cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Constitutive Relationship of Social Communication Competence to Self-Compassion and Hope

Communication is constitutive—in theory. In research, however, communication is often treated as an outcome, influenced by personal attributes. The present research examines social communication competence as a constitutive influence predicting self-compassion and hope. Path analysis results support this hypothesis. Results show that social communication expressivity (β = .14), sensitivity (β = –.32), and control (β = .20) predict self-compassion. Social communication sensitivity (β = .26) and control (β = .27) affect hope agency, and social communication control (β = .29) predicts hope pathways thinking. These results provide evidence of the constitutive nature of communication.
Esophagus Benign Diseases of the Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube lined with nonkeratinizing squamous epithelium that starts as a continuation of the pharynx and ends as the cardia of the stomach. The esophagus is fixed only at its upper and lower ends, the upper end being firmly attached to the cricoid cartilage and the lower end to the diaphragm. This lack of fixation throughout its length allows the esophagus both transverse and longitudinal mobility. This mobility is important in normal esophageal function as well as pathological states, which can easily displace the esophagus or require extensive surgical mobilization for correction.
Inductive and ultrasonic wireless power transmission to biomedical implants

This paper presents an accurate comparison between the performance of inductive and ultrasonic links for wireless power transmission (WPT) to biomedical implants with different sizes and implantation depth. These links' performances are evaluated based on the power transmission efficiency (PTE) at their optimized operation frequency (fp) to find out which WPT method is more efficient and robust. The geometry of several sets of inductive and ultrasonic links along with their fp have been optimized for different separation distances (d12) between the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) and two Rx diameters (D02) to achieve the highest PTE. The simulation results show that the ultrasonic link outperforms the inductive link when the Rx has D02 of 1.2 mm and implanted deep inside the tissue. However, for an Rx with the D02 of 5 mm and above, the inductive link achieves higher PTE, particularly at shorter d12 of 5 mm (46% vs. 40%) and 10 mm (40% vs. 28%). The simulated misalignment results show that the ultrasonic link is more prone to misalignments greater than 1 mm compared to its inductive counterpart.
Settlement of the Dispute and Termination of the Boycott

On January 26, 1984, the activist groups represented by INBC agreed to suspend their boycott against Nestle. This was done in a jointly held news conference by Nestle and INBC at the NCCN’s offices in Washington, D.C. The suspension was made final on October 4, 1984, in Washington, D.C. It was a culmination of the efforts that started immediately after the passage of the WHO Code and subsequent Nestle’s commitment to implement the code in its Third World operations. The process of discussions-negotiations,the external conditions that brought it about, and changes in Nestle’s organizational structure, operating practices, attitudes toward its critics, and negotiating tactics, all offer an excellent road map with which to enhance our understanding of how corporations might best work in a proactive mode with their critics in the public policy arena.
Occupational-Specific Strength Predicts Astronaut-Related Task Performance in a Weighted Suit.

Background Future space missions beyond low Earth orbit will require deconditioned astronauts to perform occupationally relevant tasks within a planetary spacesuit. The prediction of time-to-completion (TTC) of astronaut tasks will be critical for crew safety, autonomous operations, and mission success. This exploratory study determined if the addition of task-specific strength testing to current standard lower body testing would enhance the prediction of TTC in a 1-G test battery. Methods Eight healthy participants completed NASA lower body strength tests, occupationally specific strength tests, and performed six task simulations (hand drilling, construction wrenching, incline walking, collecting weighted samples, and dragging an unresponsive crewmember to safety) in a 48-kg weighted suit. The TTC for each task was recorded and summed to obtain a total TTC for the test battery. Linear regression was used to predict total TTC with two models: 1) NASA lower body strength tests; and 2) NASA lower body strength tests + occupationally specific strength tests. Results Total TTC of the test battery ranged from 20.2-44.5 min. The lower body strength test alone accounted for 61% of the variability in total TTC. The addition of hand drilling and wrenching strength tests accounted for 99% of the variability in total TTC. Discussion Adding occupationally specific strength tests (hand drilling and wrenching) to standard lower body strength tests successfully predicted total TTC in a performance test battery within a weighted suit. Future research should couple these strength tests with higher fidelity task simulations to determine the utility and efficacy of task performance prediction.Taylor A, Kotarsky CJ, Bond CW, Hackney KJ. Occupational-specific strength predicts astronaut-related task performance in a weighted suit. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(1):58-62.
Review of Massive Dilepton Production in Proton Nucleus Collisions

In this lecture we will review recent experiments on production of lepton pairs in proton-nucleus collisions at large effective dilepton mass. For the purpose of this talk we will consider the production of lepton pairs with masses above the J/ψ and ψ′ region (m ≥ 4 GeV/c2). This range appears to be above the region dominated by resonant production 1 and we will discuss it in terms of continuum dilepton production. Dilepton production for m ≥ 4 GeV/c2 will be discussed by Prof. A.J.S. Smith of Princeton University.
Metabolic aspects of neuronal degeneration: From a NAD+ point of view.

Abstract Cellular metabolism maintains the life of cells, allowing energy production required for building cellular constituents and maintaining homeostasis under constantly changing external environments. Neuronal cells maintain their structure and function for the entire life of organisms and the loss of neurons, with limited neurogenesis in adults, directly causes loss of complexity in the neuronal networks. The nervous system organizes the neurons by placing cell bodies containing nuclei of similar types of neurons in discrete regions. Accordingly, axons must travel great distances to connect different types of neurons and peripheral organs. The enormous surface area of neurons makes them high-energy demanding to keep their membrane potential. Distal axon survival is dependent on axonal transport that is another energy demanding process. All of these factors make metabolic stress a potential risk factor for neuronal death and neuronal degeneration often associated with metabolic diseases. This review discusses recent findings on metabolic dysregulations under neuronal degeneration and pathways protecting neurons in these conditions.
Lectures on Data Refinement

These lectures discuss the notion of data refinement: the replacement of one or more variables in a program by other variables, with suitable replacement of expressions and statements, to yield an equivalent program.
Population persistence in the face of climate change and competition: A battle on two fronts

Abstract Many species undergo significant shifts in population distribution in response to changes in climate. This response can introduce a species to new competition from invasive organisms, or influence the dynamics of an otherwise balanced ecosystem. How can a species ensure its own survival while dealing with both interspecific competition and the effects of climate change? We examine a two-species discrete-time, continuous-space population model to determine conditions for coexistence and criteria for persistence in a changing climate. Our analysis suggests that the cost of keeping pace with climate change can weaken the ability of a species to compete with others, and that climate change has the capacity to shift the stable-state solution of the population model. These effects are somewhat mitigated by niche differentiation, with the potential for habitat considered inhospitable to one species to provide refuge for the other. Using this model we simulate a hypothetical population of native bull trout Salvelinus confluentus experiencing competition from invasive brook trout S. fontinalis as their river habitat warms due to climate change. Based on current climate projections, we find that bull trout are likely to disappear from the study area by 2080, with brook trout expanding their range in the absence of competition.
Low Serum Carotenoids Are Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Dysfunction and Inflammatory Markers in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background: Dietary carotenoids may exert anti-inflammatory activities to reduce inflammation-driven cognitive impairments during cancer and cancer treatment. Our objective was to explore if cognitive function in breast cancer survivors (BCS) differs by serum carotenoid concentrations, and if blood carotenoids concentrations are associated with reduced systemic inflammation. Methods: Objective cognitive function and perceived cognitive impairment of 29 BCS and 38 controls were assessed cross-sectionally with the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function Questionnaire, respectively. Serum carotenoid and inflammatory marker (sTNF-RII, IL-6, IL-1ra, CRP) concentrations were measured. Results: Low-carotenoid BCS had more cognitive complaints compared to the low-carotenoid controls (Mdiff = −43.0, p < 0.001) and high-carotenoid controls (Mdiff = −44.5, p < 0.001). However, the cognitive complaints of high-carotenoid BCS were intermediate to and not different than the low-carotenoid BCS, or low- or high-carotenoid controls. BCS performed similarly to controls on all objective cognitive measures. Multiple linear regression, controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), demonstrated an inverse association between serum carotenoid concentrations and pro-inflammatory sTNFR-II (β = 0.404, p = 0.005) and IL-6 concentrations (β = −0.35, p = 0.001), but not IL-1ra or CRP. Conclusions: Higher serum carotenoid concentrations may convey cognitive and anti-inflammatory benefits in BCS. Future research should identify dietary components and patterns that support cognitive health in cancer survivors.
Generalized growth curve models for longitudinal data in application to a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Growth curve analysis is beneficial in longitudinal studies, where the pattern of response variables measured repeatedly over time is of interest, yet unknown. In this article, we propose generalized growth curve models under a polynomial regression framework and offer a complete process that identifies the parsimonious growth curves for different groups of interest, as well as compares the curves. A higher order of a polynomial degree generally provides more flexible regression, yet it may suffer from the complicated and overfitted model in practice. Therefore, we employ the model selection procedure that chooses the optimal degree of a polynomial consistently. Consideration of a quadratic inference function (Qu et al., 2000) for estimation on regression parameters is addressed and estimation efficiency is improved by incorporating the within-subject correlation commonly existing in longitudinal data. In biomedical studies, it is of particular interest to compare multiple treatments and provide an effective one. We further conduct the hypothesis test that assesses the equality of the growth curves through an asymptotic chi-square test statistic. The proposed methodology is employed on a randomized controlled longitudinal dataset on depression. The effectiveness of our procedure is also confirmed with simulation studies.
Mediation Modeling in Randomized Trials with Non-normal Outcome Variables

Mediation analysis seeks to understand the mechanism by which a treatment affects an outcome. Many conventional and causal mediation approaches have been developed for continuous outcomes. When the outcome of interest is non-continuous (e.g., binary, count, or zero-inflated count), mediation approaches relying on linear models may not be appropriate. This chapter introduces the framework and definition of direct and indirect (mediation) treatment effects on non-continuous outcomes around and through intermediate variables (mediators). Different mediation approaches for non-continuous outcomes are discussed under a variety of settings where post-baseline confounders and unmeasured confounders may be a concern, and under a series of assumptions with and without sequential ignorability. Methods are illustrated with application to a randomized dental caries prevention trial.
IR-MALDESI mass spectrometry imaging of underivatized neurotransmitters in brain tissue of rats exposed to tetrabromobisphenol A

There is a pressing need to develop tools for assessing possible neurotoxicity, particularly for chemicals where the mode of action is poorly understood. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a highly abundant brominated flame retardant, has lately been targeted for neurotoxicity analysis by concerned public health entities in the EU and USA because it is a suspected thyroid disruptor and neurotoxicant. In this study, infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI) coupled to a Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometer was used for the analysis of neurotransmitters in the brains of rats exposed to TBBPA in gestation and lactation through their mothers. Three neurotransmitters of interest were studied in three selected regions of the brain: caudate putamen, substantia nigra (SN), and dorsal raphe. Stable isotope labeled (SIL) standards were used as internal standards and a means to achieve relative quantification. This study serves as a demonstration of a new application of IR-MALDESI, namely that neurotransmitter distributions can be confidently and rapidly imaged without derivatization.
Flavored Tobacco Use Among U.S. Adults by Age Group: 2013-2014.

AbstractObjective: This study sought to assess patterns of flavored tobacco product (FTP) use and their associations with (1) susceptibility to smoke cigarettes among young adults aged 18–29 who have never smoked; (2) quit attempts in the past 12 months among current cigarette users by age group (18–29, 30–49, and 50+). Methods: We used the 2013–2014 National Adult Tobacco Survey (n = 75,233) to estimate the prevalence of single-, dual-, and poly-use of FTP (menthol cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, regular pipes/hookahs, and smokeless). Logistic regression models were performed to examine the associations between FTP use and smoking behaviors. Results: Among current tobacco users, young adults aged 18–29 (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of FTP use than other age groups (30–49: 51.7% and 50+: 37.9%). For FTP use within each age group, dual- and poly-FTP use was most popular among young adults aged 18–29 and menthol cigarette use was most popular among older adults aged 50+. Compared with not using any toba...
NET formation induced by gout-associated monosodium urate crystals requires IL-8-mediated neutrophil migration and is inhibited by the P2Y6 receptor antagonist MRS2578.

Human neutrophils generate inflammatory responses within the joints of gout patients upon encountering Monosodium Urate (MSU) crystals. Studies (including ours) show that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are found abundantly in the synovial fluid (SF) of gout patients and are crucial for the onset of the autoinflammatory cascade. Our goal is to shed light on possible roles of purinergic signaling and neutrophil migration in mediating in vitro NET formation induced by MSU crystals. Our data show that gout SF supernatants have significantly higher levels of the neutrophil granule markers, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and human neutrophil elastase (HNE), and NETs than SF specimens from MSU-negative osteoarthritis patients. MSU crystal-triggered NETs in human neutrophils contain active DNA-bound MPO and HNE. MRS2578, a purinergic P2Y6 receptor antagonist, reduces the release of extracellular DNA, MPO and HNE in MSU crystal-stimulated neutrophils. Releases of MPO, HNE and NETs were measured by commercial ELISA and our proprietary NET-DNA ELISA assays. We found that MRS2578 reduces MSU crystal-induced IL-8 release, neutrophil chemotaxis and characteristic formation of DNA aggregates. The store operated calcium entry (SOCE) channel inhibitor (SK96365) blocked MSU crystal-induced NET release. Our results indicating that the P2Y6-SOCE-IL-8 axis is involved in MSU crystal-induced NET formation provide a novel mechanism potentially relevant in gout inflammation. Our work on the role of the P2Y6-SOCE-IL-8 axis in MSU crystal-triggered NET formation could potentially lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of gout joint inflammation and, thereby, help in improving the care of gout patients.
Formanty kategorialne – ich miejsce w (semantycznej i formalnej) strukturze języka

Category formants – their place in (semantic and formal) language structure The author argues that the so-called category some of the grammaticalized segments of the corresponding semantic fields that are especially important for successful linguistic communication. She presents semantic categorical paradigms in Polish and in Macedonian, along with their formal correlates, i.e., categorical markers. She states that in the course of time, the old postpositional bound markers, suffixes and infixes are often eliminated, while the prepositional markers (prefixes, prepositions, verbal particles…) multiply. The Macedonian situation demonstrates that this type of evolution is accelerated in multilingual environment. Formanty kategorialne – ich miejsce w (semantycznej i formalnej) strukturze jezyka Autorka dowodzi, ze tzw. formanty kategorialne nalezą do tych gramatycznych segmentow pol semantycznych, ktore są szczegolnie wazne dla pomyślnej komunikacji jezykowej. Przedstawia semantyczne paradygmaty kategorii w jezyku polskim i macedonskim oraz ich formalne, tj. kategorialne, wskaźniki. Stwierdza, ze z biegiem czasu stare, postpozycyjne, związane wskaźniki, sufiksy, infiksy, partykuly werbalne są czesto eliminowane, a wskaźniki przyimkowe (przedrostki, przyimki, cząstki slowne…) multiplikowane. Sytuacja w Macedonii świadczy o tym, ze ten rodzaj ewolucji ulega przyspieszeniu w środowisku wielojezycznym.
Mutagenic Effects of Magnetic Fields on Drosophila Melanogaster

There is evidence [Cox (1964); Harrison (1966); and Dalrymple (1968)] of several complete reversals of the earth’s magnetic field. The most recent and best documented event is the Olduvai which occurred about 2.0 to 1.9 × 106 years ago. The change in polarity is recorded in lava flows from Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, Victoria, Australia, and Cocos Island in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This suggests that organisms existing today have evolved under reversing magnetic field orientations. This reversing process should produce a null magnetic field for the earth for a period of time. Current evidence indicates that the earth has had its field reduced nearly 30% in the last 100 years. Due to the ever increasing possibility that man will be exposed to magnetic fields other than that of the earth, it becomes important to ascertain if those alterations may induce genetic changes. Obvious areas of differing exposures are associated with space travel. These areas may involve both null and high intensity fields. Radar, cyclotrons, etc., which have magnets as component parts or as shielding devices, are other hazard areas of our modern era.
Impact of Dialysis on 30-Day Outcomes After Spinal Fusion Surgery for Pathologic Fractures: Insights from a National Quality Registry

Background Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis have been shown to have poor overall health, osteoporosis, and altered bone metabolism. However, the impact of hemodialysis on patient outcomes after spinal fusion remains unknown. We sought to assess the effect of dialysis on 30-day perioperative and postoperative outcomes after cervical and lumbar fusion for pathologic compression fractures. Methods We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2009 to 2016 for patients undergoing cervical or lumbar fusion for compression fractures. Three-to-one propensity score matching using sex, age, body mass index, and number of operated levels was used to match patients not undergoing dialysis with those undergoing dialysis. Multivariable conditional regression was used to identify the association between dialysis and 30-day clinical outcomes, after adjusting for confounders. Results A total of 48,492 patients undergoing cervical fusion were identified; 156 (0.32%) of these were on dialysis. On multivariable regression, dialysis dependency was associated with increased operative time (regression coefficient [coef.], 15.93; 95% CI, 0.4–31.5; P = 0.045), length of stay (coef. 6.06; 95% CI, 4.64–7.48; P Conclusions Our analyses indicated that dialysis dependency is associated with poor perioperative and postoperative outcomes after cervical/lumbar fusion for pathologic compression fractures.
Modeling the Kinetic Behavior of Reactive Oxygen Species with Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles.

The world of medicinal therapies has been historically, and remains to be, dominated by the use of elegant organic molecular structures. Now, a novel medical treatment is emerging based on CeO2 nano-crystals that are discrete clusters of a few hundred atoms. This development is generating a great deal of exciting and promising research activity, as evidenced by this Special Issue of Biomolecules. In this paper, we provide both a steady-state and time-dependent mathematical description of a sequence of reactions: superoxide generation, superoxide dismutase, and hydrogen peroxide catalase and ceria regeneration. This sequence describes the reactive oxygen species (ROS); superoxide, O2–, molecular oxygen, O2, hydroxide ion OH– and hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, interacting with the Ce3+, and Ce4+ surface cations of nanoparticle ceria, CeO2. Particular emphasis is placed on the predicted time-dependent role of the Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio within the crystal. The net reaction is succinctly described as: H2O2 + 2O2– + 2H+ → 2H2O + 2O2. The chemical equations and mathematical treatment appears to align well with several critical in vivo observations such as; direct and specific superoxide dismutase (SOD), ROS control, catalytic regeneration, ceria self-regulation and self-limiting behavior. However, in contrast to experimental observations, the model predicts that the 4+ ceric ion state is the key SOD agent. Future work is suggested based on these calculations.
Decision Theory and Allocating Decision Making in the Firm

I was invited to discuss decision theory and the firm for a conference on theories of choice. I believe that it is possible to deal productively with the subject matter of choosing and making decisions without actually settling upon any particular theory of choice. This is what transpires within the law of business organization. The law itself need not, and in fact does not, settle upon any particular theory of choice because the law does not consider itself the ultimate decision maker. Rather, it develops rules to allocate decision-making authority among various parties, and leaves the ultimate decision makers free to select from among the various theories of choice for themselves. Thus, the law sees its role as offering choices to business people. My contribution, then, is the claim that a settling upon a theory of choice is not always necessary. It is through this lens that I discuss decision theory and the allocation of decision making authority in the firm.
A Psychophysical Comparison of Two Methods for Adaptive Histogram Equalization

Adaptive histogram equalization (ahe) is a method for adaptive contrast enhancement of digital images proposed by Pizer et al.. It has the properties that it is an automatic, reproducible method for the simultaneous viewing of contrast within a digital image with a large dynamic range. Recent experiments have shown that in specific cases, there is no significant difference in the ability of ahe and linear intensity windowing to display grey-scale contrast. More recently, Pizer et al. have proposed a variant of ahe which limits the allowed contrast enhancement of the image. This contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (clahe) produces images in which the noise content of an image is not excessively enhanced, but in which sufficient contrast is provided for the visualization of structures within the image. Images processed with clahe have a more natural appearance and facilitate the comparison of different areas of an image. However, the reduced contrast enhancement of clahe may hinder the ability of an observer to detect the presence of some significant grey-scale contrast. In this work, a psychophysical observer experiment was performed to determine if there is a significant difference in the ability of ahe and clahe to depict grey-scale contrast. Observers were presented with CT images of the chest processed with ahe and clahe into some of which subtle artificial lesions were introduced. The observers were asked to rate their confidence regarding the presence of the lesions; this rating-scale data was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve techniques. These ROC curves were compared for significant differences in the observers' performances. In this study, no difference was found in the abilities of ahe and clahe to depict contrast information.
Marital Satisfaction During Retirement

Marriage/commitment and retirement are two common experiences in an adult’s life. Marital satisfaction and retirement have been researched in multiple disciplines. The relationship between these tw...
98-LB: Individual Glycemic Response to Ultra-Rapid vs. Rapid Insulin Delivered Automatically with the Ilet Bionic Pancreas System

In a recent multicenter, random-order, home-use trial (NCT03565666), we examined automated glycemic control with the insulin-only configuration of the bionic pancreas (BP) using subjects’ typical insulin analogue, BP-T (aspart, n=7 or lispro, n=27), versus using the ultra-rapid faster aspart, BP-F. The dosing algorithm was identical in both arms and used the same setting for insulin absorption speed (tmax=65 minutes). The mean CGM glucose (CGMG) was similar between the BP-F and BP-T arms (154±11 vs. 155±13 mg/dl), as was the median percent time Disclosure J. Sherwood: None. H. Zheng: None. C.A. Balliro: None. L. Ekhlaspour: None. B.A. Buckingham: Advisory Panel; Self; ConvaTec Inc., Medtronic. Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc., Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Tandem Diabetes Care. F. El-Khatib: Other Relationship; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc. E. Damiano: Board Member; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc. Employee; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Spouse/Partner; Beta Bionics, Inc. S.J. Russell: Consultant; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc., ConvaTec Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Senseonics. Research Support; Self; Beta Bionics, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Zealand Pharma A/S. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Companion Medical. Other Relationship; Self; Ascensia Diabetes Care, Roche Diabetes Care. Funding National Institutes of Health
Plasmonically enhanced photobrightening using quantum dots

This study explores optical characteristics in quantum dots. CdSe quantum dots samples have been prepared and an optical photoluminescence experimental setup has been created to measure the light emission from the quantum dots as a function of time and laser intensity. Initial baseline measurements and photoluminescence spectrum has been measured. This preliminary work sets up future studies of quantum dot photobrightening, which is when the emitted light from a CdSe quantum dots gradually increases with time while under constant laser illumination. Future work will investigate photobrightening as a function of laser intensity and with the presence of plasmonic nanoparticles to give insight into plasmonic enhancement and light interaction between plasmonic particles, quantum dots, and photobrightening effects. Results of this study can add value to future quantum dot technologies.
Intersubband Polaritons and Strong Coupling in Single Nanoantenna Observed by Near-Field Microscopy

Strong coupling of intersubband excitation until recently was observed only in large-scale systems. We demonstrate intersubband polariton formation in an isolated nanoantenna using near-field spectroscopy, enabling investigations of light-matter interaction in the single nanoantenna regime.
More About QCD 3 On The World Sheet

In this article, we extend the world sheet treatment of planar QCD in 1+2 dimensions from an earlier work. The starting point is a field theory that lives on the world sheet, parametrized by the light cone variables. In the present work, we generalize and extend the variational approach introduced earlier to get sharper results. An iterative solution to the variational equations leads to a solitonic ground state, and fluctuations around this ground state signals formation of a string on the world sheet. At high energies, the asymptotic limit of the string trajectory is linear, with calculable corrections at lower energies.
Comparison of pure component thermodynamic properties from CHEMCAD with direct calculation using the Peng-Robinson equation of state

Abstract Accurate calculations of properties such as enthalpy, entropy, and fugacity are crucial for chemical process design. These properties are calculated from equations of state in commonly used process design software such as CHEMCAD[1], and software-based calculations of properties have been routine for decades. Correct application of chemical thermodynamics by the user is a requirement for successful process simulations. Users should be able to easily reproduce the calculations to verify choices made during the development of a simulation. In a previous study [4], we reproduced the compressibility factors, enthalpy, entropy, and fugacity coefficients from CHEMCAD using the Lee-Kesler method. In this paper, we extend our study to include the Peng-Robinson equation of state [5]. We compare the thermodynamic properties of 48 molecules at two different states. Our results show good consistency for most of these molecules, with percent errors generally less than 1%. The property changes for the difference between the two states show deviations for hydrogen, nitric oxide, and water. For absolute (stream) enthalpies, we observe deviations for air, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, oxygen, and water. For absolute (stream) entropies, we observe deviations for hydrogen, hydrogen chloride, nitric oxide, and water.
Crowdfunding with Periodic Milestone Payments Using a Smart Contract to Implement Fair E-Voting

This paper develops a new voting system for use in fundraising that increases fairness for all investors in approving multi-stage funding for a project. A voting system is a method for people to choose one from two or more possibilities. For electronic voting, it is vital to secure the vote against fraud, so selecting a robust security protocol is critical. For online projects, there are issues of requiring performance for continued payment, and fairness to all investors regardless of the money they invest. To avoid fiascos where projects request vast sums of money and then do not deliver, we define smart contracts supporting projects with milestones and a sequence of opportunities for the investors to vote on whether to continue. For a project with multiple milestones, a new algorithm Anwar gives each investor an equal say and equal risk until their money runs out. This protocol works in a smart contract which requires no central authority, parties, or private channel.
Impact of APOE ε4 genotype on initial cognitive symptoms differs for Alzheimer's and Lewy body neuropathology.

APOE e4 carrier status is known to increase odds of amnestic presentations with Alzheimer’s pathology. It is unknown how APOE e4 carrier status impacts odds of specific initial cognitive symptoms in the presence of Lewy body pathology. Here we evaluate the impact of APOE e4 genotype on initial cognitive symptoms among those with Alzheimer’s disease pathology (ADP) and Lewy-related pathology (LRP). A retrospective cohort study of 2288 participants with neuropathology confirmed ADP or LRP in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database, who had initial cognitive symptoms documented and had a Clinical Dementia Rating-Global (CDR-G) score ≤ 1 (cognitively normal, MCI, or early dementia). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models taking into account age at evaluation, sex, and education examined the relationship between APOE e4 genotype and initial symptoms (memory, executive, language visuospatial) among ADP with LRP and ADP-LRP groups. One thousand three hundred three participants met criteria for ADP alone, 90 for LRP alone, and 895 for co-existing ADP and LRP (ADP-LRP). Younger age increased odds of non-amnestic symptoms across all three groups. In the adjusted model among ADP, APOE e4 carriers had higher odds of amnestic initial symptoms 1.5 [95% CI, 1.7–2.14, p = 0.003] and lower odds of initial language symptoms 0.67 [95% CI, 0.47–0.96, p = 0.03] than non-carriers. The odds for these two symptoms were not different between ADP and mixed ADP-LRP groups. Female sex and higher education increased odds of initial language symptoms in the ADP group in the adjusted model. In the unadjusted model, APOE e4 carriers with LRP had a higher odds of visuospatial initial symptoms 21.96 [95% CI, 4.02–110.62, p < 0.0001], while no difference was noted for initial executive/attention symptoms. Among LRP, the odds of APOE e4 on amnestic symptom was not significant; however, the interaction effect evaluating the difference in odds ratios of amnestic symptom between ADP and LRP groups also did not reach statistical significance. The odds of specific initial cognitive symptoms differed between ADP and LRP among APOE e4 carriers compared to non-carriers. The odds of initial amnestic symptom was higher among ADP APOE e4 carriers and the odds of visuospatial initial symptom was higher with LRP APOE e4 carriers. This supports the hypothesis that APOE e4 differentially impacts initial cognitive symptoms together with underlying neuropathology.
Management of Painful Conditions Associated with Nerve Tumors

Many patients with peripheral nerve tumors experience some degree of painful neuropathy. Symptoms may be directly caused by the presence of a mass lesion, related to an underlying genetic abnormality, or the sequelae of iatrogenic injury sustained during lesion biopsy or resection procedure. Diagnostic evaluation of painful conditions associated with nerve tumors involves a comprehensive assessment of the severity of symptoms and degree of debilitation, causative etiology including relative contributions of structural and intrinsic sources of neuropathic pain, and tumor-specific predictors of disease outcome. The experienced peripheral nerve surgeon must also be familiar with the pathogenesis and different management strategies for neurocutaneous disorders, as these patients often have a more severe disease burden and progressively morbid clinical course. Neuropathic pain related to nerve tumors can be managed through some combination of pharmacologic strategies, operative intervention, and neuromodulation.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis in the USA

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a recently recognized disease affecting the pancreas. It closely mimics pancreatic cancer in presentation. In fact, pancreatic resections performed for presumed pancreatic cancer have historically played a key role in recognition of this disease entity. Characterized by distinct histological features in the pancreas which has formed the basis of diagnosis for a majority of patients historically, increased recognition of this disease has led to development of diagnostic criteria. In the USA, the HISORt criteria introduced in 2006 has formed the backbone of diagnosing this disease. Recently, international consensus criteria have been developed incorporating experiences and practices from across the world. With increasing experience of this disease, treatment and follow-up strategies have now emerged. The disease is characteristically responsive to steroid treatment. However, relapses are common. Interestingly, two groups of AIP patients were observed with distinct patterns of relapse and corresponding distinctive histological and clinical features. This led to subclassification of AIP into two subtypes: type 1 in which relapses are common and histologically corresponding to lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis (LPSP) with IgG4 positivity and type 2 in which relapses are rare and histologically characterized by granulocyte epithelial lesions (GELs). Long-term follow-up data have now established that despite relapses, AIP is a benign disease which does not affect overall survival.
Multiagent learning with a noisy global reward signal

Scaling multiagent reinforcement learning to domains with many agents is a complex problem. In particular, multiagent credit assignment becomes a key issue as the system size increases. Some multiagent systems suffer from a global reward signal that is very noisy or difficult to analyze. This makes deriving a learnable local reward signal very difficult. Difference rewards (a particular instance of reward shaping) have been used to alleviate this concern, but they remain difficult to compute in many domains. In this paper we present an approach to modeling the global reward using function approximation that allows the quick computation of local rewards. We demonstrate how this model can result in significant improvements in behavior for three congestion problems: a multiagent "bar problem", a complex simulation of the United States airspace, and a generic air traffic domain. We show how the model of the global reward may be either learned onor off-line using either linear functions or neural networks. For the bar problem, we show an increase in reward of nearly 200% over learning using the global reward directly. For the air traffic problem, we show a decrease in costs of 25% over learning using the global reward directly.
Functional Analysis of AIPL1

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA, OMIM No. 204000) is a severe, early-onset inherited retinopathy that accounts for approximately 5% of all inherited retinal disease. To date, four genes associated with Leber congenital amaurosis have been identified, the most recent of which is the aryl-hydrocarbon interacting-like 1 gene, AIPL1 (OMIM No. 604392,604393) (Sohocki et al., 2000). Mutations in AIPL1 are the cause of 7 to 9% of cases of autosomal recessive LCA and may cause dominant cone-rod dystrophy (Sohocki et al., 2000a) (Figures 1 and 2).
Ridge Widening for the Thin Maxilla: A Clinical Report

The thin maxilla may present an anatomic limitation to the placement of endosseous implants. Separating the cortical plates and widening the alveolar ridge with simultaneous placement of implants is one surgical method for management of this problem. Guided tissue regeneration techniques may be used in conjunction with this ridge widening procedure.
The kinetic mechanism of glycerokinase

Abstract The steady state kinetics of glycerokinase from Candida mycoderma has been studied at pH 7.0 by initial velocity and product inhibition techniques and by dead-end inhibition by the inert coordination complex, chromium ATP. The mechanism appears to be Ordered Bi Bi with glycerol adding before the magnesium nucleotide and l-glycerol 3-phosphate being released last. With different nucleotides as substrates the dissociation constant for glycerol is constant, but the Kms of the nucleotides vary from 9 µm for MgATP to 2400 µm for MgXTP. In addition to glycerol (Km, 15 µm), dihydroxyacetone (Km, 5 mm) and l-glyceraldehyde (Km, 3.7 mm) are phosphorylated. d-Glyceraldehyde (Km, 0.5 mm) is not phosphorylated but incluces hydrolysis of MgATP. Glycerol is competitive versus l-glycerol 3-phosphate and noncompetitive versus MgADP. CrATP is competitive versus MgATP and is uncompetitive versus glycerol or MgADP. The dissociation constant of CrATP from the enzymeglycerol complex is 0.5 to 0.7 µm. In an ordered mechanism the sum of the vertical coordinates of the crossover points in initial velocity patterns for forward and reverse reactions, divided by the sum of reciprocal velocities in both directions, is a dimensionless number varying from 0 for a mechanism where second product release is solely rate limiting, to 1 for a rapid equilibrium ordered mechanism where catalysis and/or first product release is solely rate limiting. Where the two maximum velocities are not equal, this number indicates the rate-limiting step in the slower direction only. For glycerokinase this analysis and comparison of inhibition constants for CrATP versus MgATP and MgADP show that in the reverse direction, glycerol release is 2 to 5 times faster than catalysis and/or release of MgATP.
Contact-Dependent Protein Secretion in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis can induce its uptake by host epithelial cells; however, the nature and role of the P. gingivalis molecules involved in this invasion process have yet to be determined. In this study, modulation of secreted P. gingivalis proteins following association with gingival epithelial cells was investigated. Western immunoblot analysis showed that contact with epithelial cells or epithelial cell growth media induces P. gingivalis 33277 to secrete several proteins with molecular masses between 35 and 95 kDa. Secretion of the Arg-gingipain and Lys-gingipain proteases was repressed under these conditions. The contact-induced secreted protein profile was altered in Arg-gingipain-deficient and Lys-gingipain-deficient mutants, indicating a possible role for these proteases in the secretion pathway. The P. gingivalis contact-dependent protein secretion pathway differs to some extent from type III protein secretion pathways in enteric pathogens, as a gene homologous to the invA family genes was not detected in P. gingivalis. The secreted proteins of P. gingivalis may play a role in the interactions of the organism with host cells.
The treatment of scopolamine-induced delirium with physostigmine

Abstract : A study was made of the effect of physostigmine treatment of scopolamine-induced delirium. Thirty-three normal male volunteers were divided into four groups and given 24 micrograms/kg of scopolamine hydrobromide intramuscularly, after which serial physiologic and quantitative mental-function studies were done. Maximum scopolamine-induced delirium was seen 90 min after injection. One group served as controls and received no therapy. The other three groups were treated with 50 micrograms/kg of physostigmine salicylate im, one group each at 15, 30, and 90 min after scopolamine administration. The group treated at 90 min improved considerably, whereas the groups treated at 30 and 15 min showed respectively less improvement. It is concluded that physostigmine reverses the delirium produced by scopolamine in humans after it has occurred but is less capable of preventing its onset. Physostigmine, carefully employed, is recommended as an antidote in cases of accidental overdosage of anticholinergic drugs. (Author)
The Five-Power Constitution at Work: Political Institutions During the Period of Political Tutelage

As stated before, the National Government of the Republic of China was first established in Canton, on July 1, 1925. With only ten articles, the first Organic Law of the National Government had three characteristics : (1) Party control. Article 1 stipulated that the National Government was to be in charge of the national affairs under the direction and supervision of the Nationalist Party. (2) Collective leadership. The National Government was composed of sixteen state councilors, who were to disose of important state affairs as a collective body. The Chairman and five Standing Members, elected from among themselves, were to take charge of routine matters. (3) Simple organization. The National Government had only three Ministries : military affairs, foreign affairs, and finance.
Mapping of Human Chromosomes

The mapping of human chromosomes is progressing so rapidly that it is no longer possible to maintain an up-to-date catalog in book form. The standard listing of human genes, Victor A. McKusick’s Mendelian Inheritance in Man, has been published in nine editions since its first appearance in 1966. The first edition contained just over 1000 entries; the ninth edition, which appeared in 1990, contained more than 5000. The catalog now cites more than 36,000 references and 56,000 authors. Mendelian Inheritance in Man is now available to geneticists as an on-line computerized database known as OMIM — the only form in which the rapidly burgeoning body of information can be kept current (McKusick, 1990, 1991).
Exploring Concepts' Semantic Relations for Clustering-Based Query Senses Disambiguation

For most Web searching applications, queries are commonly ambiguous because words usually contain several senses. Traditional Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) methods use statistic models or ontology-based knowledge models to find the most appropriate sense for the ambiguous word. Since queries are usually short and may not provide enough context information for disambiguating queries, more than one appropriate interpretation for ambiguous queries may be found. Thus, it is not always reasonable for finding only one interpretation of the query. In this paper, we propose a cluster-based WSD method, which finds out all appropriate interpretations for the query. Because some senses of one ambiguous word usually have very close semantic relations, we may group those similar senses together for explaining the ambiguous word in one interpretation.
High speed, large deflection deformable mirrors for focus and spherical aberration control

Micromachined dynamic lensing elements have become technologically viable components for optical systems. Circular mirrors 300 /spl mu/m, 750 /spl mu/m, 1000 /spl mu/m, and 1500 /spl mu/m in diameter were designed for use as focus and spherical aberration control mirrors. These membrane deformable mirrors, with two annular actuation zones and various perimeter modifications, were studied. A large air gap beneath the membranes allowed for several microns of displacement. Differences in actuation and dynamic behavior were observed for the segmentation and to a lesser extent thinning of the perimeter. An increased cavity depth will allow for greater focal length and spherical aberration correction ranges than those reported. The practical limit of the focal length and spherical aberration correction range is the maximum electric field that can be sustained by the materials used.
When are IPO Firms' Income-Increasing Accruals Informative?*

This paper investigates whether some initial public offering (IPO) managers report informative (as opposed to opportunistic) income-increasing accruals and the extent to which market participants differentially price informative accruals. I find significantly more persistent income-increasing accruals and non-correlation with future restatements when the firm is underwritten by a more reputable investment bank, and the converse (less persistence and more restatements) when firms employ less reputable investment banks. The market however, does not appear to be fooled; IPO security prices only increase in "informative" accruals. Furthermore, IPO accruals are unrelated to subsequent abnormal returns, consistent with appropriate pricing at the IPO.