cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Petrography of a Cayugan (Silurian) Stromatolite Mound and Associated Facies, Ohio

This algal stromatolite mound and associated facies are located along the southeast margin of the Michigan basin, on the Niagaran reef barrier that isolated the basin during the Cayugan (Salina sedimentation) Epoch. A petrographic study of 143 samples has shown eight major related microfacies which constitute the mound and associated facies: hemispherical stromatolite-constructed dolomite, both well- and poorly laminated; stromatolitic dolobreccia; flat stromatolite-constructed dolomite; grain-supported pelletoidal dolarenite; evaporitic dolosiltite; intraformational micro-dolobreccia; and grain-supported worm-tube dolarenite. These microfacies form five major depositional units. At the bottom of the stratigraphic section is the hemispherical stromatolite-constructed dolomite unit which forms the mound structure. The mound is overlain by the stromatolitic dolobreccia unit, which consists mainly of brecciated material similar to that forming the mound. This is overlain in turn by the flat stromatolite-constructed dolomite unit, the pelletoidal dolarenite unit, and the evaporitic dolosiltite unit, which is the typical Greenfield Dolomite. The environments represented by these units range from high intertidal or supratidal to shallow subtidal. The entire sequence is related to generally quiet, restricted, and penesaline conditions. Comparison with several Recent carbonate environment analogs, and use of Walther's Rule, suggest that a general transgressive phase of the five laterally juxtaposed environments would build the stratigraphic section described.
Perceived organizational support and work status: a comparison of the employment relationships of part-time and full-time employees attending university classes

Employees who were attending classes at a local university responded to measures of perceived organizational support, the content of their psychological contracts (e.g., relational and transactional obligations), social and economic exchange, the level of fulfillment of both employee and organizational obligations, and organizational commitment. Part-time employees (N=319) reported higher levels of perceived organizational support and stronger economic exchange relationships, while full-time employees (N=282) reported higher levels of continuance commitment—sacrifice and greater relational and transactional obligations to their organizations. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the strength of social exchange relationships, the levels of their organizations' relational and transactional obligations to them, the degree to which they had fulfilled their obligations to their organizations or their organizations had fulfilled their obligations to them, the level of continuance commitment—perceived alternatives, affective commitment, and normative commitment. There were no differences in the strength of the relations between perceived organizational support and the other exchange variables depending on work status. Overall, the findings suggested that social exchange processes operate similarly for part-time and full-time employees. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urologic Complications in More Than 2500 Kidney Transplantations Peformed at the Saint Barnabas Healthcare System

Abstract We report our urologic complications based on one urologist's experience during a 17-year period on more than 2500 ureteral reimplantation operations performed at the time of kidney transplant. Among 2548 ureteroneocystostomies performed by the transplant urologist, a 5.5% urologic complication rate was observed. This included vesicoureteral reflux (3%), ureteral strictures (1.3%), urine leak (0.9%), and uteropelvic junction obstruction (0.3%). The factors for low urologic complication rates include the use of a shorter segment of ureter using the Lich-Gregoir technique (compared to the Politano-Leadbetter technique) and the routine use of indwelling stents. In addition, having one transplant urologist performing all ureteral reimplantations and managing all urologic complications provided consistency in results.
Monolithic Spiral Transformers: A Design Methodology

A method to design spiral transformers is outlined. It utilizes simple inductance estimates in order to initially design the dimensions for the desired transformer, after which an EM simulation is used to extract s-parameters of the structure; a compact model is then extracted from the s-parameter results. A wideband compact model is proposed that is accurate up to the self-resonance frequency (SRF) of the structure. A 3-to-1 transformer is designed and its measured performance verified in a 0.18 mum RF CMOS process.
Relating genes to function: identifying enriched transcription factors using the ENCODE ChIP-Seq significance tool.

Motivation: Biological analysis has shifted from identifying genes and transcripts to mapping these genes and transcripts to biological functions. The ENCODE Project has generated hundreds of ChIP-Seq experiments spanning multiple transcription factors and cell lines for public use, but tools for a biomedical scientist to analyze these data are either non-existent or tailored to narrow biological questions. We present the ENCODE ChIP-Seq Significance Tool, a flexible web application leveraging public ENCODE data to identify enriched transcription factors in a gene or transcript list for comparative analyses. Implementation: The ENCODE ChIP-Seq Significance Tool is written in JavaScript on the client side and has been tested on Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Server-side scripts are written in PHP and leverage R and a MySQL database. The tool is available at http://encodeqt.stanford.edu. Contact: ude.drofnats@ettuba Supplementary information: Supplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
From molecules to phenotypes? – The promise and limits of integrative biology

Abstract Is integrative biology a good idea, or even possible? There has been much interest lately in the unification of biology and the integration of traditionally separate disciplines such as molecular and developmental biology on one hand, and ecology and evolutionary biology on the other. In this paper I ask if and under what circumstances such integration of efforts actually makes sense. I develop by example an analogy with Aristotle's famous four “causes” that one can investigate concerning any object or phenomenon: material (what something is made of), formal (what distinguishes that particular object from others), efficient (how was the object made) and final (why was the object made). The example is provided by ongoing research on different aspects of flowering time in the model system Arabidopsis, a small weed belonging to the mustard family. I show that understanding how flowering time is controlled is an epistemologically different sort of question from why and how it evolved, and that the two research agendas can be pursued largely independently of each other. Toward the end, I propose that the real goal of integrative biology is to understand the boundary layers between levels of biological analysis, something to which modern philosophy of science can contribute significantly. Ist integrative Biologie eine gute Idee, oder uberhaupt moglich? In letzter Zeit existiert ein groses Interesse an einer Vernetzung der Biologie und der Integration von traditionell separaten Disziplinen, wie der Molekular- und Entwicklungsbiologie auf der einen Seite und der Okologie und Evolutionsbiologie auf der anderen. In dieser Arbeit frage ich, ob und unter welchen Bedingungen solch eine Integration der Bemuhungen tatsachlich Sinn macht. An einem Beispiel entwickle ich eine Analogie zu Aristoteles beruhmten vier “Grunden”, mit denen man jedes betreffende Objekt oder Phanomen untersuchen kann: Material (aus was ist etwas gemacht), formal (was unterscheidet das betreffende Objekt von anderen), effizient (wie wurde das Objekt gemacht) und final (warum wurde das Objekt gemacht). Das Beispiel wird durch die laufende Forschung an unterschiedlichen Aspekten der Blutezeit im Modellsystem Arabidopsis geliefert, einem kleinen Kraut, das zu den Kreuzblutlern gehort. Ich zeige, dass das Verstandnis, wie die Blutezeit kontrolliert wird, eine epistemologisch andere Art von Frage ist, wie diejenige, warum und wie sie evolvierte, und dass die zwei Forschungsagendas weitgehend unabhangig voneinander verfolgt werden konnen. Zum Ende lege ich nahe, dass das wirkliche Ziel der integrativen Biologie ist, die Grenzschichten zwischen Bereichen biologischer Analyse zu verstehen, etwas wozu die moderne Wissenschaftsphilosophie einen signifikanten Beitrag leisten kann.
Complete post-traumatic ptosis: A mechanism for recovery?

Traumatic blepharoptosis, although considered relatively rare, is an entity which demands recognition if one is to achieve optimal results. Reports of levator injury following orbital, ocular, and adnexal surgery, as well as in cataract and blepharoplasty procedures, are well described. In most cases eventuating in complete ptosis, levator disinsertion is the anatomic correlate, the ptosis is usually permanent, and surgical intervention is often indicated. We have observed two cases of transient, complete post-traumatic ptosis which have recovered by 6 weeks with expectant management. We believe this entity to be more pervasive than the current literature seems to reflect and emphasis is placed on nonoperative therapy. This paper reviews the anatomical considerations relevant to the function of the levator complex as well as the possible mechanisms for its injury.
A quenching criterion for a multi-dimensional parabolic problem due to a concentrated nonlinear source

A multi-dimensional parabolic first initial-boundary value problem with a concentrated nonlinear source is studied. A criterion for its solution to quench, in a finite time t"q, everywhere on the concentrated nonlinear source only is given. An upper bound for t"q is also deduced. For illustration, an example is given.
Grass invasion causes rapid increases in ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage in a semiarid shrubland

Accurately predicting terrestrial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage requires understanding how plant invasions alter cycling and storage. A common, highly successful type of plant invasion occurs when the invasive species is of a distinctly different functional type than the native dominant plant, such as shrub encroachment throughout the western United States and annual grass invasions in Mediterranean shrublands, as studied here. Such invasions can dramatically transform landscapes and have large potential to alter C and N cycling by influencing storage in multiple pools. We used a manipulation of non-native annual grass litter within a shrub-dominated habitat in southern California (coastal sage scrub, CSS) to study how grass invasion alters ecosystem C and N storage. We added, removed, or left unchanged grass litter in areas of high and low invasion, then followed soil and vegetation changes. Grass litter greatly increased C and N storage in soil, aboveground native and non-native biomass. Aboveground litter storage increased due to the greater inputs and slower decomposition of grass litter relative to shrub litter; shading by grass litter further reduced decomposition of both non-native and native litter, which may be due to reduced photodegradation. Soil C and N pools in areas of high litter increased � 20% relative to low litter areas in the two years following manipulation and were generally sinks for C and N, while areas with low litter were sources. We synthesize our results into a C cycle of invaded and uninvaded areas of CSS and link changes in storage to increases in the soil fungi:bacteria ratio, increased plant inputs, and decreased litter loss. Overall, we show that grasses, especially through their litter, control important abiotic and biotic mechanisms governing C and N storage, with widespread implications for C sequestration and N storage in semiarid systems undergoing grass or shrub invasions.
A New Omomyid Primate from the Earliest Eocene of Southern England: First Phase of Microchoerine Evolution

A second species of the microchoerine omomyid genus Melaneremia, M. schrevei sp. nov. is described. It has been collected from the upper shelly clay unit of the Woolwich Formation, earliest Ypresian, Eocene, of Croydon, Greater London, UK. Phylogenetic analysis shows M. schrevei to be the most primitive member of the main clade of the Microchoerinae and demonstrates the initial dental evolution that separated this European subfamily from other omomyids. Calibration of the Woolwich upper shelly clay unit to the later part of the Paleocene—Eocene Thermal Maximum shows that speciation leading to the Microchoerinae took place within 170 ky of the beginning of the Eocene. Tentative identification of M. schrevei in the Conglomerat de Meudon of the Paris Basin suggests close time correlation with the upper part of the Woolwich Formation.
Rapid acquisition technique for MR elastography of the liver.

Abstract Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) of the liver is a novel noninvasive clinical diagnostic tool to stage fibrosis based on measured stiffness. The purpose of this study is to design, evaluate and validate a rapid MRE acquisition technique for noninvasively quantitating liver stiffness which reduces by half the scan time, thereby decreasing image registration errors between four MRE phase offsets. In vivo liver MRE was performed on 16 healthy volunteers and 14 patients with biopsy-proven liver fibrosis using the standard clinical gradient recalled echo (GRE) MRE sequence (MREs) and a developed rapid GRE MRE sequence (MREr) to obtain the mean stiffness in an axial slice. The mean stiffness values obtained from the entire group using MREs and MREr were 2.72 ± 0.85 kPa and 2.7 ± 0.85 kPa, respectively, representing an insignificant difference. A linear correlation of R 2 = 0.99 was determined between stiffness values obtained using MREs and MREr. Therefore, we can conclude that MREr can replace MREs, which reduces the scan time to half of that of the current standard acquisition (MREs), which will facilitate MRE imaging in patients with inability to hold their breath for long periods.
Risk and user preferences in winner determination

We discuss a solution to the winner determination problem which takes into account not only costs but also risk aversion of the agent that accepts the bids and works for tasks that have time and precedence constraints. We develop an equivalent unit approach to the group of tasks to analyze the system and use Expected Utility Theory as the basic mechanism for decision-making. Our theoretical and experimental analysis shows that Expected Utility is especially useful for choosing between cheap-but-risky and costly-but-safe bids. Moreover, we show how bids with similar costs and similar probabilities of being successfully completed but different time windows can be efficiently selected or rejected.
Designing large scale classifiers

In this study we present a design for hierarchical modular classifiers. The design features an algorithm which selects a set of exemplars. Using these exemplars the classification problem is decomposed into a family of disjoint subproblems. A classification module is trained for each subproblem. The collection of classification modules and a rule book for their use then comprise the resultant design.
MAPK p38 Regulates Transcriptional Activity of NF-κB in Primary Human Astrocytes via Acetylation of p65

MAPK-p38 plays an important role in inflammation. Several studies have shown that blocking p38 activity attenuates the transcriptional activity of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB without altering its DNA-binding activity. We have also observed that blocking p38 in human primary astrocytes suppresses the transcriptional but not the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB and down-regulates the expression of an NF-κB-dependent gene, inducible NO synthase. However, the molecular mechanism of p38-mediated regulation of NF-κB remains largely unknown. In this study, we delineate that p38 controls the transcriptional activity of NF-κB by regulating acetylation of p65, but not its phosphorylation. The combination of IL-1β and IFN-γ, previously shown to strongly induce inducible NO synthase in human primary astrocytes, induced p38-dependent phosphorylation of acetyltransferase coactivator p300, but not p65, and subsequent association of p300 with p65. Furthermore, immunocomplex-histone acetyltransferase assays demonstrated that cytokine-induced association of p65 with biologically active immunocomplex-histone acetyltransferase assay was dependent on p38. It has been previously reported that acetylation of p65 at K310 residue is important for transcriptional activity of NF-κB. Accordingly, we found that cytokine-induced association of p65 with p300 led to acetylation of p65 at K310. Because p38 regulated the association between p65 and p300, blocking p38 activity also led to attenuation of p65-K310 acetylation in cytokine-stimulated astrocytes. Taken together, this study illuminates a novel regulatory role of p38 during neuroinflammation where this MAP kinase controls acetylation of NF-κB p65 by regulating acetyltransferase activity of coactivator p300.
Mid-infrared electroluminescence from InAs type-I quantum wells grown on InAsP/InP metamorphic buffers

We report room-temperature (RT) electroluminescence (EL) from InAs/InAsxP1−x quantum well (QW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) over a wide wavelength range of 2.50–2.94 μm. We demonstrate the ability to accurately design strained InAs QW emission wavelengths while maintaining low threading dislocation density, coherent QW interfaces, and high EL intensity. Investigation of the optical properties of the LEDs grown on different InAsxP1−x metamorphic buffers showed higher EL intensity and lower thermal quenching for QWs with higher barriers and stronger carrier confinement. Strong RT EL intensity from LEDs with narrow full-width at half-maximum shows future potential for InAs QW mid-infrared laser diodes on InAsP/InP.
Analyzing Block Scheduling Heuristics for Perioperative Scheduling Flexibility: A Case Study Perspective

This study examines data mining as an extension of heuristic development to support continuous process improvement in perioperative scheduling. This paper identifies how dynamic technological activities of synthesis, analysis, and evaluation can highlight complex relationships within integrated information systems through existing patterns of associated organizational data. The identification of data patterns and subsequent human contextual understanding are contributing factors that yield opportunity for and re-enforce continuous process improvement within the perioperative services of a hospital. Based on a 72-month longitudinal study of a large 909 registered-bed teaching hospital, this case study investigates the impact of data mining to identify, qualify, and quantify block scheduling heuristic rules that improve perioperative scheduling flexibility. The theoretical and practical implications and/or limitations of this study's results are also discussed with respect to practitioners and researchers alike.
Managing Anemia in a Pediatric Office Practice: Part 2

1. George B. Segel, MD* 2. Michael G. Hirsh, MD† 3. Stephen A. Feig, MD‡ 1. *Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Hematology/Oncology 2. †Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Strong Children’s Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 3. ‡Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Hematology/Oncology, Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis. 2. Explain the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of sickle cell vaso-occlusion. 3. Delineate the reasons for the heightened susceptibility to infection in sickle cell disease. 4. Describe the biochemical basis for hemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. 5. Compare and contrast Diamond-Blackfan anemia and transient erythroblastopenia of childhood. Children’s hematologic and oncologic problems often present initially to the pediatrician. This article provides guidance for the diagnosis and office treatment of anemia and guidelines for follow-up and, where appropriate, referral to a subspecialist. Last month, part 1 considered iron deficiency, beta- and alpha-thalassemia trait, and hereditary spherocytosis. This month, part 2 considers sickle cell syndromes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and transient erythroblastopenia (Table 1⇓). These topics were proposed by practicing pediatricians in our communites as those of particular concern in their office practices. View this table: Table 1. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Disorders ### History and Physical Examination The severe sickle syndromes are most common among people of African or mixed African and Hispanic descent. Many states have newborn screening programs that detect hemoglobinopathies at birth. Beta-chain abnormalities, such as hemoglobins S, C, E, and beta-thalassemia, do not cause symptoms until the change from gamma-chain (fetal hemoglobin, alpha2 gamma2) production to beta-chain (alpha2beta2) production is nearly complete between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Therefore, children who have severe sickle syndromes and are homozygous for hemoglobin S or who are double heterozygous for hemoglobin S and other hemoglobins such as C, D, O-Arab, or beta-thalassemia usually develop symptoms during the second half of the first year of life. Symptoms of sickle cell diseases may result from the occlusion of blood vessels by sickling, from the anemia itself, or from a heightened susceptibility to infection. The vaso-occlusive symptoms can arise …
Recording sensory and motor information from peripheral nerves with Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays

Recording and stimulation via high-count penetrating microelectrode arrays implanted in peripheral nerves may help restore precise motor and sensory function after nervous system damage or disease. Although previous work has demonstrated safety and relatively successful stimulation for long-term implants of 100-electrode Utah Slanted Electrode Arrays (USEAs) in feline sciatic nerve [1], two major remaining challenges were 1) to maintain viable recordings of nerve action potentials long-term, and 2) to overcome contamination of unit recordings by myoelectric (EMG) activity in awake, moving animals. In conjunction with improvements to USEAs themselves, we have redesigned several aspects of our USEA containment and connector systems. Although further increases in unit yield and long-term stability remain desirable, here we report considerable progress toward meeting both of these goals: We have successfully recorded unit activity from USEAs implanted intrafascicularly in sciatic nerve for periods up to 4 months (the terminal experimental time point), and we have developed a containment system that effectively eliminates or substantially reduces EMG contamination of unit recordings in the moving animal. In addition, we used a 100-channel wireless recording integrated circuit attached to implanted USEAs to transmit broadband or spike-threshold data from nerve. Neural data thusly obtained during imposed limb movements were decoded blindly to drive a virtual prosthetic limb in real time. These results support the possibility of using USEAs in peripheral nerves to provide motor control and cutaneous or proprioceptive sensory feedback in individuals after limb loss or spinal cord injury.
Biocharts: Unifying Biological Hypotheses with Models and Experiments

Understanding how biological systems develop and function remains one of the main open scientific challenges of our times. An improved quantitative understanding of biological systems, assisted by computational models is also important for future bioengineering and biomedical applications. We present a computational approach aimed towards unifying hypotheses with models and experiments, allowing to formally represent what a biological system does (specification) how it does it (mechanism) and systematically compare to data characterizing system behavior(experiments). We describe our Biocharts framework geared towards supporting this approach and illustrate its application in several biological domains including bacterial colony growth, developmental biology, and stem cell population dynamics.
Economics and Health-based Environmental Standards

Many federal laws dealing with environment, safety, and health contain language directing that certain kinds of standards be set on the basis of health evidence alone. That is, economic considerations are not to be taken into account in setting these standards. This paper presents arguments in defense of this position and then suggests why these arguments are not convincing. In other words, it makes the case that regulators should strive to balance economic, health, and other considerations for sensible policymaking.
Feeding Gibberella Zeae Damaged Corn to Laying Hens

Abstract Two experiments studied the effects of feeding laying hens corn heavily damaged by Gibberella zeae. In Experiment 1, 50 S.C.W.L. hens were fed for 30 days a ration of 38% commercial concentrate and 62% of corn showing 35% visual Gibberella damage. A like number were fed a ration containing sound corn. Results form the feeding of the sound and damaged corn were, respectively: % hen-day production, 64 and 59; feed per bird per day (g.) 135 and 113; and feed per dozen eggs (g.), 2522 and 2304. No mortality occurred and no differences in egg weights were seen. In Experiment 2, 330 S.C.W.L. hens were fed a sound corn diet or a Gibberella damaged corn diet for 140 days. Visual kernel damage was 27 percent. Results from feeding the sound and damaged corn were respectively: % hen-day production, 78 and 75 (P Corn heavily damaged by Gibberella significantly reduced egg production and feed consumption. It appeared to reduce the amount of feed required to produce a dozen eggs, however, the differences were not significant. There was no adverse effect on egg weight or mortality.
Effects of ruminal inoculations with tannin-tolerant bacteria on fibre and nitrogen digestibility of lambs fed a high condensed tannin diet

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of dosing unadapted lambs with tannin-tolerant bacteria to improve the digestibility of a high condensed tannin (CT) diet. During the initial phase (metabolism study), a diet containing 30% peanut skins was fed to two groups of Suffolk FinnDorset ram lambs that were about three months old and weighed an average of 24.2 1.4 kg. All animals received 150 ml of a culture (A600 of 1.0) of a Gram positive rod (a close relative of Eubacterium cellulosolvens) that was able to tolerate 0.5 g/l of purified CT from Desmodium ovalifolium. The control group (7 animals) was inoculated with autoclaved bacteria. The treatment group (6 animals) was inoculated with actively growing bacteria. Inoculations were made daily during a three-week period. Dry matter intake (DMI) was 55.4 and 64.9 g/kg 0.75 /day for the control and treatment group, respectively, (P = 0.13). Digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was similar between treatments. Crude protein intake (P = 0.10) and CP retention (P = 0.07) were higher for animals inoculated with live bacteria. The CP retention/CP intake ratio was also higher for animals inoculated with the live bacteria (P = 0.07). To investigate carry-over effects on animal performance due to the bacterial inoculations after the metabolism study, the animals were kept in metabolism cages, but they received no supplemental bacteria. During a subsequent two-week period, the animals continued to receive the high CT diet. Dry matter and CP intake, as well as the feed : gain ratio, were similar between the groups of animals. Finally, for a second two-week period, the animals were fed a low CT (normal) diet without peanut skins. Dry matter intake was 92.9 and 88.6 g/kg 0.75 /day for the control and treatment groups, respectively (P = 0.14). Crude protein intake and feed : gain ratio were similar between the two groups of animals. # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Fully Bayesian analysis of the relevance vector machine with an extended hierarchical prior structure

Abstract This paper proposes an extended hierarchical hyperprior structure for kernel regression with the goal of solving the so-called Neyman–Scott problem inherent in the now very popular relevance vector machine (RVM). We conjecture that the proposed prior helps achieve consistent estimates of the quantities of interest, thereby overcoming a limitation of the original RVM for which the estimates of the quantities of interest are shown to be inconsistent. Unlike the majority of other authors in this area who typically use an empirical Bayes approach for RVM, we adopt a fully Bayesian approach. Our consistency claim at this stage remains only a conjecture, to be proved theoretically in a subsequent paper. However, we use a computational argument to demonstrate the merits of the proposed solution.
INVERSION FOR SLIP DISTRIBUTION USING TELESEISMIC P WAVEFORMS: NORTH PALM SPRINGS, BORAH PEAK, AND MICHOACAN EARTHQUAKES

We have inverted the teleseismic P waveforms recorded by stations of the Global Digital Seismograph Network for the 8 July 1986 North Palm Springs, California, the 28 October 1983 Borah Peak, Idaho, and the 19 September 1985 Michoacan, Mexico, earthquakes to recover the distribution of slip on each of the faults using a point-by-point inversion method with smoothing and positivity constraints. In the inversion procedure, a fault plane with fixed strike and dip is placed in the region of the earthquake hypocenter and divided into a large number of subfaults. Rupture is assumed to propagate at a constant velocity away from the hypocenter, and synthetic ground motions for pure strike-slip and dip-slip dislocations are calculated at the teleseismic stations for each subfault. The observed seismograms are then inverted to obtain the distribution of strike-slip and dip-slip displacement for the earthquake. Results of the inversion indicate that the Global Digital Seismograph Network data are useful for deriving fault dislocation models for moderate to large events. However, a wide range of frequencies, which includes periods shorter than those within the passband of the long-period Global Digital Seismograph Network instruments, is necessary to infer the distribution of slip on the earthquake fault. Although the long-period waveforms define the size (dimensions and seismic moment) of the earthquake, data at shorter periods provide additional constraints on the variation of slip on the fault. Dislocation models obtained for all three earthquakes are consistent with a heterogeneous rupture process where failure is controlled largely by the size and location of high-strength asperity regions.
The Anatomy of Contract Damages and Efficient Breach Theory

This article simplifies the confusing array of modern contract damage rules and provides an analytic structure for evaluating whether breach is profitable and efficient in complicated cases. The single proposed rule replaces the multiplicity of rules designed for different factual contexts that are followed by courts and perpetuated by the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC"). The proposed approach to contract damages reflects the traditional underlying policy of common law and statutory contract damage rules, which is to place the injured party in as satisfactory a position as if the breaching party had performed. The rules governing the calculation of contract damages presented in this article avoid historical characterization of the "interests" involved in different damage measures. The "expectation," "reliance," and "restitution" interests underlying the traditional conceptualization of contract damages add only confusion to understanding the relevant rules. The model developed in this article only implicitly recognizes the interests involved. It focuses instead on the substance of what the law accomplishes. While this article's approach to contract damages greatly simplifies the understanding and calculation of damages, it also makes possible analysis of the incentives created by contract damage rules in complex cases. The article explores the remarkably close relationship between the structure of contract damage rules, the conditions for when breach is profitable, and the conditions for when breach is desirable. By way of a mathematical model, the article demonstrates that contract damage rules always yield incentives promoting breach only when breach is efficient. It substitutes a surplus-based conceptualization of contract damage law for the interest-based analysis that dominates the modern theory of contract damages.
Reply to: Assessment of pouch and stoma size in weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Fig. 1. Articulating instrument measuring the diameter of the gastric stoma. This device is not commercially available and was obtained for research purposes. Each light and dark mark on the articulating measuring bar is 2 mm wide. To the Editor: We thank Uittenbogaart et al. for their interest in our article. In our series of salvage banding in cases of weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), data of endoscopic and/or radiologic assessment of the gastric pouch and stoma were presented [1]. As we mentioned in the Methods section, there are no standardized or validated criteria for determining abnormal versus normal size of the pouch and stoma size after RYGB. There is clearly a need for long-term prospective data that provides data about the relevance of pouch and stoma size in the durability of weight loss. Specifically, the association of pouch and stoma size to good versus poor responders after RYGB is needed and must be performed using standardized methods of measurements [1,2]. In the current report, the methods and criteria we used were based on our clinical experience, and there is admittedly an inherent bias present when studying only patients who have had a poor long-term result. As we previously reported, the gastric pouch and stoma dimensions were endoscopically measured using an articulating measuring instrument (Fig. 1) [3]. For the radiologic assessment of the pouch/stoma, the pouch is maximally distended under continuous fluoroscopy. For maximal distention of the pouch and assessment of the anastomosis, 1–4 oz of barium is usually needed. If the pouch immediately emptied into the jejunum, additional contrast is given orally to distend the pouch maximally [4]. For the purpose of this retrospective study, the findings from the upper gastrointestinal contrast studies were obtained from the written radiology reports. Of note, there are other studies reporting various techniques on measurement of the gastric pouch and stoma after RYGB [2–5]. Until standardized and validated techniques are available to investigators to accurately measure pouch and stoma size in an easy, cost-effective way, the challenges of interpreting this type of data will remain and the
A Field Experiment on Using Messaging and Virtual Rewards to Increase User Participation on NanoHUB.org

We conducted an experiment with 30,000 users of a virtual nanotechnology facility, nanoHUB.org. We investigate the effect of virtual points and message framing on user participation in a survey. In one treatment, users receive points for completing the survey. In another treatment, users are exposed to a visual observation cue. We vary the social message, either emphasizing the private benefit to the user or the social benefit to the community of participation. Participation rates are increased through virtual points and for users receiving the private benefit messaging. The observation cue doesn’t have an effect.
Late-season Damage to Soybeans by Threecornered Alfalfa Hopper (Homoptera: Membracidae) Adults and Nymphs

Field tests were conducted in 1983 and 1984 to determine effect of late-season feeding damage by adults and nymphs of the threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), on yield of soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Damage and subsequent yield reduction caused by S. festinus were partitioned into damage caused by nymphs versus adults by controlling the second generation on soybeans at different stages in its development. In 1983, yield reductions averaged ca. 342 kg/ha, with the nymphs responsible for 46.4 ± 16.7% (±SEM) of the reduction. In 1984, yield reduction of 134.5 kg/ha occurred although S. festinus populations reached only 60% of the current threshold, indicating a need to modify the threshold level. Proper timing of control measures, possible effect of reinfestation populations, cause of yield reduction, and the need to modify sampling strategy and the threshold to account for damage by nymphs are also discussed.
NON-REFLECTING BOUNDARY CONDITIONS BASED ON THE SPACE-TIME CE/SE METHOD FOR FREE SHEAR FLOWS

The evolution of a perturbed free shear flow is simulated using the 2-D Euler solver constructed based on the space-time conservation element and solution element (S-T CE/SE) method. The non-reflecting boundary conditions in different formulations based on the S-T CE/SE method, which are simpler than those based on the characteristic theory, are examined in detail.
Data Analysis of The Third National Retrospective Sampling Death Survey I:Main Death of Hubei Population

Objective To investigate the component and the characteristics of all death causes mainly comprised of malignant tumors in population of Hubei Province.Methods The all death from 2004 to 2005 were investigated with the retrospective sampling in 9 urban and rural surveyed locations.Results Total mortality of Hubei population was 5.88.The main death were cerebrovascular diseases,malignant tumors,respiratory diseases,cardiac disease and injury and intoxicant,respectively.Conclusion The mortality of cerebrovascular diseases and cancer,were on the first and second places,separately.The two diseases caused more than 50 percent of the total number of urban and rural residents deaths in Hubei Province.
Quadriceps contusions in young athletes. Relation of severity of injury to treatment and prognosis.

Army cadets who had sports injuries to their quadriceps femoris during one academic year were grouped according to the severity of the contusion-mild, moderate, or severe. The extent to which knee flexion was limited ( 120 degrees) corresponded to the severity of injury as did time lost from duty. Sixty-five injuries were found—forty-seven mild, seven moderate, and eleven severe. The patients with moderately severe injuries had thirty-three to ninety-five days of disability and those with severe injury twenty-eight to 180 days. Myositis ossificans was more common in patients with severe injuries and those with moderate injuries (thirteen of the eighteen patients), but it did not correlate with the duration of disability and none of the patients had permanent disability.
Walking the Tightrope Between Suppressing Ischemia and Minimizing Bleeding.

In today’s practice a growing emphasis has been placed on the risk of bleeding arising from therapies aimed at suppressing thrombotic and ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in patients requiring concomitant oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC). In an ideal
CHAPTER 53 – Parathyroid Function in the Normal Aging Process

This chapter summarizes the changes in parathyroid function with aging. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum concentrations clearly increase with age in a parallel manner in women and in men. At a functional and anatomic level, this is because of some degree of parathyroid hyperplasia in elderly persons. Indirect and direct evidence implicates the age-related increase in serum PTH in mediating at least part of the age-related increase in bone turnover and bone loss. If bone resorption is more dependent on serum PTH in the elderly compared to the young women, then the decrease in bone resorption markers following suppression of PTH secretion by an intravenous calcium infusion should be greater in the elderly women. Though vitamin D deficiency and impaired renal1α-hydroxylase activity resulting in deficient 1, 25 dihydroxyvitamin 2 D production may contribute to the secondary hyperparathyroidism in some elderly individuals, age-associated changes in calcium homeostasis, related to long-term sequelae of sex steroid deficiency, are a major cause of the secondary hyperparathyroidism of aging.
Developing an Empirically-based Framework of Metadata Change and Exploring Relation between Metadata Change and Metadata Quality in MARC Library Metadata

Managing metadata quality and metadata change contributes to more effective knowledge management in various organizations. This study sought to test and refine the metadata change framework initially developed for characterizing the change in digit al library metadata, in the study of traditional library metadata. As well, the study investigates how the recent shift to the new resource description standard Resource Description and Access (RDA) has impacted the change in library metadata records. Using a content analysis approach, we assessed various quantitative and qualitative aspects of metadata change over time in library metadata records. The study reveals that in the time since the transition to the new standard, library metadata records have received a high level of attention from metadata editors as expressed in overall metadata change frequency and a variety of 3 change categories and 23 subcategories observed. Results suggests the most frequently occurring categories and subcategories of change within the library metadata records, the metadata fields most widely applied in the records and the ones most often undergoing changes, as well as the institutions that most often make changes to the records. Based on the changes observed in our study, we identify relations between specific metadata change categories and subcategories and metadata quality criteria of accuracy, completeness, and consistency. The directions for further research into library metadata change and connections between metadata change categories and metadata quality criteria are suggested.
Timing alignment study of PMT-Quadrant-Sharing (PQS) detectors for time-of-flight PET

We developed a digital signal processing method to measure the coincidence timing resolution of a 13×13 (4×4×20 mm3) PQS LYSO block coupled with Hamamatsu R9779 PMT and investigated the time alignment effect. A single LYSO (4×4×20 mm3) coupled with R9779 was used as a timing measurement reference which has a resolution of 214 ps (FHWM). Signals from PMTs were captured by oscilloscope and analyzed in Labview. Linear fitting and extrapolation to the baseline of the pulse rising edge was used to get the pulse arrival time. By adjusting the output cable length of each PMT, the timing resolution of each crystal in the block was measured with both aligned and unaligned PMT timing. The relationship between the timing resolution of each crystal and the delay time of one of the four PMT was investigated. The result shows that a timing misalignment of 500 ps only worsens the timing resolution by 20 ps. Further more, the regional timing variance on the photocathode of R9779 was also measured by coupling a single LYSO to different locations on its glass window. The coincidence timing resolutions of the 13×13 block with two set-ups of different PMT rotational orientations were compared. The result shows that the timing response difference on the photocathode of R9779 which was measured to be 110 ps has no obvious effect to the timing resolution.
A Bayesian finite mixture change-point model for assessing the risk of novice teenage drivers

The driving risk during the initial period after licensure for novice teenage drivers is typically the highest but decreases rapidly right after. The change-point of driving risk is a critical parameter for evaluating teenage driving risk, which also varies substantially among drivers. This paper presents latent class recurrent-event change-point models for detecting the change-points. The proposed model is applied to the Naturalist Teenage Driving Study, which continuously recorded the driving data of 42 novice teenage drivers for 18 months using advanced in-vehicle instrumentation. We propose a hierarchical BFMM to estimate the change-points by clusters of drivers with similar risk profiles. The model is based on a non-homogeneous Poisson process with piecewise-constant intensity functions. Latent variables which identify the membership of the subjects are used to detect potential clusters among subjects. Application to the Naturalistic Teenage Driving Study identifies three distinct clusters with chang...
Outcomes for Arthroscopic Treatment of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine (Subspine) Hip Impingement

Background:Femoroacetabular hip impingement (FAI) is now well recognized; however, anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS; or subspine) impingement is a form of hip impingement that is underrecognized...
The Untapped Potential of the Nurse Practitioner Workforce in Reducing Health Disparities

The growing nurse practitioner (NP) workforce represents a significant supply of primary care providers, who if optimally utilized, are well-positioned to improve access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities. However, many barriers affect the optimal utilization of NPs in primary care delivery. These barriers may also prevent NPs from maximally contributing to efforts to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. Our review of the empirical and health policy literature sought to elucidate factors that affect NPs' potential and ability to narrow or eliminate health disparities. We found that restrictive state scope of practice regulations, disparate reimbursement policies, lack of NP workforce diversity, and poor organizational structures in NP practices may limit NPs' contributions to current efforts to reduce disparities. Our results led to the development of the nurse practitioner health disparities model which identifies barriers to and opportunities for optimal use of NPs in reducing racial and ethnic disparities. State and federal policymakers and administrators in health-care settings should take actions to remove legislative and organizational barriers to enable NPs to deliver high-quality care to racial and ethnic minorities. Researchers can use the nurse practitioner health disparities model to produce empirical evidence to reduce health disparities and improve population health.
Real-time contact force distribution using a polytope hierarchy in the grasp wrench set

Abstract This paper presents an efficient approach to contact force distribution, which is aimed at computing optimal contact forces to generate the required wrench for grasping an object. It has been derived in the previous work that this problem can be reduced to computing the intersection of the ray originating from the origin along the required wrench with the boundary of the grasp wrench set. Noticing that the grasp wrench set is fixed once contact positions are determined, we propose an algorithm to pre-compute a hierarchy of polytopes in the grasp wrench set and a list of facets from the interior of the grasp wrench set to its boundary. Then, the ray’s intersection can be quickly found by searching the list of facets and optimal contact forces can be computed in real time. Numerical examples show that the online computation of the proposed approach is one order of magnitude faster than the latest algorithm to compute the ray’s intersection and two orders of magnitude faster than general-purpose optimization algorithms. This approach to contact force distribution is an iterative solution that can run until reaching a desired accuracy.
The Himalayan Ice Stupa: Ladakh's Climate-adaptive Water Cache

In Ladakh, northern India, the recent development of an “ice stupa” suggests a new model for climate-adaptive design thinking. Here, the region's shrinking supply of glacial meltwater has led to th...