cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal broadcast scheduling in packet radio networks using mean field annealing

We present an efficient broadcast scheduling algorithm based on mean field annealing (MFA) neural networks. Packet radio (PR) is a technology that applies the packet switching technique to the broadcast radio environment. In a PR network, a single high-speed wideband channel is shared by all PR stations. When a time-division multi-access protocol is used, the access to the channel by the stations' transmissions must be properly scheduled in both the time and space domains in order to avoid collisions or interferences. It is proven that such a scheduling problem is NP-complete. Therefore, an efficient polynomial algorithm rarely exists, and a mean field annealing-based algorithm is proposed to schedule the stations' transmissions in a frame consisting of certain number of time slots. Numerical examples and comparisons with some existing scheduling algorithms have shown that the proposed scheme can find near-optimal solutions with reasonable computational complexity. Both time delay and channel utilization are calculated based on the found schedules.
Wavelet Based Detection of Session Hijacking Attacks in Wireless Networks

This paper develops a mechanism for detecting session hijacking attacks in wireless networks. The proposed scheme is based on detecting abrupt changes in the strength of the received signal. We first develop a mathematical model to describe the signal strength during a session hijacking: a step function signal, which represents the abrupt jump in the signal strength, imbedded in colored noise, which is caused by fading wireless channels. An optimal filter is designed for the purpose of detection. We show that using a wavelet transform (WT), the colored noise with complex power spectral density (PSD) in our case can be approximately whitened. Since larger signal to noise ratio (SNR) increases the detection rate and decreases the false alarm rate, we maximize the SNR by analyzing the signal at specific ranges of frequency. We validate the detection mechanism by simulation and experimental results.
Modeling of liquid ceramic precursor droplets in a high velocity oxy-fuel flame jet

Abstract Production of coatings by high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) flame jet processing of liquid precursor droplets can be an attractive alternative method to plasma processing. This article concerns modeling of the thermophysical processes in liquid ceramic precursor droplets injected into an HVOF flame jet. The model consists of several sub-models that include aerodynamic droplet break-up, heat and mass transfer within individual droplets exposed to the HVOF environment and precipitation of ceramic precursors. A parametric study is presented for the initial droplet size, concentration of the dissolved salts and the external temperature and velocity field of the HVOF jet to explore processing conditions and injection parameters that lead to different precipitate morphologies. It is found that the high velocity of the jet induces shear break-up into several μm diameter droplets. This leads to better entrainment and rapid heat-up in the HVOF jet. Upon processing, small droplets (
Estimation of lithologies and depositional facies from wire-line logs

We approach the problem of identifying facies from well logs through the use of neural networks that perform vector quantization of input data by competitive learning. The method can be used in either an unsupervised or supervised manner. Unsupervised analysis is used to segregate a well into distinct facies classes based on the log behavior. Supervised analysis is used to identify the facies types present in a certain well by making use of the facies identified from cores in a nearby well. The method is suitable for analyzing lithologies and depositional facies of horizontal wells, which are almost never cored, especially if core data is available for nearby vertical wells. Both modes are implemented and used for the automatic facies analysis of horizontal wells in Saudi Arabia. In addition to the identification of facies, the method is also able to calculate, for each analysis, confidence measures that are indicative of how well the analysis procedure can identify those facies given uncertainties in the data. Moreover, we can apply constraints derived from human experience and geologic principles to guide the inference process.
Liszt: a domain specific language for building portable mesh-based PDE solvers

Heterogeneous computers with processors and accelerators are becoming widespread in scientific computing. However, it is difficult to program hybrid architectures and there is no commonly accepted programming model. Ideally, applications should be written in a way that is portable to many platforms, but providing this portability for general programs is a hard problem. By restricting the class of programs considered, we can make this portability feasible. We present Liszt, a domain-specific language for constructing mesh-based PDE solvers. We introduce language statements for interacting with an unstructured mesh, and storing data at its elements. Program analysis of these statements enables our compiler to expose the parallelism, locality, and synchronization of Liszt programs. Using this analysis, we generate applications for multiple platforms: a cluster, an SMP, and a GPU. This approach allows Liszt applications to perform within 12% of hand-written C++, scale to large clusters, and experience order-of-magnitude speedups on GPUs.
Improved TDM switching assignments for variable and fixed burst length

In this paper we present two algorithms for improved satellite-switched TDM slot assignments of N × N traffic matrices under K transponders/carriers (simultaneous connections), 1⩽K⩽N. The first algorithm applies to data switching with variable burst length and achieves optimum transmission time with a significantly lower number of switching configurations than a previously proposed algorithm, while still having the same time complexity (O(N4)). Experimental results demonstrate the advantage. The second algorithm applies to the case of fixed burst length and offers a faster complexity of O(L·N2), where L is the minimum transmission time, at the cost of occasionally missing the minimum. Extensive simulations indicate that the difference from the minimum is rare and is at most one. They also show that the presented algorithm even improves a previous one which was proposed for the fixed burst length case and has the same time complexity but uses K=N. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recovering the Nation's Body: Cultural Memory, Medicine, and the Politics of Redemption

Recovering the Nation's Body: Cultural Memory, Medicine, and the Politics of Redemption. Linda F. Hogle. New Brunswick, NJ; Rutgers University Press, 1999. xiv. 242 pp.
Molecular mechanisms of enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis in differentiating oligodendrocytes.

Several studies have shown that the progression of oligodendrocyte progenitors along the lineage correlates with increased susceptibility to death stimuli. The molecular basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. This study demonstrates that the protein levels of several proapoptotic molecules, including Bax, Bad (nonphosphorylated form), and certain caspase proforms, increase during oligodendrocyte development. In contrast, the steady-state levels of antiapoptotic molecules, such as Bcl2 and Bcl(XL), remain constant. This altered equilibrium between proapoptotic and antiapoptotic molecules correlates with increased cytochrome C in the cytosol. We conclude that, as oligodendrocytes mature, their susceptibility to apoptosis increases because of a change in the balance between protective mechanisms and proapoptotic pathways. This suggests the possible existence of a death susceptibility program, which is intrinsic to differentiating oligodendrocyte progenitors.
Inhibitory neuron organization and function in cerebral cortex (345.3)

Cortical circuits transform neural information within a stereotyped laminar architecture. These operations require the coordinated activity of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Inhibitory GABAergi...
Loss of renal function and microvascular blood flow after suprarenal aortic clamping and reperfusion (SPACR) above the superior mesenteric artery is greatly augmented compared with SPACR above the renal arteries.

Objective Renal insufficiency continues to be a complication that can affect patients after treatment for suprarenal aneurysms and renal artery occlusive disease. To our knowledge, no data are available showing that suprarenal aortic clamping and reperfusion (SRACR) above the renal arteries (renal-SRACR) preserves renal function compared with SRACR above the superior mesenteric artery (SMA-SRACR). This study examined the hypothesis that SMA-SRACR–induced downregulation of renal blood flow and function is more severe than renal-SRACR owing to the addition of systemic oxygen-derived free radical (ODFR) release. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats (about 350 g) were anesthetized and microdialysis probes or laser Doppler fibers were inserted into the renal cortex (depth of 2 mm) and into the renal medulla (depth of 4 mm). Laser Doppler blood flow was continuously monitored, and the microdialysis probes were connected to a syringe pump and perfused in vivo at 3 μL/min with lactated Ringer's solution. Results SMA-SRACR and Renal-SRACR decreased medullary and cortical blood flow and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. SMA-SRACR downregulated cortical inducible NO synthase, whereas renal-SRACR did not. The cortex and medulla responded to the decreased blood flow and NO synthesis by increasing in prostaglandin E 2 synthesis, which was due to increased cyclooxygenase-2 content. Superoxide dismutase restored SMA-SRACR (but not renal-SRACR) cortical and medullary NO synthesis, suggesting that ODFRs generated during mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion were one of the systemic mechanisms contributing to decreased renal NO synthesis in the SMA-SRACR model. The 90% decrease in creatinine clearance after SMA-SRACR was greater than the 60% decrease after renal-SRACR. Conclusions These data show that NO is important in maintaining renal cortical and medullary blood flow and NO synthesis after renal and SMA-SRACR. These data also suggest that in addition to the renal ischemia–reperfusion caused by both models, SMA SRACR induces mesenteric ischemia–reperfusion, resulting in the generation of ODFRs, which contribute to decreased renal cortical and medullary NO synthesis. Maintaining splanchnic blood flow or attempting to keep SRACR below the SMA level may be helpful in developing strategies to minimize the renal injury after SRACR.
CD9 Is a Unique Marker for Marginal Zone B Cells, B1 Cells, and Plasma Cells in Mice

Marginal zone (MZ), follicular (FO), and B1 B cells form the long-lived naive B cell compartment. To identify surface markers that define MZ B cells in mice, we generated a panel of mAbs reactive with MZ but not FO B cells. One of these mAbs, MZ3, was found to recognize the tetraspanin CD9. CD9 expression not only distinguishes MZ B cells from FO B cells but also divided peritoneal cavity B1 cells into smaller subsets. After short-term in vitro stimulation with various mitogens, FO B cells failed to induce CD9 protein, while MZ B cells up-regulated the level of CD9 protein. However, after prolonged culture of FO B cells with LPS, surface CD9 was induced, together with syndecan 1, indicative of plasma cell differentiation. Following immunization with a T-independent-2 Ag, R36A, or a T-dependent Ag, SRBC, we found that CD9 is not expressed by germinal center B cells but is eventually expressed on plasma cells in response to both T-independent-2 and T-dependent Ags. Collectively, these results suggest that MZ B cells and B1 cell subsets are the immediate precursors of plasma cells in the primary response and that CD9 is acquired by T-dependent plasma cells.
Transcranial Doppler detection of vertebrobasilar vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Transcranial Doppler sonography is of established value in the detection and monitoring of middle cerebral artery vasospasm. Little information exists on the utility of transcranial Doppler for detection of posterior circulation vasospasm.Cerebral angiography and conventional hand-held transcranial Doppler sonography were compared to determine sensitivity and specificity of transcranial Doppler for detection of vertebral and basilar artery vasospasm.Of 59 consecutive subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with transcranial Doppler angiogram correlations, 42 underwent posterior circulation angiography to evaluate 64 vertebral arteries and 42 basilar arteries during the period of risk for vasospasm and had technically adequate transcranial Doppler examinations within 24 hours of the angiogram. A mean flow velocity of 60 cm/s and above was indicative of both vertebral and basilar artery vasospasm. For the vertebral artery, there were 7 true-positive test results, 42 true-negatives, 6 false-positives (unknown cause...
Purification and characterization of Streptococcus adjacens (nutritionally variant Streptococcus serotype II) group antigen.

Abstract Nutritionally variant streptococci (NVS) possess amphiphiles which are serologically distinct from lipoteichoic acid and which serve as group-specific antigens for NVS. The objective of this study was to purify and characterize the NVS serotype II (Streptococcus adjacens) amphiphile. Amphiphile was isolated from stationary-phase culture supernatants of NVS strain 81 (NVS serotype II). Phenol-water extracts of culture supernatants were subjected to hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. A homogeneous preparation of amphiphile (22 mg; 8.5 x 10(6) hemagglutination units) was recovered, and its approximate molecular size (23,000 to 24,000 Da) and chemical composition were determined. Purified S. adjacens amphiphile contained phosphorus, ribitol, galactose, galactosamine, alanine, and fatty acids in molar ratios of 1.00:0.88:1.39:1.10:0.08:0.24. Since ribitol, galactose, and galactosamine were the primary carbohydrate components, the amphiphile may exist as a polyribitol phosphate with galactose and galactosamine substituents. Preliminary structural analysis demonstrated the presence of phosphodiester bonds within the amphiphile structure. Finally, the amphiphile serves as the S. adjacens group antigen.
A Molecular Phylogeny of Limnanthes (Limnanthaceae) and Investigation of an Anomalous Limnanthes Population from California, U. S. A.

In an effort to further resolve relationships within the genus Limnanthes and the family Limnanthaceae a phylogenetic study was conducted using one nuclear (nrITS) and two chloroplast (trnL intron and trnS-trnG intergenic spacer) genes. In addition to surveying all currently accepted taxa within Limnanthaceae, an anomalous population of 4-petalous plants from Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California, was also included. Further, a series of crossing experiments were performed between Half Moon Bay plants and two closely related species (Limnanthes bakeri and L. macounii). The results of this study confirm the monophyly of two sections within Limnanthes and also suggest that Limnanthaceae may contain as few as four species of Limnanthes and the monotypic genus Floerkea proserpinacoides. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic results and crossing experiments do not support taxonomic recognition of the Half Moon Bay population, rather it is part of a highly polymorphic Limnanthes douglasii sensu lato.
Perceived relationship with God moderates the relationship between social comparison and body appreciation

Social comparison has been shown to contribute to the negative attitudes that most Western women have towards their bodies. However, minimal research has addressed the relationship between social comparison and body appreciation, which entails holding favourable opinions towards the body, accepting the body along with its deviations from societal beauty ideals, respecting the body by engaging in healthy behaviours, and protecting the body by rejecting unrealistic media appearance ideals. This study tested whether feeling loved and accepted by God would weaken the inverse relationship between social comparison and body appreciation among a sample of 186 female undergraduates. Results showed that frequent body-related comparisons were related to lower body appreciation, but this relationship was conditional upon the quality of women's perceived relationship with God. Results suggest that future research should explore interventions designed to create improved secure attachment relationships between clients ...
Minimum wage violations in Honduras

This article studies minimum wage non-compliance in Honduras, a dual labor market with high wage floors that are weakly enforced. However, rather than just counting how many workers earn sub-minimum wages, it also estimates violation indices that measure compliance at the intensive margin. I first explore cross-sectional heterogeneity in violations using household survey data. Then, I quantify compliance adjustments to minimum wage hikes by comparing indices before and after a large unexpected increase. Results show substantial differences in non-compliance across industries, location, and coverage status. Violations worsen with rising minima, but less in in more compliant sectors. JEL classification codes: J38, J42, O54
Failure of postoperative infection to increase nitrogen excretion in patients maintained on peripheral amono acids.

Fourteen well-nourished patients undergoing elective major surgery were maintained on intravenous, dextrose-free isotonic (3%) amino acid solution postoperatively. Seven patients developed fevers greater than 100 F due to a variety of mild infective complica- tions. While all patients developed a negative nitrogen balance postoperatively in this ketonemic state, infection did not appear to increase nitrogen loss. This is in striking contrast to the response observed in the fed state. Adaptation to starvation, particularly the effect of ketones on muscle metabolism, would appear to reduce significantly the nitrogen loss during infection. Am. J.
Excitation of Waveguides and Cavities

This chapter contains sections titled: The Probe Antenna The Loop Antenna Coupling by Small Apertures Cavity Coupling by Small Apertures General Remarks on Aperture Coupling Transients in Waveguides This chapter contains sections titled: References and Bibliography Problems
Potential benefit of electronic pharmacy claims data to prevent medication history errors and resultant inpatient order errors.

Objective We sought to assess the potential of a widely available source of electronic medication data to prevent medication history errors and resultant inpatient order errors. Methods We used admission medication history (AMH) data from a recent clinical trial that identified 1017 AMH errors and 419 resultant inpatient order errors among 194 hospital admissions of predominantly older adult patients on complex medication regimens. Among the subset of patients for whom we could access current Surescripts electronic pharmacy claims data (SEPCD), two pharmacists independently assessed error severity and our main outcome, which was whether SEPCD (1) was unrelated to the medication error; (2) probably would not have prevented the error; (3) might have prevented the error; or (4) probably would have prevented the error. Results Seventy patients had both AMH errors and current, accessible SEPCD. SEPCD probably would have prevented 110 (35%) of 315 AMH errors and 46 (31%) of 147 resultant inpatient order errors. When we excluded the least severe medication errors, SEPCD probably would have prevented 99 (47%) of 209 AMH errors and 37 (61%) of 61 resultant inpatient order errors. SEPCD probably would have prevented at least one AMH error in 42 (60%) of 70 patients. Conclusion When current SEPCD was available for older adult patients on complex medication regimens, it had substantial potential to prevent AMH errors and resultant inpatient order errors, with greater potential to prevent more severe errors. Further study is needed to measure the benefit of SEPCD in actual use at hospital admission.
Draft Genome Sequence of Raoultella planticola, Isolated from River Water

ABSTRACT We isolated Raoultella planticola from a river water sample, which was phenotypically indistinguishable from Escherichia coli on MI agar. The genome sequence of R. planticola was determined to gain information about its metabolic functions contributing to its false positive appearance of E. coli on MI agar. We report the first whole genome sequence of Raoultella planticola.
Aluminum hydrous oxide sols—I: Spherical particles of narrow size distribution

Abstract The methods for preparation, purification, and stabilization of aluminum hydrous oxide sols consisting of spherical particles of narrow size distribution are described in detail. To produce such sols, aluminum salt solutions containing complexing anions (i.e. sulfate) are aged at 98°C for hours or days. Once the particles are formed the constituent sulfate ions can be removed by exchange with hydroxyls of an added base. As a result the particle diameter shrinks by ∼ 10 per cent. The size distribution and the number concentration of these sols are determined by light scattering and by electron microscopy. Electrophoretic mobilities indicate a great effect of the presence of sulfate ions and of pH on the surface charge of the particles.
Rare Case of Recurrent Meningitis Due to Neurocysticercosis (P03.251)

Objective: We discuss a case of resistant intracranial and spinal meningitis due to neurocysticercosis. Background Neurocysticercosis of the intracranial and spinal meninges is extremely rare. But this remains an important differential in patients coming from endemic areas. Design/Methods: Case report. We report a case of a young 28 year old girl from Mexico, presenting with symptoms of meningitis. She had recurrent chronic meningitis over more than a year, refractory to treatment with antibiotics and anti-fungals. She had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed for hydrocephalus but continued to be symptomatic. Results: CSF studies on several occasions showed high cellularity(predominant lymphocytes), elevated protein in 200s and low glucose(10-20). It failed to grow any organisms. TB PCR was negative. She was HIV negative. MRI brain and spinal cord showed persistent enhancement of the basal meninges and cervical and thoracic leptomeningeal enhancement and cauda equine radiculitis. An anterior epidural abscess with loculations extending from the foramen magnum upto C5 with concern for spinal cord compression at C2 level was seen. She inderwent a cervical spinal decompressive surgery and the dural biopsy showed cysticerci. Also her serum EITB test was positive for neurocysticercosis. She was started on Albendazole and prednisone and showed symptomatic improvement for few months only. There is now concern for worsening cervical cord compression due to thickening of the epidural abscess at the C2 spinal level. Conclusions: Early diagnosis with high index of suspicion for neurocysticercosis is required in endemic areas even when patients present with atypical features like recurrent meningitis with arachnoidits refractory to conventional modalities of treatment. Also this case emphasizes the role of early tissue diagnosis in resistant meningitis as we may miss potentially treatable causes like neurocysticercosis. Disclosure: Dr. Dhamne has nothing to disclose. Dr. Murthy has nothing to disclose.
Huanbei Shangcity and the Culture of Mid-Shang Dynasty

Huanbei Shangcity was found in 1999.Academic arguments about its nature focus on such two cases as Pangeng moving the capital to Yin and He Danjia being the Prime Minister.After analyzing the documentation data and archaeological evidence,the author points out that Huanbei Shangcity is the place where Pangeng set the capital,there is no connection with He Danjia.The discovery of Huanbei Shangcity perfects the culture system of Shang Dynasty and has a profound effect on the research of the culture of Mid-shang dynasty.
Models for life-cycle energy consumption and environmental emissions in residential buildings

Impact factors for energy consumption and environmental emissions of building related activities were analyzed with several models constructed to design an architectural scheme for real low-energy,environmentally-friendly buildings.Models were constructed based on life cycle assessment(LCA) to quantify the energy use and environmental emissions(CO2,SO2,CO,NOx and PM10) for each life-cycle phase from material extraction and production through construction,operation,and maintenance to end-of-life treatment.The findings lay a theoretical groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the levels of energy use and pollutant emissions in residential buildings in China.
Effects of temperature on composite resin shrinkage.

Objective: To determine whether temperature affects the polymerization shrinkage of composite resin. Method and Materials: Volumetric shrinkage of a microfill composite was measured using a video-imaging device. The material was cooled to 4°C or heated to 37°C, 54°C, or 68°C. Room-temperature (20°C) composite was used as the control. The composite was light activated using a quartz-tungsten-halogen curing device. Polymerization shrinkage was recorded at 1-minute intervals for 10 minutes after the beginning of photoinitiation. The data were subjected to ANOVA, Fisher's PLSD test, and linear regression analysis (α = 0.05). Results: Volumetric shrinkage ranged from 0.2% to 4.7%. Shrinkage of the composite at 37°C was similar to that at room temperature. Preheating the composite to 54°C or 68°C significantly increased shrinkage. The apparent polymerization shrinkage of the refrigerated composite was significantly less than that of the control, although this might have been an artifact of the test method. Regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between temperature and volumetric shrinkage. Conclusion: Preheating composite to relatively high temperatures (54°C or 68°C) to increase its flow and adaptation causes an increase in volumetric shrinkage. At body temperature, composite shrinkage is similar to that at room temperature.
Awareness of the prime versus awareness of its influence: implications for the real-world scope of unconscious higher mental processes

Unconscious priming effects involve passive activation of internal mental representations that influence judgments and behavior without the person's intention or awareness. An important distinction is between unawareness of the priming stimuli or events per se (as in subliminal priming) and unawareness of the influence of those primes: the latter is the more important and practically relevant of the two forms. Meta-analytic reviews as well as a new wave of subliminal persuasion studies reveal stronger behavior priming effects when the primes correspond to an important or currently active goal of the individual. Recent field studies using incidental priming methods have produced changes in dishonest behavior of investment bankers, as well as reduction of snack purchases by obese grocery store shoppers.
Neuro-immune interactions in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex

Abstract Communication between the nervous and immune systems can significantly alter immune cell function in a number of inflammatory diseases. Elegant studies have defined a basic functional circuit in a “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway” that highlights a unique role for the vagus nerve, and has brought about a resurgence in the field of neuro-immunology. This research has further identified that in addition to tonic signals that can restrain immune cell activation; the anti-inflammatory reflex arc is amiable to targeted stimulation as a therapeutic modality. The success of vagal electrical neural stimulation in a plethora of pre-clinical inflammation models has spurred the development of “electroceuticals” or neurostimulatory devices in the treatment of chronic inflammation. This development has begun despite addressing of fundamental questions such as the functional neural circuitry being crudely mapped and unresolved mechanisms of action of acetylcholine on target immune cells. Perhaps fortuitously, rapid advances in neuroscience techniques may allow us to begin to answer some of these longstanding questions and clarify recent controversies.
Performance Characteristics of Siphon Outlets

Results of model and prototype studies on the behavior of large siphon structures are presented. Energy losses, minimum tailwater elevation for priming, and general-flow patterns were studied for two siphon configurations. Effects on energy losses of air accumulation at the siphon crown were studied for different sizes of air pockets. The rate of air removal because of the entraining action of a hydraulic jump at the lower end of the air pocket was determined from tests at Grand Coulee Dam.
Development of a foraging model framework to reliably estimate daily food consumption by young fishes

We developed a foraging model for young fishes that incorporates handling and digestion rate to estimate daily food consumption. Feeding trials were used to quantify functional feeding response, satiation, and gut evacuation rate. Once parameterized, the foraging model was then applied to evaluate effects of prey type, prey density, water temperature, and fish size on daily feeding rate by age-0 (19–70 mm) pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Prey consumption was positively related to prey density (for fish >30 mm) and water temperature, but negatively related to prey size and the presence of sand substrate. Model evaluation results revealed good agreement between observed estimates of daily consumption and those predicted by the model (r2 = 0.95). Model simulations showed that fish feeding on Chironomidae or Ephemeroptera larvae were able to gain mass, whereas fish feeding solely on zooplankton lost mass under most conditions. By accounting for satiation and digestive processes in addition to handling...
Fat Embolism and Severe Natural Disease: Challenges for Certification:

Detectable intravascular fat has been reported in up to 90% of patients with long bone fractures. However, the more clinically significant fat embolism syndrome (FES) is less common. Despite its co...
Political leanings and social capital

Abstract The research shows that the political leanings and social capital of the region around firms’ headquarters affect corporate and individual decisions. What remains unexplored is whether social capital and political leanings are associated with each other. To fill this gap, we use the ratio of votes cast for Democratic candidates to those cast for Republican candidates in presidential elections to measure the Democratic political leanings in the United States. We find that counties with more social capital lean toward the Democratic Party. A one standard deviation increase in social capital is associated with a 0.30 standard deviation increase in the vote ratio. Additional tests show that this positive association is stronger in counties that have higher incomes and less religiosity.
Systems Thinking and Systems-Based Practice Across the Health Professions: An Inquiry Into Definitions, Teaching Practices, and Assessment.

ABSTRACTPhenomenon: Systems thinking is the cornerstone of systems-based practice (SBP) and a core competency in medicine and health sciences. Literature regarding how to teach or apply systems thi...
Islamic banks with mutuality and neutrality: A balance-sheet-based theoretical framework

Abstract The sole purpose of this paper is to develop a simple balance-sheet-based theoretical model for Islamic banks by incorporation of mutuality and neutrality characteristics as evidenced in large credit unions. The theoretical results reveal that an optimum combination of investment in Sharia’h-compliant securities and permissible lending in response to relative changes in expected average return of securities, lending rate and deposit rate. Counter-intuitively, the Islamic banks do not tend to change the optimum combination of loans and securities due to increase in risk unless it is massive and persistent springing from deep negative economic shocks. The findings of this paper have potential policy implications for Islamic banks and other business entities. As for policy implications, they should i) maintain balanced portfolio with moderate risk exposure, as applicable; ii) keep buffer capital higher than the minimum required to withstand unforeseen financial turmoil; iii) carefully assess costs and benefits of each permissible project; iv) monitor customer profiles to assess individual situations; v) recognize common bond; vi) balance member benefits for neutrality; vii) be transparent and ethical in dealing with clients; and viii) operate according to financial capacities.
Small proline-rich protein 2B drives stress-dependent p53 degradation and fibroblast proliferation in heart failure

Heart disease is associated with the accumulation of resident cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) that secrete extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the development of pathological fibrosis and heart failure. However, the mechanisms underlying resident CF proliferation remain poorly defined. Here, we report that small proline-rich protein 2b (Sprr2b) is among the most up-regulated genes in CFs during heart disease. We demonstrate that SPRR2B is a regulatory subunit of the USP7/MDM2-containing ubiquitination complex. SPRR2B stimulates the accumulation of MDM2 and the degradation of p53, thus facilitating the proliferation of pathological CFs. Furthermore, SPRR2B phosphorylation by nonreceptor tyrosine kinases in response to TGF-β1 signaling and free-radical production potentiates SPRR2B activity and cell cycle progression. Knockdown of the Sprr2b gene or inhibition of SPRR2B phosphorylation attenuates USP7/MDM2 binding and p53 degradation, leading to CF cell cycle arrest. Importantly, SPRR2B expression is elevated in cardiac tissue from human heart failure patients and correlates with the proliferative state of patient-derived CFs in a process that is reversed by insulin growth factor-1 signaling. These data establish SPRR2B as a unique component of the USP7/MDM2 ubiquitination complex that drives p53 degradation, CF accumulation, and the development of pathological cardiac fibrosis.
Psychosocial Intimacy, Relationships with Parents, and Well-being among Emerging Adults

For emerging adults, the development of psychosocial intimacy may be a key developmental task shaped by past parenting. In this study, 232 emerging adult, college students completed a questionnaire about their intimacy development, identity development, self-efficacy in romantic relationships, parenting (i.e., attachment styles, parental caring and overprotection, and parental challenge), and well-being (i.e, depressive symptoms, loneliness, happiness, and self-esteem). Findings indicate that identity development, low attachment avoidance, and self-efficacy in romantic relationships predicted intimacy development. Furthermore, those individuals with high intimacy have less loneliness, greater self-esteem, and more happiness than those with low intimacy. Achieving psychosocial intimacy may have benefits for well-being.
Lumbar Lordosis Correction with Interbody Fusion: Systematic Literature Review and Analysis.

Objective The goal of this study was to conduct an evidence-based quantitative assessment of the correction of lumbar lordosis achieved by each of the 3 principal lumbar interbody fusion techniques: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (L-LIF), and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies containing degrees of correction of lumbar lordosis achieved by ALIF, L-LIF, and TLIF as shown on standing lumbar radiography at least 6 weeks after surgical intervention. Pooled and Forest plot analyses were performed for the studies that met inclusion criteria. Results For ALIF, 21 studies were identified with mean correction 4.67° (standard deviation [SD] ± 4.24) and median correction 5.20°. Fifteen studies were identified that met criteria for Forest plot analysis with mean correction 4.90° (standard error of the mean [SEM] ± 0.40). For L-LIF, 17 studies were identified with mean correction 4.47° (SD ± 4.80) and median correction 4.00°. Nine studies were identified that met criteria for Forest plot analysis with mean correction 2.91° (SEM ± 0.56). For TLIF, 31 studies were identified with mean correction 3.89° (SD ± 4.33) and median correction 3.50°. Twenty-five studies were identified that met criteria for Forest plot analysis with mean correction 5.33° (SEM ± 0.27). Conclusions We present the current evidence-based mean correction for each of the 3 principal lumbar interbody fusion techniques based on standing radiographic data.
Development of the Motivation for Particular Activity Scale

The senior author began research on achievement motivation over 20 years ago (Raynor & Smith, 1965) when the concept of subjective-expected value was entirely defined in terms of perceived difficulty of a particular activity—that is, as the inverse of expectancy of success in theory of achievement motivation (Atkinson, 1957). This research has evolved from the study of future orientation as a determinant of aroused motivation (Raynor, 1969, 1974), to interest in the role of self-importance and the self-system (Raynor, 1982a; Raynor & McFarlin, 1986), to concern over perceived competence (Raynor & Brown, 1985) and past importance (Nochajski, 1986). Now, almost full circle, we are interested in the study of motivation for particular activity.
Attractive Nonbonded Interactions Help Stabilize the Z Form of Alkenyl Anions

Alkenyl anions ((-)H2C-CH=CH-Y, Y=aliphatic, aromatic, amine, ether) are often thermodynamically stable in the sterically congested Z form. This preference for Z structures is used to control regiochemistry in organometallic and Grignard reactions, allyl amine rearrangements to enamines, and allyl ether rearrangements to enol ethers. Explanations for Z stability in alkenes (Y=CH2R) typically invoke through-space attraction (Coulomb or charge transfer) between the formally anionic carbon C1 and the Y=CH2R hydrogens. However, this explanation is difficult to generalize to amines and ethers. We suggest that the orbital-driven so-called "attractive nonbonded interactions" suggested to stabilize the Z forms of 1,2-difluroethylene and 1-substituted propenes, also help stabilize Z alkenyl anions. We present electronic structure calculations and surveys of the experimental literature to show these effects' relevance for alkenyl anions. Our results suggest new approaches for regiocontrol in reactions with alkenyl ...
A Methodical Approach to Interpreting the Red Blood Cell Parameters of the Complete Blood Count

A methodical approach to interpreting the panel of complete blood count (CBC) results helps to ensure that spurious results are detected and corrected before results are reported and helps to ensure that no results are overlooked in a diagnostic analysis of the results. The steps to interpreting the red blood cell (rbc) parameters are: Interpret the hemoglobin value relative to the appropriate reference interval. Interpret the mean cell volume relative to the reference interval. Interpret the mean cell hemoglobin concentration relative to the reference interval. Interpret the red blood cell distribution width relative to the reference interval. Examine the red blood cell morphology, if available, and correlate morphology with instrument parameters for consistency and quality purposes. Also, review for additional diagnostic findings. As a final check on the numerical parameters, examine the rbc count, hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin, and calculate the Rule of Three to ensure that the above interpretations are correct. Use related test results when available, particularly reticulocyte parameters, to verify CBC findings and add diagnostic information. Interpret the rbc parameters for diagnostic significance and correlate with results of white blood cell and platelet parameters. Explanations for conducting the evaluations are provided and the above steps are applied to examples to demonstrate this approach to interpreting the rbc parameters of the CBC. ABBREVIATIONS:CBC - complete blood count, CRC-corrected reticulocyte count, dL-deciliter, fL-femtoliter, rbc-red blood cell, RBC-red blood cell count, HB-hemoglobin, HCT-hematocrit, g-gram, IRF-immature reticulocyte fraction, MCV-mean cell volume, MCH-mean cell hemoglobin, MCHC - mean cell hemoglobin concentration, MLS-medical laboratory scientist, pg-picogram, plt-platelet, PLT-platelet count, RDW-red blood cell distribution width, RNA-ribonucleic acid, RPI-reticulocyte production index, wbc-white blood cell, WBC-white blood cell count, μL-microliter
Magnetocardiography with a 16-channel fiber-coupled single-cell Rb optically pumped magnetometer

We have constructed a low-cost, portable, high-sensitivity 16-channel optically pumped magnetometer (OPM), operating in the spin-exchange relaxation-free regime, and demonstrated its applications in magnetocardiography (MCG). The decrease in the cost of sensors by an order of magnitude is achieved by the 16-channel operation realized in a single module using a single large flat pancake rubidium vapor cell, broad pump and probe laser beams, and a 16-channel photodiode array. The OPM is also based on a fiber-coupled nearly parallel-beam configuration to facilitate multichannel design and make the system portable. For human MCG experiments, the 16-channel OPM which includes optical components is placed inside a wooden enclosure for laser safety. The enclosure is set on a nonmagnetic table inside a magnetically shielded room, while the lasers and electronics are placed outside the shielding room, to avoid magnetic noise. We show that the 16-channel OPM enables simultaneous imaging of human cardiac activity on a large area of the chest in a single scan. The multichannel capability will accelerate clinical MCG imaging to reduce the procedure time and patient fatigue.
Is Currency Appreciation or Depreciation Expansionary in Kosovo

Applying an extended IS-MP-AS model (Romer, 2000), this paper shows that real depreciation of the euro raises real GDP in Kosovo and that a lower real lending rate in the euro area, a higher real GDP in Germany, a lower real oil price, or a lower expected inflation rate would help increase real GDP. More government deficit spending as a percent of GDP does not affect real GDP. JEL Classification: F41, E62
Mapping critical levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide for crops, forests and natural vegetation in the United States

Air pollution abatement strategies for controlling nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone emissions in the United States focus on a ‘standards-based’ approach. This approach places limits on air pollution by maintaining a baseline value for air quality, no matter what the ecosystem can or cannot withstand. In this paper, we present example critical levels maps for the conterminous U.S. developed using the ‘effects-based’ mapping approach as defined by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, Task Force on Mapping. This approach emphasizes the pollution level or load capacity an ecosystem can accommodate before degradation occurs, and allows for analysis of cumulative effects. We present the first stage of an analysis that reports the distribution of exceedances of critial levels for NO2, SO2, and O3 in sensitive forest, crop, and natural vegetation ecosystems in the contiguous United States. We conclude that extrapolation to surrounding geographic areas requires the analysis of diverse and compounding factors that preclude simple extrapolation methods. Pollutant data depicted in this analysis is limited to locationally specific data, and would be enhanced by utilizing spatial statistics, along with converging associated anthropogenic and climatological factors. Values used for critical levels were derived from current scientific knowledge. While not intended to be a definitive value, adjustments will occur as the scientific community gains new insight to pollutant/receptor relationships. We recommend future analysis to include a refinement of sensitive receptor data coverages and to report relative proportions of exceedances at varying grid scales.
Proinsulin associates with poor β-cell function, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, and insulin resistance in persistent type 2 diabetes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in humans

BACKGROUND The determinants of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission and/or relapse after gastric bypass (RYGB) remain fully unknown. This study characterized β- and α-cell function, in cretin hormone release and insulin sensitivity in individuals with (remitters) or without (non-remitters) diabetes remission after RYGB. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of two distinct cohorts of individuals with or without diabetes remission at least 2 years after RYGB. Each individual underwent-either an oral glucose (remitters) or a mixed meal (non-remitters) test; glucose, proinsulin, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, incretins and leptin were measured. RESULTS Compared to remitters (n = 23), non-remitters (n = 31) were older (mean [±SD] age 56.1 ± 8.2 vs. 46.0 ± 8.9 years, P < 0.001), had longer diabetes duration (13.1 ± 10.1 vs. 2.2 ± 2.4 years, P < 0.001), were further out from the surgery (5.6 ± 3.3 vs. 3.5 ± 1.7 years, P < 0.01), were more insulin resistant (HOMA-IR 4.01 ± 3.65 vs. 2.08 ± 1.22, P < 0.001), but did not differ for body weight. As predicted, remitters had higher β-cell glucose sensitivity (1.95 ± 1.23 vs. 0.86 ± 0.55 pmol/kg/min/mmol, P < 0.001) and disposition index (1.55 ± 1.75 vs 0.33 ± 0.27, P = 0.003), compared to non-remitters, who showed non-suppressibility of glucagon during the oral challenge (time × group P = 0.001). Higher proinsulin (16.55 ± 10.45 vs. 6.62 ± 3.50 PM, P < 0.0001), and proinsulin: C-peptide (40.83 ± 29.43 vs. 17.13 ± 7.16, P < 0.001) were strongly associated with non-remission status, while differences in incretins between remitters and non-remitters were minimal. CONCLUSIONS Individual without diabetes remission after gastric bypass have poorer β-cell response and lesser suppression of glucagon to an oral challenge; body weight and incretins differ minimally according to remission status.
Experiences of Student Affairs Professionals of Color Turned Faculty: A Collaborative Autoethnography

Through a collaborative autoethnography, we explored our experiences as student affairs professionals turned faculty, with an emphasis on how our identities as faculty of Color and our former stude...
Uniform Requirements for Property Surveys

Uniform requirements will serve to limit the liability of the property surveyor, improve client-engineering relationships, help solve the problem of fees for surveying services, and generally benefit those who are concerned with title ownership of real property. Considerable legislation has been enacted by the cities, counties, and states to regulate the surveys necessary for subdivisions. However, little or nothing has been done to provide uniformity for resurveys, retracements, location surveys, and so forth. The only persons who can properly draft such standards or requirements are the surveyors who understand the intricate problems of resurveys. These requirements give proper consideration (1) quality control, (2) informational content, and (3) professional responsibility.