cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survey Design: To Ask or Not to Ask? That is the Question…

Surveys are one of the most frequent modes of observation and measurement. Survey research can be exploratory, descriptive, and/or explanatory. Modes of survey administration vary and include face-to-face, telephone, mail, and Internet. There are numerous considerations that that must be taken into account when designing and conducting a survey. Deciding what information is needed and why is important when developing questions for a survey; it is essential to define the purpose of the survey and to be as specific as possible in terms of the data to be collected. Response rate varies by target audience and is influenced by a number of factors such as incentives, survey length, and perceived burden. From question development to survey construction, the goal is to minimize measurement error with systematic planning and execution.
Localizing 3D cuboids in single-view images

In this paper we seek to detect rectangular cuboids and localize their corners in uncalibrated single-view images depicting everyday scenes. In contrast to recent approaches that rely on detecting vanishing points of the scene and grouping line segments to form cuboids, we build a discriminative parts-based detector that models the appearance of the cuboid corners and internal edges while enforcing consistency to a 3D cuboid model. Our model copes with different 3D viewpoints and aspect ratios and is able to detect cuboids across many different object categories. We introduce a database of images with cuboid annotations that spans a variety of indoor and outdoor scenes and show qualitative and quantitative results on our collected database. Our model out-performs baseline detectors that use 2D constraints alone on the task of localizing cuboid corners.
INTEGRITY ANALYSES OF SURFACE - FLAWED AIRCRAFT ATTACHMENT LUGS: A NEW, INEXPENSIVE, 3-D ALTERNATING METHOD 82-0742

,--- A new alternating method for the analysis of a quarter-elliptic al c omer crack is developed. The completely general analytical solution for an embedded crack, in an infinite solid, subject to arbitrary crack-face tractions, is implemented in the present alternating method. The present finite element altematingnethod results in an inexpensiveprocedure for routine evaluation of accurate stress intensity factors for flawed structural components. The present alternating method is applied to the analyses of various shapes of quarter-elliptic al corner c racks (i) in a brick subject to remote tension, (ii) emanating from a hole in finite-thickness plates, subject to remote tension as well as bearing pressure, and (iii) emanating from a pin h ole in aircraft attachment lugs subject to simulated pin loading. The results for the problem (i) and (ii) are compared with thos a vailable in l iterature. For the problem (iii) the stress intensity factors, and their parametric variations for the corner cracks of various shapes are presented.
Vertical agarose gel electrophoresis and electroblotting of high-molecular-weight proteins

The electrophoretic separation of high-molecular-weight proteins (> 500 kDa) using polyacrylamide is difficult because gels with a large enough pore size for adequate protein mobility are mechanically unstable. A 1% vertical sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-agarose gel electrophoresis (VAGE) system has been developed that allows titin (a protein with the largest known SDS subunit size of 3000-4000 kDa) to migrate over 10 cm in a approximately 13 cm resolving gel. Such migration gives clear and reproducible separation of titin isoforms. Proteins ranging in size from myosin heavy chain ( approximately 220 kDa) up to titin can be resolved on this gel system. Electroblotting of these very large proteins was nearly 100% efficient. This VAGE system has revealed two titin size variants in rabbit psoas muscle, two N2BA bands in rabbit cardiac muscle, and species differences between titins from rat and rabbit muscle. Agarose electrophoresis should be the method of choice for separation and blotting of proteins with very large subunit sizes.
Polystichum munitum (Dryopteridaceae) varies geographically in its capacity to absorb fog water by foliar uptake within the redwood forest ecosystem.

 Premise of the study : Fog provides a critical water resource to plants around the world. In the redwood forest ecosystem of northern California, plants depend on fog absorbed through foliar uptake to stay hydrated during the rainless summer. In this study, we identifi ed regions within the redwood ecosystem where the fern Polystichum munitum canopy most effectively absorbs fog drip that reaches the forest fl oor.  Methods : We measured the foliar uptake capacity of P. munitum fronds at seven sites along 700 km of the redwood forest ecosystem. We quantifi ed the canopy cover of P. munitum at each site and estimated how much water the fern canopy can acquire aboveground through fog interception and absorption.  Key results : Throughout the ecosystem, nocturnal foliar uptake increased the leaf water content of P. munitum by 7.2%, and we estimated that the P. munitum canopy can absorb 5 ± 3% (mean ± SE) of intercepted fog precipitation. Strikingly, P. munitum had the highest foliar uptake capacity in the center of the ecosystem and may absorb 10% more of the fog its canopy intercepts in this region relative to other regions studied. Conversely, P. munitum had no foliar uptake capacity in the southern end of the ecosystem.  Conclusions : This study shows the fi rst evidence that foliar uptake varies within species at the landscape scale. Our fi ndings suggest that the P. munitum at the southern tip of the redwood ecosystem may suffer most from low summertime water availability because it had no potential to acquire fog as an aboveground water subsidy.
Mechanisms of Parenchymal Cell Migration into Wounds

Cellular motility is a fundamental consideration in the successful healing of wounds. While much effort has appropriately been recently placed on understanding the molecular basis of adhesion and signaling mechanisms involved in cell motility, it is important to keep in mind that these processes occur in the context of a complex and changing wound environment, which includes soluble and insoluble (i.e., density) gradients of cell motility-promoting components. A number of cell types must enter the wound in a relatively coordinated fashion, and this is controlled, in part, by modulating both the increased random and directed migration of cells.
Method for Determining the Density of Microsize Spherical Particles

Increasing attention is being given to collecting and analyzing extraterrestrial particles. For the larger particles, one of the physical parameters desired is density. For years, sedimentologists have used Stokes' law for determining the size of a particle falling in a liquid, and recently, the same method has been used to determine density. A thorough investigation of Stokes', Rubey's, Oseen's, and Wadell's settling velocity equations was performed in the laboratory to test the validity of the various equations and to establish the range of applicability for each in terms of Reynolds number. This study was conducted with spheres of known density. Sizes ranged from 25 to 100 microns and densities from 2.61 to 18.02 g/cm3. The settling velocity of each sphere was determined after measuring repetitive fall times in liquids of known density and viscosity. The range of experimental conditions was from a Reynolds number of 0.02 to 30.1. Results obtained in terms of Reynolds number are: (1) upper limit of Stokes' equation is 0.02; (2) upper limit of Oseen's equation is 2.0; (3) limit of Rubey's equation is between 2 and 12; (4) Wadell's equation is not found to be applicable under the conditions tested; (5) from a Reynolds number of 12.0 to 30.1 no equation appears to be applicable. Graphs are presented which can be used to determine the density of a spherule whose diameter is between 25 and 100 μ when its fall velocity is known.
Dietary Intakes of Urban, High Body Mass Index, African American Children: Family and Child Dietary Attributes Predict Child Intakes

Abstract Objective To identify family and child nutrition and dietary attributes related to children's dietary intakes. Design African American children (ages 8-11 years, n = 156), body mass index > 85th percentile, from urban, low-income neighborhoods. Baseline, cross-sectional data collected as part of an ongoing diabetes prevention intervention. Dietary intakes were collected by 3-day food diary to assess total energy, percent fat, discretionary fat, added sugar, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, meat, and dairy. Questionnaires on nutrition and dietary attributes administered to children and parents were used to develop 5 diet-related indices: child knowledge, child preferences, child snack habits, child beverage habits, and family food habits. Results A higher child nutrition knowledge score was significantly related to a lower starchy vegetable intake. Higher scores on the child snack habits index were significantly related to higher intakes of fruit, total fruits and vegetables, total fruits and nonstarchy vegetables, and to lower intakes of added sugars. A higher score on the family food habits index was significantly related to lower intakes of total energy and discretionary fat. Conclusions and Implications Targeting both child and family food and nutrition attributes may be used to promote more healthful eating among urban, low-income, overweight African American children.
TH-17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction The aim of this study was to quantify the number of T-helper (TH)-17 cells present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) and to determine the level of interleukin (IL)17 cytokine in RA, osteoarthritis (OA) and normal synovial tissue, as well as to examine SF macrophages for the presence of IL-23, IL-27 and interferon (IFN)-γ. Methods Peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells from normal and RA donors and mononuclear cells from RA SF were examined either without stimulation or after pretreatment with IL23 followed by stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin (P/I). The abundance of TH-17 cells in RA SF was determined by flow cytometry. IL-17 levels were quantified in synovial tissue from RA, OA and normal individuals by ELISA and IL-23 was identified in SFs by ELISA. RA SF and control in vitro differentiated macrophages were either untreated or treated with the toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligand peptidoglycan, and then IL-23, IL-27 and IFN-γ mRNA levels were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Treatment with P/I alone or combined with IL-23 significantly increased the number of TH-17 cells in normal, RA PB and RA SF. With or without P/I plus IL-23, the percentage of TH-17 cells was higher in RA SF compared with normal and RA PB. IL-17 levels were comparable in OA and normal synovial tissues, and these values were significantly increased in RA synovial tissue. Although IL-17 was readily detected in RA SFs, IL-23 was rarely identified in RA SF. However, IL-23 mRNA was significantly increased in RA SF macrophages compared with control macrophages, with or without TLR2 ligation. IL-27 mRNA was also significantly higher in RA SF compared with control macrophages, but there was no difference in IL-27 levels between RA and control macrophages after TLR2 ligation. IFNγ mRNA was also detectable in RA SF macrophages but not control macrophages and the increase of IFN-γ mRNA following TLR2 ligation was greater in RA SF macrophages compared with control macrophages.
Novel fusion energy conversion methods

Abstract The potential importance of direct energy conversion to the long-term development of fusion power is discussed with emphasis on the possibility of alleviating waste heat problems. This is envisioned to be important for any central power station in the 21st century and crucial for future space applications. Various novel conversion methods are briefly considered, including direct collection, magnetic expansion, synchroton radiation conversion, and nonthermal neutron energy conversion methods. Due to the intimate connection between the type of fusion fuel, the confinement scheme, and the energy conversion technique, all three elements must be optimized simultaneously for high overall efficiency.
Active sensor waveform design for motion insensitivity

Waveforms for active sensors (e.g., radar or active sonar) are often designed to maximize sensitivity to target motion to enhance tracking performance. The paper addresses the complementary problem of waveform design to maximize insensitivity to motion. Insensitivity is desirable in cases where motion is a nuisance to the sensor system. The motion insensitivity problem has been approached in the past using the trajectory diagram, related concepts of trajectory ambiguity, and generalized ambiguity functions. The paper discusses motion insensitivity in terms of both trajectory ambiguity and the generalized ambiguity function. The relationship between trajectory ambiguity and motion insensitivity via a generalized ambiguity function is described mathematically. The hyperbolic FM (HFM) signal is used as an example of a velocity insensitive signal.
Using salmonid microarrays to understand the dietary modulation of carcinogenesis in rainbow trout.

The highlighted article in this issue by Tilton et al. (2005a) is an innovative approach to evaluate the modulation of estrogen receptor (ER) and aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor pathways as mechanisms underlying indole-3-carbinol (I3C) tumor promotion in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). I3C and its major in vivo component 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) are potent tumor promoters that appear to target both of the aforementioned receptor pathways. However, the relative importance of I3C modulation of ER and AhR-dependent pathways in the promotion of rainbow trout hepatocarcinogenesis has not been established. Previously, researchers within this group reported that I3C promotes aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 )-induced trout hepatocarcinogenesis post-initiation at low concentrations in the diet that induce the expression of vitellogenin, a downstream marker for the activation of ER-dependent pathways in fish. Furthermore, the promotional effects of I3C on AFB 1 hepatocarcinogenesis in rainbow trout occur at concentrations that differentially induce vitellogenin, but not CYP1A expression. Interestingly, higher I3C concentrations induce the expression of both CYP1A and vitellogenin. Thus, the relative induction of vitellogenin and CYP1A expression, which are respective markers for activation of fish ER and AhR-mediated gene expression, suggest that these pathways may be important for tumor promotion by dietary I3C in trout. Understanding the complexities of I3C-mediated tumor promotion is essential from several perspectives. For example, there is the obvious need to increase our basic understanding of dietary modulation of carcinogenesis. In addition, I3C also exhibits significant antioxidant and cancer chemoprotective effects under certain experimental conditions and in certain models which have led to its recent marketing as a dietary supplement, as well as its development as a possible chemopreventive agent in humans.
Heat transfer from pin-fin heat sinks under multiple impinging jets

The enhancement of heat transfer from a discrete heat source using multiple jet impingement of air in a confined arrangement was experimentally investigated. A variety of pin-fin heat sinks were mounted on the heat source and the resulting enhancement studied. Average heat transfer coefficients are presented for a range of jet Reynolds numbers (2000<Re<23000). Two jet-to-jet spacings were investigated and the results were compared to single jets of both the same orifice diameter and orifice area. A total fin effectiveness was computed for the pinned heat sinks relative to the unpinned ones, and was in the range of 3 to 6; the highest value was obtained for the largest nozzle diameter. Results for the average heat transfer coefficient were correlated in terms of Reynolds number, fluid properties and geometric parameters of the heat sinks and the orifice plate.
Producer-consumer communication in distributed shared memory multiprocessors

The shared memory abstraction supported by hardware based distributed shared memory (DSM) multiprocessors is an inherently consumer driven means of communication. When a process requires data, it retrieves them from the global shared memory. In distributed cache coherent systems, the data may reside in a remote memory module or in the producer's cache. Producer initiated mechanisms reduce communication latency by sending data to the consumer as soon as they are produced. We classify producer initiated mechanisms as implicit or explicit, according to whether the producer must know the identity of the consumer when data are transmitted. Explicit schemes include data forwarding and message passing. Implicit schemes include update based coherence, selective updates, and cache based locks. Several of these mechanisms are evaluated for performance and sensitivity to network parameters, using a common simulated architecture and a set of application kernel benchmarks. StreamLine, a cache based message passing mechanism, provides the best performance on the benchmarks with regular communication patterns. Forwarding write and cache based locks are also among the best performing producer initiated mechanisms. Consumer initiated prefetch, however, has good average performance and is the least expensive to implement.
Ideology and growth promotion.

Abstract Molotch's ‘growth machine’ hypothesis [Molotch H. (1976) The city as a growth machine: toward a political economy of place. American Journal of Sociology 82, 309–332] argues that under many circumstances, local growth constitutes a transfer of quality-of-life and wealth from the local general public to a certain segment of the local elite. In order to preclude a critical examination of the impacts of growth, this local elite must necessarily convince the general population that growth is in the locality's best interest. In this paper, we expand Molotch's framework to examine the dissemination of a pro-growth ‘ideology’ at the local level. This expansion is accomplished by explicitly utilizing the concept of ideological hegemony to analyze a local elite's efforts to ‘sell’ growth to the residents of a community. Three ideologists — property, progress and community — are seen as central to this hegemonic process. Case study data comprised of newspaper reports and editorials, as well as interviews with key informants are used to illustrate our elaboration of the ‘growth machine’ hypothesis.
Biomechanical and microstructural characteristics of a collagen film-based corneal stroma equivalent.

The growth in refractive surgeries and corneal replacements has fueled interest in the development of a tissue-engineered cornea. This study characterizes the microstructure and biomechanical prope...
INVESTIGATION OF THE CORROSION OF STEEL BY LEAD-BISMUTH EUTECTIC (LBE) USING SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

Investigation of the Corrosion of Steel by Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) using Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy by Daniel Koury Dr. John Farley, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Physics University of Nevada, Las Vegas Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) has been proposed for use in programs for accelerator transmutation of waste. LBE is the leading candidate material as a spallation target and an option for the sub-critical blanket coolant. The corrosion of 316 and 316L stainless steels by LBE has been studied using UNLV’s facilities for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We have compared exposed and unexposed samples and studied the differences. Some amount of surface contamination is present on the samples and has been removed by ionbeam etching. The unexposed samples reveal typical stainless steel characteristics: a chromium oxide passivation surface layer and metallic iron and nickel. The exposed samples show protective iron and chromium oxide growths on the surface. Oxygen takes many forms on the exposed samples, including oxides of iron and chromium, carbonates, and organic acids from subsequent handling after exposure to LBE. This is a research project in progress, and accomplishments to date include comparing and
Dual-Selection for Evolution of In Vivo Functional Aptazymes as Riboswitch Parts

Both synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are aided by the development of genetic control parts. One class of riboswitch parts that has great potential for sensing and regulation of protein levels is aptamer-coupled ribozymes (aptazymes). These devices are comprised of an aptamer domain selected to bind a particular ligand, a ribozyme domain, and a communication module that regulates the ribozyme activity based on the state of the aptamer. We describe a broadly applicable method for coupling a novel, newly selected aptamer to a ribozyme to generate functional aptazymes via in vitro and in vivo selection. To illustrate this approach, we describe experimental procedures for selecting aptazymes assembled from aptamers that bind p-amino-phenylalanine and a hammerhead ribozyme. Because this method uses selection, it does not rely on sequence-specific design and thus should be generalizable for the generation of in vivo operational aptazymes that respond to any targeted molecules.
Management of the lateral neck in well differentiated thyroid cancer

Lateral neck lymph node metastases in well differentiated thyroid cancer are common, ranging from 30% to 60%, with the majority of these foci identifiable only as microscopic deposits. A skilled ultrasound evaluation of the lymph nodes in the lateral neck is recommended for all patients presenting with newly diagnosed thyroid cancer undergoing surgical management. Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy may be used to cytologically confirm suspected lateral neck nodal metastases prior to surgery. For patients with large volume nodal disease, extranodal extension, or multiple nodal metastases, computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck with contrast is an important additional imaging modality to accurately localize disease prior to surgery. Primary surgical management for lateral neck disease typically includes lateral neck dissection in conjunction with total thyroidectomy. Postoperative adjuvant radioactive iodine is typically recommended for patients with clinically evident nodal metastases, or for those with over 5 micrometastatic nodes. In the recurrent or persisting disease setting, complete surgical resection of local and regional disease remains the main treatment approach. However, sub-centimeter nodal disease may take an indolent course, and active surveillance may be a reasonable approach in selected clinical circumstances. Conversely, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) may be considered for scenarios with unresectable disease, or microscopic residual disease following surgery in a clinically unfavorable setting. Two multi-kinase inhibitors (sorafenib and lenvatinib) are now FDA approved for treatment of RAI refractory thyroid cancer and now play an important role in the management of progressive, metastatic and surgically incurable disease.
Epistemic Integrity and the Environmental Future

In this paper I tackle the problem of future generations from the perspective of virtue ethics. While the virtue approach to ethics has excited great interest overall, it is an unusual perspective in the context of examining morality toward the future. The dominant perspectives have centered on rights, consequences, and intergenerational equities. These share an outward and speculative focus on future people themselves and anticipated conditions they will inherit. A virtue approach looks inward at people now, their motivations and character traits. It better accounts for the fact of future caring without the supposed paradoxes external approaches spawn. It is thus a more intuitive approach. Virtue ethics duty to future rights holders and interest bearers. It offers a way to deliberate about responsibilities to the future that builds and replenishes existing commitments to improve our individual selves, our group affiliations, and ultimately our world. Although a virtue analysis does not eradicate speculation or puzzles about the future, especially at the concrete level of implementation, it fertilizes and supplements typical inquiries that link current moral responsibilities to the standing of those yet unborn. Combining virtue with the ethics of duty based on rights, justice, and harmful or beneficial consequences, offers a more comprehensive way of conceiving personal responsibility and translating it into collective policy.
Response of Ground-Excited Elastoplastic Systems

The response of elastoplastic systems of the shear-beam type with up to five degrees-of-freedom is investigated for both pulse-type excitations of the base and for earthquake ground motions. For each input motion and system considered, the maximum deformations of the individual stories of the system are evaluated for a range of natural frequencies and yield levels, and the results are compared with the corresponding deformations produced under elastic conditions of response and also with the results computed for similarly excited single-degree-of-freedom systems. On the basis of these data, the structural properties and the characteristics of the input motion which have a significant effect on the maximum response of the systems are identified, and general concepts and simple approximate procedures are developed for estimating the absolute maximum deformation of an inelastic system from the results of a linear analysis.
Applying “Place” to Research Ethics and Cultural Competence/Humility Training

Research ethics principles and regulations typically have been applied to the protection of individual human subjects. Yet, new paradigms of research that include the place-based community and cultural groups as partners or participants of environmental research interventions, in particular, require attention to place-based identities and geographical contexts. This paper argues the importance of respecting “place” within human subjects protections applied to communities and cultural groups as part of a critical need for research ethics and cultural competence training for graduate research students. These protections and benefits are extensions of the Belmont Principles and have been included in recent recommendations from research regulatory committees.
Marcuse and Eternal Objects

This essay presents what is at stake in Marcuse’s reference to Whitehead’s theory of eternal objects in chapter eight of One-Dimensional Man . There is a fecund philosophical affinity between Marcuse’s Critical Theory and Whitehead’s metaphysical alternative. The introduction parses Marcuse’s citation of Whitehead, explaining how the Critical Theory employs eternal objects. Thus a correlate aim of this essay is to provide a charitable reading of Marcuse with attention to Whiteheadian undercurrents and concerns.
Electrical Contacts to Metastable GexSi1-x Using Pd2Si as a Transport Layer

The transport of germanium through a co-deposited palladium-silicon layer on epitaxially grown Ge x Si 1−x on Si(100) was studied. The Ge concentration in the UHV-CVD grown Ge x Si 1−x film was x=.14 with a thickness of 155 nm. When the co-deposited layer is Pd rich with respect to Pd 2 Si, Ge was found to move through the Pd-Si layer and grow polycrystalline on the Ge x Si 1−x . Ge transport and Pd 2 Si(111) grain growth ceased simultaneously. No transport was found for Si rich Pd-Si layers. Electrical characterization showed the contacts were ohmic with a specific contact resistivity between 6–12 μωQ-cm 2 and an end resistance of.75 ω, resulting in a carrier concentration under the contact of 1.5×10 14 cm −2 . Hall effect measurements of the semiconductor gave n=5.77×10 14 cm −2 and μ=36.96 cm −2 /Vs. The sheet resistance of the contact layer was found to be 23.54 ω/square and the semiconductor was 237 ω/square.
Research advance and prospect of low salinity water flooding

Aiming at the current status that low salinity water flooding has been applied to pilot test abroad while in China there is little research,this paper analyzed the current research status and existing problems,and proposed prospects for low salinity water flooding.It is concluded that for sand reservoirs,the main mechanisms of low salinity water flooding are similar to alkaline flooding,fines migration and the wettability alteration caused by multi-component ion exchange,while for carbonate reservoirs,the mechanism of low salinity water flooding is wettability alteration caused by multi-component ion exchange.Crude oil properties,reservoir rock properties,formation and injected water salinity and reservoir temperature can all influence the effects of low salinity water flooding.The main problems lie in the unclear mechanisms,low salinity water source limitation and reservoir adaptability.Finally,it is pointed out that low salinity water flooding can be combined with current oilfield development techniques,coal bed methane production techniques,development techniques for low permeability oilfield and high water-cut oilfield,which will form new economical,environmental-friendly and great potential techniques for enhanced oil recovery.
P12.04 The evidence for sexually transmitted infections as a marker for child sexual abuse: the physical signs of child sexual abuse 2nd edition 2015

Introduction In 2008 the RCPCH in collaboration with RCP (London) and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine produced the only evidence based review on Physical Signs of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). The evidence has been used in child protection cases including family and criminal proceedings in the UK and advised practitioners internationally. A further review of evidence with additional representation from American Academy of Paediatrics was undertaken to determine if changes to evidence statements are required. Methods The 2008 search strategy identified all published primary research literature reporting STIs in relation to child sexual abuse or in children selected for non-abuse. For the 2015 publication, the search strategies were re-run on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (Jan 2007–March 2014). Studies were selected according to certainty and quality of STI and CSA diagnosis. Results Two additional studies were identified. One for HPV strengthened the evidence base for external genital warts (EGW) as a marker of CSA, reporting 50% of children sexually abused. The evidence base is “a significant proportion (31–58%) have been abused and a revised recommendation to refer children One study was for Neisseria gonorrheae also supported the previous evidence statement (sexual abuse reported in 36–83%). The evidence has not changed significantly; GC, CT, and TV are most likely sexually transmitted and for children with HPV a significant number are sexually transmitted. Referral to child protection services is advised for all under 13 yr olds with GC, CT, TV, EGW; and for syphilis, HIV/Hepatitis B/C/Herpes genitalis sexual abuse should always be considered if other modalities have been excluded; infection in the mother does not exclude CSA. Conclusion Children under 13 yrs presenting with an STIs should have CSA considered and be referred for a child protection assessment unless (rarely) evidence to the contrary. Conflict of interest KER has received sponsorship, speakers and consultancy fees from Pharma related to HIV therapy and HPV vaccines.
Management of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.

This review presents the pharmacology of antidepressants as it relates to their effects on several neurotransmitters and their receptors. A theory about the mechanism of action of these drugs is presented, along with data for their affinities at human transporters for norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, and at several different neurotransmitter receptors. This blockade by antidepressants of transporters and receptors is thought to relate to therapeutic and adverse effects of these compounds. Knowledge of this preclinical pharmacology of antidepressants will help the clinician understand the basis of certain adverse effects and drug interactions that can be avoided or minimized.
Toward a (New) Materialist Politics of Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs), or Encountering the Rubber-bands of Space-Time and Capacities of Place

In this paper, we explore how an injection of new materialist understandings and insights related to culture, bodies and assemblages offer creative— and much needed— modes of engagement with Tradit...
An Improved Reversed-Flow Formulation of the Galerkin-Kantorovich-Dorodnitsyn Multi-Moment Integral Method

An improved reversed-flow formulation of the Galerkin-Kantorovich-Dorodnitsyn multi-moment integral method is presented in this paper. Convergence and accuracy properties of the approximate solutions of the Stewartson lower branch similar flows are given. The approximate solutions obtained with the new formulation for the lower branch similar flows are, in general, more accurate than those obtained with the classical Pohlhausen method or either of the previous formulations used with the GKD method.
Physical activity and the incidence of multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To study whether physical activity during adulthood or early life is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence in 2 prospective cohorts of women. Methods: Women in the Nurses9 Health Study (NHS) (n = 81,723; 1986–2004) and NHS II (n = 111,804; 1989–2009) reported recent physical activity at baseline and in selected follow-up questionnaires. Using this information, we calculated total metabolic equivalent hours of physical activity per week, a measure of energy expenditure. There were 341 confirmed MS cases with first symptoms after baseline. Participants also reported early-life activity. To estimate relative rates (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), we used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age, latitude of residence at age 15, ethnicity, smoking, supplemental vitamin D, and body mass index at age 18. Results: Compared with women in the lowest baseline physical activity quartile, women in the highest quartile had a 27% reduced rate of MS (RRpooled = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.98; p-trend 0.08); this trend was not present in 6-year lagged analyses. Change in physical activity analyses suggested that women reduced activity before onset of MS symptoms. In NHS and NHS II, higher strenuous activity at ages 18–22 years was weakly associated with a decreased MS rate. However, in NHS II, total early-life activity at ages 12–22 was not associated with MS. Conclusions: Though higher physical activity at baseline was weakly associated with lower MS risk, this may have been due to women reducing physical activity in response to subclinical MS.
Model evidence for low-level cloud feedback driving persistent changes in atmospheric circulation and regional hydroclimate

Recent studies suggest that low clouds in the Pacific play an important role in the observed decadal climate variability and future climate change. In this study, we implement a novel modeling experiment designed to isolate how interactions between local and remote feedbacks associated with low cloud, SSTs, and the large-scale circulation play a significant role in the observed persistence of tropical Pacific SST and associated North American drought. The modeling approach involves the incorporation of observed patterns of satellite-derived shortwave cloud radiative effect (SWCRE) into the coupled model framework and is ideally suited for examining the role of local and large-scale coupled feedbacks and ocean heat transport in Pacific decadal variability. We show that changes in SWCRE forcing in eastern subtropical Pacific alone reproduces much of the observed changes in SST and atmospheric circulation over the past 16 years, including the observed changes in precipitation over much of the Western Hemisphere.
Reversible Li-Ion Conversion Reaction for a TixGe Alloy in a Ti/Ge Multilayer.

Group IV intermetallics electrochemically alloy with Li with stoichiometries as high as Li4.4M (M = Si, Ge, Sn, or Pb). This provides the second highest known specific capacity (after pure lithium metal) for lithium-ion batteries, but the dramatic volume change during cycling greatly limits their use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. We describe an approach to overcome this limitation by constructing electrodes using a Ge/Ti multilayer architecture. In operando X-ray reflectivity and ex situ transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the heterolayer structure at various lithium stoichiometries along a lithiation/delithiation cycle. The as-deposited multilayer spontaneously forms a one-dimensional TixGe/Ti/TixGe core–shell planar structure embedded in a Ge matrix. The interfacial TixGe alloy is observed to be electrochemically active and exhibits reversible phase separation (i.e., a conversion reaction). Including the germanium components, the overall multilayer structure exhibits a 2.3-fold re...
Nlrp9b inflammasome restricts rotavirus infection in intestinal epithelial cells

Rotavirus, a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis and diarrhoea in young children, accounts for around 215,000 deaths annually worldwide. Rotavirus specifically infects the intestinal epithelial cells in the host small intestine and has evolved strategies to antagonize interferon and NF-κB signalling, raising the question as to whether other host factors participate in antiviral responses in intestinal mucosa. The mechanism by which enteric viruses are sensed and restricted in vivo, especially by NOD-like receptor (NLR) inflammasomes, is largely unknown. Here we uncover and mechanistically characterize the NLR Nlrp9b that is specifically expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and restricts rotavirus infection. Our data show that, via RNA helicase Dhx9, Nlrp9b recognizes short double-stranded RNA stretches and forms inflammasome complexes with the adaptor proteins Asc and caspase-1 to promote the maturation of interleukin (Il)-18 and gasdermin D (Gsdmd)-induced pyroptosis. Conditional depletion of Nlrp9b or other inflammasome components in the intestine in vivo resulted in enhanced susceptibility of mice to rotavirus replication. Our study highlights an important innate immune signalling pathway that functions in intestinal epithelial cells and may present useful targets in the modulation of host defences against viral pathogens.
THE OPTIMAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TROJAN Y CHROMOSOME ERADICATION STRATEGY OF AN INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive aquatic species continue to be a persistent problem around the world. The Trojan Y Chromosome (TYC) eradication strategy has recently been developed to help fight the problem in aquatic systems by targeting only the invasive species, sparing native marine stock. It involves rearing genetically modified samples of the invasive species and introducing them into the environment to alter the sex ratio of the invasive population. The paper is devoted to finding the optimal implementation of the TYC eradication strategy of an invasive species as well as a modified, potentially more cost-effective strategy. The modified TYC strategy (MTYC) eliminates one round of exposure to sex hormones compared to the TYC strategy. After introducing both strategies, the optimal control problems for each are formulated. The two strategies are compared through numerical simulations. Our results illustrate that the MTYC strategy, with lower implementation costs, is a better strategy option when trying to minimize the overall effective cost in most scenarios.
Role of intra-aortic morphine in post conditioning during valvular surgery with low ejection fraction

Abstract Background The application of cardioplegia does not completely eradicate myocardial ischemia in cardiac/reperfusion injury due to cardiac arrest. Post conditioning is novel strategy of attaining cardioprotection. Pharmacological post conditioning using a drug as morphine administered before reperfusion would protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated whether intra-aortic morphine administration has a post conditioning effect on patients with low ejection fraction (EF) undergoing valve surgery. Methods This prospective randomized controlled trial in a single center involved one hundred patients scheduled for elective valve surgery were divided into two groups: the Post conditioning group and the Control group. The Post conditioning group (n = 50) received a dose of morphine (0.1 mg/kg) diluted in 20 ml normal saline, injected via a cardioplegia needle into the aortic root with warm hotshot before aortic cross-clamp removal while the control group (n = 50) received the same volume of saline without morphine. Both groups received antegrade warm blood cardioplegia. To assess results EF, fractional shortening (FS), troponin level, ABG, inotropes, postoperative ventilation time, and length of ICU stay were assessed. Results Postoperative EF and FS revealed a statistically significant higher readings in the Post conditioning group. A significant reduction in the troponin levels was recorded in the study group than the control group. Duration of postoperative ventilation and length of ICU stay were statistically lesser in the Post conditioning group. Conclusions Morphine administration immediately with warm hotshot was related to improvement in the cardiopulmonary function, less inotropic drug use, and higher left ventricular EF.
In situ Angstrom-to-Micrometer Characterization of the Structural and Microstructural Changes in Kaolinite on Heating using Ultra-Small-Angle, Small-Angle, and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (USAXS/SAXS/WAXS)

Synchrotron-based in-operando multi-scale X-ray scattering analyses are used to connect microstructural changes to phase changes in kaolinite on heating from 30 °C to 1150 °C. Combined ultra-small-angle and small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS and SAXS) data are modeled to determine the hierarchical morphology of kaolinite comprising nano-scale interlayer pores, meso-scale pores, and larger interparticle voids, while wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data reveal the simultaneous evolution of molecular phases in kaolinite. We found that the transformation of kaolinite to metakaolin corresponds to the disappearance of nano-scale porosity, and the onset of sintered phases such as mullite consistent with the overall reduction in porosity. The emergence of nanoscale particulate features on heating above 900 °C corresponds to the onset of sintered phases such as spinel and mullite. This study illustrates the application of multi-scale X-ray scattering measurements to connect the thermally induced phase changes ...
Optimal Histologic Cutpoints for Treatment Response in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Analysis of Data From a Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims No prospective studies substantiate 15 eos/hpf as an appropriate endpoint for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We aimed to determine a histologic cutpoint that identifies successful treatment of EoE by assessing symptomatic and endoscopic improvement. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of 62 consecutive adult patients undergoing outpatient esophagogastroduodenoscopy at the University of North Carolina from 2009 through 2014. At diagnosis of EoE and after 8 weeks of standard treatment, symptom and endoscopic responses were measured using a visual analogue scale and an endoscopic severity score (ESS), and eosinophil counts were assessed. Receiver operator curves and logistic regression models evaluated the histologic threshold that best predicted symptomatic and endoscopic response. For symptoms, analysis was limited to patients without baseline esophageal dilation. Results The mean eosinophil count at diagnosis was 124 eos/hpf, falling to 35 eos/hpf after treatment. The mean visual analogue scale decreased from 3.4 at baseline to 1.7 after treatment, and the mean ESS decreased from 3 to 1.6. Twenty-nine patients had symptom responses (47%) and 34 had endoscopic responses (55%). Post-treatment eosinophil count thresholds of 8, 15, and 5 eos/hpf best predicted symptom, endoscopic and combined responses, respectively. On logistic regression, decreasing eosinophil count was significantly associated with the probability of symptomatic ( P = .01) and endoscopic response ( P Conclusions In a prospective study of patients with EoE, we found that a cutpoint of
First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in the Southern United States

Lotus corniculatus L. (birdsfoot trefoil) is a perennial herbaceous forage plant grown for hay as an alternative to alfalfa on poor soils. A NIFA grant (No. 2013-67013-21408) was awarded to Auburn University to breed a birdsfoot trefoil cultivar to extend the forage’s geographic adaptation across the United States. As part of this project, birdsfoot trefoil cultivars and breeding lines were observed indicating a potential problem at the Plant Breeding Unit of the Auburn University in Tallassee, AL (32.49073 latitude and -85.88717 longitude). Birdsfoot trefoil plants, which were six months old, exhibited stunting, foliar symptoms including chlorosis and marginal leaf necrosis with root symptoms including galling of the tap and fine lateral roots. Galls varied in number and size (1-3 mm dia) and tended to coalesce along the length of the root covering over 50% of the root tissue. Symptomatic plants were collected and root systems exhibiting numerous galls, typical of Meloidogyne infection were subjected to ...
Theories of Contractarians and their Critics: Marriages and Corporations

Legal scholars increasingly utilize contract “paradigms” or models to analyze diverse relations such as marriages, corporations, creditors and debtors, and private associations.1 For example, many marriage theorists assert that distinct social norms no longer govern the conduct of marriage.2 Mandatory state laws regulating the family unit, grounded on general societal norms, are therefore antiquated. The obsolescence of these norms requires a new theoretical structure to govern marriage.3 Some marriage theorists have set forth a contractarian model to accommodate the idiosyncratic norms of individual marriages. The model recognizes and enforces private agreements made between spouses during marriage, governing marriage support, dispute resolution, lifestyles, or even marriage duration.4 The model offers a rationale for protecting the economic and social interests of the disfavored spouse under existing state law, typically the wife.5