cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards Effective Deep Learning for Constraint Satisfaction Problems

Many attempts have been made to apply machine learning techniques to constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs). However, none of them have made use of the recent advances in deep learning. In this paper, we apply deep learning to predict the satisfiabilities of CSPs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effective application of deep learning to CSPs that yields \({>}99.99\%\) prediction accuracy on random Boolean binary CSPs whose constraint tightnesses or constraint densities do not determine their satisfiabilities. We use a deep convolutional neural network on a matrix representation of CSPs. Since it is NP-hard to solve CSPs, labeled data required for training are in general costly to produce and are thus scarce. We address this issue using the asymptotic behavior of generalized Model A, a new random CSP generation model, along with domain adaptation and data augmentation techniques for CSPs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our deep learning techniques using experiments on random Boolean binary CSPs. While these CSPs are known to be in P, we use them for a proof of concept.
Interrupted Pressure-Jump NMR Experiments Reveal Resonances of On-Pathway Protein Folding Intermediate.

Previous pressure-jump NMR experiments on a pressure-sensitized double mutant of ubiquitin showed evidence that its folding occurs via two parallel, comparably efficient pathways: a single barrier and a two-barrier pathway. An interrupted folding NMR experiment is introduced, where for a brief period the pressure is dropped to atmospheric conditions (1 bar), followed by a jump back to high pressure for signal detection. Conventional, forward sampling of the indirect dimension during the low-pressure period correlates the 15N or 13C′ chemical shifts of the unfolded protein at 1 bar to the 1H frequencies of both the unfolded and folded proteins at high pressure. Remarkably, sampling the data of the same experiment in the reverse direction yields the frequencies of proteins present at the end of the low-pressure interval, which include unfolded, intermediate, and folded species. Although the folding intermediate 15N shifts differ strongly from natively folded protein, its 13C′ chemical shifts, which are more...
Agricultural research practices through a local lens: adapting the Ithaka S + R study for your campus.

AbstractHow do the research practices and challenges of agriculture scholars at the University of Idaho (U of I) contrast with those of their peers at other land grant universities? To answer that question, this paper compares qualitative data from U of I researchers to findings from a nationwide study of agricultural research practices. Because the U of I did not participate in the nationwide study, this local study provides a framework for identifying issues that are unique to researchers within our local context. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates how a similar methodology can be used by library liaisons to better understand the challenges of researchers in any discipline and help determine which new and existing research support services best meet their needs.
Acquired myospherulosis secondary to gluteal augmentation on fine needle aspiration cytology: A diagnostic challenge

A 30-year-old female presented with a three-month history of a multilocular cystic lesion over the lumbosacral spine. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of the lesion was performed at an outside institution, and a cytologic diagnosis, suspicious for chordoma, was rendered. The patient presented for surgical consultation at our institution. Repeat FNA demonstrated an unusual fat-like material. Upon further inquiry, the patient provided a recent history of gluteal contour improvement with fibroadipose tissue implants. A diagnosis of myospherulosis was made with a concurrent surgical pathology correlation. No evidence of chordoma was identified. To date, this is the first reported case of acquired myospherulosis in the context of gluteal contour enhancement and represents an important diagnostic pitfall to consider on cytology preparations.
Clinical Observations, Plasma Retinol Concentrations, and In Vitro Lymphocyte Functions in Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often have infections, growth deficits, and impaired immunity, problems that also are observed in individuals with a vitamin A deficiency (plasma retinol concentration Methods: Fifty-nine children (40 SS, 11 SC, and 8 Sβthalassemia [Sβthal] hemoglobin genotypes) 9 months to 18 years old were investigated for plasma levels of retinol, retinol binding protein, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, lymphocyte proliferation, and interleukin (IL)-2 activity in supernatant of phytohemagglutinin-treated lymphocytes. Results: The plasma retinol concentrations of children with SCD (mean 57.6 μg/dL, range 4.6-116 μg/dL) were not different from those of 21 normal individuals (mean 62 μg/dL, range 28.7-162 μg/dL). Plasma retinol concentrations did not vary by hemoglobin genotype but were lower in boys than in girls (P 0.1), but higher means of C-reactive protein (P = 0.05), pain crisis episodes and inflammation (P = 0.1), and health scores (P > 0.1) than children who were not vitamin A–deficient. Lymphocyte proliferative responses negatively correlated with health score, pain crisis episodes, and blood units received, but positively correlated with retinol binding protein (P Conclusion: Identification and correction of suboptimal vitamin A status in children with SCD may improve immunity and attenuate certain health complications associated with this disease.
Translating Frailty Research Into Clinical Practice: Insights From the Successful Aging and Frailty Evaluation Clinic.

Abstract Aging researchers have been studying frailty for decades. Experts agree that frailty is a medical syndrome marked by reduced physiologic function, which increases the risk of vulnerability and short-term mortality, particularly in the face of a stressor. Frailty has been shown to predict poor outcomes including falls, disability, major morbidity following surgery, and mortality among older adults. Despite hundreds of papers identifying frailty as a useful marker of risk, its translation into clinical practice has lagged. The Successful Aging and Frailty Evaluation (SAFE) clinic was established in 2011 specifically to implement routine and structured frailty assessment and management in a variety of referred patients. Now, more than 7 years after its inception, we offer our “in the trenches” clinical perspective on logistical challenges, the clinical utility of the frailty assessment, and future frailty needs and targets to help further the frailty translation research efforts.
Embedded ethics: How complex systems and structures guide ethical outcomes

Abstract This article introduces a new concept, embedded ethics, to explain the subtle impact that complex systems and structures have on ethical outcomes. We define embedded ethics as the entrenched complex of networked structural indicators that subtly and silently direct actions in the form of normalized industrial, organizational, and/or functional-role behavior. We then describe two examples—one from the legal systems (corporate governance) and one from business (shareholder value)—to demonstrate the usefulness of this concept in helping to identify opportunities to improve unethical outcomes in systems in which actors otherwise are understood as just doing their job. The concept of embedded ethics is especially critical in our too-big-to-fail corporate environment and Post-Internet Age of technological innovation.
A Microfluidic Study of Immiscible Drainage Two-Phase Flow Regimes in Porous Media

The motivation for this work is an improved characterization of flow regimes for two immiscible phases in porous media. A microfluidic device featuring a water-wet porous medium that is based on a two-dimensional representation of a Berea sandstone is coupled with a high-resolution camera that allows the visualization of the entire domain, while being able to resolve features as small as 10 μm. Drainage flow experiments are conducted across a range of capillary numbers of 1E−4 to 9E−8. The viscosity ratios, defined as the viscosity of the resident fluid to that of the invading fluid, range from 1E−4 to 13.6E3. The findings are mapped on a two-dimensional parameter space (viscosity ratio and capillary number), and stability diagrams proposed in the literature are superimposed for comparison. Results suggest that the transition regime may occupy a much larger region of the flow regime diagram than is suggested in recent literature.
Abatement of gaseous volatile organic compounds: A material perspective

Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a class of organic liquid compounds with low vapor pressures, which enables them to vaporize at ambient conditions. VOCs are largely toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic, and have profound adverse effects on human health and the ecological environment. Many VOCs cause ruinous health effects even at very low concentrations (ppm) and therefore control of these organic compounds is essential for ensuring good air quality. Rising levels of VOCs in the outdoor environment, particularly in urban areas, has sparked considerable research into the abatement of VOCs. This has evolved into a myriad of pollution control technologies, including thermal catalytic oxidation, photocatalytic oxidation, non-thermal plasma, adsorption, and hybrid adsorption-oxidation processes. In order for catalytic and adsorption-based process to emerge as a promising method for VOC abatement, development of efficient materials is a crucial step. This review discusses recent developments made in the fields of catalysis and separation, with an emphasis on catalytic materials, including noble-metal catalysts, transition metal-oxide catalysts, perovskites, titania and ceria based catalysts, and dual-functioning adsorbent/catalysts. Various capture materials, such as activated carbons, zeolites, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), are also discussed for the purpose of providing insight into the efficacy of adsorbent inclusion in hybridized separation-destruction processes.
A Tentative Detection of the Cosmic Infrared Background at 3.5 microns Using COBE/DIRBE Observations

Foreground emission and scattered light from interplanetary dust (IPD) particles and emission from Galactic stellar sources are the greatest obstacles for determining the cosmic infrared background (CIB) from diffuse sky measurements in the ~ 1 to 5 micron range. We describe a new method for deriving the CIB at near infrared wavelengths which reduces the uncertainties associated with the removal of the Galactic stellar emission component from the sky maps. The method produces positive residuals at 3.5 and 4.9 microns, of which only the 3.5 micron residual is nearly isotropic. We consider our result as a tentative detection of the CIB at this wavelength.
The Complexity of the Possible Winner Problem with Partitioned Preferences

The Possible-Winner problem asks, given an election where the voters' preferences over the set of candidates is partially specified, whether a distinguished candidate can become a winner. In this work, we consider the computational complexity of Possible-Winner under the assumption that the voter preferences are partitioned. That is, we assume that every voter provides a complete order over sets of incomparable candidates (e.g., candidates are ranked by their level of education). We consider elections with partitioned profiles over positional scoring rules. Our first result is a polynomial time algorithm for voting rules with two distinct values, which include the common k-approval voting rule. We then go on to prove NP-hardness for the class of voting rules that produce scoring vectors with at least four distinct values, and a large class of voting rules that produce scoring vectors with three distinct values.
Management of the Left Subclavian Artery in TEVAR for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection.

Objectives:Left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains controversial. Left subclavian artery coverage without revascularization can cause s...
Cdt1 inhibits CMG helicase in early S phase to separate origin licensing from DNA synthesis

A fundamental concept in eukaryotic DNA replication is the temporal separation of G1 origin licensing from S phase origin firing. Re-replication and genome instability ensue if licensing occurs after DNA synthesis has started. In humans and other vertebrates, the E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4Cdt2 starts to degrade the licensing factor Cdt1 after origins fire, raising the question of how cells prevent re-replication in early S phase. Here, using quantitative microscopy, we show that Cdt1 inhibits DNA synthesis during an overlap period when cells fire origins while Cdt1 is still present. Cdt1 inhibits DNA synthesis by suppressing CMG helicase progression at replication forks through the MCM-binding domain of Cdt1, and DNA synthesis commences once Cdt1 is degraded. Thus, instead of separating licensing from firing to prevent re-replication in early S phase, cells separate licensing from DNA synthesis through Cdt1-mediated inhibition of CMG helicase after firing. Highlights- Cdt1 is present together with fired origins of replication at the start of S phase - Cdt1 delays DNA synthesis by inhibiting CMG helicase progression after origins fire - Cdt1 inhibits CMG helicase progression through the MCM-binding domain of Cdt1
Married Causes

Many philosophers accept some version of a principle that says for all x, if x exists, then x plays a unique causal role. After briefly clarifying one version of the principle in Section 1, Section 2 gives reasons to doubt it by showing that there are non-identical “causal indiscernibles”—I call them “married causes.” Section 3 then sketches a few philosophical puzzles for which married causes may be helpful.
Voluntary oral methamphetamine increases memory deficits and contextual sensitization during abstinence associated with decreased PKMζ and increased κOR in the hippocampus of female mice

Background:Female populations exhibit vulnerabilities to psychostimulant addiction, as well as cognitive dysfunction following bouts of abuse.Aims:The goal for this study was to advance our underst...
Sprouty1 regulates gonadal white adipose tissue growth through a PDGFRα/β-Akt pathway.

Expansion of visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) occurs in response to nutrient excess, and is a risk factor for metabolic disease. SPRY1, a feedback inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) si...
Analytical method of determination of the general equation of absolute rotational speed of planetary gear trains

This is a simple analytical method for determining the general equation of absolute rotational speed of planetary gear trains. This method is based upon the general equation of motion of planetary gear trains (Krstich, 1985a, 1987b). The basic absolute rotational speeds for simple and compound planetary differential conical (bevel) and cylindrical (spur and helical) gear trains have been derived, and then the general equation of absolute rotational speed of planetary gear trains. This equation can be applied to any types of simple and complex arrangement of planetary gear trains by using only train values (gear ratios) of the planetary differential two–gear train or the planetary differential pair of gears (Krstich, 1985b).
A Network Transshipment Model for Manpower Planning and Design.

Abstract : The goal of this paper was to demonstrate the usefulness of a network transshipment model to approximate a linear programming model for manpower planning and design. The main advantages of the network model are: fast computing speeds, easy computation of effectiveness-cost trade-off curve, the availability of much managerial information contained in the dual matrix, and its usefulness in analyzing career paths. The only appreciable disadvantage is the difficulty of imposing extra constraints. In any specific instance, the latter difficulty can usually be overcome by employing parametric programming procedures as illustrated above.
A strategic planning model for human services: Problem solving at the local level

Abstract In the following article, the authors review three problem solving strategies that have been utilized in planning for the provision of human services at the local level. These strategies include services integration, rational planning, and strategic planning. The authors describe and evaluate the assumptions on which these strategies are based and conclude that strategic planning has much to offer local communities engaged in planning for human services. In addition, the authors describe a strategic planning model designed to promote intersystems planning for human services.
Agent-based Computational Finance

This chapter surveys research on agent-based models used in finance. It will concentrate on models where the use of computational tools is critical for the process of crafting models which give insights into the importance and dynamics of investor heterogeneity in many financial settings.
Design of high-speed machines using silicon-carbide based inverters

The purpose of this paper is to investigate high-speed machine design enabled through the use of silicon-carbide based power electronic inverters. Silicon carbide based switching devices have superior properties compared to silicon based devices, and they are able to change the paradigm for high-speed machine design. High-speed machines with a higher number of poles are shown to reduce the machine weight and volume compared to low-pole number machines. Silicon carbide inverters can readily provide the high fundamental frequency requirement of high-pole number machines due to its MOSFET characteristics. From a system level optimization perspective, research results presented in this paper indicate that control laws that optimize the high-speed machine can be given higher priorities than designs that optimize the inverter, because the penalties of oversizing and loss aspects from the inverter are much less prominent by using silicon carbide devices than silicon devices.
T1ρ MRI contrast in the human brain: Modulation of the longitudinal rotating frame relaxation shutter-speed during an adiabatic RF pulse

Abstract Longitudinal relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ) is the dominant mechanism during a train of adiabatic full passage (AFP) RF pulses with no interpulse intervals, placed prior to an excitation pulse. Asymptotic apparent time constants ( T 1 ρ ′ ) were measured for human occipital lobe 1H2O at 4 T using brief imaging readouts following such pulse trains. Two members of the hyperbolic secant (HSn) AFP pulse family (n = 1 or 4; i.e., arising from different amplitude- and frequency-modulation functions) were used. These produced two different non-monoexponential signal decays during the pulse trains. Thus, there are differing contrasts in asymptotic T 1 ρ ′ maps derived from these data. This behavior is quite different than that of 1H2O signals from an aqueous protein solution of roughly the same macromolecular volume fraction as tissue. The ROI-averaged decays from the two acquisitions can be simultaneously accommodated by a two-site-exchange model for an equilibrium isochronous process whose exchange condition is modulated during the pulse. The model employs a two-spin description of dipolar interaction fluctuations in each site. The intrinsic site R1ρ ( ≡ T 1 ρ - 1 ) value is sensitive to fluctuations at the effective Larmor frequency (ωeff) in the rotating frame, and this is modulated differently during the two types of AFP pulses. Agreement with the data is quite good for site orientation correlation time constants characteristic of macromolecule-interacting water (site A) and bulk-like water (site B). Since R1ρA is significantly modulated while R1ρB is not, the intrinsic relaxographic shutter-speed for the process (≡|R1ρA − R1ρB|), and thus the exchange condition, is modulated. However, the mean residence time (67 ms) and intrinsic population fraction (0.2) values found for site A are each rather larger than might be expected, suggesting a disproportionate role for the water molecules known to be “buried” within the large and concentrated macromolecules of in vivo tissue.
The war of the accents: Spanish language Hollywood films in Mexican Los Angeles

During the early years of sound, both major studios and independent producers were faced with a series of difficult issues involving foreign language distribution. Through an examination of the substantial coverage devoted to cinema in La opinion , a Spanish language newspaper published in Los Angeles, the author charts the major trends in local Spanish language film exhibition and provides an overview of the discursive environment that shaped the reception of such films. In this context, Spanish language Hollywood films are seen to have facilitated the decline of Spanish language theater in Los Angeles, challenging the authority of elite and middle class cultural authorities and their control over Spanish language entertainment in the city. The paper argues that cinema must be considered alongside a broader and more diverse array of cultural practices, particularly in terms of the relationship between mass culture and national and/or ethnic identity.
Investigating the effect of displacement rate on deformation and failure mechanisms in bonded elastomers

Deformation and failure mechanisms in bi-material specimens were investigated under three different loading speeds (0.0254 cm/min, 0.254 cm/min and 2.54 cm/min). Two different viscoelastic materials were used to generate bi-material specimens. The experimental data were analyzed and the effect of applied displacement rate on strain distributions and interfacial failure mechanisms in the bonded specimens are discussed. Close inspection of the specimens showed that at failure initiation widely different deformation rates occurred at roughly the same global strain levels and were concentrated in the interphase regions near the bondlines.
Conditional Strategic Retreat: The Court's Concession in the 1935 Gold Clause Cases

Though forgotten by history, the 1935 Gold Clause cases concerning abrogation of gold-indexed bonds were instantly dubbed historical landmarks. Perry v. U.S., the case addressing federal bond contracts, should be remembered as an important instance of strategic judicial retreat. Expecting that the wrong outcome would provoke an attack and harm its legitimacy, the Supreme Court granted the administration an important technical victory. This paper elucidates three conditions necessary for retreat: (1) very strong government outcome preferences, (2) signals of a direct attack, and (3) an environment which makes these threats credible. It compares the Gold Clause cases with a control case, U.S. v. Butler. It shows that the former strongly met the conditions while the latter, in which the Court made a sincere decision, did not. Finally, it refutes legal and attitudinal explanations and argues that the Perry opinion was written to grudgingly reach the strategically necessary result by granting a technical victo...
Propane conversion in the presence of iron- and manganese-promoted sulfated zirconia : evidence of Olah carbocation chemistry

Iron- and manganese-promoted sulfated zirconia was tested for conversion of propane at 1 bar, 200, 250, and 300°C, and propane partial pressures of 0.01, 0.025, and 0.05 bar. Propane was converted to pentanes, butanes, propene, ethane, ethene, and methane at 250°C, but the conversions were low, for example, being only a fraction of a percent at a space velocity of 9.1 × 10−7 mol/(g s) and a propane partial pressure of 0.05 bar. Carbonaceous deposits formed rapidly. At 250°C, the number of propane molecules converted to gas-phase products was only about 1 per sulfate group after 16 days of operation in a continuous flow reactor. The observation of butanes and pentanes as products is consistent with Olah superacid solution chemistry, whereby propane is first protonated by a very strong acid to form a carbonium ion. The carbonium ion then decomposes into methane and an ethyl cation, which undergoes secondary reactions with propane to form higher-molecular-weight alkanes.
D-dimer in venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism is an important medical problem, with an estimated incidence in the United States of 100,000 to 300,000 cases per year. Of patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of deep venous thrombosis, only 30 percent actually have the disorder. In the emergency department, where medical decisions must be made rapidly, the ability to identify, safely and accurately, the 70 percent of patients with symptoms who do not have deep venous thrombosis and likewise to identify those who do have the disorder is critical. Recent studies of the clinical diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis have shown that when risk factors and . . .
Delayed febrile effects of chlorpyrifos: is there cross-tolerance to bacterial lipopolysaccharide? ☆

Abstract Oral chlorpyrifos (CHP) induces hypothermia followed by a fever that persists for several days in the rat. To understand the neuro-immune mechanisms of CHP-induced fever, we compared the tolerance and cross-tolerance between CHP and the fever elicited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ( Escherichia coli ). Female rats were administered the corn oil (CO) vehicle or CHP (10 mg/kg; po) daily for 4 days while core temperature ( T c ) and motor activity (MA) were monitored by telemetry. There was a reduction in T c followed by an elevation the next day after each CHP treatment. The day after the last CHP treatment, rats were administered saline or 50 μg/kg LPS (i.p.). CHP-treated rats had a smaller LPS fever that was attributed to their elevated baseline T c . In another study, rats were dosed with saline or LPS daily for three days. By the time of the third LPS injection there was no febrile response, indicating tolerance to LPS. Rats were then dosed with CO or CHP (10 mg/kg) 24 h after the third LPS treatment. LPS-tolerant rats displayed an accentuated hypothermic and febrile response to CHP. Plasma cholinesterase activity was unaffected by repeated LPS treatment, suggesting that the metabolism of CHP in the liver was unaffected by LPS. Overall, the neural-immune mechanisms for LPS fever is distinct from that of CHP in view of marked difference in mechanisms of tolerance.
Abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity and delayed gastric emptying in patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis.

Gastric myoelectrical activity modulates gastric motor activity. Abnormalities in gastric myoelectrical activity may be associated with gastric motility disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of gastric myoelectrical activity with gastric emptying in symptomatic patients with and without gastroparesis. Ninety-seven patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis participated in the study. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded using surface electrogastrography. The electrogastrogram (EGG) was recorded for 30 min in the fasting state and for 120 min after a solid test meal. Gastric emptying of the solid meal was simultaneously monitored for 120 min. Patients with delayed gastric emptying showed a significantly lower percentage of normal gastric slow waves (P<0.03) and a significantly reduced increase of the dominant power in the postprandial EGG (P<0.02). Postprandial EGG parameters were found to be able to predict delayed emptying of the stomach. Postprandial gastric dysrhythmia predicts delayed gastric emptying with an accuracy of 78%, while the abnormality in postprandial EGG power predicts delayed gastric emptying with an accuracy of 75%. All patients with abnormalities in both the rhythmicity and the power had delayed gastric emptying. Patients with delayed gastric emptying have a lower percentage of normal gastric slow waves in the EGG and a lower postprandial increase in the dominant power. Abnormalities in the postprandial EGG seem to be able to predict delayed emptying of the stomach. However, a normal EGG does not seem to guarantee normal emptying of the stomach.
Defects in Disneyland: Quality Control as a Two-Part Tariff

This paper shows that firms endowed with monopoly power can utilize an optional service contract form of guarantee as an instrument for effecting a surplus extracting two-part tariff. The monopolist finds it optimal to produce, guarantee and replace defective units, even if a zero defect rate could be achieved at no additional production cost. It is also shown that the price per unit is greater than the "effective" marginal cost; it may even be higher than the pure monopoly price. Moreover the monopolist is unable to extract all of the consumers surplus. Thus, that optional service contract policy can provide an effective yet defensible form of price discrimination as an alternative to possible illegal tie-ins, quantity discounts and simple two-part tariffs. A guarantee is a risk-sharing insurance contract tailored to the risky or uncertain flow of consumption services from a commodity (see Heal (1976)). Guarantees provide for full or partial replacement, repair or refund for expected and unexpected short-falls in service. Indeed, Appelbaum and Scheffman (1978) have provided an example in which the refund exceeds the purchase price.' The guarantee may come into force in a variety of circumstances ranging from specifically named contingencies to general promises of "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back". Guarantees may be offered as a mandatory tie-in with purchase or may be optional; we refer to the latter as service contracts. They may be priced on a per unit basis or offered at a fixed fee invariant of number of units purchased.
SOME STUDIES OF REALISTIC FORM FACTORS FOR NUCLEON-TRANSFER REACTIONS.

Abstract The effect of nuclear structure details on pick-up and stripping form factors is investigated. After a short review of other calculations, an approximate method is set up in which the form factor emerges as the solution of an inhomogeneous differential equation. The requirement that the derived spectroscopic amplitudes agree with corresponding shell-model amplitudes is shown to impose a condition on the potentials employed. For pick-up reactions involving the “small” components of the wave functions, structure effects often tend to enhance the form factor in the surface region. For stripping reactions, the opposite is true. The 58 Ni(p, d) reaction has been studied in some detail with particular attention to the effect produced by different choices for the nuclear wave functions and residual nucleon-nucleon force. The distorted wave analysis, which mediates the comparison with experiment, is critically appraised. Although the derived angular distributions do not vary greatly, the extracted spectroscopic factors are found to be sensitive to the assumptions used. In addition, some preliminary work on the 40 Ca(p, d) reaction is reported.
Loss in Pattern-Elicited Electroretinograms in Optic Nerve Dysfunction

Both flash- and pattern-elicited electroretinograms and visual-evoked potentials were recorded from a patient with well-documented unilateral optic nerve dysfunction. Although the flash-elicited electroretinograms from the left and right eyes did not differ in amplitude or latency, the flash-elicited visual-evoked potentials were greatly attenuated. Prominent pattern-elicited electroretinograms and visual-evoked potentials were recorded from the better eye, but neither could be obtained from the affected eye. These results supported the contention that pattern-elicited electroretinograms are derived from optic nerve activity and that the absence of such responses may be diagnostic of loss of optic nerve function. This suggests that testing protocols aimed at assessing optic nerve function might benefit from the inclusion of pattern-elicited electroretinographic recordings. We also obtained contrast sensitivity functions from both eyes. Although considerably suppressed, the contrast sensitivity of the affected eye exhibited a 3-octave range, indicating some pattern-processing capability.
Eco-Urban Design

John A. Flannery and Karen M. Smith, Springer, Dordrecht, 2011 ISBN 978 94 007 0368 1, £90.00 (hb) Eco-Urban Design is a book that can be used to exemplify proven ecological and sustainable designs...
The utility of the medical home: a survey on patient perspectives

Background Many articles exist outlining the possible benefits of the medical home model on enhanced patient care and reduced over-utilization of the medical system. So far, these articles have focused mainly on the viewpoint of physicians and their perceptions of what patients prefer, with relatively few addressing solely the patient perspectives. Some articles have addressed patient perspectives as a component of a larger study. This study attempts to put into words and data actual patient preferences for a medical home model. In addition, the study aimed to determine whether patients understand their health conditions, what they thought about having multiple doctors, whether they want their primary physician to complete an initial workup before referral to a specialist, and other issues important to patient satisfaction and perceptions of their care. Methods Fifty-six nonhospitalized English-speaking adults between 18 and 85 years of age and of any ethnic background were surveyed. They responded to a 10-question survey and were asked to rank items—their understanding of their medical problems; the explanation of their problems by their primary care physician (PCP) vs. their specialists; the importance of having their medical information in one place, of obtaining tests before being referred, of seeing a specialist when they had multiple medical conditions, of the PCP's role as a gatekeeper, and of understanding compliance; as well as the necessity of having their PCP clarify treatment plans developed by their specialist—from 1 to 5 based on preference. Results were tabulated and graphed. The study was reviewed by Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine Institutional Review Board. Results The majority of patients admitted to having good to very good understanding of their medical conditions. In their opinion, this understanding is attributable more so to their PCP than to their specialist. Fifty-three percent of patients stated that they need further clarification of plans developed by their specialist. Of the patients surveyed, 57% preferred one doctor, as opposed to 39% who preferred more than one doctor, and 4% who had no preference. In addition, patients also had a strong preference for having initial tests done before being sent to a specialist. However, they did want to be sent to specialists if needed. Patients acknowledged that compliance with treatment plans is linked to a thorough understanding of their medical problems. Interpretation and conclusion The data show that the medical home is of benefit to not only the patients, as evidenced by their preferences, but also to the physician because of better understanding of medical conditions leading to better compliance with treatment plans.
A finite element method for stress-assisted surface reaction and delayed fracture

When a stressed solid is in contact with an environment (a vapor or a liquid solution), the solid may gain mass from, or lose mass to, the environment. The surface reaction is driven by the interfacial and elastic energy and by the chemical potential difference between the solid and the environment. This paper presents a finite element method to simulate the stress-assisted surface reaction. The reduction of the total free energy associated with gaining unit volume of solid defines the driving force. A linear kinetic law is adopted, where the reaction rate is proportional to the driving force. The problem is described with a variational statement. The elastic field in the solid is solved repeatedly as the solid changes its shape. The solid shape is updated with a mesh adaptation procedure and according to the kinetic law. Numerical examples include shape changes of a wavy surface, and crack nucleation at a grain boundary.
Relationship of stimulus and examinee variables to performance on analogous visual and tactile block construction tasks.

Nonverbal/spatial tests are unavailable for persons with visual impairments, despite decades of documented need and developmental effort. Because past tactile analogs of block design (BD) tests have not been widely accepted, known BD test parameters were compared across visual and tactile designs to assess the applicability of the test across modalities. Contrary to expectations, edge-cueing of designs with no perceptual cohesiveness (PC) improved tactile and visual performance. The expected PC by cueing and field independence (FI) by PC interactions were found for visual, but not tactile, BD. Uncued tactile designs elicited more errors, tending to occur closer to the center of the designs. These data suggest that visual and tactile BD performance cannot be interpreted similarly. Differences may be due to to modality-specific demand for various encoding and recoding abilities. The standing model is expanded to account for cross-modality differences in BD performance by including both rotation and block se...
Bond Strength of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebars in Normal Strength Concrete

The bond behavior of reinforcing bars in concrete is a critical issue in the design of reinforced concrete structures. This study focuses on the bond strength of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars in normal strength concrete. Four different types of rebars were tested using the pullout method: aramid FRP (AFRP); carbon FRP (CFRP); glass FRP (GFRP), and steel. This involved a total of 151 specimens containing 6, 8, 10, 16, and 19 mm rebars embedded in a 203 mm concrete cube. The test embedment lengths were five, seven, and nine times the rebar diameter (db). For each rebar, the test results include the bond stress-slip response and the mode of failure. The test results showed that the bond strength of an FRP rebar is, on average, 40-100% the bond strength on a steel rebar for pullout failure mode. Based on this research, a proposal for the average bond strength of straight FRP rebars in normal strength concrete is made, which verifies an existing bond strength relationship (GFRP) and extends its application to AFRP and CFRP. It is an expression that is a function of the rebar diameter, and the concrete compressive strength.
Nitric oxide regulates tissue transglutaminase localization and function in the vasculature.

The multifunctional enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2) contributes to the development and progression of several cardiovascular diseases. Extracellular rather than intracellular TG2 is enzymatically active, however, the mechanism by which it is exported out of the cell remains unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) is shown to constrain TG2 externalization in endothelial and fibroblast cells. Here, we examined the role of both exogenous and endogenous (endothelial cell-derived) NO in regulating TG2 localization in vascular cells and tissue. NO synthase inhibition in endothelial cells (ECs) using N-nitro l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) led to a time-dependent decrease in S-nitrosation and increase in externalization of TG2. Laminar shear stress led to decreased extracellular TG2 in ECs. S-nitrosoglutathione treatment led to decreased activity and externalization of TG2 in human aortic smooth muscle and fibroblast (IMR90) cells. Co-culture of these cells with ECs resulted in increased S-nitrosation and decreased externalization and activity of TG2, which was reversed by l-NAME. Aged Fischer 344 rats had higher tissue scaffold-associated TG2 compared to young. NO regulates intracellular versus extracellular TG2 localization in vascular cells and tissue, likely via S-nitrosation. This in part, explains increased TG2 externalization and activity in aging aorta.
Science of Cancer and Aging

This review provides an overview of a selection of the most pertinent molecular pathways that link cancer and aging and focuses on those where recent advances were most important. When organizing the bulk of information on this subject, I became aware of the fact that the most evident partition, namely, mechanisms that influence aging and mechanisms that influence cancer occurrence, is difficult to apply. Most mechanisms explaining the aging process are also those that influence carcinogenesis. Mechanisms that are described in tumor suppressor pathways are also contributors to the aging process. From an intuitive point of view, there are phenomena that have traditionally been contributed to aging others to cancer-inducing factors and they are presented herein.
Ulcerative colitis: Steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis—ciclosporin or infliximab?

Ciclosporin and infliximab are used as rescue therapies for the treatment of severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis. Now, an open-label, head-to-head randomized controlled trial has demonstrated that these drugs are well-tolerated and have equivalent efficacy in inducing short-term clinical response, mucosal healing and decreasing colectomy rates at 3 months.
Stewardship as a Path to Cooperation? Exploring the Role of Identity in Intergroup Conflict Among Michigan Wolf Stakeholders

Post-recovery wolf management remains controversial. In Michigan, dialogue centers on hunting wolves but controversy may be more nuanced than simple pro- or anti-hunting positions. Social identity may cause stakeholders to organize in groups and identity differences may be driving controversy. To explore stakeholder disagreement over wolf management, we conducted semi-structured key informant interviews (n = 21) about identity and stewardship in August–September 2012. Four overarching identity themes emerged regarding: (a) management objectives, (b) focal levels, (c) control methods, and (d) justifications for methods. Themes indicated two main researcher-defined identity groups. Interviewees from both groups identified six common stewardship themes: (a) bequest values, (b) ecosystem health, (c) education, (d) existence values, (e) pride in natural resources, and (f) sustainability. Findings suggest stakeholders may be conflicting over opposing identities vis-a-vis organization affiliation, which may be r...
Effect of native SiO2 layer on the nucleation of diamond using a combustion flame

Abstract The effect of native oxide thickness on the nucleation of diamond was investigated. The initial thickness of the native oxide on Si substrates was varied using three surface treatment methods: ultrasonic scratching, HF acid etching, and a combination of the two. The oxide layer was also modified during the experiment by using a low O 2 :C 2 H 2 ratio pregrowth treatment ( R f = 0.93, d = 15 mm). The use of HF acid eliminated the oxide layer within the detectable limits of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (about 3 A). A low gas ratio pregrowth treatment process (oxygen-to-acetylene ratio R f , set to 0.93) meant that diamond crystals were formed after 30 s and a complete film in the center of the deposition area after 180 s. The low gas ratio pregrowth treatment suppressed the formation of the oxide layer relative to standard growth conditions ( R f = 0.97, d = 10 mm). However, it was determined that despite this low gas ratio treatment SiO 2 formation was possible inside the acetylene feather.
Perception of Number

Configurations varying in arrangement of elements were constructed to assess whether number is abstracted in estimation tasks. In some configurations, circles (or squares) were placed in separate groups of two or four, and interspersed randomly among single randomly placed squares (or circles). Other configurations consisted of single circles and squares randomly placed. Besides arrangement, the proportion of circles or squares varied from 0.40 to 0.60. It was expected that estimations would systematically favour the category that was arranged in separate groups. This effect was found in all experiments, but was not larger for group 4 compared to group 2 arrangement. Moreover, the effect occurred for eight year-old and older subjects, and could be induced in six year-olds who did not show the effect prior to training by training them to abstract number. Results were interpreted in terms of the perception of a higher order structure of number.
Cytopathic hypoxia. Is oxygen use impaired in sepsis as a result of an acquired intrinsic derangement in cellular respiration

Several lines of evidence indicate that cellular energetics are deranged in sepsis, not by inadequate tissue perfusion but rather by impaired mitochondrial respiration; that is, organ dysfunction in sepsis may result from cytopathic hypoxia. If this concept is correct, the therapeutic implications are enormous. Efforts to improve outcome in septic patients by monitoring and manipulating cardiac output, systemic oxygen (DO2), and regional blood flow are doomed to failure. Instead, the focus should be on developing pharmacologic strategies (e.g., isoform-selective iNOS or PARP inhibitors) to restore normal mitochondrial function and cellular energetics.
RANDOM AND FIXED EFFECTS MODELS IN META-ANALYSIS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CRIMINOLOGY: CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE METHOD

ABSTRACT In recent years, meta-analytic reviews of empirical literature have become increasingly common in criminal justice and criminology. Most studies in our discipline, however, contain multiple statistical models and therefore produce multiple effect size estimates of the same relationships. The lack of statistical independence in such cases could produce estimation errors in a meta-analysis since the effect size estimates within each study may be similar due to their production from a common source. “Random” and “fixed” effects models have been developed to correct for this potential lack of statistical independence across effect size estimates. While both methods are useful in certain settings, determining which method is appropriate in a given situation for a meta-analysis is less clear. This article provides a framework for determining which method for correcting independence problems is appropriate when subjecting different types of research in criminal justice and criminology to a meta-analysis.
Decentralized finite-time sliding mode estimators and their applications in decentralized finite-time formation tracking

In this paper, a simple but efficient framework is proposed to achieve finite-time decentralized formation tracking of multiple autonomous vehicles with the introduction of decentralized sliding mode estimators. First, we propose and study both first-order and second-order decentralized sliding mode estimators. In particular, we show that the proposed first-order decentralized sliding mode estimator can guarantee accurate position estimation in finite time and the proposed second-order decentralized sliding mode estimator can guarantee accurate position and velocity estimation in finite time. Then the decentralized sliding mode estimators are employed to achieve decentralized formation tracking of multiple autonomous vehicles. In particular, it is shown that formation tracking can be achieved for systems with both single-integrator kinematics and double-integrator dynamics in finite time. By using the decentralized sliding mode estimators, many formation tracking/flying scenarios can be easily decoupled into two subtasks, that is, decentralized sliding mode estimation and vehicle desired state tracking, without imposing a stringent condition on the information flow. Finally, several simulation results are presented as a proof of concept.