cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Content-Based Image Categorization and Retrieval using Neural Networks

We propose a neural network based method for organizing images for content-based image retrieval. We use spectral histogram features, the histograms of filtered images to capture the spatial relationship among pixels as well as global appearance of images. We then find the optimal combination of spectral histogram features using optimal factor analysis to reduce the dimension of features and maximize the discrimination. The reduced features are then used as input to a multiple layer perceptron, which is trained to categorize images based on content using back propagation. For a query image, images are retrieved from different classes based on the categorization probability for the query image. Experimental results on a subset of Corel dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and comparisons show that the proposed method gives significant improvement over other methods.
Variability in zidovudine serum concentrations

This study explored the variability of zidovudine concentrations with computer simulations and measured concentrations. A one-compartment oral absorption model was selected to characterize zidovudine disposition. Mean (+/-standard deviation) values for the pharmacokinetic parameters were taken from the literature. Five different Monte Carlo simulations (50 each) were performed of zidovudine concentrations following repetitive administration of 100-mg oral doses 6 times/day in patients weighing 45-85 kg. A sixth simulation considered a weight-adjusted regimen. Predicted concentrations were compared with those measured in 30 HIV-infected persons receiving 100 mg/dose. Predicted concentrations 1 hour after 100 mg was administered fell in the range of 0.52-5.18 microM; measured values in 30 patients were 0.54-3.07 microM. This study confirms substantial variability in zidovudine serum concentrations. The simulation study of a weight-adjusted regimen suggests one possibility to reduce this variability. These observations provide a basis to explore dosing strategies that control for pharmacokinetic and perhaps pharmacodynamic sources of interpatient variability.
Agitation in Face-to-Face Contacts: A Study of the Personalities of Orators

The Summer 1956 Quarterly contained an article by Mr. Swanson on "Agitation Through the Press: A Study of the Personalities of Publicists," in which the author concluded that publicists have strong needs to control their world and to be protected from its unfavorable reactions. This article suggests that orators resemble publicists in many ways but that they are less passive and dependent. G. E. Swanson is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan.
Tich Matek: The Technology of Luo Pottery Production and the Definition of Ceramic Style

Abstract The paper describes an operational sequence of production for the ‘household ceramic industry’ of the Luo people of Kenya, indicating the variations in technical and design choices at various stages which characterize the traditions of manufacture and the resultant micro‐styles of different potter communities. Examination of the technology of production among the Luo calls into question the basic premises of the functional definition of style proposed under the ‘information exchange’ hypothesis of M. Wobst. Rather, in agreement with the approaches of P. Lemonnier and J. Sackett, ceramic style is seen to originate in the patterns of choice inherent in all production operations, and neither communication functions nor information targets can be inferred from a consideration of the costs of stylistic behavior.
Efficient first-class generics on stock Java virtual machines

The second-class formulation of generics in Java 5.0 discards generic type information during compilation. As a result, Java 5.0 prohibits run-time type-dependent operations, generates unavoidable unchecked warnings (type errors) during compilation, and causes unexpected behavior during execution. The NEXTGEN Generic Java compiler eliminates these pathologies by retaining parametric type information at runtime and customizing the code in generic classes and polymorphic methods where necessary to support (parametric) type-dependent operations. NEXTGEN is a production compiler for the entire Java 5.0 language; it executes on standard JVMs and is backward compatible with existing libraries and other binaries. Benchmarks show that the first-class implementation of generic types in NEXTGEN has essentially the same performance as Java 5.0 and significanlty outperforms alternative first-class implementation architectures.
A Tribute to Norman E. Shumway, MD, PhD (1923–2006)

Norman E. Shumway died in February of 2006. A brief biography is offered, and some of his accomplishments are highlighted.
Effective die-package-PCB co-design methodology and its deployment in 10 Gbps serial link transceiver FPGA packages

This paper discusses the die-package-PCB co-design methodology and proposes an effective modeling technique for package-PCB co-simulation. This technique accurately takes into account the discontinuities at the package-PCB interface. The proposed new methodology renders the co-simulation 2–5× less time consuming than traditional practice. Based on the new methodology, a multi-layer multi-channel BGA package is designed for 10Gbps FPGA applications. The differential return loss and insertion loss of the optimized package considering PCB and die effect are simulated, so are the cross talk between high-speed transceiver channels and jitter degradation of the transceiver channels due to the interference of the neighboring lower speed fabric I/Os.
Production of pesticide metabolites by oxidative reactions

The cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase system catalyzes a wide variety of oxidations of pesticide chemicals and related compounds. These reactions include epoxidation and aromatic hydroxylation, aliphatic hydroxylation, O-, N- and S-dealkylation, N-oxidation, oxidative deamination, S-oxidation, P-oxidation, desulfuration and ester cleavage and may result in either detoxication or activation of the pesticide. The current status of such reactions, relative to the production, in vivo, of biologically active intermediates in pesticide metabolism is summarized. More recently we have shown that the FAD-containing monooxygenase of mammalian liver (E.C.1.14.13.8), a xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme of broad specificity formerly known as an amine oxidase, is involved in a variety of pesticide oxidations. These include sulfoxidation of organophosphorus insecticides such as phorate and disulfoton, oxidative desulfuration of phosphonate insecticides such as fonofos and oxidation at the phosphorus atom in such compounds as the cotton defoliant, folex. The relative importance of the FAD-containing monooxygenase vis-a-vis the cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase system is discussed, based on in vitro studies on purified enzymes.
Ovine interferon tau suppresses transcription of the estrogen receptor and oxytocin receptor genes in the ovine endometrium

Tau interferons (IFNtau) are a unique subclass of the omega interferons that are transiently produced by the trophectoderm of the conceptus (embryo and associated membranes) during early pregnancy in ruminants. IFNtau acts as an antiestrogen on the endometrium to suppress increases in estrogen receptor (ER) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) gene expression which prevents pulsatile production of prostaglandin F2alpha and regression of the corpus luteum or luteolysis. In this study, steady-state levels of ER mRNA and transcription rates of the ER and OTR genes were two-fold lower in the endometrium of pregnant as compared to cyclic ewes on day 15. Levels of ER mRNA and ER and OTR gene transcription were also two-fold lower in the endometrium of day 15 cyclic ewes receiving intrauterine injections of recombinant ovine IFNtau from day 11 to day 14 compared to control ewes. Results suggest that the antiluteolytic action of IFNtau is to suppress transcription of the ER gene by a negative-acting transcriptional mechan...
Branched-chain amino acids and neurotransmitter metabolism: expression of cytosolic branched-chain aminotransferase (BCATc) in the cerebellum and hippocampus.

In the brain, catabolism of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) provides nitrogen for the synthesis of glutamate and glutamine. Glutamate is formed through transfer of an amino group from BCAA to α-ketoglutarate in reaction catalyzed by branched-chain aminotransferases (BCAT). There are two isozymes of BCAT: cytosolic BCATc, which is found in the nervous system, ovary, and placenta, and mitochondrial BCATm, which is found in all organs except rat liver. In cell culture systems, BCATc is found only in neurons and developing oligodendrocytes, whereas BCATm is the isoform in astroglia. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of BCATc in the rat brain, focusing on the well-known neural architecture of the cerebellum and hippocampus. We show that BCATc is expressed only in neurons in the adult rat brain. In glutamatergic neurons such as granule cells of the cerebellar cortex and of the dentate gyrus, BCATc is localized to axons and nerve terminals. In contrast, in GABAergic neurons such as cerebellar Purkinje cells and hippocampal pyramidal basket cells, BCATc is concentrated in cell bodies. A common function for BCATc in these neurotransmitter systems may be to modulate amounts of glutamate available either for release as neurotransmitter or for use as precursor for synthesis of GABA. Particularly striking in our findings is the strong expression of BCATc in the mossy fiber pathway of the hippocampal formation. This result is discussed in light of the effectiveness of the anticonvulsant drug gabapentin, which is a specific inhibitor of BCATc. J. Comp. Neurol. 477:360–370, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Contaminants on Bait Acceptance by Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Three commonly used fire ant baits, Amdro (0.73% hydramethylnon [AI]), Ascend (0.011% abamectins [AI]), and Maxforce (1.0% hydramethylnon [AI]), were exposed to potential, volatile contaminants. The contaminants included the insecticides Orthene Fire Ant Killer (75.0% acephate [AI]), Cyren (44.6% chlorpyrifos [AI]), and Tempo 2 (24.3% cyfluthrin [AI]); cigarette smoke; gasoline (unleaded, 89 octane); and fertilizer (10-10-10). Fire ant baits previously exposed for 48 h to these contaminants were analyzed using gas chromatography analysis. Orthene Fire Ant Killer, Cyren, Tempo 2, cigarette smoke, and gasoline had volatile components transferred to the baits. Baits exposed to these products were used in a field evaluation of bait acceptance by Solenopsis invicta Buren, the red imported fire ant. Uncontaminated Amdro was significantly preferred by S. invicta over Amdro contaminated by smoke, Cyren, Tempo 2, and gasoline. Uncontaminated Maxforce was significantly preferred over Maxforce contaminated by Tempo 2, Cyren, and gasoline, and uncontaminated Ascend was preferred over Tempo 2- and Cyren-contaminated Ascend. Orthene-exposed Amdro, Maxforce, and Ascend baits, and smoke-exposed Maxforce and Ascend baits were not significantly different from the control. These results indicate that volatile insecticides and products can contaminate fire ant baits. Some insecticides and products, such as gasoline, can significantly affect bait palatability and may adversely impact control.
Leaders' Political Skill, Organizational Politics Savvy, and Change in Organizations - A Constellation

A few studies have attempted to conceptualize independent relationships between organizational politics, political skill, and different personal and organizational outcome. This paper searches into the effects of leaders’ political skill and their understanding of organizational politics on organizational change. I present a model that conceptualizes how organizational leaders manage the change in organizations by using their political skill and organizational politics savvy. It is argued on the basis of the research and theory of leadership, political skill, organizational politics, and change that leaders who have political skill can develop a better understanding of organizational politics and can also use different influencing skills particularly their political skill to initiate, promote, and lead a positive change in organizations. This “right stuff” will make them more effective in managing friction and resistance against change and ultimately enable them to cope with dysfunctional conflicts. After defining leadership, leaders’ political skill, organizational politics, and change in organizations, I develop propositions regarding the political skill of leaders and its influence on organizational change through better understanding of organizational politics. Implications for practice, future potential research areas, and limitations of the paper are also given.
The effects of authentic leadership and organizational commitment on turnover intention

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether authentic leadership in hospitality is composed of four distinctive but related substantive components (i.e. self-awareness, relational transparency, balanced processing, and internalized moral); the impact of authentic leadership on employees’ organizational commitment (OC); the impact of employees’ OC on their turnover intention (TI); and the indirect effect of authentic leadership on employees’ TI via OC. Design/methodology/approach – The authors tested a sample of 236 students working as employees in hospitality in the USA, on the idea that authentic leadership increases OC which in turn decreases TI. The participants were asked to rate the manager’s leadership style and the frequency of their leadership behavior. Findings – Results of structural equation modeling provide support for the positive effect of authentic leadership on OC in the hospitality industry, and suggest that OC mediates reduced TI. Practical implications – The findings in th...
Coordinated Regulation of Cerebral Glycolytic and Oxidative Metabolism Mediated by Mitochondrially Bound Hexokinase

Under normal conditions, oxidative metabolism of glucose represents virtually the sole pathway for generation of energy required to support cerebral function, with the rate of glucose utilization in different brain regions varying in response to altered neurophysiological activity (Sokoloff, 1981). The overall metabolic sequence can be divided into the glycolytic segment occurring in the cytoplasm and giving rise to pyruvate, and an aerobic segment occurring within the mitochondria and involving the TCA cycle as well as mitochondrial electron transport and oxidative phosphorylation. If introduction of glucose into this pathway exceeds the capacity of the mitochondrial segment, excess carbon is diverted to lactate. Since lactate is known to have neurotoxic effect (Marie and Bralet, 1991), it is evident that coordination of the glycolytic segment and the mitochondrial oxidative reactions is essential. How is this balance achieved?
Semantics and Substance in Partnership Mergers

In this report, Professor Jones argues that semantics are useful in a world in which fluency with regard to substantive partnership tax is more fantasy than reality. He uses the semantic rules applicable to partnership mergers as context. In particular, Professor Jones shows how the frequent reliance on semantics leads to an incorrect result to the extent that continuing partners in a partnership merger are incorrectly granted a nonrecognition opportunity.
Chlortetracycline in the Nutrition of Guinea Pigs.

SummaryChlortetracycline hydrochloride has been included in various diets of a guinea pig colony for 3 years without evidence of toxicity. It had no effect on growth rate and caused no mortality when added to a purified diet at levels from 25 to 200 mg/kg. At the routine level of 25 mg/kg, the antibiotic decreased abortions and adult mortality and eliminated cervical lymphadenitis from the breeding colony. Although chlortetracycline may be toxic to guinea pigs under some conditions, in our laboratory it has been beneficial in the maintenance of a breeding colony and has been used routinely in purified experimental diets for growth studies.
Hospital Community Benefit in the Context of the Larger Public Health System: A State-Level Analysis of Hospital and Governmental Public Health Spending Across the United States.

CONTEXT Achieving meaningful population health improvements has become a priority for communities across the United States, yet funding to sustain multisector initiatives is frequently not available. One potential source of funding for population health initiatives is the community benefit expenditures that are required of nonprofit hospitals to maintain their tax-exempt status. OBJECTIVE In this article, we explore the importance of nonprofit hospitals' community benefit dollars as a funding source for population health. DESIGN Hospitals' community benefit expenditures were obtained from their 2009 IRS (Internal Revenue Service) Form 990 Schedule H and complemented with data on state and local public health spending from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Association of County & City Health Officials. Key measures included indicators of hospitals' community health spending and governmental public health spending, all aggregated to the state level. Univariate and bivariate statistics were used to describe how much hospitals spent on programs and activities for the community at large and to understand the relationship between hospitals' spending and the expenditures of state and local health departments. RESULTS Tax-exempt hospitals spent a median of $130 per capita on community benefit activities, of which almost $11 went toward community health improvement and community-building activities. In comparison, median state and local health department spending amounted to $82 and $48 per capita, respectively. Hospitals' spending thus contributed an additional 9% to the resources available for population health to state and local health departments. Spending, however, varied widely by state and was unrelated to governmental public health spending. Moreover, adding hospitals' spending to the financial resources available to governmental public health agencies did not reduce existing inequalities in population health funding across states. CONCLUSIONS Hospitals' community health investments represent an important source for public health activities, yet inequalities in the availability of funding across communities remain.
Atmospheric Trajectory Analysis to Project Long-Range Migration of Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Adults

The black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), larva is a pest of seedling corn in the Midwest. Adults migrate from the south during the spring. Determination of their arrival date is critical to anticipate accurately the time of appearance of larvae in the field. A simplified and easily applied procedure called the moth influx potential (MIP) system was developed to project black cutworm moth movement. The procedure uses National Weather Service atmospheric trajectory forecasts in a backtracking trajectory strategy that projects moth movement from source regions estimated by soil temperature analysis. The MIP system was tested for its ability to determine nights of introduction of A. ipsilon moths into central Iowa; estimates were compared with numbers of adult males captured in traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone. Pooled data from 5 yr (1978-1981 and 1983) were used for these comparisons. Regression analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.01) but weak correlation ( r = 0.210) between square-root transformations of daily MIPs and trap captures. The correlation of 4-d ( r = 0.292), 5-d ( r = 0.311), 6-d ( r = 0.366), and 7-d averages ( r = 0.369) of MIP and trap captures increased sequentially. Significant linear ( r = 0.400) and quadratic trends ( r = 0.366) were also detected between calendar week and trap captures. Stepwise regression of 7-d MIP and time variables provided a model for predicting trap captures.
Accessing Online Data: Web‐Crawling and Information‐Scraping Techniques to Automate the Assembly of Research Data

There is a growing interest in leveraging alternate sources of empirical data, with an increasing emphasis being placed on the Internet. This paper serves as a primer for supply chain management (SCM) researchers that may be interested in leveraging Internet-based sources for their own research, but perhaps not familiar with how to begin. Here, definitions and concepts critical to successful implementation in practice are provided. In addition, concrete, discipline-relevant examples accompany the discussion, and are aided by a fully detailed online code supplement. Performance enhancements are discussed, as well as associated caveats and limitations. Additionally, insights and guidance are offered on the unique responsibilities for researchers to uphold the ethical spirit of scientific research when continuing along these paths. Pragmatic issues related to the application of these techniques are presented for consideration of individual researchers and the SCM community as a whole.
The self and the ideal self: methodological study of pedophiles.

Ratings of the self and of the ideal self were obtained from 215 institutionalized child molesters and 143 child molesters who were living in the community. The discrepancy between the two ratings of the self is seen to be related to the descriptive terms used to depict the self Words that are clearly evaluative in nature did not lead to discrepancies in the two ratings. Words that were descriptive but nonevaluative gave rise to large differences between ratings of the ideal self and the real self. There were few apparent differences between the child molesters in the community and those in the institution.
Long-term Control of Grasshoppers

The length of protection from grasshoppers beyond the year an insecticide is applied was examined by using published and unpublished reports and the results of actual control programs in Wyoming. Of 9 studies that provided untreated check areas for comparison, only 2 demonstrated protection from grasshoppers lasting beyond the year of application. Failure to demonstrate protection beyond the year of application in 7 comparisons was the result of either reinvasion of treated areas or of natural changes in the population of untreated check areas. Of 1,208,000 acres treated initially between 1952 and 1958 in Wyoming, an average of 3.8% was retreated annually for the next 5 years. The use of retreatment rate as a measure of effectiveness is developed employing standard statistical procedures.
Analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites in human plasma by HPLC with fluorescence detection using solid-phase extraction

Objective:To establish a high performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of catecholamines and their metabolites in drugger′s plasma.Methods:After pretreatment with solid-phase extraction and separation of high performance liquid chromatography,catecholamines and their metabolites were detected by fluorescence detector.Results:Complete separation of seven catecholamines and their metabolites including epinephrine,norepinephrine,isoproterenol,dopamine and three of their metabolites was achieved on a Phenomenex C18 column(250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.,5 μm) by gradient elution at a flow ratio of 1.0 ml/min.The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of methanol and a pH 4.0,20 mmol/L citrate buffer containing 0.06% of 1-heptanesulfonate sodium.After solid-phase extraction with SUPELCO RIDA C18 columns,the recovery rates of spiked plasma were in the range of 85.6%～106.3% under optimized elution conditions with RSD of 2.3% and 6.7%.Good linear relationships of seven substances were achieved with relative coefficients more than 0.997 and their detection limits were in the range of 5.0 μg/L～50.0 μg/L.Conclusion:The proposed HPLC method is rapid,sensitive,and suitable for the analysis of catecholamines and their metabolites in human plasma.
Surgical anatomy of hepatic transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the most formidable procedure performed in general and transplantation surgery today. No operation requires a greater knowledge of anatomy, and no operation is so unforgiving. A debt is owed to the pioneers of this procedure, and “first among equals” is Thomas Starzl. This article chronicles the accomplishments of Starzl and his colleagues and details the anatomic variations of hepatic segmental, arterial, venous, and ductal anatomy, knowledge of which is the first step in the successful completion of this challenging procedure.
Primary therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia: results of amsacrine- and daunorubicin-based therapy

Remission rates for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) have improved with the use of anthracyclines and proper management of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In a prospective randomized trial of chemotherapy in patients with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia, there were 16 patients with APL. All 7 of the patients receiving the amsacrine-containing regimen and 5 of 9 receiving the daunorubicin-containing regimen achieved a remission. All patients, except 2 of the 3 who underwent bone marrow transplantation, remain alive and in remission from 1+ to 25+ mo. Amsacrine is an effective replacement for daunorubicin in the treatment of APL, and its use does not compromise the favorable remission duration characteristic of APL.
Survival outcomes of adolescent and adult patients with non-seminomatous testicular germ-cell tumors: A population-based study.

Summary Background In adolescents, approximately 90% of testicular germ cell tumors (T-GCTs) are non-seminomas (NS T-GCTs). Few studies have evaluated the impact of age, specifically in adolescence, on outcomes of NS T-GCTs. Objective The purpose of this study was to review all patients diagnosed with NS T-GCTs in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate the association between age (adolescents vs. adults) and survival outcomes. Method The SEER database was queried for individuals ≥13 years old diagnosed with NS T-GCTs from 1995 to 2012. Patients were categorized into adolescent (13–19 years) and adult (≥20 years) cohorts. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis (MVA). Results A total of 13,963 patients (1496 adolescents, 12,467 adults) was included. Median follow-up was 71 months (range 1–215). Five-year overall survival (OS) for adolescent and adult patients was 94% and 92%, respectively (p = 0.007); 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 95% and 94%, respectively (p = 0.139). Under MVA, adolescent patients had improved OS (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.50–0.75; p Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest population-based comparative analysis in NS T-GCTs comparing outcomes between these two age groups. Adolescent patients with NS T-GCTs had slightly improved survival compared with adults, despite presenting with more advanced disease. While adolescent patients present at more advanced stage, they achieve excellent survival outcomes possibly at the cost of a greater therapeutic burden. Table . Multivariate analysis of predictors of cancer-specific survival (CSS). Variable Multivariate HR 95% CI p Age, years ≥20 1 13–19 0.65 0.51–0.82 Histology Non-seminomatous germ-cell, NOS 1 Embryonal 0.46 0.34–0.62 Yolk sac 0.91 0.62–1.35 0.646 Choriocarcinoma 1.43 1.04–1.96 0.027 Teratoma 0.94 0.63–1.39 0.753 Mixed 0.71 0.54–0.92 0.009 Summary stage Localized 1 Regional/distant 10.35 8.78–12.20 Unknown 2.37 1.19–4.72 0.014 HR, hazard ratio; CI, confidence interval; NOS, not otherwise specified.
Combining Fluorescence Microscopy on Freestanding Lipid Bilayers with Electrical Measurements

The structure, precise operation mechanism and dynamics of ion channels have not yet been elucidated because linking the structure and structure changes to function has remained challenging. We are developing new methods that allow the structure of membrane proteins to be studied in a controlled, native-like environment by simultaneously probing their structure and function. We report a second-generation membrane interferometer (Ganesan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 106, 2008) in which electrophysiology measurements can be performed simultaneously with high-resolution fluorescence microscopy imaging. In the membrane interferometer, a freestanding bilayer is formed over a micropore that is positioned approximately 400 nanometer above a reflective mirror. The mirror allows the use of Fluorescence Interference Contrast microscopy (FLIC) and Variable Incidence Angle-FLIC (VIA-FLIC), two surface characterization techniques that precisely locate the height of fluorescent objects relative to the silicon surface with nm resolution. The second-generation design provides electrical access on both sides and is meant to create a more planar bilayer than the earlier design. Electrophysiology measurements revealed formation of freestanding bilayers with giga-Ohm seals over the micropores that are stable for over 24 hrs. As an initial test we incorporated alpha-hemolysin channels into the bilayers and measured their activity using electrophysiology, while simultaneously imaging the lipid bilayer by FLIC to analyze its curvature. Progress on the incorporation of other fluorescently labeled ion channels will be described.
Vibrational Interaction of Two Rotors with Friction Coupling

A lumped parameter model is presented for studying the dynamic interaction between two disks in relative rotational motion and in friction contact. The contact elastic and dissipative characteristics are represented by equivalent stiffness and damping coefficient in the axial as well as torsional direction. The formulation accounts for the coupling between the axial and angular motions by viewing the contact normal force a result of axial behavior of the system. The model is used to investigate stick-slip behavior of a two-disk friction system. In this effort the friction coefficient is represented as an exponentially decaying function of relative angular velocity, varying from its static value at zero relative velocity to its kinetic value at very high velocities. This investigation results in the establishment of critical curve defining two-parameter regions: one in which stick-slip occurs and that in which stick-slip does not occur. Moreover, the onset and termination of stick-slip, when it occurs, are related to the highest component frequency in the system. It is found that stick-slip starts at a period nearly equal to that of the highest component frequency and terminates at a period almost three times that of the highest component frequency.
Physics-based GNRFET compact model for digital circuit design

Graphene has attracted significant interest as a possible candidate for future transistors because of its high carrier mobility and current density [1]. The biggest setback of intrinsic graphene in digital applications is the absence of a bandgap, needed for digital logic to distinguish between high and low current states. Experiments demonstrated the opening of a bandgap by either applying an interlayer electrical field on bilayer graphene [2], or quantum confinement in narrow graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) (<10 nm in width) [3], which ushered in the design of wide-narrow-wide GNR field-effect transistors (GNRFET) [4]. However, such a bandgap comes at the expense of mobility [5]. Goal of this paper is to show the architectural ramifications of small bandgap graphene, using physics based compact model benchmarked with experiment.
Oral Anticoagulation and Duration in Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Long-term anticoagulant therapy for recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) is determined based on a patient’s underlying thromboembolic risk and bleeding risk. Patient characteristics and preferences should be considered when selecting appropriate anticoagulant therapy.
Uremia induces adipose tissue inflammation and muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.

Background. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with inflammation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with several complications of ESRD. The aim of this study was to determine histological characteristics of adipose tissue and muscle mitochondrial function in uremia and its relationship with inflammation. Methods. ESRD patients ( n = 18) and controls ( n = 6) were enrolled for studies of adipose and muscle tissue by immunohistochemistry and western blot. In a uremic muscle cell model, C2C12 cells were exposed to uremic serum and inflammatory cytokines. Mitochondrial function was studied by MitoTracker Orange, translocase of the mitochondrial outer membrane 20 (TOMM20) and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex subunit expression. Results. ESRD patients had increased macrophage infiltration in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue compared with controls, even in nonobese ESRD patients (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, TOMM20 expression in muscle tissue was lower in ESRD, consistent with reduced mitochondrial function (P < 0.05). C2C12 exposed to uremia had decreased mitotracker intensity (P < 0.05) and the reduced mitochondrial function was rescued by N-acetyl cysteine (P < 0.01). Similarly, C2C12 cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)/interleukin-6 (IL-6) have decreased mitotracker intensity (P < 0.01) that was rescued with adiponectin (P < 0.05). C2C12 exposed to TNF-α, IL-6 and buthionine sulfoximine had decreased TOMM20 expression and cells exposed to TNF-α showed a decrease in subunits of mitochondrial complexes I and III. Conclusion. Our data indicate that uremia is associated with increased adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and concurrent muscle tissue mitochondrial dysfunction induced by inflammation/ROS. Adipose tissue is a potential source of inflammation in ESRD that is not due to increased adiposity and may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in uremia.
Hybrid integration of RF photonic systems

Radio frequency photonics is demonstrating superior performance in communication systems using discrete components. As systems establish an upgrade path balancing challenging bandwidth requirements with size, weight and power constraints, the time is ripe to transition to a more efficient and cost-effective hybrid manufacturing technology.
Failures in sand in reduced gravity environments

The strength of granular materials, specifically sand is important for understanding physical phenomena on other celestial bodies. However, relatively few experiments have been conducted to determine the dependence of strength properties on gravity. In this work, we experimentally investigated relative values of strength (the peak friction angle, the residual friction angle, the angle of repose, and the peak dilatancy angle) in Earth, Martian, Lunar, and near-zero gravity. The various angles were captured in a classical passive Earth pressure experiment conducted on board a reduced gravity flight and analyzed using digital image correlation. The data showed essentially no dependence of the peak friction angle on gravity, a decrease in the residual friction angle between Martian and Lunar gravity, no dependence of the angle of repose on gravity, and an increase in the dilation angle between Martian and Lunar gravity. Additionally, multiple flow surfaces were seen in near-zero gravity. These results highlight the importance of understanding strength and deformation mechanisms of granular materials at different levels of gravity.
A qualitative inquiry of DMO services to hotels: How valuable are they perceived?

Abstract While it is clear that destination marketing organizations (DMOs) bring business to hotels by promoting the destination, the focus of this study is to investigate what DMO services are valued more (or less) by DMOs and hotels. A qualitative approach was adopted in this inquiry, where the primary data were collected through two-phase semi-structured interviews with 14 industry practitioners working in DMOs or hotels. The first phase began with in-depth interviews with DMO representatives about the DMO services provided to hotels, using the interview protocol developed from a review of literature. An improved protocol was advanced with the DMOs’ inputs and then used in the second phase of the investigation to assess hotels’ evaluations on the DMO services received, as well as the areas that may need improvement. The data were analyzed with the content analysis method under seven services areas: membership management, training and education, data and research, lead generation, publication, networking opportunities, and cost sharing. In the end, the qualitative data collected in the two-phase interviews were further triangulated, leading to a development of a two-dimensional classification matrix of DMO services perceived by DMOs and hotels. The results reveal some discrepancies in regards to how DMOs and hotels value the DMO services, such as in lead generations as well as training and educational programs. Theoretical implications and specific practical recommendations for each of the seven service areas are provided to improve DMO services for hotels.
Response of long-gauge strain sensors in proximity of force application point

Strain field distributions within a beam are frequently calculated using linear theory. However, linear beam theory does not provide solutions in the areas close to force application points, due to local strain perturbations caused by the force. Hence, interpretation of strain measurements taken by long-gauge sensors in proximity of force application point is difficult, as the measurements cannot be directly compared with analytical models. In addition, due to perturbation, sensors with different gauge lengths installed at that same location provide different values of measured strain. This paper explores and develops a potential analytical model for strain field perturbation in a beam’s regions close to force application points, and investigates the influence of sensor gauge length on strain measurement in these areas. An analytical model derived by Seewald is modified in order to fit the sensor measurements. Based on the model, evaluation of strain measurement is performed taking into account the gauge length of the sensor. Results are validated using data from a real structure, Streicker Bridge at Princeton University campus.
The analysis of left truncated bivariate data using frailty models

In this paper, we study the properties of frailty models for bivariate data under fixed left truncation. It turns out that the distribution of completely observable pairs is also a member of the Archimedean copula family. We propose a new estimation strategy to analyze this type of data using the corresponding Kendall distribution. A general goodness‐of‐fit test procedure is then developed for selecting the best model. Our strategies are generalization of the methodologies proposed for left truncated data. We demonstrate our new approaches using simulations and an illustrative example and end our paper with some discussion.
Loneliness in middle age and biomarkers of systemic inflammation: Findings from Midlife in the United States.

Abstract Objective Middle-aged adults who are lonely have an elevated likelihood of death. Systemic inflammation may contribute to these increased odds. Using population-level data, this study tested if systemic inflammation is associated with loneliness in a broad age range of middle-aged adults in the United States. Methods This study used data from the Midlife in the US (MIDUS) survey Biomarker Project, which collected data on psychological, social, and physiological measures from a sample of middle-aged adults. This sample included the 927 participants who were 35–64 years at Biomarker Project data collection. MIDUS collected baseline data from 1995-1996 and a follow-up survey was conducted from 2004-2006. The baseline Milwaukee sample of African Americans was collected in 2005–2006 and the biomarker database was collected in 2004–2009. Biomarkers were obtained from a fasting blood sample. Self-reported loneliness was categorized as feeling lonely or not feeling lonely. Hierarchical regressions examined the association between biomarkers of systemic inflammation (interleukin-6, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein) and feeling lonely, adjusted for covariates. Results Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported feeling lonely most or some of the time. There was a positive significant relationship between loneliness and the three systemic inflammation biomarkers after controlling for covariates: interleukin-6 (n = 873) (b [se] = 0.07 [0.03], p = .014); fibrinogen (n = 867) (b [se] = 18.24 [7.12], p = .011); and C-reactive protein (n = 867) (b [se] = 0.08 [0.04], p = .035). Conclusions Feeling lonely is associated with systemic inflammation in middle-aged community-dwelling US adults.
Asymmetric Information and Liquidity Provision

The presence of information asymmetry increases the probability that a potential predator will provide liquidity rather than engaging in predatory trading during liquidation by a distressed trader. More information asymmetry is associated with lower expected losses from liquidation for the distressed trader in illiquid markets. There is a negative correlation between the degree of information asymmetry and the returns from predatory trading, which is consistent with empirical findings. These results imply that strategic traders are more likely to stabilize markets by providing liquidity when information is asymmetric. These findings highlight a cost associated with disclosure and can explain the documented rarity of illiquidity episodes in financial markets.
Treadmill exercise testing. Treadmill installation and training protocols used for clinical evaluations of equine athletes.

Clinical treadmill exercise tests currently being used to aid in the diagnosis of poor performance in equine athletes include gait analysis and dynamic hoof balancing, endoscopic evaluation of upper airway function during testing, and exercise performance profiling. Proper use of the treadmill for clinical evaluations requires the appropriate use of equipment, adequate space and building construction to house the treadmill, and strict adherence to prescribed training techniques to ensure the horse’s safety.
Time and the Quantum World

Although the measurement of physical magnitudes in the quantum world is limited in precision and is statistical in nature, time is still a parameter in a deterministic equation of motion. Called the Schrodinger equation, it is symmetrical in time, just like classical and relativistic mechanics. Consequently, it appears that the quantum world is also a kind of unchanging Parmenides world that lacks a preferred time direction. But in a single case, making a quantum mechanical measurement provides evidence of an irreversible process during which the temporal symmetry is broken. Possible violations of time symmetry also emerge in quantum field theories, which describe the interactions of elementary particles. The question arises, Will it ever be possible to explain irreversible processes within the framework of cosmic evolution, supposing that a union between general relativity theory and quantum mechanics can be achieved? It is suspected that there is an intimate connection between this epistemological discussion of time and many current research topics, including quantum mechanical measurement processes, black holes, and the anthropic principle.
Brief Announcement: Partially Replicated Causally Consistent Shared Memory

Distributed shared memory systems maintain multiple replicas of the shared memory registers. Maintaining causal consistency in such systems has received significant attention in the past. However, much of the previous literature focuses on \em full replication wherein each replica stores a copy of all the registers in the shared memory. In this paper, we investigate causal consistency in partially replicated systems, wherein each replica may store only a subset of the shared data. To achieve causal consistency, it is necessary to ensure that, before an update is performed at any given replica, all causally preceding updates must also be performed. Achieving this goal requires some mechanism to track causal dependencies. In the context of full replication, this goal is often achieved using vector timestamps, with the number of vector elements being equal to the number of replicas. Building on the past work, this paper makes two key contributions: For a family of algorithms for maintaining causal consistency, we present necessary conditions on the metadata (which we refer as a \em timestamp ) that must be maintained by each replica. We present an algorithm for achieving causal consistency using a timestamp that matches one of the necessary conditions referred above, thus showing that the condition is necessary and sufficient both.
Teaching as Learning: Engaging Graduate Students in the Active Learning of Teaching and Mentoring

In this paper we examine the teaching as active learning, particularly the benefits that accrue from graduate students actively engaged in teaching and mentoring. In particular we examine two programs that intentionally incorporate graduate students as teachers (the teaching apprenticeship program at Baylor University) and the UNT NSF REU program that employed graduate student research mentors).
Proton Tunnelling in DNA Base Pairs and Mutagenesis

The motivation for this work developed while the author was at the Quantum Theory Project, Gainesville, Florida, 1969–1973. During that period I had the privilege to attend the inspiring lectures of Professor Per-Olov Lowdin, to get exposed to his deep insight and undaunted scientific spirit, and to know him as a friend. It is with gratitude and affection that I wish him a very happy 60th birthday and many more years of happiness and scientific productivity.
More than just an enzyme: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and its association with diabetic kidney remodelling

Abstract Purpose of the review This review article discusses recent advances in the mechanism of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) actions in renal diseases, especially diabetic kidney fibrosis, and summarizes anti-fibrotic functions of various DPP-4 inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Recent findings DN is a common complication of diabetes and is a leading cause of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DPP-4 is a member of serine proteases, and more than 30 substrates have been identified that act via several biochemical messengers in a variety of tissues including kidney. Intriguingly, DPP-4 actions on the diabetic kidney is a complex mechanism, and a variety of pathways are involved including increasing GLP-1/SDF-1, disrupting AGE-RAGE pathways, and integrin-β- and TGF-β-Smad-mediated signalling pathways that finally lead to endothelial to mesenchymal transition. Interestingly, an array of DPP-4 inhibitors is well recognized as oral drugs to treat type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, which promote better glycemic control. Furthermore, recent experimental and preclinical data reveal that DPP-4 inhibitors may also exhibit protective effects in renal disease progression including anti-fibrotic effects in the diabetic kidney by attenuating above signalling cascade(s), either singly or as a combinatorial effect. In this review, we discussed the anti-fibrotic effects of DPP-4 inhibitors based on recent reports along with the possible mechanism of actions and future perspectives to underscore the beneficial effects of DPP-4 inhibitors in DN. Summary With recent experimental, preclinical, and clinical evidence, we summarized DPP-4 activities and its mechanism of actions in diabetic kidney diseases. A knowledge gap of DPP-4 inhibition in controlling renal fibrosis in DN has also been postulated in this review for future research perspectives.