cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB-191: Association of anti-estrogen therapy in breast cancer patients and subsequent risk of rheumatoid arthritis: An electronic health record study

Background: The use of anti-estrogen (AE) therapies (selective estrogen receptor modulators [SERMs], aromatase inhibitors [AIs]) in breast cancer (BC) patients was recently associated with risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (J Rheum 2015;42:55-9). We attempted to replicate and extend these results using electronic health record (EHR) enhanced cancer registry data that assessed specific AE therapies and also accounted for potential confounding by age, smoking status, and chemotherapy use. Methods: Using cancer registry and EHR data, we identified a cohort of BC patients who were newly diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 1998-2011 and had no previous diagnosis of RA. Smoking status at diagnosis, BC treatments and RA at diagnosis and during follow-up were identified using validated EHR-based algorithms. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from a multivariate Cox model were used to estimate the association of AE use with risk of RA, controlling for age, smoking status at BC diagnosis, and BC chemotherapy use. Results: The analytic cohort of 9,244 newly diagnosed BC patients treated and followed at Mayo Clinic had a median age at diagnosis of 59 years (range 18-97); 32% were smokers; and 29% were treated with chemotherapy. During a median follow-up of 49 months (range 1-191), 19 patients developed RA. Compared to BC patients not receiving any AE therapy, those receiving AI monotherapy, but not SERM monotherapy or both SERMs and AIs, were at significantly increased risk of developing RA (Table). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the use of AIs for BC therapy, but not SERMs or SERMs followed by AIs, is associated with increased risk for development of RA, when controlling for smoking status and use of chemotherapy. While needing replication, these findings suggest a specific role for AIs in RA development and suggest pathways that could be targeted to prevent this potential treatment complication. Citation Format: Matthew K. Breitenstein, Ming-Fen Ho, Richard M. Weinshilboum, James R. Cerhan, Jyotishman Pathak, Tim Bongartz, Liewei Wang, James N. Ingle. Association of anti-estrogen therapy in breast cancer patients and subsequent risk of rheumatoid arthritis: An electronic health record study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-191. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-191
Molecular Profiling of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hypothalamic Neurones Provides Developmental Insights into Genetic Loci for Body Weight Regulation.

Recent data suggest that common genetic risks for metabolic disorders such as obesity may be human-specific and exert effects via the central nervous system. To overcome the limitation of human tissue access for study, we have generated induced human pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures that recapture many features of hypothalamic neurones within the arcuate nucleus. In the present study, we have comprehensively characterised this model across development, benchmarked these neurones to in vivo events, and demonstrate a link between obesity risk variants and hypothalamic development. The dynamic transcriptome across neuronal maturation was examined using microarray and RNA sequencing methods at nine time points. K-means clustering of the longitudinal data was conducted to identify co-regulation and microRNA control of biological processes. The transcriptomes were compared with those of 103 samples from 13 brain regions reported in the Genotype-Tissue Expression database (GTEx) using principal components analysis. Genes with proximity to body mass index (BMI)-associated genetic variants were mapped to the developmentally expressed genesets, and enrichment significance was assessed with Fisher's exact test. The human neuronal cultures have a transcriptional and physiological profile of neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide arcuate nucleus neurones. The neuronal transcriptomes were highly correlated with adult hypothalamus compared to any other brain region from the GTEx. Also, approximately 25% of the transcripts showed substantial changes in expression across neuronal development and potential co-regulation of biological processes that mirror neuronal development in vivo. These developmentally expressed genes were significantly enriched for genes in proximity to BMI-associated variants. We confirmed the utility of this in vitro human model for studying the development of key hypothalamic neurones involved in energy balance and show that genes at loci associated with body weight regulation may share a pattern of developmental regulation. These data support the need to investigate early development to elucidate the human-specific central nervous system pathophysiology underlying obesity susceptibility.
Thermal Expansion Characteristics of Some Plastic Materials and Composites from Room Temperature to -253°C

In order to predict the expansion characteristics of filled plastics, the system must be analyzed to the extent that the resultant expansion characteristics and elastic moduli of all chemical combinations are known or predicted, and the problem is reduced to determining the result of the various expansion forces as they interact. With the formation of unknown compounds in unknown quantities as the components are mixed and cured, the uncertainty of the effectiveness of adhesive bonds and the complex geometry of mechanical interactions, the analysis is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Experimental data are needed, therefore, not only to evaluate specific composites but also to aid in the understanding of the factors which affect the expansions of these materials.
HYBRID IVUS/OCT: “PROBING” THE FUTURE

Background: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are imaging modalities used to guide coronary artery stenting, examine intravascular anatomy, and assess plaque morphology. While each has its limitations, a combined IVUS-OCT imaging sensor can exploit the high
Distribution feeder upgrade deferral through use of energy storage systems

A method for determination of the optimal deployment of battery energy storage systems for the purpose of deferral of feeder capacity upgrades is developed, together with determination of the economic consequences of such deferral. This work resulted in a practical software planning platform for utility engineers. Through this work it was learned that there may be an optimal deferral period for a given situation which yields the maximum benefit. This study also reveals that the annual rate of load increase and the cost per unit length for the feeder upgrade have critical impacts on the benefits. Under a low rate of load increase with a high cost of feeder upgrade, the deferral economic benefits may be substantial.
Instituting a Surgical Skills Competition Increases Technical Performance of Surgical Clerkship Students Over Time.

Introduction Surgical skills training varies greatly between institutions and is often left to students to approach independently. Although many studies have examined single interventions of skills training, no data currently exists about the implementation of surgical skills assessment as a component of the medical student surgical curriculum. We created a technical skills competition and evaluated its effect on student surgical skill development. Methods Second-year medical students enrolled in the surgery clerkship voluntarily participated in a surgical skills competition consisting of knot tying, laparoscopic peg transfer, and laparoscopic pattern cut. Winning students were awarded dinner with the chair of surgery and a resident of their choice. Individual event times and combined times were recorded and compared for students who completed without disqualification. Disqualification included compromising cutting pattern, dropping a peg out of the field of vision, and incorrect knot tying technique. Timed performance was compared for 2 subsequent academic years using Mann-Whitney U test. Results Overall, 175 students competed and 71 students met qualification criteria. When compared by academic year, 2015 to 2016 students (n = 34) performed better than 2014 to 2015 students (n = 37) in pattern cut (133 s vs 167 s, p = 0.040), peg transfer (66 s vs 101 s, p Conclusions Implementation of an incentivized surgical skills competition improves student technical performance. Further research is needed regarding long-term benefits of surgical competitions for medical students.
Telerehabilitation system to support multipronged exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis

Recent studies demonstrated that multipronged exercise interventions comprising aerobic, resistance and corrective therapeutic components resulted in endurance and strength improvement and reduction of fatigue and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, telerehabilitation support of multipronged exercise programs in PwMS has received limited attention. The goal of this project was to introduce telerehabilitation support of individualized multipronged exercise programs and to assess feasibility assessment of the initial prototype in PwMS. In this project, design of telerehabilitation system supporting individualized multipronged exercise program was introduced and its feasibility was assessed in PwMS. Our results indicated high level of acceptance of the system by these patients. On average, it took about 1–2 minutes for the patients to complete the study tasks essential for system operation. They were able to successfully use the system and follow their individualized exercise prescription. The resulting system will have to undergo a definitive systematic evaluation in randomized clinical trial to demonstrate its clinical impact.
Understanding the Disparate Behavioral Consequences of LMX Differentiation: The Role of Social Comparison Emotions

The burgeoning literature on LMX differentiation has demonstrated positive and negative cross-level outcomes depending on specific boundary conditions. Although this research has provided key insig...
RTVirt: enabling time-sensitive computing on virtualized systems through cross-layer CPU scheduling

Virtualization enables flexible application delivery and efficient resource consolidation, and is pervasively used to build various virtualized systems including public and private cloud computing systems. Many applications can benefit from computing on virtualized systems, including those that are time sensitive, but it is still challenging for existing virtualized systems to deliver application-desired timeliness. In particular, the lack of awareness between VM host- and guest-level schedulers presents a serious hurdle to achieving strong timeliness guarantees on virtualized systems. This paper presents RTVirt, a new solution to time-sensitive computing on virtualized systems through cross-layer scheduling. It allows the two levels of schedulers on a virtualized system to communicate key scheduling information and coordinate on the scheduling decisions. It enables optimal multiprocessor schedulers to support virtualized time-sensitive applications with strong timeliness guarantees and efficient resource utilization. RTVirt is prototyped on a widely used virtualization framework (Xen) and evaluated with diverse workloads. The results show that it can meet application deadlines (99%) or tail latency requirements (99.9th percentile) nearly perfectly; it can handle large numbers of applications and dynamic changes in their timeliness requirements; and it substantially outperforms the existing solutions in both timeliness and resource utilization.
Ground truthing the environmental benefits of a polygeneration system: When to combine heat and power?

Abstract Energy systems are major contributors to critical environmental problems including climate change and air pollution. Over half of global energy end use is in the form of heat, three-quarters of which is from fossil fuels. We assess different ways to provide heat, cooling, and electricity to a university campus, comparing lifecycle primary energy requirements, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and particulate matter impacts. For this case study, replacing cogeneration of cooling, heat, and power with grid electricity and building level heating and cooling can reduce GHG emissions by 30%, while cogeneration of heating and cooling in an electrically powered heat recovery chiller system with thermal energy storage can reduce GHG emissions by 45%. GHG reductions from grid electricity remain even if it is assumed to come from more carbon intensive marginal electricity generation. Prominent factors affecting the environmental benefits of polygeneration are identified, most notably the fuel mix and energy efficiency of regional grid electricity, and combined heat and power system efficiency. Thermal energy storage adds resilience to the system while reducing environmental impacts. A heuristic charts the viability of combined versus separate heat and power production for a general case, based on cogeneration efficiency and regional electricity carbon intensity. Low carbon grid electricity strengthens the case for a shift in polygeneration systems from combined heat and power to combined heating and cooling.
Contestations of Space: Developing a Twenty-First Century Indigenous Cartographic Practice

Although technology is changing the way maps are made and viewed, maps themselves are not a new invention. Throughout history, communities have made maps for a variety of purposes. For western cultures, the process of creating a map is primarily a political act, as maps are used to set boundaries and limits of governmental authority. In fact, mapping was one of the colonial tools used to establish European hegemony over the ‘New’ World and to systematically move land from Indigenous to European hands.
An Sn Spatial Discretization Scheme for Tetrahedral Meshes

A lumped, linear discontinuous spatial discretization for Sn calculations on tetrahedral meshes is described. This method is designed for applications such as thermal radiative transfer, where resi...
Flexible Magnetic Microswimmers

Swimming is a necessary condition for the survival of many living organisms. It is their way to move and find a new medium that is favorable. Natural selection has allowed for the development of various means of motion that are suitable to the medium in which the organisms evolve. Nevertheless, these propulsion strategies share some common features at every scale and in every environment. In most cases, these strategies correspond to periodical deformations, which induce motion. Human beings simply move their legs in a repetitive manner, birds flap their wings, and fishes swing their tail. In these last two examples, the beatings induce flow recirculations in the surrounding fluid that allow the organism to displace itself. In a large number of cases, the forces that are used to propel the organisms are inertial forces for which the viscosity of the surrounding fluid does not matter much. In contrast to these organisms, microscopic organisms such as spermatozoa or bacteria cannot use inertial effects to propel themselves. In their case, only viscous effects matter; this is the reason why strategies for propulsion at the microscopic level are very different from the strategies used for propulsion at the macroscopic level. In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number is the pertinent quantity, which allows us to estimate whether inertial or viscous effects are the predominant forces. The Reynolds number is defined by R e = ρLν/η , where L is the characteristic length of the object under investigation, v is its velocity, η is the viscosity of the surrounding fluid, and ρ is its density.
Associations among community college students’ technology apprehension and achievement emotions in developmental education courses

The saturation of technology in learning environments can create feelings of apprehension in students who are not technologically savvy, especially for community college students who may meet basic...
Longitudinal Analysis of Linguistic flexibility of Value-motivated Groups

Increasing globalization of the world leads to an emerging need for ways to analysis and understand groups from different cultures and ideologies. Researchers have used written text as a medium to examine political discourse and analyze value-motivated groups. Previous works showed that computational linguistic analysis can be performed to infer the flexibility of value-motivated groups from their writings. The main premise of these works is that text can bring insights into individuals’ and groups’ way of thinking, and potentially, behaviour. While existing works provide viable solutions for characterizing groups’ ideological behaviour, they perform their analyses over all text published by the groups. However, researchers have found that religious and value-motivated groups can’t be analyzed collectively as they regularly evolve. To address this gap, we analyze the performance of existing methods to single documents. Experimental results show that previous features (e.g., use of pronouns and judgment statements) used to predict groups’ flexibility are less predictive for single documents’ flexibility. We show that a newly added feature regarding the identity of a group provides a significant contribution to the prediction process. Furthermore, due to the unbalanced nature of our data, we propose a weighting scheme for linear regression based on the inter-group variance. Results indicate that a weighted least squares significantly outperforms a traditional least squares approach. This work brings new insights into the characteristics of different linguistic and performative signals, and their relationship to the linguistic flexibility of groups. It also provides a decision making support tool for practical use by practitioners.
Analyzing the Resource Utilization of AES Encryption on IoT Devices

With the prosperity of the Internet of Things (IoT), the implied security issues demand heightened attention. However, conventional cryptographic security solutions often lead to heavy computations and high energy costs, which can hardly be afforded by resource-constrained IoT edge devices. Therefore, it is essential to retrieve real testing data and investigate the tradeoff between information security and its resource consumption on IoT edge devices. This paper explores the duration and energy consumption of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), implemented through both software and hardware with various key and buffer size settings on two resource-constrained IoT edge devices. In particular, we observe that (1) compared to software, the hardware implementation is more sensitive to buffer size settings and only consumes lower overall time and energy when the buffer size is sufficiently large; (2) the security premium provided by an increase in key size leads to increased resource consumption in all cases; and (3) comparing the two IoT boards, the CYW board, which is designed with faster default CPU clock rate and more memory, consumes fewer resources overall than the BCM board. These observations not only help advance the understanding of the trade-off between IoT devices' security needs and resource consumption, but also shed light on future improvement of light-weight security designs.
The early life stages of California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) and white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) respond to food particle taste

Abstract One of the key limitations in the use of artificial microdiets for the culture of marine fish larvae and post-larvae is their poor acceptability. The chemosensory systems of adult and juvenile fish are known to serve important roles in the detection and selection of food items; however, the relative importance and functionality of chemosensory detection and responses are less well understood for the larval stages. Many chemical compounds previously found to promote feeding in fish are low molecular weight, water-soluble compounds that are prone to rapid leaching from artificial microdiets. Particle taste, which requires retention of these low molecular weight water-soluble compounds, is difficult to manipulate in currently available larval diets. In the present study, we used liposomes embedded in alginate particles (alginate complex particles), that showed high retention of low-molecular weight water-soluble compounds, as a tool to evaluate the impacts of several water-soluble organic compounds on the feeding of California yellowtail (Seriola dorsalis) and white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis). We also compared the relative importance of including (and retaining) these compounds within the particles (enhanced taste) as opposed to dissolving these compounds in the culture water (enhanced smell). The results of this study showed that alginate complex particles retained >50% of sodium fluorescein and >70% of amino acids after 1 h suspension in seawater. Moreover, we found that feed consumption rates (feeding incidence and fullness) were greatest when a mixture of glycine, betaine and alanine were included in the complex particles suggesting that particle taste was an important factor for influencing the feeding of white seabass and California yellowtail post-larvae.
Current Hualish Brand

In this chapter, I provide a brief overview of the current Hualish brand, highlighting some unique characteristics. I review existing practices that can be considered branding, the different emphases that have been placed on the outward brand versus the inward brand, the composite brand, and the quantitative representation of gravitas.
Moisture Barrier, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of PDMS-PIB Blends for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module Encapsulant

In this study, we have investigated and screened the performance of our adhesive material that does not require an edge seal. This paper primarily focuses on the synergistic properties of PDMS and PIB via physical blending. The UV blocking nature of PDMS and the high adhesion and superior barrier property of PIB were considered. Our polymer blend also maintains the transparency in the visible range. This polymer blends were performed with several kinds of material characterizations such as morphology, hardness, thermal profiles, moisture ingress properties, and adhesion strength. This paper serves to provide discussions on preliminary evaluations for transparent PV module encapsulant.
General experimental techniques

Abstract This chapter aims to provide basic information for veterinary and investigative staff on some of the most common experimental techniques used with the laboratory rat. It contains information on handling and restraint, methods of identification, specimen collection, and substance administration and then ends with some of the more common specialized research techniques. Practical and relevant procedures and methodologies highlighted within this chapter were written to offer pertinent background information, potential refinements, and direct guidance, where feasible. This chapter does not serve as an exhaustive review of all research techniques in rats. Information regarding alternative techniques or details of procedures beyond the scope of this chapter are referenced extensively with examples from the literature.
The activity of mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) is regulated by estrogen and its silencing inhibits the growth of cancer cells

4840 Mitochondrial- ROS play an important role in mitogenic signaling in cancer cells. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA) and its co-activator, NRF-1, are two important genes that play major role in mitochondrial biosynthesis and transcriptional regulation of mitochondria encoded genes. In this study, we have examined whether estrogen regulates the mitochondrial function by regulating the mtTFA. Estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and siRNA mediated mtTFA-silenced MCF-7, were treated with 1, 10, 100 pg of 17 β-estradiol for 30 minutes and 3 hrs. The expression of mtTFA in E2 treated MCF7 cells and mtTFA silenced MCF-7 cells was measured by real time quantitative PCR and by Western blot analysis. The DNA binding activity of mtTFA was measured by electro mobility gel shift assay (EMSA). The estrogen treatment did not change the transcript and protein level of mtTFA, however, the DNA binding activity of mtTFA was several folds increased at as early as 30 minutes of E2 treatment. The maximum induction in DNA binding activity of mtTFA was observed in response to the exposure of 1 pg/ml of E2 to cells. Silencing of mtTFA resulted in the inhibition of cell growth in both untreated and E2 treated cells. Our data suggests that the activity of mtTFA is regulated by estrogen. The expression of mtTFA is essential for the growth of cancer cells and thus it can be a potential therapeutic target in estrogen-dependent breast cancers.
HERMITS: Dynamically Reconfiguring the Interactivity of Self-propelled TUIs with Mechanical Shell Add-ons

We introduce HERMITS, a modular interaction architecture for self-propelled Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) that incorporates physical add-ons, referred to as mechanical shells. The mechanical shell add-ons are intended to be dynamically reconfigured by utilizing the locomotion capability of self-propelled TUIs (e.g. wheeled TUIs, swarm UIs). We developed a proof-of-concept system that demonstrates this novel architecture using two-wheeled robots and a variety of mechanical shell examples. These mechanical shell add-ons are passive physical attatchments that extend the primitive interactivities (e.g. shape, motion and light) of the self-propelled robots. The paper proposes the architectural design, interactive functionality of HERMITS as well as design primitives for mechanical shells. The paper also introduces the prototype implementation that is based on an off-the-shelf robotic toy with a modified docking mechanism. A range of applications is demonstrated with the prototype to motivate the collective and dynamically reconfigurable capability of the modular architecture, such as an interactive mobility simulation, an adaptive home/desk environment, and a story-telling narrative. Lastly, we discuss the future research opportunity of HERMITS to enrich the interactivity and adaptability of actuated and shape changing TUIs.
From pollen dispersal to plant diversification: genetic consequences of pollination mode

Pollinators influence patterns of plant speciation, and one intuitive hypothesis is that pollinators affect rates of plant diversification through their effects on pollen dispersal. By specifying mating events and pollen flow across the landscape, distinct types of pollinators may cause different opportunities for allopatric speciation. This pollen dispersal-dependent speciation hypothesis predicts that pollination mode has effects on the spatial context of mating events that scale up to impact population structure and rates of species formation. Here I consider recent comparative studies, including genetic analyses of plant mating events, population structure, and comparative phylogenetic analyses, to examine evidence for this model. These studies suggest that highly mobile pollinators conduct greater gene flow within and among populations, compared to less mobile pollinators. These differences influence patterns of population structure across the landscape. However, the effects of pollination mode on speciation rates is less predictable. In some contexts, the predicted effects of pollen dispersal are outweighed by other factors that govern speciation rates. A multiscale approach to examine effects of pollination mode on plant mating system, population structure, and rates of diversification is key to determining the role of pollen dispersal on plant speciation for model clades.
2D Unified Continuous and Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for Elliptic Equations

In Ch. 12 we saw that the CG method can be applied in a relatively straightforward manner to solve 2D elliptic equations. All that is required is to know how to compute first derivatives. As in the 1D case, a judicious use of Green’s first identity allows for a simple discretization of the Laplacian operator using the so-called primal formulation. In Chs. 9 and 13 for the DG method we did not use the simpler primal formulation but rather wrote the second order operator as a system of first order operators and then used the local discontinuous Galerkin (LDG) method.
Small-molecule inhibitors for the Prp8 intein as antifungal agents

Self-splicing proteins, called inteins, are present in many human pathogens, including the emerging fungal threats Cryptococcus neoformans (Cne) and Cryptococcus gattii (Cga), the causative agents of cryptococcosis. Inhibition of protein splicing in Cryptococcus sp. interferes with activity of the only intein-containing protein, Prp8, an essential intron splicing factor. Here, we screened a small-molecule library to find addititonal, potent inhibitors of the Cne Prp8 intein using a split-GFP splicing assay. This revealed the compound 6G-318S, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range in the split-GFP assay and in a complementary split-luciferase system. A fluoride derivative of the compound 6G-318S displayed improved cytotoxicity in human lung carcinoma cells, although there was a slight reduction in the inhibition of splicing. 6G-318S and its derivative inhibited splicing of the Cne Prp8 intein in vivo in Escherichia coli and in C. neoformans Moreover, the compounds repressed growth of WT C. neoformans and C. gattii In contrast, the inhibitors were less potent at inhibiting growth of the inteinless Candida albicans Drug resistance was observed when the Prp8 intein was overexpressed in C. neoformans, indicating specificity of this molecule toward the target. No off-target activity was observed, such as inhibition of serine/cysteine proteases. The inhibitors bound covalently to the Prp8 intein and binding was reduced when the active-site residue Cys1 was mutated. 6G-318S showed a synergistic effect with amphotericin B and additive to indifferent effects with a few other clinically used antimycotics. Overall, the identification of these small-molecule intein-splicing inhibitors opens up prospects for a new class of antifungals.
The interpretive model of manufacturing: a theoretical framework and research agenda for machine learning in manufacturing

Manufacturing is undergoing a paradigmatic shift as it assimilates and is transformed by machine learning and other cognitive technologies. A new paradigm usually necessitates a new framework to co...
Search of Regulatory Equilibrium

This Article was written for a 2007 Symposium on media reform entitled Reclaiming the First Amendment at Hofstra Law School. My approach to media reform focuses on ways to strengthen journalistic standards and professionalism against commercial pressures; to keep government out of journalistic autonomy and editorial decisions in a direct fashion while providing incentives for certain kinds of journalism; to enhance the availability of diverse discourses across all media; and to seek ways to empower the audience. The Article proposes a two-pronged, multi-factor approach to electronic media reform in the hope of promoting the electronic press's roles as educator and watchdog. The first prong is directed to the information market as a whole and concerns itself with ways of promoting media pluralism. The notion behind this aspect is to create an overall balance in which mainstream commercial media, non-profit public media, and alternative media can flourish and enrich one another and compensate for one another's weaknesses. The second prong of the reform proposal is internal to the context of broadcasting. The Article suggests experimenting with the following: structural regulations designed to promote journalistic values; a requirement that broadcasters spend a certain percentage of their gross advertising revenues on news and public affairs production and programming; different options for constructing a requirement that broadcasters devote a percentage of their advertising time to advocacy advertising, for which they would be allowed to be paid a premium over their ordinary commercial rates; and audience empowerment, including disclosure-oriented requirements designed to foster audience activism and strategies to engage an audience whose attention is claimed by an unprecedented abundance of content.
Scientific Methodology and the Causal Theory of Perception1

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on scientific methodology and the causal theory of perception. It is commonly charged that the causal theory of perception is merely a scientific theory and is (thus) without philosophical credentials. According to Ayer in “The Problem of Knowledge,” a satisfactory theory would furnish an analysis of one's perceptual judgments. He contends that the causal theory fails to meet this requirement. However, the chapter argues that no satisfactory theory of perception would merely tell the meaning of perceptual judgments and the justification of its acceptance. The chapter concludes that excessive empiricism fails as a world view—as a fundamental metaphysical and epistemological position. Thus if an excessive empiricist methodology for science is to be viably defended, it must be on some basis other than fundamental philosophical considerations. The fact that excessive empiricism cannot be supported by basic philosophical principles or by any principles applicable to general scientific methodology still leaves open the possibility that psychology and the social sciences have certain unique characteristics which do require that their specific methodologies be fashioned along excessive empiricist, say behaviorist lines.
Explosive dome eruptions modulated by periodic gas-driven inflation

Volcan Santiaguito (Guatemala) “breathes” with extraordinary regularity as the edifice's conduit system accumulates free gas, which periodically vents to the atmosphere. Periodic pressurization controls explosion timing, which nearly always occurs at peak inflation, as detected with tiltmeters. Tilt cycles in January 2012 reveal regular 26 ± 6 min inflation/deflation cycles corresponding to at least ~101 kg/s of gas fluxing the system. Very long period (VLP) earthquakes presage explosions and occur during cycles when inflation rates are most rapid. VLPs locate ~300 m below the vent and indicate mobilization of volatiles, which ascend at ~50 m/s. Rapid gas ascent feeds pyroclast-laden eruptions lasting several minutes and rising to ~1 km. VLPs are not observed during less rapid inflation episodes; instead, gas vents passively through the conduit producing no infrasound and no explosion. These observations intimate that steady gas exsolution and accumulation in shallow reservoirs may drive inflation cycles at open-vent silicic volcanoes.
Agent transport simulation for dynamic peer-to-peer networks

This paper introduces MATES: the Macro Agent Transport Event-based Simulator. MATES is a free, open-source simulator intended for efficient comparison of application layer agent algorithms. Existing simulators, both from the networking and artificial intelligence communities, are not adequate to efficiently model the domain of mobile agent systems running atop dynamic, peer-to-peer networks. MATES bridges the gap between the two disciplines by providing macroscopic models for low-layer network processes, allowing for more processing time to be devoted to the agent behavior model. The three principle contributions of this paper are an introduction to the simulator, validation of MATES' models using data from a live wireless network, and explication of a technique for improving simulator transparency through preservation of agent state.
Enhancement of the Dewetability Characteristics of Fine Silica Particles

The dewatering of fine particles is the most difficult part of fine particle processing in preparation plants. The difficulty is due to the fact that fine particles have a higher specific surface area than coarse particles. For this reason, the currently used dewatering techniques (i.e., vacuum, pressure and centrifugal filters) cannot produce a desired moisture content of a filter cake that can be directly used in markets; therefore, most filter cakes are fed to thermal dryers. Thermal drying is costly, and creates environmental pollution where the operation is located. In the present study, dewatering tests were conducted on fine size silica (SiO2) powder in a vacuum filter using different chemicals. These include electrolytes, dodecylamine and a hydrophobizing agent. The test results showed that the electrolytes neutralized the particle surface charge in an aqueous medium and coagulated the suspension, which should assist moisture reduction of the particles. The dodecylamine made the particle surface slightly hydrophobic at pH 9.5 in order to adsorb the hydrophobizing agent on the fine silica surfaces. Afterwards, the particle surface became super hydrophobic; for example, the contact angle of the silica powder was improved from 44° to 89°, which was determined using the newly developed thin layer wicking method. As a result, the moisture content of the filter cake was decreased from 26.3% to 7.4% at 1.5 cm cake thickness and 85 kPa vacuum pressure. It was, therefore, concluded that changing the surface properties of the silica particles helped lower the dewatering cost of the fine particles and environmental concerns in plants.
AIN-93 Purified Diets for Laboratory Rodents: Final Report of the American Institute of Nutrition Ad Hoc Writing Committee on the Reformulation of the AIN-76A Rodent Diet

For sixteen years, the American Institute of Nutrition Rodent Diets, AIN-76 and AIN-76A, have been used extensively around the world. Because of numerous nutritional and technical problems encountered with the diet during this period, it was revised. Two new formulations were derived: AIN-93G for growth, pregnancy and lactation, and AIN-93M for adult maintenance. Some major differences in the new formulation of AIN-93G compared with AIN-76A are as follows: 7 g soybean oil/100 g diet was substituted for 5 g corn oil/100 g diet to increase the amount of linolenic acid; cornstarch was substituted for sucrose; the amount of phosphorus was reduced to help eliminate the problem of kidney calcification in female rats; L-cystine was substituted for DL-methionine as the amino acid supplement for casein, known to be deficient in the sulfur amino acids; manganese concentration was lowered to one-fifth the amount in the old diet; the amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K and vitamin B-12 were increased; and molybdenum, silicon, fluoride, nickel, boron, lithium and vanadium were added to the mineral mix. For the AIN-93M maintenance diet, the amount of fat was lowered to 40 g/kg diet from 70 g/kg diet, and the amount of casein to 140 g/kg from 200 g/kg in the AIN-93G diet. Because of a better balance of essential nutrients, the AIN-93 diets may prove to be a better choice than AIN-76A for long-term as well as short-term studies with laboratory rodents.
Studies on the Mechanism of Endogenous Pyrogen Production II. Role of Cell Products in the Regulation of Pyrogen Release from Blood Leukocytes

Some characteristics of the process by which endogenous pyrogen (EP), the mediator of fever, is released from cells were examined by using human blood leukocytes incubated in vitro. Studies were designed to examine a possible role for leukocyte products, including EP, in the induction, augmentation, or suppression of pyrogen release by blood leukocytes. Products of stimulated leukocytes, including a partially purified preparation of EP, did not induce significant activation of nonstimulated cells. Also, no evidence was obtained that stimulated cell products either augment or inhibit pyrogen production by other stimulated cells. A feedback control of EP production was thus not observed. A crude preparation of EP, containing other products of activated cells, maintained its pyrogenicity when incubated at pH 7.4 but not at pH 5.0. These studies thus provide no support for hypothesized control mechanisms regulating production of EP by blood leukocytes. By contrast, local inactivation of EP at inflammatory sites may modify the amount of EP entering the blood, and hence fever.
Transverse-rapidity y t dependence of the nonjet azimuth quadrupole from 62- and 200-GeV Au-Au collisions

Previous measurements of a quadrupole component of azimuth correlations denoted by symbol ${v}_{2}$ have been interpreted to represent elliptic flow, a hydrodynamic phenomenon conjectured to play a major role in noncentral nucleus-nucleus collisions. ${v}_{2}$ measurements provide the main support for conclusions that a ``perfect liquid'' is formed in heavy-ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. However, conventional ${v}_{2}$ methods based on one-dimensional (1D) azimuth correlations give inconsistent results and may include a jet contribution. In some cases the data trends appear to be inconsistent with hydrodynamic interpretations. In this study we distinguish several components of 2D angular correlations and isolate a nonjet (NJ) azimuth quadrupole denoted by ${v}_{2}{\text{2D}}$. We establish systematic variations of the NJ quadrupole on ${y}_{t}$, centrality, and collision energy. We adopt transverse-rapidity ${y}_{t}$ as both a velocity measure and a logarithmic alternative to transverse momentum ${p}_{t}$. Based on NJ-quadrupole trends, we derive a completely factorized universal parametrization of quantity ${v}_{2}{\text{2D}}({y}_{t},b,\sqrt{{s}_{NN}})$ which describes the centrality, ${y}_{t}$, and energy dependence. From ${y}_{t}$-differential ${v}_{2}({y}_{t})$ data we isolate a quadrupole spectrum and infer a quadrupole source boost having unexpected properties. NJ quadrupole ${v}_{2}$ trends obtained with 2D model fits are remarkably simple. The centrality trend appears to be uncorrelated with a sharp transition in jet-related structure that may indicate rapid change of Au-Au medium properties. The lack of correspondence suggests that the NJ quadrupole may be insensitive to such a medium. Several quadrupole trends have interesting implications for hydro interpretations.
Trip time-stop time studies of extreme driver behaviors

The focus of the present study has been to investigate the extent to which drivers with “extreme” modes of behavior deviate from the “normal” (chase-car) trend in a given city. The experiment consisted of collecting trip time-stop time data in the Central Business District (CBD) of Roanoke, Virginia, using three vehicles circulating simultaneously in the area. While one of the three vehicles was engaged in the chase-car mode, the other two vehicles were driven aggressively or conservatively. Similar data were also collected in the Austin, Texas, CBD. Using the data for each driver type, three two-fluid trends are established for the Roanoke CBD: an aggressive, a normal (chase-car), and a conservative trend. On a trip time-stop time diagram, while the conservative and aggressive trends are essentially parallel, the conservative trend approaches the normal trend at off-peak periods. The aggressive trend, on the other hand, approaches the normal trend at peak periods. The differences among the trends, however, are by and large statistically significant. Similar results have been obtained in Austin—despite uncertainties at high levels of demand, where the normal trend may cross the aggressive trend. The results also underline the importance of common data collection techniques when comparing the quality of traffic service of various cities using the two-fluid model approach. In assessing the statistical significance of differences among the two-fluid trends of various city networks, the potential impact of driver behavioral variations must be considered.
Testing Strategies Involving Least Biased Language Assessment of Bilingual Children

Increased attention is being given to strategies for the least biased language assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse children for whom English is a second language. One main reason is...
Search for an antigenic relationship between aeromonads and Brucella abortus

Abstract A. hydrophila, A. punctata subsp. vaviae, A. salmonicida , and Plesiomonas shigelloides strains did not serologically react with three strains of Brucella abortus when tested by serum agglutination, immunodiffusion, and immunoelectrophoresis.
Shadow Transnationalism: Cross-Border Networks and Planning Challenges of Transnational Unauthorized Immigrant Communities

Informal transnational networks support unauthorized communities, in what I call Shadow Transnationalism. I trace the intertwined fortunes of Postville, Iowa, and El Rosario, Guatemala. I identify ...
Geochemical implications of the isotopic composition of carbon in ancient rocks

Abstract The use of the isotopic composition of carbon in ancient rocks as an indication of biologic or inorganic origin is critically discussed in terms of the assumptions that must be made in this procedure. These assumptions actually represent unsolved problems in the geochemistry of carbon which must be investigated; their a priori justification is not possible. It is concluded that this method of identification is not valid. The hypothesis that graphite can be formed from limestone, and Rankama's argument that thermodynamic principles are not applicable to natural processes, are discussed.
Trends in Prevalence, Awareness, Management, and Control of Hypertension Among United States Adults, 1999 to 2010

Objectives The purpose of this study was to quantify the trends in blood pressure (BP), and the prevalence, awareness, management, and control of hypertension in U.S. adults (≥20 years of age) from 1999 to 2010, and to assess the efficacy of current clinical measures in diagnosing and adequately treating hypertensive patients. Background Hypertension is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Recent data indicate a decreasing trend in hypertension prevalence, along with improvements in hypertension awareness, management, and control. Methods The study used regression models to assess the trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, management, and control from 1999 to 2010 among 28,995 male and female adults with BP measurements from a nationally representative sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] 1999 to 2010), with special attention given to 5,764 participants in NHANES 2009 to 2010. Results In 2009 to 2010, the prevalence of hypertension was 30.5% among men and 28.5% among women. The hypertension awareness rate was 69.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.0% to 77.4%) among men and 80.7% (95% CI: 74.5% to 86.8%) among women. The hypertension control rate was 40.3% (95% CI: 33.7% to 46.9%) for men and 56.3% (95% CI: 49.2% to 63.3%) for women. From 1999 to 2010, the prevalence of hypertension remained stable. Although hypertension awareness, management, and control improved, the overall rates remained poor (74.0% for awareness, 71.6% for management, 46.5% for control, and 64.4% for control in management); worse still, no improvement was shown from 2007 to 2010. Conclusions From 1999 to 2010, prevalence of hypertension remained stable. Hypertension awareness, management, and control were improved, but remained poor; nevertheless, there has been no improvement since 2007.