cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental bias in twin studies.

Abstract This study examines the responses of mothers of twin girls about similarities and differences of their monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. After these measures had been completed and scored, the investigator obtained zygosity diagnoses of the twins made by extensive blood‐group analyses. Of the 61 pairs of twins, 11 were misclassified by their mothers. Despite these mothers’ erroneous beliefs about the zygosity of their twins, they described the twins as having similarities and differences appropriate to their true degree of genetic relatedness.
Inflorescence development and flowering of Ornithogalum thyrsoides hybrid as affected by temperature manipulation during bulb storage

Abstract The growth and flowering responses of Ornithogalum thyrsoides, ‘Chesapeake Starlight’ as influenced by bulb size and storage temperature were investigated. Development of inflorescences and florets as influenced by bulb storage temperature was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three experiments were carried out: bulbs of 5.2 cm circumference (circum.) were treated at either 10, 16, 22, or 28 °C for a 6-week period, followed by other temperatures for a total of 18 weeks (Experiment 1); bulbs of two sizes, 8.1 and 12.8 cm in circum. received 6 weeks of 30 °C, followed by 3 and 6 weeks of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 and 30 °C (Experiment 2); bulbs of two sizes, 5.7 and 6.5 cm in circum. were dried at 20 °C for a week and were potted after storing for 6 weeks at 30 °C (30 °C/6W) followed by either storage at 20 °C for 4 or 8 weeks (20 °C/4W or 20 °C/8W) and finally at 10 °C/4W or 20 °C/8W (Experiment 3). Development of inflorescences and florets were studied using SEM (Experiment 1). Bulb sizes of ‘Chesapeake Starlight’ (Experiments 2 and 3) did not affect flowering. The shoot apex of the bulb is vegetative at harvest and bulbs should be stored dry at 28–30 °C for 6 weeks for rapid inflorescence development. When root primordia were clearly visible at the end of the 20 °C treatment, the scape of the first inflorescence is clearly formed, and bulbs are then treated at 10 °C. When bulbs were treated at 28 °C during the first 6 weeks (week 0–6), flowering accelerated. Flowering was also accelerated and only one inflorescence was produced from the center when bulbs were stored at 10 °C/6W during the second and third 6 weeks (weeks 7–12 and weeks 13–18). A sequential treatment of 30 °C/6W–10 °C/6W–10 °C/6W ensured a longer flower stem and accelerated flowering of the first inflorescence, and this was verified by SEM. Flower stem length increased significantly and only one inflorescence was produced from the center when bulbs received 30 °C/6W–20 °C/4W–10 °C/8W as compared to bulbs that received 30 °C/6W–20 °C/4W–10 °C/4W. To produce two or more inflorescences per bulb, we recommend treating bulbs at 10 °C/3–4W or 13 °C/3W. Descriptions of the development of the first and second inflorescence and of a single flower using SEM will be useful to document the development of inflorescence and flowers during bulb storage and to further develop precise treatment temperatures and durations to shorten the pre-treatment period of bulbs after harvest.
Simultaneous behavioral characterizations: Embracing complexity.

The advent of transgenic technologies in mice has dramatically impacted the genetic analysis of behavior. The first knockout mice evaluated for behavioral responses were reported in 1992 (1, 2), and since these initial reports a significant number of scientists have performed behavioral studies with mutant mice each year. In fact, a literature search by using simply the words “knockout” and “behavior” and “mice” results in almost 4,000 hits. The powerful molecular technique has not simply increased the amount of behavioral genetic studies performed across the globe, but has fundamentally altered the strategies and methodologies of standard approaches for assessing rodent behavior. Not only have standard experimental designs been altered to successfully work with transgenic mice, but scientists have also developed technologies to simultaneously and automatically quantify fine behavioral patterns in home cage settings, as illustrated by a study in this issue of PNAS (3). This study clearly demonstrates the capacity to capture and characterize complex behavior in mice coupled with sophisticated learning algorithms to provide a type of detailed analysis that has not been previously available.
Food-grade microemulsions, nanoemulsions and emulsions: Fabrication from sucrose monopalmitate & lemon oil

Sucrose monopalmitate (SMP) is a non-toxic, biodegradable, non-ionic surfactant suitable for use in foods and beverages. This study aimed to establish conditions where stable microemulsions, nanoemulsions or emulsions could be fabricated using SMP as a surfactant and lemon oil as an oil phase. Emulsions (r > 100 nm) or nanoemulsions (r 1). The impact of simple mixing, thermal treatment, and homogenization on the formation of the different colloidal systems was investigated. Blending/heating was needed to produce microemulsions or emulsions, whereas blending/heating/homogenization was needed to produce nanoemulsions. The impact of environmental stresses (pH, ionic strength, temperature) on the functional performance of nanoemulsions and microemulsions was examined. Relatively stable nanoemulsions could be formed at pH 6 and 7 and stable microemulsions at pH 5 and 6, but extensive particle growth/aggregation occurred at lower and higher pH values. Microemulsions were relatively stable to salt addition (0–200 mM NaCl), but nanoemulsions exhibited droplet aggregation/growth at ≥50 mM NaCl after 1 month storage at pH 7. Microemulsions formed gels at low temperatures (5 °C), were stable at ambient temperatures (23 °C), and exhibited particle growth at elevated temperatures (40 °C). Nanoemulsions were stable at refrigerator (5 °C) and ambient (23 °C) temperatures, but exhibited coalescence at elevated temperatures (40 °C). This study provides important information for optimizing the application of sucrose monoesters to form colloidal dispersions in food and beverage products.
Perceptions of the health risks related to cigarettes and nicotine among university faculty

Although experts have established that tobacco combustion, not nicotine, is responsible for illnesses among smokers, there is confusion among the general public about the health risks of nicotine. This study assessed the differences in the perception of risks related to smoking and nicotine among a highly educated population. A survey of 1610 full-time faculty members at the Belknap and Health Sciences Center (HSC) campuses of the University of Louisville collected information on the perception of harm resulting from cigarettes and nicotine with respect to four health domains (general health, heart attack/stroke, all cancer, and oral cancer). While virtually all faculty members correctly perceived cigarettes as moderate or high risk for all health domains, 78–91% also perceived nicotine in the same way, with somewhat higher proportions from the Belknap campus. With respect to a direct comparison, about two-thirds of respondents scored cigarettes as riskier than nicotine, but HSC respondents were no more l...
The effects of desiccated thyroid on the rat lung

Pressure-volume characteristics of whole lungs were measured in euthyroid rats and in rats fed 0.4% desiccated thyroid for eight weeks. The lungs were degassed by incising the diaphragm after the animals had breathed 100% oxygen for ten minutes. The pressure-volume characteristics were measured by inflating and deflating the lungs at a rate of 3.5 cc/min. Total lung capacity (TLC) was considered to be that volume of air required to produce a transpulmonary pressure of 30 cm H2O. At TLC there was 35% greater lung volume in the thyroid-treated animals than in their littermate controls. Similar results were observed in saline-filled lungs. Alveolar surface area (Sa) increased from 0.28m2 in the lungs of control animals to 0.75m2 in lungs of thyroid-treated animals. There was an 85% increase in the alveolar surface density (Sva) in the thyroid-treated animals. These results, obtained by morphometric analysis, suggest that greater lung volume in the thyroid-treated animals resulted from alveolar hyperplasia or „partitioning”.
A multimedia approach to teaching design in core laboratories

A project incorporating multimedia in the core labs of the Electrical Engineering Department of the Rochester Institute of Technology is described. The multimedia approach incorporated video tapes and interactive computer lessons. A Hypercard application was derived from the video tapes. The technology used to create the application is designed to be user friendly and easy to learn. A majority of the time was spent in the design of the stack not in its implementation. >
Effects of abrasive size distribution in chemical mechanical planarization: modeling and verification

Recently, a comprehensive model has been developed by Luo and Dornfeld ("Material removal mechanism in chemical mechanical polishing: theory and modeling", IEEE Trans. Semiconduct. Manufact., vol. 14, pp. 112-133, May 2001) to explain the material removal mechanism in chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). Based on the model, the abrasive size distribution influences the material removal from two aspects, one, the number of active abrasives, and the other, the size of the active abrasives. In this paper, experimental evidence supporting this view of abrasive size effects is discussed. A detailed model of wafer-abrasive-pad contact is developed to explain how and where abrasive size distributions come into the comprehensive material removal model. A material removal rate formulation as a function of abrasive size distribution is proposed and verified. In the future, the application of the model to the CMP process optimization, for example, improving the nonuniformity, or obtaining minimum surface scratching and preferred material removal rate by changing abrasive size distribution, may be attempted.
Integrating Emerald into a system for mixed-language programming

Abstract The difficulties encountered while resolving the programming models of object-oriented and procedure-oriented languages are discussed. As a concrete example, the integration of Emerald—an object-oriented, distributed programming language—into the MLP system for mixed-language programming is described. This integration allows Emerald objects to invoke procedures written in other supported languages, and allows procedures written in the other languages to invoke operations on Emerald objects. Two different aspects of this integration are highlighted. First, the issues involved in bridging the distance between the programming model supported by Emerald and the programming model supported by MLP are discussed; specific problems include reconciling the object-oriented nature of Emerald with the procedure-oriented model of MLP, and accommodating Emerald's concurrency within the previously sequential MLP system. Second, the implementation of this design is described.
Error performance of MIMO systems in frequency selective Rayleigh fading channels

The paper analyzes the error performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems in frequency-selective Rayleigh fading channels. A zero-forcing (ZF) receiver is applied to separate transmitted data streams for each resolvable multipath component. The decision for each symbol of a transmitted data stream is based on combining L zero-forced multipath components carrying information of the same symbol. Analytical error rate expressions for the system in the absence of intersymbol interference (ISI) and inter-path interference (IPI) are derived first. Then, the effects of ISI and IPI caused by frequency-selective fading on the performance of a MIMO system with direct-sequence spreading applied to each transmitted symbol are studied by simulation. It is found that for a system with N transmit antennas, M receive antennas, and L resolvable multipath components, the ZF receiver combined with a RAKE with maximal ratio combining is equivalent to a 2-dimensional RAKE with a diversity order of (M-N+1)L.
Grandstanding in the venture capital industry

Abstract I develop and test the hypothesis that young venture capital firms take companies pubic earlier than older venture capital firms in order to establish a reputation and successfully raise capital for new funds. Evidence from a sample of 433 IPOs suggests that companies backed by young venture capital firms are younger and more underpriced at their IPO than those of established venture capital firms. Moreover, young venture capital firms have been on the board of directors a shorter period of time at the IPO, hold smaller equity stakes, and time the IPO to precede or coincide with raising money for follow-on funds.
Chemistry and Properties of Cycloheptatetraene in the Inner Phase of a Hemicarcerand

Low-temperature photolysis of phenyldiazirine, incarcerated inside a hemicarcerand which is built from two cavitands connected by four butane-1,4-dioxy linker groups, yields transient phenylcarbene; this carbene then undergoes ring photochemical expansion to cycloheptatetraene in low yield. Competitively, the transiently formed phenylcarbene reacts with the surrounding hemicarcerand. The yield of the photochemical ring expansion was increased when the photolysis was carried out inside a partially deuterated hemicarcerand. Two insertion products resulting from an intramolecular phenylcarbene insertion into an acetal C-H(D) bond or an alpha-C-H bond of a butane-1,4-dioxy linker group have been isolated and characterized. The measured isotope effect for insertion into an acetal C-H(D) bond at 15.5 K is consistent with a reaction of singlet phenylcarbene. Incarcerated cycloheptatetraene is stable for a limited time at 100 degrees C and almost infinitely stable at room temperature in the absence of oxygen. NOESY experiments provide the distance ratio r21/r23 = 1.134 +/- 0.01 between protons H1-H2 and H2-H3 of cycloheptatetraene which is consistent with its twisted structure. Low-temperature photolysis of phenyldiazirine, incarcerated inside a chiral hemicarcerand which is built from two cavitands connected with three butane-1,4-dioxy and one (S,S)-2,3-O-isopropylidene-2,3-dihydroxybutane-1,4-dioxy linker group yields two diastereomeric cycloheptatetraene hemicarceplexes in a 2:3 ratio (30% total yield). Variable temperature 1H NMR studies provided a lower limit of deltaG++ = 19.6 kcalmol(-1) for the enantiomerization barrier of cycloheptatetraene. Incarcerated cycloheptatetraene reacts rapidly with oxygen to yield benzene and carbon dioxide via the 1,2-dioxaspiro[2,6]nona-4,6,8-triene intermediate. Different mechanisms for the formation of this spirodioxirane intermediate are discussed based on the measured rate of the oxygen addition. The activation parameters for the decarboxylation of the spirodioxirane have been measured in different bulk solvents. The free energy of activation shows very little solvent dependency. However. a strong propensity for enthalpy-entropy compensation due to a solvent reorganization that accompanies the reaction coordinate is observed.
Alterations in glucose kinetics induced by pentobarbital anesthesia

Because pentobarbital is often used in investigations related to carbohydrate metabolism, the in vivo effect of this drug on glucose homeostasis was studied. Glucose kinetics, assessed by the const...
Organizing WWW images based on the analysis of page layout and Web link structure

Due to the rapid growth of the number of digital images on the Web, there is an increasing demand for an effective and efficient method of organizing and retrieving the images available. This paper describes a method for clustering and embedding WWW images. By using a vision-based page segmentation algorithm, a Web page is partitioned into blocks, and the textual and link information of an image can be accurately extracted from the block containing that image. By extracting the page-to-block, block-to-image, block-to-page relationships through a link structure and page layout analysis, we construct an image graph. With the image graph model, we use techniques from spectral graph theory for image clustering and embedding. Some experimental results are given in the paper.
Computer algorithms for evaluating the quality of ECGs in real time

ECG, measuring body-surface electrical waves generated in the heart, is the golden standard for diagnosis of various cardiovascular diseases. The 2011 Physionet challenge visions mobile phones that can be used to collect and analyse ECG records. Such devices are particularly useful in underdeveloped regions, which have a large population size but lack adequate primary care capacity. Signals collected using mobile phones can be sent via mobile network to experienced doctors for further diagnosis. In response to Physionet 2011 challenge, we explore various time series techniques for their potentials in evaluating quality of an ECG, including time domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, joint time-frequency analysis, self correlation, cross correlation, and entropy analysis. Two algorithms are developed based on these techniques. The first algorithm consists of multi-stage tests. A record that passes all tests is regarded as of acceptable quality. In the second algorithm, results from various analyses are assembled into a matrix, which measures the regularity of the ECG. The quality of the ECG is then measured by the spectrum radius of the Matrix of Regularity. Since spectrum radius is continuous, the results can lead to continuous grades of ECGs. The algorithms are tested using training data from Physionet. Influences of various parameters are examined.
Relationship among paretic knee extension strength, maximum weight-bearing, and gait speed in patients with stroke.

The purpose of this study was to determine the intercorrelations among maximum weight-bearing through the paretic lower extremity, paretic knee extension strength, and comfortable gait speed in hemiparetic patients following stroke. Twenty patients, who could ambulate at least 10.0 m with no more assistance than contact guarding of one person, participated. Isometric muscle strength (force) was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Maximum weight-bearing measurements were normalized against (divided by) body weight. Gait speed was determined using a digital stopwatch as subjects walked 8.0 m. Significant correlations (r>0.611) were demonstrated among the three variables. The relationship between maximum weight-bearing and gait speed was the strongest and was best described by a curvilinear model (R = 0.830). The results suggest that both maximum weight-bearing through the paretic lower extremity and paretic knee extension strength are valid predictors of gait speed among patients with stroke but that the former is superior to the latter for such a purpose. Given their simplicity and objectivity, these measures can be recommended for predicting and documenting improvement in patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation.
IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATORS IN PRIMARY ARRHYTHMIA SYNDROMES: OUTCOME RELATIVE TO MEDICATION

The initial presentation of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and long QT syndrome (LQTS) may be aborted sudden cardiac death. Management commonly includes secondary prevention ICD implantation, along with medication. We hypothesize that appropriate medical therapy is
Ocean and dam influences on salmon survival

The Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest has been the site of the world’s most expensive effort in ecological management and restoration. Primarily using revenues from the hydroelectric system, roughly $400 million have been spent annually on the fish and wildlife program in the Columbia Basin, most of it on salmon. Much of this funding goes to operate hatcheries and modify the operation of dams, but also to a research program that, over the last four decades, has funded thousands of scientists and supported a number of technical advances, including three tagging techniques that have revolutionized our ability to understand the freshwater and marine life of salmon.
What’s This, Then? “Romanes Eunt Domus”?1

This article cautions against a number of errors endemic to recent attempts to derive “lessons of empire” for United States foreign policy and grand strategy: (1) justifying the comparison between the United States and past imperial polities based on shared characteristics unrelated to the analytic category of empire, (2) failing to offer recommendations specific to imperial dynamics, (3) assuming that “empire” serves as an “analytic box” composed of otherwise indistinguishable entities, and (4) assessing the question of American Empire in categorical, rather than relational, terms. I next offer an ideal-typical account of the structure and dynamics of empires and discuss how such attention to patterns of domination and resistance—which I term the “micropolitics of hierarchy”—might provide better analytic leverage over key contemporary challenges than the traditional states-under-anarchy framework.
Patterns of stunting and wasting: potential explanatory factors

We investigated the causes of stunting and wasting using nationally representative data on preschool children from India (2005-2006, N = 41,306) and Guatemala (2008-2009, N = 10,317). We estimated stunting and wasting using the 2006 WHO standard and the 1976 WHO/National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference. India and Guatemala had high levels of stunting; wasting was common in India but rare in Guatemala. Use of the WHO standard (based on breast-fed children) increased the prevalence of stunting in both countries but dramatically changed the pattern of wasting by age in India. In Indian children 0-5 mo of age, wasting more than tripled, from 8% to 30%, leading to the highest prevalence of wasting. Using the NCHS reference, the lowest and highest prevalence among Indian children occurred in children 0-5 and 12-23 mo, respectively. Also, we showed that household wealth and the condition of women were related to both stunting and wasting; review of the literature on wasting failed to identify factors that were not also related to stunting (e.g., seasonality, infections, and intrauterine growth retardation). Possible explanations for high levels of wasting in India include the poor status of women, the "thin-fat" infant phenotype, chronic dietary insufficiency, poor dietary quality, marked seasonality, and poor levels of sanitation. Use of the WHO standard calls for urgent attention to improving prenatal and infant nutrition and uncovers an alarming level of wasting in the young infant in India that use of the NCHS growth reference (based on bottle-fed infants) had masked.
Reprint of: Femtosecond transition-state spectroscopy of iodine: From strongly bound to repulsive surface dynamics

The application of femtosecond transition-state spectroscopy (FTS) to molecular iodine is reported. The real-time motion of wave packets prepared coherently in the bound B state is observed. In addition, the motion is probed near and above the dissociation limit for the reaction: I_2 → I (^2P_(3/2)) + I∗(^2P_(1/2)). FTS measurements of the dynamics on repulsive surfaces are also reported.
Potential role of power authorities in offshore wind power development in the US

This article examines how power authorities could facilitate and manage offshore wind power development in US coastal waters. The power authority structure is an American 20th century institution for managing energy resources—a form of a public authority or public corporation dedicated to creating, operating and maintaining electric generation and transmission infrastructure. Offshore wind power is characterized by high capital costs but no fuel costs and thus low operating costs. Therefore a power authority, by virtue of its access to low-cost capital and managerial flexibility, could facilitate offshore wind power development by reducing financial risk of developing and lowering debt payments, thus improving the risk profile and lowering the cost of electricity production. Additionally, power authorities can be made up of multiple states, thus opening the possibility for joint action by neighboring coastal states. Using primary and secondary data, we undertake an in-depth analysis of the potential benefits and shortcomings of a power authority approach.
Rotationally consistent Love numbers

SUMMARY The Love number k2 at a 14-month period is used to characterize the deformation of the solid earth during the Chandler wobble. Traditionally, the value of k2(CW), ∼0.31, is inferred from observations of the Chandler wobble period, after the effects of the oceans have been subtracted. However, during wobble the core is almost completely decoupled from the mantle; consistency requires that we view that inference as a mantle-only value of the Love number. This in turn implies that k2= 0.35, almost 13 per cent higher than the traditionally accepted value. The use of rotationally consistent Love numbers leads to equations for predicting the effects of a given rotational excitation that are distinctly different from previous versions. Furthermore, formulations of the excitation itself—such as the ‘effective angular momentum functions’ of Barnes et al.—are seriously modified, with the excitation functions up to ∼14 per cent larger. Rotationally consistent Love numbers imply that the solid earth is much more anelastic at a 14-month period than previously considered. Popular ‘constant Q’ and ‘power-law Q’ models of anelasticity are unable to simultaneously fit observations of k2 at seismic, nine-day, and Chandler frequencies. Alternative anelastic relaxation models such as those proposed by Ivins hold much more promise.
Working towards a Reproducible Method for Quantifying Placental Syncytial Knots

ABSTRACT Prominent syncytial knots (SK) in placentas signal advanced gestation or placental malperfusion, reflecting exposures that adversely affect placental development and pregnancy outcomes. Molecular-level interrogations of syncytiotrophoblast have altered perceptions of and raised questions about the function and disposition of SK. Quantifying SK and achieving acceptable levels of interrater reliability have been challenging. Our objective was to develop a simple, reproducible protocol for counting SK and demonstrate interrater reliability overall and within 3 parameters, ie, preterm vs term delivery, presence vs absence of diffuse prominent SK (DPSK), and SK relationship with a lesion, all of which could influence measurement reproducibility and interpretation. Criteria for defining SK and a grid system drawn on glass slides were developed for counting percentage of villi with SK. One disc section each from 151 placentas, sampled from 8 groups defined by the 3 parameters, was assessed by 2 pretrain...
Scene Blocking Utilizing Forces

Positioning characters in virtual environments currently requires manual work and human intervention to complete. Many applications focus primarily on producing nonverbal behaviors and interacting one-on-one with humans. The problem is that most applications, especially games, are very interactive experiences. They introduce a human factor where a character (the human) may choose not to follow a predefined script, yet an author needs to be able to accommodate the unexpected movements when blocking their AI characters. Here, we look to our prior work on positioning characters in these types of virtual environments to create an AI Director to pre-block a play-script. In addition, we incorporate a force-directed graph component to assist with positioning the AI characters when there is a human-controlled character involved. Forcedirected graphs have been shown to position objects aesthetically for large and complex graphs. We rely upon this feature to assist with adjusting pre-defined play-script blocking to include the human-controlled character, making the human appear to be moving correctly even when they are not. Finally, we evaluate this approach based on occlusion and clustering analysis to show its effectiveness in balancing a production and incorporating a human-controlled character.
The inflammasome NLRP3 plays a protective role against a viral immunopathological lesion

Herpes simplex 1 infection of the eye can cause blindness with lesions in the corneal stroma largely attributable to inflammatory events that include components of both adaptive and innate immunity. Several innate immune responses are triggered by herpes simplex 1, but it is unclear how such innate events relate to the subsequent development of stromal keratitis. In this study, we compared the outcome of herpes simplex 1 ocular infection in mice unable to express NLRP3 because of gene knockout (NLRP3(-/-)) to that of wild-type mice. The NLRP3(-/-) mice developed more-severe and earlier stromal keratitis lesions and had higher angiogenesis scores than did infected wild-type animals. In addition, NLRP3(-/-) mice generated an increased early immune response with heightened chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin-1β and interleukin-18, and elevated recruitment of neutrophils. Increased numbers of CD4(+) T cells were seen at later stages of the disease in NLRP3(-/-) animals. Reduction in neutrophils prevented early onset of the disease in NLRP3(-/-) animals and lowered levels of bioactive interleukin-1β but did not lower bioactive interleukin-18. In conclusion, our results indicate that NLRP3 has a regulatory and beneficial role in herpetic stromal keratitis pathogenesis.
Governor Schwarzenegger's Proposal for Univeral Health Care: A Policy-Based and Legal Analysis

On January 8, 2007, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled his comprehensive proposal to provide health insurance to all residents of California. This article analyzes the major objectives and elements of the Proposal, some potential flaws in the underlying cost estimates on which the Proposal is based, and its financial impact upon various stakeholders.
Gen und Organismus

Es ist unmoglich, Wissenschaft zu betreiben, ohne eine Sprache zu verwenden, die aus einer Vielzahl von Metaphern besteht. Die gesamte moderne Wissenschaft befasst sich mit dem Versuch, Phanomene zu beschreiben, die nicht unmittelbar vom Menschen erfahren werden konnen, so zum Beispiel Krafte und Prozesse, die wir nicht direkt wahrnehmen konnen, weil sie entweder zu klein sind, wie etwa Molekule, oder aber zu unermesslich, wie das Universum, oder weil sie das Ergebnis von Prozessen sind, die unsere Sinne nicht wahrnehmen konnen, wie elektromagnetische Strahlen, oder weil sie das Resultat von extrem komplizierten Interaktionen sind, wie das Entstehen eines individuellen Organismus von seiner Zeugung als befruchtetes Ei an. Erklarungen fur solche Phanomene mussen notwendigerweise eine metaphorische Sprache beinhalten, sind sie nicht lediglich formale Vorschlage, eingespannt in eine erfundene technische Sprache, sondern vielmehr in dem Bestreben formuliert, ein Verstandnis der Welt zu vermitteln, das unseren einfachen Erfahrungen entspricht. Physiker sprechen von „Wellen“ und „Partikeln“, obwohl es keinMedium gibt, in dem sich diese „Wellen“ ausbreiten und keine Soliditat dieser „Partikel“.
Modular Synthesis of Novel Macrocycles Bearing α,β‐Unsaturated Chemotypes through a Series of One‐Pot, Sequential Protocols

A series of one-pot, sequential protocols was developed for the synthesis of novel macrocycles bearing α,β-unsaturated chemotypes. The method highlights a phosphate tether-mediated approach to establish asymmetry, and consecutive one-pot, sequential processes to access the macrocycles with minimal purification procedures. This library amenable strategy provided diverse macrocycles containing α,β-unsaturated carbon-, sulfur-, or phosphorus-based warheads.
Local perivascular adiponectin associates with lower extremity vascular operative wound complications

Background Wound complication rates after lower extremity vascular operative procedures stand as high as 40% and represent a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and cost. In view of increasing recognition of adipose tissue involvement in homeostasis and the response to injury, we hypothesized that adipose phenotype is linked to operative wound outcomes. Methods Clinical history, peripheral blood, and subcutaneous and perivascular adipose tissue were prospectively collected at the time of operation in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization and lower extremity amputations. Nine biologic mediators (adiponectin; interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and IL-8; leptin; monocyte chemoattractant protein–1; plasminogen activator inhibitor–1; resistin; and tumor necrosis factor) were assayed in the adipose tissues and plasma. The 30-day wound complications were captured in real time. Logarithmic transformation of mediator levels was performed based on positively skewed, non-Gaussian distribution, and data were compared using the Student t test. Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons. Results Sixty-six patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization or lower extremity amputations for severe peripheral arterial disease were enrolled. The 30-day follow-up was 92.4%. In total, 19 (29%) patients developed wound complications. Patients who developed wound complications had elevated perivascular adiponectin levels (mean ± standard error, 2,372.45 ± 648.64 ng/mL vs 832.53 ± 180.54 ng/mL, P = .004). Perivascular IL-1β levels were lower among patients with wound dehiscence (0.41 ± 0.004 pg/mL vs 0.73 ± 0.09 pg/mL, P = .001). Conclusion Local adipose tissue mediator levels at the time of operation demonstrate a previously undescribed compartment-specific relationship to wound outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity vascular operative procedures. These associations provide fertile directives for defining the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of wound complications and their prevention.
Study on the Transfer Overvoltage Test of Capacitor Voltage Transformer

Transfer overvoltage test is difficult to achieve in instrument transformers' detection.Due to the large capacitance of capacitor voltage transformer(CVT),test of transfer overvoltage is more difficult.By way of analysis,study and calculation of the test circuit of the impulse voltage generator,A-type transfer overvoltage impulse wave of CVT meeting the standard requirements has been obtained,and the transfer characteristic has also been preliminarily investigated in this paper.
“Danshen” the Night Away

This case discusses a mixed pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug interaction between warfarin and danshen resulting in increased anticoagulation.
Characterization of a venom gland-associated rhabdovirus in the parasitoid wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata

Parasitoid wasps reproduce by laying their eggs on or inside of a host insect, which triggers a defense response in the host insect that kills the developing wasp. To counteract the host's lethal response, some parasitoid wasps are associated with symbiotic viruses that alter host metabolism and development to promote successful development of the wasp embryo. These symbiotic viruses display a number of characteristics that differ from those of pathogenic viruses, but are poorly understood with the exception of one group, the polydnaviruses. Here, we characterize the genome of a non-polydnavirus associated with parasitoid wasps, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata rhabdovirus (DlRhV), and assess its role as a potential mutualistic virus. Our results show that the DlRhV genome contains six open reading frames (ORFs). Three ORFs show sequence homology to known viral genes and one ORF encodes a previously identified protein, called parasitism-specific protein 24 (PSP24), that has been hypothesized to play a role in promoting successful parasitism by D. longicaudata. We constructed a phylogeny that shows that DlRhV is most closely related to other insect-infecting rhabdoviruses. Finally, we report that DlRhV infection does not occur in all populations of D. longicaudata, and is not required for successful parasitism.
Improved Algorithm Based on Gaussian Mixture Background Model

Aimed at the disadvantage that Gaussian mixture background model is seriously affected by the sudden light change, this paper presents an improved algorithm based on Gaussian background model. By adding two steps which are light judgment and background update into the algorithm, the algorithm can eliminate the affects of sudden light change. The results show that this algorithm can extract the actual background in sudden light change environment.
Action and Causality

“What made him insult her?” we ask. “What caused him to leave the country?” These are familiar locutions that invite — or appear to invite — causal explanations of human actions. The ease with which such questions arise and are answered suggests the ubiquity of causal explanation regarding the familiar range of human agency. They are not, in any obvious way, restricted to certain defective or deficient or metaphorically or legally extended forms of agency; they are normally entertained wherever we suppose human beings to be capable of the fullest freedom, liberty, choice, deliberate commitment in what they do. Still, there is a nagging and prolonged dispute among philosophers as to whether in principle human action — or at any rate, the actions of a so-called free agent, free actions, actions freely performed — may be explained in causal terms or must be explained in one or another contracausal way.
Reflections on Certification, Interpretation, and the Quest for Fraud that “Counts” Under the False Claims Act

Sometimes, we lie when we speak; sometimes, we lie when we don’t. Striking the right balance is the essence of the June 2016 Supreme Court opinion in Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, which challenged the applicability of the Civil False Claims Act (FCA) to a defendant who falsely implied that it was in compliance with Medicaid requirements in order to obtain payment from the government. In a unanimous opinion, the Justices affirmed the validity of the implied certification theory but warned that misrepresentations must meet a demanding “materiality” standard to be actionable. While both parties were quick to claim victory, in the long run the decision is likely to satisfy no one and to raise as many questions as it answers.Ironically – or perhaps fittingly – for a case expected to redefine the contours of fraudulent omissions, the opinion was notable as much for what it didn’t say as for what it did. Without citing to the extensive appellate FCA case law on either implied certification or materiality, and relying little on the statutory text itself, the Justices drew primarily from the common law. They explicitly declined to set bright-line rules, opting instead for a fact-intensive, commonsense approach more reminiscent of Justice Stewart’s famous proclamation regarding pornography (“I know it when I see it”).This essay confronts the fundamental question underlying implied certification litigation: what type of fraud should “count” under the FCA? Neither the statutory language nor 150 years of case law – nor Escobar itself – has provided a coherent mechanism for distinguishing irrelevant noncompliance from more significant misrepresentations that go to the heart of what the government believes it is buying. Situating Escobar within the historical context of FCA certification theories, this essay identifies the crucial issues left open by the opinion, including how, when, and by whom this new materiality standard will be assessed. Escobar not only represents a lost opportunity to resolve these debates; it introduces confounding new questions that virtually guarantee befuddled litigants will have no choice but to seek clarity through future litigation.
Two-factor authentication through near field communication

The cloud has revolutionized mobile applications utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT). While the cloud enables information technology as the fifth utility, it has also expanded the attack surface. Security breaches, where sensitive data are compromised, have shaken the users' trust in cloud services. High profile incidences include iCloud, LastPass, and even the Office of Personnel Management for the United States Government. The cloud and the IoT as a whole require a way to establish users' faith in the security of their data. Authentication, a process to verify a user's credential before granting access, is the first line of defense in cybersecurity. This paper proposes a novel authentication scheme for mobile device featuring Near Field Communication (NFC). The scheme offers operational convenience with strong authentication.
Automatic speech segmentation using neural tree networks

Segmentation of speech into sub-word acoustic units using neural tree networks (NTNs) is presented. NTN is a hierarchical classifier that combines the properties of both decision trees and feedforward neural networks. The number of sub-word acoustic units in a given speech segment may or may not be known to the segmentation algorithm. Both these varieties of speech segmentation problems are addressed. The performance of the speech segmentation algorithm using NTN is compared to that obtained using hidden Markov models (HMMs) and dynamic programming-based approach proposed elsewhere.
STUDIES ON TYPHUS FEVER : VIII. TICKS AS A POSSIBLE VECTOR OF THE DISEASE FROM ANIMALS TO MAN.

Mexican typhus virus can be passed through ticks by the method of rectal injection. The virus will remain alive in the ticks for at least 12 days. These studies, together with one of our preceding publications and the work of Dyer, demonstrate that there are at least three insects-bedbugs, fleas and ticks-which must be considered as possibilities in conveying typhus fever from an animal reservoir to man. Our work will be continued by a study of rats and mice caught in typhus regions such as Mexico City and its immediate vicinity, with a search for the virus in these rodents as well as an analysis of the insects found upon them or in the localities in which they are concentrated.
Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Solid Tumors or Hematologic Malignancies

Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in patients with cancer and is most frequently the result of systemic cancer treatment. The mechanism by which cancer therapies cause thrombocytopenia is varied, leading to differing incidences and patterns of thrombocytopenia. In addition to megakaryocyte cytotoxicity, various cancer drugs have been associated with immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic microangiopathy, and splenomegaly. Decreased platelet production due to direct tumor involvement of the bone marrow is more common in patients with hematologic malignancies compared to those with solid tumors. Splenic sequestration of platelets is an important cause of thrombocytopenia in both hematologic and solid cancers and may result from several different mechanisms. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a common cause of thrombocytopenia in cancer patients and is associated with poor survival. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is mostly often described in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and also appears to be associated with inferior survival. Management of thrombocytopenia includes supportive care. Platelet transfusions are administered to patients with bleeding or at high risk of bleeding. The use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists may decrease the need for delays or dose reductions in patients receiving systemic cancer treatment. However, their use in this setting is still considered investigational.
Topology optimization of multiphase architected materials for energy dissipation

Abstract In this article, we study the computational design of multiphase architected materials comprising a stiff phase, a dissipative phase, and void space, with enhanced vibration damping characteristics under wave propagation. We develop a topology optimization framework that maximizes a figure of merit comprising of effective stiffness, density and effective damping. We also propose novel material interpolation strategies to avoid the blending of different phases at any given point in the design domain. This is achieved by carefully defining different penalization schemes for different components of the merit function. The effective stiffness of the periodic multiphase material is calculated using homogenization theory and the Bloch–Floquet theorem is used to obtain its damping capacity, allowing for the investigation of the effect of wave directionality, material microarchitecture and intrinsic material properties on the wave attenuation characteristics. It is shown that the proposed topology optimization framework allows for systematic tailoring of microstructure of the multiphase materials for wide ranges of frequencies and densities and results in the identification of optimized multiphase cellular designs with void space that are superior to fully dense topologies.
Cost effectiveness of a practice-based intervention to improve vaccination rates in adults less than 65-years-old.

The cost-effectiveness of the 4 Pillars™ Practice Transformation Program to improve vaccination rates in adults $2,099 per case (societal base case $846). Thus, the 4 Pillars Practice Transformation Program is an economically reasonable intervention to improve vaccination rates in adults <65-years-old, and could have a substantial public health impact.
DLCO: adjust for lung volume, standardised reporting and interpretation

D LCO reports and interpretation should be standardised and include adjusting predicted D LCO and K CO for lung volume http://ow.ly/ywTA30cOh44
Using Spectral Reflectance Indices as Proxy Phenotypes for Genome-Wide Association Studies of Yield and Yield Stability in Pacific Northwest Winter Wheat

Spectral reflectance technology has recently opened up new possibilities to characterize traits that are resource intensive or difficult to measure directly in large germplasm collections. We have previously reported various spectral reflectance indices that have selectable genetic variations, strong associations with yield, and moderate to high efficiency of indirect selection in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to the US Pacific Northwest. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions of agronomic importance by using these indices as surrogates in genome-wide association studies. Yield plots were evaluated for agronomic traits, canopy spectral reflectance, and canopy temperature under rainfed and irrigated conditions for 3 yr (2012–2014). Eight spectral reflectance indices were used for the association mapping study: green normalized difference vegetation index, normalized chlorophyll-pigment ratio index, normalized difference vegetation index, normalized water index, plant nitrogen content index, photochemical reflectance index, simple ratio index, and xanthophyll epoxidation state. Marker-based population structure explained 8 to 20% of phenotypic variation in these indices. Association mapping was conducted using 3653 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers, two population subgroups, and reduced kinship matrices. We identified 80 quantitative trait loci for these indices across 16 chromosomes, most of which showed significant pleiotropic effect and positional proximity to grain yield, grain number per spike, thousand-kernel weight, volume weight, plant height, and heading date. The study demonstrated the impending possibility of using canopy spectral reflectance in identifying novel and previously known loci that contribute to yield and yield stability under variable environments.
Contributions of Nuclear Endocrinology to the Diagnosis of Adrenal Tumors

The scintigraphic evaluation of the adrenal cortex with [131I] 6β-iodomethylnorcholesterol (NP-59) and the sympathomedullary system with [131I]- or [123I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) provides a unique means of depicting the in vivo functional status of these tissues. This functional depiction is complementary to the high-resolution anatomical studies such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Shapiro et al. 1987; Thrall et al. 1978; McEwan et al. 1985). A fundamental principle is that localizing procedures should be performed only when clinical suspicion has led to the performance of appropriate biochemical testing, the results of which support the diagnosis of an endocrine hypersecretory state.