cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Do Frail Medicare Beneficiaries Fare Under Bundled Payments

Background/objectives Bundled payments are an alternative payment model in which a hospital takes accountability for the costs of a 90-day episode of care. Such models are meant to improve care through better coordination across care settings, but could have adverse consequences for frail adults if they lead to inappropriate cuts in necessary post-acute care. Design Retrospective claims-based analysis of hospitals' first year of participation in Medicare's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) program. Setting US hospitals. Participants A total of 641 146 Medicare beneficiaries admitted to 688 BPCI programs and 1276 matched control hospitals for myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or major joint replacement of the lower extremity in 2012 to 2016. Intervention Participation in BPCI. Measurements Proportion of patients in each quartile of a validated claims-based frailty index, total and setting-specific standardized Medicare payments per episode, days at home, 90-day readmissions, and 90-day mortality. Results Higher levels of frailty were associated with higher Medicare payments and worse clinical outcomes (for the medical composite, costs per episode were $11 921, $17 348, $22 828, and $29 157 across frailty quartiles; days at home were 70.1, 60.4, 54.3, and 51.5; 90-day readmission rates were 16.0%, 27.0%, 38.2%, and 50.9%; and 90-day mortality rates were 15.4%, 22.5%, 25.1%, 21.3%); patterns were similar for joint replacement. Under the BPCI program, there was no differential change in the proportion of highly frail patients at BPCI vs control hospitals. There were also no differential deleterious changes in payments or clinical outcomes for frail relative to nonfrail patients at BPCI vs non-BPCI hospitals. Conclusion While frail patients had higher costs and worse outcomes in general, there was no evidence of changes in access or worsening clinical outcomes in BPCI hospitals for frail patients relative to the nonfrail in hospitals' first year of participation in the program. These findings may be reassuring for policy makers and clinical leaders. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2245-2253, 2019.
Assessing psychological well-being in early adulthood: Empirical evidence for the structure of daily well-being via network analysis

The transitional years of early adulthood, with key tasks of identity and intimacy development, engender both opportunities and risks for well-being. We propose that the conceptualization and measu...
On the asymmetric effects of the real exchange rate on domestic investment in G7 countries

Two studies have assessed the symmetric and asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on domestic investment. One included six emerging countries and the other one, 18 African nations. Both revealed that using nonlinear models to assess the asymmetric effects yield a more significant outcome compared to symmetric and linear models. We add to this small literature by showing the same using quarterly data from each of the G7 countries. Indeed, nonlinear models produced relatively more short‐run and long‐run effects of changes in the real effective exchange rate on domestic investment, though in an asymmetric manner.
A new way to ignite thermogenesis in human adipose tissue.

Thermogenic adipose tissue is a metabolic sink for excess fuel and is a promising target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, hurdles exist in activating thermogenic adipose tissue in humans. A new study developed a drug screening platform utilizing human beige adipose tissue and identified non-canonical activators.
Inflatable penile prosthesis malfunction after prostatic urethral lift

Abstract We report a case of malfunction of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) after prostatic urethral lift (PUL) necessitating surgical intervention. A 70 year-old male underwent PUL for benign prostatic hyperplasia after IPP implant for organic erectile dysfunction. After PUL, the patient experienced IPP malfunction where he underwent subsequent IPP removal and replacement. A pinhole defect was noted in the reservoir upon removal attributable to PUL. Performing PUL before IPP implantation should be considered in light of potential iatrogenic PUL needle deployment injury.
Interaction between pulmonary vasculature and the patent ductus arteriosus in very premature infants.

BACKGROUND The benefits of closing the ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants have not been convincingly shown in numerous clinical trials. Because a large untreated ductus arteriosus can cause death from congestive heart failure in infants born at term, we need to explain why this might not occur in premature infants born at <28 weeks' gestation. METHODS Based on information in the literature, I have commented on the possible relationship between the pulmonary vasculature and the shunt through the patent ductus arteriosus. RESULTS Many of these infants have bronchopulmonary dysplasia, in which animal and human studies have shown a reduced number of capillaries and small pulmonary arteries as well as reduction in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). Both of these import angiogenic factors. Some who do not have bronchopulmonary dysplasia may have a restricted pulmonary vascular bed. CONCLUSIONS The increased pulmonary vascular resistance in very premature infants may restrict pulmonary blood flow even if the ductus is large, thus reducing the urgency for ductus closure.
Providing support is easier done than said: Support providers' perceptions of touch and verbal support provision requests

Abstract Although researchers strive to optimize support exchanges, support providers' experiences have largely been overlooked. To identify optimal support from the perspective of the support provider, the current research compared support providers' perceptions of touch and verbal support provision. In Experiment 1, participants were less stressed when they imagined their spouses requesting touch support (versus verbal support). This effect was explained by support providers' perceptions that touch support is less difficult and less likely to produce unintended negative consequences than verbal support and their greater self-efficacy to provide touch support. In Experiment 2, participants who imagined providing touch support (versus verbal or no support) in response to their partner's request anticipated less stress and greater relationship quality while providing support. Greater anticipated security and perceptions that touch support is less difficult and less likely to produce negative consequences explained these effects. Experiment 3 compared requests for touch support, general verbal support, and specific verbal support to test whether the benefits of touch support are explained by specificity. Participants viewed touch support as less difficult to provide and felt particularly special and secure when imagining providing touch support, which indirectly contributed to greater motivation to provide support, less anticipated stress, and greater anticipated relationship quality. Despite support provision deficits among insecurely attached participants, findings were consistent across attachment orientation. This research highlights support providers' experiences and adds to the literature demonstrating benefits of interpersonal touch.
Frequency of Congruence and Incongruence Between the Clinical and Morphological Diagnoses in Patients Having Orthotopic Heart Transplantations at the Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas From 1993 to 2020

We studied the explanted hearts of 519 patients having Orthotopic Heart Transplant (OHT) at Baylor University Medical Center from 2013 to 2020 and compared the morphologic diagnoses to the clinical diagnoses before OHT. We then combined these findings with the findings from 314 patients who had been studied in the laboratory from 1993 to 2012. Thus, the total number of patients included in the overall study were 833. Among the 833 patients the morphologic and clinical diagnoses were congruent in 760 (91%) and incongruent in 73 (9%) cases. Most of the incongruity occurred among the patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (27/36 [75%]), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (11/19 [58%]), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (8/25 [32%]). The frequency of incongruence among 833 patients having OHT in an 27 year period was 9%, with no significant difference between the 314 patients studied from 1998 to 2012, and the 519 studied from 2013 to 2020.
Surface Flashover Characteristics of Solid Dielectrics in Shipboard Atmospheric Conditions

Surface flashover occurring in medium to high voltage applications is a severe problem as it threatens the dielectric integrity of a system. Utilizing power-electronics-driven MVDC systems in future electric ships leads to increased risk of surface flashover because the system involves power electronics converters generating voltage stresses combined with high dv/dt and DC. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how shipboard environment conditions such as humidity and temperature affect the surface flashover phenomena. To find out the impact of these conditions on dielectric surface flashover, we conducted an experiment at elevated humidity and temperature. In this paper, we discuss the outcome of our experiments and compare them with the results obtained in a dry room temperature condition.
Awakening: Towards a Phenomenology of the Self

There is for every self that by which it is itself and is utterly alone. Subtle, elusive and often disguised, this can only be discovered to the self; it can never be chosen nor created. For it is that whereby all choosing and creating are accomplished. The self can and does “build screens” for itself and for others — masks, fronts, images — but that within the self which accomplishes this is not itself constructed. Although it is thus alone and elusive, it is not secret, not an essential hiddenness; for it seeks to be manifest, a presence, an inwardness seeking to become outwardly revealed; this appears in many and varying modes. That whereby the self is itself and is alone is experienced by the self as an urgency to be itself in explicit fullness, as an agony for meaning, clarity and order (and as dread over their constantly possible absence). The self seeks to be this manifestly, to utter overtly and share openly with that within the actual other self whereby he, too, is himself, alone, and has an urgency to be with the other.
Structural changes in microsomal suspensions: V. Interactions with nucleotides

Abstract Brain microsomes incubated with 3 m m ATP or cytidine triphosphate (CTP) exhibited diminished changes in light scattering during incubation in a hypotonic medium; this difference was abolished on subsequent addition of the sulfhydryl reagent, p -chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB). Incubation with 3 m M ADP had little effect on the spontaneous changes, but significantly increased changes in light scattering induced by pCMB, thereby demonstrating a second type of structural change. Preincubation of the microsomes with pCMB prevented all these changes, and greatly reduced the binding of ADP to the membranes. These two types of changes in light scattering could be correlated with changes in permeability to sucrose: ATP, but not ADP, decreased sucrose permeability; on the other hand, preincubation with ADP, but not ATP, increased sucrose permeability during subsequent incubation with pCMB. ADP, and to a lesser extent ATP, reduced the content of reactive sulfhydryl groups in the microsomal preparation, suggesting that the structural changes involved a nucleotide-membrane-sulfhydryl system in which ADP reduced the content of reactive sulfhydryl groups while sensitizing the system to sulfhydryl reagents. Possible relevance to the transport ATPase is suggested in which the substrate of the enzyme, ATP, induces one structural change, whereas ADP, a product, induces a second structural state in the enzyme-membrane complex.
Immunosuppressive Mechanisms of Malignant Gliomas: Parallels at Non-CNS Sites

The central nervous system (CNS) possesses powerful local and global immunosuppressive capabilities that modulate unwanted inflammatory reactions in nervous tissue. These same immune-modulatory mechanisms are also co-opted by malignant brain tumors and pose a formidable challenge to brain tumor immunotherapy. Routes by which malignant gliomas coordinate immunosuppression include the mechanical and functional barriers of the CNS; immunosuppressive cytokines and catabolites; immune checkpoint molecules; tumor-infiltrating immune cells; and suppressor immune cells. The challenges to overcoming tumor-induced immunosuppression, however, are not unique to the brain, and several analogous immunosuppressive mechanisms also exist for primary tumors outside of the CNS. Ultimately, the immune responses in the CNS are linked and complementary to immune processes in the periphery, and advances in tumor immunotherapy in peripheral sites may therefore illuminate novel approaches to brain tumor immunotherapy, and vice versa.
The Emergence of Conservation Banking in Southern California

On April 7, 1995, Bank of America and federal and state environmental regulators announced a bold innovation: the creation of the firstconservation bankin the United States, to be located on property known as Carlsbad Highlands on the California coast north of San Diego. As defined by the bank and its partners, a conservation bank was a parcel of habitat managed for its natural resource values. The benefits of this management would be sold as `credits’ to private developers or public agencies to mitigate impacts to endangered or threatened species or biologically sensitive habitats, as required under environmental law. In this instance, credits in the Carlsbad Highlands conservation bank would be available for sale to developers requiring mitigation anywhere in San Diego County, on an acre for acre basis.
Teaching Economics Through Ayn Rand: How the Economy is Like a Novel and How the Novel Can Teach Us About Economics

I have been teaching college-level economics since the mid-1980s at various colleges and universities, to a wide variety of students, and within different classroom settings. As a graduate student, I taught a graduate-level course to elementary school teachers on how to introduce economics to young kids; as a new assistant professor, I taught large sections of introductory economics; at three different universities, I have taught in the Honors College to the best and the brightest, and I have taught the one-semester course on economics for non-majors. In teaching undergraduate economics in these alternative settings, I have had to adjust my teaching style in the attempt to communicate with my students to maximize the chance that they will learn the material in an effective and enjoyable manner. In this effort, I have tried different lecture styles, shown movies, watched documentaries, used newspapers and magazines, and conducted classroom experiments. One constant in all of this experimentation in teaching economics is that the best textbook for introducing economics to the uninitiated that I have found is Paul Heyne’s book The Economic Way of Thinking. Another constant that I have continued to come back to was the use of novels as a teaching tool in economics, and from the beginning I have used Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged (1957) as one of the primary novels. I often like to assign The Grapes of Wrath (1939) by John Steinbeck and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and ask the students to write a term paper on which novel is more informed on economics and why that matters for the relevance of the narrative constructed in the books.
Fundamentals of Nonverbal Behavior

Fundamentals of Nonverbal Behavior. Robert S. Feldman and Bernard Rime. eds. Studies in Emotion and Social interaction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991. 511 pp.
Micromechanical Modeling of Evolving Anisotropy in AZ31 Mg for Various Strain Paths

Accurate description of the mechanical response of AZ31 Mg requires consideration of its strong anisotropy both at the single crystal and polycrystal level and their evolution with plastic deformation. In this paper, we apply the self-consistent mean field model developed by Lebensohn and Tome [1] and the VPSC code to the description of the behavior of a rolled AZ31 plate. The predictive capabilities of the model are demonstrated. It is shown that with the same set of parameters, which were identified based on a few mechanical tests, it is possible to predict with great accuracy both the mechanical stress-strain response and texture evolution for loading paths that were not used for calibration, such as off-axis loadings, and simple shear loadings.
In Salmonella enterica, the sirtuin‐dependent protein acylation/deacylation system (SDPADS) maintains energy homeostasis during growth on low concentrations of acetate

Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase (Acs) activates acetate into acetyl-coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) in most cells. In Salmonella enterica, acs expression and Acs activity are controlled. It is unclear why the sirtuin-dependent protein acylation/deacylation system (SDPADS) controls the activity of Acs. Here we show that, during growth on 10 mM acetate, acs(+) induction in a S. enterica strain that cannot acetylate (i.e. inactivate) Acs leads to growth arrest, a condition that correlates with a drop in energy charge (0.17) in the acetylation-deficient strain, relative to the energy charge in the acetylation-proficient strain (0.71). Growth arrest was caused by elevated Acs activity, a conclusion supported by the isolation of a single-amino-acid variant (Acs(G266S)), whose overproduction did not arrest growth. Acs-dependent depletion of ATP, coupled with the rise in AMP levels, prevented the synthesis of ADP needed to replenish the pool of ATP. Consistent with this idea, overproduction of ADP-forming Ac-CoA-synthesizing systems did not affect the growth behaviour of acetylation-deficient or acetylation-proficient strains. The Acs(G266S) variant was >2 orders of magnitude less efficient than the Acs(WT) enzyme, but still supported growth on 10 mM acetate. This work provides the first evidence that SDPADS function helps cells maintain energy homeostasis during growth on acetate.
Concurrent and Longitudinal Effects of Ethnic Identity and Experiences of Discrimination on Psychosocial Adjustment of Navajo Adolescents.

In this study, we examined concurrent and longitudinal relations among Navajo adolescents' ethnic identity, experiences of discrimination, and psychosocial outcomes (i.e., self-esteem, substance use, and social functioning). At Time 1, 137 Navajo adolescents (67 male, 70 female), primarily in Grades 9 and 10, completed a written survey assessing ethnic identity, discrimination experiences, and a range of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Two years later, 92 participants completed the same survey again. Ethnic and cultural identification was assessed via the Multiethnic Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM; Phinney, 1992) and the Orthogonal Cultural Identification Scale (OCIS; Oetting & Beauvais, 1990). At Time 1, MEIM Affirmation and Belonging, MEIM Exploration, and OCIS White American identification all demonstrated strong, positive associations with adaptive functioning for male and female adolescents, whereas discrimination experiences were linked to lower self-esteem and social functioning for male adolescents. By Time 2, fewer significant concurrent associations between ethnic identity and psychosocial functioning scores remained, and discrimination experiences emerged as the most consistent correlate of poorer psychosocial functioning for male adolescents. Controlling for Time 1 psychosocial functioning, relatively few direct effects of ethnic and cultural identification variables predicted psychosocial functioning longitudinally, but discrimination experiences demonstrated strong and consistent longitudinal links with boys' substance use. Finally, interaction effects assessing the moderating influence of ethnic and cultural identification on negative links between discrimination and psychosocial functioning suggested that embeddedness in and connection to Navajo culture and, in some cases, connection to White American culture, served as a buffer to the negative effects of discrimination experiences.
Synapto–synaptic interactions speed up dynamic link matching

Abstract An extended dynamic link matching (DLM) model is presented for the fast creation of mappings invariant to position, scale, deformation and orientation, a process underlying various visual tasks that are fast and effortless for humans but are computationally very difficult. Structured interactions between synapses are represented by control units. Each control unit stands for a group of synapses that are consistent with each other in terms of relative position, scale and orientation. Specifically, it is shown in simulations how these high-order interactions between synapses lead to very fast DLM.
STABILIZATION OF THE COUNTING RATE BY IRRADIATION OF THE LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING SOLUTIONS WITH UV-LIGHT

Abstract While counting certain compounds, labeled with tritium or S 35 , by liquid scintillation counting, we observed that the counting rates decreased rapidly during the first 2–3 hours. Even after this time, the counting rates continued to decline, but at a slower rate. The influence of temperature, agitation of the vials, and addition of alcohol upon this phenomenon was investigated. In each case the counting rates decreased, except with additions of 2 ml or more of ethanol. All ethanol additions to the stock solutions produced a quenching of the counting rates. However, an irradiation of the stock solutions with UV-light of 2537 A (Hg-line) stabilized the counting rates even without appearance of quenching. A possible theoretical explanation of these observations is given.
An Essay on Two Conceptions of Social Order: Constitutive Orders of Action, Objects and Identities vs Aggregated Orders of Individual Action

I argue that there is a deep parallel between problems that John Rawls (1955) argued had developed in moral philosophy as a result of not recognizing the difference between two conceptions of rules, and problems that have developed in sociology as a result of not recognizing that there are two conceptions of social order. That most philosophers and sociologists have not appreciated this problem does not weaken the importance of the argument. In fact, I think that the misunderstandings which have resulted from lack of attention to constitutive practices, with research and policy implications effecting social, legal and justice issues in modern society, strengthen the original argument considerably.
The N-terminal half of the brome mosaic virus 1a protein has RNA capping-associated activities: specificity for GTP and S-adenosylmethionine.

The N-terminal half of the brome mosaic virus (BMV) 1a replication-associated protein contains sequence motifs found in RNA methyltransferases. We demonstrate that recombinant BMV methyltransferase-like (MT) domain expressed in Escherichia coli forms an adduct with a guanine nucleotide in a reaction that requires S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and divalent cations. Moieties in GTP and AdoMet required for adduct formation were determined using a competition assay and chemical analogues. In the guanine nucleotide the ribose 2' hydroxyl, the triphosphates, the base C6 keto group, and possibly the N1 imine are required. In AdoMet, the methyl group and the ability to transfer a methyl group to guanine nucleotide were demonstrated to be required for adduct formation. The effects of methyltransferase inhibitors on viral RNA synthesis was determined using an in vitro RNA synthesis assay. These results are consistent with the previously reported activities of alphaviral nsP1 methyltransferase protein and identify the chemical moieties required for the BMV methyltransferase activity.
A Quantitative Diagnosis of Notches Made by Hammerstone Percussion and Carnivore Gnawing on Bovid Long Bones

The frequency and morphology of notches produced on bovid long bones by carnivore gnawing (tooth notches) and hammerstone-on-anvil breakage (percussion notches) are quantified. Notches are semicircular- to arcuate-shaped indentations on fracture edges with corresponding negative flake scars on medullary surfaces. We restrict our analysis to notches produced under controlled conditions by either carnivores or hammerstones when diaphyses are breached to extract marrow. Percussion notches are characteristically more frequent, and, in cortical view, broader and shallower than tooth notches. The flakes removed from percussion notches are typically broader, and have a more obtuse release angle, than those removed from tooth notches. These morphological differences are statistically significant for notches on Bovid Size 1 and 2 long bones but not on Bovid Size 3 long bones. Notches should be more durable than marks produced by carcass consumers on bone surfaces because they penetrate the entire thickness of the bone. As a result, notches are not easily obscured by weathering, chemical corrosion, or adhering matrix. Given this durability, and the initial success we have had in distinguishing the actor responsible for notch production on modern bones, notches can be used, with some limitations, to identify bone consumers archaeologically.
The New Generation in the Industry: Hospitality/Tourism Students' Career Preferences, Sources of Influence and Career Choice Factors

Understanding applicants' preferences and values is important for recruiters to develop and update recruitment strategies. Few efforts, however, have been made lately to examine influential attributes on career decisions for the next generation in the industry–university students. The present study examines career preferences, sources of influence on career decisions and career choice factors for students majoring in hospitality and/or tourism in the United States. Self-administered survey questionnaires were collected from 442 students enrolled in seven universities in the US. Among three industry segments, lodging/hotel was most preferred while food/restaurant was least preferred. When deciding a future career, firsthand information sources (e.g., work experiences, personal experiences) and extrinsic factors (e.g., advancement chances, job security) were most influential. Practical implications contrasting with prior studies and recommendations for future research are provided.
Sensory deprivation and suggestion: A theoretical approach

Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel? Polonius: By the mass, and 'tis like a camel indeed. Hamlet: Methinks it is like a weasel. Polonius: It is backed like a weasel. Hamlet: Or like a whale? Polonius: Very like a whale. Most investigators have wondered what to do about the obliging subject who “helps science” by telling the experimenter what he thinks the experimenter would like to hear; the anxious subject who gives what he thinks is an appropriate response rather than an actual one; and the creative subject who cannot bear to report the same dull, mundane reaction as everybody else. The authors here suggest that these factors may influence the results of sensory deprivation experiments to a much greater extent than has heretofore been recognized, and recommend a new look at some old interpretations.
Compact Formation during Colloidal Isopressing

In colloidal isopressing, a preconsolidated slurry with a high relative density (∼0.58) is converted into an elastic body (compact) under the influence of an isostatic pressure. Experiments suggest that during isopressing, the preconsolidated slurry is separated from the elastic body by a transition plane that rapidly moves into the preconsolidated slurry, leaving behind the elastic body which is formed against a piece of porous material present within the rubber mold. The porous material will accommodate the liquid phase squeezed out of the preconsolidated slurry, allowing for the conversion to the denser elastic body (∼0.63). The results of experiments with varied isopressure are compared with simulations based on a filtration model. The good agreement indicates that colloidal isopressing can be considered a special case of consolidation via pressure filtration. Compared with conventional pressure filtration, the extremely rapid consolidation is due to the high relative density of the preconsolidated slurry used to fill the mold as well as the high applied isopressure. The simulation used here is a useful tool in the design and understanding of shape forming by colloidal isopressing and shows how process variables such as particle size, relative density, and applied pressure influence compact formation time.
Mechanical properties of oxidation-resistant Ni–Cr foams

Reticulated nickel foams were alloyed with chromium by pack-chromizing, resulting in Ni–Cr foams with 9–32 wt.% Cr and 2.6–3.5% relative density. The oxidation resistance at 1000 ◦ C of the Ni–Cr foams and the corresponding bulk Ni–Cr alloys is the same, provided the foam’s higher surface area is taken into account. The foam compressive yield stress at ambient temperature is in agreement with model predictions. The foam creep behavior, measured between 725 and 825 ◦ C in the stress range of 0.1–0.2 MPa, is compared to two models assuming strut compression or strut bending as creep deformation modes. These models, which originally consider dislocation creep as the sole deformation mechanism, are modified to incorporate diffusional creep, due to the relatively fine grain size of the Ni–Cr struts. Good agreement is then found between data and the strut creep compression model. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Factors influencing self-drive vacation travellers' length of stay.

The current research investigated the self-drive vacation travel market, examining determinants for demand for accommodations and the effects of external economic changes (e.g., fuel price fluctuation) on tourism. The study analysed data from two government data sources, a special survey module in the National Household Travel Survey which examined long distance trips, and the gas price index from the US Energy Information Administration. The present study compared two mainstream segments of the self-drive vacation market, which are self-drive vacation staying at commercial lodging facilities (SDV-lodging) and self-drive vacation staying at a friend or relative’s accommodations (SDV-FR). Using the 2SLS model, the effects of the socio-demographic variables and travel-related variables were tested statistically. Statistical results showed that an endogeneity issue occurred in the SDV-lodging segment, revealing that 2SLS is better than the OLS estimation.
v-representability and density functional theory

It is shown that if n(r) is the discrete density on a lattice (enclosed in a finite box) associated with a nondegenerate ground state in an external potential v(r) (i.e., is 'v-representable'), then the density n(r) + mu(r), with m(r) arbitrary (apart from trivial constraints) and mu small enough, is also associated with a nondegenerate ground state in an external potential v'(r) near v(r); i.e., n(r) + m(r) is also v-representable. Implications for the Hohenberg-Kohn variational principle and the Kohn-Sham equations are discussed.
Technology selection and unit sizing for a combined heat and power microgrid: Comparison of WebOpt and HOMER application programs

The purpose of this paper is to design an optimal CHP islanded microgrid, through technology selection and unit sizing software, to be used for further research on real-time energy management. Two software packages, HOMER® and WebOpt®, originally developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Lawrence Berkley Laboratory (LBL), respectively, are utilized. Using these programs, different cases are created and compared to justify the selected technologies and their respective prices. The final microgrid design contains renewable and alternative energy generation, hydrogen as an energy carrier, and electric storage.
Sport participation and physical activity in adolescent females across a four-year period.

Abstract Purpose To determine the odds of engaging in future moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) in adolescent female sport participants. A secondary purpose was to compare activity levels of three groups of girls, those who played sports at three time points, those who dropped out, and those who did not participate in sports. Methods Data were collected at three time points, eighth, ninth, and 12th grades, in 429 adolescent girls across the state of South Carolina. Demographic, sport participation and physical activity (PA) data were collected using surveys. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the association between sport participation and future PA behavior. PA was also compared for three sport participation groups (nonparticipants, dropouts, or three-year participants) using analysis of variance. Results For MVPA, ninth grade participants were more likely to be active in 12th grade (OR = 1.74 [1.13, 2.67]), and eighth and ninth grade participants more likely to be active in 12th grade than nonparticipants (OR = 1.54 [confidence interval 1.01, 2.35]). For VPA, sport participants had higher odds of being active at all future time points. Three-year participants were significantly more vigorously active than nonparticipants and dropouts at all three time points ( p Conclusions Adolescent girls who participate in sports in eighth, ninth, and 12th grades are more likely to be vigorously active in 12th grade. These findings are novel in providing evidence that sport participation contributes to overall vigorous physical activity during late adolescence, when overall physical activity is known to decline precipitously.
Improved Results for Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting

Abstract As a follow-up to a recent paper by the authors in which various methodologies for probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecasting were compared, it is shown here that the skill scores for linear regression and logistic regression can be improved by the use of alternative methods to obtain the model order and the coefficients of the predictors. Moreover, it is found that an even simpler, and more computationally efficient, methodology, called binning, yields Brier skill scores that are comparable to those of logistic regression. The Brier skill scores for both logistic regression and binning are found to be significantly higher at the 99% confidence level than the ones for linear regression. In response to questions that have arisen concerning the significance test used in the authors' previous study, an alternative method for determining the confidence level is used in this study and it is found that it yields results comparable to those obtained previously, thereby lending support to the c...
The Effective Manager . . . Takes a Break

This study examines how senior local government managers take work breaks and how doing so is associated with perceptions of performance. Three purposes of taking a break are studied: (a) to reflect on prior work, (b) to restore oneself physically and mentally, and (c) to take care of personal, nonwork needs. On average, managers take a few breaks every week, lasting about 15 min each. Only about 45% of managers agree or strongly agree that break-taking helps them to reduce stress, clear their mind, make them feel reenergized, or otherwise improve their perceived effectiveness. About one third of managers often think about work while taking a break, which is not associated with positive break outcomes. Positive outcomes are strongly associated with minimizing external distractions, such as asking not to be interrupted, removing oneself from the workspace by taking walks or doing exercise, and focusing the mind on nonwork matters.
Difference and danger: the cultural dynamics of childhood stigma, rejection, and rescue.

Abstract This paper presents a brief overview of some cultural, ecologic, and demographic influences on the treatment and maltreatment of infants and children with congenital anomalies. Based on research on the selective neglect of infants leading to death in parts of the developing world, it is suggested that such practices be viewed as “ethno-eugenic” survivalist strategies altogether distinct from malicious child abuse and neglect in the modern, industrialized world. Caution with respect to heroic (and not so heroic) medical interventions and “child saving” in the contexts of both developing and modern societies is stressed.
Coverage and rate trends in dense urban mmWave cellular networks

The use of dense millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular networks with highly directional beamforming stands as an intriguing solution to the current spectrum congestion problem. Due to significantly different propagation characteristics at such high frequencies, however, the coverage and rate trends differ drastically from conventional microwave networks. This paper aims to gain insights into the coverage and rate performance of mmWave cellular networks in major metropolitan cities. Our results confirm that, unlike conventional cellular networks, mmWave networks operating at 73 GHz carrier frequency are pre-dominantly noise-limited. Though larger system bandwidth leads to higher peak rates, it does not improve the cell edge rates. It is observed that dense base station (BS) deployment is the key to achieve both better coverage and rates in mmWave cellular networks. Further, based on actual building locations, we show the inadequacy of existing blockage models and validate a better blockage model.
Changes in tissue responsiveness to hormones and neurotransmitters during aging.

Abstract Responsiveness to many hormones and neurotransmitters by target tissues is altered during aging. Three model systems that are representative of these changes are reviewed. These are (1) striatal dopaminergic regulation of motor function, (2) IP 3 and calcium-mediated electrolyte and neurosecretion by the alpha adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic systems in parotid and corpus striatum, and (3) beta adrenergic and epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated DNA synthesis in hepatocytes.
Distributed nuclear norm minimization for matrix completion

The ability to recover a low-rank matrix from a subset of its entries is the leitmotif of recent advances for localization of wireless sensors, unveiling traffic anomalies in backbone networks, and preference modeling for recommender systems. This paper develops a distributed algorithm for low-rank matrix completion over networks. While nuclear-norm minimization has well-documented merits when centralized processing is viable, the singular-value sum is non-separable and this challenges its minimization in a distributed fashion. To overcome this limitation, an alternative characterization of the nuclear norm is adopted which leads to a separable, yet non-convex cost that is minimized via the alternating-direction method of multipliers. The novel distributed iterations entail reduced-complexity per node tasks, and affordable message passing between single-hop neighbors. Interestingly, upon convergence the distributed (non-convex) estimator provably attains the global optimum of its centralized counterpart, regardless of initialization. Simulations corroborate the convergence of the novel distributed matrix completion algorithm, and its centralized performance guarantees.
Jacobian reuse in explicit integrators for higher index DAEs

Abstract Systems F(y′,y,t) = 0 with Fy′ identically singular are known as differential algebraic equations (DAEs) and occur in a variety of applications. The index v is one measure of numerical difficulty. Most numerical methods for DAEs either require special structure or low index. Two alternative approaches have been proposed for numerically integrating more general higher index DAEs. This paper examines some of the mathematical issues involved in the efficient implementation of the “explicit integration” method. It is first shown that the reuse of Jacobians can lead to the integration of discontinuous vector fields. It is then proven that these discontinuous fields can be successfully integrated. Computational examples back up the theory. A comparison to a standard integrator on an index three control problem illustrates that while the explicit approach can be somewhat more expensive computationally, it can be easier to apply, and does not suffer from order reduction in the higher index variables.
Ring-diffusion mediated homogeneous melting in the superheating regime

Homogeneous melting in the superheating regime is investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation of a Lennard-Jones model system. We show that the commonly observed catastrophic melting at the superheating limit is caused by fast heating rate. By keeping the system isothermally at temperatures below the superheating limit, we observe intense self-diffusion motions as the precursor of melting. The highly correlated atomic motions are related to the self-diffusion loops or rings. Two types of loops are observed, closed loop and open loop, where the latter is directly related to the homogeneous nucleation of the liquid phase. Homogeneous melting occurs when the number density of diffusion loops reaches a critical value. Our results suggest that homogeneous melting in the superheating regime is a first-order thermodynamic phase transition triggered by the self-diffusion loops when the kinetic constraint imposed by heating rate is lessened.
Norepinephrine stimulation of sodium transport in Necturus urinary bladder.

Abstract Norepinephrine alters the transepithelial electrical properties of an open-circulated urinary bladder from the mud puppy, Necturus maculosus . When 10 −5 M norepinephrine is superfused over the serosa of the epithelium, the transepithelial voltage ( V t ) and short-circuit current ( I sc increase s the ( R t decreases. The norepinephrine-mediated changes are reversed by the addition of amiloride (5 · 10 −5 M) to the mucosal Ringer's solution. The serosal adrenoceptors mediating the Na + transport are more sensitive to norepinephrine ( EC 50 = 1.2 · 10 −6 M ) than to epinephrine or isoproterenol. Since the I sc is blocked selectively by the antagonist, phenoxybenzamine, stimulation of active transepithelial Na + -flux by catecholamines is mediated by an α-adrenoceptor. The apical cell membrane voltage ( V a ) and fractional resistance ( fR a ) were recorded using conventional KCl-filled microelectrodes. Untreated tissues have V a close to 0 mV while the basolateral membrane voltage ( V b ) is between −85 and −95 mV . About 90% of R t is apical cell membrane resistance ( fR a ). When amiloride inhibits sodium transport, V a becomes negative, V b hyperpolarizes slightly and fR a increases to 97%. On the other hand, if the bladders are treated with norepinephrine, fR a decreases to 79% as V a becomes positive and V b depolarizes. When R t changes, the resistance of the paracellular pathway ( R p ) is unaltered. Changes in the electrical properties of the tissue appear to be mediated primarily by alterations in R a . Since the Necturus bladder does not respond to antidiuretic hormone, this study implies that biogenic amines regulate Na + transport in the epithelium.
Preliminary adult soil ingestion estimates: Results of a pilot study

Six adults were evaluated for the extent to which they ingest soil. This study was originally part of a large childhood soil ingestion study and was used to validate part of the analytical methodology used in that larger study. The adult study followed the soil tracer methodology of the children's study. The principal findings of the adult study revealed that the four most reliable tracer elements based on recovery studies in a mass balance assessment [aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), yttrium (Y), and zirconium (Zr)] yielded the following mean daily adult soil ingestion estimations: Al (77 mg), Si (5 mg), Y (53 mg), and Zr (22 mg). The median daily soil ingestion estimations based on these same tracer elements were: Al (57 mg), Si (1 mg), Y (65 mg), and Zr (-4 mg). These findings represent the first published quantitative estimates of soil ingestion by adults.
Morphological adaptations of the Cratenemertidae (Nemertea, Enopla, Hoplonemertea) to the epipelagic habitat and lifestyle

Four species (in three genera) of the family Cratenemertidae are found in the epipelagic (depth: <300 m) habitat. These species share many morphological differences from the benthic and intertidal majority of cratenemertids: the change in habitat (and, consequently, in lifestyle) can account for some, but not all, of these differences. The organ systems most affected are the body wall, musculature and sensory structures, particularly, the proboscis apparatus and alimentary canal, where the modifications can be attributed to a shift from active predation to passive feeding.
Protecting the global environment: An immodest proposal

Abstract As the other essays in this symposium note, the threats to the global environment are an aggravated instance of the Prisoners' Dilemma game. On the assumption that one nation's environmental behavior does not affect the behaviors of other nations, each nation serves its interests best by continuing to abuse the environment, no matter what other nations do. As a result, the benign global environment is doomed unless the nations of the world, or most of them, learn how to restrain each other's environmentally destructive activities. The experience of the thinning of the ozone layer and the signing of the Montreal Protocol in response shows that the countries can cooperate when the conditions are right, and indicates the conditions that are required.
Effect of Lactobacillus brevis-based bioingredient and bran on microbiological, physico-chemical and textural quality of yeast-leavened bread during storage

Abstract The effects of wheat bran and of a Lactobacillus brevis -based bioingredient (LbBio), obtained after growth in flour-based medium, on quality of yeast-leavened wheat bread (WWB) were investigated. Bran was used in bread formulation by substituting a part (20 g/100 g) of white wheat flour (WBB), while LbBio was used instead of the water content (WWB + LbBio and WBB + LbBio). The use of LbBio in WWB resulted in the biological acidification of the dough due to lactic, phenyllactic and OH-phenyllactic acid contents determining a high fermentation quotient value and an improved bread texture and microbiological quality. Conversely, wheat bran reduced the specific volume and crumb hardness during storage at 25 °C, and affected the antibacterial ability of LbBio during 30 °C storage. Our findings demonstrated that LbBio counteracted the negative effects of bran and allowed to obtain an enriched fibre bread with specific volume and soft crumb comparable to bread without bran. Industrial relevance Bread is a perishable food with a short microbiological and physico-chemical shelf-life. The main microbiological alteration occurring into few days after baking is the “rope spoilage” caused by spore-forming bacteria originating from raw materials. This phenomenon, often misinterpreted as a sign of unsuccessful dough leavening and not visible from outside, is more common under industrial production conditions during the hot season causing large economic losses in the warm climates of Mediterranean countries, Africa and Australia. The use of sourdough often controls this alteration even if the industrial application of this traditional process is limited by the long leavening times. In this study, an innovative procedure for the preparation of yeast-leavened bread comprising the addition of a fermentation product from Lactobacillus brevis grown in a flour-based medium has been applied. The resulting fermentation product (LbBio bioingredient) acts as a sourdough acidifying the dough and improving the textural, physico-chemical and microbiological properties of the resulting bread. The application of bioingredient LbBio could represent an innovative strategy in industrial bread production to obtain acidified yeast-leavened products, thus, preventing the ropy spoilage and reducing the negative effects of bran addition.