cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giving Leptin a Second Chance

Touted as the “magic bullet” that would cure obesity, leptin has been the focus of much scientific investigation since its discovery nearly 20 years ago. Although leptin therapy results in astonishing weight loss in individuals with congenital leptin-deficiency, unfortunately it does not have the same effect in individuals with non–leptin-deficient obesity, perhaps because of leptin resistance. Thus, researchers have been attempting to overcome leptin resistance by concomitantly administering other therapeutic agents. To date, attenuation of leptin resistance has been investigated with several pharmacologic agents, but only in the setting of a low-fat diet, which is often difficult to maintain in our obesogenic environment. Therefore, Clemmensen et al . investigated whether administration of a peptide agonist for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)/glucagon receptors restores leptin responsiveness in the setting of a high-fat diet. While on a high-fat diet (HFD), mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) were given a PEGylated GLP-1/glucagon co-agonist to produce a 15% reduction in body weight. After this initial phase, the DIO mice were randomized to additionally receive PEG-leptin or continue PEG-GLP-1/glucagon alone. The group that received leptin with the GLP-1/glucagon co-agonist lost 18% more weight and demonstrated improved lipid and glucose metabolism as compared with the GLP-1/glucagon monotherapy group. Furthermore, when PEG-GLP-1/glucagon was discontinued and PEG-leptin continued alone, cholesterol, insulin, and liver triglyceride levels all increased in the DIO mice, suggesting that leptin monotherapy failed to maintain the beneficial effects observed with GLP-1/glucagon co-agonism. The authors conclude that GLP-1/glucagon co-agonism restores leptin responsiveness in DIO mice on a HFD. Thus, even though leptin pharmacotherapy alone has not proven to be an effective treatment for obesity, perhaps combining leptin with other pharmacologic agents may improve its efficacy for weight loss. Certainly, studies in humans will need to be conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of such polypharmacotherapy. In the meantime, perhaps co-agonism with other medications will give leptin a second chance in the fight against obesity. C. Clemmensen et al ., GLP-1/glucagon co-agonism restores leptin responsiveness in obese mice chronically maintained on an obesogenic diet. Diabetes published online 30 December 2013 (10.2337/db13-1609). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2013/12/18/db13-1609.full.pdf+html
Lifted first-order probabilistic inference

Most probabilistic inference algorithms are specified and processed on a propositional level. In the last decade, many proposals for algorithms accepting first-order specifications have been presented, but in the inference stage they still operate on a mostly propositional representation level. [Poole, 2003] presented a method to perform inference directly on the first-order level, but this method is limited to special cases. In this paperwe present the first exact inference algorithm that operates directly on a first-order level, and that can be applied to any first-order model (specified in a language that generalizes undirected graphical models). Our experiments show superior performance in comparison with propositional exact inference.
Concomitant Use of Ipratropium and Tiotropium in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To describe the current data evaluating the efficacy and safety of ipratropium used in combination with tiotropium in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Data Sources:A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-August 2012) and EMBASE (1973-August 2012) was conducted using the search terms ipratropium, tiotropium, combination drug therapy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. References of identified articles were reviewed for additional relevant citations.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language articles regarding the concomitant use of ipratropium and tiotropium were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Two prospective randomized controlled trials have demonstrated increases in bronchodilation with ipratropium when added to maintenance tiotropium therapy, suggesting potential benefits during short-term, combined use. One study reported significantly higher peak forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV,) responses with both ipratropium (230 mL) and fenoterol (315 mL) compa...
Effects of Living Mulches on Predator Abundance and Sentinel Prey in a Corn–Soybean–Forage Rotation

Living mulches are cover crops grown concurrently within main crops for their benefits to weed control and soil quality. Because living mulches increase the diversity of vegetation in agricultural systems, they may impact the abundance or effectiveness of natural enemies. To examine the effects of living mulches on epigeal predators, arthropod abundance and feeding were examined in a rotation of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), and forage crops in 2004 and 2005. Compared with a no-mulch control, the presence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) mulches in corn and soybean increased predator abundance and consumption of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner; Lepidoptera: Crambidae) pupae used as sentinel prey. A complementary effect of increased predation caused by corn and soybean was found when both annual crops with living mulches were compared with mulches grown alone. Positive correlations between the percentage of O. nubilalis pupae preyed on and ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) abundance suggest carabids contributed to the differences in predation. In 2005, fewer beetles correlated with consumption of O. nubilalis pupae [Poecilus chalcites (Say) and Scarites quadriceps Chaudior] were collected, and living mulch impacts on predation were less frequent. Both changes could be related to delayed herbicidal suppression of the living mulches in 2005, which seemed to homogenize predator community composition among the corn, soybean, and forage plots. Although living mulches alone may not provide sufficient pest suppression, their potential to enhance biological control should be considered along with their other agronomic benefits.
Inorganic core–shell assemblies for closing the artificial photosynthetic cycle

Co oxide (Co 3O 4) nanotubes are shown to act as an efficient water oxidation catalyst when driven with a visible light sensitizer (pH 7). The nanotubes form the core of a Co 3O 4–SiO 2 core–shell nanotube design for separating the carbon dioxide photoreduction from the oxygen evolution reaction. Amorphous dense phase silica of a few nanometers depth is shown to conduct protons while blocking molecular oxygen. Organic molecular wires embedded in the silica shell provide controlled charge transport between the light absorber on one side and the Co 3O 4 catalyst on the other side. Hence, the silica shell is suitable as a membrane of an assembly for closing the photosynthetic cycle on the nanometer scale under product separation.
Micropropagation of Crinum `Ellen Bosanquet' by tri-scales

Crinum lilies (Crinum spp. L.) are tropical and sub-tropical bulbous plants with excellent potential for southern US landscapes. Unfortunately, the more desirable crinum cultivars are slow and expensive to propagate by traditional offsets. The objective of this research was to develop reliable procedures for multiplying Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ by tissue culture. A sterilization procedure for cleaning explants was developed in which bulb chips containing a basal plate were submersed and agitated in 0.525% hypochlorite for 1 h. For shoot formation, tri-scales (three scales attached to a section of the basal plate) were used as the explant source and grown on MS-based media containing five levels of benzyladenine (BA) (0‐22.2 mM) and five levels of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0‐5.3 mM). The greatest shoot formation was obtained from the highest level of BA (22.2 mM) without NAA. In a subsequent experiment, explants were cultured for 4 months on media containing 35.5‐88.8 mM BA, and then transferred to hormone-free media for 3 months. BA at 35.5 mM stimulated optimal shoot (8.4) and bulblet (2.8) formation. Plantlets were successfully acclimatized and rooted ex vitro. # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Dicarbonate und Dicarbamate des DL‐Threits und des Erythrits

DL-Threitol dicarbonate and erythritol dicarbonate were prepared by the reaction of butadiene dioxide (DL and meso) with carbon dioxide. Treated with aqueous ammonia the dicarbonates gave the corresponding dicarbamates.
Modelling human sperm-egg interactions in vitro : Signal transduction pathways regulating the acrosome reaction

Recent advances in characterizing sperm surface receptors and ion channels, when combined with the rapidly expanding knowlege of interactions among second messenger systems in somatic cells, permit formulation of a tentative molecular mechanism for the regulation of the human sperm acrosome reaction. As spermatozoa pass through the cumulus mass, progesterone binds to its sperm surface receptor, alkalinizes the sperm head cytosol and potentiates changes in intracellular ionized calcium. Primary binding of spermatozoa to egg involves receptors for mannosyl, N-acetyglucosaminyl and, possibly, fucosyl residues of the glycosylated zona protein, ZP3. These receptors aggregate on multivalent ligand binding, migrate to the equatorial region along an actin filament network formed between the plasma and acrosomal membranes during capacitation, and activate a G protein/protein kinase A/protein kinase C second messenger system and a secondary proteolysis signal. Binding of a receptor tyrosine kinase to ZP3 amino acid residues simultaneous with the sugar recognition event triggers tyrosine phosphorylation signalling. All signals combine to open a voltagedependent calcium channel. The resulting elevated calcium signal depolymerizes the inter-membrane actin network and activates phospholipases, leading to an acrosome reaction.
Constitutional Economics--Constitutional Politics

Why does the treatment of American constitutional politics presented in We the People depart so radically from models of constitutional deliberation developed in the type of constitutional economics pioneered by James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock? The paper defines three premises that account for the divergence, and concludes by proposing an inquiry into constitutional design that requires insights from both traditions.
Metacarpophalangeal joint mechanics after 3 different silicone arthroplasties.

Purpose This study was performed to compare metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint mechanics after arthroplasty with 3 currently available silicone implants and to determine how postarthroplasty mechanics compares with the mechanics of the intact joint. Methods Planar 2-dimensional kinematic analysis was performed using digitized radiographs on 10 isolated fingers harvested from 5 fresh-frozen human cadavers. Radiopaque markers were affixed to the metacarpals and proximal phalanges, sewn to the flexor and extensor tendons, and placed into the stems and hinges of the implants. Each finger was tested intact, and after MCP joint replacement with 3 implants (Swanson [Wright Medical, Memphis, TN], Avanta [Avanta Orthopaedics, San Diego, CA], and NeuFlex [DePuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, IN]). The fingers were secured to the test fixture and the flexor digitorum profundus flexor and extensor tendons were loaded with physiologic weights. Lateral radiographs were taken at ∼10° intervals and were digitized on a high-resolution scanner. Instantaneous center of rotation (ICR), tendon excursion, and tendon moment arm were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett post tests. Results The ICRs of the intact and implanted MCPs did not follow a smooth path. The variability of the ICRs of the intact MCP joints was 2.1 ± 0.8 mm. The variations in the Avanta and DePuy implants were similar (3.1 ± 1.0 mm and 3.5 ± 1.5 mm, respectively), whereas the Swanson implant was higher (4.9 ± 1.7 mm). Implant pistoning was most pronounced with the Swanson implant, which moved 2.40 ± 0.97 mm over the full range of motion. The Avanta and DePuy implants pistoned significantly less than the Swanson implant (1.05 ± 0.45 mm and 0.69 ± 0.31 mm, respectively). Flexor tendon excursion was greater for the intact joint when compared with all 3 implants while extensor tendon excursion was similar for all. Flexor tendon moment arm was similar for the intact joint and the Avanta and NeuFlex implants whereas the Swanson implant was reduced significantly; extensor tendon moment arms were similar for all. Conclusions The ICR of the NeuFlex implant most closely matched that of the intact MCP joint. The Swanson implant had greater pistoning and dorsal-volar translation when compared with the intact joint and the Avanta and NeuFlex implants. The block-hinge type design of the Avanta and NeuFlex implants improved tendon moment arm overall when compared with the Swanson, likely imparting greater functional ability for finger motion. Overall the NeuFlex implant most closely matched the ICR, tendon excursion, and moment arm when compared with the intact native MCP joint.
A comprehensive model for fluidized bed coal combustors

A comprehensive model for the simulation of fluidized bed coal combustors (FBC) is developed, capable of predicting the combustion efficiency, char and limestone elutriation and the corresponding particle size distribution in the bed and in the entrained materials, solids withdrawal rate from the bed, bed temperature profile, sulfur dioxide retention, sulfur dioxide and NOx emissions, concentrations of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatiles, sulfur dioxide and NOx along the combustor height. The model can also simulate combustors with varying cross section along the bed height. The performance of the model is compared with the data obtained from four different combustors. Agreement between the computed results and the data is good. The salient features in the model which need further investigation are pointed out.
Equivalent modeling techniques for predicting pattern transfer in EPL masks

Abstract One of the primary technologies proposed for the manufacturing of microcircuit devices in the sub-100 nm regime is electron-beam projection lithography (EPL). To meet the stringent error budgets, it is necessary to eliminate, minimize or correct for the sources of mask-related distortions. Among them is pattern transfer in-plane distortion (IPD). It is driven by the residual stresses of the multilayers deposited on the mask substrate during the fabrication process. This paper focuses on EPL technologies (such as SCALPEL and PREVAIL) that employ a freestanding membrane as a key component of the mask. To facilitate pattern transfer simulations, equivalent modeling techniques have been developed using finite element methods, and applied to specific test patterns. Because of the relative size of IC pattern features, it is impractical to model all details of the design. Consequently, equivalent modeling techniques are needed to simulate the pattern-specific distortions induced during pattern transfer. For repeated patterns, such as memory chips, it is sufficient to simulate basic stress/strain testing of a unit cell representative of the design to determine the equivalent stiffness of the membrane. Equivalent orthotropic properties (i.e. the elastic modulus in mutually orthogonal directions, Poisson’s ratio and the shear modulus) were determined for the IBM Nighteagle/Falcon format (an SRAM device at 175 nm). Analytical calculations for a theoretical test case were also conducted to benchmark the FE simulations.
Effectiveness of three types of spouse‐involved behavioral alcoholism treatment

Treatment was provided to 45 alcoholics and their spouses in one of three out-patient behavioral treatment conditions: (1) minimal spouse involvement (MSI) (n = 14), (2) alcohol-focused spouse involvement (AFSI) (n = 12), or (3) alcohol-focused spouse involvement plus behavioral marital therapy (ABMT) (n = 19). Subjects were followed for 18 months after treatment. Subjects in all conditions reported significant decreases in frequency of drinking and frequency of heavy drinking, and reported increased life satisfaction. This information was corroborated by independent reports of the spouses. Patterns of outcome varied across the three treatment conditions, with ABMT subjects showing gradual improvement in proportions of abstinent days and abstinent plus light drinking days over the last 9 months of follow-up. Subjects in the other two treatment conditions showed gradual deterioration in proportion of abstinent days and abstinent plus light drinking days. Subjects assigned to the ABMT condition were less likely to experience marital separations, and reported greater improvement in marital satisfaction and subjective well-being than the other experimental groups. Clinical and theoretical significance of these findings are discussed.
Physical, Biological, and Immunological Characterization of Highly Purified Urinary Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Components Separated by Gel Electrofocusing

A highly purified urinary hCG preparation was subjected to electrofocusing on polyacrylamide gel. It was shown to fractionate into at least 11 components that can be detected by coomassie blue staining, a radioligand-receptor assay (RRA), and four hCG RIAs using antisera against the purified hCG, its alpha- and beta-subunits, and the hCG beta carboxyl-terminal peptide. Refocusing shows that these components are not artifacts of the electrofocusing technique. Six of the major components were isolated, and their pIs were shown to correlate with their sialic acid content. When these components were assayed by radioligand-radioreceptor assay, the four hCG RIAs, and a rat uterine weight assay, they showed 1) similar in vitro biological activities, 2) identical immunological activities that were indistinguishable from the in vitro biological activities, 3) hCG-like and not hLH-like immunological characteristics, and 4) different in vivo biological activities which increased with sialic acid content. Thus, sialic acid alone and/or differences in subunit assembly seem to be responsible for the electrophoretic heterogeneity of highly purified hCG.
Barbiturate dependence in mice: Effects of continuous vs. Discontinuous drug administration

Three groups of DBA/2J mice were continuously exposed for 3, 6 or 9 days to a milled diet containing phenobarbital. Two additional groups were given a discontinuous drug administration schedule with either one or two 24 h drug-free periods interpolated among the 6 or 9 days of phenobarbital consumption, respectively. The discontinuous schedule of drug administration significantly attenuated the development of physical dependence as determined by the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Functional tolerance development was also attenuated in a manner that closely paralleled the effects on physical dependence development. The 5 group means showed a perfect rank order correlation between functional tolerance and physical dependence development.
SAW-induced birefringence in InGaAs-GaAs multiple quantum well acousto-optic modulators

A theoretical study of surface acoustic wave (SAW)-induced absorption coefficient and refractive index change in InGaAs-GaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) structures is presented. We use a two-dimensional Gaussian quadrature method to solve for the exciton oscillator strength in two-dimensional momentum space. This method accounts for the asymmetric strain and electric field induced by the SAW. The optical absorption coefficient and refractive index changes near the band gap in MQWs are calculated as a function of SAW power at different well widths. We have found that SAW-induced birefringence is significantly dependent on the intrinsic strain. We computed birefringence /spl Delta/n=0.06 in 0.7 % tensile strained InGaAs-GaAs MQWs for the two different polarizations (parallel and perpendicular to the SAW propagation direction) under normal incident light at a SAW power of 10 mW//spl lambda//sub SAW/. This is a great improvement over our earlier compressively strained (/spl sim/-1 %) InGaAs-GaAs MQW modulators (/spl Delta/n=0.01). The calculations are compared with absorption coefficient measurements on compressively strained InGaAs-GaAs MQW modulators.
Variation Among Siblings in the Use of a Non–English Language

As the concept of “mother-tongue shift,” which explicitly compares the first languages learned and spoken by parents and their children, suggests, the language repertoires of family members may differ across generations. In this study, the authors consider the possibility that language repertoires differ within the same generation. The results, based on recent Current Population Survey data, first show that the language repertoires of siblings are sometimes different, demonstrating that instances of mother-tongue shift and mother-tongue retention can occur within the same family. The authors also find that the odds of children speaking a non–English language vary according to the sibling position of the child within the household. The eldest child is more likely to speak a minority language than later-born children. Moreover, children's language repertoires are influenced by their siblings' characteristics.
Why doesn't healthcare embrace simulation and modeling?: what would it take?

Physicians do modeling -- every day, all day. It's just that it's done with hideous imprecision making cross-patient conclusions hazardous and extensibility impossible. Most of these mental models are devoid of formal logic. Rather, these mental models are patterns matched in a specific patient with a specific problem(s) based on a clinician's experience and "book-knowledge". We will explore some of the steps that could contribute to the broader acceptance of mathematical models in health care. We will distinguish models that impact the care of the individual patient from that of a larger population.
Delayed orchiectomy at postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection due to laterality of retroperitoneal metastatic pattern consistent with testicular primary: assessment of pathologic findings.

OBJECTIVES It has been estimated that extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) constitute 3% to 5% of germ cell neoplasms. An interesting clinical scenario occurs when a patient with a presumed EGCT and normal testicular examination and ultrasound findings has a retroperitoneal metastatic pattern consistent with either a right or left-sided testicular primary. We reviewed the pathologic data of patients presenting with these clinical findings after delayed orchiectomy at postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND). METHODS We identified 14 patients with apparent EGCT who had undergone simultaneous orchiectomy at PC-RPLND at our institution from July 1979 to July 2002 because of a lateralizing pattern of retroperitoneal metastases concerning for a testicular primary. Of the 14 patients, 3 had completely normal testicular ultrasound findings after chemotherapy and 11 had minimal ultrasound findings not consistent with a testicular tumor. RESULTS Two (14%) of the PC orchiectomy specimens contained mature teratoma and eight (57%) contained necrosis and/or focal fibrosis. Thus, 10 (71%) of 14 patients undergoing PC orchiectomy at PC-RPLND because of metastatic disease laterality had evidence of a testicular primary. CONCLUSIONS Most (71%) patients with a presumed EGCT who underwent PC orchiectomy because of lateralizing retroperitoneal metastases had histologic evidence of a testicular primary (20% teratoma, 80% focal necrosis or fibrosis). If the retroperitoneal pattern of metastatic tumor spread is consistent with a primary testicular tumor, we offer PC orchiectomy to patients with apparent EGCT at PC-RPLND, even if the PC testicular examination and ultrasound findings are normal.
Assessment of shame and guilt in a psychiatric sample: a comparison of two measures

The relationship between measures of shame, guilt, and psychopathology was examined in a heterogeneous inpatient sample (n=82) using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA) and the Personal Feelings Questionnaire-2 (PFQ-2). It was predicted that both shame scales would correlate positively with measures of psychopathology. This hypothesis was supported in bivariate analyses, however, when partialed for each respective guilt scale, only the TOSCA maintained significant associations with measures of psychopathology. It was predicted that only the PFQ-2 guilt scale would correlate positively with measures of psychopathology, and this hypothesis was supported in both bivariate analyses and partial correlations, controlling for shame scores. These findings support previous work, suggesting that the TOSCA and PFQ-2 guilt scales assess different constructs of guilt. Methodological issues of shame and guilt assessment with psychiatric patients also are discussed.
Association of estrogen measurements in serum and urine of premenopausal women

Aims: We evaluated conjugated and unconjugated urinary estrogen metabolites as surrogate biomarkers for serum levels of unconjugated E1 and E2 in premenopausal women. Materials & methods: Repeated blood and urine samples were analyzed for estrogens and their metabolites using radioimmunoassays and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results: The strongest correlation (r = 0.39) was observed between serum E1 and urinary E1 and E2. The correlations of urinary E2 (r = 0.35), E1 (r = 0.29), all E2 metabolites (r = 0.30), all E1 metabolites (r = 0.23) and total estrogens (r = 0.26) with serum E2 were only moderate although statistically significant. All correlations were substantially stronger for Whites than Asians. Conclusion: Urinary E2 emerged as the best predictor for serum E1 and E2, but the large intra-subject variability in urinary estrogen levels limits its use as a biomarker.
Performance analysis of energy storage systems connected to a doubly fed induction generator

Wind Energy is a viable source of renewable energy to solve global problems. However, the disadvantage is that wind power is variable, depending critically on wind speed. The simula- tion tool Power System Computer Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients Direct Current (PSCAD/EMTDC) is used to simulate the model of the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) connected to the Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In terms of technical analysis, DFIG which was equipped with the ESS can partly compensate the unstable active power output from the variable wind output power. In addition, this paper analyzed about the performance of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for different ESS options such as Super Capacitor ESS (SCESS), Battery ESS (BESS), Two Layer (TL) ESS in the DFIG as 1.5MW ,60Hz under mean wind speed 12 m/s during the 12 second. From the simulation results, The average THD of Hybrid ESS as SC-B ESS, SC- TLESS is the best options to reduce the THD for power quality improvement compared to other ESS options. In terms of economical analysis, the payback time of Battery ESS and Super Capacitor ESS are 3.47 years and 15.76 years respectively. The pay back time of Hybrid ESS is between these two payback time, therefore the system can still be affordable. This paper will provide a better understanding of the performance of different ESS systems, and will be a help for practical applications of ESS in future wind energy projects.
Tetra-kis(4-tert-butyl-benz-yl)silane.

The title compound, C44H60Si, was prepared as an inter­nal standard for diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy. The Si atom lies on a special position with \overline4 site symmetry.
Congenital causes of neurogenic bladder and the transition to adult care

The population of patients with congenital genitourinary disorders has unique healthcare demands that require an additional interpersonal and medical skillset. Adults with congenital neurogenic bladder may have complex urinary anatomy, abnormal bladder function and atypical voiding mechanisms. While initial surgery and care of these patients is typically managed by a pediatric urologist, growth and development into adulthood necessitates transition of care to an adult care team. Failure of transition to adult care has been demonstrated to result in lower quality healthcare and increased risk of developing preventable complications.
Types of Research Bias Encountered in IR

Bias is a systemic error in studies that leads to inaccurate deductions. Relevant biases in the field of IR and interventional oncology were identified after reviewing articles published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology. Biases cited in these articles were divided into three categories: preinterventional (health care access, participation, referral, and sample biases), periinterventional (contamination, investigator, and operator biases), and postinterventional (guarantee-time, lead time, loss to follow-up, recall, and reporting biases).
Identification of time varying systems with applications to adaptive human control

A discrete time Recursive Delay-time Identifier (RDI) for non-stationary linear systems with time varying delay time is introduced. It estimates linear model coefficients and delay time (or anticipation) simultaneously. Its applicability is limited to bandlimited observations sampled at a frequency at least 50 times their bandwidth. To obtain subsample delay time estimates, a bicubic interpolation scheme is embedded in the extended Kalman filter, on which the RDI is based, and used to calculate subsample magnitude and derivative estimates of the observations. The RDI is compared with several other delay time identification schemes of which the Peak-To-Peak method and the multiple-model-approach implementation are new. The former is based on the distance between matching peaks in the input and output signals while the latter is based on a bank of Kalman filters each assigned a different fixed delay time. Furthermore, a performance measure is introduced that differentiates between a shape mismatch and a time shift in the input and output signals. Application of the RDI to the experimental adaptive human preview and pursuit tracking data has provided new insight into human visual processing and has led to a new model that better describes the human operator. Specifically, a visual predictor/filter and three different error signal processing paths were included. Humans were found to apply prediction at short preview lengths and filtering at long preview lengths. They also adapted differently to increasing than decreasing experimental parameters (preview length, track bandwidth and plant dynamics). This asymmetry is attributed to detectability differences plus that adaptation is driven mostly by an observable decrease in performance. Overall, a new approach to study human operator adaptation is provided.
Compensating Differentials and the Male-Female Wage Gap: A Reply to Filer

hypotheses about the types of conditions workers might reasonably be expected to find undesirable. Our reasoning is also partly based on Steinberg and her colleagues' extensive discussions with workers, managers, and union officials in the New York State system and their experience working with diverse compensation practices in several dozen public- and private-sector employment contexts. We also disagree with Filer on how to interpret results that appear implausible from the view of the compensating differentials hypothesis. Our results either imply that the compensating differentials hypothesis is faulty or that the "marginal" worker prefers dirty jobs to clean ones and dangerous jobs to safe ones. We conclude that a series of such examples conflicting with face validity should lead one to question the compensating differentials model, but Filer would rather cling to the model by assuming that some distribution of tastes must have produced these results and by appealing to what he suspects his economist colleagues may or may not find surprising. Furthermore, Filer's view that wages must reflect the marginal worker's preferences precludes the possibility of falsifying the compensating differentials hypothesis. Of course, Filer himself recognizes some results are more plausible than others, as he indicates in note 2 of his reply to our article. He can't have it both ways. We find it especially odd that Filer discounts the judgments of job evaluators, since their judgments on what is an important or skillful job does form the basis upon which jobs are rewarded in a majority of large or
Constitutive Model for Sn-Pb Solder Under Fatigue Loading

The paper presents a constitutive model for Sn-Pb solder which captures the response of this complex material subject to a variety of load paths including fatigue loading. Internal state variables are established to characterize grain coarsening and material degradation observed experimentally. A damage-coupled viscoplastic constitutive model is formulated to take into account the effects of temperature and loading rates on mechanical response. The influence of fatigue loading frequency or strain rate, hold time and temperature on mechanical behavior and fatigue life for 63Sn-37Pb solder alloy is examined. The fatigue failure predictions are compared with those obtained experimentally and found to be satisfactory.© 2002 ASME
Voltage Requirements for Electrostatic Inflation of Gossamer Space Structures

This paper explores the concept of using electrostatic forces for actuation of gossamer space structures. The Electrostatically Inflated Membrane Structure (EIMS) uses two conducting membranes that are interconnected through ribs. An absolute electrostatic charge is given to the structure through active charge emission, causing repulsion between layers of lightweight membrane and leading to additional stiffness in the system. Of the dominant orbital perturbations considered for EIMS, the differential solar radiation pressure is found to have larger impact then the differential gravity forces due to the small, centimeter-level separation distance between the membranes. The minimum potentials required to compensate for differential solar radation pressure at geostationary altitudes are determined to be on the order of hundreds of volts. Also addressed are challenges of electrostatic inflation of membrane structures in an Earth orbit environment, and preliminary results of experiments illustrating inflation on simple prototype structures are presented.
IV. A Diverse Field Needs a Diversity of Approaches

(1993). IV. A Diverse Field Needs a Diversity of Approaches. American Journalism: Vol. 10, No. 3-4, pp. 26-30.
Negative Campaigning in the Social Media Age: Attack Advertising on Facebook

Recent studies examine politicians’ decisions to use social media, as well as the content of the messages that these political actors disseminate on social media platforms. We contribute to this literature by examining how race competitiveness and a candidate’s position in the race relative to her opponent affect their decisions to issue attacks. Through content analysis of nearly 15,000 Facebook posts for tone (positive or negative), we find that while competitive races encourage both candidates to issue more negative posts, candidates in less competitive races embrace attack messages with more or less frequency depending on whether they trail or lead their opponent. We find that social media negativity is much more likely to be a desperation strategy employed by underdog candidates in less competitive races. We also run separate models examining the factors that drive policy and personal attacks. While underdog candidates are more likely to engage in issue attacks, candidates in competitive races are significantly more likely to use Facebook to make personal attacks.
The role of exfoliative cytology and histopathology in screening and triage

The role of cytology in cervical cancer screening is rapidly evolving. Widespread implementation of The Bethesda System with its accompanying atlas has provided uniform terminology and criteria for reporting cervical pathology. The development of new methods for preparing cytologic specimens as well as many other screening techniques suggests that current practices may be modified in the near future. The implementation of these new approaches may permit more conservative management of women with self-limited lesions related to HPV exposure, improve detection of serious cancer precursors, and provide more cost-effective cervical cancer screening.
Structured Matching for Phrase Localization

In this paper we introduce a new approach to phrase localization: grounding phrases in sentences to image regions. We propose a structured matching of phrases and regions that encourages the semantic relations between phrases to agree with the visual relations between regions. We formulate structured matching as a discrete optimization problem and relax it to a linear program. We use neural networks to embed regions and phrases into vectors, which then define the similarities (matching weights) between regions and phrases. We integrate structured matching with neural networks to enable end-to-end training. Experiments on Flickr30K Entities demonstrate the empirical effectiveness of our approach.
TRPA1 mediates sensation of the rate of temperature change in Drosophila larvae

Avoidance of noxious ambient heat is crucial for survival. A well-known phenomenon is that animals are sensitive to the rate of temperature change. However, the cellular and molecular underpinnings through which animals sense and respond much more vigorously to fast temperature changes are unknown. Using Drosophila larvae, we found that nociceptive rolling behavior was triggered at lower temperatures and at higher frequencies when the temperature increased rapidly. We identified neurons in the brain that were sensitive to the speed of the temperature increase rather than just to the absolute temperature. These cellular and behavioral responses depended on the TRPA1 channel, whose activity responded to the rate of temperature increase. We propose that larvae use low-threshold sensors in the brain to monitor rapid temperature increases as a protective alert signal to trigger rolling behaviors, allowing fast escape before the temperature of the brain rises to dangerous levels.
Estimating the parameters of system dynamics models using indirect inference

There is limited methodological guidance for estimating system dynamics (SD) models using datasets common to social sciences that include few data points over time for many units under analysis. Here, we introduce indirect inference, a simulation-based estimation method that can be applied to common datasets and is applicable to SD models that often include intractable likelihood functions. In this method, the model parameters are found by ensuring that simulated data from the model and available empirical data produce similar auxiliary statistics. The method requires few assumptions about the structure of the model and error-generating processes and thus can be used in a variety of applications. We demonstrate the method in estimating an SD model of depression and rumination using a panel dataset. The overall results suggest that indirect inference can extend the application of SD models to new topics and leverage common panel datasets to provide unique insights. Copyright © 2016 System Dynamics Society
Measuring Perceived Educational Impact of a Resident-Led Research Newsletter.

To determine the perceived educational impact of a resident-led psychiatry research newsletter (‘Research Watch’) on the psychiatry residents at the authors’ residency program. An anonymous, voluntary paper questionnaire was distributed to all psychiatry residents at the program. The survey inquired about the degree of exposure (quantified as ‘exposure index’) and contribution to the newsletter. A set of questions asked residents to estimate how much of the improvement they attributed to the influence of the newsletter, rating the attribution between 0 and 100%, in the areas of interest in scholarly activities/research, knowledge of current psychiatric research, and participation in scholarly activities/research. The survey also inquired if the newsletter had any impact on their clinical practice. Of 29 residents in the program who received the survey, 27 (93%) responded. The percentage of residents reporting perceived non-zero impact of the newsletter on specific areas of improvement was as follows: interest in scholarly activities/research (44%), knowledge of current psychiatric research (48%), participation in scholarly activities/research (40%), and clinical practice (40%). Exposure index significantly and positively correlated with self-reported percentage attribution for knowledge (correlation coefficient 0.422, p value 0.028) and self-reported impact on clinical practice (correlation coefficient 0.660, p value 0.000), and degree of contribution significantly and positively correlated with self-reported percentage attribution for knowledge (correlation coefficient 0.488, p value 0.010). A resident-led research newsletter can have a positive perceived impact on the residents’ interest, knowledge, and participation in research, as well as a positive perceived impact on clinical practice.
Internal Maxillary Artery Preoperative Embolization Using n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Pushable Coils for Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Surgery

Background Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis causes disability through impaired digestion, mastication, speech, and appearance. Surgical treatment increases range of motion with resultant functional improvement. However, substantial perioperative blood loss can occur (up to 3 L) if the internal maxillary artery (IMAX) is injured as it traverses the ankylotic mass. Achieving hemostasis is difficult because of limited proximal IMAX access and poor visualization. Our aim is to investigate the technical feasibility and preliminary safety of preoperative IMAX embolization in patients undergoing TMJ ankylosis surgery. Methods Case series using chart reviews of 2 patients who underwent preoperative embolization before TMJ ankylosis surgery. Results Both patients were women (28 and 51 years old) who had severely restricted mouth opening. Embolization was performed using general anesthesia with nasal intubation on the same day of TMJ surgery. Both patients underwent bilateral IMAX embolization using pushable coils (Vortex, Boston Scientific) of distal IMAX followed by n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (Trufill, Cordis) embolization from coil mass up to proximal IMAX. There were no complications from the embolization procedures. Both patients had normal neurologic examination results. TMJ surgery occurred with minimal operative blood loss (≤300 mL for each surgery). Maximum postoperative mouth opening was 35 mm and 34 mm, respectively. One patient had a postoperative TMJ wound infection that was managed with antibiotics. Conclusions Preoperative IMAX embolization before TMJ ankylosis surgery is technically feasible with encouraging preliminary safety. There were no complications from the embolization procedures and surgeries occurred with low volumes of blood loss.
Resolving the degradation pathways in high-voltage oxides for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries; Alternation in chemistry, composition and crystal structures

Abstract Development of stable high-voltage (HV), high capacity (HC) cathode oxides is indispensable to enhancing the performance of current high-energy-density (HED) lithium-ion batteries. Overstoichiometric, layered Li- and Mn-rich (LMR) composite oxides are promising materials for HV-HC cathodes for HED batteries; however, their practical use is limited. By probing the crystal structure, magnetic structure, and microstructure of the Li1.2Mn0.55Ni0.15Co0.1O2 LMR oxide, we demonstrate that the oxide loses its pristine chemistry, structure, and composition during the first charge-discharge cycle and that it proceeds through a series of progressive events that introduce impediments on the ion mobility pathways. We discovered i) the presence of tetrahedral Mn3+, interlayer cation intermixing, interface of layered-spinel, and structurally rearranged domains, cation segregation at an HV charged state, and ii) the loss of Li ions, inhomogeneous distribution of Li/Ni, and structurally transformed domains after the first discharge. The results will advance our fundamental understanding of the obstacles related to ion migration pathways in HV-HC cathode systems and will enable us to formulate design rules for use of such materials in high-energy-density electrochemical-energy-storage devices.
Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exhibit Preferential Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation and Enhanced Matrix Production Compared With Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Background:Therapeutic efficacy of various mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) types for orthopaedic applications is currently being investigated. While the concept of MSC therapy is well grounded in th...
Growing fresh fruits and vegetables in an urban landscape: A geospatial assessment of ground level and rooftop urban agriculture potential in Boston, USA

Abstract Urban parcels can potentially be leveraged for developing a local urban food system by growing high yield food crops. Here, a remote sensing and GIS-based modeling framework was developed to locate and quantify available area for urban farming, including both rooftop and ground level areas in the city of Boston, MA, USA. Geoprocessing and spatial analysis tools were used to process geographic data layers for zoning, ownership, slope, soil quality, and adequate light availability. Surface slope (roof pitch) was determined for all buildings in the city through the creation of a digital surface map from remotely sensed LiDAR data. Potential parcels from ground level public and private vacant lots and underutilized residential and commercial areas were mapped using publicly available datasets. Approximately 922 ha of rooftop and 1,250 ha of ground level parcels have been identified, representing 7.4% and 10% of the total land area in Boston, respectively. Finally, food yield values for common urban agricultural crops were used to estimate the city’s food production potential from the identified parcels. Despite Boston’s density, the mapped areas have potential to produce enough fresh fruits and vegetables for Boston’s population, while providing both environmental and economic co-benefits. The study outcome was compared with mapping and inventory results from other North American cities.
Friction properties of reinforcements in composites

Abstract The use of binders during the forming of fabric-reinforced composites by thermoforming through stamping induces in-plane tensile forces as a result of friction between the fabric and the tooling and adjacent layers of fabric. These in-plane forces reduce the potential for the development of defects in the form of fabric wrinkling. However, if in-plane forces are too high, then fabric tearing can occur. Thus, it is critical to understand the relationship between the effective friction, the forming rate, and other processing parameters to produce quality parts using this high-volume low-cost manufacturing process. This chapter summarizes research on the friction at the tool/fabric and fabric/fabric interfaces. In addition, test data showing the relationship between the friction coefficient of three materials (Twintex, Dyneema HB210, and Dyneema HB311) and thermoforming processing parameters are presented.