cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metaphysical antirealism and objective truth : Is metaphysical antirealism self-refuting?

Etude de la defense du realisme metaphysique developpee par P. Inwagen a partir d'une serie d'arguments diriges contre l'antirealisme metaphysique. Examinant la position de la metaphysique occidentale commune adoptee dans son ouvrage intitule «Metaphysics» (1993), l'A. rejette le presuppose incoherent de P. Inwagen affirmant l'inconsistance de l'antirealisme avec l'existence de la realite objective. Definissant la these du realisme a travers la conjonction de la theorie de la verite-correspondance et de l'affirmation de l'existence d'un monde independant de l'esprit, P. Inwagen ne parvient a demontrer ni l'incoherence de l'antirealisme ni l'insuffisance de la theorie semantique sur laquelle il repose
The Nature of Technology Transfer

Technology transfer, defined as the application of information into use, is often a difficult and frustrating process. Participants in the technology transfer process are usually heterophilous, so ...
Three-dimensional representation and analysis of brain energy metabolism

Quantitative autoradiography of brain glucose metabolism has been combined with digital image processing to represent the brain as a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of brain energy use. Autoradiographs contain enormous amounts of potentially useful data, but conventional analyses, based on tedious manual methods, can sample and analyze only a small portion of this information. Computer 3-D reconstruction provides a mechanism for observing and analyzing all the data; therefore, a system of computer programs was developed for this purpose. The programs use digital imaging methods for image registration, superimpose whole brain data sets, and allow resampling of the 3-D data in arbitrary planes for pixel-by-pixel comparisons among multiple 3-D sets. These programs operate on the mathematical properties of the images alone, obviating the need for manual image alignment. Various statistical analyses can be applied to the data directly to study the patterns of metabolic changes in different experiments. The system is applied to data from experiments on the influence of injectable anesthetics on cerebral glucose metabolism.
A dimensional model of psychopathology

The question of whether mental disorders are discrete clinical conditions or arbitrary distinctions along dimensions of functioning is a longstanding issue, but the importance of this question is escalating with the growing recognition of the frustrations and limitations engendered by the categorical model. Researchers are now focusing their attention on developing alternative dimensional models of classification. Concerns have been raised with regard to these dimensional models. Addressed in this brief commentary are two of these concerns: clinical utility and credibility.
Abnormal primary antibody responses in pediatric trauma patients.

Infection ~ is one of the major complications of severe trauma and is a primary cause Of prolonged hospitalization and death among trauma patients) Suppression of the immune system after major blunt trauma has been implicated as a Cause of increased rates of secondary infection in adults. 2 Although infants and children make up a sizable percentage of all trauma patients, little is known about the effect of blunt injury on the immune system of this population.
Sor Margarida Ignácia's Apologia a favor do Reverendo P. António Vieyra: An Eighteenth-century Reply to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz's Carta Atenagórica

Abstract This article offers a close reading of the 1727 Portuguese text Apologia a favor do Reverendo P. Antonio Vieyra da Companhia de Jesu da Provinica de Portugal. The lengthy tract, although signed by a nun, Sor Margarida Ignacia, was in fact written by a cleric, Luis Goncalves Pinheiro, in support of renowned Portuguese Jesuit Antonio Vieira and in strong condemnation of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz's polemical Carta Atenagorica (1690) in which she had challenged Vieira's theological position in his Sermao do Mandato (1650). My reading will demonstrate the longevity and geographic extension of the dispute as well as shed further light on the intricacies of the theological and gender questions surrounding Sor Juana's engagement with Vieira in her Carta Atenagorica.
Variation in soil fertility test results from selected northern great plains laboratories

Soil analytical labs play an important role in agricultural nutrient management. However, variability between labs can undermine the perception of soil testing efficacy and possibly lead to inaccurate fertilizer recommendations. To compare standard soil analysis results from labs commonly used by Montana producers, soil samples from four different sites were sent anonymously to up to ten labs over a three year period, with three submissions per year. Variability within labs and between labs was observed, and is at least partially linked to different laboratory methods or changes in laboratory methods during the study period. Several labs showed a trend of improving lab repeatability. The results suggest that agricultural professionals should choose their labs wisely, specify analytical methods, and review results critically. In addition, the analytical data reported, and ultimately, the fertilizer recommendations provided, should be considered guidelines to nutrient management to be tailored to site-speci...
Normal anterior endoderm corrects the heart defect in cardiac mutant salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum)

Recessive mutant gene c in axolotl embryos results in an absence of heart function. Normal (+/+) anterior endoderm cultured with mutant (c/c) hearts totally corrects the defect.
Environmental attitudes and drift reduction behavior among commercial pesticide applicators in a U.S. agricultural landscape

Pesticide drift is a significant environmental problem in rural regions, and can result in losses to certain non-target crops and livestock, water and air pollution, and threats to human health. While state agencies seek to control the harmful effects of pesticides through licensing and certificate programs, the adoption rates of drift-reducing practices by commercial applicators remain highly variable. In order to effectively target outreach efforts to commercial applicators, managers need to better understand current use patterns and the motivations behind the adoption and non-adoption of preferred practices. Using a web and mail survey, this study explored environmental attitudes, awareness and concern for pesticide drift, and current practice adoption for drift reduction by commercial pesticide applicators in Indiana. Researchers surveyed three distinct applicator types: industrial weed management (utility right-of-way), agriculture, and aerial (which are mostly spraying in an agricultural setting). Overall, applicators exhibited positive environmental attitudes, but low concern for pesticide drift in the geographic areas where they operate. Adoption rates for several drift reduction technologies were high, particularly for equipment and spray modifications such as low-drift spray nozzles (88%) and increased spray droplet size (92%). Applicators were less familiar with specialty equipment (such as band sprayers, 13% adoption rate) and methods for identifying sensitive sites such as bee colonies and organic crops. Among the three groups, industrial weed management applicators had the lowest adoption rates. Applicators were motivated to adopt drift-reduction practices by the desire to be a good neighbor and a desire to be a good land steward. There is potential for use of more innovative, voluntary approaches to raise awareness of sites sensitive to pesticide drift in rural landscapes.
SU‐E‐J‐193: Evaluation of Variations in Gross Tumor Volume and Tumor Control Probability During Treatment Using KV Cone‐Beam CT in Non‐Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Purpose: To investigate quantitatively the variations of gross tumor volume (GTV) as a function of time and cumulative dose during radiotherapy treatment and evaluate corresponding tumor control probability (TCP) in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods and Materials: CT and cone‐beam CT images for 20‐patients NSCLC were reviewed, retrospectively, which included CBCT imaging that was used to setup seventeen patients treated with hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and three‐patients treated with conventional fractions. The visible GTVs were outlined on CT from simulation and used in treatment planning to obtain optimized dose coverage. Furthermore, GTVs were outlined on CBCT images from daily setup with IGRT. The GTV variations were investigated as a function of time and cumulative dose delivered during the treatment course. TCP was calculated using GTV and mean dose from different CT imaging sets considering alpha‐beta ratio of 10, survival fraction of 0.5 and colognes cancer density of seven millions for NSCLC. Results: For the patients treated with conventional fractionation, the GTV decreased to 30% of initial volume as a function of cumulative delivered dose through the treatment course. In contrary, GTVs for SBRT patients increased up to 45% relative to the original volume as a function of cumulative dose delivered within few days. The volume shrinkage in conventional fractionation and enlargement in SBRT represented the response of tumor cells which was employed in determining TCP. Although, the variations in the mean dose were within 3%, the corresponding TCP varied by 10% during the course of treatment. Conclusions: In NSCLC, GTV and corresponding TCP varied significantly during the treatment with SBRT or conventional radiation therapy. The GTV variations provided quantitative measures of tumor response to radiation therapy that can be extracted from volumetric on‐board CBCT imaging which can be employed in treatment planning to perform adaptive radiation therapy.
Macrosporogenesis in Leucocoryne ixioides Lindl

1. Cytological studies on chromosome number and morphology and embryo sac development have been made on Leucocoryne ixioides in order to compare it with Allium, Nothoscordum, and Brodiaea.2. Nine haploid chromosomes were found in the pollen grain division: two short with terminal attachments, and seven long with median or sub-median attachments. This configuration resembles those of Nothoscordum and the 9-paired Allium species, but not those of Brodiaea.3. The macrospore mother cell divides giving rise to two macrospores, one of which degenerates. The other divides three times giving rise to eight nuclei which become arranged in the “normal” way. This behavior is similar to that in Allium and Nothoscordum.4. The evidence presented points to a closer relationship between Leucocoryne and Allium and Nothoscordum than between the former and Brodiaea.
A Ductile UFG Al Alloy via Cryomilling and Quasi-Isostatic Forging

Mechanical milling of Al alloy powder in liquid nitrogen leads to a large reduction in the scale of the microstructure and results in material with high thermal stability and strength. However, it is important to consolidate the powder and achieve bulk material with sufficient toughness and ductility for structural applications. In this investigation, hot isostatic pressing, followed by quasiisostatic forging and hot rolling, were performed to fabricate Al 5083 plate with a predominantly ultra-fine grained microstructure. Plate produced in this way possessed enhanced tensile strength and ductility, exceeding that of conventionally processed material.
Does the small farm exemption cost lives

BACKGROUND: Congress has exempted farms with fewer than 11 employees from enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Three states (California, Oregon, and Washington) do not observe the exemption. METHODS: We compared rates of fatal occupational injury in agriculture, by year, in 1993-2007, in California, Oregon, and Washington (aggregated), and the remaining states (as two aggregated groups): those with, and those without, state-designed occupational safety and health programs. RESULTS: Fatality rates were approximately 1.6 to 3 times as high in both groups of states observing the small farm exemption as in the group of three states not observing it. Comparisons excluding the agriculture industry showed weaker differences. CONCLUSIONS: The three states' opting out of the small farm exemption may have had substantial direct effects. They may also reflect and/or encourage a generally more effective approach to occupational health and safety. Although alternative explanations must be considered, the stakes are high in terms of injury and loss of life; further investigation seems urgently indicated. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Singularity of cardinal interpolation with shifted box splines

Abstract Cardinal interpolation by integer translates of shifted box splines Mn, ω ≔ Mnnn(· + ω) on the three-direction mesh is studied. Let Λ ≔ (− 1 2 , 1 2 )2 ∩ {(s, t) : |s − t| 1 2 }. In a previous work by these authors it was shown that the symbol of Mn, ω does not vanish on the torus T2 for all ω in the shift region Λ. In this work, it is shown that the symbol of Mn, ω always vanishes somewhere on T2 if ω ∈ [− 1 2 , 1 2 ]2\Λ. In other words the cardinal interpolation operator corresponding to Mn, ω, ω ∈ [− 1 2 , 1 2 ]2, n = 1, 2, ..., is invertible if and only if ω ∈ Λ.
Effects of video game playing on measures of spatial performance: Gender effects in late adolescence.

Older adolescents played the video game Tetris for a total of 6 hr each in two separate experiments. None of the subjects had had any prior experience with Tetris, a video game requiring the rapid rotation and placement of seven different-shaped blocks. In Experiment 1, subjects were pre- and posttested on paper-and-pencil measures of spatial ability. In Experiment 2, computerized measures of mental rotation and visualization skills were administered. In both studies, experimental subjects' pre-post scores were compared to pre-post scores obtained from a control sample of subjects. Results indicated that playing Tetris improves mental rotation time and spatial visualization time. Consistent with earlier research, reliable and consistent differences between males and females were only obtained on complex mental rotation tasks.
Experimental study of thermal performance in air gap membrane distillation systems, including the direct solar heating of membranes

Abstract Membrane distillation (MD), a thermally driven membrane technology which runs at a relatively low pressure and withstands high salinity feed streams, has shown potential as a means of desalination and water purification. This paper focuses on the air gap MD (AGMD) process experimentally with the goal of demonstrating and predicting means of improving the energy efficiency of AGMD systems. In particular, a novel configuration which delivers solar radiation directly to the membrane is investigated using a composite solar-absorbing membrane. The use of reduced pressure in the air gap, for lower diffusion resistance, was also explored. A parameter to relate the performance of a bench-scale experiment with similar membrane and gap size to a production system was developed through the application of previously developed models. Small scale experiments were conducted to verify performance for the novel solar powered configuration and the effect of reduced gap pressure. Experiments demonstrated the efficacy of a solar absorbing membrane to improve the thermal performance of the cycle beyond heating an opaque surface in contact with the feed stream. The results also establish a benefit from the deformation of the membrane into the air gap as a result of hydraulic pressure.
The roots of antibody diversity

When faced with foreign molecules our antibodies mutate, allowing them to bind to the intruders more strongly. In a story full of surprises, it looks as though the mechanism of mutation has finally been revealed.
Radiographic scoring lacks predictive value in inflammatory airway disease.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) currently rests upon the results of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, lung function testing and histamine bronchoprovocation (HBP), none of which provides direct information about structural change in the lung. Hypothesis: That thoracic radiography might better portray structural change in the lungs and therefore offer a good clinical assessment of IAD. Methods: A radiographic scoring system was developed to assess the extent of bronchial and interstitial pattern on thoracic radiographs in the dorsocaudal, dorsocranial and caudoventral regions in 16 control horses and 33 horses with IAD. Mean scores were compared to ascertain whether thoracic radiographs could distinguish between the 2 groups. In order to determine whether independent observers reliably scored radiographs similarly, an inter-rater reliability score was employed for each radiographic observation. Correlations between radiographic scores, BAL cytology, lung function testing using the forced oscillatory technique and HBP were examined. Results: Inter-rater reliability was only moderate. Radiographic scoring demonstrated no differences between the 2 groups. There were no correlations among BAL cytology, lung function testing, HBP and radiographic scores. Conclusions and potential relevance: Thoracic radiographs are a low-yield diagnostic modality in horses with a clinical history compatible with IAD. In the absence of clinical evidence of more extensive, infectious disease, thoracic radiographs neither refine nor improve diagnosis of IAD, but increase diagnostic costs.
Practical tradeoffs between noise, quantitation, and number of iterations for maximum likelihood-based reconstructions

Emission computerised tomography images reconstructed using a maximum likelihood-expectation maximization (ML)-based method with different reconstruction kernels and 1-200 iterations are compared to images reconstructed using filtered backprojection (FBP). ML-based reconstructions using a single pixel (SP) kernel with or without a sieve filter show no quantitative advantage over FBP except in the background where a reduction of noise is possible if the number of iterations is kept small ( >
Increasing the Amphiphilicity of an Amyloidogenic Peptide Changes the β-Sheet Structure in the Fibrils from Antiparallel to Parallel

Solid-state NMR measurements have been reported for four peptides derived from β-amyloid peptide Aβ(1–42): Aβ(1–40), Aβ(10–35), Aβ(16–22), and Aβ(34–42). Of these, the first two are predicted to be amphiphilic and were reported to form parallel β-sheets, whereas the latter two peptides appear nonamphiphilic and adopt an antiparallel β-sheet organization. These results suggest that amphiphilicity may be significant in determining fibril structure. Here, we demonstrate that acylation of Aβ(16–22) with octanoic acid increases its amphiphilicity and changes the organization of fibrillar β-sheet from antiparallel to parallel. Electron microscopy, Congo Red binding, and one-dimensional 13C NMR measurements demonstrate that octanoyl-Aβ(16–22) forms typical amyloid fibrils. Based on the stability of monolayers at the air-water interface, octanoyl-Aβ(16–22) is more amphiphilic than Aβ(16–22). Measurements of 13C-13C and 15N-13C nuclear magnetic dipole-dipole couplings in isotopically labeled fibril samples, using the constant-time finite-pulse radiofrequency-driven recoupling (fpRFDR-CT) and rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) solid-state NMR techniques, demonstrate that octanoyl-Aβ(16–22) fibrils are composed of parallel β-sheets, whereas Aβ(16–22) fibrils are composed of antiparallel β-sheets. These data demonstrate that amphiphilicity is critical in determining the structural organization of β-sheets in the amyloid fibril. This work also shows that all amyloid fibrils do not share a common supramolecular structure, and suggests a method for controlling the structure of amyloid fibrils.
Selective checkpointing and rollbacks in multithreaded distributed systems

Modern distributed systems are often multithreaded and object-oriented in their design. They require efficient techniques to checkpoint and restore their state for improving fault-tolerance properties. The traditional process-based techniques of distributed checkpointing and rollback algorithms suffer from the problem of false dependencies, which makes them very rigid and inefficient for use with modern systems. In this paper, we develop protocols that can selectively checkpoint (and rollback) some threads of a distributed system while leaving others untouched, and yet ensuring the consistency of state resulting from such a partial rollback.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEORY AND POLICY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

▪ Abstract Policy makers pay relatively little attention to the vast theoretical literature in IR, and many scholars seem uninterested in doing policy-relevant work. These tendencies are unfortunate because theory is an essential tool of statecraft. Many policy debates ultimately rest on competing theoretical visions, and relying on a false or flawed theory can lead to major foreign policy disasters. Theory remains essential for diagnosing events, explaining their causes, prescribing responses, and evaluating the impact of different policies. Unfortunately, the norms and incentives that currently dominate academia discourage many scholars from doing useful theoretical work in IR. The gap between theory and policy can be narrowed only if the academic community begins to place greater value on policy-relevant theoretical work.
Power Differentials and Performative Deviation Paths in Practice Transfer: The Case of Evidence-Based Medicine

Practice transfer processes in organizations often do not proceed as planned. Prior literature has viewed unplanned deviations as undesirable, emphasizing ways to reduce or overcome them. Performative deviations refer to such unplanned deviations in the actual performance of practice transfer processes from the prescribed intentions of the organization. In this research, we seek to provide a fine-grained analysis of the nature of performative deviation paths through which practice transfer processes unfold by focusing on the role of power differentials. We find that power differentials among transfer participants can cause the unfolding practice transfers to deviate from prescribed processes along one of two alternative paths—the agency-based performative deviation path or the knowledge-based performative deviation path. Although the agency-based performative deviation path hinders successful practice transfer, the knowledge-based performative deviation path can actually be helpful to organizations. We draw on the dual-nature framework of organizational routines and the pluralist lens of power as our theoretical foundation and evidence-based medicine in healthcare as our empirical context to derive a set of propositions about the different performative deviation paths through which practice transfer processes unfold, based on the nature of power differentials among work roles involved in practice transfer and the different outcomes that result. The roles of outcome uncertainty and information technology are also presented.
Contrast challenge for ultrahigh-intensity experiments on high-density targets

Current contrast-control-technology is inadequate for solid targets with the next generation of high-intensity lasers. We apply a spatiotemporal-contrast-concept (STC) to demonstrate that intensity∼1025 W/cm2 is feasible for transparent solids at STC ∼1014
Preoperative plasma levels of interleukin-6 and its soluble receptor predict disease recurrence and survival of patients with bladder cancer

Purpose: Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) are associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in various malignancies. Since the IL-6 soluble receptor (IL-6sR) potentiates the systemic effects of IL-6, each may independently impact the disease process. We tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma IL-6 and IL-6sR levels would predict cancer stage and prognosis in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 51 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma and 44 men without cancer. Preoperative plasma levels of IL-6 and IL6sR were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with pathological features and clinical outcome.Results: IL-6 levels were higher in patients with bladder cancer than in healthy controls (p <0.001). In bladder cancer cases elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-6sR were associated with adverse pathological features, including muscle invasion, lymphovascular invasion and lymph...
SDR: a database of predicted specificity-determining residues in proteins

The specificity-determining residue database (SDR database) presents residue positions where mutations are predicted to have changed protein function in large protein families. Because the database precalculates predictions on existing protein sequence alignments, users can quickly find the predictions by selecting the appropriate protein family or searching by protein sequence. Predictions can be used to guide mutagenesis or to gain a better understanding of specificity changes in a protein family. The database is available on the web at http://para dox.harvard.edu/sdr.
Appropriate documentation of confirmation of endotracheal tube position and relationship to patient outcome from in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Objectives To determine the rate of appropriate documentation of endotracheal tube (ET) position confirmation in the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation (GWTG-R) and to determine whether outcomes of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrest differ in relation to documentation rate. Design Analysis of data from the GWTG-R, a prospective observational registry of in-hospital cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Setting Database containing clinical information from the 507 hospitals participating in the GWTG-R. Patients Adults resuscitated after in-hospital cardiac arrest. Measurements The rate of appropriate documentation of ET position confirmation, defined as the use of capnography or an esophageal detector device (EDD); relationship between appropriate documentation of ET position confirmation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or survival to hospital discharge. Proportions with 95% CI are reported for prevalence data. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between appropriate documentation of ET position confirmation and outcome (ROSC, survival to hospital discharge). Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios are reported. Main results Of the 176,054 patients entered into the GWTG-R database, 75,777 had an ET placed. For 13,263 (17.5%) of these patients, ET position confirmation was not documented in the chart. Auscultation alone was documented in 19,480 (25.7%) cases. Confirmation of ET position by capnography or EDD was documented in 43,034 (56.8%) cases. ROSC occurred in 39,063 (51.6%), and 13,474 (17.8%) survived to discharge. Patients whose ET position was confirmed by capnography or EDD were more likely to have ROSC (adjusted OR 1.229 [1.179, 1.282]) and to survive to hospital discharge (adjusted OR 1.093 [1.033, 1.157]). Conclusion Documentation of ET position confirmation in patients who experience cardiac arrest is suboptimal. Appropriate documentation of ET position confirmation in the GWTG-R is associated with greater likelihood of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge.
Signal Peptide Peptidase Forms a Homodimer That Is Labeled by an Active Site-directed γ-Secretase Inhibitor

Presenilin (PS) is the presumptive catalytic component of the intramembrane aspartyl protease γ-secretase complex. Recently a family of presenilin homologs was identified. One member of this family, signal peptide peptidase (SPP), has been shown to be a protease, which supports the hypothesis that PS and presenilin homologs are related intramembrane-cleaving aspartyl proteases. SPP has been reported as a glycoprotein of ∼45 kDa. Our initial characterization of SPP isolated from human brain and cell lines demonstrated that SPP is primarily present as an SDS-stable ∼95-kDa protein on Western blots. Upon heating or treatment of this ∼95-kDa SPP band with acid, a ∼45-kDa band could be resolved. Co-purification of two different epitope-tagged forms of SPP from a stably transfected cell line expressing both tagged versions demonstrated that the ∼95-kDa band is a homodimer of SPP. Pulse-chase metabolic labeling studies demonstrated that the SPP homodimer assembles rapidly and is metabolically stable. In a glycerol velocity gradient, SPP sedimented from ∼100–200 kDa. Significantly the SPP homodimer was specifically labeled by an active site-directed photoaffinity probe (III-63) for PS, indicating that the active sites of SPP and PS/γ-secretase are similar and providing strong evidence that the homodimer is functionally active. Collectively these data suggest that SPP exists in vivo as a functional dimer.
Comparison of constrained geometric approximation strategies for planar information states

This paper describes and analyzes a new technique for reasoning about uncertainty called constrained geometric approximation (CGA). We build upon recent work that has developed methods to explicitly represent a robot's knowledge as an element, called an information state, in an appropriately defined information space. The intuition of our new approach is to constrain the I-state to remain in a structured subset of the I-space, and to enforce that constraint using appropriate over-approximation methods. The result is a collection of algorithms that enable mobile robots with extreme limitations in both sensing and computation to maintain simple but provably mean-ingful representations of the incomplete information available to them. We present a simulated implementation of this technique for a sensor-based navigation task, along with experimental results for this task showing that CGA, compared to a high-fidelity representation of the un-approximated I-state, achieves a similar success rate at a small fraction of the computational cost.
Political Consultants in U.S. Congressional Elections By Stephen K. Medvic. Columbus: Ohio State University, 2001. 224p. $50.00 cloth.

Political consultants have become an omnipresent part of the election landscape. Almost no prominent campaign emerges without a group of paid advisors who raise money, poll, design ads, and craft messages for the candidate. Yet despite the extensive visibility of campaign consultants, few empirical studies exist that attempt to measure the impact of this important player in American elections.
The subgraph isomorphism problem for outerplanar graphs

This paper deals with the subgraph isomorphism problem for outerplanar graphs (SUBOUTISOM). In general, since trees and forests are outerplanar, SUBOUTISOM is NP-complete. We show that SUBOUTISOM remains NP-complete even when the strongest connectivity requirements are imposed on both graphs. The same results holds for the induced subgraph isomorphism problem for outerplanar graphs except the case when both graphs are 2-connected; for such graphs we give a polynomial algorithm which verifies whether a 2-connected outerplanar graph is an induced subgraph of another 2-connected outerplanar graph.
USE AND SELECTION OF WINTER HIBERNACULA BY THE EASTERN PIPISTRELLE (PIPISTRELLUS SUBFLAVUS) IN TEXAS

Use and selection of winter hibernacula by the eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) in Texas
Association between synthesis and release of cGMP and nitric oxide biosynthesis by hepatocytes

Hepatocytes are known to synthesize nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine via an inducible NO synthase. Studies were performed to determine the relationship between hepatocyte NO production and the stimulation of hepatocyte soluble guanylate cyclase. A combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1 stimulates the biosynthesis of large quantities of nitrite and nitrate (NO2- + NO3-). Hepatocyte NO2- + NO3- production was associated with only small increases in intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels but much greater increases in extracellular cGMP release over an 18-h time period. This cGMP synthesis was dependent on the L-arginine concentration and was inhibited in a reversible manner by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. The cytokines or LPS added alone induced small increases in nitrogen oxide production and concomitant minor elevations in cGMP release. Atrial natriuretic peptide also stimulated the release of cGMP by hepatocytes which appeared to be independent of the cytokine+LPS-induced cGMP release. The addition of probenecid reduced the cGMP release by 66%, while cell damage was excluded as a cause for the extracellular release. Addition of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, but not M&B 22948, increased hepatocyte intra- and extracellular cGMP levels after cytokine+LPS stimulation. Induction of nitrogen oxide synthesis by hepatocytes in vivo by injecting rats with killed Corynebacterium parvum resulted in increased cGMP levels in freshly isolated hepatocytes and increased cGMP release by the hepatocytes when placed in culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Robotic Resection of Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Abstract The case is a 28-year-old woman with multiple recurrent papillary thyroid cancer, whose sole remaining site of known disease in the upper mediastinum was inaccessible through a cervical incision due to scar from previous operations. This brachiocephalic lymph node was removed safely and completely at a subsequent transthoracic robotic procedure with minimal impact on the patient. The operative technique and pathology are reviewed. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 4 mins 8 secs
The bar spectral sequence converging toh *(SO(2n+1))

We study the bar spectral sequence converging toh*(SO(2n+1)), whereh is an algebra theory overBP. The differentials are determined completely ifh=P(l) andn<2l. These results will be used in a future paper on the MoravaK-theories ofSO(2n+1), with no restriction onn. As another application, we determineBP*(Spin(7)) including much of its algebra structure.
In-Situ Multiprocessing of Ultrathin Silicon Nitride Capacitors for Advanced Dram Cells

Ultrathin silicon nitride capacitors were fabricated using in-situ multiprocessing technology. In this paper we present comparative studies of capacitor formation using standard furnace processing, rapid thermal processing (RTP), and cluster tool processing of ONO dielectric films. We show that, due to better interface control using cluster tool processing, higher capacitance can be obtained for a fixed leakage level for the same thickness of dielectric film when compared to furnace and rapid thermal processing. We discuss the structural and electrical properties of these films and show that, due to an oxide-free interface, the improved film quality results in lower leakage current density and higher reliability.
Cost-benefit analysis of indirect antiglobulin screening in Rh(D)-negative women at 28 weeks of gestation.

Objective To estimate the potential economic benefit of reduced indirect antiglobulin screening for Rh(D)-negative pregnant women. Methods A chart review of all Rh(D)-negative mothers delivering at the University of Washington from 2002 to 2012 was conducted to determine the rate of gestational seroconversion to anti-D antibodies before 28 weeks of gestation. A decision tree was constructed to estimate the economic effects of eliminating the indirect antiglobulin screen at 28 weeks of gestation and instead immunizing all Rh(D)-negative, anti-D antibody-negative women with anti-D immune globulin at that time. A theoretical cohort of 100,000 women was modeled. Probabilities and costs were derived from published literature, chart review, and expert opinion. Univariate sensitivity analyses followed by a Monte Carlo analysis examined assumptions and uncertainties in our model across entire distributions. Results The seroconversion rate of development of anti-D antibodies before 28 weeks of gestation in the cohort analyzed was 0.099% (2/2,029 women). From a societal perspective, the expected cost savings from implementing the reduced indirect antiglobulin screening strategy, per 100,000 women, ranged from $6 to $7.7 million. The overall cost savings for implementing this strategy in the United States for 1 year ranged from $34.7 to $35.6 million. This strategy remained cost-beneficial when varying our parameters (eg, anti-D immune globulin, antibody test cost) to their logical extremes. The Monte Carlo analysis verified the cost savings of our strategy. Conclusion The updated seroconversion rate and our model suggest that eliminating the 28-week antibody screen would be cost-beneficial from a societal perspective while posing minimal potential harm to the recipients.
A New Computationally-Efficient Two-Dimensional Model for Boron Implantation Into Single-Crystal Silicon

We have developed a new computationally-efficient two-dimensional model for boron implantation into single-crystal silicon. This new model is based on the dual Pearson semi-empirical implant depth profile model [1] and the UT-MARLOWE Monte Carlo boron ion implantation model [2]. This new model can predict with very high computatational efficiency two-dimensional as-implanted boron profiles as a function of energy, dose, tilt angle, rotation angle, masking edge orientation, and masking edge thickness.
Understanding and Treating Running Injuries in the Youth Athlete

Running’s popularity in the youth athlete has significantly increased in recent years. As the number of children who participate in running increases, the number of injuries in this group is also likely to increase. Proper care of these athletes includes a thorough understanding of the unique physiology of the skeletally immature athlete and commonly associated running injuries. Treatment should focus on adult and athlete education, modification of training and competition schedules, and correction of biomechanical deficits contributing to injury. Early identification and correction of these factors will allow for prevention, participation, and when necessary, quicker return to running sports.
Peptides in Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with a significant public health burden. Currently there is no biomarker that identifies those at risk of developing COPD, progression of disease or disease phenotypes. We performed metabolomic profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from COPD patients to determine if metabolites correlated with clinical measurements such as lung function, functional status and degree of emphysema. Methods Metabolomic components of BALF from 59 subjects with COPD and 20 healthy controls were separated by reversed-phase UPLC and analyzed by ESI-ToF mass spectrometry. We used univariate analysis and multiple regression models to investigate associations between metabolomic features and various clinical variables, such as lung function, functional status as measured by the St. George Respiratory Quotient Score and emphysema as measured by the CT density mask score. Results We identified over 3900 features by mass spectrometry, many consistent with peptides. Subjects with severe COPD had increased concentration of peptides compared to controls (p < 9.526e-05). The peptide concentration correlated with spirometry, specifically pulmonary function tests associated with airflow obstruction. There was no correlation with CT density, i.e. emphysema, or functional status. Conclusions Metabolomic profiling of BALF in COPD patients demonstrated a significant increase in peptides compared to healthy controls that associated strongly to lung function, but not emphysema or functional status.
Clarifying the nuances in ADHD and health outcomes: a case of overweight and obesity

ABSTRACT FROM: Cortese S, Moreira-Maia CR, St Fleur D, et al. Association between ADHD and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Psychiatry 2016;173:34–43. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at elevated risk of a host of negative life outcomes, including both psychiatric and health complications.1 While the psychiatric complications are well established, the question of physical health outcomes is in need of clarification.1 As obesity becomes epidemic in our society, the question of whether ADHD, with its association of impulsivity, contributes to that risk, is salient.1 ,2 Dozens of studies have looked at this question, but with seemingly disparate results.2 Quantitative meta-analyses therefore are needed to clarify this association. The present authors have been leaders in this area so their assessment of the field is of considerable interest. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carefully conducted; the authors published their protocol in PROSPERO in advance. A systematic search of multiple databases likely identified all relevant published and unpublished articles, resulting in the inclusion of 41 observational studies with …
The Giants of Mechanics

In the following, I present brief descriptions of individuals who have made major contributions to the field of mechanics. For each individual, their scholarly activities follow a listing of their place of birth, primary associations, and lifespan. The public is aware of many of these individuals, at least by name; those who have experience in science and engineering will recognize most of the others. Without doubt, the listing is somewhat selective, and others might have been included as well. The more I researched the topic, the more scholars I wanted to include in the listing.
Nasal dyspnea: the place of rhinomanometry in its objective assessment.

Background“Nasal dyspnea” describes the common symptom of nasal airway obstruction, which usually is assessed subjectively. Objective, quantitative methods are needed to assess the nasal airway ade...
Advanced Receiver Designs for Bacterial Communication with Amplitude Source Addressing

In this work, we focus on the problem of amplitude source addressing in a multiple source single receiver bacterial communication network. Amplitude addressing is an addressing mechanism where the amplitude of transmitted signal is assigned as address of the source. When multiple sources collide, receiver performs interference cancellation and minimizes collision resolution error. We propose two receiver designs for an amplitude addressing system. We show that amplitude-addressing along with an optimum receiver implicitly solves the problem of medium access control.
Overlapping Electronic States with Nearly Parallel Transition Dipole Moments in Reduced Anionic Flavin Can Distort Photobiological Dynamics

Chromophoric biomolecules are exploited as reporters of a diverse set of phenomena, acting as internal distance monitors, environment and redox sensors, and endogenous imaging probes. The extent to which they can be exploited is dependent on an accurate knowledge of their fundamental electronic properties. Arguably of greatest importance is a precise knowledge of the direction(s) of the absorption transition dipole moment(s) (TDMs) in the molecular frame of reference. Such is the case for flavins, fluorescent redox cofactors utilized for ground- and excited-state redox and photochemical processes. The directions of the TDMs in oxidized and semiquinone flavins were characterized decades ago, and the details of charge redistribution in these forms have also been studied by Stark spectroscopy. The electronic structure of the fully reduced hydroquinone anionic state, FlH-, however, has been the subject of unfounded assumptions and estimates about the number and direction of TDMs in FlH-, as well the electronic structure changes that occur upon light absorption. Here we have used Stark spectroscopy to measure the magnitude and direction of charge redistribution in FlH- upon optical excitation. These data were analyzed using TD-DFT calculations. The results show unequivocally that not one but two nearly orientation-degenerate electronic transitions are required to explain the 340-500 nm absorption spectral range, demolishing the commonly held assumption of a single transition. The difference dipole moments for these states show that electron density shifts toward the xylene ring for both transitions. These measurements force a reappraisal of previous studies that have used erroneous assumptions and unsubstantiated estimates of these quantities. The results put future optical studies of reduced flavins/flavoproteins on a firm photophysical footing.
Calcium and Bone Turnover Markers in Acromegaly: A Prospective, Controlled Study.

Context Acromegaly has been associated with calcium-phosphate and bone turnover alterations. Controlled studies of these interactions are sparse. Objective To evaluate calcium and bone metabolism in active and treated acromegaly. Design/Setting/Patients We conducted a controlled, prospective study at a tertiary referral center. We studied 22 patients with acromegaly referred for surgical or medical therapy (ACM) and 22 with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas referred for surgery (control). Main Outcome Measures Calcium (serum and urine), phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, bone turnover markers [serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP)], and cytokines [receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANK-L) and osteoprotegerin (OPG)] at baseline and 3 to 6 months after treatment. Results At baseline, the ACM group had lower PTH levels than controls (36.3 ± 13.9 pg/mL vs 56.0 ± 19.9 pg/mL) and higher phosphorus (4.34 ± 0.71 mg/dL vs 3.55 ± 0.50 mg/dL) (P < 0.01). Groups had similar levels of serum and urine calcium and 25-hydroxy- and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D. The ACM group had higher bone turnover markers than control; P1NP and CTX were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.82, P < 0.05). CTX was dependent on age and disease group but not on sex or gonadal status. After treatment of acromegaly, serum calcium (9.52 ± 0.43 mg/dL to 9.26 ± 0.28 mg/dL), phosphorus (4.34 ± 0.71 mg/dL to 3.90 ± 0.80 mg/dL), and CTX (0.91 ± 0.75 ng/mL to 0.63 ± 0.68 ng/mL) decreased, while PTH increased (36.3 ± 13.9 pg/mL to 48.9 ± 16.7 pg/mL) (P < 0.01). 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, P1NP, and RANK-L/OPG ratio did not change significantly. Conclusion Acromegaly patients exhibited PTH-independent calcium-phosphate alterations and enhanced coupled bone formation and resorption. Within 6 months of treatment, bone resorption decreased, whereas RANK-L/OPG changes were inconsistent.
Morphological Interfaces: On Body Transforming Technologies

A close integration of human and machine has been envisioned by researchers and artists for generations, however, there has been little effort in investigating the possibility and plausibility of the idea until recent years. We seek to open a discussion on how the notion of self is plastic, and how innately we are capable of empowering and extending ourselves through technologies. Neuroscience studies show using a tool not only offers new capabilities, but also reconstructs our cognitive architecture to include the tool as a part of ourselves. This adaptive nature of the body image poses an opportunity for designing interfaces that become natural extensions to us. In this paper we introduce previous studies drawn from various fields of study, and discuss the role of the body in the self-world relationship, body image plasticity, and how designing the body may affect neural developments. We also offer a categorization of related technologies, along with our current explorations. Finally, potential issues and challenges in realizing the presented form of interfaces are addressed.
Employee Engagement – Why It Matters

Even with the increased recognition of the importance of engagement, the level of employee engagement hovers around 30%. Leaders are now expressing frustration with the lack of specific actionable recommendations for addressing the problem. This book has been written to address this concern by providing a set of specific, evidence-based recommendations for enhancing employee engagement.