cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of spaying and timing of spaying on survival of dogs with mammary carcinoma

The risk of developing mammary gland tumors in dogs is significantly decreased by ovariohysterectomy at an early age. However, previous studies have not found a benefit to ovariohysterectomy concurrent with tumor removal in dogs with established mammary gland tumors, suggesting that the progression of these tumors is independent of continued estrogen stimulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of spaying and of the timing of spaying on survival in dogs with mammary gland carcinoma. Signalment, spay status and spay age, tumor characteristics, treatment. survival, and cause of death of 137 dogs with mammary gland carcinoma were analyzed. The dogs were classified into 3 groups according to spay status and spay time: intact dogs, dogs spayed less than 2 years before tumor surgery (SPAY 1), and dogs spayed more than 2 years before their tumor surgery (SPAY 2). Dogs in the SPAY 1 group lived significantly longer than dogs in SPAY 2 and intact dogs (median survival of 755 days, versus 301 and 286 days, respectively, P = .02 and .03). After adjusting for differences between the spay groups with regard to age, histologic differentiation, and vascular invasion, SPAY 1 dogs survived 45% longer compared to dogs that were either intact or in the SPAY 2 group (RR = .55; 95% CI .32-.93; P = .03). This study reveals ovariohysterectomy to be an effective adjunct to tumor removal in dogs with mammary gland carcinoma and that the timing of ovariohysterectomy is important in influencing survival.
Simultaneous remote sensing and in situ observations of plasmaspheric drainage plumes

[1] Plasmaspheric drainage plumes are regions of dense plasma that extend outward from the plasmasphere into the outer magnetosphere. We present observations of plumes for two events, 2 June 2001 and 26–27 June 2000. Our observations come from two sources. A global perspective is provided by the IMAGE extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imager, which routinely obtains images of the helium portion of the plasmasphere above total densities of 30–50 e− cm−3. Simultaneous in situ observations of plasmaspheric plumes are obtained by the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer (MPA) instruments onboard the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) geosynchronous satellites. The in situ measurements of LANL MPA and the remote sensing images of IMAGE EUV are complementary data sets that together provide a more complete picture than either alone. The MPA instruments measure density far below the EUV effective density threshold with greater spatial resolution and often see plasma outside the EUV field of view. Flow speeds are also measurable by MPA. EUV images place the single-point measurements in a global dynamical context and allow separation of spatial and temporal effects. For the 2 June 2001 and 26–27 June 2000 events, both local and global measurements showed the same location, shape and temporal development of the plume(s), and a density distribution obtained from the EUV image at 0305 UT on 2 June agrees with the LANL MPA density recorded at that time. Analysis of MPA flow data verifies that plume plasma moves sunward, as expected. Sunward flow speeds weaken with decreasing disturbance level, and duskside flow speeds may be increased by the subauroral polarization stream. The fine-scale density variations within plumes may be caused by a highly structured inner magnetospheric E-field and/or may be existing plasma structure that is carried sunward. The good agreement between the local and global measurements also validates the EUV image mapping method and promises to help quantify EUV images in terms of number density.
An Examination of Gender Differences in Attitudes Toward Divorce

ABSTRACT Using the General Social Survey, this article examines the gender difference in attitudes toward divorce. Although previous studies have found that women have more tolerant attitudes toward divorce compared to men, we find that this gender difference depends on the measure. Our analysis indicates that women are more likely than men to advocate making divorce more difficult to obtain. We find a significant link between the Protestant faith and conservative attitudes toward divorce; taking into account religious factors reduced the gender difference in attitudes. Consistent with prior literature, our results indicate that different factors affect men's and women's views of divorce.
5-Lipoxygenase as an endogenous modulator of amyloid beta formation in vivo

Objective The 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymatic pathway is widely distributed within the central nervous system, and is up-regulated in Alzheimer's disease. However, the mechanism whereby it may influence the disease pathogenesis remains elusive.
Solid-Phase Organic Matter Reduction Regulates Anaerobic Decomposition in Bog Soil

Peatlands store globally significant amounts of carbon and are important sources of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. However, for reasons which are not well understood, many peatland soils produce smaller amounts of CH4 than theoretically predicted, and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced during anaerobic decomposition in peatland soils cannot be accounted for by commonly measured microbial processes. Here we show that the reduction of solid-phase organic matter (i.e., humic substances) suppresses CH4 production in a bog soil and can be responsible for 33–61% of the total carbon mineralization in this soil. These results demonstrate that the reduction of organic matter is a key component of anaerobic decomposition in peatlands, and is at least partially responsible for their low CH4 production. Thus, organic matter reduction may be a key regulator of how peatlands respond to ongoing global change.
Calcium isotopes in igneous rocks and the origin of granite

Abstract The K-Ca radioactive parent-daughter system provides a tool for tracing the origins of igneous rocks. It is complementary to other isotopic systems because as stoichiometric constituents of major minerals, the concentrations of K and Ca, and the K/Ca ratio in rocks, are simply related to mineralogy. In this paper we report the first high-precision calcium isotopic analyses of continental granitic rocks, island arc rocks, and mid-ocean ridge basalts. These data show that mid-ocean ridge basalts have the low 40 Ca 42 Ca ratios expected for the Earth's mantle, but that island arc rocks have slightly higher 40 Ca 42 Ca ratios indicative of crustal calcium in their magma sources. Many granitic rocks have high initial 40 Ca 42 Ca ratios, and in conjunction with independent evidence for the age of the crustal sources, these ratios provide constraints on the K/Ca ratios, and in turn on the silica contents and residual mineralogy, of the deep crustal magma sources.
A multipoint flux mixed finite element method on distorted quadrilaterals and hexahedra

In this paper, we develop a new mixed finite element method for elliptic problems on general quadrilateral and hexahedral grids that reduces to a cell-centered finite difference scheme. A special non-symmetric quadrature rule is employed that yields a positive definite cell-centered system for the pressure by eliminating local velocities. The method is shown to be accurate on highly distorted rough quadrilateral and hexahedral grids, including hexahedra with non-planar faces. Theoretical and numerical results indicate first-order convergence for the pressure and face fluxes.
Intercultural Communication Apprehension and Emotional Intelligence in Higher Education: Preparing Business Students for Career Success.

Given the expanding globalized workforce, business educators continue to seek new ways to prepare students for intercultural encounters. Although immersion in other cultures is the optimal strategy, this method is not always feasible. As such, educators seek other mechanisms to simulate intercultural experiences. This study examines emotional intelligence as a predictor of intercultural communication apprehension among university students (N = 425). Results indicate that three of the emotional intelligence subscales predict intercultural communication apprehension: emotionality, sociability, and self-control. These results support the premise that emotional intelligence manages and/or reduces intercultural communication apprehension and therefore should be integrated in business curriculum.
Integrin-associated proteins as potential therapeutic targets.

SUMMARY Integrins are adhesion receptors important for hematopoiesis, leukocyte trafficking, and formation of immunological synapses; hence, they may provide targets for therapeutic intervention in leukocyte-driven pathologies. Blocking integrin-ligand binding is one strategy for inhibiting integrins; however, a complete loss of integrin function can lead to mechanism-based toxicities. Because integrin alpha and beta subunits interact with a variety of other proteins to receive and transmit cellular signals, targeting these integrin-associated proteins may utilize alternative sites for intervention that lead to therapies with fewer side effects. This review summarizes integrin-associated proteins in leukocytes and focuses on four of these proteins with perceived therapeutic potential. Specific mutations in the alpha4 integrin cytoplasmic tail block or enforce binding to paxillin and thus modulate integrin signaling required for efficient cell migration. Similarly, the association of RAPL(NORE1B) with beta2 integrins may participate in adhesive and migratory events in leukocytes. The beta integrin cytoplasmic tail-binding protein talin is critical for increasing the affinity of integrins (activation), and blockade of talin binding can prevent leukocyte arrest on the endothelium. Finally, the membrane protein CD98 mediates beta1 and beta3 integrin signaling and may be involved in leukocyte functions. Identification of biologically important interactions of integrins and signaling proteins can thus pave the way to new strategies for manipulating leukocyte functions.
Pediatric Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy Failures: Who and Why?

Objective: The objectives of this study are to report outcomes of pediatric patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) who underwent primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and discuss causes of failure. Study Design: The authors conducted a retrospective case series. Methods: Charts of all patients less than 16 years of age who underwent primary endoscopic DCR from 1997 to 2004 were reviewed. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of facial anomalies or syndromes and whether the NLDO was congenital or acquired. Success was defined as complete resolution of symptoms, improvement included anatomic patency or partial symptoms, and failure as no improvement or demonstration of patency. Results: Thirty-four patients (43 ducts) aged 11 months to 14 years were identified. There were 17 males and 17 females. Follow up ranged from 2 to 54 months (average, 21 months). Twenty-four patients (29 ducts) had congenital NLDO, seven patients (11 ducts) had congenital syndromes associated with craniofacial abnormalities, and three patients (three ducts) had acquired NLDO. In patients with congenital NLDO without craniofacial abnormalities or syndromes, 22 of 29 eyes (76%) were cured with another three (10%) showing improvement. Only one of 11 (9%) eyes of patients with congenital craniofacial abnormality or syndrome experienced complete resolution and only four of 11 (36%) eyes showed improvement. Of the patients with acquired NLDO, two of three (67%) of the eyes were cured and one (33%) improved. Conclusions: Endoscopic DCR is safe and effective for most children, although patients with craniofacial abnormalities or syndromes are extremely difficult to cure.
A possible role of calcium in the action of glucagon, cAMP and dibutyryl cAMP on the metabolism of free fatty acids by rat hepatocytes.

Summary The effects of calcium (Ca ++ ) on the actions of glucagon, cAMP and dibutyryl cAMP on triacylglycerol synthesis, ketogenesis and output of glucose were studied using isolated hepatocytes. Glucagon, cAMP and Bt 2 cAMP decreased the incorporation of [1- 14 C]oleate into triacylglycerol and increased synthesis of ketone bodies and output of glucose. Basal rates of triacylglycerol synthesis, ketogenesis, and output of glucose, and the responses to glucagon and the cyclic nucleotides were diminished by depletion of calcium. Triacylglycerol synthesis was restored toward control values by treatment with calcium. Ionophore A 23187, mimicked the effects of glucagon on triacylglycerol biosynthesis provided calcium was present in the medium. Uptake of [1- 14 c]oleate was impaired when the hepatocytes were depleted of calcium. These observations suggest that calcium plays an important role in hepatic triacylglycerol synthesis and in ketogenesis and on the actions of glucagon and adenylic cyclic nucleotides on these metabolic pathways.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF TENSION LEG PLATFORMS WITH AXISYMMETRIC MEMBERS

Abstract In the design of a tension leg platform (TLP), variation in tether tension should be minimized to inhibit fatigue failure. A stable platform must be maintained with small motions, the tension legs serving to inhibit roll, pitch, and heave in shallower waters. In deep water, however, the tether elongations may lead to significant values of these motions. TLPs are extremely compliant systems when horizontal plane motions are considered. The legs provide nonlinear restoring forces because of the interactions of the prestress with the surge and sway motions. For fixed structures, and for complaint TLPs having characteristic member dimensions no longer negligible compared to the incident wavelength, the Morison equation assumption is no longer valid, and a diffraction theory is needed to account for the additional pressure field developed. In the case of a TLP, the wave-induced motion of the floating structure creates an additional reaction force on the structure. The wave-induced pressure forces are linearly decomposed into two components: a diffraction force on a fixed structure, and a reaction force on an oscillating structure in otherwise still water. Numerical algorithms have been developed from a Green's function solution for fixed structures of arbitrary shape. Numerical computations can be significantly improved for axisymmetric bodies by using an eigenfunction expansion of the Green's function. A numerical algorithm is presented that computes the wave-induced forces and moments on the large members of a TLP using an axisymmetric Green's function, and an option of using the relative motion Morison equation for selected members.
LATE CENOZOIC INCREASE IN ACCUMULATION RATES OF TERRESTRIAL SEDIMENT: How Might Climate Change Have Affected Erosion Rates?

▪ Abstract Accumulation rates of terrestrial sediment have increased in the past few million years both on and adjacent to continents, although not everywhere. Apparently, erosion has increased in elevated terrain regardless of when last tectonically active or what the present-day climate. In many regions, sediment coarsened abruptly in late Pliocene time. Sparser data suggest increased sedimentation rates at ∼15 Ma, approximately when oxygen isotopes in benthic foraminifera imply high-latitude cooling. If climate change effected accelerated erosion, understanding how it did so remains the challenge. Some obvious candidates, such as lowered sea level leading to erosion of continental shelves or increased glaciation, account for increased sedimentation in some, but not all, areas. Perhaps stable climates that varied slowly allowed geomorphic processes to maintain a state of equilibrium with little erosion until ∼3–4 Ma, when large oscillations in climate with periods of 20,000–40,000 years developed and de...
Extended Pseudomorphic Limits Using Compliant Substrates

We propose a new approach, growth on compliant substrates, to achieve extended pseudomorphic limits. The compliant substrate can be approximately achieved with a corner supported membrane structure. Both thermal equilibrium model and dynamic model considering strain relaxation are used to analyze the relations between the extended critical thickness and the substrate thickness. Preliminary experimental results of InGaAs grown on GaAs membranes seem to support the theories.
Soil and Rainfall Factors Influencing Yields of a Dryland Cropping System in Colorado

Published in Agron. J. 106:1179–1192 (2014) doi:10.2134/agronj13.0520 Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT
Translation of evidence-based guidelines in preventive cardiology: the EUROACTION program

The report from the EUROACTION Study Group demonstrates that a nurse-coordinated, multidisciplinary, family-based program results in improvements in patients' lifestyle, control of blood pressure, and use of cardioprotective drugs, when compared with standard care. The results of the study support the need for organized and systematic approaches to individualized cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with, or at high risk for, coronary heart disease. The EUROACTION program is an example of effectiveness research, which aims to develop and validate strategies to implement interventions previously shown to be efficacious.
The effect of two different renal preservation methods on canine renal allograft survival.

Preservation of human cadaver kidneys for transplantation has been achieved primarily by two methods, hypothermic pulsatile perfusion with cryoprecipitated plasma and cold storage with an electrolyte solution. It has been suggested that pulsatile perfusion results in an increased antigenicity of the transplanted kidney. To investigate the possibility that pulsatile perfusion causes changes which may accelerate allograft rejection, machine preservation was compared with simple cold storage. The kidneys were preserved by either one of the two methods for 6 or 24 hours followed by allotransplantation in nephrectomised dogs. No immunosuppressive drugs were given.
Problem behaviors and criminal thinking among adolescents in residential substance abuse treatment

Conclusions: Analyses detected an small to moderate overall association between victimization and smoking with greater risk among pregnant compared to nonpregnant victims. It is recommended that professionals working with IPV victims assess for smoking and offer smoking prevention and cessation skills as appropriate. More research is needed on the smoking behavior of male victims, victims of psychological violence, and victims of ethnic minority status. Financial support: This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health grants P50-DA033945 (ORWH & NIDA; PI: Sherry A. McKee, Ph.D.), R03-DA027052 (to AHW), T32-AA007583 (To CAC); Women’s Health Research at Yale; the Yale Cancer Center, and the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Interpretation of Nutritional Parameters in Burn Patients

Data frequently used for a nutritional evaluation, eg, estimated calorie and protein needs, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm-muscle circumference, serum albumin and transferrin levels, skin tests, total lymphocyte count, nitrogen balance, and creatinine height index determinations, are conceptualized herein. It is thought that many of these values lack appropriate validation in burn patients. With the accumulation of new data, many nutritional surveillance techniques will require modification and reinterpretation. Therefore, caution is essential when interpreting these data. In the meantime, currently available data are probably best construed by a team as an assemblage of findings that may classify a burn patient at risk of morbidity and mortality unless additional attention is given to meeting nutritional needs
Security in cyber-physical energy systems

In this paper, we consider cybersecurity in the context of distributed estimation in Cyber-Physical Energy Systems (CPES). Distributed estimation is where the state of the energy system is to be estimated via a collection of geographically dispersed sensors. In order to implement the estimator, the sensors, in addition to sensing, implement a simple data fusion protocol that relies on inter-sensor communication. We study estimation of energy systems when there is an adversarial attack on the sensed and communicated information. We propose a novel methodology to address the detection of such attacks, and further incorporate appropriate remedial actions in the estimator. Our methodology is based on the notions of local consistency and nodal consistency and is further reinforced by exploiting the underlying physical-layer in the energy-system description.
Global cooperativity of the short-range process in apparent movement: evidence obtained with contour-containing stimuli.

Previous research has demonstrated that the short-range process in apparent movement, as studied with random-dot cinematograms, exhibits global cooperativity; that is, computations performed by local elements interact nonlinearly and are pooled. Other research using displays containing extended contours has implicated the short-range process, but has never demonstrated global cooperativity. In the first of four experiments, it was shown that under certain conditions of presentation, a short-range motion percept exhibiting apparent global cooperativity can be obtained when collections of randomly located contours are rotated -about-the center of a display, despite the fact that the displacement of peripheral contours falls outside the normal limit of the short-range process. Experiments 2–4 were conducted to provide further evidence that the observed motion is short-range (i.e., it canbe disrupted by illuminating the interstimulus interval or with dichoptic viewing) and that the percept is globally cooperative (i.e., masking the center of the display, where separations between corresponding elements across frames are smallest, results in a decline in the frequency of reports of the short-range percept). Control observations suggest that the effect produced with masks was not due to a decrease in the number of elements in the display. The argument that the display exhibits a short-range process with global cooperativity is further developed.
LOW ACUTE EXPOSURE TO ORGANOPHOSPHATE PRODUCES LONG-TERM CHANGES IN BIRD FEEDING BEHAVIOR

Although organophosphates and carbamates are the most widely applied insecticides and are associated with mass killing of birds, little is known of their sublethal effects. One well-known result of sublethal exposure to toxin, conditioned taste aversion, was tested in a series of field experiments in which independent replicates were large numbers of breeding territories of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). While birds freely consumed untreated insect prey offered to them in control territories, those in treated territories consumed up to three meals of prey tainted with parathion and then utterly avoided these prey during a lengthy posttest when parathion was no longer present. Long-term change in feeding behavior was produced by organophosphate insufficient to induce outward illness or to depress brain AChE activity. The effect was long-term because, unlike noxious repellency, conditioned taste aversion induced by hidden toxin denied birds the opportunity to discriminate between tainted and u...
Jamming for a 2D granular material

This paper focuses on the nature of jamming, as seen in two-dimensional frictional granular systems consisting of photoelastic particles. The photoelastic technique is unique at this time, in its capability to provide detailed particle-scale information on forces and kinematic quantities such as particle displacements and rotations. These experiments first explore isotropic stress states near point J through measurements of the mean contact number per particle, Z, and the pressure, P as functions of the packing fraction, ϕ. In this case, the experiments show some but not all aspects of jamming, as expected on the basis of simulations and models that typically assume conservative, hence frictionless, forces between particles. Specifically, there is a rapid growth in Z, at a reasonable ϕ which we identify with as ϕc. It is possible to fit Z and P, to power law expressions in ϕ – ϕc above ϕc, and to obtain exponents that are in agreement with simulations and models. However, the experiments differ from theory on several points, as typified by the rounding that is observed in Z and P near ϕc. The application of shear to these same 2D granular systems leads to phenomena that are qualitatively different from the standard picture of jamming. In particular, there is a range of packing fractions below ϕc, where the application of shear strain at constant ϕ leads to jammed stress-anisotropic states, i.e. they have a non-zero shear stress, τ. The application of shear strain to an initially isotropically compressed (hence jammed) state, does not lead to an unjammed state per se. Rather, shear strain at constant ϕ first leads to an increase of both τ and P. Additional strain leads to a succession of jammed states interspersed with relatively localized failures of the force network leading to other stress-anisotropic states that are jammed at typically somewhat lower stress. The locus of jammed states requires a state space that involves not only ϕ and τ, but also P. P, τ, and Z are all hysteretic functions of shear strain for fixed ϕ. However, we find that both P and τ are roughly linear functions of Z for strains large enough to jam the system. This implies that these shear-jammed states satisfy a Coulomb like-relation, |τ| = μP.
The number of words of length n in a graph monoid

(1989). The Number of Words of Length n in a Graph Monoid. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 7, pp. 610-614.
John Martin Fischer's The Metaphysics of Free Will: An Essay on Control

John Martin Fischer's The Metaphysics of Free Will is devoted to two major projects. First, Fischer defends the thesis that determinism is incompatible with a person's control over alternatives to the actual future. Second, Fischer defends the striking thesis that such control is not necessary for moral responsibility. This review essay examines Fischer's arguments for each thesis. Fischer's defense of the incompatibilist thesis is the most innovative to date, and I argue that his formulation restructures the free will debate. To defend his second thesis Fischer relies upon examples designed to show that an agent is responsible for an unavoidable action. I criticize Fischer's account of these examples, but I also maintain that my criticisms do not compromise his theory of responsibility. I raise several other difficulties for Fischer's theory of responsibility, and I close by offering some suggestions about how he might further defend it.
Wick debinding of molybdenum-silicon-boron extrudates

Wick debinding was investigated as possible means of binder removal for the Mo-Si-B extrudates. With increased temperature the amount of binder wicked out of the extrudate increased because of a decrease in viscosity, 2513 mPa·s at 75°C down to 7 mPa·s at 250°C. The permeability of the binder in the 1 μm wicking powder was higher than that in the 0.05 μm powder, 3.1 × 10−13 m2 compared to 6.024 × 10−15 m2. The amount of binder removed at a given temperature was considerably lower, which could be attributed to the larger capillary pressure difference between the 0.05 μm wick and the extrudate (1.55 × 105 Pa compared to 1.46 × 104 Pa for the 1 μm powder). Wicking removed approximately 80% of the binder in <10 h at 250°C with no defect formation.
A Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking: Tests Focusing on a Technical Organization

Individual information seeking has become increasingly a critical determinant of the success of individual organizational members and of an organization as a whole. This study tests a Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) that contains three primary classes of variables: Antecedents, which provide the underlying imperatives to seek information; Information Carrier Characteristics, which shape the nature of specific intentions to seek information from particular carriers; and Information Seeking Actions, which reflect the nature of the search itself and are the outcomes of the preceding classes. The CMIS was tested and refined in tests related to the informal channel in a large, technically oriented governmental agency (N = 380), then the refined model was confirmed by tests on the formal channel. Both tests of the revised model were supportive, suggesting that the most important variables were those related to an individual's existing information base, those associated with an individual's nee...
A new paradigm for classification of disease severity and progression of COPD

Background: The current classification scheme for COPD uses lung function to classify disease severity and monitor disease progression. This scheme does not capture other important components of the disease process, nor does it allow for improvement of disease status. Methods: We evaluated existing data to develop a classification scheme for COPD using measures beyond lung function, including respiratory symptoms, exacerbation history, quality of life assessment, comorbidity, and body mass index. We then applied this classification to data from the Lung Health Study, calculating a score for study subjects in year 1 and year 5 of the study, along with the difference between year 1 and year 5. Results: We developed a 4 point scale ranging from 1.00 (mild) to 4.00 (very severe). In year 1 of the study, the mean COPD score was 1.76 (standard deviation [SD] 0.35), in year 5 it was 1.82 (SD 0.38). The mean difference from year 1 to year 5 was an increase (worsening) of 0.06 (SD 0.37), and a range from -1.0 to 1.6. The COPD score at year 1, year 5, and the difference between these scores were all predictive of mortality at follow-up. For example, the 14.0% of subjects whose score improved by at least 0.25 between year 1 and 5 had decreased mortality compared to those with stable scores (between -0.25 and 0.25, hazard ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.4, 0.8). Conversely, those whose score worsened by 0.75 or more points had increased mortality (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2, 2.5). Conclusions: A COPD score that includes components in addition to lung function and allows for both improvement and worsening of disease may provide additional guidance to COPD classification, management, and prognosis.
Quantifying uncertainties in NCEP reanalyses using high-quality research vessel observations

Abstract The uncertainties in the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis (NCEPR) products are not well known. Using a newly developed, high-resolution, quality controlled, surface meteorology dataset from research vessels participating in the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE), regional and global uncertainties are quantified for the NCEPR air–sea fluxes and the component fields used to create those fluxes. For the period 1990–95, WOCE vessel and gridded NCEPR fields are matched in time and space. All in situ data are subject to data quality review to remove suspect data. Adjustment of ship observations to the reference height of the NCEPR variables, and calculation of air–sea fluxes from the in situ data are accomplished using bulk formulas that take atmospheric stability, height of the measurements, and other adjustments into consideration. The advantages of using this new set of WOCE ship observations include the ability to compare 6-h integrated fluxes (much of the ship data originate from automated observing sy...
A calibration method for structural models of credit risk with reporting bias

We propose a novel calibration methodology based on the maximum likelihood estimator to recover the parameters of a structural model of credit risk which accounts for potential reporting bias. Such bias is introduced by the managers and it is unobserved by outsider investors which can only estimate it. The calibration is performed using a combination of balance sheet, financial indicators and market prices of equities. We apply the calibration algorithm to Tyco, a real case of reporting bias in the United States history. We show that the calibrated model is able to predict the market stock price with a high degree of accuracy.
Evaluation of Barley Characteristics that are Associated with Digestible Energy for Beef Cattle

The feed quality of barley is typically measured by bulk density; however, current literature indicates that bulk density does not always accurately reflect the energy value of barley. We hypothesize that chemical compositional factors of barley more accurately reflect digestible energy of barley. Forty beef steers (360 kg avg initial BW) were used in a completely randomized block design to determine the in vivo digestibility of eight barley sources. The eight sources of barley were selected from 32 sources; the eight sources were of six varieties, two growing years, and six growing locations and were representative of the range in chemical composition and bulk density found in the original 32 sources. Steers were assigned to barley source treatments and fed diets containing 78% rolled barley and 22% chopped alfalfa hay (DM basis). Digestibility was estimated using chromic oxide as an external marker. Barley starch and ADF content ranged from 53.0 to 64.1% and 4.3 to 10.4%, respectively. Bulk density varied from 57.0 to 70.2 kg/hl. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, GE, NDF and ADF varied (P 0.05) between barley sources averaging 99.4%. Calculated barley DE content and DM digestibility were positively correlated (P 0.05) with barley DE or DM digestibility. Starch content was most predictive of barley DE content in the following equation: DE = 1.4549 + 0.0391 x Starch (R2=0.41). Stepwise addition of other variables did not improve barley DE prediction. Results of this study indicate a large variability in barley DE content between barley sources that was predicted more accurately by starch and ADF than bulk density.
Dynamic Alliance Based on Genetic Algorithms in Wireless Sensor Networks

Dynamic alliance (DA), namely, virtual corporations (VCs), is an enterprise management method. It means a temporary union formed by some independent commercial processes or corporations. In this paper, we apply this method to the research of nodes dynamic scheduling in wireless sensor networks (WSN). We propose a DA model based on genetic algorithms (GA) and a typical simulation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of our model
Improving locality using loop and data transformations in an integrated framework

This paper presents a new integrated compiler framework for improving the cache performance of scientific applications. In addition to applying loop transformations, the method includes data layout optimizations, i.e., those that change the memory layouts of data structures (arrays in this case). A key characteristic of this approach is that loop transformations are used to improve temporal locality while data layout optimizations are used to improve spatial locality. This optimization framework was used with sixteen loop nests from several benchmarks and math libraries, and the performance was measured using a cache simulator in addition to using a single node of the SGI Origin 2000 distributed-shared-memory machine for measuring actual execution times. The results demonstrate that this approach is very effective in improving locality and outperforms current solutions that use either loop or data transformations alone. We expect that our solution will also enable better register usage due to increased temporal locality in the innermost loop, and that it will help in eliminating false-sharing on multiprocessors due to exploiting spatial locality in the innermost loop.
Development of laser optics for the AWA photocathode

A noise eater has been designed and constructed to reduce the fluctuations of a UV laser. Preliminary experimental data demonstrate that the system works, though with large signal to noise due to problems in the test assembly that should not occur in the final device. Further experimental study should show the limits of this system. Also investigated were the scattering effects of a variety of different surfaces. >
Examining the Underrepresentation of Underserved Students in Gifted Programs from a Transformational Leadership Vantage Point.

Within the United States, the underrepresentation of historically underserved student groups continues to be a phenomenon in gifted and talented (GT) programs. In a phenomenological study exploring...
Bias in Genetic Evaluations by Records of Cows Treated with Bovine Somatotropin

Records from Dairy Records Management Systems in Raleigh were used to estimate effects of bovine somatotropin (bST) treatment and to predict breeding values for milk production traits. The data comprised 5245 test-day records of bST-treated cows and 126,223 test-day records of untreated cows in first lactation for milk, fat, and protein yields. Fixed effects of bST treatment were estimated from test-day animal models with herd-test-date as another fixed factor. Percentage increases due to bST treatment ranged from 7 to 8% for test-day milk, fat, and protein yields. Random regression coefficients for additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were included in the model. To assess the potential for bias in genetic evaluations when some and not all cows are treated with bST, breeding values predicted by the test-day model with and without effects of bST treatment were compared for cows and sires. Correlations between breeding values predicted from models with and without effects of bST treatment were 0.99. However, relatively large bias was found for individual animals. This result suggests that bias in genetic evaluation caused by ignoring bST treatment may be significant.
Inhibition of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages by resveratrol, a potent proteasome inhibitor

Background Altered immune function during ageing results in increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and other inflammatory mediators. Recently, we have reported that NO production was inhibited by naturally-occurring proteasome inhibitors (quercetin, δ-tocotrienol, and riboflavin) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 mice. In a continuous effort to find more potent, non-toxic, commercially available, naturally-occurring proteasome inhibitors that suppress inflammation, the present study was carried out to describe the inhibition of NF-κB activation and NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS expression by trans-resveratrol, trans-pterostilbene, morin hydrate, and nicotinic acid in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice.
“When We Make Mistakes, People Die!”: Constructions of Responsibility for Medical Errors in Televised Medical Dramas, 1994–2007

Despite the publicity of medical mistakes in recent years, most people vastly underestimate the frequency of errors, likely because media stories focus on flawed individuals, not institutional problems. This research examined contemporary medical dramas for constructions of responsibility in treating patients. Findings indicate that medical mistakes were rare in the storylines, meaning that health professionals were almost always depicted as behaving responsibly—to the extent that they were considered heroes. Mistakes were suggested to be due to the health professional's inexperience, institutional flaws that led to errors, and temporary personal problems. Health professionals were shown learning from their mistakes, suggesting that they would not be repeated. For committing mistakes, health professionals faced a range of consequences, depending on disclosure of the errors and whether patients had friends or families to push for restitution. Errors occurred throughout the years studied, but were greatest ...
Hysteretic shear–flexure interaction model of reinforced concrete columns for seismic response assessment of bridges

This paper presents the methodology, model description, and calibration as well as the application of a coupled hysteretic model to account for nonlinear shear–flexure interactive behavior of RC columns under earthquakes, a critical consideration for seismic demand evaluation of bridges. The proposed hysteretic model consists of a flexure and a shear spring coupled at element level, whose nonlinear behavior are governed by the primary curves and a set of loading/unloading rules to capture the pinching, stiffness softening, and strength deterioration of columns due to combined effects of axial load, shear force, and bending moment. The shear–flexure interaction (SFI) is considered both at section level when theoretically generating the primary curves and at element level through global and local equilibrium. The model is implemented in a displacement-based finite element framework and calibrated against a large number of column specimens from static cyclic tests to dynamic shake table tests. The numerical predictions by the proposed model show very good agreement with experimental data for both flexure- and shear-dominated columns. The application of the proposed model for seismic assessment of bridges has been successfully demonstrated for a realistic prototype bridge. The factors affecting the SFI and its significance on bridge system response are also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved Intralimb Coordination in People With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Following Training With Body Weight Support and Electrical Stimulation

Background and Purpose. Limb coordination is an element of motor control that is frequently disrupted following spinal cord injury (SCI). The authors assessed intralimb coordination in subjects with SCI following a 12-week program combining body weight support, electrical stimulation, and treadmill training. Subjects. Fourteen subjects with long-standing (mean time post-SCI=70 months, range=12–171 months), incomplete SCI participated. Three subjects without SCI provided data for comparison. Methods. A vector-based technique was used to assign values to the frame-by-frame changes in hip/knee angle, and vector analysis techniques were used to assess how closely the hip/knee angles of each step cycle resembled those of every other step cycle. Overground and treadmill walking speeds also were measured. Results. Following training, 9 of the 14 subjects with SCI demonstrated greater intercycle agreement. Mean overground and treadmill walking speeds improved (84% and 158%, respectively). Discussion and Conclusion. The intervention used in this study is based on our current understanding of the role of afferent input in the production of walking. Although the study sample was small and there was no control group, results suggest that training may improve intralimb coordination in people with SCI.
On a Model for Narrow-Necked Rotating Liquid Drops

A constructive existence proof is given for a dumbbell-shaped solution near the two-sphere limit for a model of a steadily rigidly rotating liquid drop held together by surface tension. The solution shape is similar to the small solidified glassy dumbbells found in the lunar soil returned by the Apollo 11 Mission. The model problem reduces to a Neumann problem for a nonlinear ordinary differential equation @z'' = F(s, @z, @z') of nonstandard type for which the differential inequality techniques of Nagumo do not apply and for which the resulting linearization does not satisfy standard maximum principles. Our analysis borrows techniques from singular perturbation theory for differential equations and is based on a linearization of the problem about an approximate solution given by two spheres connected with a narrow neck formed by a Delaunay surface.
An urge to jump affirms the urge to live: an empirical examination of the high place phenomenon.

Abstract Background The experience of a sudden urge to jump when in a high place has been speculated to be associated with suicidal ideation; however, scant data has informed this speculation. We termed this experience the high place phenomenon (HPP) and proposed that it stems from a misinterpreted safety signal (i.e., survival instinct). The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of the HPP, to provide evidence that the phenomenon is not exclusive to suicide ideators, and to explore the role of anxiety sensitivity in the phenomenon. Methods 431 undergraduate college students completed online measures of lifetime frequency of experiencing the HPP, suicidal ideation, anxiety sensitivity, depressive symptoms, and history of mood episodes. Results The HPP was commonly reported in the general population, even among participants with no history of suicidal ideation. There was a significant correlation between anxiety sensitivity and the HPP, and this relationship was moderated by level of current suicidal ideation. Particularly, the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and the HPP was potentiated among participants with low levels of suicidal ideation. Limitations The cross-sectional design of the study limits the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn. Conclusions The HPP is commonly experienced among suicide ideators and non-ideators alike. Thus, individuals who report experiencing the phenomenon are not necessarily suicidal; rather, the experience of HPP may reflect their sensitivity to internal cues and actually affirm their will to live.
Neuroendocrine Response to 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan in Prepubertal Children at High Risk of Major Depressive Disorder

Background: Altered serotonergic function has been observed in prepubertal children and adults with an acute episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it is not known whether these alterations are present prior to the onset of MDD. Methods: A serotonergic precursor, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (L-5HTP) (oxitriptan) (0.8 mg/kg), was administered through an indwelling catheter to 36 children at high risk of MDD (with high family loading for MDD), 31 children with MDD, and 23 low-risk normal controls (with low family loading for mood disorders and no history of psychopathology). Blood samples for cortisol, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone were obtained every 15 minutes for 180 minutes, beginning 30 minutes before L-5HTP infusion. Results: Children at high risk of MDD and children with MDD had similar hormonal responses following L-5HTP infusion. After controlling for baseline values, both groups secreted significantly less cortisol and more PRL than did the low-risk normal controls, with the PRL finding being limited to girls. There were no between-group differences in baseline cortisol, PRL, or growth hormone secretion measures. Conclusions: Before the onset of affective illness, highrisk children had the same pattern of neuroendocrine response to the L-5HTP challenge as did children with MDD. These results extend earlier findings of altered serotonergic regulation in association with early-onset depression and indicate that these alterations may represent a trait marker for depression in children.