cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Index of Elevated Risk of Inpatient Hospital Admission Immediately Following Outpatient Surgery

Hypothesis Patients with increasing comorbidities are at increased risk of admission to an inpatient facility after outpatient surgery. Design and Setting Data from operations performed in hospital-based and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers in New York during 1997 were obtained under the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Patients Of the 783 558 patients eligible for inclusion in this study, 4351 were discharged directly for short-term hospitalization (1:180), and 19 died (1:41 240). We performed a split-half analysis by randomly assigning the study sample to an analysis half for estimation or a holdout half for testing. Main Outcome Measures We developed an outpatient surgery admission index from independent predictors of immediate hospital admission using the following point values: 65 years or older (1), operating time longer than 120 minutes (1), cardiac diagnoses (1), peripheral vascular disease (1), cerebrovascular disease (1), malignancy (1), seropositive findings for human immunodeficiency virus (1), and regional (1) or general anesthesia (2). Results Increasing scores were associated with higher odds of admission relative to scores of 0 or 1. For scores of 4 or higher, the odds ratio was 31.96 (95% confidence interval, 26.29-38.86), and 2.8% of these patients were discharged to the hospital. For the holdout half of the data set, scores of 4 or higher had an odds ratio of 34.62 (95% confidence interval, 28.55-41.97). Conclusion The proposed outpatient surgery admission index provides an evidence-based guide to assist clinicians and the health care systems in which they work in identifying patients at higher risk of immediate hospital admission.
Direct Observation of Alkali Vapor Release during Biomass Combustion and Gasification. 2. Black Liquor Combustion at 1100 °C

This study details the first application of molecular beam mass spectrometry to investigate the release of sodium, potassium, sulfur, and chlorine during black liquor combustion. Two samples, black liquor with 37.1% dry solids and a sample of dry black liquor solids, were combusted in a quartz-tube reactor at 1100 °C in 5% O2 in helium. The gaseous black liquor combustion products, including alkali metal salts, were monitored continuously and in real time during the combustion event with a molecular beam mass spectrometer (MBMS). Combustion of the dry black liquor solids occurred in multiple phases distinguished as a devolatilization phase and a char combustion phase that was arbitrarily divided into three separate phases. Combustion of the wet black liquor samples occurred in two phases, namely, a combination of water evaporation and devolatilization, and char combustion. NaCl was the most abundant gas-phase alkali-metal-containing species measured during black liquor combustion. The experimental results...
Normative and reliability data for the Children's Depression Inventory.

The present study was undertaken to examine some of the psychometric properties of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), a self-report inventory devised by Kovacs and Beck (1977) to measure depression in children and adolescents. Normative and reliability data were obtained from three independent samples taken from eight public schools in central Pennsylvania. Age- and gender-related differences in reported characteristics of depression were also investigated. The subjects were 594 males and 658 females whose ages ranged from 8 to 16 years and whose combined mean age was 11.67 years (SD=1.91). The CDI was group-administered to all 1,252 subjects; 155 fifth-grade subjects (77 males and 78 females) were retested after 3 weeks, and 107 seventh- and eight-grade subjects (45 males and 62 females) were retested after 1 year. The distribution statistics for the combined samples yielded an overall CDI mean of 9.09, a standard deviation of 7.04, and a cutoff score of 19 for the upper 10% of the distribution. Reliability assessed through coefficient alpha, item-total score product-moment correlations, and test-retest coefficients proved acceptable. Gender differences were obtained for several item-total score correlations and for test-retest reliability of CDI scores.
Interface-enhanced defect absorption between epitaxial anatase TiO2 film and single crystal SrTiO3

The microstructural evolution of Ne-ion-irradiated anatase TiO2/SrTiO3 films was investigated. A defect denuded layer formed in the TiO2 film near the TiO2/SrTiO3 interface after irradiation. The accumulation of defects at the TiO2/SrTiO3 interface led to the formation of a continuous interfacial amorphous layer on SrTiO3. Both observations are attributed to the interaction of defects with the interface. Present results reveal that a hetero-epitaxial interface between two different oxides can act as an effective sink to absorb irradiation-induced defects.
Battleground states and voter participation in US presidential elections: an empirical test

The winner-take-all method of allocating Electoral College votes (in 48 of the 50 states) in US presidential elections has promoted interesting behaviours by politicians and states that are evident throughout US (economic) history. This analysis explores the impact that being a ‘battleground state’ in presidential elections has on future voter participation rates. After quantifying the degree to which each state is a battleground state, the empirical analysis proffers what it refers to as the ‘battleground voting hypothesis’, which argues that the greater the degree to which a given state is a battleground state, the greater the expected benefits from voting in that state and hence the greater the voter turnout in that state. The empirical results suggest that the top-to-bottom ‘battleground state effect’ generated an average of 7.8 additional percentage points in voter participation in presidential elections over the period 1964–2008 for those states at the top of the scale.
Identifying and managing intracranial complications of sinusitis in children: a retrospective series.

Background:Of patients admitted to hospital with sinusitis, about 3% have an intracranial complication. We describe the clinical features, laboratory data, imaging findings, and outcomes of pediatric patients with intracranial complications of sinusitis.Methods:A retrospective chart review of all pe
Word skipping during sentence reading: effects of lexicality on parafoveal processing

Two experiments examined how lexical status affects the targeting of saccades during reading by using the boundary technique to vary independently the content of a letter string when seen in parafoveal preview and when directly fixated. Experiment 1 measured the skipping rate for a target word embedded in a sentence under three parafoveal preview conditions: full preview (e.g., brain–brain), pseudohomophone preview (e.g., brane–brain), and orthographic nonword control preview (e.g., brant–brain); in the first condition, the preview string was always an English word, while in the second and third conditions, it was always a nonword. Experiment 2 investigated three conditions where the preview string was always a word: full preview (e.g., beach–beach), homophone preview (e.g., beech–beach), and orthographic control preview (e.g., bench–beach). None of the letter string manipulations used to create the preview conditions in the experiments disrupted sublexical orthographic or phonological patterns. In Experiment 1, higher skipping rates were observed for the full (lexical) preview condition, which consisted of a word, than for the nonword preview conditions (pseudohomophone and orthographic control). In contrast, Experiment 2 showed no difference in skipping rates across the three types of lexical preview conditions (full, homophone, and orthographic control), although preview type did influence reading times. This pattern indicates that skipping not only depends on the presence of disrupted sublexical patterns of orthography or phonology, but also is critically dependent on processes that are sensitive to the lexical status of letter strings in the parafovea.
DETERMINATION OF IODOAMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF RAT THYROIDAL IODOPROTEIN: SOME SOURCES OF SERIOUS ERROR.

Similar patterns of distribution of 131I in the iodoamino acids of labeled thyroid glands were found after hydrolysis by different enzymes and fractionation by paper chromatography in different solvent systems; the results suggest that these techniques may reveal the labeling pattern in intact thyroid glands, but only when certain precautions are taken in the experimental procedures employed. DIT consistently accounts for a larger share of thyroidal label, and chromatographic origin material for a smaller share, in Pronase hydrolysates than in those of Viokase, suggesting that the origin material of Viokase hydrolysates is richer in DIT than in the other thyroidal iodoamino acids. A severe deficiency of labeled thyroxine and triiodothyronine exists in centrifuged supernatants of thyroid hydrolysates (centrifuged after hydrolysis) compared to “whole” hydrolysates, probably due to preferential adsorption of the iodothyronines to the particulate matter of the hydrolysates. Because of tins phenomenon there is...
Connecting Molecular-Scale and Macroscopic Tribology†

Recent simulations and experiments have probed dry and lubricated friction between atomically flat surfaces. The behavior in these molecular-scale bearings is often strikingly different than that in their macroscopic counterparts. For example, dry contacts usually do not exhibit static friction, while lubricated contacts may. These results are summarized, and possible origins for the differences between microscopic and macroscopic behavior are suggested. For example, static friction in dry sliding may result either from disorder, or from the presence of third bodies between the two surfaces. Both effects are generaly minimized in molecular-scale studies. The unusual behavior in molecularly thin lubricant films is related to confinement-induced phase transitions. These may be closely related to pressure-induced transitions in macroscopic lubricant films.
Studies on the metabolism of virus-infected tissues. I. Free amino acid metabolism in chick chorioallantoic membranes infected with influenza virus☆

Abstract The propagation of influenza A virus in isolated chick chorio-allantoic membranes is associated with an increased metabolic activity of the free amino acids of the host tissue. The virus-infected tissue showed an increased conversion of glucose-C 14 to glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, alanine, and glycine. In tissues prelabeled with glycine-C 14 or alanine-C 14 , the addition of virus increased the rate of loss of radioactivity from the free glycine or free alanine, but had no effect on the loss of radioactivity from the corresponding protein-bound amino acids. Virus propagation had no effect on the rate of incorporation of several C 14 amino acids into the mixed proteins of the chorio-allantoic membranes. The possible implications of these results are discussed.
Characterization of a murine Ahr null allele: involvement of the Ah receptor in hepatic growth and development

The Ah receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates a pleiotropic response to environmental contaminants such as benzo[a]pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. In an effort to gain insight into the physiological role of the AHR and to develop models useful in risk assessment, gene targeting was used to inactivate the murine Ahr gene by homologous recombination. Ahr-/- mice are viable and fertile but show a spectrum of hepatic defects that indicate a role for the AHR in normal liver growth and development. The Ahr-/- phenotype is most severe between 0-3 weeks of age and involves slowed early growth and hepatic defects, including reduced liver weight, transient microvesicular fatty metamorphosis, prolonged extramedullary hematopoiesis, and portal hypercellularity with thickening and fibrosis.
Dual expression of alpha-tocopherol-associated protein and estrogen receptor in normal/benign human breast luminal cells and the downregulation of alpha-tocopherol-associated protein in estrogen-receptor-positive breast carcinomas.

The hormonal carcinogenesis of breast cancer involves hormone-driven cell proliferation and genetic alterations, including oncogene activation and suppressor gene inactivation. However, the predominant genes involved in these processes are currently unknown. Our previous studies identified a gene, namely α-tocopherol-associated protein, which is preferentially expressed in normal/benign breast and prostate tissue, but its expression is downregulated in breast and prostate carcinomas. To further examine its function in hormone-induced carcinogenesis, we examined if there is an association between α-tocopherol-associated protein and estrogen-receptor expression in normal/benign breast tissue and in human breast carcinomas. We found that α-tocopherol-associated protein is coexpressed with estrogen receptor in the luminal cells of normal/benign breast tissue in a scattered manner by immunohistochemical staining of consecutive tissue sections of 20 cases, whereas α-tocopherol-associated protein expression is downregulated in 46% (45 of 98) of estrogen-receptor/progesterone-receptor-positive, so-called luminal type A or B human breast carcinoma. This is similar to the association of α-tocopherol-associated protein and androgen receptor expression in normal/benign prostate and prostate carcinomas. In contrast,α-tocopherol-associated protein expression is mostly negative in basal, Her2 and triple-negative nonbasal subtypes of high-grade breast carcinomas. These findings are consistent with α-tocopherol-associated protein acting as an antiproliferative factor in estrogen-receptor-positive luminal cells in normal/benign breast tissue. α-Tocopherol-associated protein downregulation may have triggered hormonal carcinogenesis in at least some of the breast carcinomas, providing further, albeit indirect evidence to support a role for vitamin E in breast cancer prevention.
Combination of hypothiocyanite and lactoferrin (ALX-109) enhances the ability of tobramycin and aztreonam to eliminate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms growing on cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells

Objectives Chelating iron may be a promising new therapy to eliminate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Here, we investigate whether ALX-109 [a defined combination of an investigational drug containing lactoferrin (an iron-binding glycoprotein) and hypothiocyanite (a bactericidal agent)], alone and in combination with tobramycin or aztreonam, reduces P. aeruginosa biofilms grown on human CF airway epithelial cells. Methods P. aeruginosa (PAO1 and six clinical isolates of Pseudomonas) biofilms grown at the apical surface of confluent monolayers of CF airway epithelial cells were treated with ALX-109, either alone or in combination with tobramycin or aztreonam. Bacterial cfu remaining after treatment were determined by plate counting. Results ALX-109 alone reduced PAO1 biofilm formation, but had no effect on established biofilms. ALX-109 enhanced the ability of tobramycin and aztreonam to inhibit PAO1 biofilm formation and to reduce established PAO1 biofilms. ALX-109 and tobramycin were additive in disrupting established biofilms formed by six clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from the sputum of CF patients. Mucoid P. aeruginosa isolates were most susceptible to the combination of ALX-109 and tobramycin. In addition, ALX-109 also enhanced the ability of aztreonam to reduce established PAO1 biofilms. Conclusions Inhalation therapy combining hypothiocyanite and lactoferrin with TOBI(®) (tobramycin) or Cayston(®) (aztreonam) may be beneficial to CF patients by decreasing the airway bacterial burden of P. aeruginosa.
Differential expression of multidrug resistance protein 5 and phosphodiesterase 5 and regulation of cGMP levels in phasic and tonic smooth muscle

Previous studies have identified differences in the expression of proteins that regulate myosin light chain phosphorylation and contraction in tonic and phasic smooth muscle. cGMP plays a critical role in smooth muscle relaxation and is important for optimal function of phasic and tonic smooth muscle. The intracellular cGMP levels are regulated by its hydrolysis via phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and efflux via novel multidrug resistance protein 5 (MRP5). In the present study we tested the hypothesis that the differences in the phasic and tonic behavior of smooth muscles may be related to differences in mechanisms that terminate cGMP signaling. Expression of PDE5 and MRP5 was significantly (more than 2-fold) higher in fundus compared with antrum. The NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) caused an increase in PDE5 activity and intra- and extracellular cGMP levels in both fundus and antrum. Stimulation of PDE5 activity and increase in extracellular cGMP were significantly higher in fundus, whereas increase in intracellular cGMP was significantly higher in antrum. GSNO-induced increase in extracellular cGMP was blocked in dispersed cells by the cyclic nucleotide export blocker probenecid and in cultured muscle cells by depletion of ATP or suppression of MRP5 by siRNA, providing evidence that cGMP efflux was mediated by ATP-dependent export via MRP5. Consistent with the higher expression and activity levels of PDE5 and MRP5, GSNO-induced PKG activity and muscle relaxation were significantly lower in muscle cells from fundus compared with antrum. Thus higher expression of PDE5 and MRP5 in muscle cells from fundus correlates with tonic phenotype of muscle.
Electron Velocity Enhancement in Laterally Scaled GaN DH-HEMTs With $f_{T}$ of 260 GHz

In this letter, we report the first experimental observation of electron velocity enhancement by aggressive lateral scaling of GaN HEMTs. Through reduction of the source-drain distance down to 170 nm using n+-GaN ohmic regrowth, 45-nm gate AlN/GaN/Al0.08Ga0.92N HEMTs exhibited an extremely small on resistance of 0.44 Ω·mm , a high maximum drain current density of 2.3 A/mm, a high peak extrinsic transconductance of 905 mS/mm, and a record fT/fmax of 260/394 GHz. Delay time analysis showed that the outstanding fT was mainly due to significantly reduced electron transit time at higher drain-source voltages resulting from suppressed drain delay and enhanced electron velocity in the laterally scaled GaN HEMTs.
Human Immunity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. I. In-Vitro Interaction of Bacteria, Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes, and Serum Factors

The interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), and serum factors was evaluated by use of serum bactericidal tests and quantitative tests of phagocytosis and killing. Forty-two of 46 blood-culture isolates (91%) of P. aeruginosa were serum-resistant; organisms recovered from 12 patients who survived bacteremia were not killed by fresh autologous convalescent serum containing high titers of antibody. However, fresh sera from these patients (as well as fresh normal sera), when combined with normal PMNs, promoted a 10to 100-fold killing of bacteria within 60-120 min. Optimal phagocytosis by PMNs required the presence of heat-stable antibody and heat-labile opsonin; the activity of the latter was primarily due to the first four components of complement. Heat-stable opsonizing antibody was greatly augmented in sera of survivors of bacteremic infection. Normally functioning PMNs are essential to host defenses, since most invasive strains of P. aeruginosa are resistant to serum.
To Add Insight to Injury: Childhood Abuse, Abuse Perceptions, and the Emotional and Physical Health of Young Adults

Although childhood abuse is strongly associated with psychological difficulties, survivors may not perceive their experiences as abusive. Depression, anxiety, dissociation, and physical health complaints may decrease perceptions of abuse and may also be exacerbated by individuals' abuse perceptions. The current study examined abuse perceptions, abuse experiences, and current symptoms among 185 university students. Ninety-six participants repeated the study 1–2 years later. At Time 1, self-labeling as “abused” or “maltreated” was not related to psychological or physical health symptoms. At Time 2, self-labeling as “abused” or “maltreated” was positively related to depression, anxiety, and dissociation. Results indicate that abuse perceptions may change over time and may be connected with emotional and physical symptoms.
65.4: Active Matrix PHOLED Displays on Temporary Bonded Polyethylene Naphthalate Substrates with 180 °C a‐Si:H TFTs

A low temperature, 180 °C, amorphous Si (a-Si:H) process on bonded polyethylene naphthalate substrates is discussed and a 4.1-inch QVGA active matrix (AM) phosphorescent OLED display is demonstrated. The n-channel thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibited saturation mobilities of 0.773 cm2/V-sec, layer to layer registration distortion less than 10ppm and low defectivity. The efficiency of the OLED display is 39 cd/A at 500 nits.
Measurement scales in clinical research of the upper extremity, part 2: Outcome measures in studies of the hand/wrist and shoulder/elbow

Part 1 of this article outlined the basic characteristics of useful clinical measurement instruments and described scales used to measure general health, pain, and patient satisfaction. Part 2 describes the features of some of the scales most commonly used in clinical research in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Clinical and Genetic Modifiers of Long-term Survival in Heart Failure

Objective To identify genetic modifiers of β-blocker (BB) response and long-term survival in heart failure (HF).
Ego Development, Self‐Perception, and Self‐Complexity in Adolescence: A Study of Female Psychiatric Inpatients

A study of two groups of female psychiatric inpatients, differing in level of ego development, explored domains of self-perception that best predicted global self-worth and symptom clusters that best predicted second-order factors of self perception. Findings revealed quantitative and qualitative differences in self-complexities, and more positive self-perceptions among the higher ego-level group in scholastic competence, job competence, and behavioral conduct. Results are discussed from a developmental perspective.
Query optimization for spatio-temporal data stream management systems

Location-detection devices are used ubiquitously in moving objects due to the everyday decreasing cost and simplified technology. Usually, these devices will send the moving objects' location information to a spatio-temporal data stream management system that will be then responsible for answering spatio-temporal queries related to these moving objects. Most of the existing work focused on the continuous spatio-temporal query execution. However, several outstanding challenges have been either addressed partially or not at all in the existing literature. In this paper, we focus on the optimization of multi-predicate spatio-temporal queries on moving objects. In particular, we provide a costing mechanism for continuous spatio-temporal queries. We provide for the optimization of the parameters of the spatio-temporal operators. Finally, we propose the adaptive execution of the continuous queries for spatio-temporal data stream management systems.
Team-partitioned, opaque-transition reinforcement learning

We present a novel multi-agent learning paradigm called team-partitioned, opaque-transition reinforcement learning (TPOT-RL). TPOT-RL introduces the use of action-dependent features to generalize the state space. In our work, we use a learned action-dependent feature space to aid higher-level reinforcement learning. TPOT-RL is an effective technique to allow a team of agents to learn to cooperate towards the achievement of a specific goal. It is an adaptation of traditional RL methods that is applicable in complex, non-Markovian, multi-agent domains with large state spaces and limited training opportunities. TPOT-RL is fully implemented and has been tested in the robotic soccer domain, a complex, multi-agent framework. This paper presents the algorithmic details of TPOT-RL as well as empirical results demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed multi-agent learning approach with learned features.
Large ensemble modeling of the last deglacial retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet: comparison of simple and advanced statistical techniques

Abstract. A 3-D hybrid ice-sheet model is applied to the last deglacial retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet over the last ∼ 20 000 yr. A large ensemble of 625 model runs is used to calibrate the model to modern and geologic data, including reconstructed grounding lines, relative sea-level records, elevation–age data and uplift rates, with an aggregate score computed for each run that measures overall model–data misfit. Two types of statistical methods are used to analyze the large-ensemble results: simple averaging weighted by the aggregate score, and more advanced Bayesian techniques involving Gaussian process-based emulation and calibration, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. The analyses provide sea-level-rise envelopes with well-defined parametric uncertainty bounds, but the simple averaging method only provides robust results with full-factorial parameter sampling in the large ensemble. Results for best-fit parameter ranges and envelopes of equivalent sea-level rise with the simple averaging method agree well with the more advanced techniques. Best-fit parameter ranges confirm earlier values expected from prior model tuning, including large basal sliding coefficients on modern ocean beds.
Predicting Weather Using a Genetic Memory: A Combination of Kanerva's Sparse Distributed Memory with Holland's Genetic Algorithms

Kanerva's sparse distributed memory (SDM) is an associative-memory model based on the mathematical properties of high-dimensional binary address spaces. Holland's genetic algorithms are a search technique for high-dimensional spaces inspired by evolutionary processes of DNA. "Genetic Memory" is a hybrid of the above two systems, in which the memory uses a genetic algorithm to dynamically reconfigure its physical storage locations to reflect correlations between the stored addresses and data. For example, when presented with raw weather station data, the Genetic Memory discovers specific features in the weather data which correlate well with upcoming rain, and reconfigures the memory to utilize this information effectively. This architecture is designed to maximize the ability of the system to scale-up to handle real-world problems.
Heterogeneity of functional groups in a metal–organic framework displays magic number ratios

Multiple organic functionalities can now be apportioned into nanoscale domains within a metal-coordinated framework, posing the following question: how do we control the resulting combination of “heterogeneity and order”? Here, we report the creation of a metal–organic framework, MOF-2000, whose two component types are incorporated in a 2:1 ratio, even when the ratio of component types in the starting solution is varied by an order of magnitude. Statistical mechanical modeling suggests that this robust 2:1 ratio has a nonequilibrium origin, resulting from kinetic trapping of component types during framework growth. Our simulations show how other “magic number” ratios of components can be obtained by modulating the topology of a framework and the noncovalent interactions between component types, a finding that may aid the rational design of functional multicomponent materials.
All hits all the time

Motivation: Standard search techniques for DNA repeats start by identifying small matching words, or seeds, that may inhabit larger repeats. Recent innovations in seed structure include spaced seeds and indel seeds which are more sensitive than contiguous seeds. Evaluating seed sensitivity requires (i) specifying a homology model for alignments and (ii) assigning probabilities to those alignments. Optimal seed selection is resource intensive because all alternative seeds must be tested. Current methods require that the model and its probability parameters be specified in advance. When the parameters change, the entire calculation has to be rerun. Results: We show how to eliminate the need for prior parameter specification by exploiting a simple observation: given a homology model, the alignments hit by a particular seed remain the same regardless of the probability parameters. Only the weights assigned to those alignments change. Therefore, if we know all the hits, we can easily (and quickly) find optimal seeds. We describe an efficient preprocessing step, which is computed once per seed. Then we show several increasingly efficient methods to find the optimal seed when given specific probability parameters. Indeed, we show how to determine exactly which seeds can never be optimal under any set of probability parameters. This leads to the startling observation that out of thousands of seeds, only a handful have any chance of being optimal. We then show how to identify optimal seeds and the boundaries within probability space where they are optimal. Contact: [email protected]
Dynamics of evolutionary robustness

Recently there has been considerable interest in determining whether, and how much, evolutionary pressure for genetic robustness influences evolutionary processes. In this paper, we attempt to show that this evolutionary pressure does have a significant effect in typical genetic programming problems. Specifically we demonstrate that in a standard genetic programming implementation to solve a symbolic regression problem, pressure for genetic robustness forces the population away from high fitness, but less robust, solutions in favor of solutions with lower fitness, but higher genetic robustness.
Grain growth, anomalous scaling, and grain boundary grooving in polycrystalline CdTe thin films

We examine the evolution of the surface morphology as well as the dynamics of grain growth and grain boundary (GB) grooving in polycrystalline CdTe films sputter deposited on CdS/glass substrates. Anomalous scaling behavior is found with local roughness exponent αloc = 1 and global (local) growth exponent β = 0.36 (βloc = 0.14). In good agreement with the scaling relation, βloc = β − nαloc, we obtain the correlation length exponent n=1/z≃0.23. We also find that the grain size coarsening exponent p and GB groove growth exponent βg are both equal to β, while the grain size distribution is well described by a log-normal distribution. These results suggest that GB grooving is responsible for the enhanced anomalous scaling and a deviation from the theoretical prediction of p = 1/2, along with the observed log-normal grain size distribution.
Effects of age and training status on heart rate recovery after peak exercise

Previous studies have shown that the kinetics of heart rate (HR) recovery are delayed in older individuals after exercise. This study was designed to determine whether this observation held when the variables of physical fitness and work intensity were controlled. Twenty male subjects were categorized into four groups (n = 5) according to age and fitness level (peak O2 consumption ml. kg-1.min-1): young trained (YT) 24 +/- 2 yr, 63 +/- 3 ml.kg-1. min-1; old trained (OT) 51 +/- 2 yr, 57 +/- 3 ml.kg-1.min-1; young untrained (YU) 25 +/- 3 yr, 44 +/- 2 ml.kg-1.min-1; old untrained (OU) 57 +/- 4 yr, 36 +/- 4 ml.kg-1.min-1. Bicycle ergometry exercise was performed in incremental stages to a maximally tolerated level of exertion, and HR was monitored continuously postexercise. Regression analysis of the fast (15-120 s) and initial slow (120-240 s) phases of recovery showed no effect of age on HR recovery when comparing YT vs. OT and YU vs. OU. Trained subjects, irrespective of age, demonstrated a significantly faster HR recovery than untrained subjects which was particularly marked during fast-phase recovery (P less than 0.005). These results indicate that the slower HR recovery previously reported in older subjects may be due to a failure to control for variables that influence recovery HR.
Effects of Estrus Cycle, Ovariectomy, and Treatment with Estrogen, Tamoxifen, and Progesterone on Apolipoprotein(a) Gene Expression in Transgenic Mice

Plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), are regulated by the synthetic rate of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), a major protein component of this atherogenic lipoprotein. Exogenously administered sex steroid hormones are potent regulators of plasma Lp(a) concentrations. We utilized a recently developed apo(a) yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) transgenic mouse model to study the effects of ovariectomy, estrus cycle, and exogenous administration of ethinyl-estradiol, the partial estrogen receptor agonist, tamoxifen, and progesterone on circulating apo(a) plasma levels. Analysis of liver RNA revealed that estrogen and tamoxifen exerts their plasma apo(a) lowering effect at the level of apo(a) mRNA. This action of estrogen and tamoxifen may contribute to their antiatherosclerotic and cardiovascular protective effect.
An efficient method for the preparation of optically active 4-hydroxy-Δ2-isoxazolines

Abstract In this letter we report a method for the preparation of optically active 4-hydroxy-Δ 2 -isoxazolines. This methodology relies on the use of a camphorsultam substituted vinylboronic ester which upon nitrile oxide cycloaddition and oxidation affords the optically active 4-hydroxy-Δ 2 -isoxazolines in good yield.
'Facts' and 'Statements of Fact'

This language is similar to that of the corresponding section of the New York Civil Practice Act, but differs-and this is the interesting point -in that all reference to 'facts' is omitted. To bring out the difference it will be helpful to quote the section of the New York Act, italicizing the part which refers to 'facts.' The New York provision reads: SECTION 24I. Every pleading shall contain a plain and concise statement of the material facts, without unnecessary repetition, on which the party pleading relies, but not the evidence.
Gut microbiota: Microbes offer engineering strategies to combat cancer

This commentary outlines our expanding opportunities to harness the gut microbiota for cancer prevention and remission. Ultimately, simple microbial strategies might impart immune balance throughout the body leading to sustained good health.
The Influence of Some Parameters in the Flutter Problem

BIOT AND ARNOLD HAVE SHOWN that flutter of an elastically supported airfoil is theoretically possible for the limiting case of zero air speed when the nodal point of a natural mode of vibration of the airfoil is located three-quarters of the chord aft of the leading edge. They also show that the existence of zero air-speed flutter requires that structural and air friction be absent and, for this condition, that the flutter speed increases as the nodal point is located at increasing distances from the three-quarter chord point. However, they show that, even when structural friction is allowed, the flutter speed reaches a minimum when the node is close to the three-quarter chord point. These results suggest that a study of the relationship between node-point location and the inertia and elastic characteristics of the airfoil, and particularly of the characteristics that determine a node at the three-quarter chord point, might provide information tha t would be useful in designing so as to avoid flutter. This is the purpose of the present brief investigation, which, it is hoped, will stimulate further investigation along similar lines. A simple model, as shown in Fig. 1, is first assumed. I t consists of a rigid airfoil connected by a tension compression spring and a torsion spring to a rigid fuselage which is free to become displaced vertically but is not free to pitch. The point of connection of the two springs to the airfoil represents its elastic center.
Platelet activating factor antagonists do not alter normal cerebral blood flow or cerebral oxygen consumption.

Platelet activating factor (PAF), (1-o-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine) an endogenous lipid, is involved in the cerebrovascular response to ischemia (1–5). It potently vasoconstricts (6,7), increases microvascular permeability (8), activates granulocytes (9) and stimulates arachidonate-independent platelet aggregation (10). Infused IV, PAF causes cerebral hypoperfusion and hypermetabolism similar to that observed during reperfusion following cerebral ischemia (11,12). PAF-receptor blockade attenuates the development of postinsult hypoperfusion after cerebral embolism in rats (1) and dogs (3) and after carotid occlusion in gerbils (4,5). Its effects on cerebrometabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) have not been investigated. Thus, PAF plays a role in the pathophysiological response of the cerebral circulation and perhaps metabolism, but whether it plays a similar role under normal physiological circumstances is unknown.
Control Beliefs and Positive Psychological Capital

Entrepreneurs have been portrayed in a positive light as being dreamers, opportunity seekers, resilient, optimistic, and self- confident. The search for understanding the lens through which nascent entrepreneurs approach or perceive opportunities is a cornerstone of entrepreneurship research carrying significant practical implications. An important step in understanding how nascent entrepreneurs perceive opportunities is by understanding their perception of control over their environment. While the constructs that form the psychological capital construct, hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy are all revered characteristics and highly associated with entrepreneurs, the consequences of these being applied to situations where the individual actually has a misplaced sense of control may have dire consequences.
Temporomandibular Joint Pain Treatment and Practices

Copyright: © 2013 Jeske NA. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Disorders of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) have become more prevalent in patients seeking care for joint, muscle, and associated headache pain. Currently, clinicians have limited treatment options to treat most cases of TMJ pain, given the diffuse nature of the reported symptoms. In some cases, radiographic diagnoses can identify structural displacement or damage to the articular disk in relation to the adjacent condyle. However, observing and recording pain behavior in the patient following multiple jaw movements and digital palpitations to the musculature of the maxillofacial region is primarily used to diagnose the majority of TMJ pain cases. Recent studies provide illumination to the physiological etiologies that may contribute to TMJ pain.
Management of Postoperative Ileus

Postoperative ileus, a temporary cessation in bowel motility, is a common and significant complication of major surgery. Consequences of postoperative ileus include increased patient discomfort, delayed time to adequate nu- trition, prolonged length of stay, and increased cost to the patient and healthcare system. The traditional, multi-modal approach to the resolution of postoperative ileus includes opioid minimization, early ambulation, and early feeding. Newer medications, such as methlynaltrexone and alvimopan (which are peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antago- nists), have become available and have proven beneficial for use with postoperative ileus.
Construction and Application of Platform for Rice Scientific Data

Chinese National Rice Data Center(http://www.ricedata.cn,CRDC)is an integrated scientific platform for rice research across multiple subjects.Firstly,the database for Chinese rice varieties and their genealogy(DRVG)is established including a fingerprint dataset for widely-grown varieties and a dataset for the excellent germplasm.Moreover,the genealogy tree and the assessment method of backbone parents are developed for DRVG.Secondly,the database for rice functional genes(DRFG)is built,which introduces rice functional genes collected from the references at home and abroad and have two chart generation programs for genetic maps and gene structures through browsers.In addition,the DRFG sets up a dataset of molecular markers for important functional and beneficial genes in breeding.Thirdly,an ontology system is independently produced for knowledge management,and applied to manage the database for DRFG and reference documents.The CRDC platform builts a bridge between biologic data and breeding needs,which is widely used in the domestic and exerts a growing influence.
Effects of different pruning intensity on photosynthetic characters,growth and yield of crops in agroforestry

The effects of pruning on winter wheat and summer maize were investigated to demonstrate whether pruning could act as an optimization measure for agroforestry system.Contrasted to no pruning(CK),four different pruning intensity P1(1/6 height of crown cut down),P2(2/6 height of crown cut down),P3(3/6 height of crown cut down)and P4(4/6 height of crown cut down)were applied to poplar in agroforestry and the agronomic characters,yield components and photosynthetic characters,such as net photosynthetic rate(Pn),transpiration(Tr),stomatal conductance(Gs),intercellular CO2 concentration(Ci)and stomatal limitation(Ls)of winter wheat and summer maize were tested.The results showed that net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of crops increased after pruning,which was less remarkable in the afternoon than in the morning.The height,ground diameter and aboveground biomass of winter wheat and summer maize both increased remarkably,and that of summer maize was higher than that of winter wheat.The yield of crops also increased substantially after pruning,and that of wheat mainly came from thousand grain weight and the number of grain per spike,but that of maize mainly came from spike number.The increased yield of maize was higher than that of wheat,but the total yield was lower than that of wheat.So winter wheat was more suitable for agroforesty system than summer maize.
Breeding of PTGMS Line 1161S in Rice

1161S,derived from the hybridization of two photoperiod-and thermo-sensitive genetic male sterile(PTGMS) lines,viz.,Pei′ai 64S(as the female) and 133S,and developed by way of pedigree selection and testcrosses through eight generations in four years,is a new PTGMS line in rice.It has a good plant type and shows a stable male sterility in population with a low critical temperature at 23.5℃.It has a good flowering behavior with a high stigma exsertion rate(87.8%) and a relatively centralized daily blooming period.In February,2006,it was certified by the Hunan Provincial Crop Variety Appraisal Committee.Most of the F_1 hybrids derived from 1161S show good plant type,suitable maturity,high yield and good grain quality.Among them,Liangyou 1169(1161S/9311) and Longping 602(1161S/Shuhui 527) were registered and released by the Jiangxi Provincial Crop Variety Appraisal Committee in 2004 and 2006,respectively.
Selective inhibition of cGMP-inhibitable cAMP phosphodiesterase decreases pulmonary vasoreactivity.

Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) are mediators of smooth muscle relaxation. In this study, selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (PDE)...
Statistical Inference, Designing Clinical Trials, and Pharmaceutical Company Decisions

The classical design of clinical trials is dictated by the eventual analysis. If the design varies from that planned then classical analysis is impossible. The Bayesian approach on the other hand is completely flexible and is therefore ideal for addressing design questions and practical decision problems. I contrast these two approaches in two types of clinical trials: (i) those that strive to treat patients as effectively as possible and (ii) those sponsored by pharmaceutical companies attempting to maximise their expected profit.
Methodology and Characterization of Isolation and Preconcentration in a Gas-Filled Digital Linear Ion Guide

Digital operation of linear ion guides allows them to operate as traps and mass filters by modulating the duty cycles of the two driving waveforms. A gas-filled (5 mTorr) digitally driven quadrupole ion guide was used to demonstrate ion isolation and preconcentration. These abilities allow ion trapping mass spectrometers to be filled to capacity with only ions in the range of interest at essentially any value of m/z. Due to the unique performance characteristics of digitally operated quadrupoles, isolation with purely duty cycle enhanced waveforms was developed with three increasingly sophisticated isolation methods. First, the guide was used as a gas-filled transmission mass filter using the waveform duty cycle to generate a narrow mass window. The second method used broadband trapping to collect ions and translationally cool along the transmission axis before shifting the duty cycle to filter the trapped ions. A subsequent duty cycle change axially ejected the filtered population for measurement. The th...
Resection margins after radical cystectomy at academic versus community cancer centers.

315Background: Positive surgical margins are reported in 1-5% of specimens following radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC). Negative margin (R0) resection correlates with improved overall survival (OS) following RC in individual institutional analyses compared to microscopic (R1) or grossly (R2) positive margins. The present study hypothesized that RC surgical resection margins vary between treating centers. Methods: Patients with UC undergoing RC were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). Treating centers were categorized as Academic Cancer Centers (ACC) and Community Cancer Centers (CCC). Rates of R0 vs. R1/2 resection were examined and logistic regression was performed to determine predictive factors for margin status. Results: A total of 40,187 patients were identified with a median age of presentation of 68 years. RC was performed equally at ACC (52%) compared to CCC (48%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was utilized more often at ACC (21%) compared to CCC...
THE IMPACT OF CSR AND CSiR ON FIRM FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: NEW INSIGHTS TO AN OLD QUESTION

We conceptualize corporate social performance (CSP) as consisting of two dimensions: corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR) in order to provide new insig...
Former Members of the U.S. Congress and Fraud Enforcement: Does it help to have Politically Connected Friends on the Board?

Abstract We investigate the relationship between the presence of former members of the U.S. Congress on corporate boards and fraud enforcement. We find that corporate fraud in companies with such members on the board stays undetected longer. When caught, such companies pay lower penalties. The appointment of former Congressional members to the board also lessens the probability of the company being subjected to Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases by the SEC after they face class-action lawsuits for fraudulent activities. Our results remain robust to the presence of other means of making political connections, such as lobbying, hiring revolving-door lobbyists, and contributing to political campaigns.
Social Norms Accentuate Agent Trust and Attenuate Agent Autonomy.

This paper presents the influence of norms on agent trust and autonomy. Different attributes of norms were considered that accentuate trust and attenuate autonomy. Experimental results illustrate changes in trust and autonomy with different patterns of norm adherence. We also define stability as a result of predictable agent behavior and present related experiments.