cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performanceanalyse im E-Brokerage

Die derzeitigen Angebote im Bereich E-Finance werden stark von transaktionsorientierten Dienstleistungen dominiert. Der starke Preiswettbewerb insbesondere im Bereich des E-Brokerage zwingt die Discount-Broker dazu, sich durch Zusatzangebote von den Mitbewerbern zu differenzieren, um langfristig konkurrenzfahig bleiben zu konnen. Hierzu bietet sich vor allem das Angebot an qualiflzierter Beratung an, die uber die reine Informationsbereitstellung in Form von Kursdaten, Borsen-News etc. hinaus geht. Wird diese Beratungsleistung online mit Hilfe von Internettechnologien produziert, dann kann sie zudem kostengiinstig angeboten werden. Fur den gut informierten, selbstbewuβiten, entscheidungsfreudigen Kunden, der in diesem Markt vorzufinden ist, sollte diese Beratung vor allem „ Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe" geben, d.h. ein geeignetes Instrumentarium zur Steuerung und Kontrolle der eigenen Kapitalanlage anbieten. Hierfur ist vor allem das Angebot einer aussagekraftigen Performancemessung und -analyse notwendig, die neben einer objektiven Aussage uber die erzielte Performance die Quellen des Erfolgs oder Miβerfolgs aufzuzeigen vermag. Diese muβ sowohl die Rendite- als auch die Risikodimension umfassen. Aus methodischer Sicht stellt die Attributionsanalyse hierfur das geeignete Instrumentarium dar. Mit ihrer Hilfe kann vor allem die Beratungslucke zwischen der derzeit in Form von Finanzmarktinformation angebotenen Unterstutzung der Titelselektion, der daruber hinaus jedoch notwendigen Unterstutzung bei der strategischen Asset Allokation sowie der Analyse durch die taktischen Allokationsentscheidungen resultierten Abweichungen der Performance des Ist-Portfolios von der Benchmark geschlossen werden. Falls in der Praxis dem Kunden solche Analysen uberhaupt angeboten werden, dann bauen sie ublicherweise auf dem additiven Zerlegungsansatz auf und sind auf die Analyse der Renditedimension beschrankt. Da Renditen intertemporal jedoch grundsatzlich mulitplikativ zu Verknupfen sind, fuhrt dies insbesondere bei mehrperiodiger Betrachtung zu schwierig interpretierbaren Resttermen, die die Aussagekraft der Analyseergebnisse vermindern. Eine konsequent multiplikativ zerlegte Systematik zur Attributionsanalyse vermeidet diese Problematik. In dieser Arbeit soli deshalb aufgezeigt werden, wie eine integrierte Rendite-/Risikoattribution auf multiplikativer Basis gestaltet werden kann. Diese ist in der Lage, die aufgezeigte Beratungslucke im E-Brokerage zu schlieβen.
COINCIDENT INDUCTION OF CYTOCHROME P450 AND PHENOL RED CONJUGATION IN CULTURED CHICK EMBRYO HEPATOCYTES: EFFECTS OF COBALTOUS AND MANGANOUS IONS

Cytochrome P450 and conjugation of phenol red are inducible in cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes. Cobaltous and manganous ions cause decreases in P450, which is partially restored in the intact cells by hemin.
Analysis of aluminum particle combustion in a downward burning solid rocket propellant

Abstract In this study, aluminum particle burn in a gap created between a downward facing combusting propellant surface and an upward facing inert surface was modeled with sensitivity testing on propellant surface velocity, propellant surface temperature, propellant surface radiation temperature, parcel count, particle diameter, turbulent Prandtl number and turbulent Schmidt number. Decreasing the turbulent Prandtl and turbulent Schmidt number appeared to have little effect on the maximum temperature. Increasing/decreasing the velocity of the propellant surface and propellant surface temperature showed greater sensitivity on the plume temperature. Perturbation of the propellant surface temperature had the greatest influence on the maximum gas temperature. By increasing and decreasing the surface temperature by ten percent of its original value, a temperature difference of 265.4 K and 248.7 K were observed, respectively.
Making a point: shared mechanics underlying the diversity of biological puncture

A viper injecting venom into a target, a mantis shrimp harpooning a fish, a cactus dispersing itself via spines attaching to passing mammals; all these are examples of biological puncture. Although disparate in terms of materials, kinematics and phylogeny, all three examples must adhere to the same set of fundamental physical laws that govern puncture mechanics. The diversity of biological puncture systems is a good case study for how physical laws can be used as a baseline for comparing disparate biological systems. In this Review, I explore the diversity of biological puncture and identify key variables that influence these systems. First, I explore recent work on biological puncture in a diversity of organisms, based on their hypothesized objectives: gripping, injection, damage and defence. Variation within each category is discussed, such as the differences between gripping for prey capture, gripping for dispersal of materials or gripping during reproduction. The second half of the Review is focused on specific physical parameters that influence puncture mechanics, such as material properties, stress, energy, speed and the medium within which puncture occurs. I focus on how these parameters have been examined in biology, and how they influence the evolution of biological systems. The ultimate objective of this Review is to outline an initial framework for examining the mechanics and evolution of puncture systems across biology. This framework will not only allow for broad biological comparisons, but also create a baseline for bioinspired design of both tools that puncture efficiently and materials that can resist puncture.
Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor as potential recovery biomarkers in stroke.

Objectives Our objectives were: 1) to determine whether maximal aerobic exercise increased serum neurotrophins in chronic stroke and 2) to determine the factors that predict resting and exercise-dependent levels. Methods We investigated the potential predictors of resting and exercise-dependent serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor among 35 chronic stroke patients. Predictors from three domains (demographic, disease burden, and cardiometabolic) were entered into 4 separate stepwise linear regression models with outcome variables: resting insulin-like growth factor, resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, exercise-dependent change in insulin-like growth factor, and exercise-dependent change brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Results Insulin-like growth factor decreased after exercise (p = 0.001) while brain-derived neurotrophic factor did not change (p = 0.38). Greater lower extremity impairment predicted higher resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.004, r2 = 0.23). Higher fluid intelligence predicted greater brain-derived neurotrophic factor response to exercise (p = 0.01, r2 = 0.18). There were no significant predictors of resting or percent change insulin-like growth factor-1. Discussion Biomarkers have the potential to characterize an individual's potential for recovery from stroke. Neurotrophins such as insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are thought to be important in neurorehabilitation; however, the factors that modulate these biomarkers are not well understood. Resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor and percent change in brain-derived neurotrophic factor were related to physical and cognitive recovery in chronic stroke, albeit weakly. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was not an informative biomarker among chronic stroke patients. The novel finding that fluid intelligence positively correlated with exercise-induced change in brain-derived neurotrophic factor warrants further research.
Sediment Facies and Dispersal Systems in the Estuaries of Easternmost Long Island, New York, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT Coch, N.K., 2019. Sediment facies and dispersal systems in the estuaries of easternmost Long Island, New York, U.S.A. Journal of Coastal Research, 35(1), 165–176. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A multidecadal study of the estuarine systems of easternmost Long Island, New York, U.S.A. has provided detailed data on sediment facies, structures, and sediment dispersal patterns in this important estuarine–oceanic system. In addition, new data are presented on the unique morphology, sediment type, and distribution and geological history of the three deep channels connecting Block Island Sound and Long Island systems. Detailed sediment facies mapping has delineated six separate sediment dispersal systems in the study area.
Changes in Personal Bankruptcy Protection Laws: The Impact on Bank Lending to Small Businesses

In the U.S., individuals who file for bankruptcy can protect certain property from creditor liquidation during the debt settlement process. We find that additional property protection, brought about by changes to personal bankruptcy laws, reduces credit availability for small businesses. Particularly in the sample of large loans greater than $100,000, which are the most at risk of loss in case of default. This impact is more severe during times of financial crisis when bankruptcy rates rise. Changes to bankruptcy protection laws also have real economic consequences for small business activity, leading to lower wages and fewer establishments per capita.
Survival after delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A national registry study.

Abstract Aims Survival after delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DR-CPR) is not well characterized in full-term infants, and survival outcomes after DR-CPR have not been defined across the spectrum of gestation. The study objectives were to define gestational age (GA) specific survival following DR-CPR and to assess the association between GA and DR-CPR characteristics and survival outcomes. Methods Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data in the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry. Newborn infants without congenital abnormalities who received greater than 1 min of chest compressions for DR-CPR were included. GA was stratified by categorical subgroups: ≥36 weeks; 33–356/7 weeks; 29–326/7 weeks; 25–286/7 weeks; 22–246/7 weeks. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge; the secondary outcome was return of circulation (ROC). Results Among 1022 infants who received DR-CPR, 83% experienced ROC and 64% survived to hospital discharge. GA-stratified hospital survival rates were 83% (≥36 weeks), 66% (33–35 weeks), 60% (29–32 weeks), 52% (25–28 weeks), and 25% (22–24 weeks). Compared with GA ≥ 36 weeks, lower GA was independently associated with decreasing odds of survival (33–35 weeks: adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.26–0.81; 29–32 weeks: aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23–0.69; 25–28 weeks: aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11–0.41; 22–24 weeks: aOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.03–0.10). Conclusions In this national registry of infants who received delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DR-CPR), 83% survived the event and two-thirds survived to hospital discharge. These results contribute to defining survival outcomes following DR-CPR across the continuum of gestation.
Polygenic Scores in Developmental Psychology: Invite Genetics In, Leave Biodeterminism Behind

Polygenic scores offer developmental psychologists new methods for integrating genetic information into research on how people change and develop across the life span. Indeed, polygenic scores have...
Productivity Differences and the Marriage Wage Premium for White Males

Attempts to account for the positive, and often large, wage premium paid to married men based on their greater productivity have been inconclusive. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this paper provides new evidence that labor productivity differences between married and never-married men are unlikely to be the cause of the marriage premium.
Evaluation of interim MRI changes during limited-field radiation therapy for glioblastoma and implications for treatment planning

Abstract Background and purpose Consensus for defining gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV) for limited-field radiation therapy (LFRT) of GBM are not well established. We leveraged a department MRI simulator to image patients before and during LFRT to address these questions. Materials and methods Supratentorial GBM patients receiving LFRT (46 Gy + boost to 60 Gy) underwent baseline MRI (MRI1) and interim MRI during RT (MRI2). GTV1 was defined as T1 enhancement + surgical cavity on MRI1 without routine inclusion of T2 abnormality (unless tumor did not enhance). The initial CTV margin was 15 mm from GTV1, and the boost CTV margin was 5–7 mm. The GTV1 characteristics were categorized into three groups: identical T1 and T2 abnormality (Group A), T1 only with larger T2 abnormality not included (Group B), and T2 abnormality when tumor lacked enhancement (Group C). GTV2 was contoured on MRI2 and compared with GTV1 plus 5–15 mm expansions. Results Among 120 patients treated from 2014-2019, 29 patients (24%) underwent replanning based on MRI2. On MRI2, 84% of GTV2 were covered by GTV1 + 5 mm, 93% by GTV1 + 7 mm, and 98% by GTV1 + 15 mm. On MRI1, 43% of GTV1 could be categorized into Group A, 39% Group B, and 18% Group C. Group B’s patterns of failure, local control, or progression-free survival were similar to Group A/C. Conclusions Initial CTV margin of 15 mm followed by a boost CTV margin of 7 mm is a reasonable approach for LFRT of GBM. Omitting routine inclusion of T2 abnormality from GTV delineation may not jeopardize disease control.
SparseDNN: Fast Sparse Deep Learning Inference on CPUs.

The last few years have seen gigantic leaps in algorithms and systems to support efficient deep learning inference. Pruning and quantization algorithms can now consistently compress neural networks by an order of magnitude. For a compressed neural network, a multitude of inference frameworks have been designed to maximize the performance of the target hardware. While we find mature support for quantized neural networks in production frameworks such as OpenVINO and MNN, support for pruned sparse neural networks is still lacking. To tackle this challenge, we present SparseDNN, a sparse deep learning inference engine targeting CPUs. We present both kernel-level optimizations with a sparse code generator to accelerate sparse operators and novel network-level optimizations catering to sparse networks. We show that our sparse code generator can achieve significant speedups over state-of-the-art sparse and dense libraries. On end-to-end benchmarks such as Huggingface pruneBERT, SparseDNN achieves up to 5x throughput improvement over dense inference with state-of-the-art OpenVINO. Open source library at: this https URL.
Enhancing MOOC learners’ skills for self-directed learning

The management of self-directed learning is especially critical for massive open online course (MOOC) learners. This mixed-method study investigated MOOC instructors’ strategies to facilitate learn...
Bees and Other Pollinators in Adjacent Old World Bluestem and Cotton Fields in the Texas High Plains

The rapid decline in water supply for irrigation in the Texas High Plains is encouraging some growers to convert a portion of their irrigated cropland including cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to the production of water-frugal perennial forages such as ‘WW-B.Dahl’ old world bluestem [Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz) S.T. Blake, OWB]. WW-B.Dahl OWB is a persistent pasture grass, which has strong inhibitory effects on soil-dwelling ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae); however, effects of OWB on pollinators in cotton-dominated agroecosystems are not clear. We characterized bees and other pollinators of OWB and an adjacent cotton monoculture at four sampling dates in fall of 2018 using the bee bowls. Fifteen families from four insect orders were recovered. Sweat bee (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) was the most abundant family composing 67% of the total individuals recovered. The next abundant family was hover flies (Diptera: Syrphidae), constituting 11% of the total numbers. Total number of pollinators was consistently greater in OWB than in cotton at all sampling dates. Despite the fact that insects are not needed for pollination, presence of fairly high numbers of bees and other pollinators in OWB and cotton suggests that both crops may be providing habitat and food resources for pollinators in semi-arid Texas High Plains.
Weighing the Wellness Programs: The Legal Implications of Imposing Personal Responsibility Obligations

Weight Watchers is available over lunch at work. So is a smoking cessation program. Flu shots are complementary in the employee lounge. Signs on the elevators encourage you to climb the four flights of stairs (plastered with encouraging pictures of healthy employees) instead. Perhaps your employer provides an onsite fitness facility or gym. All of these benefits, typical of many wellness programs, are offered to employees who volunteer. But what of those employees who don't take advantage of these resources? Research tells us that it is this set of individuals who disproportionately drive up health care costs. The employees who are not in shape. Who smoke. Who eat and drink too much. And while voluntary wellness programs are cost effective prevention measures, they are not targeting the cost driver employees who could improve their health - and the employer's bottom line - if they exercised more control over their health care. But as we watch China institute weight limits for adoptive parents and Italian modeling agencies require health certificates from its models we ask ourselves whether we want health insurers (including our employers) second guessing our lifestyle choices in the name of improved health. At what point do insurers move from health promotion to unwarranted intrusion into our personal lives? This article examines predominant individual behaviors that drive health care costs, including tobacco and alcohol use, exercise and diet. Next, it addresses the spectrum of new insurer programs that seek to curb unhealthy activities as these programs move toward stricter regulation of personal responsibility choices, from education programs to wellness centers to incentives to penalties for enrollees not following a prescribed individual health plan. It then turns to consider how programs that more overtly control our choices impact our legal rights, including privacy rights under HIPAA and common law, discrimination protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the right to confidentiality in the physician-patient relationship. Next, the article examines whether these legal hurdles can be remedied by enrollee consent. Finally, the article concludes with suggestions for parameters and adequate consent procedures for monitoring employee health behaviors. It observes that turning our physicians into monitors has wellness costs of its own and urges study of outcomes before wholesale adoption of wellness plans that target individual enrollees.
Pleading Patterns and the Role of Litigation as a Driver of Federal Climate Change Legislation

Based on a variant of the Elliott-Ackerman-Millian theory that variable, potentially inconsistent and costly litigation outcomes induce industry to seek federal preemptive legislation to reign in such costs, we collect data on climate change-related litigation to determine whether litigation might motivate major greenhouse gas emitters to accept a preemptive, though possibly carbon-restricting, legislative compromise. We conduct a spectral cluster analysis on 178 initial federal and state judicial filings to reveal the most relevant groupings among climate change-related suits and their underlying pleading patterns. Besides exposing the general content and structure of climate change-related filings, this study identifies major specific pleading trends, such as the low frequency of tort claim pleading and the high level of segregation of state and federal causes of action. These data also allow investigating how generally applicable litigation doctrines have influenced pleading patterns, even subduing the impact of the two major U.S. Supreme Court rulings in this area. These findings lead us to conclude that this type of litigation has not induced and is not likely to induce major emitters to embrace preemptive emissions legislation as a risk-reducing compromise.
Sensor-Enabled Geogrids for Performance Monitoring of Reinforced Soil Structures

Sensor-enabled geogrid (SEGG) technology has been introduced by the authors in the past few years as a new category of geogrid products that possess embedded strain-sensing capability in addition to their conventional reinforcement/stabilization function in geotechnical and transportation applications. In this technology, the strain-sensing function of modified geogrids (SEGG products) arises from their tensoresistivity, which is the sensitivity of the polymer composite electrical conductivity to tensile strain. An SEGG product is filled with a target concentration of conductive fillers such as carbon blacks and carbon nanotubes. The authors' previous studies on SEGG to date were focused on the in-isolation performance of the unitized SEGG and the coating of yarn-type SEGG samples. In the continuation of a long-term study, this paper reported the latest findings on both the in-isolation and in-soil tensoresistivity performance of polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) yarn SEGG specimens that were coated with a strain-sensitive carbon black-filled PVC composite. The formulation of the coating composite was presented and the influences of the soil confining pressure and loading (i.e., strain) rate on the tensoresistivity and tensile strength of SEGG specimens were investigated. It was found that greater confining pressures and strain rates both result in a reduction in the tensoresistivity of the SEGG samples. However, both the magnitude and reproducibility of the measured tensoresistivity in the in-soil tests carried out in this study were judged to be acceptable for civil engineering applications, given that the accuracy of strain distributions in geogrids can be improved by increasing the number of strain data points in each reinforcement layer at a significantly lower cost compared to the conventional methods. It was thus concluded that the SEGG technology holds promise to serve as an alternative to conventional instruments for the performance monitoring of geotechnical structures.
Magnetism and metal-insulator transition in oxygen-deficient SrTiO 3

First-principles calculations to study the electronic and magnetic properties of bulk, oxygen-deficient ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ (STO) under different doping conditions and densities have been conducted. The appearance of magnetism in oxygen-deficient STO is not determined solely by the presence of a single oxygen vacancy but by the density of free carriers and the relative proximity of the vacant sites. We find that while an isolated vacancy behaves as a nonmagnetic double donor, manipulation of the doping conditions allows the stability of a single-donor state, with emergent local moments coupled ferromagnetically by carriers in the conduction band. Strong local lattice distortions enhance the binding of this state. The energy of the in-gap local moment can be further tuned by orthorhombic strain. Consequently we find that the free-carrier density and strain are fundamental components to obtaining trapped spin-polarized electrons in oxygen-deficient STO, which may have important implications in the design of optical devices.
Characteristics of thick non-planar SiO2 coatings

We have successfully developed a new process for making strong, smooth, thick SiO/sub 2/ films on hemispherical Kovar mandrels of various sizes designed for multishell Laser Fusion Targets. The surface finish obtainable with a 13 ..mu..m thick SiO/sub 3/ coating on a 260 ..mu..m dia. mandrel is approximately 30 nm peak-to-peak, with a few defects of roughly 0.3 ..mu..m deep. The rf magnetron sputtered SiO/sub 2/ films were dense and crystalline.
Microwave radiation injury

A case of momentary exposure of the right hand to irradiation from a microwave oven is described. Transient paresthesias and a cold, pale hand resulted but resolved spontaneously in 60 minutes without treatment. Even momentary exposure can result in severe coagulation necrosis, with eventual loss of the exposed extremity.
Retinoid inhibition of lingual carcinogenesis.

Abstract Sixty-four male and female Syrian hamsters, 3 months of age and weighing 90 to 120 grams, were divided into four equal experimental groups. In animals of Groups 1 and 2 the right posterior lateral border of the tongue was painted three times weekly with a 0.5 percent solution of DMBA in acetone. Group 2 animals also received 10 mg. of 13-cis-retinoic acid in peanut oil administered orally twice weekly by pipette. Carcinogen and retinoid were administered on alternate days. Group 3 animals received only 13-cis-retinoic acid. Group 4 animals served as untreated controls. Four animals in each group were killed at 12, 14, 16, and 18 weeks. The Group 2 animals, receiving 13-cis-retinoic acid, exhibited a significant delay in the development of lingual tumors, both grossly and microscopically. At 14 weeks carcinomas were found in the DMBA animals, but only dysplasia and areas of carcinoma in situ were found in the DMBA-retinoid animals. After 18 weeks the DMBA animals exhibited large lingual tumors with surface necrosis, while the DMBA-retinoid animals presented smaller tumors with less invasion of underlying tissue.
Freshmen Engagement Through Communication: Predicting Friendship Formation Strategies and Perceived Availability of Network Resources From Communication Skills

First-time freshmen completed communication skills questionnaires at the beginning of a fall semester. Approximately 6 weeks later they completed another questionnaire regarding friendship formation strategies and the perceived availability of resources from their new social network. Results suggest that different profiles of communication skills predicted how much freshmen reported using group involvement, online social networking, disclosure, responsiveness, and invitations as friendship formation strategies. Communication skills and friendship formation strategies were also associated with the perceived availability of social, personal, and instrumental resources. Implications for freshmen's social integration into a new university environment are discussed.
Review: Lasers: Reflections on their evolution

A review of the past 22 years of laser applications shows that a great deal of progress has been made. It allows one to see the evolution of laser therapy, compare it with other modalities used in surgical oncology, and identify certain program that merit clinical trial. Use of lasers in surgical oncology began with a laser knife. Tissues were divided and removed with the focused beam of the CO2 laser, which replaced the scalpel previously used to perform surgical procedures. Later, the Nd:YAG laser was used in hollow visci such as the trachea and esophagus to open obstructed passages and possibly to cure many cancers. The operating microscope was used in the larynx to remove benign and malignant lesions, and for obstructing lesions to provide time to treat medical complications by reopening airway passages, and to add irradiation and/or chemotherapy preoperatively. Many times the Nd:YAG laser was used gastroscopically to treat bleeding or obstruction. Cytoreduction by laser made surgery or chemotherapy, or both, plausible. Addition of the sapphire tip and, later, the bare of sculptured fiber increased the variety of procedures possible with the Nd:YAG laser. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses various drugs that are localized in cancer cells. The cancer is then destroyed by laser emissions of the proper wavelength. One of the problems with PDT is getting the light to the tumor. Preactivation is addressed in this report. The problems associated with anaerobic tumors are discussed and suggestions for clinical trials offered. Laser hyperthermia is compared with induced hyperthermia as well as in combination with irradiation. Protocols of local laser hyperthermia combined with irradiation need further exploration. This review addresses the use of lasers in the destruction of tumor cells for bone marrow transplant and several old and new experiments used to block the AIDS virus. Finally, ongoing research is discussed, including the present and future roles of lasers.
Genetic analysis of behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical parameters in inbred rodents: initial studies in Lewis and Fischer 344 rats and in A/J and C57BL/6J mice

Previous work has identified inherent behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical differences among inbred rodent strains that have been related to the animals' differential responsiveness to drugs of abuse or stress. In the present study, we sought to determine (1) whether there are genetic correlations among particular phenotypic traits that differ between a pair of inbred rat strains (Lewis and Fischer 344) or a pair of inbred mouse strains (A/J and C57BL/6J); (2) which of these traits might be amenable to quantitative trait locus analysis; and (3) whether additional behavioral or biochemical differences relevant to drug- or stress-responsiveness could be identified in these strains. Specifically, we measured several behavioral, neuroendocrine, and biochemical traits in parental Lewis and Fischer 344 rats and in 298 members of an F2 intercross population, as well as in parental A/J and C57BL/6J mice and in 11 of the AXB/BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains. Traits measured included exploratory locomotor activity in a novel environment; amphetamine-induced locomotor activity; several specific protein levels in striatal regions, including inhibitory G protein subunits, the dopamine transporter, the Fos family member transcription factor DeltaFosB, and the protein phosphatase inhibitor DARPP-32; and late-afternoon plasma corticosterone concentrations. Each of the traits measured in F2 rats or recombinant inbred mice appears to be influenced by multiple genes, as well as by environmental factors. There were statistically significant, albeit relatively weak, correlations among several traits in an F2 intercross population bred from Lewis and Fischer rats. Among the traits studied in Lewis and Fischer rats, one seemed most amenable to quantitative trait locus analysis: the level of the inhibitory G-protein subunit, Galphai, in the nucleus accumbens. We also found a robust genetic correlation between levels of DeltaFosB and levels of the dopamine transporter in striatal regions in AXB/BXA recombinant inbred mouse strains. While these studies demonstrate the likely complexity of the genetic factors that influence the numerous phenotypes associated with altered responsiveness to drugs of abuse and stress, they represent an initial and necessary step toward identifying specific genetic factors involved.
Gaseous Loss of Nitrogen in Paddy Soils

Irrigation practices for rice (Oryza sativa) that are common in South Asia were simulated under greenhouse conditions, and the resulting range of gaseous N losses was determined. The interaction of water and fertilizer management for growing paddy rice was quantitatively evaluated at several rates of N fertilization. Continuous flooding, alternate flooding and drying, and dry periods before, after, and during flowering were combined with 3 rates of N, i.e., 0, 50, and 100 mg kg−1 by uniform incorporation and by mud ball placement. Gaseous loss of native soil N was small (10 mg kg−1) when no fertilizer was applied and the crop stand was adequate. Loss increased to 32 mg kg−1 when stands were halved. Gaseous loss of 41 to 58% were found when fertilizer was applied. Alternate flooding and drying was the least desirable irrigation practice with losses of 40 to 87 mg N kg−1. Placement of N in mud balls reduced gaseous N loss under all irrigation procedures by 14 to 32% compared to uniform application at the low N application rate. Under continuous flooding only 28% of a second increment of 50 mg kg−1 of applied N was lost compared to 82% loss with alternate flooding and drying.
Coupled micromechanical analysis and life cycle assessment as an integrated tool for natural fibre composites development

Abstract Nowadays, Eco-design is mainly carried out through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool by companies in the post-production stage of parts to provide useful information for the next production. Although no methodology is currently in the pre-production step that could help companies generate cleaner parts and save time. Thus, the proposed work provides an innovative method that associates a micromechanical analysis, material index selection and LCA methodology. The method is applied to a flax fibre/polypropylene (PP) composite, being potential substitute of glass/PP composites in automotive applications. The studied 30% w/w flax fibre/PP composite is found to be 6% lighter than 30% glass/PP composites and to generate 10%–20% lower environmental burdens. Combining a micromechanical analysis, material index selection and LCA shows that: fibre content, Young's modulus, and aspect ratio have to be maximized to achieve a decrease of the environmental footprint of flax/PP biocomposites.
Reconfiguration of the Alzheimer's Peptide Kinetically Controls Aggregation in Alzheimer's Disease

Protein aggregation is a complex, multistep process, but the first step is likely the formation of a dimer through non-specific interactions of two disordered monomers. In this work we measure the rate of reconfiguration, or intramolecular diffusion, of monomeric Abeta peptides and find a correlation between this rate and the aggregation rate. Using the method of Trp-Cys contact quenching we find that the rate of reconfiguration is ∼5 times faster for Abeta40, which aggregates slowly, than for Abeta42, which aggregates quickly. Furthermore, the rate of reconfiguration for Abeta42 speeds up at higher pH, which slows aggregation, and in the presence of the aggregation inhibitor curcumin. These results are commensurate with a model of the first step of aggregation, described here, that is a kinetic competition between reconfiguration and bimolecular diffusion.
Cell killing by various nitrosoureas and the potentiating effect of caffeine

Abstract Cell killing by various nitrosoureas and the potentiating effect of caffeine on cell killing were quantified by means of colony-forming assays in a clonal derivative of M3-1 Chinese hamster cells. The dose-reponse relationships for ethylnitrosourea and 3 chloroethylnitrosourea derivatives were compared with tha of 1,3-bis(trans-4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea, which is a purely carbamoylating agent. The chloroethylnitrosoureas with both alkylating and carbamoylating activity ere the most toxic, followed by a chloroethylnitrosourea with alkylating activity alone and then by the purely carbamoylating agent. The least toxic agent was ehylnitrosourea, which has both alkylating and carbamoylating activity. Caffeine (when present through the entire period of colony growth) potentiated cell killing for all nitrosoureas with alkylating activity but had no influence on cell killing by the purely carbamoylating agent. Because carbamoylation occurs mainly with proteins, whereas nucleic acids as well as proteins are cellular targets for alkylation, it is concluded that potentiation of cell killing by caffeine is based on the reaction of a drug with the cellular DNA.
An empirical study on symptoms of heavier Internet usage among young adults

Understanding negative consequences of heavy Internet use on mental health is a topic that is gaining significant traction recently. A number of studies have investigated heavy Internet usage, especially among young adults in relation to online games, social media and email. While such studies do provide valuable insights, Internet usage so far has been characterized by means of self-reported surveys only that may suffer from errors and biases. In this paper, we report the findings of a two month empirical study on heavy Internet usage among students conducted at a college campus. The novelty of the study is that it is believed to be the first to use real Internet data that is collected continuously, passively and preserving privacy. A total of 69 Computer Science freshman students were surveyed for symptoms of heavy Internet usage, using the Internet Related Problem Scale, and their campus Internet usage was monitored (after appropriate anonymization procedures to maintain subject privacy). Statistical analysis revealed that several Internet usage features, such as instant messaging, entropy, gaming, web browsing, peer-to-peer usage, remote usage, and email usage exhibit significant correlations with symptoms of Internet addiction like introversion, craving, loss of control and tolerance. Although the study found that Facebook and Twitter usage did not show significant statistical correlations with symptoms of heavier Internet usage, it was found that students tending towards heavier Internet usage used those websites less. We believe that this study provides critical new insights into symptoms of heavier (possibly addictive) Internet usage among young adults, which is now a topic of significant concern to the mental health community today.
Recent trends in hepatic diseases during pregnancy in the United States, 2002-2010.

Objective While pregnancy-related severe liver disorders are rare, when they occur morbidity and mortality rates are increased for mothers and infants. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and trends of hepatic diseases during pregnancy hospitalizations from 2002 through 2010 in the United States. Study Design Hospital discharge data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer hospital inpatient care database in the United States that provides nationally representative estimates. Pregnancy hospitalizations with the following diagnoses were identified: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, gallbladder disease/cholelithiasis, liver disorders of pregnancy, chronic/alcohol-related liver disease, biliary tract disease, and HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count) syndrome. Age, insurance status, hospital location, and hospital region were compared among women with and without hepatic diseases using a χ 2 test. Trends in rates of pregnancy hospitalizations and mean charges were analyzed using multivariable logistic and linear regression, respectively. Results From 2002 through 2010 there were an estimated 41,479,358 pregnancy hospitalizations in the United States. Gallbladder disease and liver disorders of pregnancy were the most common hepatic diseases (rates = 7.18 and 4.65/1000 pregnancy hospitalizations, respectively). Adjusted rates and mean charges significantly increased for all hepatic diseases during pregnancy over the study period. All hepatic diseases were associated with significantly higher charges compared to all pregnancy hospitalizations. HELLP syndrome was associated with the highest mean charges. Conclusion This large study among a representative sample of the US population provides valuable information that can aid policy planning and management of these hepatic diseases during pregnancy in the United States.
NMR Solution Structure of an Oligodeoxynucleotide Duplex Containing the Exocyclic Lesion 3,N4-Etheno-2‘-deoxycytidine Opposite Thymidine: Comparison with the Duplex Containing Deoxyadenosine Opposite the Adduct†

The exocyclic 3,N4-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine adduct was incorporated at the center of the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex d(C-G-T-A-C-epsilon C-C-A-T-G-C).d (G-C-A-T-G-T-G-T-A-C-G), and its solution structure was analyzed using high-resolution proton NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The experimental data indicate that the oligodeoxynucleotide duplex adopts a right-handed helical structure with sugar puckers in the C2'-endo/C3'-exo range and Watson-Crick hydrogen bond alignments for all base pairs. NOE connectivities established a syn orientation for the glycosidic torsion angle of the exocyclic adduct. Restrained molecular dynamics simulations, using the full relaxation matrix approach, produced a three-dimensional model in agreement with the experimental data. The structure shows only minor perturbations in the sugar-phosphate backbone and a 27 degrees bend of the helical axis at the lesion site. On the refined model a well-formed hydrogen bond between T (N3H) and epsilon C(N4) stabilizes the epsilon C(syn).T(anti) base pair alignment, reflecting the preference of the adduct for the syn orientation. Furthermore, the epsilon C(syn).T(anti) base pair stacks with flanking base pairs. We discuss a correlation between the mutagenic properties of the adduct and the three-dimensional structure of the epsilon C.dA and epsilon C.T duplexes.
Early remodeling of lower extremity vein grafts: Inflammation influences biomechanical adaptation

Background The remodeling of vein bypass grafts after arterialization is incompletely understood. We have previously shown that significant outward lumen remodeling occurs during the first month of implantation, but the magnitude of this response is highly variable. We sought to examine the hypothesis that systemic inflammation influences this early remodeling response. Methods A prospective observational study was done of 75 patients undergoing lower extremity bypass using autogenous vein. Graft remodeling was assessed using a combination of ultrasound imaging and two-dimensional high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Results The vein graft lumen diameter change from 0 to 1 month (22.7% median increase) was positively correlated with initial shear stress ( P = .016), but this shear-dependent response was disrupted in subjects with an elevated baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level of >5 mg/L. Despite similar vein diameter and shear stress at implantation, grafts in the elevated hsCRP group demonstrated less positive remodeling from 0 to 1 month (13.5% vs 40.9%, P = .0072). By regression analysis, the natural logarithm of hsCRP was inversely correlated with 0- to 1-month lumen diameter change ( P = .018). Statin therapy (β = 23.1, P = .037), hsCRP (β = −29.7, P = .006), and initial shear stress (β = .85, P = .003) were independently correlated with early vein graft remodeling. In contrast, wall thickness at 1 month was not different between hsCRP risk groups. Grafts in the high hsCRP group tended to be stiffer at 1 month, as reflected by a higher calculated elastic modulus (E = 50.4 vs 25.1 Mdynes/cm 2 , P = .07). Conclusions Early positive remodeling of vein grafts is a shear-dependent response that is modulated by systemic inflammation. These data suggest that baseline inflammation influences vein graft healing, and therefore, inflammation may be a relevant therapeutic target to improve early vein graft adaptation.
Going Down? Race and Downward Occupational Mobility for White-Collar Workers in the 1990s

In the 1990s “new” economy, was downward mobility from high-level white-collar occupations related to race, and if so, what factors explain this relationship? We use Panel Study of Income Dynamics ...
Econometric tests of firm decision making under dual sources of uncertainty

Abstract This paper extends previous work on the behavior of the competitive firm under a single source of uncertainty to dual sources of uncertainty. The indirect expected utility function is used to derive symmetry restrictions for a general form of the direct utility function. These restrictions are then used to test for different forms of the utility function and the nature of risk aversion under price and exchange rate uncertainty. The empirical results are consistent with the expected utility maximization hypothesis, and support the existence of a separable utility function.
Heat-to-heat variation in creep properties of Types 304 and 316 stainless steels

A wide variation in creep-rupture and long-term creep properties of 20 heats of type 304 and seven heats of type 316 stainless steel was observed. The observed variation in 1000-h creep-rupture strength, S/sup t//sub R/, has been related to the corresponding ultimate tensile strength variation, S/sup r//sub u/, by a relationship of the form: S/sup t//sub R/ = ..cap alpha.. exp (..beta..S/sup r//sub u/), where ..cap alpha.. and ..beta.. are material constants. This relationship between creep-rupture strength and ultimate tensile strength was further extended for minimum-expected 10/sup 5/-h creep-rupture strength data reported in the literature. The heat-to-heat variation in ultimate tensile strength for both 304 and 316 stainless steel was explained in terms of carbon plus nitrogen content and grain intercept, d, by a relationship of the form S/sup r//sub u/ = A(C + N)/sup -1///sub 2/ + B, where A and B are constants for a given temperature. The time to onset of third-stage creep for various heats of type 304 and 316 stainless steel was related to time to rupture by relationships that are independent of test temperature, for test times reaching 22,622 h.
The Bottom Up Approach is Not Always the Best Processing Method: Dense α-Al2O3/NiAl2O4 Composites

The bottom up approach suggests that atomic scale mixing should permit optimal control of processing for many types of materials in terms of densification rates, final and average grain sizes; and, thereafter, global properties thereby minimizing processing conditions, capital equipment requirements, and energy consumption. The literature indicates that, to date, this axiom has not been tested although numerous researchers have whole-heartedly adopted the concept. Liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis (LF-FSP) provides atomically mixed NiO·3Al2O3 nanopowders(30–40 nm average particle size, APS) that are a single phase, spinel solid solution. Sintering 56 ± 1 wt% CIPped pellets to 95 ± 1% theoretical density using two different heating schedules produces α-Al2O3/NiAl2O4 composites with grain sizes of 0.9 ± 0.2 µm. For comparative purposes, ball milled Al2O3 are synthesized from both highly atomically-mixed single phase metastable spinel nanopowders and NiAl2O4 30–40 nm APS pellets of the same composition with a submicro­meter length scale mixing and similar green densities are also sintered to 95 ± 2% TD. In both instances, the same microstructures are realized despite the great difference in length scale of mixing. This contrasts greatly with the expectation that the atomically mixed materials would give finer grain sizes at the same densities and with faster sintering times, suggesting that the bottom up approach is not always valid.
Nitric oxide involvement in the peptide VIP‐associated inhibitory junction potential in the guinea‐pig ileum.

1. Intracellular membrane potential recordings were made from circular smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig ileum in the presence of atropine (1 microM) and nifedipine (0.1 microM) at 30 degrees C. 2. Electrical field stimulation with one or four pulses produced a fast inhibitory junction potential (IJP) which lasted around 1 s. It was abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), apamin (0.3 microM), and alpha, beta-methylene ATP tachyphylaxis. 3. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 200 microM) had no effect on the resting membrane potential or the fast IJP. 4. Electrical field stimulation in the presence of apamin and substance P desensitization produced a slow IJP which was abolished by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). 5. L-NNA significantly reduced the amplitude of the slow IJP (P < 0.01). The antagonistic effect of L-NNA was reversed by L-arginine but not by D-arginine. 6. Injections of alpha, beta-methylene ATP, nitric oxide (NO), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) into the recording chamber caused tetrodotoxin-resistant hyperpolarizations of the smooth muscle membrane. Substance P desensitization did not modify the amplitudes of the hyperpolarizing response to ATP or NO, but increased the VIP hyperpolarization by 150% (P < 0.01). 7. L-NNA did not modify the amplitude of hyperpolarization due to ATP or NO; however, it antagonized VIP-induced hyperpolarization (P < 0.01). 8. These studies show that in the guinea-pig ileum circular muscle: (a) NO is not involved in the fast IJP which is mediated by ATP; (b) NO is involved in the slow IJP which is mediated by VIP and NO acting in series, and (c) the hyperpolarizing effects of VIP and the slow IJP are normally masked by overlapping depolarization due to concomitant release of substance P by the peptide VIP.