cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of chance baseline differences in repeated measurement designs

Datasets representing randomized, parallel-groups designs were analyzed by repeated measurements ANOVA and linear trend analysis with and without baseline values being covaried. ANOVA tests for the between-groups main effect, groups X times interaction, and differences in linear trends across time periods are shown to be seriously conservative or seriously nonconservative, depending on the direction and significance of chance baseline mean difference. Inclusion of baseline scores as a covariate in the repeated measurements ANOVA provides appropriate correction for the between-groups (average) effect across time, but the covariate provides no correction for the within-subject effects that are concerned with differences in the rates or patterns of change across time. If one desires to evaluate differences between patterns of treatment-induced change, tests of significance for differences in group means on composite trend scores with covariance correction for baseline are recommended. If covariance correction is not or cannot be employed, the potentially "favorable" or "unfavorable" influence of chance baseline differences on tests of significance needs to be explicitly recognized.
Probing complex materials with coherent soft X-rays

We motivate the use of coherent soft X-ray beams to study materials that exhibit complex nanoscale behaviors. A new beamline and magnetic scattering end station that has been constructed and commissioned at the ALS will be described. Finally, we present some initial results that indicate the performance of the beamline.
Dilemmas in the treatment of urothelial cancers of the prostate.

Abstract Objectives The objective of this paper is to examine the contemporary incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of prostatic urothelial carcinoma and make recommendations on the current dilemmas of treating urothelial cancer of the prostate. Methods A review of English-language literature from 1990 to the present was performed utilizing the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Pub Med database. Keywords used were urothelial cell carcinoma, prostatic urethral involvement, prostatic duct/acini involvement, carcinoma in situ. Bibliographies of reviewed articles were also searched. Results Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder with involvement of the prostate has been reported in multiple studies with an incidence between 12% and 48%. Stromal invasion of the prostate has a reported incidence between 7% and 17%. The incidence of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate has been estimated at 1% to 4% of prostatic malignancies. Degree and depth of prostatic invasion has prognostic significance with 5-year survival rates being 100% for those with urethral mucosal involvement, 50% with ductal/acinar involvement, and 40% with prostatic stromal invasion. The actual anatomic path that urothelial carcinoma invasion occurs also has prognostic significance. Those with contiguous malignant involvement had a 7% 5-year survival rate compared with those with noncontiguous involvement and a 46% 5-year survival rate. Conclusions Prostatic urothelial carcinoma is often under appreciated and not well understood. Malignant involvement of different anatomic locations of the prostate (i.e., mucosa, ducts, acini, and stroma) influence not only diagnosis but treatment of disease. Although debate exists regarding optimal therapy for mucosal involvement, if the prostatic stroma is involved, radical cystoprostatectomy is the treatment of choice.
Determining the macropinocytic index of cells through a quantitative image-based assay

Macropinocytosis serves as an internalization pathway for extracellular fluid and its contents. Macropinocytosis is upregulated in oncogene-expressing cells and, recently, we have revealed a functional role for macropinocytosis in fueling cancer cell growth through the internalization of extracellular albumin, which is degraded into a usable source of intracellular amino acids. Assessing macropinocytosis has been challenging in the past because of the lack of reliable assays capable of quantitatively measuring this uptake mechanism. Here we describe a protocol for visualizing and quantifying the extent of macropinocytosis in cells both in culture and growing in vivo as tumor xenografts. By using this approach, the 'macropinocytic index' of a particular cell line or subcutaneous tumor can be ascertained within 1–2 d. The protocol can be carried out with multiple samples in parallel and can be easily adapted for a variety of cell types and xenograft or allograft mouse models.
Comparative study of the effect of slow channel inhibiting agents on ischemia-induced conduction delay as relevant to the genesis of ventricular fibrillation☆

Conduction delay has been shown to be an important factor in the genesis of ventricular fibrillation (VF). We evaluated the relationship between conduction delay and (1) initiation of VF and (2) the effects of Ca++ blockers on conduction delay in 41 dogs: eight control (nontreated, non-VF); nine ischemic VF; eight verapamil-treated (0.15 mg/kg bolus followed by 7.5 micrograms/kg/min); eight diltiazem-treated (20 micrograms/kg/min); and eight nifedipine-treated (0.1 mg/kg bolus). Propagation of electrically-induced premature impulses from the midmyocardial bipole of one transmural electrode was recorded at epicardial and endocardial bipoles of other electrodes before and 5, 15, and 30 minutes after coronary ligation. Conduction delay (i.e., conduction times compared to preligation levels) of VF, verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine groups were compared to control group in normal and in the center and border of ischemic zones in both base to apex (anterograde) and apex to base (retrograde) directions. Results showed that there was no change in conduction delay in the normal zone between control and VF groups or the treated groups, but both in the center and border of ischemic zone VF was quantitatively related to conduction delay and Ca++ blockers, except that nifedipine significantly reduced conduction delay. We conclude that our model provides a new approach to the assessment of anti-VF intervention. Further, verapamil and diltiazem appear to be useful agents in reducing the risk of ischemia-induced reentrant ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
An empirical model of supplier relation and management for better quality

A company’s quality performance is necessarily dependent on its internal quality control and improvement efforts, but also subject to reliable delivery of high quality materials and parts from suppliers. This study identifies four key practices in quality-focused supplier relation and management, and examines how these practices affect quality performance of manufacturing companies in China. It is found that supplier partnership is the foundation for effective supplier quality control and management. And, a company’s efforts in applying supplier involvement, quality-oriented supplier selection, and supplier JIT delivery, in general, are positively related to the improvements in its product quality, process quality and inventory performance. The results of this study will provide a better understanding of how to develop an effective supplier quality management system in China.
A note on the prospective analysis of outcome-dependent samples

Summary. Two likelihood representations corresponding to the prospective and retrospective analyses of the case–control design are derived for general outcome-dependent samples with arbitrary discrete or continuous outcomes and possibly non-multiplicative models. Parameter identification in the general outcome-dependent design is reduced to the simple problem of parameter identification in the general odds ratio function. Both likelihoods are shown to generate the same profile likelihood for the common parameter of interest. Maximum like- lihood estimators based on either likelihood are semiparametric efficient for the identifiable parameters.
Discourse and Organizational Dynamics: Website Communication and Institutional Change:

In an institution undergoing basic structural reorganization, the development of a new website became a critical focus for discourse about the functions and values of the organization. Discourse analysis reveals a complex system of heteroglossic relations among the various viewpoints within the organization. Combined with semiotic analysis of the website development, it can help us to understand the role of a new medium of wide-scale communication in processes of organizational change.
Country ownership and capacity building: the next buzzwords in health systems strengthening or a truly new approach to development?

Background During the last decade, donor governments and international agencies have increasingly emphasized the importance of building the capacity of indigenous health care organizations as part of strengthening health systems and ensuring sustainability. In 2009, the U.S. Global Health Initiative made country ownership and capacity building keystones of U.S. health development assistance, and yet there is still a lack of consensus on how to define either of these terms, or how to implement “country owned capacity building”.
150. Pre-Existing Nab and Neutralization of Therapeutic Dose Adenovirus Serotypes In Vitro

Pre-existing Neutralizing antibody to adenoviral vectors is one of the limiting factors to the successful application of vectors in Gene Therapy. Studies have demonstrated a high and low prevalence of nab to Ad5 and Ad35 respectively in Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. While most report focused on the negative impact of this nab, a few have demonstrated successful gene transfer in the presence of nab. To further understand the Clinical implications of these findings, we studied the neutralization of Therapeutic and lower doses of the viruses using high and low concentration of pooled Human IgG and relate it to the existing titer of nab in the pooled Human IgG, Human Sera, and Sera from monkeys previously immunized and boosted with ad5 and ad35.
Passive transfer studies with type II collagen antibody in b10.D2/old and new line and C57b1/6 normal and beige (chediak-higashi) strains: evidence of important roles for C5 and multiple inflammatory cell types in the development of erosive arthritis

C5-normal B10.D2/new line mice were susceptible to passively transferred arthritis from purified type II collagen antibody, and in vitro studies demonstrated that, when bound to cartilage, this antibody readily activated complement C5 to C5a. C5-deficient B10.D2/old line mice failed to develop passively transferred arthritis, despite the deposition of antibody and C3 along the cartilage surface. C57Bl/6 mice were susceptible to passively transferred arthritis, which was characterized in histopathologic studies as an erosive synovitis involving multiple inflammatory cell types. In contrast, neither clinical nor histologic evidence of arthritis was observed in C57Bl/6 mice with the beige mutation (Chediak-Higashi syndrome).
Gaseous metal silicides. II. Thermodynamic study of the molecules AuSi, Ausi2 and Au2Si with a mass spectrometer

Abstract The gaseous equilibria involving the molecules AuSi, AuSi 2 and Au 2 Si have been studied by means of the Knudsen effusion technique combined with mass spectrometric analysis of the vapor. The experimentally determined reaction enthalpies were combined with appropriate literature data to obtain the following atomization energies (in kJ mole −1 ): D 0 0 [AuSi(g)] = 301.0 ± 6.0, D 0 0 [Au 2 Si(g)] = 582.7 ± 15 and D 0 0 [AuSi 2 (g)] = 602.1 ± 15. The corresponding D 0 298 values are: 305.2 ± 6.0, 589.1 ± 15 and 610.5 ± 15, and the standard heats of formation, Δ H 0 f,298 , 518.6, 602.9 and 668.9, respectively. Comparison of the atomization energies of these silicon—gold molecules with the literature values for the corresponding germanium—gold and tin—gold molecules indicates similarity in the nature of bonding.
The use of export projections in allocating foreign aid among and domestic resources within developing countries

Foreign exchange shortages have been considered by many economists as the effective restraint to growth in the developing world. This is especially the case insofar as less developed countries (LDC's) are limited in their capacity to purchase imports from abroad that are needed to complement domestic factors of production. Exports obviously play an important role in this context since they constitute the primary source of foreign exchange for most LDC's. It is for this reason that a number of projections of future export earnings of LDC's have been made. These projections are presumably useful in decision making of various kinds. However, there is not much evidence that would indicate ways in which the projections have been or might conceivably be used. The purpose of this paper, accordingly, is to examine two such possible uses of export projections in connection with: (i) the allocation of foreign aid by donor countries among LDC's; and (2) the allocation of resources over time in individual LDC's.
The nurse as social entrepreneur: revisiting our roots and raising our voices.

My term as president of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) has nearly come to its end. I write this brief essay, the last ofmy presidential messages, facing a list of work that remains while reflecting on the enriching experiences of the past 4 years in office. Although there are many AAN achievements of note over the last 5 years or so, the one I think of as our signature initiative is Raise the Voice (RTV). At this point in its life cycle, RTV, like so many successes, has many “mothers.” (Recall that, by contrast, failure is generally an orphan.)
The Food And Drug Administration Has The Legal Basis To Restrict Promotion Of Flawed Comparative Effectiveness Research

Under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy, communications by prescription drug manufacturers must be backed by “substantial evidence” from “adequate and well-controlled investigations.” But numerous exceptions permit manufacturer promotion based on data other than randomized trials. The observational research presented in the Hemikrane hypothetical case in this month’s Health Affairs is methodologically flawed and also does not meet any of these exceptions. Therefore, plausible scientific and policy rationales support rules restricting the company’s communication of its findings. The FDA’s current reluctance to authorize promotional claims based on observational research is understandable. Further work is required to define the characteristics of high-quality observational research. However, as this field matures, higher-quality observational studies could meet the legal standard of an “adequate and well-controlled investigation.” At that point, the FDA will need to issue formal guidance to minimize...
Angular distributions and quantum beats of photoelectrons from resonant two-photon ionization of lithium

Angular distributions of photoelectrons from resonant two-photon ionization via the $2p$ $^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ or $2p$ $^{2}P_{\frac{3}{2}}$ state of lithium have been measured. The quantum beats of hyperfine levels strongly affect the angular distribution. Three microscopic parameters are extracted: the ratio of the radial matrix elements from $2p$ excited states to $l=0 \mathrm{and} 2$ final states, the difference of the phase shifts of the continuum electrons in final channels, and a time-dependent parameter for hyperfine interaction. The experimental results agree with theoretical quantum-defect calculation and extrapolated bound-state data.
Deep Impact Navigation System Performance

Deep Impact successfully met its primary mission objective on 4 July 2005 when the smart impactor guided itself into the path of Comet 9P/Tempel 1. The mother flyby spacecraft then observed and recorded the breathtaking collision and subsequent plume development. Ground-based navigators targeted the prerelease trajectory using optical navigation image planning and data analysis, trajectory correction maneuver design and evaluation, and orbit determination using both radiometric and optical data. In-flight improvements to theTempel 1 ephemeriswere also a critical part of the overall navigation design and operations success. The achieved navigation accuracy established a new standard for comet encounters, and this difficult task taught several important lessons. This definitive work provides a mission overview, summarizes the navigation requirements, compares the achieved navigation performance with a baseline design that reflects in-flight updates, and identifies operational procedures that may benefit future comet-bound navigators.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Aggressive Behavior in Patients with Dementia after Head Injury

Head injury of any severity can result in acute and chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms. After head injury, aggressive behaviors can be disabling to victims and stressful to their families. When aggression is compounded by dementia, treatment can be more difficult. Psychotropic agents can attenuate aggressive behaviors associated with mental disorders. Three patients with dementia and chronic aggression after head injury responded favorably to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Latest Paleocene–earliest Eocene cyclostratigraphy: using core photographs for reconnaissance geophysical logging

Abstract I present a new method for reconnaissance cyclostratigraphic study of continuously cored boreholes: the generation of detailed sediment color logs by digitizing Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) core photographs. The reliability of the method is tested by comparison with the spectrophotometer color log for the uppermost Paleocene–lowermost Eocene section (Chron C24r) at ODP Hole 1051A. The color log generated from Hole 1051A core photographs is essentially identical to the spectrophotometer log. The method is applied to the Chron C24r section at Holes 1051A and 690B, producing the first high-resolution geophysical log for the latter section. I calculate astronomically calibrated durations between bio- and chemostratigraphic events within Chron C24r by correlating the cyclostratigraphies for Holes 1051A and 690B. These durations are significantly different from previous estimates, indicating that the chronology of events surrounding the Paleocene/Eocene boundary will have to be revised. This study demonstrates that useful geophysical logs can be generated from digitized ODP and DSDP core photographs. The method is of practical use for sections lacking high-resolution logs, as is the case for most lower Paleogene sections.
The effect of postnatal development on the adherence of nonfimbriated and fimbriated Salmonella typhimurium to isolated small intestinal enterocytes.

ABSTRACT: The adherence of radiolabeled fimbriated (S 7471 OF) and nonfimbriated (S 7471 N) Salmonella typhimurium to small intestinal rat enterocytes was examined during postnatal development. The fimbriated strain invariably adhered in higher numbers than the nonfimbriated strain during all periods of development. The capability of enterocytes to bind Salmonella increased significantly during postnatal development and reached adult levels at weaning time (21 days of age). Bacterial adherence to enterocytes was similar if the cells were isolated from the proximal or the distal small intestine. Early weaning of pups did not affect the capability of enterocytes to bind Salmonella. Pretreatment of isolated enterocytes from adult animals with rat's milk before exposure to Salmonella had no effect on the level of bacteria that adhered per enterocyte. Conversely, pretreatment of Salmonella with rats' milk before binding to enterocytes from adult animals also did not alter the level of bacteria adhered per enterocyte. These results suggest an age-dependent, postnatal development of available receptors for S. typhimurium on rat enterocytes. The acquisition of these receptors is not affected by mother's milk and is unaltered by early weaning.
Aryl N-methoxy-N-methylcarbamates: Potent competitive reversible inhibitors of cholinesterases

Abstract A series of 27 substituted aryl N -methoxy- N -methylcarbamates were synthesized and their ability to reversibly inhibit house fly-head and bovine-erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and horse-serum cholinesterase was determined. These compounds were all competitive, reversible inhibitors of bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase but some of them showed mixed competitive inhibition against the house fly-head and horse-serum enzymes. Dissociation constants ( K i ) as small as 9.9 × 10 −9 M and as large as 1.4 × 10 −4 M were observed. A highly satisfactory correlation between log K i for the inhibition of fly-head acetylcholinesterase by the N -methoxy- N -methylcarbamates and −log I 50 for the inhibition of the same enzyme by the corresponding methylcarbamates was noted. Analysis of the anticholinesterase data by multiple regression showed -log K i to be related to Hansch's π constant and ring position terms. The results indicate that reversible binding of these compounds to acetylcholinesterase occurs by hydrophobic bonding.
Adjunctive care with nutritional, herbal, and homeopathic complementary and alternative medicine modalities in stroke treatment and rehabilitation

This article presents an overview of nutritional, herbal, and homeopathic treatment options from complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as adjuncts in stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Despite many promising leads, the evidence does not favor recommendation of most of these treatments from a public health policy perspective. However, simple preventive interventions such as use of a high-quality multivitamin/multimineral supplement in patients with undernutrition may improve outcomes with minimal long-term risk. Natural agents such as the antioxidant alphalipoic acid, certain traditional Asian herbal mixtures, and some homeopathically prepared remedies show promise for reducing infarct size and associated impairments. A number of nutrients and herbs may assist in treatment of stroke-related complications such as pressure sores, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. Individualized homeopathy may even play a helpful adjunctive role in treatment of sepsis. However, a great deal of systematic research effort lies ahead before most of the options discussed would meet mainstream medical standards for introduction into routine treatment regimens. Key words: alpha-lipoic acid, antioxidants, herbal mixtures, homeopathy, multivitamin-multimineral supplements, nonlinear doseresponse relationships, stroke complications, stroke prevention, stroke treatment, traditional Chinese medicine
Head-up display (HUD) utility. II - Runway to HUD transitions monitoring eye focus and decision times

An experiment conducted using a head-up display (HUD) suggests that the demonstrated superiority of the HUD over a conventional instrument panel stems from its superior layout of information. A HUD display presents instrument-panel information to pilots in such a way that the symbols appear as a virtual image at optical infinity superimposed on the landscape. In the experiment conducted, the luminance of the display symbology and its angle subtended at the eye remained fixed, while optical distance and gaze angle were varied. Concomitant measures of eye movements, eye accommodative state, and decision-making time concerning airspeed, altitude and runway condition were obtained. It is found that, while looking straight ahead, at zero diopters, the HUD shortens decision time by 80 to 90 msec, not statistically significant at the 0.05 (slope of diopter/gaze interaction) level. The question of a cognitive overload induced by the luminous symbols of the HUD is subsequently addressed.
Method for spatially explicit calculations of potential biomass yields and assessment of land availability for biomass energy production in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has suggested that large-scale use of carbon-neutral or low-carbon biomass-derived energy will be essential in order to limit carbon emissions from the world’s energy sector in the future. The IPCC envisions as much as 400 million ha being devoted to biomass energy plantations by 2050. To realize production of biomass energy at such levels — in a manner that would be both biogeophysically sustainable and socially beneficial — will require planning and policy development at sub-national levels, taking into account biogeophysical, social, cultural, economic, institutional, and other factors. This paper presents a method for spatially explicit calculations for estimating potential biomass yields over relatively large geographic regions. The calculations use geo-referenced data inputs that include rainfall, insolation, temperature, soil quality, and soil depth. The methodology is applied to the Northeast region of Brazil, which accounts for 10% of the area of South America. Northeast Brazil is an interesting site for illustrative purposes in part because it is biologically, geologically, and socio-economically diverse and in part because the main electric utility serving the region is exploring the development of biomass-based electricity generation to meet future increases in electricity demand. Results from a spatially explicit, biogeophysical model like that presented here could be combined with other spatially explicit information such as road layouts, existing land uses, population densities and growth rates, distributions of endangered species, archeologically significant areas, etc. to inform planning and policy development related to biomass energy at a regional or national level. One illustration of such an analysis is included here. For on-the-ground implementation of biomass production systems, finer-resolution analysis and intimate local participation is essential.
A novel quinoline derivative that inhibits mycobacterial FtsZ

High throughput phenotypic screening of large commercially available libraries through two NIH programs has produced thousands of potentially interesting hits for further development as antitubercular agents. Unfortunately, these screens do not supply target information, and further follow up target identification is required to allow optimal rational design and development of highly active and selective clinical candidates. Cheminformatic analysis of the quinoline and quinazoline hits from these HTS screens suggested a hypothesis that certain compounds in these two classes may target the mycobacterial tubulin homolog, FtsZ. In this brief communication, activity of a lead quinoline against the target FtsZ from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is confirmed as well as good in vitro whole cell antibacterial activity against Mtb H37Rv. The identification of a putative target of this highly tractable pharmacophore should help medicinal chemists interested in targeting FtsZ and cell division develop a rational design program to optimize this activity toward a novel drug candidate.
Pharmacological activities of branched-chain amino acids: augmentation of albumin synthesis in liver and improvement of glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle

LIVACT granules, which is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) preparation, was developed for the purpose of improving hypoalbuminemia in patients with uncompensated liver cirrhosis in Japan. Recent clinical studies have shown that BCAA supplementation not only improves hypoalbuminemia, but also reduces the occurrence frequency of various complications of liver cirrhosis, which considerably affect mortality. In order to comprehend the significance of BCAA supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis and to suggest better treatments, we conducted basic non-clinical studies mainly using animal models, clarified the molecular mechanism of the curative effect on hypoalbuminemia and emphasized the importance of mTOR signal transduction. Moreover, we found a new pharmacological action of BCAA, which improves glucose metabolism in skeletal muscles.
Angiotensin II Signaling to Phospholipase D in Renal Microvascular Smooth Muscle Cells in SHR

Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced phospholipase D (PLD) activity is greater in aortic smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) versus normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Whether and how this signaling pathway is altered in preglomerular microvascular smooth muscle cells (PGSMCs), a cell type that may participate in genetic hypertension, is unknown. The goals of the present study were to determine in SHR and WKY PGSMCs the following: (1) whether Ang II induces PLD activity; (2) whether the effect of Ang II on PLD activity is greater in SHR; (3) which PLD isoform is stimulated by Ang II; (4) what signaling pathway mediates Ang II–induced PLD stimulation; and (5) whether the signaling pathways mediating Ang II–induced PLD activity are different in SHR and WKY. The EC 50 for Ang II–induced PLD stimulation in SHR was 10-fold lower than the EC 50 in WKY, and both were inhibited by L-158,805, an AT 1 antagonist. Inhibitors of phosphoinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase C did not block Ang II–induced PLD activity in SHR and WKY PGSMCs. Catalytically-inactive constructs of PLD2 and RhoA, but not PLD1, ADP ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1), ARF6, or ADP ribosylation factor nucleotide exchange factor (ARNO) blocked Ang II–induced PLD activity in SHR and WKY PGSMCs. Brefeldin A completely blocked Ang II–induced PLD activity in SHR but only slightly reduced Ang II–induced PLD activity in WKY PGSMCs. Therefore, we conclude that in PGSMCs, the effect of Ang II on PLD activity is (1) greater in SHR; (2) mediated by AT 1 receptors signaling to PLD2; (3) transduced primarily by Rho proteins; and (4) inhibited in SHR by brefeldin A.
Relating temperature trends to the normalized difference vegetation index in Las Vegas

This research examines the relation between temperature trends and vegetation change in Las Vegas. A temperature time series is modeled as a superposition of a linear trend and an annual cycle. The model is used to estimate the multi-annual temperature rate of change, which is related to changes in vegetation cover. The change in vegetation cover is estimated using an annual average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The model reveals a general trend of decreasing temperature in Las Vegas from 2000 to 2010. This decrease is less than 0.2 Kelvin per year (K/yr) in older housing developments; however, areas developed during the past decade (North Las Vegas and Southern Highlands) exhibit a decrease of greater than 0.2 K/yr. This temperature change has a correlation of −0.655 with changes in the annual average NDVI. Results reveal that in an arid environment, new housing developments that have an increase in vegetation have a cooling affect. The long-term trend reveals a warming trend. This resea...
Structural development of an accretionary prism by thrust and strike-slip faulting: Shumagin region, Aleutian Trench

A combination of SEABEAM swath bathymetric data, closely spaced single-channel seismic reflection profiles, and multichannel seismic reflection profiles from the Shumagin Islands region indicates that the large-scale deformation of the accretionary prism in this segment of the Aleutian Trench occurs progressively through several stages: (1) folding along axes perpendicular to the plate-convergence direction in the region, (2) thrust faulting in the direction of plate convergence and (3) oblique strike-slip faulting along conjugate west-northwest-trending right-lateral and north-northeast-trending left-lateral faults. Strike-slip faults occur in distinct domains, with right-lateral oblique faults present west of a major transverse fault at long 161°W. and left-lateral oblique faults prevalent east of 161°W. The structural development of the modern Aleutian Trench fore arc in this region is probably affected by pre-Eocene inherited structures that are still active in the present-day stress regime. A major domain boundary fault located at long 161°W. is probably part of a strike-slip fault system that also bounds Sanak Basin farther landward on the Shumagin shelf. This fault zone is nearly coincident with the mapped position of the western edge of the Shumagin seismic gap. These transverse structures in the Shumagin fore arc probably influence the spatial distribution of stress buildup related to subduction, and hence the locations of rupture zones of great interplate earthquakes, along this segment of the Aleutian Trench.
Analysis of volume regulation in an epithelial cell model.

An epithelial cell is modeled as a single compartment, bounded by apical and basolateral cell membranes, and containing two nonelectrolyte solute species, nominally NaCl and KCl. Membrane transport of these species may be metabolically driven, or it may follow the transmembrane concentration gradients, either singly (a channel) or jointly (a contransporter). To represent the effect of stretch-activated channels or shrinkage-activated cotransporters, the membrane permeabilities and cotransport coefficients are permitted to be functions of cell volume. When this epithelium is considered as a dynamical system, conditions are indicated which guarantee the uniqueness and stability of equilibria. Experimentally, many epithelial cells can regulate their volume, and such volume regulatory capability is defined for this model. It is clearly distinct from dynamical stability of the equilibrium and requires more stringent conditions on the volume-dependent permeabilities and cotransporters. For a previously developed model of the toad urinary bladder (Strieter et al. , 1990, J. gen. Physiol. 97 , 319–344) the uniqueness and stability of its equilibria are indicated. The analysis also demonstrates that under some conditions a second stable equilibrium may appear, along with a saddle-node bifurcation. This is illustrated numerically in a modified model of the epithelium of the thick ascending limb of Henle.
Does Presidential Primary and Caucus Order Affect Policy? Evidence from Federal Procurement Spending:

This article examines the contention that states with early presidential primaries or caucuses receive disproportionate distributive policy benefits. The basic theory is that presidential candidate...
Stabilized single-point 4-node quadrilateral element for dynamic analysis of fluid saturated porous media

An accurate and efficient low-order quadrilateral mixed u–p element suitable for dynamic analysis of fluid saturated porous media is presented. The element uses physical hourglass stabilization to facilitate single-point integration for the solid phase, and non-residual stabilization of the fluid phase to circumvent instability in the incompressible-impermeable limit due to the use of equal-order interpolation for the displacement and pressure fields. Element behavior is verified and demonstrated through several numerical examples.
Optimizing the Psychological Benefits of Choice: Information Transparency and Heuristic Use in Game Environments

This paper suggests that the paradox of choice can be resolved in game environments by promoting heuristics-based decision-making, thereby maintaining player freedom while also avoiding the potential negative consequences of excessive deliberation. To do this, the informational cues relevant to such decisions must be made transparent, allowing players to employ fast and frugal tools from the brain's adaptive toolbox to make the same optimal choices that they might otherwise make after extended deliberation. Developers can design for such transparency not only by creating choice experiences in which options can be assessed and compared through clear metrics and attributes, but also by designing social systems in which the choices and successes of others can be easily identified and used for informing one's own future decisions.
High-performance energy-efficient NoC fabrics: Evolution and future challenges

As exa-scale microprocessor and SoC core and IP block counts increase, networks-on-chip are increasingly becoming performance and power limiters. Recent scaling and integration trends pose further challenges for on-die communication networks with topologies that have evolved from crossbars to rings to 2D meshes. These future challenges include i) reducing energy associated with global clock distribution, synchronization, and data storage, ii) adapting to process, voltage, and temperature variations, and iii) flexibility for different operating voltages, frequencies, and IP blocks. In this presentation, we will review some of the key network-on-chip scaling trends and challenges as well as discuss architecture and circuit solutions. Recent advancements implemented in 22nm tri-gate CMOS to demonstrate the combination of hybrid packet/circuit switching with source-synchronous operation to address these challenges by removing intra-route data storage and costly global clock distribution power will be presented.
Rational design of a fusion protein to exhibit disulfide-mediated logic gate behavior.

Synthetic cellular logic gates are primarily built from gene circuits owing to their inherent modularity. Single proteins can also possess logic gate functions and offer the potential to be simpler, quicker, and less dependent on cellular resources than gene circuits. However, the design of protein logic gates that are modular and integrate with other cellular components is a considerable challenge. As a step toward addressing this challenge, we describe the design, construction, and characterization of AND, ORN, and YES logic gates built by introducing disulfide bonds into RG13, a fusion of maltose binding protein and TEM-1 β-lactamase for which maltose is an allosteric activator of enzyme activity. We rationally designed these disulfide bonds to manipulate RG13’s allosteric regulation mechanism such that the gating had maltose and reducing agents as input signals, and the gates could be toggled between different gating functions using redox agents, although some gates performed suboptimally.
Synthesis of some N-(4,5,5-trisubstituted-Δ2-1,3,4-thiadiazolin-2-yl)-N,N′-dimethylureas

Synthese d'acyl-4 dialkyl-2,2 methylamino-2 thiadiazole-1,3,4ines-2 a partir de methyl-4 thiosemicarbazide, de chlorure d'acyle et de dialkyl cetones; l'action du phosgene et de methylamine sur ces composes conduit aux composes du titre
RandomlyH-coverable graphs

A graph israndomly matchable if every matching of the graph is contained in a perfect matching. We generalize this notion and say that a graphG israndomly H-coverable if every set of independent subgraphs, each isomorphic toH, that does not cover the vertices ofG can be extended to a larger set of independent copies ofH. Various problems are considered for the situation whereH is a path. In particular, we characterize the graphs that are randomlyP 3 -coverable.
Constitutive models for rock discontinuities with dilatancy and surface degradation

A physically motivated constitutive law for the behaviour of geologic discontinuities with dilatancy and contact surface degradation (damage) is presented. In the formulation of the law, the paper distinguishes between macroscopic and microscopic features of the contact surface. Through macroscope considerations. an incremental constitutive law is derived which is applicable to a large class of contact-friction problems. By idealizing the microstructure to consist of interlocking asperity surfaces, the constitutive equations are specialized for the description of rock joints including effects such as dilatancy, asperity surface degradation and bulking. Several examples are considered demonstrating the law's behaviour and agreement with experimental data. The incremental form of the equations that are derived are amenable to implementation in numerical procedures such as finite element and discrete element (rigid block) computer programs.
Collecting Data for Decisions about Individual/Corporate Transitions: A Nine Factor Model

Psychologist managers help clients obtain valid information so that they can make free choices. Choices about corporate and individual transitions are one of those critical decision areas where psychologists can add unique value by helping clients to arrive at decisions using a structured approach to decision making. Corporate and individual transition decisions include mergers, acquisitions, alliances, and new employment. In this article the author describes one structured framework for collecting valid information using nine business factors. Specific questions to ask and specific websites to visit are provided. Limitations of the framework are discussed.
Arousal and maintenance of schizophrenic attention.

Preparatory interval, the length of time between a warning signal and the imperative stimulus, has been a major independent variable in studies that have examined reaction times of schizophrenics. Based on the hypothesis that schizophrenics have difficulty maintaining a heightened "set" to respond, long preparatory intervals (e.g., 7 seconds) have been predominant. However, long preparatory intervals do not permit an evaluation of the time course required to attain a heightened attentional state. This study employs preparatory intervals that range between 0 and 4000 msec in order to assess the arousal and maintenance of a heightened attentional state in schizophrenics (N = 10) and a normal control group (N = 10). The data suggest that schizophrenics may attain a heightened alertness more rapidly than normals. Schizophrenics are unable to maintain this state of alertness as competently as normal subjects. A hypothetical rationale for this finding is proposed.
Whole body lexical decision

When a person standing upright raises an arm on cue, muscles of the left and right sides of the body exhibit changes prior to and specific to the responding arm. We had standing participants perform a visual lexical decision task ("is this letter string a word?"), responding yes by raising one arm and no by raising the other arm. We recorded onset of the arm movement and onset of electromyographic activity in thigh, trunk, and shoulder muscles. We observed the expected responding arm specificity and found that the onset difference favoring word decisions was evident in similar magnitude at all measurement sites, with the difference at the levels of thigh, trunk and shoulder muscles available 225, 189, and 120 ms, respectively, prior to its manifestation at the level of arm movement. We discuss including (a) whole body reaction time along with event-related potentials in determining the decision-response, brain-body temporal relation and (b) response execution along with response initiation in investigating mental chronometry.
High accuracy Hugoniot measurements at multi-megabar pressure utilizing the Sandia Z accelerator

The Hugoniot response of materials is centrally important in the field of high pressure science. Highly accurate Hugoniot measurements not only provide better material references but also allow for the detection of subtle material phenomena. A process has been developed utilizing the Sandia Z accelerator to measure Hugoniot response at multi-megabar pressure resulting in extremely high accuracy data. Key considerations are the use of large surface area flyer plates allowing measurement configurations with multiple targets and diagnostics. This allows for greatly reduced uncertainty in the data. The details of this process are given and each aspect is closely examined focusing on the individual contributions to the overall accuracy of the result.
Plasticity of serotonergic innervation of the inferior colliculus in mice following acoustic trauma.

Acoustic trauma often results in permanent damage to the cochlea, triggering changes in processing within central auditory structures such as the inferior colliculus (IC). The serotonergic neuromodulatory system, present in the IC, is responsive to chronic changes in the activity of sensory systems. The current study investigated whether the density of serotonergic innervation in the IC is changed following acoustic trauma. The trauma stimulus consisted of an 8 kHz pure tone presented at a level of 113 dB SPL for six consecutive hours to anesthetized CBA/J mice. Following a minimum recovery period of three weeks, serotonergic fibers were visualized via histochemical techniques targeting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) and quantified using stereologic probes. SERT-positive fiber densities were then compared between the traumatized and protected hemispheres of unilaterally traumatized subjects and those of controls. A significant effect of acoustic trauma was found between the hemispheres of unilaterally traumatized subjects such that the IC contralateral to the ear of exposure contained a lower density of SERT-positive fibers than the IC ipsilateral to acoustic trauma. No significant difference in density was found between the hemispheres of control subjects. Additional dimensions of variability in serotonergic fibers were seen among subdivisions of the IC and with age. The central IC had a slightly but significantly lowered density of serotonergic fibers than other subdivisions of the IC, and serotonergic fibers also declined with age. Overall, the results indicate that acoustic trauma is capable of producing modest but significant decreases in the density of serotonergic fibers innervating the IC.
3380 Ercp interpretation by radiologists: does it have a role?

Background: Published data supporting the value of ERCP spot film interpretation by a radiologist are lacking. Aim: To determine the impact of the radiologist's post-procedure interpretation of ERCP films on patient management. Methods: 212 consecutive ERCPs performed by a single endoscopist on 170 patients over a 9-month period at a tertiary referral center were identified. Endoscopy reports were retrospectively reviewed and compared to the radiologist's interpretation of spot films. The findings were categorized as: I) complete agreement, II) inconsequential findings reported by the radiologist, III) findings reported and managed by the endoscopist not seen subsequently by the radiologist, and IV) discrepancies reported by the radiologist which did or should have altered patient management. Results: 11 cases were excluded because the radiology reports were unavailable. The duct of interest was cannulated in 94% of the remaining 201 cases. More than one discrepancy was noted in certain ductograms. There were 292 (99.7%) findings in category I, II and III (Table 1). Category II and III findings included filling defects, dilatation, narrowing, focal collection of contrast (stenting performed) and anatomic variants. Follow up information was available for 96% of patients with category II and III findings. Mean follow up was 5.7 months (range 1-13 months). Only one discrepancy qualified for category IV. This case involved a biloma treated with bile duct stenting and, in retrospect, surgical intervention may have been delayed. Interestingly, 12% of findings reported by the endoscopist were not seen by the radiologist, potentially due to suboptimal representation on spot films. Conclusions: Post-procedure interpretation of spot films by a radiologist almost never impacts patient management if an experienced endoscopist performs and interprets the ERCP. The routine use and cost-effectiveness of this practice warrants further study.