cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approximation reformulations

Although computers are widely used to simulate complex physical systems, crafting the underlying models that enable computer analysis remains difficult. When a model is created for one task, it is often impossible to reuse the model for another purpose because each task requires a different set of simplifying assumptions. By representing modeling assumptions explicitly as approximation reformulations, we have developed qualitative techniques for switching between models. We assume that automated reasoning proceeds in three phases: 1) model selection, 2) quantitative analysis using the model, and 3) validation that the assumptions underlying the model were appropriate for the task at hand. If validation discovers a serious discrepancy between predicted and observed behavior, a new model must be chosen. We present a domain independent method for performing this model shift when the models are related by an approximation reformulation and describe a Common Lisp implementation of the theory.
Real-time and non-destructive gas mixture analysis using linear various filter enabled mid-infrared visualization.

Real-time gas mixture analysis has been demonstrated using various linear variable filter (LVF)-enabled mid-infrared (mid-IR) visualizations. Due to the characteristic absorptions of different gases, the algorithm-enabled sensing method has the ability to detect multi-component gas mixtures noninvasively. The proposed system consisted of a broadband light source, a gas mixing and delivery chamber made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a LVF, and a real-time monitoring mid-IR camera. The system performance was evaluated by detecting CH4 and C2H2 at their characteristic C-H absorptions from λ = 3.0 to 3.5 µm. A fast and accurate identification of gas samples was achieved. Therefore, our real-time and non-destructive gas analysis system enables a new visualization technology for environmental monitoring and industrial measurement.
A Constrained Kalman Filter for Rigid Body Systems with Frictional Contact

Contact interactions are central to robot manipulation and locomotion behaviors. State estimation techniques that explicitly capture the dynamics of contact offer the potential to reduce estimation errors from unplanned contact events and improve closed-loop control performance. This is particularly true in highly dynamic situations where common simplifications like no-slip or quasi-static sliding are violated. Incorporating contact constraints requires care to address the numerical challenges associated with discontinuous dynamics, which make straightforward application of derivative-based techniques such as the Extended Kalman Filter impossible. In this paper, we derive an approximate maximum a posteriori estimator that can handle rigid body contact by explicitly imposing contact constraints in the observation update. We compare the performance of this estimator to an existing state-of-the-art Unscented Kalman Filter designed for estimation through contact and demonstrate the scalability of the approach by estimating the state of a 20-DOF bipedal robot in realtime.
Characterization of Effect of Aging on Polymer- and Polyphosphoric Acid-Modified Asphalt Binders Using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

Over the last decade, modifying asphalt binders with polymers and Polyphosphoric Acid (PPA) has become an essential part of the asphalt industry. There is a need to study the effect of polymer and PPA on asphalt binders’ compositions and mechanical properties. Changes in the rheological properties of modified binders due to oxidative aging are another important concern for pavement engineers. Although significant efforts have been made to characterize the rheological properties of modified asphalt binders in the past, the influence of molecular structure on these properties is still unknown. In the present study, three different types of asphalt binders, namely unmodified, polymer-modified, and PPA-modified, were tested. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer and Rotational Viscosity test results indicate an increase in stiffness and viscosity due to polymer and PPA modifications. Aging was also found to increase the binder’s stiffness and viscosity, irrespective of the binder type. The effect of the molecular structure on the asphalt binder’s properties was investigated by the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. The aromaticity and crystallite parameters for unaged, short-term aged, and long-term aged binders were determined from the XRD spectra. The XRD analysis was able to detect the change in molecular structure because of aging, but no specific trend for the change in crystallite parameters was observed. The aromaticity and crystallite parameters were found to increase with polymer modification and decrease with PPA modification when compared to the unmodified binder. It was also found that asphalt binder loses its aromatic characteristic upon the addition of PPA.
Investigation on contamination of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in the different soil of three counties in Ganso Province

Objective To investigate the different soil contamination of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs at liv-ing environments in rural areas. Methods Wushan County, Liangzhou District and Min County were select-ed as 3 pilots for investigation. Ten samples of soil including 4 different environments from Min County and 20 samples from the others were randomly collected. A. lumbricoides eggs in the different soil were floated with sat-urated nitrate and counted by microscopy. Positive rate of A. lumbricoides eggs in the soils was then calculated and A. lumbricoides infection rates of inhabitants at 3 pilots were compared and analysed. Results The over-all positive rate of A. lumbricoides eggs in the soils was 28%, and among them the rates at the vegetable gar-dens, lavatory surroundings, courtyards in the countryside and kitchens were 30% ,36% ,30% and 16%, re-spectively. Conclusion The pilots were badly contaminated by A. lumbricoides eggs. Measures should be taken to improve the living environments and decrease the infection rate of Ascaris in the residents. Key words: Ascaris lumbricoides eggs; Investigation; Soil
Integrating domain knowledge with deep learning models: An interpretable AI system for automatic work progress identification of NATM tunnels

Abstract Finding a reliable and cost-effective approach to monitor the activities of the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) tunnel construction automatically is a challenging yet important task. This study presents an interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) framework that automatically identifies NATM construction works using low-cost site surveillance images. The framework adopts the Bayesian statistics to combine the prior NATM construction knowledge with the visual evidence extracted by deep learning (DL) based computer vision models. The analysis results of Site CCTV surveillance videos of four NATM tunneling projects are presented to demonstrate its ability (i) to label NATM work cycles from the work timeline, (ii) to identify NATM work categories inside each work cycle, and (iii) to estimate the degree of plan-work deviation at the construction cycle level. The proposed framework yields promising results on a real NATM tunneling project.
Multi-omics characterization of Microtubule-actin cross linking factor 1 (MACF1) using the ISB-Cancer Genomics Cloud

Establishment of cell polarity across cell types and organisms involves distinct mechanisms that follow a common pattern: first a polarity cue arises, followed by asymmetric organization executed by polarity proteins. Loss of cell polarity has a key role in cancer development. The MACF1 gene, Microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1, or MACF1, a cytoskeletal protein is involved in oocyte development, cell proliferation, and cell migration. In addition to these roles, MACF1 is linked to metastatic invasion leading to tumor progression in numerous human cancers including gynecological cancers of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Given the functional importance of cell polarity, here we provide computational evidence of MACF1 in gynecological cancers. The comparison of multi-omic data for patient tumor and normal cells facilitates the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tumor cell proliferation, abnormal cell adhesion and cell migration. Leveraging the rich datasets hosted by the NCI-funded ISB-Cancer Genomics Cloud, we performed a cloud-based patient cohort analysis across diverse multi-omics datasets. We quantified differential gene expression profiles from patients in the cohort as well as identified somatic mutation differences. The most common genomic alteration for MACF1 was the in-frame mutation. Genomic alterations and mutations were aligned to functional domains of the MACF1 protein to determine both frequency and spatial distribution. Gene-gene expression correlation analyses identified statistically significant correlations between MACF1 and other well-known cancer driver genes. Together, using a data driven cloud-computing approach we gain novel insights into the role of MACF1 regulation of cell polarity in the progression of cancer.
Tripartite collaboration of blood-derived endothelial cells, next generation RNA sequencing and bioengineered vessel-chip may distinguish vasculopathy and thrombosis among sickle cell disease patients

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in the world. But the clinical manifestations of the disease are highly variable. In particular, it is currently difficult to predict the adverse outcomes within patients with SCD, such as, vasculopathy, thrombosis, and stroke. Therefore, for most effective and timely interventions, a predictive analytic strategy is desirable. In this study, we evaluate the endothelial and prothrombotic characteristics of blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) generated from blood samples of SCD patients with known differences in clinical severity of the disease. We present a method to evaluate patient-specific vaso-occlusive risk by combining novel RNA-seq and organ-on-chip approaches. Through differential gene expression (DGE) and pathway analysis we find that BOECs from SCD patients exhibit an activated state through cell adhesion molecule (CAM) and cytokine signaling pathways among many others. In agreement with clinical symptoms of patients, DGE analyses reveal that patient with severe SCD had a greater extent of endothelial activation compared to patient with milder symptoms. This difference is confirmed by performing qRT-PCR of endothelial adhesion markers like E-selectin, P-selectin, tissue factor, and Von Willebrand factor. Finally, the differential regulation of the proinflammatory phenotype is confirmed through platelet adhesion readouts in our BOEC vessel-chip. Taken together, we hypothesize that these easily blood-derived endothelial cells evaluated through RNA-seq and organ-on-chips may serve as a biotechnique to predict vaso-occlusive episodes in SCD patients and will ultimately allow better therapeutic interventions.
The Contraception Mandate Debate: Achieving a Sensible Balance

A slew of secular for-profit businesses have sued seeking exemptions from the contraception mandate and many have succeeded in obtaining preliminary injunctions. This Essay explains why courts have found these claims credible under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act but contends that the Act’s underlying purpose is best served by denying these entities an accommodation.
The Root of All Thrombi: Coronary Artery Thromboembolism Post Heartmate3

Introduction Aortic root thrombosis (ART) is a rare complication of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy and can cause thromboembolic events. We present a case of ART complicated by coronary artery occlusion, myocardial infarction and recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) 2 months after HM3 implantation. Case Report 62 year old female with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and HM3 presented 2 months post-implant with chest pain, low flow alarms, and ICD shock. Exam showed MAP 55 mm hg, pump flow 3.4 LPM, speed 5200 RPM, pulsatility index 5.2. LVAD interrogation showed multiple PI events. Her left ventricle was 5.2 cm with closed aortic valve and midline septum. TAPSE was 1.1cm. ECG showed new RBBB. Troponin T peaked at 9035 ng/dL. LDH peaked at 1361 U/L. BNP was 2194 pg/mL. INR range was 2.4-2.7 the month prior. VT initially resolved after decreasing VAD speed to 4800 suggesting suction as a trigger. She received fluids, antiarrhythmics and developed right ventricular dysfunction requiring inotrope support. Persistent chest pain and recurrent VT led to coronary angiography, which showed occlusive thrombus from aortic root to left main and left anterior descending arteries. Using embolic protection devices, clot was mechanically aspirated (Fig 1). Eleven days later, she developed an acute left posterior cerebral and basilar artery stroke. Attempted clot aspiration was complicated by intracranial hemorrhage. Summary Hemocompatibility related adverse events remain an issue with the HM 3. Lower rates of pump thrombosis were reported in the MOMENTUM trials, but thrombi can form at other sites such as outflow graft and aortic root, causing embolic complications. Closed aortic valves form a blind pouch, increasing the risk of ART especially if INR is subtherapeutic. Early imaging of the aortic root and coronary arteries should be considered for unexplained VT irrespective of coronary anatomy and risks and benefits of intervention using embolic protection devices can be considered after careful multidisciplinary evaluation.
Cellular evolution of language.

Abstract The evolutionary origin of language remains unknown despite many efforts to determine the origin of this signature human trait. Based on epigenetic inheritance, the current article hypothesizes that language evolved from cell-cell communication as the basis for generating structure and function embryologically and phylogenetically, as did all physiologic traits. Beginning with lipids forming the first micelle, a vertical integration of the evolved properties of the cell, from multicellular organisms to the introduction of cholesterol into the cell membrane, to the evolution of the peroxisome, the water-land transition and duplication of the βAdrenergic Receptor, the evolution of endothermy, leading to bipedalism, freeing the forelimbs for toolmaking and language, selection pressure for myelinization of the central nervous system to facilitate calcium flux, bespeaks human expression, culminating in the evolution of civilization. This process is epitomized by the Area of Broca as the structural-functional site for both motor control and language formation. The mechanistic interrelationship between motor control and language formation is underscored by the role of FoxP2 gene expression in both bipedalism and language. The effect of endothermy on bipedalism, freeing the forelimbs for toolmaking and language as the vertical integration from Cosmology to Physiology as the basis for language bespeaks human expression.
A nationwide database analysis of demographics and outcomes related to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to understand the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and its outcomes. METHODS The 2016 Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) obtained from the national Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) was used to obtain CDH birth, demographic, and outcome data associated with ECMO use. Categorical variables were analyzed and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported for variables found to have significance (p < 0.05). Appropriate regressions were used for comparing categorical and continuous data using SPSS 25 for Macintosh. RESULTS The database contained 1189 cases of CDH, of which 133 (11.2%) received ECMO. The overall mortality of neonates with CDH was 18.9% (225/1189). Newborns with CDH on ECMO had a survival of 46% (61/133) compared to 85.5% without ECMO (903/1056) (OR 6.966, p < 0.001, 95% CI 4.756-10.204). ECMO increased length of stay from 24.6 to 69.8 days (OR 2.834, p < 0.001, 95% CI 2.768-2.903) and average cost from $375,002.20 to $1641,586.83 (OR 4.378, p < 0.001, 95% CI 3.341-5.735). CONCLUSIONS Increased length of stay, costs, and outcomes with ECMO use in CDH should prompt an examination of criteria necessitating ECMO.
Triglyceride-Increasing Alleles Associated with Protection against Type-2 Diabetes

Elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) levels are an established risk factor for type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, recent studies have hinted at the possibility that genetic risk for TG may paradoxically protect against T2D. In this study, we examined the association of genetic risk for TG with incident T2D, and the interaction of baseline TG with TG genetic risk on incident T2D in 13,247 European-Americans (EA) and 3,238 African-Americans (AA) from three prospective cohort studies. A TG genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on 31 validated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We considered several baseline covariates, including body- mass index (BMI) and lipid traits. Among EA and AA, we find, as expected, that baseline levels of TG are strongly positively associated with incident T2D (p<2 x 10-10). However, the TG GRS is negatively associated with T2D (p=0.013), upon adjusting for only race, in the full dataset. Upon additionally adjusting for age, sex, BMI, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and TG, the TG GRS is significantly and negatively associated with T2D incidence (p=7.0 x 10-8), with similar trends among both EA and AA. No single SNP appears to be driving this association. We also find a significant statistical interaction of the TG GRS with TG (pinteraction=3.3 x 10-4), whereby the association of TG with incident T2D is strongest among those with low genetic risk for TG. Further research is needed to understand the likely pleiotropic mechanisms underlying these findings, and to clarify the causal relationship between T2D and TG.
Modeling Flexible Manufacturing Systems Using Product-Form Queueing Networks

A wide class of FMSs with limited local buffers and state-dependent parts routing can be modeled as product-form networks, which allows the use of a computationally efficient design tool.
Human Thymidine Kinase Can Functionally Replace Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Thymidine Kinase for Viral Replication in Mouse Sensory Ganglia and Reactivation from Latency upon Explant

Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase exhibits a strikingly broad substrate specificity. It is capable of phosphorylating deoxythymidine and deoxyuridine as does human thymidine kinase, deoxycytidine as does human deoxycytidine kinase, the cytosolic kinase whose amino acid sequence it most closely resembles, and thymidylate as does human thymidylate kinase. Following peripheral inoculation of mice, viral thymidine kinase is ordinarily required for viral replication in ganglia and for reactivation from latency following ganglionic explant. To determine which activity of the viral kinase is important for replication and reactivation in mouse ganglia, recombinant viruses lacking viral thymidine kinase but expressing individual human kinases were constructed. Each recombinant virus expressed the appropriate kinase activity with early kinetics following infection of cultured cells. The virus expressing human thymidine kinase exhibited thymidine phosphorylation activity equivalent to ∼5% of that of wild-type virus in a quantitative plaque autoradiography assay. Nevertheless, it was competent for ganglionic replication and reactivation following corneal inoculation of mice. The virus expressing human thymidylate kinase was partially competent for these activities despite failing to express detectable thymidine kinase activity. The virus expressing human deoxycytidine kinase failed to replicate acutely in neurons or to reactivate from latency. Therefore, it appears that low levels of thymidine phosphorylation suffice to fulfill the role of the viral enzyme in ganglia and that this role can be partially fulfilled by thymidylate kinase activity alone.
Nickel induced crystallization of /spl alpha/-Si gate electrode at 500/spl deg/C and MOS capacitor reliability

We present a study of MOS capacitor reliability when nickel (Ni) is used to crystallize a phosphorus-doped, amorphous silicon (/spl alpha/-Si)-gate electrode by metal-induced crystallization (MIC). The dopant in the gate electrode was also activated during the MIC. We report that there was an increase of about 0.1 eV in the gate electrode workfunction due to Ni. Through capacitance-voltage ( C-V), current-voltage (I-V) and charge-to-breakdown (Q/sub BD/) measurements, we show that the Ni MIC in the gate electrode does not degrade the MOS capacitor reliability.
Linear Difference Equations of Higher Order

In this chapter we examine linear difference equations of high order, namely, those involving a single dependent variable.1 Such equations arise in almost every field of scientific inquiry, from population dynamics (the study of a single species) to economics (the study of a single commodity) to physics (the study of the motion of a single body). We will become acquainted with some of these applications in this chapter. We start this chapter by introducing some rudiments of difference calculus that are essential in the study of linear equations.
Corrigendum to “New age- and sex-specific criteria for QT prolongation based on rate correction formulas that minimize bias at the upper normal limits” [IJCA 174/3 (2014) 535–540]

DOI of original article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.04.133. ⁎ Corresponding author at: 737 Vista Meadows Dr., Weston, FL 33327, USA. E-mail address: pentti.rautaharju@gmail.com (P.M. Rautaharju). Table 1 Categorization of QTc formulas as linear and inverse based on their generic forms and QT pred Modified from Rautaharju et al., Internat J Cardiol 2014 doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijca
Varieties of Distributivity: 'One by One' vs 'Each'

Consider the contrast in interpretation between the examples in (1) and (2) below. While example (1) is compatible with events that unfold in very different ways, the addition of one by one in (2) constrains how the leaving events can proceed. Intuitively, one by one is an event modifier that targets a plural participant in the event. More precisely, it breaks the event down into temporally sequenced subevents and it distributes the plural participant over these subevents, as depicted in (3) below.
A Crucial Role for Host APCs in the Induction of Donor CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cell-Mediated Suppression of Experimental Graft-versus-Host Disease

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is an effective treatment for a number of malignant and nonmalignant diseases (Applebaum. 2001. Nature. 411: 385-389 and Copelan. 2006. N Engl J Med. 354: 1813-1826). However, the application of this therapeutic modality has been impeded by a number of confounding side effects, the most frequent and severe of which is the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (Copelan. 2006. N Engl J Med. 354: 1813-1826 and Blazar and Murphy. 2005. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 360: 1747-1767). Alloreactive donor T cells are critical for causing GVHD (Fowler. 2006. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 57: 225-244 and Ferrara and Reddy. 2006. Semin Hematol. 43: 3-10), whereas recent data demonstrated a significant role for the naturally occurring thymic-derived donor CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) (Bluestone and Abbas. 2003. Nat Rev Immunol. 3: 253-257 and Shevach. 2006. Immunity. 25: 195-201) in suppressing experimental GVHD after bone marrow transplantation (Blazar and Taylor. 2005. Biol Blood Marrow Transpl. 11: 46-49 and Joffe and van Meerwijk. 2006. Semin Immunol. 18: 128-135) . Host APCs are required for induction of GVHD by the conventional donor T cells. However, it is not known whether they are also obligatory for donor Treg-mediated suppression of GVHD. Using multiple clinically relevant MHC-matched and -mismatched murine models of GVHD, we investigated the role of host APCs in the suppression of GVHD by donor Tregs. We found that alloantigen expression by the host APCs is necessary and sufficient for induction of GVHD protection by donor Tregs. This requirement was independent of their effect on the maintenance of Treg numbers and the production of IL-10 or IDO by the host APCs.
Assessment of a Novel Module for Training Dental Students in Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting

This study assessed the merits of introducing a novel, online interactive training module designed to positively engage dental students and teach them to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect. The study aimed to determine if the online training module educated the students equivalently or better than a lecture presentation of the same content. Seventy-two students from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine's class of 2015 (90 percent of the class) agreed to participate and were randomly assigned to either a traditional lecture-based presentation or the online training module. Study participants were given a twenty-question multiple-choice pretest on their knowledge of child abuse recognition and reporting prior to the start of the study. The same instrument was administered as a posttest. At the end of the training, questionnaires were also given to both groups to assess students' perceptions of the two educational methodologies. The results showed that the interactive online training module was more effective than the lecture-based method. Results of the posttest comparison of the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.05) in favor of the online training group. Additionally, the students reported that the interactive online training module was engaging and a helpful resource, but on average they did not prefer it as a total replacement for the lecture-based approach.
Taking Responsibility: When and Why Terrorists Claim Attacks

Despite general academic consensus on terrorism being a strategic and communicative act, most extant work has only analyzed these features in relation to the actual attack itself. However, much of the communicative and strategic weight may come from a public claim of responsibility for the attack (or lack thereof). A terrorist attack is fundamentally an intimidating costly signal that foments uncertainty; claims of credit can naturally be viewed as a manner in which to augment the costliness and uncertainty of this base signal. Using this insight, I develop a series of hypotheses to test several well-established and mostly qualitative theoretical arguments in the literature. Focus is placed on Kydd and Walter's (2006) important work on extremists' strategies. Using econometric analysis on the Global Terrorism Database and case studies of three extremist organizations in Pakistan, I find that credit-claiming is indeed consistent with these strategies: While a dominant strategy of intimidation keeps claim rates low, extremists are more likely to claim responsibility for attacks that involve high costs (suicide and casualties), institutionally constrained states (democracy), and competitive environments. Attempts to sabotage political moderation serve to suppress claims. Moreover, groups with limited and specific aims, such as separatist organizations, are likely to have a higher claim rate than organizations with more sweeping and amorphous objectives. These findings not only tap into a largely overlooked dimension of violent political communication, but function as a useful test of extant theories in the terrorism literature that have thus far been evaluated using very small-N analysis.
Proceedings of the eleventh ACM SIGPLAN symposium on Principles and practice of parallel programming

I welcome you all to New York City, to the 2006 ACM SIGPLAN Symposium on Principles and Practice of Parallel Programming (PPoPP'06). The conference is being held at Columbia University, which has graciously allowed the conference to use its facilities. In addition, we are excited to have the conference co-located with the 4th International Symposium on Code Generation and Optimization (CGO-4). We hope to leverage the synergies between the two conference themes.One important change is that, starting this year, PPoPP will be held annually. It is widely expected that the upcoming wide availability of multi-threaded and multi-core processors will drive major advances in parallel programming. The PPoPP Steering Committee and the Organizing Committee feel that PPoPP is a forum that is uniquely positioned to capture the exciting new ideas that will flourish in this area. A yearly conference will fulfill these expectations better.At the conference, I am looking forward to exciting discussions with my colleagues on cutting-edge research on parallel programming. In addition, I am looking forward to all the amenities that New York City provides. In particular, our Local Arrangements Co-Chair, Calin Cascaval, has organized a dinner and theater evening in the Theater District. This is something you will not want to miss.
Does incorporating non-linearity into discretionary accrual models improve their performance?

Abstract Using a large sample of firms that restated earnings, this study investigates whether incorporating non-linearity (conditional conservatism) into discretionary accrual models improves their performance in detecting earnings management. The findings of this study are important because discretionary accrual models play a prominent role in several streams of accounting research and the models' ability to isolate the discretionary (managed) component from the non-discretionary (unmanaged) component of total accruals is critical. If the conventional linear discretionary accrual models are mis-specified, it is likely to result in misleading inferences about earnings management behavior. The findings indicate that the non-linear specification improves the performance of most linear models. The findings also indicate that a more sophisticated linear model that incorporates a performance measure and a future growth measure outperforms other simple models.
Prediction of pregnancy outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes using vaginal pool amniotic fluid markers

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there is an association between levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glucose in vaginal pool amniotic fluid specimens and pregnancy outcome in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods: Vaginal pool amniotic fluid samples from 49 patients at between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation with PPROM and no evidence of clinical chorioamnionitis were tested for IL-6, LDH, and glucose. Results were compared with respect to collection-to-delivery interval, histologic chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis. Results: The mean collection-to-delivery interval was 67 hours (3 to 420 hours). There was no difference between IL-6, LDH, or glucose with respect to collection-to-delivery interval. The prevalence of histologic chorioamnionitis was 36% (18 of 49). The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 26% (13 of 49); six of the 13 also had histologic chorioamnionitis. The mean LDH level was significantly greater (107.6 U/L) for women with histologic chorioamnionitis than for those without (9.8 U/L; P = 0.0004). A receiver operating curve found that an LDH level greater than 25 U/L predicted histologic chorioamnionitis (PPV, 80%). Conclusion: Vaginal pool amniotic fluid LDH greater than 25 U/L was shown to predict histologic chorioamnionitis in PPROM, whereas IL-6 and glucose were not shown to be clinically useful.
Residues of arsenic and lead in potato soils on Long Island

Sodium arsenite was used for vine control and fall weed control in potatoes on Long Island for many years. Lead arsenate may also have been used as an insecticide in certain areas. A study was conducted to determine remaining concentrations of arsenic and lead in potato soils on Long Island. The total concentrations of both arsenic and lead were markedly higher in the soils sampled than in untreated control soils. The behavior of arsenic and lead in soils is discussed.
Collisional broadening of Ba I line (553.5 nm) by He or Ar

The Doppler-free line shape of the 6s21S0 − 6s16p11P1 transition at 553.5 nm in natural Ba in the presence of an argon or helium buffer gas has been measured at 744 K for gas pressures from 0.2 to 100 Torr. Using the measured data for pressures above 5 Torr, the broadening rate coefficients for the half width at half maximum (HWHM) are determined to be (4.9±0.5)⊗10−9 and (5.0±0.5)⊗10−9 s−1 cm−3 for helium and argon respectively.
Multi-spectral Morphology Scanning for Margin Detection in Breast Surgery

A scanning full-spectrum imaging system was used to image and analyze the spectral morphology of resected breast cancer specimens, to evaluate the optimum parameters from which to diagnose involvement of cancer in the margins. Article not available.
California's climate and energy policy for transportation

Abstract California has been a leader in advancing policy solutions to environmental and energy challenges since the 1960s. Many of those policy innovations have spread worldwide. Beginning with statutes passed by the California legislature starting in 2002 and continuing through today, California is adopting a comprehensive set of policies, regulations, and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with particular emphasis on those associated with transportation—vehicles, fuels, and mobility. This paper reviews California's policy and regulatory approach related to transportation and highlights energy and climate policy lessons. The portfolio policy approach requires wise oversight, which will become more critical as California begins to adopt policies and rules to achieve more aggressive targets for 2030 and beyond. The shortcomings of a California-only policy approach will be overcome by expanding policy collaboration with other jurisdictions.
Subset-logic programs and their implementation

Abstract This paper discusses the design and implementation of a set-oriented logic programming paradigm, called subset-logic programming. Subset-logic programs are built up of three kinds of program clauses: subset, equational and relational clauses. Using these clauses, we can program solutions to a broad range of problems of interest in logic programming and deductive databases. In previous research, we developed the implementation of subset and equational program clauses. This paper substantially extends that work, and focuses on the more expressive paradigm of subset and relational clauses. This paradigm supports setof operations, transitive closures, monotonic aggregation as well as incremental and lazy enumeration of sets. Although the subset-logic paradigm differs substantially from that of Prolog, we show that few additional changes are needed to the Warren Abstract Machine (WAM) to implement the paradigm and that these changes blend well with the overall machinery of the WAM. A central feature in the implementation of subset-logic programs is that of a monotonic memotable, i.e., a memo-table whose entries can monotonically grow or shrink in an appropriate partial order. We present in stages the paradigm of subset-logic progams, showing the effect of each feature on the implementation. The implementation has been completed, and we present performance figures to show the efficiency and costs of memoization. Our conclusion is that the monotonic memo-tables are a practical tool for implementing a set-oriented logic programming language. We also compare this system with other closely related systems, especially XSB and CORAL.
ANALYSIS OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT, MECLIZINE, IN MOTION SICKNESS TABLETS BY HIGH PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH DENSITOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF FLUORESCENCE QUENCHING

A quantitative method using silica gel HPTLC plates with fluorescent indicator, automated sample application, and UV absorption densitometry of the fluorescence quenching zones was developed for the determination of meclizine hydrochloride in motion sickness tablets. Samples of three brands of tablets assayed within 97.0–110% of the 25 mg label value. Precision (relative standard deviation) was 1.58 and 1.26% for replicate analyses of two tablets. The error of a standard addition analysis performed to evaluate accuracy was 0.506%. These validation data are within the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization for pharmaceutical analysis.
The Other Pathway to the Boardroom: Interpersonal Influence Behavior as a Substitute for Elite Credentials and Majority Status in Obtaining Board Appointments:

Using survey data on interpersonal influence behavior from a large sample of managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) at Forbes 500 companies, we examine how ingratiatory behavior directed at individuals who control access to board positions can provide an alternative pathway to the boardroom for managers who lack the social and educational credentials associated with the power elite. Findings show that top managers who engage in ingratiatory behavior toward their CEO, with ingratiation comprising flattery, opinion conformity, and favor-rendering, will be more likely to receive board appointments at other firms where their CEO serves as director and at boards to which the CEO is indirectly connected in the board interlock network. Further results suggest that interpersonal influence behavior substitutes to some degree for the advantages of an elite background or demographic majority status. Our findings help explain why norms of director deference to CEOs have persisted despite increased diversity in ...
The addition of trimethylsilyl iodide to some α,β-unsaturated ketones

Abstract Haloketones and derivatives are extremely useful materials for Organic Synthesis. We describe here the facile preparation of β and γ-iodoketones by the addition of trimethylsilyl iodide to a variety of α,β-unsaturated and cyclopropyl ketones.
Biological availability of zinc from inorganic sources with excess dietary calcium

The effects of chemical form of supplemental zinc and elevated dietary calcium on intestinal absorption of zinc were measured. Calves and rats were fed diets low in zinc, and zinc availability was the percentage increase of zinc in plasma with dietary supplementation of zinc. Availabilities of zinc supplied as zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, and zinc carbonate were comparable in both calves and rats. Elevated amounts of dietary calcium as ground limestone reduced absorption of zinc in rats fed soy-protein but had no effect on absorption of zinc in the lactating cow. Thus, for cows consuming large amounts of calcium, an increase in the concentration of zinc beyond 40 ppm of the diet appears unnecessary.
Phase II Trial of Intraperitoneal Cisplatin with Intravenous Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide in Previously Untreated Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer—Long-Term Follow-Up

Forty-three patients with ovarian cancer were entered on this trial and treated with intravenous (iv) cyclophosphamide (C) and doxorubicin (A), and intraperitoneal (ip) cisplatin (DDP), every 21 days for eight cycles. Following iv hydration, the cisplatin was administered through an intraperitoneal catheter in 2 L of 0.9% normal saline with a 4-h dwell. All patients are evaluable for overall and progression-free survival with a median follow-up of 70 months (range: 3-162 months); 39 patients are evaluable for response. All complete responses were surgically confirmed. The median age was 59 (range 28-82 years); 3 patients were stage IC, 5 were IIC, 14 patients were stage III (optimally debulked), 14 patients were stage III (suboptimally debulked), and 7 patients were stage IV. Two patients had received prior alkylator therapy. Six of 8 patients with Stage IC or II remain without evidence of disease at a mean of 12 years following chemotherapy. Of 14 optimally debulked stage III patients, there were 7 complete responses, 3 partial responses, 1 patient with stable disease, and 3 inevaluable patients. Of 14 suboptimally debulked stage III patients there were 4 complete responses, 4 partial responses, 3 with stable disease, 2 progressions on treatment, and 1 inevaluable patient. Five-year progression-free and overall survivals for stage III optimally debulked patients are 21 and 64%, respectively. At 10 years, progression-free and overall survivals for this group are 21 and 29%, respectively. Toxicity included neutropenia (complicated by sepsis in 2 patients), infrequent thrombocytopenia, and mild anemia. Three patients developed transient serum creatinine elevations >2.0 mg/dl; however, decreased creatinine clearance was noted in 93/258 (36%) of evaluable courses which required a cisplatin dose reduction per protocol. Controllable hypomagnesemia, nausea, and emesis were also observed. We conclude that the combination of iv CA and ip DDP is an effective regimen with long-term progression-free and overall survivals that compare favorably with those of other published studies of intravenous or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This report is unusual in terms of the prolonged follow-up for all patients enrolled. These long-term results lend further support to recently published trials documenting the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with this disease.
Dynamic changes in parietal activation during encoding: Implications for human learning and memory

The ventral posterior parietal cortex (vPPC) monitors successful memory retrieval, yet its role during learning remains unclear. Indeed, increased vPPC activation during stimulus encoding is often negatively correlated with subsequent memory performance, suggesting that this region is suppressed during learning. Alternatively, the vPPC may engage in learning-related processes immediately after stimulus encoding thus facilitating retrieval at a later time. To investigate this possibility, we assessed vPPC activity during item presentation and immediately following its offset when a cue to remember was presented. We observed a dynamic change in vPPC response such that activity was negatively correlated with subsequent memory during stimulus presentation but positively correlated immediately following the stimulus during the cue phase. Furthermore, regional differences in this effect suggest a degree of functional heterogeneity within the vPPC. These findings demonstrate that the vPPC is engaged during learning and acts to facilitate post-encoding memory processes that establish long-term cortical representations.
Responses of gerbil utricular afferents to translational motion

In the present study, we report the sensitivity of utricular afferents to sinusoidal translational motion in the horizontal plane. The head orientation was altered relative to the direction of translational travel in 30° increments to allow determination of the head orientation that elicited the maximal and minimal responses of each afferent neuron. We determined gain and phase relationships at a constant peak linear acceleration of 0.1 g applied at frequencies between 0.20 and 2.0 Hz for multiple head orientations. The response dynamics and vector of maximal sensitivity for the utricular afferents are consistent with those reported for other mammalian species. Irregularly (CV>0.3) and intermediate (0.1≤CV≤0.3) discharging units demonstrated gain enhancement at higher frequencies. Regular units (CV<0.1) showed lower gains and flat response dynamics. The mean gains of the irregular, intermediate, and regular units at 0.5 Hz were 256, 118, and 69 spikes s–1 g–1, respectively. The phase of the response was independent of the vector of orientation except near the null response orientation where phase and gain were difficult to accurately measure. Phase leads (relative to acceleration) in irregular units at lower frequencies were reduced at higher frequencies. All afferents demonstrated simple one-dimensional tuning with their vectors of maximal sensitivity distributed throughout the 360° of the horizontal plane, though the majority were directed out of the contralateral ear.
Analyzing usage in a large coursecasting service: issues & strategies

Coursecasting, the video and audio recording of lectures and events for live or on-demand playback, has become a significant IT service at many institutions of higher education. By making available on the internet collections of full-length digitized recordings, college and university information technology groups find themselves supporting large and varied distributed audiences--from local students to faraway elearners. Managing the up-to-date production and on-demand delivery of this kind of open content requires a technical infrastructure for capturing, publishing, and archiving that can adapt quickly to changing workload demands. Adapting quickly, moreover, requires special attention to understanding usage of the time-based content: the different kinds of users, where and how they access content, and shifting patterns of media access. Those who carry out usage analytics for open educational resource services involving internet-based video and audio face special challenges. This paper explores approaches to monitoring and analyzing audio and video content usage across two related but distinct dimensions-server workload and user behavior-in a large scale, open content coursecasting service.
Reactivation of Estrogen Receptor α by Vorinostat Sensitizes Mesenchymal-Like Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Aminoflavone, a Ligand of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

Objective Aminoflavone (AF) acts as a ligand of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and AhR-mediated transcriptional induction of CYP1A1 can sensitize breast cancer cells to AF. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined antitumor effect of AF and the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat for treating mesenchymal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as well as the underlying mechanisms of such treatment. Methods In vitro antiproliferative activity of AFP464 (AF prodrug) in breast cancer cell lines was evaluated by MTS assay. In vitro, the combined effect of AFP464 and vorinostat on cell proliferation was assessed by the Chou-Talalay method. In vivo, antitumor activity of AFP464, given alone and in combination with vorinostat, was studied using TNBC xenograft models. Knockdown of ERα was performed using specific, small-interfering RNA. Western blot, quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to study the mechanisms underlying the combined antitumor effect. Results Luminal and basal A subtype breast cancer cell lines were sensitive to AFP464, whereas basal B subtype or mesenchymal-like TNBC cells were resistant. Vorinostat sensitized mesenchymal-like TNBC MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells to AFP464. It also potentiated the antitumor activity of AFP464 in a xenograft model using MDA-MB-231 cells. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies suggested that vorinostat reactivated ERα expression and restored AhR-mediated transcriptional induction of CYP1A1. Conclusion The response of breast cancer cells to AF or AFP464 was associated with their gene expression profile. Vorinostat sensitized mesenchymal-like TNBC to AF, at least in part, by reactivating ERα expression and restoring the responsiveness of AhR to AF.
Air and soil temperatures in potato fields, Kern County, California, during spring and early summer.

Air and soil temperatures were determined in potato fields, in Kern County, California, during the spring months of 1945, 1946, and 1948.