cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutical Marketing and Promotion

This article discusses the role of consumer-directed and physician-directed promotion in the pharmaceutical market, based on the classic conceptual framework of whether such promotion is ‘persuasive’ and/or ‘informative.’ Implications for public health and welfare partly depend on whether, and to what extent, advertising: (1) raises ‘selective’ or brand-specific demand versus ‘primary’ or industry-wide demand; (2) impacts drug costs; and (3) impacts competition. Empirical evidence from the literature bearing on these effects is surveyed. These studies show that pharmaceutical promotion has both informative and persuasive elements. Consumer advertising is more effective at enlarging the market, educating consumers, inducing physician contact, expanding drug treatment, and promoting adherence among existing users. Physician advertising is primarily persuasive in nature, effectively increasing selective brand demand. There is no strong evidence that drug promotion is anticompetitive and deters entry; it may even be mildly pro-competitive and increase branded substitutes as well as new products entering clinical development. There is also no strong evidence that either consumer- or provider-directed promotion substantially raises retail-level prices. Although all of these effects point to welfare improvements as a result of pharmaceutical promotion, there is also evidence that consumer advertisements may induce overuse and overtreatment in certain cases. Market expansion, overtreatment and shifting brands for nontherapeutic reasons further raise the concern of a suboptimal patient–drug match at least for some marginal patients. A comprehensive evaluation of the welfare effects of pharmaceutical promotion requires a balanced assessment of these benefits and costs.
Plumage coloration and social context influence male investment in song.

Animals use multiple signals to attract mates, including elaborate song, brightly coloured ornaments and physical displays. Female birds often prefer both elaborate male song and intense carotenoid...
Approximate Convex Hull Based Sample Truncation for Scenario Approach to Chance Constrained Trajectory Optimization

This paper proposes a new sampling-based method, utilizing approximate convex hulls, to chance constrained trajectory optimization. Chance constrained trajectory optimization formulations can be utilized in many autonomous control applications and is also a key component of stochastic model predictive control. Among different solution techniques proposed in the literature, sampling based methods have been widely utilized. These methods convert the stochastic optimization problem to a deterministic one with finite number of constraints by replacing the uncertain stochastic variable with a set of random samples, also called scenarios. Unfortunately, large number of samples needed even after removing redundant ones is a complicating factor and imposes a high computational complexity. In this paper, we consider chance constrained trajectory optimization problems for linear systems with stochastic disturbances and polytopic feasible control and state sets. We present a strategy to significantly reduce the number of required samples by truncating them, in addition to removing redundancies. An $\epsilon$ -approximate convex hull is generated to truncate the samples, obtained by using systematic methods of the scenario approach to cover a prescribed probability mass with a prescribed level of confidence. Hence the real uncertainty region is inner approximated by the remaining samples. The truncation error is later compensated by adjusting, buffering, the supporting hyperplanes of the polytope accordingly. This deterministic characterization of stochastic disturbances allow us to reformulate the stochastic optimization problem with an approximate deterministic one. Hence the proposed approach aims to reduce the computational complexity due to using a sampling, while balancing the conservatism introduced due to this approximation. Simulation results also confirm noncon-servative performance obtained by the proposed method after discarding about 99% of samples from the scenario approach, which remarkably speeds up the online computations.
Appendicular Body Composition Analysis: Validity of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Compared With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Division I College Athletes

Brewer, GJ, Blue, MNM, Hirsch, KR, Peterjohn, AM, and Smith-Ryan, AE. Appendicular body composition analysis: Validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis compared with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in Division I college athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2920-2925, 2019-The purpose of this study was to evaluate validity of appendicular body composition measurements measured from a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) compared with a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) criterion in Division I athletes. One hundred sixty male (n = 44) and female (n = 116) collegiate athletes were enrolled: Men's Cross Country (n = 15), football linemen (n = 29), Women's Soccer (n = 27), Women's Field Hockey (n = 27), Women's Cross Country (n = 13), Women's Gymnastics (n = 16), and Women's Lacrosse (n = 33). Appendicular fat mass (FM) of the arms (AFM, right AFM, left AFM) and legs (LFM, right LFM, left LFM), appendicular fat-free mass (FFM) of the arms (AFFM, RAFFM, LAFFM) and legs (LFFM, RLFFM, LLFFM), total body FM and FFM, and total body %fat were collected from both devices. MF-BIA significantly underestimated appendicular FFM of the arms (AFFM mean difference [MD]: -0.7 kg; RAFFM: -0.4 kg; LAFFM: -0.4 kg, p < 0.001) and legs (LFFM MD: -3.8 kg; RLFFM: -1.9 kg; LLFFM: -1.9 kg, p < 0.001), and FM of the legs (LFM MD: -2.5 kg; RLFM: -1.3 kg; LLFM: -1.3 kg, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in appendicular FM measures of the arms (p = 0.174). All measures held true for male subjects and female subjects. Female subjects produced smaller differences compared with male subjects. The lack of validity, from raw and relative error, between the devices for most appendicular measures (FFM of arms and FFM and FM legs) and all total body measures (FM, FFM, and %fat) suggest that this MF-BIA may not be accurate in measuring a lean, athletic, population compared with DXA.
Producing urban agroecology in the East Bay: from soil health to community empowerment

Despite a growing civic movement to create spaces for urban agriculture (UA) in U.S. cities, public investment remains both inequitable and inadequate to support the diverse practices and practitio...
Consultative Interpretation for Lupus Anticoagulant by Expert Pathologist Reduces False-Positive Rates in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

Background: The diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome requires detection of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). A retrospective review of our testing practices revealed that societal recommendations for lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing as part of aPL testing are largely not followed by clinicians, and there was a high proportion of positive LA results. Increasing direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) usage creates additional challenges in identifying LA. This prompted us to establish an order set with pathologist consultation (“LA panel”) and testing algorithm to reduce false-positive LA and to ensure optimal LA identification and best practices for interpretation and follow-up. Methods: The laboratory database was reviewed to determine the number of LA tests ordered and rate of LA positivity before and after the LA panel was instituted. We assessed the impact of pathologist consultation to minimize false-positive findings and on following diagnostic guidelines. Results: LA panels were ordered for 1146 patients. LA was detected in 10% (111 of 1146) by dilute Russel viper venom time (dRVVT) normalized ratio [includes dRVVT screen (dRVVTs) positive/lupus-sensitive partial thromboplastin time (PTT-LA) positive and dRVVTs positive/PTT-LA negative] and 20% (228 of 1146) by Staclot-LA (includes dRVVTs negative/PTT-LA positive and dRVVTs positive/confirm negative). There was a reduction of false-positive LA by Staclot-LA; previously, 48% positive. We saw increased cancellation of LA testing for interfering anticoagulants [6.8% (16 of 236) vs 14.4% (55 of 383); P = 0.0061]. There was also increased adherence to follow-up LA testing [3% (8 of 236) vs 13.8% (53 of 383); P ≤ 0.001]. Conclusions: Creating a predetermined order set and testing algorithm with pathologist consultation improved LA testing interpretation and diagnostic follow-up testing.
Gender-Identity Protection, Trade, and the Trump Administration: A Tale of Reluctant Progressivism

The Trump Administration has been hostile to transgender people, stripping away many protections from discrimination established by the prior administration. It is therefore striking that President Trump’s signature international agreement to date — the “new NAFTA” recently negotiated with Canada and Mexico — includes a provision requiring all three countries to implement appropriate policies to protect workers against discrimination based on gender identity. This provision has a similar requirement with respect to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, notwithstanding the fact that the Trump Administration’s domestic policies have also shown hostility to such protections. How did this provision come to be included in the trade agreement? How powerful is it in practice? And what lessons does its inclusion have for international trade law more generally? Drawing on subtle changes in the wording of the initial and revised texts of the trade agreement, this Essay hypothesizes that the initial inclusion of gender-identity and sexual-orientation protections took place with little to no interagency consultation with the Department of Justice, which has taken a strong position against such workplace protections. Once these protections made it into the initial public draft, the Trump Administration could — and did — water down the protections in subsequent negotiations, but the Administration could not remove the protections entirely. The net effect is an international commitment to the protection of gender identity and sexual orientation that is substantively weak but still meaningful — and that carries considerable expressive force. The inclusion of the protections shows that trade agreements can lead even powerful governments to make value-laden commitments at odds with their own domestic agendas.
Broadband, Waveguide-Integrated Mid-Infrared Black Phosphorus Modulator with High Modulation Depth

The electro-optical modulation of black phosphorus is promising in broad mid-IR range. We demonstrated 10% of modulation at 3-μm wavelength by a multi-passing waveguide device and proposed a plasmonic waveguide to achieve higher modulation depth and smaller footprint.
Shelter Shopping: Where the Built Environment and Social Systems Meet

Abstract Since 2009, disasters have displaced each year at least 15 million people worldwide. Immediately post-disaster, emergency shelters serve those displaced. The sheltering system often consists of formal (managed by the government) and spontaneous shelters (managed by volunteers). These two types of shelters may offer different resources with atmospheres that can vary widely. Displaced persons often select between shelters based on their personal preferences, engaging in what some refer to as “shelter shopping.” We seek to understand the intersection between social systems and sheltering systems; we examine reports on shelter counts, news, and social media about 14 emergency shelters that served those displaced by a 2018 California wildfire. Our aim is threefold: 1) to study demand at shelters, 2) to understand why people chose to stay at spontaneous shelters, and 3) to investigate what sheltering needs precipitated a tent city that occurred in a Walmart parking lot. Results show that at one time up to 40% of displaced persons staying inside were hosted in spontaneous shelters and as such, formal shelter managers faced uncertain demand. According to our research, people chose to stay at spontaneous shelters because of the social bonds afforded there and a dislike for rules at formal shelters.
Endometrial Tumor Classification by Histomorphology and Biomarkers in the Nurses' Health Study.

Objective. Endometrial cancers have historically been classified by histomorphologic appearance, which is subject to interobserver disagreement. As molecular and biomarker testing has become increasingly available, the prognostic significance and accuracy of histomorphologic diagnoses have been questioned. To address these issues for a large, prospective cohort study, we provide the results of a centralized pathology review and biomarker analysis of all incidental endometrial carcinomas occurring between 1976 and 2012 in the Nurses’ Health Study. Methods. Routine histology of all ( ) cases was reviewed for histomorphologic diagnosis. Cases were subsequently planted in a tissue microarray to explore expression of a variety of biomarkers (e.g., ER, PR, p53, PTEN, PAX2, AMACR, HNF1β, Napsin A, p16, PAX8, and GATA3). Results. Histologic subtypes included endometrioid (87.2%), serous (5.6%), carcinosarcoma (3.9%), clear cell (1.7%), and mixed type (1.7%). Biomarker results within histologic subtypes were consistent with existing literature: abnormal p53 was frequent in serous cases (74%), and HNF1β (67%), Napsin A (67%), and AMACR (83%) expression was frequent in clear cell carcinomas. Our dataset also allowed for examination of biomarker expression across non-preselected histologies. The results demonstrated that (1) HNF1β was not specific for clear cell carcinoma, (2) TP53 mutations occurred across many histologies, and (3) GATA3 was expressed across multiple histotypes, with 75% of positive cases demonstrating high-grade features. Conclusions. Our findings establish the subtypes of endometrial cancer occurring in the Nurses’ Health Study, corroborate the sensitivity of certain well-established biomarkers, and call into question previously identified associations between certain biomarkers (e.g., HNF1B) and particular histotypes.
EZR-ROS1 fusion renal cell carcinoma mimicking urothelial carcinoma: report of a previously undescribed gene fusion in renal cell carcinoma

A subset of renal cell carcinomas harbor gene fusions, and we report the first case of an EZR-ROS1 fusion in renal cell carcinoma. A 47-year-old female presented with hematuria and a mass involving the renal pelvis. Renal biopsy revealed a tumor with solid and tubular architecture that was diffusely positive for PAX8, CK7, and vimentin; retained expression of INI1; focally positive for P504S; and negative for GATA3 and TFE3. Partial nephrectomy was performed, and histologically, the tumor had solid and tubular architecture with mucin-like content within tubules. The nuclei corresponded to WHO/ISUP grade 2 and 3. The morphology was neither specific nor diagnostic, and a final diagnosis of unclassified renal cell carcinoma with solid and tubular architecture was rendered. Molecular sequencing revealed an EZR-ROS1 fusion: a fusion that has never been reported in renal cell carcinoma. Recognition of this fusion is of significance if the tumor becomes metastatic as treatment with crizotinib may be considered.
Understanding Nurses' Experiences and Perceptions of End-of-Life Care for Cancer Patients in Korea: A Scoping Review.

Background:Quality end-of-life care for cancer patients is a global health priority, and nurses are instrumental in providing this care. However, little is known about nurses’ experiences and perce...
The Battle Over Self-Consumption

In contrast to the considerable cross-party consensus in Spain for promoting utility-scale renewable power, the country has experienced a high degree of political conflict over small-scale electricity generation primarily for consumption by the producer himself. This chapter details the battle over self-consumption from its origins in the early 2010s until its resolution at the end of the decade. It begins with the initial attempts to develop the needed regulations and then describes the obstacles erected by the Rajoy government after it took office in 2011. A further section covers the efforts of other parties to remove those obstacles and the success of the Rajoy government at resisting those efforts until it was cast out of office. The last sections detail the steps taken by the subsequent Sanchez government to remove the barriers and some other issues that needed to be resolved before the full potential of self-consumption could be realized.
Who can prevent dating and sexual violence? Demographics related to actionist opportunity in an adult community sample

While dating and sexual violence (DSV) prevention through bystander intervention receives much attention in college samples, adult community samples and rural communities receive comparatively little study. An understanding of bystander actionist opportunities, who are the bystanders that have the opportunity to act to prevent to violence, is lacking. The goal of this study is to explore whether various individual identities relate to actionist opportunity rates in DSV situations. Mailed surveys were collected from 1,529 adults in a rural community sample. Five factors (sex, relationship status, race/ethnicity, income, and age) were compared to rates of witnessing six DSV actionist opportunities (victim blaming, supporting a survivor, hearing neighbors fight, seeing a couple fight, seeing an intoxicated person alone, and seeing an assault) using logistic regression models. Both age and household income were inversely related to an increased likelihood of witnessing most DSV situations. Bystander sex was related to a great likelihood of noticing an intoxicated person all alone. Being in a relationship recently was related to more opportunities to support a survivor and of noticing a couple fighting on the street. Bystander race was not related to any opportunity rates. These findings suggest that opportunity to intervene deserves more attention in studies of DSV prevention among community samples. Bystander intervention education efforts in community settings should be tailored with consideration of the intended audience demographics. Programs should move beyond race or sex of the attendees to also include things such as relationship status, community income level, or age.
Photometric Methods of Caustics

Failure in structures and machine components are known to be caused by flows or crack like defects which ar considered to be initially present in the components or initiated by repeated stressing and grown finally to critical size.
Psychiatric Applications of Viral Vectors

There is no doubt that viral vectors hold the promise of transforming the field of psychiatry. However, safe and efficacious gene therapy for psychiatric disorders is several years from becoming reality. Regardless, viral vectors are already providing useful information to basic science in the investigation into the molecular determinants of behavior. Viral vectors expressing the transcription factor, cAMP-response-element binding protein (CREB) or a dominant-negative mutant form of CREB (mCREB) affect behavior in rodent models ranging from depression to anxiety to drug dependence. This chapter compares and contrasts four viral vector systems (herpes simplex 1 virus, adeno-associated virus, sindbis virus, and lentivirus) best suited for gene transfer into brain and describes basic strategies where viral-mediated gene transfer has proven useful. The final section outlines novel uses and improvements to vector technology and describes current obstacles preventing viral vectors from becoming clinically viable.
CA-MMP: a matrix metalloproteinase with a novel cysteine array, but without the classic cysteine switch.

A matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-like gene was identified in mouse to contain a conserved MMP catalytic domain and an RRRR motif. It lacks a classic cysteine switch, but it possesses two novel motifs: a cysteine array (Cys-X6-Cys-X8-Cys-X10-Cys-X3-Cys-X2-Cys), and a novel Ig-fold. It is named CA-MMP after the distinct cysteine array motif, and little is known about its biochemical function. In an attempt to characterize CA-MMP activity, the full-length sequence was expressed in mammalian cells and its product found to be cell-associated without detectable secretion. In light of this unusual finding, a chimera combining the catalytic domain of CA-MMP with the prodomain of stromelysin-3 was constructed to express a fully active enzyme in mammalian cells. Purified CA-MMP catalytic domain expresses proteolytic activity against protein substrates in an MMP inhibitor sensitive fashion. Taken together, it is concluded that CA-MMP is an MMP with distinct structure, biochemical properties and evolutionary history that may define a new subclass of the MMP superfamily.
Crystal Methamphetamine, Body Dysmorphia, and Shame: A Psychodynamic Case Report from the Trainee Perspective

Shame is an affect common to many pathological as well as nonpathological states. It is rarely described in academic psychiatry, and the reasons are probably more sociocultural than physiologic or scientific. Whether identified as shame or termed something else altogether, it is often the target of effective therapies addressing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, personality conflicts, and even delusions. It is particularly common within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations given the difficulties of confronting and accepting the self. Using a clinical case experienced by a psychiatry resident trainee as a framework, this paper explores the phenomenon of shame as a common pathway to several psychiatric diagnoses within the same patient. Psychodynamic aspects of the patient's relationships with family members, his interactions with the resident, and the resident's countertransferential reactions are explored as well.
I've lost my identity – oh, there it is … in a style manual: Teaching citation styles and academic honesty

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share the process that Northwest Missouri State University B.D. Owens Library uses to decrease plagiarism including citation style guides, academic honesty and plagiarism tutorials, online movies, and interactive learning objects that teach citing, which can be used or adapted by other libraries in both online and on‐ground information literacy instruction environments.Design/methodology/approach – Rationale for the inclusion of citation instruction in on‐ground and online formats, their application, and uses are discussed.Findings – Citation reference questions as a percentage of the total number of reference questions answered by librarians are on the rise. This increase may be attributed to the growth of electronic resources, which are inadequately covered in citation manuals. Students frequently struggle with identifying types of sources listed in database or bibliography citations, causing them to create bibliographies filled with errors.Practical implication...
Carcinogens, Monitoring of Indoor Air

Carcinogens in indoor air include radioactive radon, a variety of organic compounds, several inorganic species, asbestos fibers, and a large number of chemical species associated with suspended particulate matter (SPM). Within these categories, carcinogens may be grouped byeither chemical class and physical properties or by the methods used to measure them. Generally, measurement methods within a category are at least similar if not identical. A typical measurement method includes procedures for sampling a known volume of air in a way that quantitatively collects the species of interest, transferring collected samples to a laboratory, and measuring species of interest in the samples using an appropriate validated analysis method. The sampling location may be in the breathing zone of a person (to measure personal exposure) or at a specific location in a building or room (to measure potential for exposure at that location). A sample may be collected very quickly (to obtain a snapshot of carcinogen concentration at a specific time) or very slowly over a period of hours, days, or weeks (to obtain an integrated or average carcinogen concentration). The analysis method is essentially independent of the sampling location and sampling time, but collection of an adequate quantity of the species of interest is crucial. In general, radon is measured as radiation emitted from the sample; organic compounds are measured using gas or liquid chromatography with an appropriate detector; carcinogenic inorganic species are measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or atomic emission spectroscopy (AES); asbestos fibers are visually counted at high magnification; and particles are extracted with a solvent to quantitatively remove the species of interest, which are then measured using one of the organic or inorganic methods described above. Concentrations of the species of interest can then be calculated by dividing the quantity of each species measured in the collected sample by the volume of air sampled.
Appendix X: Crossover Spurs

A table of all mixer (frequency conversion) crossover spurs for LO multiples through m = 10 and signal multiples through n = 5. A spreadsheet is employed in which the highest values for m and n can be traded off.
An Experimental Investigation of Moral Hazard in Costly Investments

Frequently, parties make sequential decisions regarding investments for which the probability of success or failure is dependent upon the amount of total investment. This paper reports a series of experiments involving a costly investment game which is derived from the catalytic finance model of Morris and Shin (2006). The sequential nature of investments is such that the second investment could function as a complement to the initial investment or simply serve as a substitute to it thereby creating moral hazard. The features of this game are similar to those of the ultimatum game. However, there are several key differences between the games which may account for the high frequency of materially self-interested behavior that we observe, particularly among second movers.
On the Interpretation of Least Squares Collocation

One of the central issues in current geodetic data reduction is the question of how noise-corrupted measurements of physical parameters, derived from two independent measurement processes, can be combined to obtain an optimal estimate of the parameters. The problem is complicated further when there is apriori information on a subset of the parameters to be estimated. The problem of combining surface measurements of gravitational anamolies with observations of satellites to determine the earth’s geopotential coefficients is an important example of this class of problem. The difficulties with this problem lead Moritzl to propose the least squares collocation algorithm as a general approach to geodetic data reduction. Subsequent investigations have claimed to validate Moritz’s conclusion that the least squares collocation method is a more general parameter estimation method than the classical least squares, minimum variance or maximum likelihood methods2,3
Eric T. Freyfogle and Dale D. Goble. Wildlife law: A primer

In the mid-1990s, Dale Goble and Eric Freyfogle began a law-school textbook project. The idea was to bring some measure of coherence for the first time to a large but scattered body of Anglo-Americ...
The hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-DL-tyrosylglycinamide, N-acetyl-L-tyrosylglycinamide, and N-acetyl-DL-tyrosylglycinamide by chymotrypsin.

Contrary to the report of Bergmann and Fruton (1) the L peptide present in aqueous solutions of N-benzoyl-DL-tyrosylglycinamide, prepared by two independent methods, is rapidly hydrolyzed by crystalline chymotrypsin. At 40° and pH 7.8 in a 0.00344 M solution of the DL mixture the L component is hydrolyzed as rapidly as in a 0.00172 M solution of the L peptide (Table I). Because of the relative insolubility of N-benzoyl-DL-tyrosylglycinamide, it was not possible to study the reaction at higher substrate concentrations, and attention was directed to the much more soluble N-acetyl-DL-tyrosylglycinamide.
Ultrathin films of Rh on Au{001} and Rh on Ag{001} : growth mode and magnetism

Deposition of minute amounts of Rh on a clean and reconstructed Au{001} surface destroys the reconstruction and yields a 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1 structure. Prolonged deposition produces epitaxial but not pseudomorphic films of Rh with the bulk equilibrium fcc structure. Deposition of Rh on a clean Ag{001} surface produces overlayers which are partially covered by or intermixed with Ag, but which are pseudomorphic with the Ag{001} substrate. Photoemission experiments in the very early stages of overlayer growth reveals a 4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 eV splitting of the 4s levels of Rh, which is not observed in thick Rh films. The 4s splitting is explained by the presence of a magnetic moment on the Rh atoms and is related to recent theoretical predictions of ferromagnetism in a monolayer of Rh on either Ag{001} or Au{001}.
Impact of Lifetime Alcohol Use on Liver Fibrosis in a Population of HIV-Infected Patients With and Without Hepatitis C Coinfection

BACKGROUND: The effect of alcohol on liver disease in HIV infection has not been well characterized. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional multivariable analysis of the association between lifetime alcohol use and liver fibrosis in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems. Liver fibrosis was estimated with 2 noninvasive indices, "FIB-4," which includes platelets, liver enzymes, and age; and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index ("APRI"), which includes platelets and liver enzymes. FIB-4 3.25 and APRI >1.5 defined advanced liver fibrosis. The main independent variable was lifetime alcohol consumption ( 600 kg). RESULTS: Subjects (n = 308) were 73% men, mean age 43 years, 49% with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 60% on antiretroviral therapy, 49% with an HIV RNA load 600 kg, 32.7% 150 to 600 kg, and 22.3% 9 years of heavy episodic drinking. Sixty-one percent had absence of liver fibrosis and 10% had advanced liver fibrosis based on FIB-4. In logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, gender, HCV infection, and CD4 count, no association was detected between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 600 kg vs. 3.25). Results were similar using APRI, and among those with and without HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems, we found no significant association between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis or the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, suggesting that alcohol may be less important than other known factors that promote liver fibrosis in this population.
Constraints on massive neutrinos as hot dark matter

This article highlights three astronomical observations that can constrain the masses of neutrinos as hot dark matter: high-redshift damped Lyα systems, the cosmic microwave background anisotropy, and gravitational lenses. Theoretical predictions and current constraints are summarized. More data are expected in the near future from all three types of observations.
Performance analysis of imaging systems.

The ultimate performance test of an imaging system is its medical utility. This requires clinical use and evaluation of how well the system improves the delivery of health care. The radioactive source and the medium through which it travels, the collimator, detector electronics, and display system, comprise the major components that must be calculated in judging any imaging system. The subjective role of the observer and clinical physician interpreting and utilizing the information also must be considered in the overall scheme. A variety of qualitative and quantitative methods exist for analyzing the performance of imaging systems. Detectors deal with three interrelated properties which are resolution, sensitivity and observation time. Sensitivity measurements deal with counts per unit time obtained from a point or planar source placed a specific distance from the face of the detector system. Resolution measurements deal with the ability to discriminate between adjacent point or line sources. Full width at half maximum and modulation transfer function measurements of resolution are discussed in detail. Various types of geometric absorption, and anatomical phantoms are available to assist in making these determinations. In this review, attention is mostly drawn to the instrumental aspects of the system, since these are reasonably understood and somewhat controllable. However, the elements at opposite ends of the system, the biological mechanisms in the patients body, and the human observer using the information are really the most important, if least understood and controllable elements.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorine-containing hydroxyapatite by a pH-cycling method.

Different fluorine-containing hydroxyapatite (FHA) powders were synthesized through a pH-cycling method by varying sodium fluoride (NaF) concentration in hydroxyapatite (HA) suspensions. The powders were then calcined at 1200 ∘C for 1 h. Both uncalcined and calcined powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), and F-electrode. It was discovered that fluorine incorporation increased with the fluorine content in the initial solution and the number of pH cycles employed. A relatively low fluorine incorporation efficiency, ∼60%, was attained for most of the FHA samples, and it did not vary significantly after calcination. It was also revealed that the FHA particles produced by the pH-cycling method were inhomogeneous. They were a mixture of hydroxyapatite and F-rich apatite (or FA) particles. After calcination, however, these FHA particles were homogenized and became single phased FHA.
Gas exchange in open-top field chambers. I: Measurement and analysis of atmospheric resistances to gas exchange

Abstract Factors controlling rates of gas exchange between the atmosphere and plants growing in open-top field chambers, commonly used for studying crop responses to air quality, are measured and analysed. Restrictions on gas transfer by incursion through the open top, by air movement from the ventilation fan and by transfer through the leaf boundary layer are described by a resistance analogue. A method of measuring incursion resistance r i , using sulphur hexafluoride is described and applied to chambers of a standard design and of a design with a truncated conical top. There was a well-defined variation of r i with windspeed for the modified design and r i , decreased for a given windspeed as crop height increased. Leaf boundary layer resistance r b was measured in both chamber designs and was analysed as a function of incursion and fan ventilation rate. Values of r b in chambers may be lower than in crop canopies in the field, and possible consequences of this difference are discussed.
Subsurface creep on the Hayward Fault, Fremont, California

Surface creep on the Hayward fault at Fremont has been sustained for the past century at 8.2±0.1 mm/year. Two surface creepmeters record a similar mean creep rate in the past 3 years, but the data show significant irregularity despite being anchored at depths of 10–28 m. The serendipitous piercing of the subsurface fault by one of the creepmeter anchors, whose deflection at depth has been regularly monitored with a biaxial inclinometer system, reveals two fault traces dipping at ≈ 70°. At 21 m depth the Hayward fault slips dextrally at 8.1±0.4 mm/yr, and at ≈ 7 m depth a subsidiary fault slips bidirectionally adding noise to the surface creep data. Surface creep on this segment of the Hayward fault was arrested by stress changes following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but resumed in 1994. Tilt of the borehole, and a similar borehole east of the fault, is 3 orders of magnitude too large to be driven by uniform creep extending to depths of several km, and we conclude that irregular slip on the fault occurs in the uppermost few hundred meters. Cumulative dilatational strain since 1868 near segments of the fault NW of the creepmeter may exceed 200 µstrain, unless absorbed by undocumented slip off the main fault trace.
OPTIMIZATION OF A PLANAR QUADRUPED DYNAMIC LEAP

Quadruped walking robots need to handle high obstacles like steps that are often not kinematically reachable. We present a dynamic leap that allows a quadruped robot to put its front legs up onto a high rock or ledge, a motion we have found is critical to being able to locomote over rough terrain. The leaping motion was optimized using a simulated planar quadruped model. We present experimental results for the implementation of this optimized motion on a real quadruped robot.
Analysis of the DNA-binding Site for XenopusGlucocorticoid Receptor Accessory Factor CRITICAL NUCLEOTIDES FOR BINDING SPECIFICITY IN VITROAND FOR AMPLIFICATION OF STEROID-INDUCED FIBRINOGEN GENE TRANSCRIPTION

Abstract In addition to the glucocorticoid receptor, DNA-binding proteins called accessory factors play a role in hormone activation of many glucocorticoid-responsive genes. Hormonal regulation of the γ-fibrinogen subunit gene from the frog Xenopus laevis requires a novel DNA sequence that binds a liver nuclear protein called Xenopus glucocorticoid receptor accessory factor (XGRAF). Here we demonstrate that the recognition site for XGRAF encompasses GAGTTAA at positions −175 to −169 relative to the start site of transcription. This sequence is not closely related to the binding sites for known transcription factors. The two guanosines make close contact with XGRAF, as shown by the methylation interference assay. Single-point mutagenesis of every nucleotide in the 9-base pair region from positions −177 to −169 showed an excellent correlation between ability to bind XGRAF in vitro and ability to amplify hormone-induced transcription from DNA transfected intoXenopus primary hepatocytes. Conversely, XGRAF had little or no effect on basal transcription of the γ-fibrinogen gene. Maximal hormonal induction also requires three half-glucocorticoid response elements (half-GREs) homologous to the downstream half of the consensus GRE. Interestingly, the XGRAF-binding site is immediately adjacent to the most important half-GRE. This close proximity suggests a new mechanism for activation of a gene lacking a conventional full GRE.
Molecular properties of CFC substitutes from ab initio calculations: CFCl2CH3, CF2ClCH3, CHCl2CF3 and CHFClCF3

Abstract Ab initio calculations have been performed at the MP2/6-31G ∗∗ or MP2/6-31G ∗ level to determine physicochemical properties of four hydrochlorofluorocarbon molecules which currently constitute important CFC substitutes. The resulting geometries, dipole moments, vibrational frequencies and absolute infrared intensities are reported, and compared to available experimental data. As found in our previous work on the set of fluoroethanes, computational methods at this level appear to provide a consistent characterization of the equilibrium and vibrational properties of molecules of this level of complexity.
We Know Very Little: Accreditation and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

In this article, the authors examine the literature on accreditation in postsecondary education in the United States and, in particular, on accreditation as it influences historically Black college...
The effect of couple-stresses on the stress concentration around a crack☆

Abstract A plane-strain solution is obtained, within the linearized couple-stress theory of elastic behavior, for the problem presented by a finite crack in a transverse field of uniform uni-axial tension. The singularities arising at the ends of the crack are studied in detail and the results, which are relevant to fracture considerations, are compared with their counterpart in classical elasto-statics.
A GIT1/PIX/Rac/PAK Signaling Module Regulates Spine Morphogenesis and Synapse Formation through MLC

Three of seven recently identified genes mutated in nonsyndromic mental retardation are involved in Rho family signaling. Two of the gene products, α-p-21-activated kinase (PAK) interacting exchange factor (αPIX) and PAK3, form a complex with the synaptic adaptor protein G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1). Using an RNA interference approach, we show that GIT1 is critical for spine and synapse formation. We also show that Rac is locally activated in dendritic spines using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. This local activation of Rac is regulated by PIX, a Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor. PAK1 and PAK3 serve as downstream effectors of Rac in regulating spine and synapse formation. Active PAK promotes the formation of spines and dendritic protrusions, which correlates with an increase in the number of excitatory synapses. These effects are dependent on the kinase activity of PAK, and PAK functions through phosphorylating myosin II regulatory light chain (MLC). Activated MLC causes an increase in dendritic spine and synapse formation, whereas inhibiting myosin ATPase activity results in decreased spine and synapse formation. Finally, both activated PAK and activated MLC can rescue the defects of GIT1 knockdown, suggesting that PAK and MLC are downstream of GIT1 in regulating spine and synapse formation. Our results point to a signaling complex, consisting of GIT1, PIX, Rac, and PAK, that plays an essential role in the regulation of dendritic spine and synapse formation and provides a potential mechanism by which αPIX and PAK3 mutations affect cognitive functions in mental retardation.
Behavioral consequences of disasters: a five-stage model of population behavior.

OBJECTIVE: We propose a model of population behavior in the aftermath of disasters. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative analysis of an empirical dataset of 339 disasters throughout the world spanning from 1950 to 2005. RESULTS: We developed a model of population behavior that is based on 2 fundamental assumptions: (i) behavior is predictable and (ii) population behavior will progress sequentially through 5 stages from the moment the hazard begins until is complete. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the progression of population behavior during a disaster can improve the efficiency and appropriateness of institutional efforts aimed at population preservation after large-scale traumatic events. Additionally, the opportunity for population-level intervention in the aftermath of such events will improve population health. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-8). Language: en
Who Feels Sympathy for Roosters Used in Cockfighting? Examining the Influence of Feelings, Belief in Animal Mind, Personality, and Empathy-Related Traits

Abstract Since the 2007 Vick dog-fighting case, much attention has been focused on cruelty against dogs. Cockfighting roosters, on the other hand, have been virtually ignored by scientists and laypeople alike. Accordingly, very little is known about our emotional reactions to roosters used for cockfighting. The present study attempts to fill this void in the scientific literature by examining the relationship between individual differences variables and sympathetic reactions to roosters used for cockfighting depicted in a video newscast. The results were robust, with individual differences variables explaining 51% of the variability in sympathetic reactions to cockfighting roosters. Specifically, feelings toward roosters, extraversion, conscientiousness, and trait sympathy for animal suffering emerged as significant predictors, while belief in animal mind did not. The implications and limitations of these results are discussed.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Amyloid Precursor Protein Are Associated with Ventricular Size in Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity

Background Neurological outcomes of preterm infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) remain among the worst in infancy, yet there remain few instruments to inform the treatment of PHH. We previously observed PHH-associated elevations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid precursor protein (APP), neural cell adhesion molecule-L1 (L1CAM), neural cell adhesion molecule-1 (NCAM-1), and other protein mediators of neurodevelopment. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the association of CSF APP, L1CAM, and NCAM-1 with ventricular size as an early step toward developing CSF markers of PHH. Methods CSF levels of APP, L1CAM, NCAM-1, and total protein (TP) were measured in 12 preterm infants undergoing PHH treatment. Ventricular size was determined using cranial ultrasounds. The relationships between CSF APP, L1CAM, and NCAM-1, occipitofrontal circumference (OFC), volume of CSF removed, and ventricular size were examined using correlation and regression analyses. Results CSF levels of APP, L1CAM, and NCAM-1 but not TP paralleled treatment-related changes in ventricular size. CSF APP demonstrated the strongest association with ventricular size, estimated by frontal-occipital horn ratio (FOR) (Pearson R = 0.76, p = 0.004), followed by NCAM-1 (R = 0.66, p = 0.02) and L1CAM (R = 0.57,p = 0.055). TP was not correlated with FOR (R = 0.02, p = 0.95). Conclusions Herein, we report the novel observation that CSF APP shows a robust association with ventricular size in preterm infants treated for PHH. The results from this study suggest that CSF APP and related proteins at once hold promise as biomarkers of PHH and provide insight into the neurological consequences of PHH in the preterm infant.
How wing kinematics affect power requirements and aerodynamic force production in a robotic bat wing

Bats display a wide variety of behaviors that require different amounts of aerodynamic force. To control and modulate aerodynamic force, bats change wing kinematics, which, in turn, may change the power required for wing motion. There are many kinematic mechanisms that bats, and other flapping animals, can use to increase aerodynamic force, e.g. increasing wingbeat frequency or amplitude. However, we do not know if there is a difference in energetic cost between these different kinematic mechanisms. To assess the relationship between mechanical power input and aerodynamic force output across different isolated kinematic parameters, we programmed a robotic bat wing to flap over a range of kinematic parameters and measured aerodynamic force and mechanical power. We systematically varied five kinematic parameters: wingbeat frequency, wingbeat amplitude, stroke plane angle, downstroke ratio, and wing folding. Kinematic values were based on observed values from free flying Cynopterus brachyotis, the species on which the robot was based. We describe how lift, thrust, and power change with increases in each kinematic variable. We compare the power costs associated with generating additional force through the four kinematic mechanisms controlled at the shoulder, and show that all four mechanisms require approximately the same power to generate a given force. This result suggests that no single parameter offers an energetic advantage over the others. Finally, we show that retracting the wing during upstroke reduces power requirements for flapping and increases net lift production, but decreases net thrust production. These results compare well with studies performed on C. brachyotis, offering insight into natural flight kinematics.