitations of the theory for strongly disordered systems are discussed, and it is pointed out that when all of the eigenvectors are localized, there is no phase transition in the matrix mean-field approximation.
High-repetition rate wakefield electron source driven by few-millijoule ultrashort laser pulses

10mJ ultrafast laser pulses acting on gas flow from capillary nozzles generate stable 100keV electron beams at 500Hz. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate that slow high amplitude plasma waves form and accelerate the electron beams.
Opioid effects on social behavior of kennel dogs

Thirteen Beagle × Telomian hybrid and twelve Telomian × Beagle hybrid dogs, bred, born and raised at the BGSU Canine Research Laboratory, all exhibited extreme timidity, fearfulness, and restlessness when removed from their normal social environment. At 7–15 months of age, an attempt was made to train some of these “kennel dogs” to sit quietly in response to verbal commands during systematically applied 3 min sessions. Performance was markedly improved following treatment with a low dose of morphine sulfate (0.25 mg kg−1) and made worse by treatment with naloxone (0.25 mg kg−1). Attempts to socially rehabilitate other such animals with conjoint, long-term administration of these drugs and exposure to humans was generally unsuccessful, even though animals treated with morphine exhibited more improvement than those treated with naloxone (when tested in the non-drugged state). However, while under the influence of their respective drugs, morphine-treated animals were less socially solicitous than placebo-treated ones, and naloxone-treated animals were more solicitous. In general, these results are consistent with the idea that modification of opioid activity systematically modified social responsivity, but the capacity of these treatments to promote rehabilitation of poorly-socialized animals remains in doubt.
A decade of progress in adipose tissue macrophage biology

One decade has passed since seminal publications described macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) as a key contributor to inflammation and obesity-related insulin resistance. Currently, a PubMed search for 'adipose tissue inflammation' reveals over 3500 entries since these original reports. We now know that resident macrophages in lean AT are alternatively activated, M2-like, and play a role in AT homeostasis. In contrast, the macrophages in obese AT are dramatically increased in number and are predominantly classically activated, M1-like, and promote inflammation and insulin resistance. Mediators of AT macrophage (ATM) phenotype include adipokines and fatty acids secreted from adipocytes as well as cytokines secreted from other immune cells in AT. There are several mechanisms that could explain the large increase in ATMs in obesity. These include recruitment-dependent mechanisms such as adipocyte death, chemokine release, and lipolysis of fatty acids. Newer evidence also points to recruitment-independent mechanisms such as impaired apoptosis, increased proliferation, and decreased egress. Although less is known about the homeostatic function of M2-like resident ATMs, recent evidence suggests roles in AT expansion, thermoregulation, antigen presentation, and iron homeostasis. The field of immunometabolism has come a long way in the past decade, and many exciting new discoveries are bound to be made in the coming years that will expand our understanding of how AT stands at the junction of immune and metabolic co-regulation.
Quantitative Kinetic Models of the A1 to ${\rm L}1_{0}$ Transformation in FePt and Related Ternary Alloy Films

Quantitative kinetic models for the A1 to L10 transformation in FePt and related ternary alloy films are derived for three nucleation conditions for both isothermal and constant heating rate annealing. The nucleation conditions are: 1) continuous nucleation, 2) burst nucleation, and 3) pre-existing nuclei. For the first nucleation condition, new nuclei are formed continuously throughout the transformation. For the second nucleation condition under isothermal annealing, nucleation is constrained to occur at a constant rate over only a short period of time. In the limit of this time period going to zero, the nucleation sites are saturated very rapidly and nucleation can be considered to have occurred as a burst. For the third nucleation condition, the nuclei are pre-existing, having formed prior to the start of the transformation. No new nuclei form during the transformation. To identify the nucleation condition that best describes the transformation in FePt and related ternary alloy films, model predictions must be compared with experimental kinetic results.
329 CHRONIC HYPERGLYCEMIA AND HYPERINSULINEMIA REDUCE cAMP DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE ACTIVITY IN FETAL LAMB LUNG

Chronic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia have recently been shown to increase glycogen and decrease alveolar surfactant in fetal lamb lung. Since cAMP regulates lung energy metabolism and surfactant release, we postulated that chronic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia would alter cAMP metabolism of fetal lamb lung. Infusion of glucose into 6 chronically catheterised fetal lambs between 112 and 143d. gestation increased serum glucose 2 fold and serum insulin 3 fold compared to twin controls. Adenylate cyclase activity increased 105% in the glucose treated v. controls, 6.71±0.16 v. 3.27±0.18 pmoles cAMP/min/mg lung, (P 0.05) in both groups (0.34±0.02 v. 0.38±0.02). These data show that chronic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia influence energy metabolism in fetal lamb lung. Accumulation of cAMP may be attributed to increased cAMP production by adenylate cyclase. But decreased cAMP PK activity may be an important control point in the inhibition of fetal lung maturation by chronic hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
Effective potential improvements, ε-expansions, and the electroweak phase transition

Two recently proposed approaches to the study of the electroweak phase transition are discussed.
When does a statistical fact become an ethical imperative

Trial of labor is a safe and effective management alternative but remains underused in current clinical practice. To explore whether this underuse is justified, decision analysis is developed to compare a trial of labor with elective repeat cesarean section. With the use of available probability estimates and outcome scoring perinatologists decision analysis identifies trial of labor as superior to elective repeat cesarean section for both the mother and the neonate. Going beyond the simple comparisons of management options and outcomes, the ethical implications of such results are discussed in terms of "utility ethics," "informed consent," and "universal equality." Such considerations suggest that there is a professional (ethical) responsibility to increase the application of trial of labor.
Density, surface tension and viscosity of the immiscible phase in a basic, alkaline magma

Abstract A 5.5 meter thick sill of fourchite near Montreal, Quebec, has several cumulate layers of titanaugite phenocrysts in its lower half and a corresponding number of zones of ocelli, small rounded bodies of feldspathic rock, in its upper half. Many of these ocelli coalesced to form thin, continous sheets which, being composed of less dense material than the surrounding fourchite, became unstable and developed small diapiric structures. From the distribution and shapes of the ocelli, and the spacing of the diapiric domes, it is calculated that the initial ocellar phase had a density of 2.1 gm/cm 3 , an interfacial tension with respect to the fourchite magma of less than 9 dynes/cm and a viscosity considerably greater than 3 poises. These properties indicate that these ocelli originated as droplets of immiscible feldspathic liquid that separated from a basic, alkaline magma, and rule out the other prevalent hypothesis that they are formed by the filling of gas cavities with residual magma.