cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IgM multiple myeloma: pathologic evaluation of a rare entity

Objectives: To delineate the pathology of immunoglobulin M–producing multiple myeloma (IgM MM). Methods: Clinicopathologic data were reviewed for 15 cases meeting World Health Organization criteria for MM and having a serum IgM paraprotein. Immunohistochemistry was performed on diagnostic bone marrow specimens for common B-cell and plasma cell markers. Results: Of the 15 IgM MM bone marrows reviewed, 6 (40%) had lymphoplasmacytoid cytology, and 12 (80%) expressed CD19, CD20, and/or CD45. Cyclin D1 expression was common (11 cases, 73%) and usually associated with t(11;14). No cases expressed CD5 or had an associated CD5-positive B-cell population. CD117 was positive in 20% of cases. Conclusions: The frequent B-cell–associated antigen expression by IgM MM distinguishes it from other MM types, causing significant pathologic overlap with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). However, IgM MM is usually distinguished from LPL by aberrant cyclin D1 expression or t(11;14). Therefore, assessing for these abnormalities is recommended when evaluating bone marrow involvement by IgM-associated lymphoplasmacytoid disorders.
Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer Spectroscopy of the XA Region in the Cygnus Loop Supernova Remnant

Spectra of the XA shock-cloud interaction region in the Cygnus Loop obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) are presented and analyzed. Several weak emission lines never before detected in the spectra of remnants are identified in a combined spectrum from four bright regions. The intensities of the silicon lines measured in this spectrum show that the 120-200 km s-1 shocks are present in the XA region and are effective at liberating silicon from grains. Differences among the spectra imply that the shocked gas has a complex ionization structure. The strongest lines in the spectra, and also the most uniformly distributed, are O VI λλ1032, 1038. Approximately 10% of the O VI emission from regions interior to the main shock interaction arises from coronal (million-degree) gas. Model calculations show that the shock at the boundary between the cloud and remnant has a velocity of about 180 km s-1 and has swept up a hydrogen column NH = 1.66 × 1018 cm-2, indicating that the blast wave encountered the cloud about 5000 years ago. The O VI line profiles imply that the boundary shock is dominated by a single broad component with an intrinsic velocity width parameter, b ≈ 48 km s-1, which is probably the result of bulk motions due to curvature of the shock front. Differences between the O VI velocity profiles of two regions separated by 20'' on the sky suggest the presence of a concentrated region of dust, which absorbs emission from the shock on the far side of the cloud.
Monitoring LIOB-induced bubble characteristics in gelatin using high-frequency ultrasound

Femtosecond pulsed laser beams can induce precise photodisruption in tissue and tissue-like materials. Both geometrical and biochemical manipulation of laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) produces highly localized photodisruption without residual damage to surrounding tissue. Measurable effects associated with LIOB are shock wave emission and microbubble formation. In previous work, we presented techniques for monitoring site-targeted, LIOB microbubbles with high-frequency (>50MHz) ultrasonic imaging. In this study, we used these techniques to study the stability of LIOB-induced bubbles in water-based gelatin. Successive recordings taken before, during, and after laser exposure illustrated bubble creation and stability. Bubbles with a range of lifetimes (20 - 400 ms) and dissolution behaviors were produced by varying either laser fluence (0.7 - 2.1 J/cm2/pulse) or total number of laser pulses delivered (30 - 500 pulses at 18kHz repetition rate). While both increases in pulse fluence and pulse number lengthened bubble lifetime by an order of magnitude and decreased the rate of bubble dissolution, bubble stability was nonlinearly related to total laser exposure. A few pulses at high laser fluence created initially large bubbles with long lifetimes and slow dissolution rates. In contrast, pulses at near-threshold laser fluence created initially smaller, shorter lifetime bubbles that were stabilized with subsequent pulses. Increased stability could be maintained only above a threshold bubble size. Below that critical size, dissolution rate rapidly increased, causing bubble collapse. Ultimately, these results demonstrated an ability to control the size, lifetimes, and stability of laser-induced microbubbles with various optical parameters, increasing their utility as site-activated contrast agents that can be sensitively monitored with high-frequency ultrasound.
Skin Cancer: An Overview of Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Objectives To provide a general overview of malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, with an emphasis on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the multiple and varied risk factors associated with skin cancer. Data Sources Peer-reviewed journal articles, government health reports, book chapters, and Web-based resources. Conclusion Skin cancer is the most common carcinoma, affecting millions worldwide. Incidence is increasing yearly, making it a pre-eminent public health threat. Myriad factors increase the risk of skin cancer and may serve as important prognostic indicators for the disease. Implications for Nursing Practice To provide nurses with a clearer understanding of the causative mechanisms of skin cancer and an improved awareness of the risk factors associated with the disease.
A simple nontoxic method for the decalcification of living invertebrate larvae

Abstract Living gastropod, lamellibranch and echinoderm larvae were decalcified in large numbers using seawater buffered to pH 5–6. When returned to normal seawater, decalcified larvae swam, fed and otherwise behaved normally. Many decalcified gastropod larvae metamorphosed and grew to sexual maturity. The bivalve veligers survived > 2 wk but without growth and some echinoid plutei survived > 2 months. Most echinoid plutei fed and redeveloped abnormal skeletons. The method should be useful to those who wish to: 1. (1) create matched cohorts of normal vs. skeleton-less animals for use in evolution or ecologically oriented experiments; or 2. (2) remove calcareous skeletons from living zooplankters in preparation for physiological study.
URETEROENTERIC ANASTOMOSIS IN CONTINENT URINARY DIVERSION: LONG-TERM RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS OF DIRECT VERSUS NONREFLUXING TECHNIQUES

Purpose: Controversy exists over the importance of antireflux mechanisms in large volume, low pressure intestinal bladder substitutions. Despite the theoretical benefits of reflux prevention, antirefluxing ureteral reimplantations may have a greater risk of anastomotic stricture. We hypothesize that this inherent stricture rate may outweigh the potential benefits associated with reflux prevention. To assess this question critically we compare our results to those of direct and nonrefluxing techniques of ureterointestinal anastomosis during continent diversion.Materials and Methods: Between 1990 and 1998, 58 patients underwent continent urinary diversion using an Indiana pouch or ileal orthotopic neobladder following cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer. A total of 56 renal units were implanted using an end-to-side Nesbit direct anastomosis and 60 were implanted in a nonrefluxing manner. Clinical end points included anastomotic stricture formation, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, upper tract stone...
Lifting-based reversible color transformations for image compression

ABSTRACT This paper reviews a set of color spaces that allow reversible mapping between red-green-blue and luma-chroma representations in integer arithmetic. The YCoCg transform and its reversible form YCoCg-R can improve coding gain by over 0.5 dB with respect to the popular YCrCb transform, while achieving much lower computational complexity. We also present extensions of the YCoCg transform for four-channel CMYK pixel data. Thanks to their reversibility under integer arithmetic, these transforms are useful for both lossy and lossless compression. Versions of these transforms are used in the HD Photo image coding technology (which is the basis for the upcoming JPEG XR standard) and in recent editions of the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video coding standard. Keywords: Image coding, color transforms, lossless coding, YCoCg, JPEG, JPEG XR, HD Photo. 1. INTRODUCTION In color image compression, usually the input image has three color values per pixel: red, green, and blue (RGB). Independent compression of each of the R, G, and B color planes is possible (and explicitly allowed in standards such as JPEG 2000
Localization-protected quantum order

Closed quantum systems with quenched randomness exhibit many-body localized regimes wherein they do not equilibrate, even though prepared with macroscopic amounts of energy above their ground states. We show that such localized systems can order, in that individual many-body eigenstates can break symmetries or display topological order in the infinite-volume limit. Indeed, isolated localized quantum systems can order even at energy densities where the corresponding thermally equilibrated system is disordered, i.e., localization protects order. In addition, localized systems can move between ordered and disordered localized phases via nonthermodynamic transitions in the properties of the many-body eigenstates. We give evidence that such transitions may proceed via localized critical points. We note that localization provides protection against decoherence that may allow experimental manipulation of macroscopic quantum states. We also identify a ``spectral transition'' involving a sharp change in the spectral statistics of the many-body Hamiltonian.
The False Consensus Effect in Unfavorable (Suicide) and Favorable (Honor) Events1

According to the false consensus effect (FCE), people view their own judgments, choices, and characteristics as common; judgments, choices, and characteristics which are not their own are viewed as uncommon and deviant. To test the FCE both for unfavorable and favorable characteristics and for positive and negative events, 135 undergraduate subjects were divided into four groups based on median splits of their self-attributions of intelligence and psychological disturbance. They then read a history about a 19-year old youth who either committed suicide or received an honor and they rated the youth and both parents on psychological disturbance and intelligence. Subjects who viewed themselves as relatively intelligent viewed others as relatively intelligent, whereas subjects who viewed themselves as relatively psychologically disturbed viewed others as relatively disturbed. These results partially support the FCE as opposed to attributive projection. It may be helpful to explain these results to bereaved families so that they can better understand and anticipate the reactions of others.
An Algorithmic Strategy for Automated Generation of Multicomponent Software Tools for Virtual Manufacturing

This paper describes an algorithmic strategy to facilitate the generation of multicomponent software tools for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and virtual manufacturing (VM). Components that are often used to build CAM and VM applications include a wide range of domain-specific knowledge sources and also more general utility components with often very heterogeneous characteristics. The identification of a suitable and compatible set of these components is the first and arguably most important step during the development process of any CAM or VM application. This paper presents an algorithmic strategy that automates this development step by solving a time-expanded network problem, referred to as the component set identification (CSI) problem. A definition of the CSI problem, a mathematical formulation, a solution procedure, and some computational results are presented. Finally, an application to predict hole quality in drilling is used to illustrate the functionality of the proposed algorithmic strategy.
The mental model theory of spatial reasoning re‐examined: The role of relevance in premise order

The effect of premise order on spatial reasoning was investigated using a paradigm introduced by Byrne & Johnson-Laird in 1989. Three kinds of problems were developed: the first of these was expected to prompt one mental model, whereas the second and third were expected to prompt two mental models. The two-model problems differed from each other by the position (first or last) of a premise which was responsible for an indeterminacy. On the basis of Sperber & Wilson's Relevance theory, published in 1986 and 1995, it was predicted and observed that a two-model problem with the crucial premise in the last position was easier than a two-model problem with the crucial premise in the first position. Moreover, it was predicted and observed that the two-model problem with the crucial premise in the last position was as easy as the one-model problem. Implications of these results for the standard mental model theory of spatial reasoning are discussed.
Europa’s atmospheric neutral escape: Importance of symmetrical O 2 charge exchange

Abstract We model the interaction of the jovian magnetospheric plasma with the atmosphere of Europa using a multi-species chemistry model where the atmospheric distributions of H2 and O2 are prescribed. The plasma flow is idealized as an incompressible flow around a conducting obstacle. We compute changes in plasma composition resulting from this interaction as well as the reaction rates integrated over the simulation domain for several upstream plasma conditions (ion density, ion temperature and flow velocity). We show that for all cases, the main atmospheric loss process is a cascade of symmetrical charge exchanges on O2, which results in the ejection of neutrals. The production rate of ejected neutrals is about an order of magnitude larger than the production of ions. This conclusion is relevant to future missions to Europa that aim to detect fast neutrals. The neutral ejection resulting from this charge exchange creates an oxygen cloud around the orbit of the moon that is very extended radially but also very tenuous, and has not yet been directly detected.
Impressions in the Dark: A Multidimensional Scaling Approach to Multi-Modal Experience

12 students rated the experienced similarities among 16 compound visual-auditory stimuli. Each of 4 colors was combined with each of 4 musical chords to form 16 color-chord impressions. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling of the 16 × 16 matrix of similarity data yielded an orderly and interpretable solution in two dimensions. The results suggest that the color-chord combinations produced psychologically integrated impressions which varied along orthogonal dimensions of darkness (versus lightness) and spread (versus compactness) of chords.
Intrinsic surface passivation of CdTe

Recombination is critically limiting in CdTe devices such as solar cells and detectors, with much of it occurring at or near the surface. In this work, we explore different routes to passivate p-type CdTe surfaces without any intentional extrinsic passivation layers. To provide deeper insight into the passivation routes, we uniquely correlate a set of characterization methods: surface analysis and time-resolved spectroscopy. We study two model systems: nominally undoped single crystals and large-grain polycrystalline films. We examine several strategies to reduce surface recombination velocity. First, we study the effects of removing surface contaminants while maintaining a near-stoichiometric surface. Then we examine stoichiometric thermally reconstructed surfaces. We also investigate the effects of shifting the surface stoichiometry by both “subtractive” (wet chemical etches) and “additive” (ampoule anneals and epitaxial growth) means. We consistently find for a variety of methods that a highly ordered ...
Quantifying agreement between anatomical and functional interhemispheric correspondences in the resting brain

The human brain is composed of two broadly symmetric cerebral hemispheres, with an abundance of reciprocal anatomical connections between homotopic locations. However, to date, studies of hemispheric symmetries have not identified correspondency precisely due to variable cortical folding patterns. Here we present a method to establish accurate correspondency using position on the unfolded cortical surface relative to gyral and sulcal landmarks. The landmark method is shown to outperform the method of reversing standard volume coordinates, and it is used to quantify the functional symmetry in resting fMRI data throughout the cortex. Resting brain activity was found to be maximally correlated with locations less than 1 cm away on the cortical surface from the corresponding anatomical location in nearly half of the cortex. While select locations exhibited asymmetric patterns, precise symmetric relationships were found to be the norm, with fine-grained symmetric functional maps demonstrated in motor, occipital, and inferior frontal cortex.
Further Reflections on the Public Image of Counseling Psychology

It has recently been argued that the field of psychology suffers from an "image problem," limiting its impact as a science and a means of advancing human welfare (Benjamin, 1986). Although there are limited data addressing counseling psychology 's public image, it is likely that the public generally lacks a clear understanding and appreciation of the specialty's unique contributions. This article explores six potential barriers to an effective public image of counseling psychology; reviews several remedial strategies; and advocates the development of a vigorous, centrally coordinated public image agenda to enhance the profession's future viability and societal impact.
Metallic nanoparticle shape and size effects on aluminum oxide-induced enhancement of exciton-plasmon coupling and quantum dot emission

We investigate the shape and size effects of gold metallic nanoparticles on the enhancement of exciton-plasmon coupling and emission of semiconductor quantum dots induced via the simultaneous impact of metal-oxide and plasmonic effects. This enhancement occurs when metallic nanoparticle arrays are separated from the quantum dots by a layered thin film consisting of a high index dielectric material (silicon) and aluminum oxide. Our results show that adding the aluminum oxide layer can increase the degree of polarization of quantum dot emission induced by metallic nanorods by nearly two times, when these nanorods have large aspect ratios. We show when the aspect ratio of these nanorods is reduced to half, the aluminum oxide loses its impact, leading to no improvement in the degree of polarization. These results suggest that a silicon/aluminum oxide layer can significantly enhance exciton-plasmon coupling when quantum dots are in the vicinity of metallic nanoantennas with high aspect ratios.
Current concepts of thyroid function and laboratory evaluation.

The role of triodothyronine (T3 in regulating thyroid function is paramount in that at cellular level it interacts with receptors in the nucleus and thereby modulates gene expression. The multiple steps in the processing of lodide by the thyroid gland is under the influence of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In terms of laboratory evaluation of thyroid function the primary test is TSH. To discriminate between hypothalamic and pitutary dysfunction, the thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is useful. Currently used 2-site Immunometric procedures that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies can be subject to Interference by heterophlle antibodies in patient's serum. Drugs and other extraneous substances can influence the results obtained in some thyroid function tests. Thyroid dysfunction could also be due to autoimmune disease. The limitations of the usefulness of thyroid function tests in non-thyroidal illness should be kept in perspective. In conclusion, the proper interpretation of results of thyroid function tests depends on the sound understanding of concepts of thyroid function and variables affecting laboratory testing.
System Realization Using Information Matrix

A generalized version of the information matrix is introduced consisting of the autocorrelation and crosscorrelation matrices of the shifted input and output data. Based on the concept of data correlation, a new system realization algorithm is developed to identify a model directly from input and output data. The algorithm starts with computing the information matrix to derive a special correlation matrix that in turn produces the system observability matrix and the state-vector correlation. A system model can then beidentie ed from the observability matrix in conjunction with other algebraic manipulations. The algorithm leads to several different methods for computing system matrices to represent the system model. An experimental example is given to illustrate the validity and usefulness of these methods with some comparison.
Thin-layer mixed-potential model for the corrosion of high-level nuclear waste canisters

A thin-layer mixed-potential model (TLMPM) is described for calculating redox and corrosion potentials for high-level nuclear waste (HLNV) canisters in a tuff repository. The model assumes that the canister surface covered by a thin liquid (water) layer, which is irradiated by {gamma}-photons from the decay of radionuclides in the waste. The dose rate and the temperature at the surface are assumed to decay exponentially with time. Redox and corrosion potentials are calculated by equating the sum of partial currents for charge-transfer reactions involving various electroactive radiolysis products and the metal substrate to zero.
EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INFLUENCES ON INSTITUTIONAL APPROACHES TO STUDENT ASSESSMENT: Accountability or Improvement?

The purpose of this study is to compare the influences of state characteristics related to student assessment, accreditation emphasis on student assessment, and institutional dynamics supporting student assessment on the approaches to student assessment that institutions have initiated. We conducted this study by examining the relevant literature, creating a national survey instrument, surveying undergraduate institutions throughout the United States, and analyzing the responses of the 885 public institutions who participated in our survey. Separate regressions were run for three different groups of institutional types on three approaches to assessment: cognitive, affective, and post-college. Regressions for the three institutional types explained 21 to 27% of the variance for cognitive assessment, 7 to 21% for affective assessment and 6 to 19% for post-college assessment. With the exception of a minor influence of state characteristics for doctoral and research universities, institutional dynamics and accreditation region were found to be the primary influences on student assessment approaches for all institutional types. We found that the drive for state-level accountability has not exceeded the influence of institutional accreditation and that internal dynamics appear to be the driving force of all three approaches to student assessment.
Simulating a $2M commercial server on a $2K PC

As dependence on database management systems and Web servers increases, so does the need for them to run reliably and efficiently-goals that rigorous simulations can help achieve. Execution-driven simulation models system hardware. These simulations capture actual program behavior and detailed system interactions. The authors have developed a simulation methodology that uses multiple simulations, pays careful attention to the effects of scaling on workload behavior, and extends Virtutech AB's Simics full system functional simulator with detailed timing models. The Wisconsin Commercial Workload Suite contains scaled and tuned benchmarks for multiprocessor servers, enabling full-system simulations to run on the PCs that are routinely available to researchers.
Envisioning power system data: concepts and a prototype system state representation

The use of graphics to understand power systems is considered. Presently, power systems are understood by collecting data about them, computing more data, and examining the data. The data are almost always in the form of numbers. The authors describe this process in more detail, point out that the use of numerical data are often inefficient, examine techniques presently used to improve understanding, find them inadequate, and suggest that proper graphical representations should create a breakthrough in understanding. The general question is examined of when and why graphics improve understanding, and when numbers are better. General representational techniques are discussed. Existing graphical representational techniques are examined, and the current trends in user interface development are evaluated to identify the benefits and drawbacks of different characteristics of these techniques. The characteristics of an ideal graphical representation are described. These insights are applied to develop a graphical representation for one power system operating state. >
Recent results from Beyond Standard Model (BSM) searches at LHC

We present the results and prospects for searches beyond the Standard Model (SM) at the LHC by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations. The minimal supersymmetric extension of the SM has been investigated in various configurations at 8TeV center of mass energy at LHC and lower limits are set on the s-particle masses. The searches for other scenarios of physics beyond the SM are also presented. The data are found to be consistent with the Standard Model. The non-observation of a signal is converted to limits at the 95% confidence level(C.L) on the production cross section times branching ratio and on the masses of the hypothesized new particles for appropriate benchmark models (new heavy gauge bosons, extra-dimensions, compositeness or dark matter)
Creating and evaluating a global classroom to teach nursing research

Background: The purpose of this educational innovation was to expose undergraduate nursing students to methods of research and evidence-based practice through dissemination at a research conference and interaction with nurse researchers. Methods: Students from the United States attended an interdisciplinary research conference in Dublin Ireland that integrated the research process into their nursing education. In addition, they were exposed to a very different approach to nursing education through interaction within a global classroom. Results: Following the experience, students expressed a greater understanding of the overall research process. Students were both surprised and impressed that bedside nurses could be actively engaged in research and could envision nursing research as a component of their scope of practice. Conclusions: Infusion of research into pre-licensure programs remains a challenge for nursing faculty. International experiences and global classrooms can be a way to meet this challenge and raise enthusiasm about nursing research.
Fully Dynamic All-Pairs Shortest Paths: Breaking the O(n) Barrier

A fully dynamic approximate distance oracle is a distance reporting data structure that supports dynamic insert edge and delete edge operations. In this paper we break a longstanding barrier in the design of fully dynamic all-pairs approximate distance oracles. All previous results for this model incurred an amortized cost of at least Omega(n) per operation. We present the first construction that provides constant stretch and o(m) amortized update time. For graphs that are not too dense (where |E| = O(|V|^{2-delta}) for some delta>0 we break the O(n) barrier and provide the first construction with constant stretch and o(n) amortized cost.
Machine learning and data mining methods for recommender systems and chemical informatics

This thesis focuses on machine learning and data mining methods for problems arising primarily in recommender systems and chemical informatics. Although these two areas represent dramatically different application domains, many of the underlying problems have common characteristics, which allows the transfer of ideas and methods between them. The first part of this thesis focuses on recommender systems. Recommender systems represent a set of computational methods that produce recommendations of interesting entities (e.g., products) from a large collection of such entities by retrieving/filtering/learning information from their own properties (e.g., product attributes) and/or the interactions with other parties (e.g., user-product ratings). We have addressed the two core tasks for recommender systems, that is, top-N recommendation and rating prediction. We have developed 1). a novel sparse linear method for top-N recommendation , which utilizes regularized linear regression with sparsity constraints to model user-item purchase patterns; 2). a set of novel sparse linear methods with side information for top-N recommendation, which use side information to regularize sparse linear models or use side information to model user-item purchase behaviors; and 3). a multi-task learning method for rating prediction, which uses multi-task learning methodologies to model user communities and predict personalized ratings. The second part of this thesis is dedicated to chemical informatics, which is an interdisciplinary research area where computational and information technologies are developed to aid the investigation of chemical problems. We have developed computational methods to build two important models in chemical informatics, that is, Structure-Activity-Relationship (SAR) model and Structure-Selectivity-Relationship (SSR) model. We have developed 1). a multi-assay-based SAR model, which leverages information from different protein families; and 2). a set of computational methods for better SSR models, which use various learning methodologies including multi-class classification and multi-task learning. The studies on recommender systems and chemical informatics show that these two areas have great analogies in terms of the data, the problem formulations and the underlying principles, and any advances in one area could contribute to that of the other.
Newer Technologies for Endoscope Disinfection: Electrolyzed Acid Water and Disposable-Component Endoscope Systems

Novel technologies have been designed to improve or replace more conventional methods of endoscope disinfection. Electrolyzed acid water has the potential to decrease the time, toxicity, and cost of endoscope disinfection. Disposable-component endoscope systems have the potential to improve the ease of cleaning and disinfection, or eliminate the need altogether.
A maximum likelihood estimator for information precision in the financial market

We present a continuous-time model of corporate earnings to study how to estimate the precision of information that investors receive from analyst earnings forecasts about firms' expected earnings growth rates in the real financial world. Based on the model, we develop a maximum likelihood estimator, which is then applied to estimate information precision about the expected earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 index.
Configuration, Pattern, and Dimension

How does color interact with form? The environment contains considerable examples and variations; visual transformation is common in nature and both purposeful and playful.
"Alveolar" and whole lung phospholipids of newborn lambs.

SummaryFifteen newborn lambs ranging in age from 10 min to 192 hours were studied. The qualitative and quantitative nature of “alveolar” phospholipids and whole lung tissue phospholipids were determined and compared with data previously obtained on term fetuses. Sequential lung washings removed practically all of the surface-active material from the internal surface of the lung. The “alveolar” phospholipids increased twofold in 10 min after the onset of respiration, fourfold in the first 24 hours and eightfold in the second day of life. The “alveolar” phospholipid composition of the newborn is similar to the term fetus, but differs from whole lung tissue phospholipids. The percentage minimal disaturates of the phosphatidylcholine of the newborn is slightly higher than that of the term fetus. “Alveolar” disaturated phosphatidylcholine represents the major portion of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine was isolated from “alveolar” phospholipids. This phospholipid contains a hig...
Capturing the significance of place in the lived experience of dementia

In this article, the author reports on a study exploring the impact of an urban setting on the lived experience of dementia for older couples where one member of each couple was diagnosed with the illness over age 64, the other was the primary care partner, and both were residing together in the greater New York metropolitan area at the time of the research. Certain features of city living, such as accessible medical care, public transportation, and social services, are known to provide substantial instrumental and affective support during challenging times However, how dementia care partnerships transform other aspects of urban environments to their own individual and unpredictable advantage is less documented. By describing how older dementia-affected couples make use of informal features of place to meet complex needs, such as affirming couplehood and sustaining autonomy, the study uncovers links between place and quality of life with dementia. There are implications for dementia care and research. The...
Climate Change Refugia, Fire Ecology and Management

Early climate change ideas warned of widespread species extinctions. As scientists have probed more deeply into species responses, a more nuanced perspective emerged indicating that some species may persist in microrefugia (refugia), including in mountainous terrain. Refugia are habitats that buffer climate changes and allow species to persist in—and to potentially expand under—changing environmental conditions. While climate and species interactions in refugia have been noted as sources of uncertainty, land management practices and disturbances, such as wildland fire, should also be considered when assessing any given refugium. Our landscape scale study suggests that cold-air pools, an important type of small-scale refugia, have unique fire occurrence, frequency, and severity patterns in frequent-fire mixed conifer forests of California’s Sierra Nevada: cold-air pool refugia have less fire and if it occurs, it is lower severity. Therefore, individuals and small populations are less likely to be extirpated by fire. Active management, such as restoration and fuels treatments for climate change adaptation, may be required to maintain these distinctive and potentially important refugia.
Effects of interleukin-3 and c-kit ligand on the survival of various classes of human hematopoietic progenitor cells.

We examined the effects of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and c-kit ligand (KL) on the survival of differentiated hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), the burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E); colony-forming unit- granulocyte, erythroid, monocyte, megakaryocyte (CFU-GEMM); and CFU- granulocyte-monocyte (CFU-GM) and more primitive hematopoietic cells that give rise to these progenitor cells (pre-colony-forming cells [pre- CFC]). CD34+ HLA-DR+ cells, which are highly enriched for committed HPC, and CD34+ HLA-DR- c-kit+ cells, which contain the most primitive assayable hematopoietic cells, including long-term bone marrow culture- initiating cells, high proliferative potential-CFC, the CFU-blast, and the BFU-megakaryocyte, were suspended in serum-free medium in the presence or absence of IL-3 or KL. CD34+ HLA-DR+ cells incubated under serum-free conditions or in the presence of KL for 96 hours lost greater than 90% of assayable unilineage or multilineage HPC, whereas those cells incubated in the presence of IL-3 retained 40% of the number of HPC present at time 0. The effect of IL-3 on HPC survival was most pronounced on the BFU-E and CFU-GEMM present within CD34+ HLA-DR+ cells. Addition of IL-3, but not of KL, to CD34+ HLA-DR+ cells delayed the appearance of morphologic changes and DNA fragmentation patterns associated with cell death occurring by apoptosis. CD34+ HLA-DR-c-kit+ cells were incubated under similar serum-free conditions in the presence or absence of IL-3 or KL, and the frequency of pre-CFC was determined by limiting dilution analysis. The frequency of pre-CFC in cells incubated for 48 hours in the absence of serum was similar to that of cells incubated in the presence of IL-3 and approximately doubled when CD34+ HLA-DR- c-kit+ cells were incubated in the presence of KL. Addition of KL to serum-free suspension cultures of CD34+ HLA-DR- c-kit+ cells delayed the appearance of DNA fragmentation patterns associated with apoptosis to a greater extent than did the addition of IL-3. These studies suggests that IL-3, but not KL, promotes HPC survival, whereas KL plays a greater role than IL-3 in sustaining more primitive HPC, such as pre-CFC. The effects of both cytokines in mediating HPC and primitive hematopoietic cell survival appear to be related, in part, to their ability to suppress apoptosis.
Productivity and Selection of Human Capital with Machine Learning

Abstract Economists have become increasingly interested in studying the nature of production functions in social policy applications, with the goal of improving productivity. Traditionally models have assumed workers are homogenous inputs. However, in practice, substantial variability in productivity means the marginal productivity of labor depends substantially on which new workers are hired--which requires not an estimate of a causal effect, but rather a prediction. We demonstrate that there can be large social welfare gains from using machine learning tools to predict worker productivity, using data from two important applications - police hiring and teacher tenure decisions.
Effect of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the in vitro and in vivo motility of the rabbit reproductive tract.

Isolated segments of rabbit ampulla and isthmus and strips of uterus and cervix were spontaneously mechanically active in vitro, and this activity was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 2 to 200ng/ml vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). The oviductal segments were the most inhibited, the uterine strips the least inhibited. These tissues were stimulated to contract in a dose-dependent manner by epinephrine (EPI), with the uterus and cervix being the more responsive. VIP (200ng/ml) produced only a slight noncompetitive antagonism of this stimulation. Recordings made with miniature force transducers showed the isthmus, uterus, and cervix also to be spontaneously active in vivo. This activity was inhibited by injections (1, 10, and 20 μ g) and infusions (1.0 and 2.5 μ g/min) of VIP. The isthmus was the most inhibited, the cervix the least inhibited. Possible physiologic implications of these pharmacologic effects are discussed.
Predictive fast motion/disparity search for multiview video coding

We consider the problem of complexity reduction in motion/disparity estimation for multiview video coding. We propose predictive fast search algorithms that, after either the motion field or the disparity field has been estimated, obtain with low complexity a good set of candidate vectors for the other field. The proposed scheme performs predictive motion search from view to view and predictive disparity search from one time instant to another time. We also propose an efficient search pattern that starts with the candidate vectors from the proposed algorithms. Simulation results show a very significant reduction in encoding complexity with slight coding efficiency degradation as compared to the full search in both motion and disparity estimations.
Survival after diagnosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Source Citation Sugrue DD, Rodeheffer RJ, Codd MB, et al. The clinical course of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. A population-based study. Ann Intern Med. Jul
Age-Dependent Decline in the Coordinated [Ca 2+ ] and Insulin Secretory Dynamics in Human Pancreatic Islets.

Aging is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes, resulting from reduced insulin sensitivity and secretion. Reduced insulin secretion can result from reduced proliferative capacity and reduced islet function. Mechanisms underlying altered β-cell function in aging are poorly understood in mouse and human islets, and the impact of aging on intraislet communication has not been characterized. Here, we examine how β-cell [Ca2+] and electrical communication are impacted during aging in mouse and human islets. Islets from human donors and from mice were studied using [Ca2+] imaging, static and perifusion insulin secretion assays, and gap junction permeability measurements. In human islets, [Ca2+] dynamics were coordinated within distinct subregions of the islet, invariant with islet size. There was a marked decline in the coordination of [Ca2+] dynamics, gap junction coupling, and insulin secretion dynamics with age. These age-dependent declines were reversed by pharmacological gap junction activation. These results show that human islet function declines with aging, which can reduce insulin action and may contribute to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Prospective Capital Flows and Currency Movements: Euro Versus Canadian Dollar

Fully updated in early 2017, this case asks students to assess the likely movement of the euro against the Canadian dollar. Students must sort through mounds of evidence on FX markets, prospective monetary policies, commodity prices, and past and prospective international capital flows. Suitable for both core and elective MBA courses in global financial markets and international finance, this case explores factors pointing to further euro appreciation and to others favoring the Canadian dollar. Excerpt UVA-GEM-0124 Rev. Mar. 8, 2017 Prospective Capital Flows and Currency Movements: Euro versus Canadian Dollar As Luke Anthony was riding the early-morning Metro-North train from Grand Central Station to Greenwich, Connecticut, in March 2017, the euro and North American currencies dominated his thoughts. Policy divergence, especially for monetary policy, was the theme. On one side was the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), which had stopped its quantitative easing (QE) policies and started to tighten (for the first time in a decade!). On the other side was almost every other G10 (Group of 10) country fighting for weaker currencies as the only remaining means of stimulus. Striking were a policy moves by the European Central Bank (ECB), which after years of being told by the Germans that QE was illegal, were doing just that. In a world of policy divergence, currencies will be volatile. The dominant theme on Anthony's mind and those of his peers was that strong and maturing U.S. growth could lead to a higher U.S. yield curve that should be supportive of the U.S. dollar. The bullish view on the U.S. dollar had become a consensus view, but Anthony wondered if there were opportunities to invest in other currencies that might also benefit from this theme. . . .
Market Potential and Economic Impacts of Food Nanotechnology Innovations

The study develops an analytical framework of heterogeneous consumers and imperfectly competitive suppliers to (a) examine the determinants of the market acceptance of a food nanotechnology innovation; (b) identify the exact conditions under which the innovation will be ineffective, nondrastic, and drastic; and (c) determine the effects of this technology on the interest groups involved. Analytical results show that high consumer valuations of the enhanced attributes enabled by nanotechnology can lead to consumer acceptance of nanofoods even when consumers are more averse to nanotechnology than conventional food technology. In most cases, the introduction of food nanotechnology leads to reduced quantities and prices of conventional and organic products, which result, in turn, in losses for nonadopting suppliers and benefits for all consumers. The greater is the degree of market power of food suppliers, the greater the reduction in the prices of conventional and organic products and the greater the losses of these suppliers due to the introduction of the food nanotechnology innovation. While all consumers can benefit from the introduction of nanofood innovations, the effect of these innovations on consumer welfare is asymmetric, with the group of consumers benefiting the most being case-specific and dependent on the relative quality ranking of the nanofoods and their conventional counterparts.
Improved hepatic γ-tocopherol status limits oxidative and inflammatory stress-mediated liver injury in db/db mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract γ-Tocopherol (γ-T) and its physiological metabolite γ-carboxyethyl-hydroxychroman (γ-CEHC) exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We hypothesized that improved hepatic γ-T status would protect against NASH in leptin-resistant db/db mice. Wild-type mice were fed a diet without γ-T, and db/db mice were fed the same diet supplemented with or without γ-T for 8 wk. Hepatic γ-T and γ-CEHC levels were increased (P
The developmental social-emotional processing disorder is associated with right hemisphere abnormalities

We report the findings of neurological examination, neurophysiological studies, and neuroimaging studies in two samples of patients with the social-emotional processing disorder (SEPD). The first sample was selected anecdotally, on the basis of having the clinical presentation and neuropsychological features of SEPD, as well as documented neurophysiological abnormalities. The second sample was selected by serial chart review, blind to neurodiagnostic findings, on the basis of neuropsychological profile and clinical presentation. SEPD is a developmental syndrome characterized by a history of markedly poor interpersonal adaptation and relative deficiencies in nonverbal cognitive ability and paralinguistic communication skills. The neurodiagnostic findings support the hypothesis that SEPD is associated with early brain injury that affects the right hemisphere and results in its failure to support the adequate development of the cognitive, affective, and behavioral functions it normally subserves
Relational is not enough

With the upsurge in relational and relational-like systems the question is asked ‘Do these systems actually meet the business needs?’. This paper examines the needs in depth, covering a wide range of aspects such as information as a resource′, man/machine interfaces, performance and response to changes in the business and acceptability. These needs are then addressed by discussing the types of solution which must be brought to bear. They include methods, data modelling capability, end-user access techniques, development tools and networking. Finally, the paper looks at the various services and software availability from the ORACLE Corporation.
Quality of Water for Irrigation

A set of guidelines for evaluating suitability of a water for irrigation as developed by the University of California Committee of Consultants is considered. Guidelines evaluate suitability on the basis of water analysis and water quality as related to four general problem areas affecting soils and crops. These four problem areas are: (1)Salinity; (2)permeability (soil); (3)toxicity; and (4)miscellaneous. Management alternatives to help solve these problems and three analyses of waters with interpretations for quality are given.