cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Experimental Determination of Constitutive Equations

The widespread and economical use of computers to solve partial differential equations by finite element or finite difference methods has made it possible to consider nonlinear problems in thermomechanics representing large deformations and complex material behavior. In fact, it is relatively simple to formulate some finite difference and finite element methods in such a way that the constitutive equations can be inserted in subroutines without disturbing the remainder of the computer code implementing the method. As a result, there has been an increase in interest in the development of constitutive equations purporting to represent “realistic” material behavior in the nonlinear range. In some cases empirical equations have been proposed which have been fitted in some, usually restricted, way to experimental data. These have been inserted without further ado into the codes, and numerical solutions for specific and often very complicated initial-boundary value problems have been obtained as a result of many hours of computer time. Little attention has been given to the character of the theory resulting from the constitutive formulation, or to validation of results against exact solutions or experiments representative of the problems being solved.
A Unified Framework for Modeling and Solving Combinatorial Optimization Problems: A Tutorial

In recent years the unconstrained quadratic binary program (UQP) has emerged as a unified framework for modeling and solving a wide variety of combinatorial optimization problems. This tutorial gives an introduction to this evolving area. The methodology is illustrated by several examples and substantial computational experience demonstrating the viability and robustness of the approach.
Practical Presentation Pearls: Evidence-based Recommendations From the Psychology and Physiology Literature.

Oral presentations remain a common teaching method in academic radiology. The goal of these presentations is to transfer knowledge from the presenter’s brain to brains in the audience in a way that sticks. A number of studies from the recent psychological and physiological literature offer some rather practical and evidence-based advice on ways to optimize our oral presentations. The purpose of this paper is to summarize this work, and to give examples of how it can be harnessed to increase the efficacy of radiology presentations, whether they are for resident education, a continuing medical education course, or for a scientific presentation at a national radiology meeting.
Subjectivism and Economic Analysis

Subjectivism plays a fundamental role in many of the leading alternative schools in economics. This work explores major methodological issues in the area of radical subjectivism and includes contributions from Jorg Bibow, Peter Boettke, Maurizio Caserta, Steven Horwitz, Brian J. Loasby, Steven Parsons, Steve Sullivan and Carlo Zappia.
What accounts for individual differences in susceptibility to the McGurk effect

The McGurk effect is a classic audiovisual speech illusion in which discrepant auditory and visual syllables can lead to a fused percept (e.g., an auditory /bɑ/ paired with a visual /gɑ/ often leads to the perception of /dɑ/). The McGurk effect is robust and easily replicated in pooled group data, but there is tremendous variability in the extent to which individual participants are susceptible to it. In some studies, the rate at which individuals report fusion responses ranges from 0% to 100%. Despite its widespread use in the audiovisual speech perception literature, the roots of the wide variability in McGurk susceptibility are largely unknown. This study evaluated whether several perceptual and cognitive traits are related to McGurk susceptibility through correlational analyses and mixed effects modeling. We found that an individual’s susceptibility to the McGurk effect was related to their ability to extract place of articulation information from the visual signal (i.e., a more fine-grained analysis of lipreading ability), but not to scores on tasks measuring attentional control, processing speed, working memory capacity, or auditory perceptual gradiency. These results provide support for the claim that a small amount of the variability in susceptibility to the McGurk effect is attributable to lipreading skill. In contrast, cognitive and perceptual abilities that are commonly used predictors in individual differences studies do not appear to underlie susceptibility to the McGurk effect.
Hollow fiber countercurrent dialysis for continuous buffer exchange of high-value biotherapeutics

Buffer exchange, desalting, and formulation of high-value biotherapeutics are currently performed using batch diafiltration (DF); however, this type of tangential flow filtration process may be difficult to implement as part of a fully continuous biomanufacturing process. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of using countercurrent dialysis for continuous protein formulation and buffer exchange. Experiments were performed using concentrated solutions of immunoglobuin G (IgG) with commercially available hollow fiber dialyzers having 1.5 and 1.8 m2 membrane surface area. More than 99.9% buffer exchange was obtained over a range of conditions, as determined from the removal of a model impurity (vitamin B12 ). The dialyzers were able to process more than 0.5 kg of IgG per day in an easily scalable low-cost process. In addition, buffer requirements were less than 0.02 L of buffer per gram IgG, which is several times less than that used in current batch DF processes. These results clearly demonstrate the potential of using low-cost hollow fiber dialyzers for buffer exchange and product formulation in continuous bioprocessing. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2763, 2019.
Care fragmentation is associated with increased short-term mortality during postoperative readmissions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Recent trends toward regionalization of complex surgical procedures may increase the risk for care fragmentation during readmissions. Conflicting conclusions have been reported regarding risk factors and consequences of nonindex readmissions (ie, readmission to a separate hospital than the one where surgery was originally performed). We seek to perform a comprehensive review of existing literature. Methods Four electronic databases were searched to identify all eligible studies examining the risk factors and outcomes of postoperative nonindex readmission. The pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random-effects model. Results A total of 444 studies were retrieved from database searches and 23 were included after applying eligibility criteria. Nonindex readmissions constituted 10%–47% of 30-day readmissions. Risk factors for nonindex readmission predominantly represented proxy variables for patient care access that may not be modifiable, such as residing in a location further away from the original hospital, being older in age, living in rural areas, and having lower income. Nonindex readmissions occurred more commonly under urgent conditions. Ten of the 14 studies that employed short-term mortality as the primary outcome concluded that nonindex readmissions were significantly associated with higher mortality after adjusting for available confounders. Conclusion The findings of the current study suggest that nonindex readmission is a common phenomenon after surgery and is associated with increased mortality. Further studies are required to evaluate whether enhancing health information continuity between hospitals would be helpful for mitigating the adverse consequences of care fragmentation.
Complex Problems Require Ternary Solutions: Another Lesson from SIV Nef

In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Buffalo et al. describe a cryo-EM structure of SIV Nef complexed with AP-2 and tetherin. The structure helps explain why human tetherin is Nef-resistant and why lentiviruses that successfully emerged in humans (HIV-1 and HIV-2) had to evolve novel anti-tetherin strategies.
Multi Pole Microwave Filtering using Brillouin Scattering in Silicon

Microwave narrow-band filters play an important role in signal processing. Implementing filters in a microwave photonic link takes advantage the tunability and bandwidth of the optical domain to achieve capabilities difficult to implement in conventional microwave circuits. We demonstrate a two-pole RF photonic filter using a photonic-phononic emit-receive scheme in a silicon chip. Through forward Brillouin scattering, strong acousto-optic coupling transduces a narrow band of radiofrequency information between optical fields. Using phononic crystal defect modes, we design a second-order filter response yielding high out of band rejection. Additionally, by using three wave mixing, agile tuning of the filter pass-band is demonstrated.
Should HER2 status be routinely measured for all breast cancer patients

Several recent publications have re-opened the question of whether HER2 status should be determined for all patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. The barrier in the past to the use of HER2 has been the nonstandardization of HER2 status determination, which is the major caveat to its use today. Two test kits have been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HER2 testing, one for determining HER2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the other for measuring HER2 overexpression by immunohistochemistry. Neither of these tests, nor any of the other myriad tests used for HER2 determinations, has been validated in all the potential arenas for the use of HER2: refinement of estimates of prognosis of untreated low-risk patients, selection among treatment options for adjuvant therapy, and selection of patients for treatment with trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech, San Francisco, CA). The nonstandardization of testing has led to conflicting results and controversy as to the value of HER2 in evaluating breast cancer patient prognosis and the selection among therapeutic options. Thus, testing for HER2 is not yet routine for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, although it is of value for patients who develop metastatic disease and who need to know if they are candidates for trastuzumab.
Colonialism in Global Perspective

Kris Manjapra weaves together the study of colonialism over the past 500 years, across the globe's continents and seas. This captivating work vividly evokes living human histories, introducing the reader to manifestations of colonialism as expressed through war, militarization, extractive economies, migrations and diasporas, racialization, biopolitical management, and unruly and creative responses and resistances by colonized peoples. This book describes some of the most salient political, social, and cultural constellations of our present times across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. By exploring the dissimilar, yet entwined, histories of conquest, settler colonialism, racial slavery, and empire, Manjapra exposes the enduring role of colonial force and freedom struggle in the making of our modern world.
An integrated electrocoagulation - Electrocatalysis water treatment process using stainless steel cathodes coated with ultrathin TiO2 nanofilms.

Abstract Anodic electrocoagulation processes can remove broad varieties of pollutants in industrial wastewater. However, some stubborn contaminants may still remain in effluents after the treatment and cause environmental issues. To further improve the efficiency of pollutant removal, we have coupled electrocatalysis with electrocoagulation and applied an atomic layer deposition (ALD) enabled TiO2 ultrathin overcoating at a nanometer scale on a stainless steel cathode. The electrocatalytic overcoating increased the elimination efficiency of organics and microorganisms, likely due to the electro-generation of adequate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The thickness of TiO2 nanofilm was controlled by the number of ALD cycles, and it was found that nanofilms processed with 50–100 cycles led to the maximum benefit of pollutant removal. By using the novel electrocoagulation–electrocatalysis cell to treat synthetic wastewater, a remarkable removal of 99.92% of E. Coli, 92.1% of suspended solids, 98.3% of heavy metal ions, and 88.8% of methylene blue was observed. This hybrid electrochemical treatment process may have the potential to treat wastewater at a larger scale.
Testicular tuberculosis: An uncommon complication after treatment of urothelial carcinoma.

Abstract Tuberculous epididymo-orchitis is an uncommon complication after intravesical bacilli Calmette-Guerin therapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Spread of granulomatous disease through the genitourinary tract specifically to the testes occurs in 0.4% of treated patients. The following case presents a 77-year-old man who underwent intravesical therapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumor and developed testicular discomfort and a palpable mass 2 years after initiation of therapy. After wide range of serum and urine analyses, repeated testicular ultrasonography, and an unsuccessful course of antibiotics, the patient elected to undergo orchiectomy and was confirmed to have tuberculous epididymo-orchitis. Diagnosis based on imaging and laboratory serum and urine analysis may be elusive and therefore review of this entity and associated sonographic findings is discussed.
Iron status and self‐reported fatigue in blood donors

Fatigue is a reported symptom of iron depletion, but studies in blood donors show no conclusive link. We conducted an observational analysis of data from the STRIDE randomized trial to evaluate association of iron status with self-reported fatigue. Study design and methods Three blood centers randomly assigned 692 frequent donors to education or iron supplementation treatments. Biomarkers for iron status were measured during 20 to 24 months of follow-up. A fatigue score was derived from an 11-item questionnaire at baseline and final visits, and associations between iron status and fatigue were assessed. Results Final lab and questionnaire data were evaluable from 337 subjects. At baseline, female sex, older age, and anemia were associated with fatigue, but iron status was not. Mean (±SD) fatigue score change was 0.0 (±0.5). Mean (±SD) increase in iron stores was 1.0 (±3.5) mg/kg, but changes in body iron stores were not associated with fatigue score changes (0.01 per mg/kg; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.02) or with fatigue (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.04). The only factor associated with fatigue score changes was baseline fatigue (0.36; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.48). Conclusion Among high-frequency donors, neither iron status at baseline nor changes in iron status predicted fatigue during follow-up, with improvements limited to those with higher levels of baseline fatigue. Assessment of the association between iron and fatigue in blood donors benefits from careful consideration of study design and the study population.
Nonsevere Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Adrenal Insufficiency: Exploring the Impact of Glucocorticoid Replacement on Metabolic Outcomes and ICU Length of Stay

Background There is a paucity of clinical data on corticosteroid replacement in patients with adrenal insufficiency who present with nonsevere noncomplicated diabetic ketoacidosis. Case Summary We analyzed five consecutive admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis of mild/moderate severity due to insulin omission in a 21-year-old man with type 1 diabetes and stable Addison disease. Despite similar presentations, the approach to steroid replacement differed: maintenance/moderate doses of hydrocortisone (< 60 mg/d) or high stress-doses (≥ 120 mg/d). Resolution of diabetic ketoacidosis and ICU and hospital length of stay were prolonged when high-dose versus maintenance/moderate glucocorticoids were provided: 45.5, 47.0, and 63.0 versus 12.0, 24.5, and 31 hours, respectively. Conclusions Although our findings remain hypothesis-generating, our case study raises awareness on the importance of categorizing diabetic ketoacidosis by severity and complication status when deciding on the intensity of steroid replacement in patients with stable Addison disease. Excessive glucocorticoid administration may delay the resolution of nonsevere and otherwise noncomplicated diabetic ketoacidosis and prolong ICU and hospital stays.
I2S2: Image-to-Scene Sketch Translation Using Conditional Input and Adversarial Networks

Image generation from sketch is a popular and well-studied computer vision problem. However, the inverse problem image-to-sketch (I2S) synthesis still remains open and challenging, let alone image-to-scene sketch (I2S2) synthesis, especially when full-scene sketch generations are highly desired. In this paper, we propose a framework for generating full-scene sketch representations from natural scene images, aiming to generate outputs that approximate hand-drawn scene sketches. Specifically, we exploit generative adversarial models to produce full-scene sketches given arbitrary input images that are actually conditions which are incorporated to guide the distribution mapping in the context of adversarial learning. To advance the use of such conditions, we further investigate edge detection solutions and propose to utilize Holistically-nested Edge Detection (HED) maps to condition the generative model. We conduct extensive experiments to validate the proposed framework and provide detailed quantitative and qualitative evaluations to demonstrate its effectiveness. In addition, we also demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed framework by using different conditional inputs, such as the Canny edge detector.
Identification of Host Factors Associated with the Development of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy by Transcriptomic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Horses.

Equine herpesvirus-1 is the cause of respiratory disease, abortion, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses worldwide. EHM affects as many as 14% of infected horses and a cell-associated viremia is thought to be central for EHM pathogenesis. While EHM is infrequent in younger horses, up to 70% of aged horses develop EHM. The aging immune system likely contributes to EHM pathogenesis; however, little is known about the host factors associated with clinical EHM. Here, we used the “old mare model” to induce EHM following EHV-1 infection. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of horses prior to infection and during viremia were collected and RNA sequencing with differential gene expression was used to compare the transcriptome of horses that did (EHM group) and did not (non-EHM group) develop clinical EHM. Interestingly, horses exhibiting EHM did not show respiratory disease, while non-EHM horses showed significant respiratory disease starting on day 2 post infection. Multiple immune pathways differed in EHM horses in response to EHV-1. These included an upregulation of IL-6 gene expression, a dysregulation of T-cell activation through AP-1 and responses skewed towards a T-helper 2 phenotype. Further, a dysregulation of coagulation and an upregulation of elements in the progesterone response were observed in EHM horses.
International student-migrant flows and growth in low- and middle-income countries: brain gain or brain drain?

The number of students flowing from low-income countries to high-income countries has grown over the past several decades but is likely to fall substantially in the coming years due to the coronavi...
Adaptive Sampling for Minimax Fair Classification.

Machine learning models trained on imbalanced datasets can often end up adversely affecting inputs belonging to the underrepresented groups. To address this issue, we consider the problem of adaptively constructing training sets which allow us to learn classifiers that are fair in a minimax sense. We first propose an adaptive sampling algorithm based on the principle of optimism, and derive theoretical bounds on its performance. We then suitably adapt the techniques developed for the analysis of our proposed algorithm to derive bounds on the performance of a related $\epsilon$-greedy strategy recently proposed in the literature. Next, by deriving algorithm independent lower-bounds for a specific class of problems, we show that the performance achieved by our adaptive scheme cannot be improved in general. We then validate the benefits of adaptively constructing training sets via experiments on synthetic tasks with logistic regression classifiers, as well as on several real-world tasks using convolutional neural networks.
Technology and Health Care Improvement

Technology in health care brings unprecedented power to prevent medical errors and advance quality care, patient safety, and clinician efficiency. Yet electronic systems and tools are complex to introduce and use safely in health care settings. This chapter provides a look at how health information technology poses both risks and benefits to patients and clinicians. This is followed by a review of components of electronic health records that can prevent harm and drive change in clinical care, such as clinical decision support. Hazards introduced by technology often trace back to poor usability, alert fatigue, and automation bias, which now garner greater focus in the emerging field of clinical informatics. It is imperative for all who interact with technology in health care settings to instill and reinforce a culture of safety in its use and to apply continuous quality improvement methods to these systems as with all aspects of health care.
Sample Methodology for Laser Microprobe Analysis

Trace metal identification and quantitation have been widely used in criminalistics to aid in investigations and in court testimony. Types of samples analyzed range from automobile paint to primer residues. Several techniques of trace metal detection and quantitation have been proposed and are currently in common use or under active investigation [1,2]. An ideal criminalistic method might be characterized as having: (1) low overall sample degradation from the analysis, (2) wide range of elements determined, (3) high quantitation accuracy, (4) high sensitivity, and (5) little or no sample preparation for analysis.
Gene discovery in leukemia revisited: a computational intelligence perspective

An approach using clustering in combination with Rough Sets and neural networks was investigated for the purpose of gene discovery using leukemia data. A small number of genes with high discrimination power were found, some of which were not previously reported. It was found that subtle differences between very similar genes belonging to the same cluster, as well as the number of clusters constructed, affect the discovery of relevant genes. Good results were obtained with no preprocessing applied to the data.
Positional behavior in Saimiri boliviensis and Ateles geoffroyi.

Positional behavior, associated context, and substrate use in Ateles geoffroyi and Saimiri boliviensis were quantified using instantaneous focal animal sampling and a hierarchically organized nomenclature to describe posture and locomotion. This paper then examines behavioral predictions derived from pseudo-behavioral locomotor classifications, multivariate morphometric studies, and studies of the behavioral consequences of body size. The principal interspecific contrasts include (1) the superiority of Ateles with respect to locomotor and postural use of the forelimbs in tension, brachiation, arm swinging, dropping, quadrupedal climbing, forelimb dominated leaping/dropping take-offs and landings, suspensory posture, forelimb suspension, and use of larger and more complex supports; and (2) the superiority of Saimiri with respect to most forms of quadrupedal-cursorial locomotion and leaping, quadrupedal leaping/dropping take-off and landing patterns, locomotor and postural use of the limbs under compression, nonsuspensory postures, sitting, quadrupedal standing, and the use of twigs and single supports. In both animals, however, nonsuspensory postures and quadrupedal locomotion prevailed. Although behavioral findings were generally consistent with predictions derived from morphological accounts, the fit was loose. Discrepancies arose, especially concerning climbing and leaping. These were attributed to inadequacies in current nomenclature descriptive of positional behavior arising from the indiscriminate use of overinclusive vernacular and pseudo-behavioral terms.
Abstract 15514: The Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Experience in Medicare Patients at Trial and Non-Trial Hospitals

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after a large clinical trial and a collaborative technology development process involving professional medical societies, the medical device industry, and the FDA. This study compares risk-adjusted mortality between hospitals with and without clinical trial experience. Methods: All Medicare fee-for-service patients undergoing TAVR (n=5003) between January 1, 2011 and November 30, 2012. Kaplan-Meier and risk-adjusted 30-day and 180-day survival were compared between patients undergoing TAVR at 68 clinical trial hospitals (n=3617) versus patients at 140 non-clinical trial hospitals (n=1392). Results: The preoperative characteristics of patients at trial versus non-trial hospitals were similar in age and other comorbidities, with only modest differences observed in the prevalence of chronic heart failure (93% trial hospitals, 89% non-trial hospitals, p Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the mortality between clinical trial versus non-clinical trial hospitals. This is an unusual finding compared to other new cardiovascular devices and procedures for which higher mortality has been observed at hospitals that did not participate in the clinical trials that preceded FDA approval. The unique policy and regulatory environment governing TAVR development therefore could serve as a model for future cardiovascular technology development and dissemination.
Gaze tracking quantifies shifts in focus due to anatomy learning (535.9)

This study aims to identify the shifts in gaze patterns that are correlated with learning. The gaze patterns of Medical Gross Anatomy students (n=31) were recorded as they identified tagged anatomical structures. Each student was assessed before the start of the course (baseline) and after one of 3 sequential section exams (revisit). We predict that as they become familiar with the course material, students should fixate longer on Areas of Interest (AOIs) that are relevant to identifying the structure. The experiment is still ongoing, but early results indicate that subjects’ attention focuses with experience. This trend is more pronounced in individuals with higher visuospatial ability (VSA). At baseline, individuals with high VSA spend 15-20% more time examining non-AOI (i.e., irrelevant background) regions of the images, whereas at revisit they spend proportionally more time fixating on the structure itself or on AOIs useful for identifying the structure. Individuals with low VSA show similar but less ...
Unilateral nephrectomy. Its effect on primary murine renal adenocarcinoma.

A murine renal adenocarcinoma was implanted unilaterally under the kidney capsule in more than 200 inbred Balb C mice and evaluated in nine groups: controls with and without tumor, and following left nephrectomy of tumorous kidney at seven, fourteen, and thirty-nine days after implant. Mean survival times for tumor-implanted, nephrectomized mice were 60.1, 56.4, 54.1, and 56 days, respectively. Pulmonary metastases were evident between fourteen and forty-five days, 100 per cent in the tumor control non-nephrectomized group, and 36 and 90 per cent in the respective nephrectomized groups. All tumor-implanted animals ultimately died of metastatic disease. Predictable and reproducible disease patterns were noted. This model lends itself to screening chemotherapeutic agents and other modes of therapy for the control of metastatic renal cancer following nephrectomy.
An algebraic approach to constraint satisfaction problems

A constraint satisfaction problem, or CSP, can be reformulated as an integer linear programming problem. The reformulated problem can be solved via polynomial multiplication. If the CSP has n variables whose domain size is m, and if the equivalent programming problem involves M equations, then the number of solutions can be determined in time O(nm2M-n). This surprising link between search problems and algebraic techniques allows us to show improved bounds for several constraint satisfaction problems, including new simply exponential bounds for determining the number of solutions to the n-queens problem. We also address the problem of minimizing M for a particular CSP.
Development of water oak stump sprouts under a partial overstory

A 28-year-old water oak (Quercus nigra L.) plantation was thinned from below to either 254 or 462 stems per hectare to determine the influence of a partial canopy on oak stump sprout development. Sprout clump survival, number of living sprouts in a clump, and height and DBH of the dominant sprout in a clump were measured in years 1–5 and 7 after harvest. By year 7, sprout clump survival under the heavily thinned canopy was 23% higher than under the lightly thinned canopy. Within-clump sprout mortality was not influenced by overstory thinning level, but by year 2 height and diameter increment were 15% and 22% greater, respectively, under the heavy overstory removal. Positive height and diameter growth of dominant sprouts continued under both canopy conditions through year 7, but early benefits of the heavy overstory removal on sprout growth diminished. Additional overstory removal or sprout clump thinning would be necessary to sustain sprout clump survival and sprout growth over extended periods.
Perspectives From Ethiopia Regarding U.S. Military Humanitarian Assistance: How to Build a Better Medical Civil Action Project (MEDCAP)

ABSTRACTAssuming that budgetary constraints continue over the next several years, the U.S. military's overseas medical activities including medical civic action projects (MEDCAPs) and humanitarian assistance projects could comprise an increasing proportion of the contributions of U.S. government (USG) to improving global health. We have identified several issues with MEDCAPs in Ethiopia since 2009 that resulted in delays or project cancellations. These were mostly related to lack of a plan to develop sustainable capacities. Although there are many obvious medical needs for civilian populations in Ethiopia, the provision of sustainable development assistance involving these Ethiopian populations on behalf of the USG is a complex undertaking involving coordination with many partners and coordination with several other USG agencies. Military medical professionals planning MEDCAPs and other cooperative global health projects would benefit from consultation and close coordination with U.S. Centers for Disease ...
Resolving an Elusive Structure

Synchrotron data allow the determination of the structure of the ubiquitous mineral ferrihydrite.
Determinants of bank growth choice

Abstract We study the determinants of bank growth in a two-stage logistic regression model. We first compare banks that branch, Bank Acquire, or Product Expand with banks that do not grow externally. Banks that are federally chartered, in states with higher income growth, and with higher labor prices are less likely to grow externally. Larger banks are more likely to grow externally. In the second stage, we study determinants of growth activity for banks that expand products, branch, or acquire other banks. Depending on the time period, bank structure, regulatory environment, performance, and balance sheet characteristics determine bank growth choices.
The psychodynamic diversity of anorexia nervosa

This paper proposes that anorexia nervosa patients are a psychodynamically heterogeneous group and can be usefully divided into three subtypes — the borderline; the empty, understructured; and the emotionally-conflicted, identity-confused. Clinical experience and the long-term outcome literature challenge any uniformity assumptions about anorexia nervosa. It is noted that anorexia nervosa appears to be a “spectrum disorder” with presentations ranging from normative adolescent concern about weight, dieting, appearance, etc. to severe psychopathology and classical anorexic symptomatology among those predisposed.
Empirical analysis of the contribution of age composition to population growth

The method of decomposition is applied to rates of natural increase in order to elucidate the role played by age composition in the growth of populations. A population’s age distribution and fertility schedule are contrasted to those in a "stationary" population having the same mortality rates and having a fertility schedule equal to that of the observed population divided by its net reproduction rate. In this manner it is shown that about one-quarter to one-third of the growth of most current high-growth populations can be attributed to non-stationarity of their age distributions. This fraction will rise, as it has in most industrialized countries, if fertility is reduced and age distributions become middle-heavy. In projections of the 1963 Venezuelan female population with fertility rates declining by 20/0 and 1% annually, more than half of the growth (in numbers) that occurs prior to zero-growth attainment is contributed by non-stationarity of its intervening age distributions.
The role of endothelin in the age dependent increase in renal vascularresistance in the rat kidney

Endothelin (ET) is a powerful vasopressor agent that is activated in a number of pathophysiologic states where renal perfusion is reduced. Since renal vasoconstriction occurs as part of renal aging, we investigated the possibility that ET may be activated in the old kidney. These experiments involved acutely blocking endogenous ET with Bosentan (a non-peptide mixed antagonist to both ET receptor types ETA and ETB), in Sprague-Dawley male rats of various ages: young (4 5 months), middle-aged (12-13 months) and old (19-20 months). Experiments were performed in chronically catheterized, conscious rats, studied under unstressed conditions. Renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion were measured before and during acute ET receptor blockade. In all three age groups, Bosentan had no effect on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), blood pressure (BP) or urine flow. Sodium excretion increased significantly with Bosentan but the natriuresis was similar in rats of all ages. These results suggest that ET does not contribute to the renal vasoconstriction of the old rat kidney.
Evidence for dialdehyde/imine intermediate formation during the metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol by horseradish peroxidase

Abstract Several enzymatic systems can activate the proximate carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol (BP-7,8-diol) to a reactive species which results in a chemiluminescence (CL) response and genotoxic lesions. This CL response is thought to be produced by the formation of a dioxetane from BP-7,8-diol which upon ring-opening forms a highly reactive dialdehyde intermediate. When BP-7,8-diol is incubated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide, the CL observed was increased and prolonged by the addition of the endogenous amine, taurine. This CL response cannot be attributed to either BP-7,8-diol-9, 10-epoxide or its interaction with taurine, but is similar to the response of a known Schiff base formation. HPLC analysis of the metabolism products of the HRP reaction with taurine using radiolabeled BP-7,8-diol showed the existence of a new UV peak with an associated radioactive peak Because aldehydes have been shown to interact with cellular macromolecules, both the increased production of ...
Zonal wavenumber determination of the semi-diurnal oscillation in the midlatitude upper atmosphere from single-station optical measurements

Single station optical observations of the motions of the midlatitude upper atmosphere at Fritz Peak (39.88°N, 105.5°W), using the [OI] 17924K (557.7 nm) emission line as a tracer, are employed to experimentally determine the zonal wavenumber character and direction of travel of the observed oscillations of 12-hr periodicity. The results show that this 12-hr oscillation is westward traveling and of zonal wavenumber character two, and they describe a solar migrating semidiurnal tide.
Comparison of redox isotherms for vanadia supported on zirconia and titania

Abstract Zirconia- and titania-supported vanadia catalysts were characterized by coulometric titration, Raman spectroscopy, and rate measurements for methanol oxidation and propane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Redox isotherms obtained at 748 K by coulometric titration of a titania-supported vanadia catalyst with a loading of 2.9 V/nm 2 showed that reduction occurred in a single step at a P O 2 of 10 −22 atm, corresponding to a Δ G of oxidation of −300 kJ/mol; however, reduction of the sample caused changes in the isotherm obtained during re-oxidation consistent with formation of bulk V 2 O 5 , which requires higher P O 2 for oxidation. With vanadia-zirconia catalysts, increasing the calcination temperature from 748 to 873 K caused changes in both the Raman spectra and in the 748-K redox isotherm consistent with formation of bulk ZrV 2 O 7 . Rate measurements for methanol oxidation and propane ODH on vanadia-titania, vanadia-zirconia, bulk V 2 O 5 , and ZrV 2 O 7 showed relatively small differences in specific rates.
Aging Related Changes in the Kinematics of Walking: A Potential Pathway to Changes in Cartilage Morphology

Age-related changes in spatio-temporal and sagittal plane walking mechanics are well documented [1, 2]. These changes along with age-related changes in muscle strength, muscle activation patterns and ligament stiffness [3] may also lead to changes in both rotational and translation motions at the knee. It has been suggested that alterations in the normal kinematics of the knee related to aging may be a contributing factor to the increased incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) with aging [4].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Dietary Management of Feline Chronic Renal Failure: Where are We Now? In What Direction are We Headed?

Dietary modification is of primary importance in managing cats with chronic renal failure. Diets designed for cats with chronic renal failure are typically formulated to be pH neutral and contain reduced quantities of protein, phosphorus and sodium and an increased quantity of potassium. These changes in diet formulation are designed to ameliorate clinical signs of renal failure by adapting dietary intakes to meet the limited ability of failing kidneys to adapt to the normal range of dietary intakes. Important recent clinical trials support the therapeutic value of dietary therapy in cats with chronic renal failure.
Uni-complex and bi-complex representation for associative memory with superior retrieval

A novel uni-complex valued trinary associative model, which is implementable in the optical domain, is proposed. Retrieval of the stored pattern is accomplished using an threshold formula in the inner product domain. An algorithm to determine adaptive threshold formula for this trinary associative memory model is presented. The optimal threshold is chosen to yield the best performance. Different threshold parameters have been investigated to obtain the range of optimal threshold parameters. In order to validate our performance model, character recognition problem with noisy and noise-free data are investigated. Moreover, a bi-complex representation model for associative memory retrieval is presented and compared to previous methods.
Carnitine decarboxylase and phosphokinase in Phormia regina

Abstract Carnitine decarboxylase is present in the gut and not in the fat body of Phormia regina larvae. The enzyme is a soluble protein, has a maximal activity at 30°C, at pH 7 to 4, and requires pyridoxal phosphate. Enzymic activity is induced by feeding carnitine in place of choline. Phosphokinase, capable of esterifying choline as well as β-methyl choline, is present. Diets containing either choline or carnitine do not effect the enzyme. The enzyme resembles that of brewer's yeast. The significance of carnitine decarboxylase and phosphokinase has been discussed in relation to function, and the similarity of phospholipid synthesis with vertebrates is presented.
Parent Marital Quality and the Parent–Adolescent Relationship: Profiles of Relationship Quality

Rigorous studies repeatedly have demonstrated the negative effects of parental divorce on outcomes for families. However, very few studies have examined the quality of the marital relationship within intact families or how the quality of the marital relationship interacts with the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship. The present study examines how aspects of parent marital quality, such as marital support and conflict between the couple, existed within married families and examines how patterns of mother–adolescent and father–adolescent relationships quality varied longitudinally from 1997 to 1999. The study uses data from the NLSY97 cohort, a nationally representative sample of adolescents who are being followed into adulthood. Four profiles of parent marital quality were developed using latent class analyses. Four growth profiles for the mother–adolescent relationship and for the father–adolescent relationship were created using latent growth class analysis in Mplus. To examine how the parent ...
Agency- and Institutional-Theory Explanations: The Case of Retail Sales Compensation

This research evaluated when organizations use salary compensation and when they use compensation that is based on performance. Variables from agency- and institutional-theory perspectives were use...
A pH, gradient agar plate.

IT is often advantageous for the microbiologist to know the pH limits within which a micro-organism will grow, and the influence of pH on the antimicrobial action of various drugs. Customarily, such studies are carried out in a series of separate vessels, each adjusted to a different pH-level. This note describes a modification of the Szybalski gradient plate technique1 so as to provide a pH gradient across the surface of an agar plate, thus facilitating studies involving pH effects on the growth of micro-organisms.
Exploring web user styles in B2C e-commerce

This study examines web user styles in a B2C e-commerce setting. A group of 389 upper level business students completed a survey on general user styles and participated in an online simulation using the Best Buy website. A cluster analysis was performed to better understand user styles. A two-cluster solution was defined, labelled Followers and Finders. The Mann-Whitney analysis found a significant difference between the two clusters based on intention to make a transaction with the website. Discussion and implications are presented for this exploratory study.
The Social Development of Contingent Self-Worth in Sexual Minority Young Men: An Empirical Investigation of the “Best Little Boy in the World” Hypothesis

Young sexual minority men might cope with early stigma by strongly investing in achievement-related success. Sexual minority men (n = 136) reported deriving their self-worth from academics (d = 0.33), appearance (d = 0.33), and competition (d = 0.35) more so than heterosexual men (n = 56). Length of early sexual orientation concealment predicted investment in these domains (β = 0.19, 0.22, 0.24) and an objective measure of stigma predicted the degree to which young sexual minority men sought self-worth through competition (β = 0.26). A nine-day experience sampling approach confirmed that investment in achievement-related domains exacts negative health consequences for young sexual minority men.
Diversification in the driveway: mean-variance optimization for greenhouse gas emissions reduction from the next generation of vehicles

Abstract Modern portfolio theory is applied to the problem of selecting which vehicle technologies and fuels to use in the next generation of vehicles. Selecting vehicles with the lowest lifetime cost is complicated by the fact that future prices are uncertain, just as selecting securities for an investment portfolio is complicated by the fact that future returns are uncertain. A quadratic program is developed based on modern portfolio theory, with the objective of minimizing the expected lifetime cost of the “vehicle portfolio”. Constraints limit greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the variance of the cost. A case study is performed for light-duty passenger vehicles in the United States, drawing emissions and usage data from the US Environmental Protection Agency's MOVES and Department of Energy's GREET models, among other sources. Four vehicle technologies are considered: conventional gasoline, conventional diesel, grid-independent (non-plug-in) gasoline-electric hybrid, and flex fuel using E85. Results indicate that much of the uncertainty surrounding cost stems from fuel price fluctuations, and that fuel efficient vehicles can lower cost variance. Hybrids exhibit the lowest cost variances of the technologies considered, making them an arguably financially conservative choice.
A theory of small program complexity

Small programs are those which are written and understood by one. person. Large software systems usually consist of many small programs. The complexity of a small program is a prediction of how difficult it would be for someone to understand the program. This complexity depends of three factors: (1) the size and interelationships of the program itself; (2) the size and interelationships of the internal model of the program's purpose held by the person trying to understand the program; and (3) the complexity of the mapping between the model and the program. A theory of small program complexity based on these three factors is presented. The theory leads to several testable predictions. Experiments are described which test these predictions and whose results could verify or destroy the theory.
BINDING OF 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE TO ACIDIC LIPIDS IN AN AQUEOUS MEDIUM

— The affinities of 5-hydroxy-[3H]tryptamine (5-HT) for cerebroside sulfate, 1-phosphatidylinositol, 1-phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, 1-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, phosphatidic acid, and phosphatidyl serine were determined in an aqueous medium. They were observed to be, in general, much lower than and poorly correlated with the values previously reported by Johnsonet al (1977a), measured in isobutanol. This suggested that these lipids probably are not 5-HT receptors and that drug affinities measured in organic media must be evaluated with caution.
Rational Design of Hetero-ring-Expanded Guanine Analogs with Enhanced Properties for Modified DNA Building Blocks

The properties and modes of recognition of physiological DNAs associated with the four natural nucleobases might be extended, in principle, by the design of non-natural nucleobase derivatives. The goal is an expansion of the genetic alphabet, with the possible outcome of producing new DNAs with improved physical or biological properties. In this work, a new series of hetero-ring-expanded guanine analogs are proposed, and their relevant structural characteristics and electronic properties are determined by density functional theory. The stabilities of the decamer DNA duplexes (dn·dC)10 (where n represents the corresponding expanded guanine analog designed here) are also examined, using molecular dynamics. The simulations show that the designed motifs can form stable DNA-like structures. We determined the pairing energies for the Watson−Crick (WC) hydrogen-bonded dimers between the expanded G-analogs and the natural C, and found that the pairing energies are close to those of the natural GC pair. The calcul...