cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NIMG-03FALSE POSITIVE DETECTION OF RESIDUAL TUMOR IN THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD.

BACKGROUND: Standards for residual tumor detection after resection of brain tumors with have not been established. In the postoperative period presence of contrast enhancement is suggestive of residual tumor. METHODS: We report a case of radiological postoperative metastatic tumor residual, which upon repeat resection was found to negative for presence of tumor. RESULTS: We report a case of a patient with metastatic tumor whose immediate postoperative MRI revealed enhancement in the peritumoral resection area which was suspicious for residual tumor. Repeat craniotomy for residual tumor was offered the following day after the first resection and the enhancing area was resected. Repeat postoperative MRI did not reveal any enhancing lesion. Final pathology revealed features of gliosis without any residual tumor. A follow up MRI 4 weeks later did not show any enhancing lesion either. This report suggests that the sensitivity of MRI may allow for detection of new lesions which are not tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that not all enhancing lesion in the immediate postoperative period represent tumors. Repeat surgery may be warranted only in those patients in whom the enhancement fails to subside with time.
Genetic and Epigenetic Contributions to Longevity

Abstract Abstract SCI-1 Aging is a natural process that involves a general decline in many physiological functions resulting in loss of function and eventually death, and is also the main risk of death from almost all diseases. Therefore we reason that if we could understand the biology of aging, we could design a therapy that will not affect a single disease at a time but rather will prevent many aging related diseases. Indeed, in the field of aging we have been successful in identifying several mechanism that may be involved in aging, but even more importantly, mechanisms that are protective against aging. Here we will summarize the efforts to implicated protective pathways in relatively healthy subjects with exceptional longevity. These subjects are part of the LonGenity (or Longevity Genes Study) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, which gathered the clinical phenotype and performed extensive genotyping on centenarians and their offspring. We will demonstrate that genetic factors that are associated with human longevity are also heritable and may contribute not only to increase life span, but also provide a protection from age dependent disease and exceptional good health. We also will demonstrate that aging may be modified by epigenetics mechanism and will show results from high throughput methylation studies in aging rodents and humans. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Envisioning Compassionate Migration: From Canada to Desert Trails and the Cities in Between

The previous chapters established the need for compassionate migration policy, set the context of how and why it has not occurred in the U.S., and articulated the tragic human costs and other consequences within and beyond the U.S. from ongoing failures to protect human rights and promote human dignity. This final set of chapters takes up the vexing questions of how and in which venues to enact and implement compassionate migration, and from where the push for it might or must come.
Steering lasing beam in topological light sources

We demonstrated the Bound State in the Continuum Surface Emitting Laser that can steer the beam with angles depending on the topology. This novel type of the topological light source operates at room temperature.
Knowledge of Constituent Ingredients in Enteral Nutrition Formulas Can Make a Difference in Patient Response to Enteral Feeding

Enteral feeding is considered the preferred method for providing a complete or supplemental source of nutrition to patients. Enteral formulas (EFs) are traditionally assessed from general information provided by the manufacturer such as caloric density, percentage of macronutrients, and micronutrients to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Sometimes labeling information highlights particular ingredients to indicate specific properties at a metabolic or nutrition level. However, it is necessary to review the quality and composition of any enteral formula, since the basic components are responsible for tolerance and nutrition efficacy, and this should not be overshadowed by the benefit of a single constituent. Intolerance to EF is commonly attributed to individual patient response or to the means of administration. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of appraising EFs with regard to composition and effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Teledermatology Using Parent-Submitted Photographs: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Advances in smartphone photography (both quality and image transmission) may improve access to care via direct parent-to-clinician telemedicine. However, the accuracy of diagnoses that are reliant on parent-provided photographs has not been formally compared with diagnoses made in person. Objective To assess whether smartphone photographs of pediatric skin conditions taken by parents are of sufficient quality to permit accurate diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective study was conducted among 40 patient-parent dyads at a pediatric dermatology clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from March 1 to September 30, 2016, to assess concordance between diagnoses made by an independent pediatric dermatologist based on in-person examination and those based on parental photographs. Half of the patient-parent dyads were randomized for a secondary analysis to receive instructions on how best to take photographs with smartphones. Clinicians were blinded to whether parents had received photography instructions. Exposures Half of the patient-parent dyads received a simple, 3-step instruction sheet on how best to take photographs using a smartphone (intervention group); the other half did not (control group). Main Outcomes and Measures Concordance between photograph-based vs in-person diagnosis in the intervention vs control groups, as quantified using Cohen κ, a measure of interrater agreement that takes into account the possibility of agreement occurring by chance. Results Among the 40 patient-parent dyads (22 female children and 18 male children; mean [SD] age, 6.96 [5.23] years), overall concordance between photograph-based vs in-person diagnosis was 83% (95% CI, 71%-94%; κ = 0.81). Diagnostic concordance was 89% (95% CI, 75%-97%; κ = 0.88) in a subgroup of 37 participants with photographs considered of high enough quality to make a diagnosis. No statistically significant effect of photography instructions on concordance was detected (group that received instructions, 85%; group that did not receive instructions, 80%; P = .68). In cases of diagnostic disagreement, appropriate follow-up was suggested. Conclusions and Relevance Parent-operated smartphone photography can accurately be used as a method to provide pediatric dermatologic care. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT03246945
SqueezeBands: Mediated Social Touch Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuation

Mediated social touch technologies aim to transmit the sense of touch between two or more physically distributed partners. Previous work in CSCW has focused mostly on vibrotactile actuation, though there is also significant recent interest in exploring a wider variety of haptic actuation modalities. In this paper, we explore Shape Memory Alloys as a novel means for constriction and heat activation. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by implementing the SqueezeBands system, which augments social gestures over videochat with haptic actuation. We describe an evaluation of the system with 57 pairs of participants, collaborating on tasks either high or low emotional salience. Our results demonstrate that SqueezeBands encourage greater and more diverse demonstrations of touch and that they may be particularly appropriate for easing mental and physical demand in high emotion tasks. We end with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges in leveraging Shape Memory Alloy actuation for mediated social touch.
What is a Physical Theory of Living State

In this paper, I shall attempt to present an appraisal of various theoretical attempts to describe biological living systems, on the basis of the methods of physics and chemistry. I was stimulated and provoked to write this paper, as a result of my participation in the third international seminar on living state, held at Shillong, India, in December 1986. One may state that the problem of the theory of living state, has been significantly influenced by the expressed thoughts of Wigner, Elsasser, Prigogine, Eigen, Davyodov and Frohlich. This list is by no means complete, since contributions of Schrodinger, Bertalanffy, Rene Thom and others are no leas significant. In this brief note, it is impossible to critically analyze all or any of these theses, in full detail. Possibly the best summary of the dissipative structures and hypercycles, is presented in the 1972 articles of Prigogine, Nicolis and Babloyantz, published in Physics Today[1,2]. Our objective in this paper, will be much modest, and hopefully thought provoking, specifying certain critical remarks.
Getting it RITE: Impact of a Dedicated Hospital Medicine Curriculum for Residents

Objective The goal of this study was to improve resident confidence in inpatient care and knowledge in hospital medicine topics with a newly developed rotation and curriculum called the Resident Inpatient Training Experience. Methods This study was a prospective observational study completed by postgraduate year-2 (PGY-2) internal medicine residents in two affiliated hospitals. Forty-six PGY-2 residents each rotated on the Resident Inpatient Training Experience service for 1 month and completed a pre- and postrotation confidential online survey. Primary outcomes included confidence in managing hospitalized patients, knowledge regarding hospital medicine topics, and interest in pursuing hospital medicine as a career. Results Thirty-three PGY-2 residents completed both the pre- and postrotation survey (72% response rate). After completing the rotation, the residents' confidence level (measured on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree) rose significantly in managing hospitalized patients, from 3.82 to 4.33 (P = 0.003) and in leading a ward team, from 3.76 to 4.21 (P = 0.020). Knowledge level (measured on a 5-point Likert scale with 1 = very poor and 5 = excellent) improved significantly in transitions of care, from 3.45 to 3.79 (P = 0.023); cost-conscious care, from 3.00 to 3.42 (P = 0.016); physician billing/coding, from 2.55 to 3.03 (P = 0.007); hospital metrics, from 2.39 to 2.94 (P = 0.002); and hospital reimbursement, from 2.48 to 3.09 (P = 0.001). Interest in pursuing hospital medicine as a career also increased. Conclusions Resident independence in managing patients and training in hospital medicine topics has not kept up with evolving need. Dedicated hospital medicine rotation and curriculum are effective ways to alleviate the deficiencies in resident education.
Impact of Strategic Management Element in Enhancing Firm's Sustainable Competitive Advantage. An Empirical Study of Nigeria's Manufacturing Sector

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of strategy implementation and control as independent variable in enhancing firm’s sustainable competitive advantage through innovation as the dependent variable in the Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Data were collected through personal questionnaire from 166 manufacturing firms in Nigeria who are members of manufacturing association of Nigeria within North West and North central zones with 70% response rate. The results indicate that there is positive and significant relationship between strategic management elements; implementation and control with sustainable competitive advantage; innovation. According to the result manufacturers in Nigeria fully agree that strategy control is essential when a unique strategy has been implemented so as to successfully enhance sustainable competitive advantage. This study adds Knowledge to the theory and practice of sustainable competitive advantage particularly in Nigeria’s manufacturing firms. Its theoretical and empirical significance adds more insight on the previous empirical studies in the field that is to say it gives guidelines to manufacturers in Nigeria on the impact of strategic management approaches on sustainable competitive advantage. For government and firms, the study provides avenue of enhancing sustainable competitive advantage in Nigeria and Africa as a whole since the phenomena is general.
ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF AN AMORPHOUS Fe-Ti-C SURFACE IN TITANIUM-IMPLANTED STEEL

ABSTRACT Implantation of Ti at high fluences into 52100 steel produces an amorphous surface containing Ti, Fe, and C. This amorphous surface provides modest improvements in corrosion resistance in 1N H2SO4 and 0.1 N NaCl, as indicated by potentiodynamic polarization scans. In both solutions the anodic current density is about 10% that of unimplanted 52100 steel up to anodic overpotentials of about 800 mV. Pitting corrosion, which is initiated at lower overpotentials, leads to undermining and peeling of the implanted layer at higher overpotentials. Detailed optical and microstructural studies of pit initiation in a nital/picral/methanol etch suggest that pitting begins at surface flaws, which are either carbides or impurity inclusions.
Superficial Siderosis of Central Nervous System as Primary Clinical Manifestation Secondary to Intradural Thoracic Disk Herniation.

Background Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare neurologic disorder characterized by the superficial deposition of hemosiderin in the subpial layer resulting in iron-related progressive neurodegeneration. Case Description In this report, we present a case of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system secondary to an intradural thoracic disk herniation causing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Conclusions The patient was successfully treated with T6-T8 transpedicular partial corpectomy, as well as diskectomy with decompression followed by watertight closure of the CSF leak. Intraoperative watertight closure of the CSF leak was achieved.
Chest Radiograph for Childhood Pneumonia: Good, but Not Good Enough.

* Abbreviations: CAP — : community-acquired pneumonia CXR — : chest radiograph ED — : emergency department NPV — : negative predictive value Pneumonia is the greatest killer of children worldwide,1 with 920 136 deaths in children in 2015.2 Although less lethal in developing countries like the United States, the burden is still considerable, with annual ambulatory visit rates for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in US children of 16.9 to 22.4 per 1000 in the population.3 Although CAP is a clinical diagnosis, individual signs and symptoms have poor prognostic value,4 and children may undergo radiography to confirm or disprove the diagnosis. Although both viruses and bacteria can cause CAP, physicians are generally trying to rule out a bacterial infection with a chest radiograph (CXR) because the main clinical decision is whether to prescribe antibiotics. Some physicians may be concerned that CXRs can have false-negative results in the early stages of CAP or in the setting of dehydration.5 To address these concerns, Lipsett et al6 report the results of a prospective observational cohort study in children 3 months to 18 years of age undergoing CXR for suspected CAP. The primary outcome was a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia during the … Address correspondence to Matthew D. Garber, MD, Division of Hospital Pediatrics, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Third Floor, 800 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207. E-mail: matthew.garber{at}jax.ufl.edu
Thermodynamic and Experimental Evaluation of La 1−x Sr x MnO 3±δ Cathode in Presence of Cr-Containing Humidified Air

Thermodynamic predictions were carried out on the phase stability of the lanthanum manganite (LSM)/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) system in presence and absence of Cr-containing dry and humidified atmosphere over broad ranges of temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and humidity. Formation of Mn oxides, La2Zr2O7, SrZrO3, Mn(Mn,Cr)2O4 (spinel), and zirconia was predicted, in agreement with previous experimental efforts. Humidity enhances the perovskite degradation by increasing the kinetics of secondary phase formation reactions. The impact of Cr6+ poisoning is more significant in presence of humidity in the atmosphere, as volatile Cr6+ species, in the form of CrO3 and CrO2(OH)2, may diffuse into the perovskite structure and change its phase stability and properties.
What Earth Properties and Engineering Decisions Most Influence the Productivity of an Enhanced Geothermal System

Abstract It has been estimated that Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) could supply 100 GWe (10%) of total electric capacity in the U.S [1]. An EGS artificially creates a geothermal system by stimulating an impermeable hot rock, injecting cold water into the hot reservoir, and extracting the heated water to generate electricity. This paper explores what earth properties and engineering decisions most influence the productivity of an EGS and therefore should be the focus of research and data acquisition. Using Monte Carlo simulation, 106 EGS models were generated varying the engineering decisions and uncertain earth parameters within ranges reported for a California site. Uniquely, the model accounts for the variability in stimulated hydraulic fractures. The models’ hydro-thermal flow and energy production was then simulated, showing a wide range of power generation values from a P10 of 1.8 MW to a P90 of 7.3 MW. The production values were used in a distance-based sensitivity analysis to determine the factors governing EGS productivity. The parameters found to most influence productivity were the mean fracture length, spatial extent of the high temperature zone and rock permeability. These findings highlight the importance of further researching hydraulic fracturing in crystalline rocks and investing in proper characterization and choice of a site with high temperature and permeability.
Inflammation, Antipsychotic Drugs, and Evidence for Effectiveness of Anti-inflammatory Agents in Schizophrenia

In recent years, there is a new optimism in schizophrenia therapeutics with the emergence of immunomodulation as a potential treatment approach. Current evidence points to various immunological abnormalities in schizophrenia, including cell-mediated processes, acute phase proteins, cytokines, and intracellular mediators. Trait- and state-related immune dysfunction appears to exist, and a strong case can therefore be made for immunomodulation therapies in the prevention, treatment, and/or moderating the course of schizophrenia.
Evaluating the utility of routine screening catheterisation before interstage discharge of infants with single-ventricle physiology.

INTRODUCTION Interstage mortality causes are often unknown in infants with shunt-dependent univentricular defects. For 2 years, screening catheterisation was encouraged before neonatal discharge to determine if routine evaluation improved interstage outcomes. METHODS Retrospective single-centre review of home monitoring programme from December, 2010 to June, 2012. Composite scores were created for physical examination/echocardiography risk factors; catheterisation risk factors; and interstage adverse events. Composite scores were compared between usual care and screening catheterisation groups. The ability of each risk factor composite to predict interstage adverse events, individually and in combination, was assessed with sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS There were 27 usual care and 32 screening catheterisation patients. There were no significant differences between groups except rates of catheterisation before discharge (29.6 versus 100%, p < 0.001). Usual care patients who underwent catheterisation for clinical indications had higher intervention rates (37.5 versus 3.1%, p = 0.004). Physical examination/echocardiography risk factor frequency was similar, but usual care patients with catheterisation had a higher catheterisation risk factor frequency. Interstage adverse event frequency was similar (48.2 versus 53.1%, p = 0.7). For interstage adverse event prediction, sensitivity for the physical examination/echocardiography, catheterisation, and either risk factor composites was 53.3, 72, and 80%, respectively; specificity was 59, 60, and 48%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.56, 0.66, and 0.64. CONCLUSION Screening catheterisation evaluation offered slightly increased sensitivity and specificity, but no difference in interstage adverse event frequency. Given this small advantage versus known risks, screening catheterisations are no longer encouraged.
Silver nanoparticle immunomodulatory potential in absence of direct cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 macrophages and MPRO 2.1 neutrophils

AbstractEngineered nanomaterials (ENM) are being used in a wide range of consumer products and pharmaceuticals; hence, there is an increasing risk for human exposure and potential adverse outcomes....
Opportunity entrepreneurship and regulation: a state-level analysis

The paper empirically tests the relationship between opportunity entrepreneurship – i.e. procyclical entrepreneurial activity associated with growth-oriented business startups – across states and t...
Low-complexity Proximal Gauss-Newton Algorithm for Nonnegative Matrix Factorization

In this paper we propose a quasi-Newton algorithm for the celebrated nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) problem. The proposed algorithm falls into the general framework of Gauss-Newton and Levenberg-Marquardt methods. However, these methods were not able to handle constraints, which is present in NMF. One of the key contributions in this paper is to apply alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to obtain the iterative update from this Gauss-Newton-like algorithm. Furthermore, we carefully study the structure of the Jacobian Gramian matrix given by the Gauss-Newton updates, and designed a way of exactly inverting the matrix with complexity $\mathcal{O}$(mnk), which is a significant reduction compared to the naive implementation of complexity $\mathcal{O}$((m + n)3k3). The resulting algorithm, which we call NLS-ADMM, enjoys fast convergence rate brought by the quasi-Newton algorithmic framework, while maintaining low per-iteration complexity similar to that of alternating algorithms. Numerical experiments on synthetic data confirms the efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
Social ostracism, religion, and existential concerns

Abstract Ostracism—being ignored and excluded—is a painful experience that poses a threat to four basic human needs: belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence. In this chapter, we explore the connections between ostracism and religion. We first review the temporal need-threat model of ostracism, then describe how ostracism can be used by religious groups to ensure the cohesiveness and cooperation of their members. We further consider the ways in which people may turn to religion to help them address the negative effects of experiencing ostracism. Finally, we consider situations where ostracism itself may precipitate interest in extreme ideologies—both those that are explicitly religious and also those that are secular but still fill the same needs as religions.
Smokers' Exposure to Perceived Modified Risk Claims for E-Cigarettes, Snus, and Smokeless Tobacco in the United States.

Introduction Based on arguments for harm reduction and health benefits, tobacco companies in the United States can apply for regulatory authorization to make "modified risk tobacco product" (MRTP) marketing claims. The impact of future MRTP claims may depend on whether they are noticed, believed and lead to smokers switching products. This study provides baseline data about smokers' exposure to perceived MRTP claims ahead of any MRTP authorizations. Methods We analyzed measures from Wave 3 of the US-based Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study which asked smokers to indicate if they had seen any e-cigarettes, snus or other smokeless tobacco products that claim to be "less harmful" in the past 12 months, and their likelihood of using products with these claims in the next 30 days. Results Significantly fewer smokers noted having seen snus (5.1%) or other smokeless tobacco (5.6%) with "less harmful" claims compared to e-cigarettes (29.1%). For each product, the prevalence of MRTP claim exposure was higher among smokers who perceived the product to be less harmful than smoking, who currently used the product, and who had higher rates of tobacco advertising exposure at the point of sale. Among smokers who noticed products with "less harmful" claims, about one-quarter said they would use them in the future (24%-27%). Conclusions Ahead of any FDA authorization for MRTP claims, some smokers already perceive exposure to "less harmful" claims for e-cigarettes, but few do for smokeless tobacco. MRTP claims may motivate some smokers to use these products. Implications This study provides new baseline data about smokers' perceived exposure to modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) claims in the US ahead of any regulatory claim authorization. Using data from Wave 3 of the US PATH study, we found that some smokers already perceive exposure to "less harmful" claims for e-cigarettes (29%), but few do for smokeless tobacco (5-6%). Among smokers who noticed products with "less harmful" claims, about one-quarter said they would use them in the future (24%-27%), suggesting MRTP claims may motivate some smokers to use products described as "less harmful".
Why Is It Hard to Fight Herding?: The Roles of User and Technology Attributes

The ubiquity of information, in part a consequence of the fast growth of Internet technologies, provides individuals with previously unknown opportunities to acquire and share information about new technology products. We witness numerous situations where potential adopters observe the decisions (but not the reasoning) of others and imitate their adoption behaviors. This implies that herd behavior can lead to en mass adoption. However, individuals possessing different characteristics exhibit different degrees of herd behavior. The characteristics of a given technology must also fit with the requirements of the task(s) that a technology adopter wants to fulfill. It is important to understand these phenomena in the herding context because they can influence a technology's staying power. We examine how several different user and technology characteristics interact with the antecedents of herd behavior, observed popularity of prior adoption and perceived uncertainty, to predict one's individual propensity for imitation in technology adoption. We test our research model via an online experiment with 260 respondents. One key finding is that while prior research has not found uncertainty to have the expected effect on propensity to imitate, it does in fact have a significant effect when various individual difference and technology moderators are taken into account.
Abstract 12702: Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With Incident Ischemic Heart Disease in Women Veterans

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with greater risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Women veterans represent a growing, yet understudied, population with high trauma...
Equity Culture and Household Behavior

Equity culture has spread among households on both sides of the Atlantic. We analyze the likely changes in behavior of households that enter the stock market in response to arrival of information about how to invest in stocks. Without borrowing constraints, the improved prospects arising from the equity premium tend to dominate the increase in riskiness of future income streams. This encourages entrants to increase consumption and borrowing, and to reduce net financial wealth. At the same time, they tend to accumulate more precautionary wealth. By creating greater incentives to borrow, equity culture makes the young more susceptible to any borrowing constraints. Whether borrowing-constrained entrants increase consumption at all depends on risk aversion and on the tightness of the borrowing limits they face. Borrowing constraints can also reduce, eliminate, or reverse the tendency of entrants to hold larger precautionary wealth buffers.
Marketing Strategy in the 1980’s: Major Changes Ahead for Marketers

Marketing will undergo many changes in the decade of the 1980's. It is important for both managers and academics to consider the inevitable variations in planning and training. Changes in the marketplace, the environment, and in management practices are outlined and concisely discussed.
Differential DNA methylation in somatic and sperm cells of hatchery vs wild (natural-origin) steelhead trout populations.

Environmental factors such as nutrition, stress, and toxicants can influence epigenetic programming and phenotypes of a wide variety of species from plants to humans. The current study was designed to investigate the impacts of hatchery spawning and rearing on steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) vs the wild fish on a molecular level. Additionally, epigenetic differences between feeding practices that allow slow growth (2 years) and fast growth (1 year) hatchery trout were investigated. The sperm and red blood cells (RBC) from adult male slow growth/maturation hatchery steelhead, fast growth/maturation hatchery steelhead, and wild (natural-origin) steelhead were collected for DNA preparation to investigate potential alterations in differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) and genetic mutations, involving copy number variations (CNVs). The sperm and RBC DNA both had a large number of DMRs when comparing the hatchery vs wild steelhead trout populations. The DMRs were cell type specific with negligible overlap. Slow growth/maturation compared to fast growth/maturation steelhead also had a larger number of DMRs in the RBC samples. A number of the DMRs had associated genes that were correlated to various biological processes and pathologies. Observations demonstrate a major epigenetic programming difference between the hatchery and wild natural-origin fish populations, but negligible genetic differences. Therefore, hatchery conditions and growth/maturation rate can alter the epigenetic developmental programming of the steelhead trout. Interestingly, epigenetic alterations in the sperm allow for potential epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic variation to future generations. The impacts of hatchery exposures are not only important to consider on the fish exposed, but also on future generations and evolutionary trajectory of fish in the river populations.
The Effect of Voice Interactions on Drivers’ Guidance of Attention

The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of voice interactions with an in-vehicle system on drivers’ guidance of attention. The authors' approach was to examine the effect of voice interactions on endogenous control of attention using a modified Posner cue-target paradigm. Consistent with the bottleneck hypothesis, dual-task slowing was observed when drivers responded to an auditory task and to a pedestrian detection task concurrently. This interference contributed to disrupted attention allocation, especially when drivers could not rely on their endogenous control of attention.
Thermal Decomposition of Nitrocellulose Propellants

Most smokeless propellant powders for small arms use are either single base or double base types. Single base powders consist of nitrocellulose with small amounts of additives such as tin to reduce barrel fouling and muzzle flash, graphite to improve handling, and a stabilizer such as diphenylamine. Double base powders contain nitrocellulose with 10 to 15% of nitroglycerin added [1].
Regulation of serotonin 2C receptor pre-mRNA editing by serotonin.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of serotonin 2C receptor pre-mRNA editing by serotonin. The RNA editing is a co-transcriptional or post-transcriptional process that alters the nucleotide sequence of the genomically encoded primary transcript. In pre-mRNA, single nucleotide changes can introduce start and stop codons, novel splice sites, and shifts in the open reading frame. Pre-mRNA editing is a mechanism that increases the protein diversity and the complexity of regulatory processes. The A-to-I edited RNAs are the substrates for a group of enzymes known as adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADAR). The key outcome of 5-HT 2C receptor editing is downregulation of constitutive and agonist-stimulated receptor activity. This is due to the substantially decreased basal and agonist-stimulated G protein-coupling efficiency, decreased agonist affinity, and 5-HT potency as well as coupling of different G protein α-subunits. 5-HT 2C pre-mRNA editing is modulated by its cognate neurotransmitter. Although the analysis of 5-HT 2C pre-mRNA editing in vivo is laborious, its sensitive regulation by various stimuli makes 5-HT 2C pre-mRNA a prime substrate for future studies on the role of A-to-I editing in synaptic neurotransmission and diseases of the CNS
Improving Java Server Performance with Interruptlets

With the widespread usage of the Internet, the need for high throughput servers has greatly increased. The Interruptlet system allows Java server application writers to register light-weight interrupt handling routines (written in C or Java). The underlying system architecture is designed to minimize redundant copies between protection domains and thread overhead involved in I/O handling in the JVM on Linux.
Performance of Field Measuring Probes for SSC Magnets

Several years of experience have been acquired on the operation of probes (“moles”) constructed for the measurement of the multipole components of the magnetic fields of SSC magnets. The field is measured by rotating coils contained in a 2.4-m long tube that is pulled through the aperture of the magnet by an external device—the transporter. In addition to the measuring coils, the tube contains motors for rotating the coil and a system for sensing local vertical using gravity sensors to provide an absolute reference for the field measurements.
On the validation effort of the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamics model

[1] The Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere electrodynamics model (CTIPe) has proven to be a valuable ionospheric research tool. Improving our knowledge of systematic and seasonal model biases is necessary if further improvements are to be made. This paper presents the next step in our verification and validation effort and in developing a standardized analysis methodology. A semi-automated software part of the near-real-time-run of CTIPe is described and results derived from its usage are presented. Model limitations and biases are detailed for the electron density profile peak (NmF2) and its corresponding height (hmF2). Model performance for hmF2 is constant throughout the whole year, with an average 10% deviation from observed values. There is a strong seasonal variation for NmF2, with greater deviations from the observed trends during summer. This effect seems to have latitude dependence, although the gaps in the available data do not allow for an exact determination of its nature.
Information systems and society

Abstract The social effects of new information systems will be determined not only by the ends to which they are put but also by their forms and structures and the ways in which they are implemented. This article examines the theoretical basis for the concern over structure, describes currently dominant systems and structures and outlines some of the alternatives. The potential benefits of alternative systems, to the user and society as a whole, are discussed. It is not too late, the author argues, to favour alternative structures which will promote the development of a desirable ‘Information Society’.
Measurement of plasma beta in high beta fusion experiments

SUMMARY The plasma beta on axis of a high-s plasma column can be determined by combining measurements of the magnetic flux excluded by the plasma column and the plasma luminosity profile. The excluded flux is measured by a balanced loop-probe arrangement consisting of a small magnetic probe outside the discharge tube, which measures the external magnetic field, and a single-turn loop around the discharge tube which senses do/dt inside the tube and is sensitive to the magnetic flux excluded by the plasma. With the signals from the loop and probe nulled without plasma, the integrated difference signal normalized to the integrated probe signal gives the net magnetic flux excluded by the plasma column or the effective area from which flux is completely excluded. Self-luminosity is used to determine a relative plasma density profile. The plasma continuum radiation from as many as 20 parallel chords through the plasma is imaged on optical fiber bundles with each bundle connecting to a separate photomultiplier. Data from the multichannel luminosity apparatus is unfolded to give a radial light intensity profile which is proportional to the square of the density profile provided the plasma temperature is not a strong function of radius. The relative density profile is combined with the excluded flux data to give the plasma beta on the axis of the column. The luminosity data also provides plasma position and radius, and when combined with a single-chord density measurement gives an absolute density profile. A combination of the plasma beta, density, and external magnetic field measurements gives the total plasma temperature using pressure balance. An independent measurement of the plasma electron temperature allows the determination of the ion temperature. The measurement of the magnetic flux excluded by the plasma column with the balanced loop-probe arrangement can be used to determine the plasma energy per unit length. For plasmas of moderate to high beta, the energy line density can be obtained from two directly measurable electromagnetic quantities, the excluded flux radius and the external magnetic field, without requiring a separate determination of the plasma radial density profile.
Demand for meat and dairy products by Turkish households: a Bayesian censored system approach

We extend the Tobit (censored) linear equation system procedure to utility-theoretic demand functions, along with a mapping mechanism to impose the adding-up restriction implied by consumer utility maximization theory—a theoretical restriction very often ignored in previous empirical studies with censored demand systems. In this context, the Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure is applied to the censored linear approximate almost ideal demand system (LAIDS) for 12 food products, using data from the Turkish Household Expenditure Survey. All own-price elasticities are negative and expenditure elasticities positive. Uncompensated own-price elasticities for rural households are generally much higher than those for their urban peers, though demand for most food products are own-price elastic for both types of households. The differential patterns in demand elasticities between urban and rural households become even more evident (almost twice) as relatively more expensive foodstuffs are consumed, showing that accessibilities to alternative products have made rural Turkish households more cognizant toward price changes in foods. Household characteristics play a key role in food expenditures, notably so in urban areas, and regional and seasonal differences are also present.
Disposition of Nuclear Waste Using Subcritical Accelerator-Driven Systems: Technology Choices and Implementation Scenarios

Los Alamos National Laboratory has led the development of accelerator-driven transmutation of waste (ATW) to provide an alternative technological solution to the disposition of nuclear waste. While...
Chapter 3 Fundamentals of mass spectrometry

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses fundamentals of mass spectrometry. A mass spectrometer (MS) produces charged molecules (ions) and ion fragments and separates these ions according to their mass to charge ratio. The major components of the MS include inlet system, ion source, mass analyzer, detector, signal processor, and vacuum system. The inlet system allows introduction of the analyte into the MS without disrupting the high vacuum existing within the MS. The reservoir inlet permits volatile and thermally stable liquids and gases to be bled into the ion source from a vessel of higher pressure. A heated direct insertion probe is used to insert less volatile solid and liquid analytes directly into the ionization chamber for vaporization. The ion source is the heart of the MS, where the analyte is converted into energized ions by bombardment with a high-energy electron beam, by interaction with other ions, by bombardment with a beam of high energy atoms, by bombardment with a beam of high energy laser light, or by the production of gas phase ions from ions in solution. The generated ions are drawn into the mass analyzer by an electrical field. The molecular weight of the analyte is inferred from the mass of the molecular ion, and the structure and identity of the analyte is inferred from the pattern of fragment ions.
Lower Extremity Osseous Oncologic Reconstruction with Composite Microsurgical Free Fibula Inside Massive Bony Allograft

Background:Lower extremity reconstruction after resection of long bone tumors in children is challenging because of the unique functional demands and growth potential of the lower extremity. The use of a free fibula flap inside a massive bone allograft provides a reliable reconstructive option. The
Several related models for multilayer sandwich plates

Mathematical models for multilayer sandwich plates consisting of alternating stiff and compliant layers are derived. Two main types of models are described. First an initial model (analogous to the three-layer Rao–Nakra model) is derived under Kirchhoff plate assumptions for the stiff layers and Mindlin shear-deformable displacement assumptions for the compliant layers. The second type of model can be obtained from the original model by dropping the in-plane and rotational inertia. The resulting model is a generalization of the well-known model of Mead and Markus. Well-posedness and continuous parameter dependence results are described. Some variations of the initial model corresponding to thin compliant layers are described and shown to be regular perturbations of the initial model.
Trace element content of magnetohydrodynamic coal combustion effluents

Trace element contents from effluents of a simulated coal-fired magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) combustion process have been determined using thermal neutron activation analysis techniques. The quality control consisted of replicate analyses of standard rock (G-2) for precision and accuracy determination. The concentration of elements in various samples were fairly constant throughout the process stream. Elemental ratios of trace elements at one sampling position (SDA) are presented but cannot easily be explained. However, the high concentration of arsenic in SDA was attributed to incomplete separation of slag from the adhering lining. Potassium concentration in the thickener tank was consistent with the solubility of potassium salts and the data support possible recovery mechanisms.
Nonmonotonic Changes in the Context Shift Effect Over Time

Abstract In order to determine the stability of the context shift effect over time, rats were trained in a passive avoidance task and tested at four different intervals afterward. Half of the subjects at each interval were tested for retention of the avoidance response in the context in which they were trained; the other half were tested in a different one. Rats tested in the different context at 1 and 21 days following learning showed the context shift effect, while those tested at 7 and 14 days did not. These results indicate that the context shift effect may be a phenomenon that changes over time.
CNDO calculations on the imides of sulfur dioxide

Abstract The problem of geometrical isomerism associated with the imides of sulfur dioxide was discussed in terms of spectral data. The CNDO/2-SCFMO method was used to calculate the relative stabilities of the isomers, the barriers (inversion and rotation) to interconversion between the isomers, and the effect of alkyl substitution and inclusion of 3d orbitals on the relative stabilities and the barriers. The calculations show that the cis , trans sulfur di-imide ( 3 ) and the trans -N-sulfinylamine are the most stable. The effect of 3d orbitals is to stabilize any planar configuration in which the R-N-S angle is 180° (where R = H or Me) and to give nitrogen-sulfur bond distances in agreement with experimental values.
Novel therapies for pemphigus vulgaris: an overview.

Pemphigus comprises a group of autoimmune, mucocutaneous blistering disorders. Its principal cause may be a group of antibodies directed against proteins present on the surface of keratinocytes that provide mechanical structure to the epidermis. In the case of pemphigus vulgaris, the characteristic blistering noted just above the basal layer may be triggered by auto-antibodies directed against desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). The process by which the binding of these antibodies leads to acantholysis, apoptosis and eventual loss of epidermal function is not completely understood. Current therapies are primarily directed against the formation of these antibodies by suppression of the immune system, and are associated with significant adverse events. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of pemphigus increases, newer therapies have been proposed and evaluated. These novel therapies include intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, immunoadsorption, extra-corporeal photochemotherapy, biological agents, as well as experimental therapies such as cholinergic receptor agonists, Dsg3 peptides and a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor. Current limitations to the widespread use of these therapies include cost, a lack of consistent data regarding their benefit, limited availability, and the experimental nature of some of the treatments. This review highlights the latest case reports and studies that employ established as well as new therapeutics in a novel way to treat this rare, but serious, disorder.
THE RELATION OF RESPONSE-TIME VARIABILITY TO AGE AND THE INFLUENCE OF BRAIN WAVE FREQUENCY.

Abstract An experiment was performed to investigate the role of brain wave frequency in the earlier reported findings of an increase in response-time variability with age. Reaction-time variability and average period of the EEG—recorded in the interval of time between stimulus and response—were determined for 100 subjects ranging in age from 28–99 years. The previously reported results were confirmed with the finding of a statistically significant positive correlation between reaction-time variability and age. This relationship could not be accounted for on the basis of differences in within-subject variability of brain wave period. By holding average brain wave period constant through the use of partial correlation, however, the positive coefficient relating reaction-time variability and age vanished. This finding was interpreted by reference to a hypothesis in which the brain wave cycle is considered to be the basic unit of time in the organization of simple behavior.