cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling with UML

The demand for software has risen tremendously since the early days of software engineering; and, as basic economics teaches us, when the demand for a product rises, so does the value associated with that product. This increase in the value of software has encouraged the software industry to seek out and create ever more efficient methods of software production. Much of the previous two chapters have focused on this never ending pursuit of higher quality software with lower costs and shorter production times. We have outlined many of the concepts central to this goal, including one of the foundations of the object-oriented paradigm, abstraction. Abstraction allows for the useful classification of real world phenomena.
Calciphylaxis (Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy)

Calciphylaxis is a syndrome of subcutaneous vascular calcification resulting in painful ulcers on the legs, thighs, or abdomen. The disease develops almost exclusively in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is frequently fatal due to infectious complications. Calciphylaxis was described in 1962 by Hans Selye. He made rats hypercalcemic with “sensitizers” vitamin D or parathyroid hormone (PTH). “Challengers” were then administered. These included skin injury by hair-plucking or injections of various sorts. Injured areas calcified and became ulcerated. Injection of “challengers” intravenously resulted in systemic necrotic lesions associated with tissue calcification (Selye H. Calciphylaxis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 1962). The concept of calciphylaxis has been imperfectly applied to cutaneous ulcerations that develop in patients with end-stage renal disease due to vascular calcification and subsequent occlusion. While this clinical scenario has some parallels with Selye’s experiments, his experimental subjects were not uremic, and the calcifications were not vascular. Therefore, “calciphylaxis” does not accurately describe the syndrome. Because this disease does not conform to the model of calciphylaxis as described by Selye, many advocate eliminating that label in favor of “calcific uremic arteriolopathy.”
Does Inflammation Mediate Relationships Between Racial Identity and Onset of Menopause Among US Adults

We assess how well differences in ethnoracial background may predict timing of menopause among females in the USA and whether or not inflammatory biomarker levels appear to mediate these overall associations. We use data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to model apparent net effects from race on menopausal onset, as well as possible mediating influences from the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP). Using continuous time event history analysis, we assess and frame overall relationships between race and menopausal age. We use structural equation modeling to assess potential mediating effects from CRP and to estimate direct and indirect components of these apparent effects. Our findings suggest that on average, black females experience menopause earlier than their peers of other racial backgrounds, and have higher inflammatory biomarker levels. Both black race and higher CRP have negative and significant direct associations with menopausal age. CRP appears to partially mediate the overall association between black race and earlier menopause. This apparent mediation persists with statistical controls for income, education, and body mass index. Our study concludes with recommendations for future research on racial identity, inflammation, and menopausal onset. We focus our recommendations on intersectional forms of inequality that may affect black females in later life.
Online Appendix for 'Does Opening Complaints Data Change Company and Consumer Behavior? Evidence from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau'

This is an online appendix for the paper 'Does Opening Complaints Data Change Company and Consumer Behavior? Evidence from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau'. The abstract for the main paper is available here: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2929790
Application of Tracers to Quantitative Histochemical and Cytochemical Studies

The biochemist, concerned with metabolic characteristics of specific cell types or of specific subcellular organelles, is all too frequently limited by the sensitivity of the methods for the assay of a particular chemical or enzyme constituent. This limitation in sensitivity is a function of many variables and would include (1) the inherent sensitivity of the physical technique used for measurements (pH, absorbance, fluorescence, radioactivity, and the like), (2) the concentration or activity of the component being studied, and (3) the size of tissue sample available for study (gram vs. microgram). The latter points may apply particularly to the problems encountered in an attempt to study the enzymatic and chemical constituents of cell types present in the nervous system [1–4].
Prosocial Parent-to-Peer Path Model for South Korean School-Aged Children

This study aims to examine a theoretical model of “prosocial parent-to-peer pathways” using nationally representative data of school-aged children in South Korea. The association between parent-child relationships and positive peer relationships (i.e., peer acceptance and friendships) was examined with a focus on the mediating roles of children’s prosocial orientation (i.e., empathy and altruism). Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the 2013 South Korean subsample (grades 3 and 5; n = 4690) of the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being. The model fits the data adequately (χ2 = 3025.84 (df = 323, p < .001), CFI = .96, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .03) and explains 29.3% of variance in peer acceptance and 64.6% in friendship quality. The total effects of parent-child relationships on peer acceptance (β = .41, p < .01) and friendship quality (β = .52, p < .01) were positive, controlling for other individual and family characteristics. Children’s empathy and altruism were found to partially mediate the effects of parent-child relationships on peer acceptance (β = .11, p < .01) and friendship quality (β = .31, p < .01). Implications and limitations of the study will be discussed.
Analyzing pedagogical approaches used in second auditing courses

Abstract To help professors develop, design and improve second auditing classes, we surveyed members of the American Accounting Association's Auditing Section to identify programs that offer second auditing courses, the textbooks used for such courses, and the learning activities used. Total and second auditing course only respondents (n = 252 and n = 80, respectively) identified university, program, and auditing course demographics, while second auditing course respondents identified the classroom activities that extend the second auditing course beyond the basics found in textbooks. Results reveal the textbooks used for first and second auditing courses, learning objectives, website resources, manual and computerized cases, group projects, software programs, video presentations, supplementary materials, and an analysis of national syllabi. These results, drawn from a diverse group of institutions, can serve as a resource to help professors develop and improve the content for a second auditing course.
α-MSH IN BRAIN β-ENDORPHIN NEURONS, AND OTHER NEURONS AS WELL

Summary Brain β-Endorphin (β-END) neurons in the arcuate nucleus have been studied in 4μm serial sections after colchicine treatment using α-MSH and β-END antisera. Using four separate antisera, all of which were specifically blockable by α-MSH, it was possible to demonstrate that this peptide exists in brain and further that all β-END neurons contained α-MSH immunoreactivity. It was also observed that hypothalamus contained α-MSH neurons outside of the arcuate nucleus which did not contain detectable β-END immunoreactivity. It was concluded that brain β-END is intimately associated with α-MSH in the arcuate nucleus and may well come from the 31K pro-opiocortin. The biosynthetic origin of the non-arcuate α-MSH is unknown.
The Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Receptor and the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms Involved in the Prevention of Apoptosis

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is an essential element in the regulation and behavior of mammalian cells [1, 2]. The process is a genetically controlled response for cells to commit suicide and is orchestrated by mechanisms involving various proteins. The purpose of apoptosis is to kill unwanted cells. This process is important in the developing nervous system where a large excess of redundant neurons die off during the period when synapses are being formed between the neurons and their target cells [3, 4]. Apparently, the surviving neurons represent those that receive survival signals from the target cells. Apoptosis is also important in the nervous system following injury. Traumatic injury to the nervous system initially causes necrosis at the injury site, followed by secondary processes which cause spreading of the damage beyond this initial site of damage [5]. This secondary event is apoptosis, and occurs hours after the initial injury. Following spinal cord injury, for example, the apoptotic cells were found to be oligodendrocytes in the spinal white matter as well as in the fiber tracts, which became demyelinated as a result of apoptosis. The process of apoptosis in this model apparently occurs secondary to the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and certain interleukins. In a separate study of hypoxic-ischemic injury to the brain in rats, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was protective against neuronal cell death [6].
Understanding and Predicting Radiation-Associated Normal Tissue Injury: A Global and Historical Perspective

Radiation injury to normal tissues has been recognized for many decades, and is dependent upon a multitude of factors, including radiation dose and fractionation and volume of tissue or organ exposed to radiation. Since the 1980s, technologic innovations in imaging, radiation planning and radiation delivery have allowed for more accurate quantification of dose delivery to tissues, which in turn has resulted in a burgeoning research effort to understand and quantify risks to normal tissues after radiation. This chapter will broadly discuss factors that potentially influence the risk of radiation-normal tissue injury, provide a framework for understanding the differences and similarities between organs in their response to radiation, and describe additional considerations that might be more relevant in the future. It also reviews the major efforts in past 2 decades, namely the 1991 Emami, Lyman et al. review and the recent 2010 QUANTEC reviews, which compiled published data, summarized this data, and provided recommended organ dose/volume constraints.
Collagenase activity in the normal rat myocardium: an immunohistochemical method

Fibrillar collagen in the myocardium provides a supportive framework for myocytes and capillaries. Disruption of this organized framework has been observed in certain pathological states. Collagen degradation is primarily mediated by the specific enzyme collagenase, which has been found to exist in various tissues including the myocardium. In this report we describe a method that detects collagenase activity in sections of cardiac tissue. This method is on the basis of degradation of collagen by collagenase on one hand and the visualization of disrupted collagen fibers by immunofluorescence on the other. Frozen rat heart secctions were incubated under optimal conditions for collagenase activity (37°C in the presence of 0.1 M calcium at pH 7.4) for 24 h and 48 h. Subsequently, immunofluorescence staining with antibody to type I collagen was performed and the collagenous structures were visualized by immunofluorescence light microscopy. As control, untreated rat heart sections and sections incubated in the absence of calcium were similarly treated with antibody. After the 24 h of incubation, we found no change in the structural integrity of collagen fibers. Marked disruption of the type I collagen fibers was observed 48 h after incubation. No evidence of collagen fiber disruption was found in control sections. Experiments with exogenous collagenase resulted in similar collagen fiber disruption in the frozen rat heart sections. We conclude that the disruption of collagen type I fibers after 48 h of incubation, under optimal conditions for collagenolytic digestion, is. the result of collagen degradation by intrinsic collagenase of the myocardium.
Polycomb repressive complex 2 binds RNA irrespective of stereochemistry

The Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) interacts promiscuously with G-quadruplex (G4) RNA structures. Herein, we tested the limit of this promiscuity by exploring the interaction of PRC2 with G4 RNAs comprised of L-ribonucleic acids (L-RNA), the enantiomer of naturally occurring D-RNA. Remarkably, we find that PRC2 binds similarly to both D- and L-G4 RNAs, suggesting that these interactions are independent of stereochemistry. Moreover, we show that D- and L-RNAs bind to the same site on PRC2, enabling L-G4 RNAs to outcompete native substrates for binding. This work challenges the prevailing assumption that L-oligonucleotides are “invisible” to native biology and provides a unique opportunity to develop a novel class of PRC2 inhibitors based on nuclease-resistant L-RNA.
Melodies of a New Monasticism: Bonhoeffer's Vision, Iona's Witness

In Melodies of a New Monasticism, Craig Gardiner offers a way of navigating our theology, ecclesiology and ethics using the musical metaphor of polyphony from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s prison writings....
Porcine macrophage-like cells permit viral replication, produce inflammatory mediators, and undergo apoptosis following infection with Rift Valley fever virus MP-12

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe disease in a variety of domestic animal species as well as in humans. Outbreaks occur primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa with ruminant livestock most affected and outcomes that include abortion storms and high mortality among young animals. Clinical disease is not known to occur in domestic pigs ( Sus scrofa ); however, a limited number of studies have detected circulating antibodies to RVFV among wild and domestic members of the pig family (Suidae). Experimentally, RVFV has been shown to replicate in some porcine epithelial and neuronal cells in vitro , and induce a viremia in a fraction of pigs inoculated in vivo . No studies to date have investigated the behavior of RVFV in porcine cells of immune origin, whereas in humans and mice, macrophages and dendritic cells have been implicated as having roles in RVFV pathogenicity. Here, we use a porcine monocyte-derived macrophage-like cell line, CΔ2+, to investigate porcine innate immune cell permissiveness to MP-12, an attenuated form of RVFV. MP-12 caused observable cytopathic effects in CΔ2+ cells and reduced cell viability in dose- and time-dependent manners. At 24 hours, the reduced viability was coincident with apoptosis, with necrosis also occurring at a higher multiplicity of infection. At early time points, MP-12 replicated at levels comparable to cells derived from sheep kidney—a target organ of a highly susceptible host species. Infected CΔ2+ cells also upregulated transcription of inflammatory mediators. This work provides the first evidence that porcine immune cells are permissive to RVFV, and indicates that additional studies are warranted to better understand the dynamics of RVFV in suids.
Health Literacy, Opioid Misuse, and Pain Experience Among Adults with Chronic Pain.

Background Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that is associated with several negative health outcomes, including increased health care cost, decreased productivity, and prescription opioid misuse. Although efforts have been made to curb the growing opioid epidemic in the United States, further research is needed to better understand individual difference factors that may be associated with greater pain and opioid misuse. Lower levels of health literacy, defined as the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make important decisions regarding health and medical care, has been associated with several chronic illnesses. Yet little work has examined the relationship between health literacy, pain, and opioid misuse among individuals with chronic pain. Methods The current study examined health literacy in relation to current opioid misuse, severity of opioid dependence, pain severity, and pain disability among 445 adults with chronic pain (74.6% female, Mage [SD] = 38.45 [11.06] years). Results Results indicated that health literacy was significantly negatively associated with each of the criterion variables. Conclusions These results suggest that health literacy may contribute to opioid misuse and pain experience among individuals with chronic pain. Interventions targeting health literacy among individuals with chronic illness may help to address the opioid public health crisis.
Simulation Training of Orthopaedic Residents for Distal Radius Fracture Reductions Improves Radiographic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Most distal radius fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting in pediatric patients. These skills are traditionally developed treating real patients, however, there is growing interest in the use of simulation training to supplement traditional learning strategies. METHODS Seventy-eight children with distal radius fractures that underwent closed reduction and casting by novice orthopaedic surgery residents were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic measures of patients treated by simulation-trained residents were compared with patients treated by residents without simulation training. RESULTS Patients treated by simulation-trained residents had less residual angulation in the anteroposterior radiograph (3.7 vs. 6.3 degrees, P=0.006) and translation on the lateral (14% vs. 21%, P=0.040) and anteroposterior radiograph (10% vs. 16%, P=0.029). Patients treated by simulation-trained residents also had lower rates of redisplacement (50% vs. 79%, P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS Loss of reduction is common, particularly when novice trainees perform their first independent reductions. Residents who underwent simulation training had lower rates of loss of reduction, thus simulation training has potential as a supplement to the traditional apprentice model of medical education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
The next generation of biopanning: next gen sequencing improves analysis of bacterial display libraries

Bacterial surface display libraries are a popular tool for novel ligand discovery due to their ease of manipulation and rapid growth rates. These libraries typically express a scaffold protein embedded within the outer membrane with a short, surface-exposed peptide that is either terminal or is incorporated into an outer loop, and can therefore interact with and bind to substrates of interest. In this study, we employed a novel bacterial peptide display library which incorporates short 15-mer peptides on the surface of E. coli, co-expressed with the inducible red fluorescent protein DsRed in the cytosol, to investigate population diversity over two rounds of biopanning. The naive library was used in panning trials to select for binding affinity against 3D printing plastic coupons made from polylactic acid (PLA). Resulting libraries were then deep-sequenced using next generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate selection and diversity. We demonstrated enrichment for PLA binding versus a sapphire control surface, analyzed population composition, and compared sorting rounds using a binding assay and fluorescence microscopy. The capability to produce and describe display libraries through NGS across rounds of selection allows a deeper understanding of population dynamics that can be better directed towards peptide discovery.
Comparing alternative methods of collecting self-assessed overnight long-distance travel frequencies

Abstract Due to the comparatively low frequency of long-distance and overnight travel, it can be challenging to measure using traditional travel surveys. In response to this dearth of data, several recent surveys have included self-reported frequency questions. However, the value and accuracy of these questions is unclear. This study leverages data from 628 panel members who completed a year-long, online survey in 2013–2014 by comparing their one-time self-assessment of typical overnight trip frequency to those reported in 12 subsequent monthly surveys. The self-assessed frequency of overnight tours, airplane tours and tours to non-North American destinations are consistent for only 68% and 70% of respondents for work and personal tours respectively. For most tour types, consistency is highest for low frequency (never and
Introduction to Discrete-Event Simulation

In our study of dynamic systems, our first goal is to obtain a model. For our purposes, a model consists of mathematical equations which describe the behavior of a system. For example, in Chapter 5 we developed the set of equations (5.7)–(5.12) which describe how the state of a DES evolves as a result of event occurrences over time. Our next goal is to use a model in order to obtain explicit mathematical expressions for quantities of interest. For example, in Chapter 7 our model was a Markov chain and the main quantities of interest were the state probabilities πj(k) = P[X k = j], j= 0, 1, ... In some cases, we can indeed obtain such expressions, as we did with birth-death chains at steady state in Section 7.4.3. In general, however, “real world” systems either do not conform to some assumptions we make in order to simplify a model, or they are just too complex to yield analytical solutions. Our mathematical model may still be valid; the problem is that we often do not have the tools to solve the equations which make up such a model. Simulation is a process through which a system model is evaluated numerically, and the data from this process are used to estimate various quantities of interest. As we have repeatedly pointed out in previous chapters, analytical solutions for DES are particularly hard to come by, making simulation a very attractive tool for their study.
Distal Humerus Fractures

Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice for intra-articular distal humerus fractures. The goal of treatment is to achieve an anatomic reduction with a fixation stable enough to allow for an early range of motion of the elbow. This chapter uses a clinical case to illustrate how to approach patients with this type of injury and highlights a few key elements for success in treating these fractures.
Ligand-triplet migration in iridium(III) cyclometalates featuring π-conjugated isocyanide ligands

The manipulation of the triplet excited state manifold leads to large differences in the photophysical properties within a given class of metal–organic chromophores. By the appropriate choice of ancillary ligand, large changes can be made both to the order and nature of the lowest excited states and therefore to the resulting photophysical properties. Herein, a series of four bis-2-phenylpyridine (ppy) cyclometalated Ir(III) compounds bearing two arylisocyanide ligands were synthesized and photophysically characterized to understand the effects of using ancillary ligands featuring systematic changes in π-conjugation. By varying the arylisocyanide ligands, the photoluminescence quantum yield ranged from 5% to 49% and the excited state lifetime ranged between 24 μs and 2 ms. These variations in photophysical response are consistent with lowering the triplet ligand-centered (3LC) state of the arylisocyanide ligand as the π system was extended, confirmed by 77 K photoluminescence emission spectra and ultrafast transient absorption experiments. The latter analysis gleaned detailed insight into the importance of the interplay of the 3LC state of the phenylpyridine and arylisocyanide ligands in these polychromophic Ir(III) molecules.
3D Finite Element Modeling of Blast Wave Transmission from the External Ear to Cochlea.

As an organ that is sensitive to pressure changes, the ear is often damaged when a person is subjected to blast exposures resulting in hearing loss due to tissue damage in the middle ear and cochlea. While observation of middle ear damage is non-invasive, examining the damage to the cochlea is difficult to quantify. Previous works have modeled the cochlear response often when subjected to an acoustic pressure input, but the inner ear mechanics have rarely been studied when the ear is exposed to a blast wave. In this study we aim to develop a finite element (FE) model of the entire ear, particularly the cochlea, for predicting the blast wave transmission from the ear canal to cochlea. We utilized a FE model of the ear, which includes the ear canal, middle ear, and uncoiled two-chambered cochlea, to simulate the cochlear response to blast overpressure (BOP) at the entrance of the ear canal with ANSYS Mechanical and Fluent in a fluid–structure interface coupled analysis in the time domain. This model was developed based on previous middle and inner ear models, and the cochlea was remeshed to improve BOP simulation performance. The FE model was validated using experimentally measured blast pressure transduction from the ear canal to the middle ear and cochlea in human cadaveric temporal bones. Results from the FE model showed significant displacements of the tympanic membrane, middle ear ossicles, and basilar membrane (BM). The stapes footplate displacement was observed to be as high as 60 µm, far exceeding the displacement during normal acoustic stimulation, when the 30 kPa (4.35 psi, 183 dB (SPL), Sound Pressure Level) of BOP was applied at the ear canal entrance. The large stapes movement caused pressures in the cochlea to exceed the physiological pressure level [< 10 Pa, 120 dB (SPL)] at a peak of 49.9 kPa, and the BM displacement was on the order of microns with a maximum displacement of 26.4 µm. The FE model of the entire human ear developed in this study provides a computational tool for prediction of blast wave transmission from the ear canal to cochlea and the future applications for assisting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of blast-induced hearing loss.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Development and Intellectual Property - the World Economic and Social Survey 2018 and Beyond

The chapter calls for a rethinking of the trade-off between innovation and diffusion, with the focus on revisiting the current intellectual property (IP) institutions against the backdrop of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and sustainable development. The contention is underpinned by two observations. First, a review of empirical evidence has generally failed to find much effect of IP institutions, notably patents, on innovation – the raison d’etre of IP. While the incentivizing effect of IP on any given innovator’s R&D activities is indisputable, its effect on system-wide innovation could be counteracted by several factors. These include the adverse effects of IP institutions on innovation diffusion, follow-up innovations and competition, which could be partly attributed to the lack of clear boundaries of IP and the absence of efficient and liquid IP markets. As will be discussed in this chapter, these effects will likely become more salient in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Secondly, the increasingly restrictive global intellectual property rights (IPR) regime poses significant challenges to countries, especially developing ones, in accessing frontier technologies and fully participating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which would in all likelihood lead to greater technology and development gaps. It may also lead to failures in addressing global problems such as climate change due to the under-utilization of technologies that could provide effective solutions if appropriately diffused. This chapter concludes with a discussion on some of the options to revamp the market-based IP institutions that are directed at exclusivity and ownership, as well as alternative incentive mechanisms that seek to enable a wider diffusion of technologies without hampering innovation efforts.
Resolution of possible acquired protein S deficiency after viral suppression in HIV infection.

Current literature suggests an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in people living with HIV (PLWH) with poorly controlled viraemia and immunodeficiency. VTE treatment guidelines do not specifically address anticoagulation management in PLWH. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with an unprovoked pulmonary embolism (PE) and deemed protein S deficient. Three years later, she was diagnosed with AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was promptly initiated with viral suppression and immune reconstitution within 12 months. Eight years after her initial PE, the patient self-discontinued warfarin. Multiple repeat protein S values were normal. ART without anticoagulation has continued for 3 years with no thrombotic events. This case describes a patient with VTE presumably secondary to undiagnosed HIV with possible consequent acquired protein S deficiency. Additional research is needed to understand the characteristics of PLWH with VTE who may warrant long-term anticoagulation as opposed to shorter courses.
Acts, Dispositions, and Personality

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview on the act frequency approach and discusses the empirical and conceptual issues. Dispositional concepts have been viewed from three basic perspectives. The first and most prevalent is the purposive–cognitive concept of disposition, in which needs, beliefs, or desires constitute the focal attributes. A second concept of disposition is a hypothetical proposition, which invokes situational specifications in the explication of dispositions. The third basic form of dispositional concept is as a categorical summary statement. The act frequency approach modifies and extends the summary view of dispositions and fashions a general research program for personality psychology. The frequency analysis of dispositional constructs focuses on specifying the occurrence of acts within circumscribed categories over specified periods of observation. From a frequency perspective, no single act serves as a measure or index from which dispositional inferences can be drawn. Instead, multiple-act criteria consisting of composites of observed acts within each dispositional category over a specified period of observation, serve as the fundamental measures of an individual's dispositions. A fundamental division occurs in personality psychology in regard to the explanatory status of dispositions. Relations among three elements have been considered in philosophical treatments of this issue: (1) the disposition, (2) manifestations of the disposition, and (3) a causal account of dispositional manifestations.
Estimation of Biogenic Silica Concentrations Using Scanning XRF: Insights from Studies of Lake Malawi Sediments

The use of XRF measurements of Si and Ti to estimate biogenic silica contents of lake sediment is evaluated by comparison of datasets from Lake Malawi sediment cores spanning 25 kyr of deposition under a range of environmental conditions. This approach is particularly attractive as it offers a several hundred-fold reduction in labor required for these analyses. Silicon can be present in both clastic and biogenic phases, and these phases dilute one another, so a simple relationship to calibrate XRF results to estimate percent biogenic silica was developed. This requires selection of an appropriate element (or elements) to use as a proxy for clastic sedimentary phases. Paired %BSi and XRF Si and Ti data from a short core (~ 35 cm) were used to develop a calibration scale. This calibration was applied to a 25,000-year record to estimate %BSi from XRF results. Comparison of this calculated BSi record with measured %BSi indicates that calibration parameters can vary with depth in sediment due to changes in chemical and physical characteristics. XRF scanning counting times for Si are evaluated; typically these should be set to allow > 500 counts.
Building blocks for atomicity in electronic commerce

Atomicity is clearly a central problem for electronic commerce protocols -- we can not tolerate electronic commerce systems where money is arbitrarily created or destroyed. Moreover, these atomicity properties should be retained in the event of component failures in distributed systems. In this paper, we enumerate several classes of atomic protocols. We then give two fundamental building blocks for building atomic electronic commerce protocols: encryption-based atomicity and authority-based atomicity. We then illustrate these building blocks by considering variations of payment-server based protocols that use these different building blocks. The results give a contrast to the class of protocols that we have previously examined in our work with NetBill.
The Effect of Web-Based Homework on Test Performance in Large Enrollment Introductory Physics Courses

This study compares the effect of web-based homework (WBH) and paper-and-pencil homework (PPH) on student achievement as measured by exam performance. Various offerings of two large introductory physics sequences were examined over a three-year period, with some courses taught with PPH and some with WBH. We found that WBH offerings led to higher overall exam performance; the mean difference between WBH and PPH courses was about one-third of a typical exam standard deviation. In one WBH-PPH comparison, where there were matched final exams, the difference in exam performance was statistically significant. In addition, significant cost savings were realized in moving from PPH to WBH. Several mechanisms to explain the differential performance in favor of WBH are proposed.
Two-dimensional simulator for semiconductor lasers

A versatile two-dimensional simulator for continuous-wave semiconductor lasers has been developed. The simulator is capable of spectral analysis of quantum-well semiconductor lasers, such as gain-spectrum analysis, as well as analysis of the two-dimensional current flow and optical intensity pattern. The simulator is also capable of computing the internal two-dimensional temperature distribution of the laser. To develop the simulator, the authors have included a heat transfer equation for optoelectronic semiconductor devices and have developed a modified Scharfetter-Gummel algorithm which can solve the carrier-continuity equations with the temperature as an independent variable. They also have used the accurate photon rate equation for each Fabry-Perot mode. For the optical intensity pattern, they have directly solved the two-dimensional Helmholtz eigenvalue equation using the simultaneous iteration method. To demonstrate the simulator, a model graded-index separate-confinement-heterostructure buried-quantum-well laser is analyzed. >
Fully-microfabricated electromagnetically-actuated membrane for microspeaker

This paper presents an electromagnetically actuated membrane that can be microfabricated on silicon wafers in a batch process. The wax-bonded micromagnet suspended by a parylene diaphragm (7×7 mm2) is actuated by the Lorentz force when a current is applied to the dual-layer electroplated coils. Experimental results show that the electromagnetic actuation produces a flat frequency response of 0.3 µm peak-to-peak up to 400 Hz (with 1.5 µm peak-to-peak displacement at the resonant frequency of 420 Hz) for an applied current of 40.8 mA rms into the 52 Ω coil.
Synthesis of human progesterone receptors in T47D cells. Nascent A- and B-receptors are active without a phosphorylation-dependent post-translational maturation step.

Abstract Human progesterone receptors (PR) are structurally complex. At basal states there are two forms: A-receptors of approximately 94 kDa and B-receptors which are triplets of approximately 114, 117, and 120 kDa. All the proteins bind hormone and are phosphorylated. By using PR-rich T47Dco human breast cancer cells, pulse-labeling with [35S]methionine, and receptor immunopurification with anti-PR monoclonal antibodies, we show that PR are synthesized as single B-proteins of 114 kDa and single A-proteins of 94 kDa. The mature B-triplets form 6-10 h later by post-translational phosphorylation at sites restricted to the B-proteins. This slow maturation is not required for PR activation to hormone binding states, however, since A- and B-receptors that are less than 15 min old respond to progestins by undergoing transformation and nuclear binding accompanied by a rapid secondary phosphorylation common to both proteins. These studies explain the complex structure of the mature human B-receptors and the transformed A- and B-receptors, and address issues dealing with A- and B-proreceptor synthesis and receptor activation rates.
Dynamics and control methods for cooperating manipulators with rolling contacts

In this paper, the authors present a new control algorithm for multiple cooperating mechanisms manipulating a common object, with rolling contact between the end-effectors and the object. The algorithm is based on a new dynamic formulation, in which the rolling degrees of freedom between the end-effector and the object are modeled as one or more unactuated joints of the manipulator. Such an augmentation of the rolling contacts imparts each manipulator with additional degrees of freedom and could also make it kinematically redundant. This can be exploited for the satisfaction of a secondary subtask criterion such as collision avoidance. In addition, a control law can be specified that enables simultaneous control of the object trajectory, the internal forces in the object and the trajectories of the contact points on the object or the end-effecters.
D,L‐10‐Camphorsulfonyl Chloride

d,l-10-Camphorsulfonyl chloride product: 10-Camphorsulfonyl chloride Keywords: replacement reactions, hydroxy by halogen
Thromboxane A2 receptors in equine monocytes: identification of a new subclass of TXA2 receptors.

Absfract Thromboxane (TX) A2 has been implicated as an hnportant pathophysiologic mediator of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Monocytes synthesize TXA2 and it modulates their function. This study sought to characterize monocyte TXA2 receptors. Radioligand binding studies were performed on membranes prepared from equine peripheral blood monocytes using [‘251]BOP, a TXA2 receptor agonist. [‘251]BOP bound to a single class of binding sites (Ki = 1.0 ± 0.3 nM and Bm� = 389 ± 191 fmol/mg protein; n = 5). Several ‘I’XA2 receptor agonists and antagonists competed for binding with [‘251]BOP. IBOP produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of endotoxin-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity (1C50 = 9.6 ± 2.5 nM; n = 5). In contrast to its effects in platelets and vascular smooth muscle, 1-BOP significantly increased cAMP formation in monocytes (EC5O = 22±3.6 nM; n = 4). The TXA2 receptor antagonists SQ29548 (5.6 j.tM) and L657925 (0.13 jiM) significantly blocked 1-BOPstimulated cAMP formation but did not block 250 nM prostaglandin E2-stimulated cAMP formation. These data support the presence of a TXA2 receptor in equine peripheral blood monocytes. Activation of this receptor results in suppression of endotoxin-induced TNF formation and stimulation of cAMP production. Increased cAMP production after receptor activation suggests that this receptor may represent a unique subdass of ‘FXA2 receptors.J. I.eukoc. Biol. 53: 173-178; 1993.
Experiences teaching CS1 via the net

Starting in the fall of 1996, the author offered one Web-based section of the CS1 computer science course each semester. His objective was to provide distance-learning students access to CS1. He planned for the course to be presented asynchronously with students working at their own pace in order to be finished by the end of the semester. His experiences of teaching the CS1 course via the Internet are described in this paper.
Treatment of genitourinary tract infections with fluoroquinolones: clinical efficacy in genital infections and adverse effects.

Role of fluoroquinolones in the treatment of genital infections: Gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis infections, norgonococcal urethritis caused by other agents, pelvic inflammatory disease, chancroid, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, miscellaneous genital infections. Adverse effects of these agents when used for the treatment of genitourinary tract infections
Alternative Service Delivery Model: A Group Communication Training Series for Partners of Persons with Aphasia

Providing education and partner training for the primary communication partners of persons with aphasia is often challenging for medical-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Today's healthcar...
Are women who have had a preterm twin delivery at greater risk of a subsequent preterm delivery if pregnant with a singleton

OF A SUBSEQUENT PRETERM DELIVERY IF PREGNANT WITH A SINGLETON? FRANCESCA FACCO, KATE NASH, WILLIAM GROBMAN, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, Northwestern University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Chicago, Illinois OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preterm birth of twins is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in a subsequent singleton pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: All patients who delivered a twin followed by a singleton pregnancy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital between 6/1/1995 to 5/31/2005 were identified. Those women with a preterm delivery (less than 37 weeks) prior to the index pregnancy, or who delivered the index twin pregnancy prior to 20 weeks, iatrogenically preterm, or with a major fetal anomaly were excluded from further analysis. The women were then analyzed using a cohort study design, in which those whose twin delivery was preterm were compared with those whose twin delivery was term. Bivariable comparisons were made with the student t test and chi square analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-seven women were identified who delivered twins followed by a singleton and met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-nine (59%) of the initial twin deliveries were preterm. The women who delivered preterm twins were no different from those who delivered term twins with regard to age, race, significant past medical history, or number of prior term births. However, women who had delivered a preterm twin pregnancy were significantly more likely than those who had delivered a term twin pregnancy to deliver a subsequent preterm singleton pregnancy (13.1% versus 2.9%, odds ratio 5.0, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 22.9). CONCLUSION: Preterm birth of twins is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in a subsequent singleton pregnancy.
SU-FF-T-242: High-Throughput Computing in Condor Using a Nested Partitions Framework for IMRT Beam and Dose Optimization

Purpose: To utilize a High Throughput Computing (HTC) system to provide distributed computing on a network of computer workstations for a metaheuristic, Nested Partitions (NP), for beam angle selection (BAS) in IMRT.Method and Materials: An important feature of the NP approach is that its partition/sampling processes are naturally parallelized , allowing the integration of this powerful optimization methodology with high‐performance distributed environments such as the Condor system. Condor is a specialized workload management system that can used on existing computer networks for compute‐intensive jobs, allowing the submission of many jobs at the same time, and performing these jobs by locating and utilizing idle computers in the network. Our algorithm first solves an integer programming formulation of the BAS problem that uses aggregate mean organ‐at‐risk data. Based on this initial angle set, NP uses sampling on a partition of the global solution space to generate alternative angle sets that are distributed via Condor for evaluation via dose optimization. The corresponding dose optimization problems for the beam set samples are thus solved in parallel. NP repeats this procedure iteratively to obtain high quality angle sets for IMRT.Results: Compared to evaluating each beam angle set sequentially, parallel evaluation of the NP‐selected beam angle sets 2457_2via Condor on 15 workstations yielded a factor of 14 speedup. Overall, BAS for a difficult clinical case in this setting required 15–28 minutes. Using a weighted sum of percentage violations of DVH thresholds for OARs as an overall measure of solution quality, a 78% improvement (head‐and‐neck case) and a 30% improvement (pelvic case) were achieved over equally‐spaced beams. Conclusions: High‐quality beam angle sets for IMRT can be efficiently obtained in an automated manner by utilizing an HTC system on an existing computer network to implement an NP‐based metaheuristic. Conflict of Interest: N/A.
Use of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis to Improve Visual Guidance of Fine Hand Movements

PURPOSE. We studied the capabilities of the Argus II retinal prosthesis for guiding fine hand movement, and demonstrated and quantified guidance improvement when using the device over when not using the device for progressively less predictable trajectories. METHODS. A total of 21 patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), remaining vision no more than bare light perception, and an implanted Argus II epiretinal prostheses used a touchscreen to trace white paths on black backgrounds. Sets of paths were divided into three categories: right-angle/single-turn, mixedangle/single-turn, and mixed-angle/two-turn. Subjects trained on paths by using prosthetic vision and auditory feedback, and then were tested without auditory feedback, with and without prosthetic vision. Custom software recorded position and timing information for any contact that subjects made with the screen. The area between the correct path and the trace, and the elapsed time to trace a path were used to evaluate subject performance. RESULTS. For right-angle/single-turn sets, average tracing error was reduced by 63% and tracing time increased by 156% when using the prosthesis, relative to residual vision. With mixedangle/single-turn sets, error was reduced by 53% and time to complete tracing increased by 184%. Prosthesis use decreased error by 38% and increased tracing time by 252% for paths that incorporated two turns. CONCLUSIONS. Use of an epiretinal visual prosthesis can allow RP patients with no more than bare light perception to guide fine hand movement visually. Further, prosthetic input tends to make subjects slower when performing tracing tasks, presumably reflecting greater effort. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00407602.) (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:5095‐ 5101) DOI:10.1167/iovs.12-9536
Modeling Pinus edulis growth in a changing climate: Carbon dioxide, growing season length, and precipitation

Pinus edulis (pinyon pine) is a foundation tree species in the southwestern United States that has experienced high levels of mortality in a drought extending from the mid-1990s to the present. Despite high mortality levels, radial growth of pinyon pine in northern Arizona over the past century shows an increasing trend not found in four centuries of preindustrial growth. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) shows a strong correlation with recent radial growth, and a simple linear AR(1) model with only [CO2] as a covariate explains average yearly growth well. No climate variable except [CO2] has a consistent long-term trend that accounts for increasing radial growth, but growing season and precipitation are responsible for interannual variation in radial growth. Our goal is to understand how [CO2] and other climate variables, including drought severity, influence growth and survival of pinyon pine. To model and predict growth for individual pinyon pine trees, we adapted a hierarchical Bayesian state-space model from Clark et al. (2007) that incorporates both tree ring and diameter data. We included [CO2], water year precipitation, and an index of growing season length based on temperatures early and late in the growing season as covariates while adjusting for known size-related growth trends. Elevated [CO2], longer growing season, and wetter years are positively correlated with growth (parameter values and standard errors of 0.010 ± 0.000039, 0.0096 ± 0.000082, and 0.010 ± 0.000035, respectively). These trends are consistent with recent studies of growth patterns in other long-lived tree species in the western U.S. Ongoing analyses are evaluating interactions between [CO2] and precipitation to test the idea that rising CO2 may ameliorate growth reductions due to water stress.