cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membranes for hydrocarbon fuel processing and separation

Abstract: The role of the membrane technology in hydrocarbon fuel processing and separation is discussed, spotlighting various classes of materials used for membranes. The advantages and shortcomings are considered in relation to the molecules being separated, examining efforts to overcome the conventional trade-off relationship between selectivity and permeability. The scale-up from fundamental research to large-scale industry is analysed considering important opportunities in design, rationalization and optimization of innovative industrial production. Novel processes are proposed in order to preserve the environment and improve the quality of life through production of alternative green energy and rational recycling of raw materials. Heterogeneous catalysis in the petrochemical industry and biofuels production from steam reforming of hydrocarbons are discussed.
Prostate Cancer and African-American Men

The article by Powell highlights uncertainties about the relative contributions of diagnostic delay and tumor biology to racial disparities in stage at diagnosis among American men with prostate cancer, and explores a variety of factors that may discourage early cancer detection in African-American men. Observations derived from our ongoing prospective studies of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes in black and white American veterans and from our experience with prostate cancer screening at the University of Mississippi Hospital and Clinics afford additional insights into these issues and provide a framework for this commentary.
Automatic ranking of essays using structural and semantic features

Evaluating an essay automatically has been an area of active research even though there has been a shift to multiple choice answers in many competitive exams. In this paper, we propose an unsupervised technique to rank essays based on the structural and semantic content of the essays. The approach is unsupervised because it makes use of a the complete set of essays to determine the rank of the an individual essay. We purposely avoid deep parsing and the approach is based on use of both structural features of the essay and also the semantic content of the essay. We evaluate the proposed approach on a set of essays submitted to a competition generated from a single prompt. We compare the ranks of the essays with the ranks given by two different human evaluators. The results show a good correlation between the proposed unsupervised algorithm and the human evaluators. The proposed approach, as designed, is independent of any external knowledge base.
Comprehensive Ryan White Assistance and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Clinical Outcomes: Retention in Care and Viral Suppression in a Medicaid Nonexpansion State.

Background Knowledge gaps remain about how the Ryan White human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS Program (RW) contributes to health outcomes. We examined the association between different RW service classes and retention in care (RiC) or viral suppression (VS). Methods We identified Virginians engaged in any HIV care between 1 January and 31 December 2014. RW beneficiaries were classified by receipt of ≥1 service from 3 classes: Core medical, Support, and insurance and/or direct medication assistance through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Receipt of all RW classes was defined as comprehensive assistance. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare the odds of RiC and of VS by comprehensive assistance and by RW classes alone and in combination. Results Among 13104 individuals, 58% received any RW service and 17% comprehensive assistance. Comprehensive assistance is significantly associated with RiC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.8 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 7.2-10.8]) and viral suppression (aOR, 3.3 [95% CI, 2.9-3.8]). Receiving any 2 RW classes or Core alone is significantly associated with RiC and VS, with the strength of association decreasing as the number of classes decreases. Recipients of Support alone are significantly less likely to have VS (aOR, 0.75 [95% CI, .59-.96]). For ADAP recipients also receiving Core and/or Support, insurance assistance is significantly associated with VS compared to receiving direct medication only (aOR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.3-1.9]); this relationship is not significant for those who receive ADAP alone. Conclusions Receiving more classes of RW-funded services is associated with improved HIV outcomes. For some populations with insurance, RW-funded services may still be required for optimal health outcomes.
Nonlinear non-stiff models of reactive distillation columns with two-time-scale dynamics

Abstract In this paper, we address the dynamic modeling of reactive distillation processes, where the presence of fast reaction or momentum transport induces two time scale dynamics. We present a systematic modeling framework that allows identifying the source of time Scale multiplicity and deriving nonlinear non-stiff models of the slow dynamics.
Teaching image and video processing using middle-school mathematics and the Raspberry Pi

In this paper, we summarize some of the lessons learned from the Advancing Out-of-School Learning in Mathematics and Engineering (AOLME) project. The AOLME project uses an integrated curriculum that relies on the use of basic concepts from middle-school mathematics to teach the foundations of image and video representations. The middle-school students, mostly from underrepresented groups, learn how to program their own video representations using Python libraries running on the Raspberry Pi. Overall, we have found that the students enjoy participating in the project.
Transmission of low-energy (<10 eV)O+ ions through Au films on TiO2(110)

In an attempt to identify the fundamental processes that influence ion transport through metallic surface layers, we have studied the transmission of O+ ions through discontinuous Au films adsorbed on TiO2(110). A low energy (< 10 eV) O+ ion beam is generated via electron stimulated desorption when an Au-dosed TiO2(110) substrate is bombarded with a focused 250 eV electron beam. Low energy ion scattering data indicate that Au evaporated under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at ∼ 300 K forms three-dimensional clusters on TiO2(110). As the Au coverage increases, the formation of Au clusters on TiO2(110) blocks a fraction of the TiO2 surface and the O+ yield is attenuated. However, for high coverages (≥30% Au covered substrate) the O+ signal decreases at a faster rate than the TiO2 open area fraction. We attribute the attenuation of the O+ yield for high Au coverages mainly to blocking of O+ by Au clusters, to deflection of trajectories by the image force between ions and Au clusters, and to charge transfer between desorbing O+ and neighboring Au clusters.
Longitudinal diffusion imaging across the C9orf72 clinical spectrum.

Introduction Discrepancies between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings and functional rating scales in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be due to symptom heterogeneity, particularly coexisting cognitive-behavioural dysfunction affecting non-motor regions of the brain. Carriers of expansion mutations in the C9orf72 gene, whose motor and cognitive-behavioural symptoms span a range from ALS to frontotemporal dementia, present an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between symptom heterogeneity and DTI changes. Methods Twenty-eight C9orf72 mutation carriers with varied cognitive and motor symptoms underwent clinical evaluation and DTI imaging. Twenty returned for two or more follow-up evaluations. Each evaluation included motor, executive and behavioural scales and disease staging using the King’s college staging system. Results Widespread reduction of white matter integrity occurred in C9orf72 mutation carriers compared with 28 controls. The ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and King’s stage correlated with DTI measures of the corticospinal tract and mid-callosum. Cognitive and behavioural scores correlated with diffusion measures of frontal white matter. King’s stage, but not ALSFRS-R, correlated with anterior callosum DTI measures. Over a 6-month follow-up, DTI changes spread from anterior to posterior, and from deep to superficial subcortical white matter. In C9orf72 carriers with ALS or ALS-FTD, changes in corticospinal tractography measures correlated with changes in ALSFRS-R. Conclusion Discrepancies between DTI findings and clinical measures of disease severity in ALS may partly be accounted for by cognitive-behavioural deficits affecting extramotor white matter tracts. Both ALSFRS-R and King’s stage correlated with corticospinal DTI measures. Group-level DTI changes could be detected over 6 months.
SPRIDE: Scalable and private continual geo-distance evaluation for precision agriculture

Precision agriculture relies on real-time data gathering and analysis to maximize yield, minimize environmental impact and reduce cost, which has been envisioned as a new paradigm to revolutionize modern agriculture. However, the collection of farming data, especially geospatial data, raises concerns about potential privacy leakage. In this paper, we propose a novel scalable and private continual geo-distance evaluation system, called SPRIDE, to allow application servers to provide geographic based services by computing the distances among sensors and farms privately and continuously. The servers determine the distances without learning any additional information about their locations. The key idea of SPRIDE is to perform efficient distance evaluations on encrypted locations over a sphere by leveraging a homomorphic cryptosystem. To scale for a large user base, we propose novel and practical performance enhancements based on data segmentation and distance prediction techniques for reducing computation/communication costs. Through extensive experiments on a real world mobile trace dataset, we show SPRIDE achieves real-time private distance evaluation on a large network of farms, attaining at least 17 times runtime performance improvement over existing methods. We further show SPRIDE can run on resource-constrained mobile devices with low overhead.
Father Absence, Social Networks, and Maternal Ratings of Child Health: Evidence from the 2013 Social Networks and Health Information Survey in Mexico.

Objectives To bridge the literature on the effect of father absence, international migration, and social networks on child health, we assess the association between father absence and maternal ratings of child poor health (MCPH). Next we test whether social networks of immediate and extended kin mediate the relationship between fathers’ absence and MCPH. Methods Nested logistic regression models predicting MCPH are estimated using the 2013 Social Networks and Health Information Survey, collected in a migrant-sending community in Guanajuato, Mexico. These unique data distinguish among father absence due to migration versus other reasons and between immediate and extended kin ties. Results Descriptive results indicate that 25% of children with migrant fathers are assessed as having poor health, more often than children with present (15.5%) or otherwise absent fathers (17.5%). In the multivariate models, fathers’ absence is not predictive of MCPH. However, the presence of extended kin ties for the mother was associated with approximately a 50% reduction in the odds of MCPH. Additionally, mother’s poor self-assessed health was associated with increased odds of MCPH while the presence of a co-resident adult lowered the odds of MCPH. In sensitivity analysis among children with migrant fathers, the receipt of paternal remittances lowered the odds of MCPH. Conclusions for Practice Social networks have a direct and positive association with MCPH rather than mediating the father absence-MCPH relationship. The presence of extended kin ties in the local community is salient for more favorable child health and should be considered in public health interventions aimed at improving child health.
Missionary Cartography in Colonial Africa: Cases from South Africa

Among the first agents of European cultural exchange in Africa before the 1880s were missionaries, who were especially active in the region of modern South Africa. These missionaries came from a wide variety of societies and nations, including French Protestants in Lesotho, the Berlin Missionaries in the Transvaal, the London Mission Society, Wesleyans, and others in the Cape Colony and Natal, to name only a few. These missionaries were not only interested in spreading the Gospel but also in disseminating information about their African surroundings, which included a variety of scientific and literary data. One of the most prominent forms of data collected was geographical, and it expressed through a variety of maps produced or used by missionaries. Mission stations enjoyed generally static locations, often beyond the writ of colonial law, and close relationships between missionaries and local informants. These qualities worked together to produce maps with interesting mixes of topographical, social, political, and cultural content. This essay explores a few examples of 19th-century South African missionary and mission-based cartography, in particular that of London and Wesleyan missionaries in the Transkei, the Berlin missionary Alexander Merensky in Mpumalanga, and the Swiss Berthouds (Paul and Henri) in Limpopo, to discuss the relationship between particular southern African missionaries, maps, and the history of the region’s colonization.
Normal Goat or Diseased Human? Disciplinary Boundaries and Methodological Traps in the Analysis of Fragmentary Remains at Franchthi Cave, Greece

In his study of skeletal remains from Franchthi Cave, Greece, J. Lawrence Angel described three groups of small vault fragments as pathological, pointing out well-developed falciform impressions and unusual suture margins. Restudy reveals them to be small ungulate vault fragments. Recognition of human versus nonhuman and normal versus pathological bone is related to fragment size, curvature, and location and distribution of discrete morphological features. Vault fragments that cannot be definitively identified as human or nonhuman constitute a large portion of the scattered bone at Franchthi, and many probably derive from small ungulates. The taphonomy of cave deposits poses methodological problems regarding the borderland between zooarchaeology and physical anthropology. Training in comparative anatomy and zooarchaeology is desirable for physical anthropologists. We ought to employ the methods of zooarchaeology where appropriate.
Winning the AAAI robot competition

Last summer, AAAI sponsored a mobile robot competition in conjunction with the AAAI-92 conference in San Jose, California. Ten robots from across the country competed in the competition, with CARMEL from the University of Michigan finishing first. CARMEL is a Cybermotion K2A mobile platform with a ring of 24 sonar sensors and a single black and white CCD camera. For computing, CARMEL has three processors: one for motor control, one for sonar ring firing and one executing high-level routines such as obstacle avoidance and object recognition. All computation and power is contained entirely on-board.
From cable television to direct-broadcast satellite

Abstract This article analyses the impacts of introducing multichannel television to the Asia-Pacific region. It uses Hong Kong as a case study to illustrate the issues faced by policy planners in the region. The first pan-Asian satellite television, Star TV, which covers 2.7 billion people in 38 countries, will give rise to a host of policy concerns regionally.
A Case of Congenital Hypopituitarism Associated With a 1p31 Microdeletion: A Possible Role for LEPR and JAK1.

Context Genetic defects affecting the expression and function of factors involved in pituitary development have been found to be associated with congenital hypopituitarism (CH). However, for most cases of CH, the etiology remains unknown. Case description We present an unusual case of an infant with CH, associated with septo-optic dysplasia with an absent anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary gland, resulting from a de novo 8.04-Mb interstitial deletion of chromosome 1p31.1-1p31.3. The deleted region includes several genes that might be involved in pituitary development, including LEPR and JAK1. Conclusions Haploinsufficiency of LEPR and/or JAK1 might be associated with CH. This finding suggests a role for LEPR-mediated glycoprotein 130 signaling in human pituitary development.
Acropora cervicornis genet performance and symbiont identity throughout the restoration process

In the Caribbean, corals are commonly cultured in ocean-based nurseries and outplanted back to reefs for population enhancement. Intraspecific diversity in host and symbiont is an important consideration for nursery and resource managers. We built upon a previous study that quantified Acropora cervicornis growth phenotypes in a nursery by outplanting the same genets across two reef sites and tracking their performance for 1 yr. Further, we identified the Symbiodinium ‘fitti’ strains present in each of the A. cervicornis genets during the restoration process from the initial wild collection as early as 2008 to 24 months post-outplant in 2017. Survival to 1 yr post-outplant was consistent with regional averages and did not differ significantly among A. cervicornis genets or between outplant sites. Outplant site and host genet had significant effects on coral growth. However, genet growth response did not depend on outplant site, providing no evidence for site-genet matching. Conversely, growth rates measured for each genet in the nursery were not predictive of performance following outplanting. Instead, A. cervicornis genets appear to exhibit differences in relative growth through the restoration process. Despite this variability, relative differences in growth among genets were consistent within a given timeframe, even across varying environments. Most colonies sampled were infected by one of five unique strains of S. ‘fitti’. Host-symbiont specificity varied among coral genets, but four out of five genets exhibited spatial and/or temporal differences in symbiont strain composition throughout the restoration process. The ability for A. cervicornis to associate with more than one S. ‘fitti’ strain and the lack of correlation between nursery and outplant growth performance contribute to a growing understanding of the A. cervicornis population enhancement process.
The Art of Digital Storytelling

We are most engaged with online content when information is presented as a story. Medical myths and misconceptions are often perpetuated by those who use storytelling elements to draw their audience in, trigger an emotional response, and present a call to action. Examples include the anti-vaccine movement and those who campaign against the addition of fluoride to municipal water supplies. If medical professionals are to effectively counter inaccurate messages, we must also become passionate storytellers. One way to develop an effective story is to incorporate the reporter questions into the story-planning process. These include answers to the questions who, what, when, where, why, and how. This chapter explores several ways medical professionals can use these questions as they engage social media, curate and share online content, and create their own blog posts, podcasts, videos, and infographics.
Efficiency of Thermally Assisted Capacitive Mixing and Deionization Systems

The temperature of an input solution to an environmental technology can vary greatly depending on numerous industrial and environmental factors. For capacitive mixing (CapMix) and deionization (CDI...
Surfing on Membrane Waves: Microvilli, Curved Membranes, and Immune Signaling

Microvilli are finger-like membrane protrusions supported by the actin cytoskeleton and found on almost all cells. A growing body of evidence suggests that the dynamic lymphocyte microvilli, with their unique structural properties, play an important role in signal transduction leading to immune responses. Nevertheless, challenges in modulating local membrane curvature and monitoring the high membrane dynamicity of microvilli hampered the investigation of the curvature-generation mechanism and its functional consequences in signaling. These technical barriers have been partially overcome by recent advancements in adapted super-resolution microscopy and high-precision nanofabrication technology. Here, we review the up-to-date progress in understanding the mechanisms and functional consequences of microvilli in lymphocyte signaling. We discuss how the deformation of local membranes affects the organization of signaling proteins and their biochemical activities. We propose that curved membranes, together with the underlying cytoskeleton, shape microvilli into a unique compartment that sense and process signals leading to lymphocyte activation.
Understanding collective action through social media-based disaster data analytics

Abstract In this chapter, we explore how disasters can foster social cohesion in online communities (e.g., Occupy Sandy). We posit that data generated by these virtual communities can help detect potential collective actions that in turn can be used by disaster response agencies to foster and improve real-time response. To do so, we use text data collected from Hurricane Sandy (2012, New York City) as a case study and show that it is possible to analyze how a grassroots disaster-relief network emerged after a disaster (specifically, how social media allowed Occupy Sandy to organize throughout the disaster) and subsequently how social media played a key role in disaster relief.
Cardiac Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematous: An Overview of the Incidence, Risk Factors, Diagnostic Criteria, Pathophysiology and Treatment Options.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex connective tissue disease that can potentially affect every organ of the human body. In some cases, SLE may present with diverse cardiac manifestations including pericarditis, myocarditis, valvular disease, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and arrhythmias. Heart disease in SLE is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether traditional treatments for coronary artery disease significantly impact mortality in this population. Current therapeutic agents for SLE include glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and B cell-directed therapies. This article will provide a comprehensive review and update on this important disease state.
Predicting Evolutionarily Stable Strategies from Functional Trade-offs of Sonoran Desert Annuals

For many decades, researchers have studied how plants use bet-hedging strategies to insure against unpredictable, unfavorable conditions. We consider how the survival rates of dormant seeds (in a 'seed bank') interact with functional trade-offs to influence optimal germination strategies. Specifically, we explore the functional trade-offs between resource-use capacity and low-resource tolerance, i.e., being able to generate high yield following high rainfall versus maintain performance during a drought. We develop a model that explicitly includes these trade-offs to model fitness as a function of precipitation, and identifies evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS), using data from 10 Sonoran Desert annual plant species. We use our estimated ESS values to predict observed germination fractions. We then explore the relative importance of seed survival and functional trade offs in driving optimal germination strategies by regressing ESS values and observed germination fractions against these traits. We find survival rates and functional trade-offs to be significant drivers for bet-hedging with survival rates having the strongest influence. Our results offer insight into drivers of bet-hedging strategies in an iconic system, as well as provide the analytical framework to explore how current or future environmental conditions will impact life history evolution.
Examining the robustness and concentration dependency of PFAS air-water and NAPL-water interfacial adsorption coefficients

Determining robust values for the air-water or NAPL-water interfacial adsorption coefficient, KIA, is key to characterizing and modeling PFAS transport and fate in several environmental systems. Direct, high-resolution measurements of surfactant adsorption at the fluid-fluid interface were aggregated from the literature. This data set was used to examine the accuracy and applicability of Γ and KIA measurements determined for three PFAS from transport experiments and surface-tension data. The transport-measured Γ and KIA data were observed to be fully consistent with the directly-measured data. Specifically, Γ values for the two methods were entirely coincident in the region of overlapping concentrations, which spanned ~4 orders-of-magnitude. Furthermore, the two data sets adhered to an identical Γ-C profile. These results conclusively demonstrate the accuracy of the transport-measured values. Γ and KIA values determined from the application of the Gibbs adsorption equation to measured surface-tension data were fully consistent with the directly-measured and transport-measured data sets, demonstrating their applicability for representing PFAS transport in environmental systems. The directly-measured data were used to examine the concentration dependency of KIA values, absent the potential confounding effects associated with the use of surface-tension or transport-measured data. The directly-measured data clearly demonstrate that KIA attains a constant, maximum limit at lower concentrations. Two separate analyses of the transport-measured data both produced observations of constant KIA values at lower concentrations, consistent with the directly-measured data. These outcomes are discussed in terms of surface activities, relative surface coverages, and critical concentrations.
Quantification of photochromic indicators for UV-C dose validation of N95 respirator decontamination

COVID-19-induced personal protective equipment shortages necessitate effective, accessible N95 decontamination, especially in low-resource settings. UV-C irradiation inactivates SARS-CoV-2 analogs on N95 respirators when ≥1.0 J/cm^2 is delivered[1]. However, lack of robust and scalable UV-C dose validation tools impedes effective, widespread adoption. Tailored for field-deployment in settings lacking specialized UV-C radiometers, we design workflows to quantify photochromic UV-C dose indicators and extend dynamic range using low-cost filters. We demonstrate that photochromic quantification meets specifications required for robust UV-C measurements. Previously infeasible on-N95 measurements show ~20X dose variation within a UV-C system, highlighting how photochromics can underpin new validation strategies. Reference: 1. Brian Heimbuch and Del Harnish. Research to Mitigate a Shortage of Respiratory Protection Devices During Public Health Emergencies. (2019).
A tRNA processing enzyme is a central regulator of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) has emerged as a predominant mechanism that preserves mitochondrial function. Consequently, multiple pathways likely exist to modulate UPRmt. We unexpectedly discovered that the tRNA processing enzyme, homolog of ELAC2 (HOE-1), is central to UPRmt regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that nuclear HOE-1 is necessary and sufficient to robustly activate UPRmt. We show that HOE-1 acts via transcription factors ATFS-1 and DVE-1 that are crucial for UPRmt. Mechanistically, we show that HOE-1 likely mediates its effects via tRNAs, as blocking tRNA export prevents HOE-1-induced UPRmt. Interestingly, we find that HOE-1 does not act via the integrated stress response, which can be activated by uncharged tRNAs, pointing towards its reliance on a new mechanism. Finally, we show that the subcellular localization of HOE-1 is responsive to mitochondrial stress and is subject to negative regulation via ATFS-1. Together, we have discovered a novel RNA-based cellular pathway that modulates UPRmt.
Cable Television Regulation: Promoting Competition in a Rapidly Changing World

The Cable Act of 1992, the only bill to be passed over a veto during the entire four years of the Bush presidency, was a bipartisan triumph of experience over hope. Cable was deregulated in 1984 with the hope that competition would control rates but experience taught that cable had grown instead into an entrenched monopoly. The Act attacked this situation by giving competitors new legal protection in their fight to compete with cable, and by controlling rates on behalf of consumers as long as the monopoly survived. The strength of this formula is now being tested as the FCC struggles to rein in a powerful industry still characterized by monopoly control.
Abstract 542: Blockade of Angiotensin-(1-7)-mediated Vascular Remodeling by a CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonist

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth and reduces cardiac hypertrophy and vascular remodeling in Ang II-infused hypertensive rats. We previously showed that Ang-(1-7) increased the endocannabinoid 2-AG in VSMCs and that inhibition of VSMC growth by Ang-(1-7) was prevented by blockade of CB2 cannabinoid receptors. VSMCs isolated from mice with ablated CB2 receptors were treated with platelet-derived growth factor to stimulate growth; neither Ang-(1-7) nor the CB2 receptor agonist HU308 reduced VSMC growth (98.7±9.9% and 105.4±13.0% of stimulated growth, respectively, n = 3-6), suggesting that growth inhibition by Ang-(1-7) is mediated through activation of the CB2 receptor. Ang II-infused Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 28 days with Ang-(1-7), in the presence or absence of the CB2 receptor antagonist SR144528, to determine whether CB2 receptor blockade prevents the Ang-(1-7)-mediated reductions in Ang II-stimulated cardiac hypertrophy and vascular remodeling. Systolic blood pressure was similar in both groups, before or after treatment (115±4.6 mmHg with SR144528 and 115.7±10.2 mmHg with Ang-(1-7)/SR144528 before treatment and 186.7±6.2 mmHg and 182.0±2.1 mmHg after Ang II treatment, respectively, n=4). Ang II increased the mean cross-sectional area of cardiac myocytes which was reduced 55% by Ang-(1-7); CB2 receptor blockade prevented the Ang-(1-7)-mediated reduction in myocyte size. Fibrosis (interstitial and perivascular) and vessel size (M/L) were unchanged by Ang-(1-7) in the presence of SR144528 compared to a 79%, 85% and 90% reduction of the Ang II-mediated increase in interstitial fibrosis, perivascular fibrosis and M/L, respectively, by Ang-(1-7) alone. Brain natriuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide also were unchanged by Ang-(1-7) in the hearts of rats treated with Ang II and SR144528 compared to a 91% and 99% reduction by Ang-(1-7) in Ang II-treated rats. Thus, treatment with a CB2R antagonist blunts the anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic responses to Ang-(1-7) in hypertensive Ang II-treated rats, independent of blood pressure, suggesting that the growth inhibitory properties of Ang-(1-7) involve a novel pathway which includes activation of the CB2 receptor.
Validation of the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID) as a Screening Tool for Voice Disorders: Development of Clinical Cutoff Scores.

Summary Objectives The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the performance of the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID—a multivariate estimate of dysphonia severity) as a potential screening tool for voice disorder identification and (2) identify potential clinical cutoff scores to classify voice-disordered cases versus controls. Methodology Subjects were 332 men and women (116 men, 216 women) comprised of subjects who presented to a physician with a voice-related complaint and a group of non–voice-related control subjects. Voice-disordered cases versus controls were initially defined via three reference standards: (1) auditory-perceptual judgment (dysphonia +/−); (2) Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score (VHI +/−); and (3) laryngoscopic description (laryngoscopic +/−). Speech samples were analyzed using the Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice program. Cepstral and spectral measures were combined into a CSID multivariate formula which estimated dysphonia severity for Rainbow Passage samples (ie, the CSID R ). The ability of the CSID R to accurately classify cases versus controls in relation to each reference standard was evaluated via a combination of logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results The ability of the CSID R to discriminate between cases and controls was represented by the "area under the ROC curve" (AUC). ROC classification of dysphonia-positive cases versus controls resulted in a strong AUC = 0.85. A CSID R cutoff of ≈24 achieved the best balance between sensitivity and specificity, whereas a more liberal cutoff score of ≈19 resulted in higher sensitivity while maintaining respectable specificity which may be preferred for screening purposes. Weaker but adequate AUCs = 0.75 and 0.73 were observed for the classification of VHI-positive and laryngoscopic-positive cases versus controls, respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated that subject age may be a significant covariate in the discrimination of dysphonia-positive and VHI-positive cases versus controls. Conclusions The CSID R can provide a strong level of accuracy for the classification of voice-disordered cases versus controls, particularly when auditory-perceptual judgment is used as the reference standard. Although users often focus on a cutoff score that achieves a balance between sensitivity and specificity, more liberal cutoffs for screening purposes versus conservative cutoffs when cost or risk of further evaluation is deemed to be high should also be considered.
An algorithm (GIPC2) for solving integer programming problems with separable nonlinear objective functions

This paper presents an algorithm for solving the integer programming problem possessing a separable nonlinear objective function subject to linear constraints. The method is based on a generalization of the Balas implicit enumeration scheme. Computational experience is given for a set of seventeen linear and seventeen nonlinear test problems. The results indicate that the algorithm can solve the nonlinear integer programming problem in roughly the equivalent time required to solve the linear integer programming problem of similar size with existing algorithms. Although the algorithm is specifically designed to solve the nonlinear problem, the results indicate that the algorithm compares favorably with the Branch and Bound algorithm in the solution of linear integer programming problems.
Reimagining Woland: The Shadow Archetype and the Paradox of Evil in The Master and Margarita

Scholars suggest that, following a 1926 OGPU search and seizure of his home, Mikhail Bulgakov turned attention to his father's spiritual and academic world and, in so doing, returned to elements of his childhood. Ultimately, Bulgakov's attention to Christianity led to his composition of The Master and Margarita. Psychologically, a return to elements of childhood amidst crisis reflects a process of regression, a return to familiar and stabilizing elements on which an individual builds a foundation for dealing with life difficulties. Situated against the broader suggestion that The Master and Margarita developed as a psychological response to professional persecution, my essay argues that the devil character Woland emerged within this regression as the shadow archetype, a psychological personification often interpreted as nefarious that operates as a paradox of evil necessary for psycho-spiritual restoration amidst personal suffering.
Business value of information technology: a study of electronic data interchange

A great deal of controversy exists about the impact of information technology on firm performance. While some authors have reported positive impacts, others have found negative or no impacts. This study focuses on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technology. Many of the problems in this line of research are over-come in this study by conducting a careful analysis of the performance data of the past decade gathered from the assembly centers of Chrysler Corporation. This study estimates the dollar benefits of improved information exchanges between Chrysler and its suppliers that result from using EDI. After controlling for variations in operational complexity arising from mix, volume, parts complexity, model, and engineering changes, the savings per vehicle that result from improved information exchanges are estimated to be about $60. Including the additional savings from electronic document preparation and transmission, the total benefits of EDI per vehicle amount to over $100. System wide, this translates to annual savings of $220 million for the company.
The Fatherbook: A Document for Therapeutic Work with Father-Absent Early Adolescent Boys

There is convincing evidence that children who grow up without fathers are vulnerable for psychosocial dysfunction. A document called the “Fatherbook” is presented for therapeutic work with the father-absent early adolescent boy. Modeled on the life story book used with children in foster care, the Fatherbook records information, thoughts, and feelings about absent fathers. It provides a tangible object with which the youngster can begin to work through the experience of being fatherless. The boy's mother must have the opportunity to voice her feelings about the Fatherbook because the Fatherbook brings the father back into her life as well as her son's.
C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), Diet, and Physical Activity in Rural Women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity (PA) levels on inflammatory marker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) among rural women 35-65 years of age. Sample: Rural, non-smoking women (N = 99) in two states. Method: Cohort analysis from a primary study with randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Results: The dependent variable was calculated as: (a) the log-transformed (log) hsCRP difference , post minus pre values and (b) post log hsCRP. There was no difference between the intervention groups on log difference hsCRP (t (97) = -.88, p = .38); however, those women in the experimental group had half the level of log hsCRP. There was a significant difference in log hsCRP difference by activity level (F (2, 90) = 3.67, p = .03) indicating higher activity reduced hsCRP. Those women with a moderate activity level in the experimental group had the lowest hsCRP levels. The log hsCRP difference was not significantly different when evaluated for those who increased or did not increase their fruit and vegetable intake (p = .35). When analyzed by body mass level there was a significant difference in log hsCRP difference (F = 2.96, 7, 47, p = .001). A multiple regression with three variables accounted for 12% of the variance in log hsCRP. C onclusion: Cardiovascular health of rural women is an area of great concern but limited research. The results of this study indicate increased levels of PA and fruit and vegetable intake by rural women are associated with decreased levels of hsCRP and thus with improved cardiovascular health. This study can contribute to the body of knowledge concerning the role of diet and physical activity on cardiovascular health in rural female populations. Key Words: Rural, C-reactive protein, Diet, Physical Activity, Female Cardiovascular Disease, CVD
The Interaction of Formal and Informal Lawmaking

Informal international lawmaking (IN-LAW) is an important and increasingly common phenomenon of contemporary international life. IN-LAW, however, has not replaced formal lawmaking, but exists alongside it, with multiple, overlapping formal and informal procedures often addressing the same substantive issues in world affairs. Why would states choose to address any given issue through formal or informal lawmaking – and why might they do both simultaneously? Furthermore, once two or more formal and informal lawmaking processes are underway, how do they interact in practice? To get at these questions theoretically, we develop two distinct theoretical models, one functionalist and the other distributive, and derive predictions about the conditions under which formal and informal procedures interact in complementary or antagonistic fashion. Moving from theory to empirics, we apply the theory to a series of cases, including the regulation of genetically modified foods, the protection of cultural diversity, climate change, humanitarian intervention, intellectual property rights and the legality of nuclear weapons, exploring in each case the motivations of states in establishing formal and informal law-making systems, as well as the complementary or antagonistic interaction of these systems in practice.
Do the Highly Correlated Kondo and Mixed-Valent States Influence Charge Transfer and Energy Transfer in the Motion of Atoms near Metallic Surfaces?

Physical arguments and non-equilibrium calculations based on the time dependent Anderson model are given that the highly correlated Kondo and mixed valent states are under certain circumstances relevant for an atom in motion outside a metal surface. It is predicted that anomalous temperature, energy, or velocity dependence may as a result occur in physically measured properties.
A novel use of Intralipid for the patenterai delivery of perilla ketone (NSC-348407), an investigational cytotoxic drug with a high affinity for plastic

Abstract Simulated i.v. infusions of perilla ketone, a highly lipophilic investigational cytotoxic agent, in 5% dextrose injection (D5W) through various types of i.v. administration sets resulted in considerable loss of the drug due to uptake by the plastic. Ipomeanol, a structurally similar cytotoxic agent with reduced lipophilicity, where a methyl group was replaced by a hydroxyl group, was not subject to uptake as predicted by the differences in the partitioning behavior of the two compounds. Uptake of perilla ketone by Polyvinylchloride -based sets was much greater than by polyethylene- or polyolefine-based sets. This phenomenon was completely prevented by incorporating perilla ketone into a commercially available fat emulsion, Intralipid.
A second Brazilian species of Ixocactus (Loranthaceae)

A large-leaved, apparently dioecious species ofIxocactus,I. macrophyllus, is described from Brazil.
The extremity and circumferential chest lead electrocardiogram in induced acute coronary insufficiency.

The extremity and circumferential chest lead electrocardiogram (twenty-two leads) was studied in 8 patients with generalized coronary insufficiency induced by exercise. Over the right chest, posteriorly and laterally, there was noted RS-T elevation similar to but less pronounced than that occurring in lead aVR. These leads probably represent true or mixed cavity potentials. Standard leads revealed more marked RS-T alterations after exercise than did aV leads. In the left anterior chest leads, the greatest RS-T depression occurred in the left unipolar precordial leads representing the maximal voltage of the R wave—usually V4 or V5. The practical application of these findings is discussed in relation to routine two step exercise tests.
Developing a national stream morphology data exchange: Needs, challenges, and opportunities

Stream morphology data, primarily consisting of channel and foodplain geometry and bed material size measurements, historically have had a wide range of applications and uses including culvert/ bridge design, rainfall- runoff modeling, food inundation mapping (e.g., U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency food insurance studies), climate change studies, channel stability/sediment source investigations, navigation studies, habitat assessments, and landscape change research. The need for stream morphology data in the United States, and thus the quantity of data collected, has grown substantially over the past 2 decades because of the expanded interests of resource management agencies in watershed management and restoration. The quantity of stream morphology data collected has also increased because of state-of-the-art technologies capable of rapidly collecting high-resolution data over large areas with heretofore unprecedented precision. Despite increasing needs for and the expanding quantity of stream morphology data, neither common reporting standards nor a central data archive exist for storing and serving these often large and spatially complex data sets. We are proposing an open- access data exchange for archiving and disseminating stream morphology data.
Ab initio study including electron correlation of the ground state (X 1Σ+) of SiS

Abstract Although many experimental investigations of silicon sulfide, SiS, have appeared in the literature, only a very few ab initio studies of this molecule, which is of much interest to astrophysicists, have been reported. In this paper, we present results from a set of large-scale, multireference configuration interaction calculations on the ground-state potential energy curve of SiS. We present a comparison of various spectroscopic constants derived from our calculations with those from experiment. Additionally, we present a functional representation of the dipole moment of this molecule and compare it with experiment and another semiempirically derived functional form.
Examining wide-arc digital breast tomosynthesis: optimization using a visual-search model observer

Mathematical model observers are expected to assist in preclinical optimization of image acquisition and reconstruction parameters. A clinically realistic and robust model observer platform could help in multiparameter optimizations without requiring frequent human-observer validations. We are developing search-capable visual-search (VS) model observers with this potential. In this work, we present initial results on optimization of DBT scan angle and the number of projection views for low-contrast mass detection. Comparison with human-observer results shows very good agreement. These results point towards the benefits of using relatively wider arcs and low projection angles per arc degree for improved mass detection. These results are particularly interesting considering that the FDA-approved DBT systems like Hologic Selenia Dimensions uses a narrow (15-degree) acquisition arc and one projection per arc degree.
Post-surgical neuromas in patients with total alloplastic temporomandibular joint reconstruction: a retrospective case series.

This study evaluated pain scores and maximal incisal opening (MIO) in patients with total alloplastic temporomandibular joints found to have post-surgical neuromas following revision arthroplasty, compared with patients who underwent revision arthroplasty without neuromas. 19 cases were reviewed of which 11 had neuromas excised. Data were available for 8 cases in the immediate postoperative period and 7 cases had follow-up data. 8 patients had revision arthoplasty with excision of scar tissue (7 with postoperative, 4 with long-term data). Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 5.9 years (mean 1.2 years). 6 of 8 patients obtained clinically significant pain reduction in the immediate postoperative period when their neuromas were excised, compared with 3 of 7 patients without neuromas. On long-term follow-up, 3 of 7 patients in the neuroma group had clinically significant pain reduction, 3 reported lower pain scores, 1 had no pain change. No patients had increased pain. 1 of 4 patients in the scar revision group had clinically significant pain reduction, 2 had no change, 1 reported increased pain. Mean MIO was 23 mm preoperative and 28 mm postoperative in patients with neuromas, compared with 27.75 mm and 31.25 mm, respectively, in patients without neuromas.